N-2 1 d941507dn2.htm PRIMARK PRIVATE EQUITY FUND Primark Private Equity Fund
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2020

Securities Act File No. 333-[]

Investment Company Act File No. 811-23583

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-2

 

 

 

  

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

  
   THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933   
  

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

  
   THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940   

 

 

PRIMARK PRIVATE EQUITY FUND

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

205 Detroit Street, Suite 200

Denver, Colorado 80206

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(212) 802-8500

(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

Michael Bell

Primark Advisors LLC

205 Detroit Street, Suite 200

Denver, Colorado 80206

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copy to:

Gregory C. Davis

Paulita A. Pike

Ropes & Gray LLP

Three Embarcadero Center

San Francisco, CA 94111-4006

413-315-6300

APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:

AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.

 

 

If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.  ☒

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

 

when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c)

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

            

TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING

REGISTERED(1)

 

PROPOSED MAXIMUM
AGGREGATE OFFERING

PRICE(1)

 

AMOUNT OF REGISTRATION

FEE(2)

Shares of Beneficial Interest

  $1,000,000   $129.80

 

            
(1)

The Registrant intends to file an application for exemptive relief with the Securities and Exchange Commission that would permit the Registrant to offer multiple classes of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”). This registration statement relates to the maximum aggregate offering of $1,000,000 of Shares of the Registrant. The offering currently includes Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares.

(2)

Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date (i) until the Registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or (ii) until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this Prospectus is incomplete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRIMARK PRIVATE EQUITY FUND

Class I Shares

Class II Shares

Class III Shares

Preliminary Prospectus (Subject to Completion) Dated [], 2020

 

 

Primark Private Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is a newly organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund operates as an interval fund pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation, consistent with prudent investment management.

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a globally diversified portfolio of private equity and other investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted return potential, including: (i) direct equity investments in private operating companies; (ii) primary and secondary investments in private equity funds; (iii) publicly traded private equity investments; and (iv) short-term investments. The Fund will also seek diversification through portfolio company exposure across multiple industry sectors, geographies, size, vintage years and private equity sponsors. The Fund aims to achieve a stable return profile with low to moderate volatility.

The Fund cannot guarantee that it will meet its investment objective. Investing in the Fund involves a high degree of risk. See “General Risks” and “Limits of Risk Disclosure” beginning on page 17.

 

    

Class I Shares

  

Class II Shares

  

Class III Shares

  

Total

Public Offering Price(1)

   Current NAV    Current NAV    Current NAV    Up to $1,000,000

Proceeds to the Fund (Before Expenses)(2)

   Amount Invested at Current NAV    Amount Invested at Current NAV    Amount Invested at Current NAV    Up to $1,000,000

 

(1)

Foreside Financial Services, LLC acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares on a best-efforts basis. Generally, the stated minimum investment by an investor in the Fund is $25,000,000 for Class I Shares, $1,000,000 for Class II Shares and $50,000 for Class III Shares, which stated minimum may be reduced for certain investors.

(2)

Assumes all shares currently registered are sold in the offering. Shares will be offered in a continuous offering at the Fund’s then-current net asset value (“NAV”) per Share. The Fund’s initial offering expenses are described under “Fund Expenses.”

This prospectus (the “Prospectus”) applies to the offering of three separate classes of shares of beneficial interests (“Shares”) in the Fund, designated as Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares. The Fund has applied to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for an exemptive order that would permit the Fund to offer more than one class of Shares. Class II Shares and Class III Shares will not be offered to investors until the Fund has received an exemptive order permitting the multi-class structure. The Fund’s Shares will generally be offered at the net asset value (“NAV”) per Share on each regular business day. The Fund has registered $1,000,000 of Shares for sale under the registration statement to which this Prospectus relates. The Fund reserves the right to reject a purchase order for any reason.

Shareholders of the Fund (“Shareholders”) will not have the right to redeem their Shares. However, as described below, in order to provide some liquidity to Shareholders, the Fund will conduct periodic repurchase offers for a portion of its outstanding Shares. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell Shares and is not soliciting an offer to buy Shares in any state or jurisdiction where such offer or sale is not permitted.


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Shares are speculative and illiquid securities involving substantial risk of loss. An investment in the Fund is subject to, among others, the following risks:

 

   

Shares are not listed on any securities exchange and it is not anticipated that a secondary market for Shares will develop.

 

   

You should generally not expect to be able to sell your Shares (other than through the repurchase process), regardless of how the Fund performs.

 

   

Although the Fund is required to implement a Share repurchase program, only a limited number of Shares will be eligible for repurchase by the Fund.

 

   

Although the Fund will offer to repurchase Shares from time to time, Shares will not be redeemable at a Shareholder’s option nor will they be exchangeable for shares of any other fund. As a result, an investor may not be able to sell or otherwise liquidate his or her Shares.

 

   

Shares are appropriate only for those investors who can tolerate a high degree of risk and do not require a liquid investment and for whom an investment in the Fund does not constitute a complete investment program.

 

   

Because you will be unable to sell your Shares or have them repurchased immediately, you will find it difficult to reduce your exposure on a timely basis during a market downturn.

This Prospectus provides important information that you should know about the Fund before investing. You should read this Prospectus carefully and retain it for future reference. Additional information about the Fund, including the Fund’s statement of additional information (the “SAI”), dated [●], 2020, has been filed with the SEC. You can request a copy of the SAI and annual and semi-annual reports of the Fund (when available) without charge by writing to the Fund at PO Box 541150, Omaha, NE 68154-9150, or by calling the Fund toll-free at 877-792-0924. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus in its entirety. The table of contents of the SAI appears on page 54 of this Prospectus. You can obtain the SAI, and other information about the Fund, on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).

You should not construe the contents of this Prospectus as legal, tax or financial advice. You should consult with your own professional advisers as to legal, tax, financial, or other matters relevant to the suitability of an investment in the Fund.

You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus and the SAI. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information provided by this Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date shown below. Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Foreside Financial Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the distributor for the Shares. In addition, certain U.S. institutions (including banks, trust companies, brokers and investment advisers) may be authorized to accept, on behalf of the Fund, purchase orders and repurchase requests placed by or on behalf of their customers, and if approved by the Fund, may designate other financial intermediaries to accept such orders.

The Fund has elected to implement a quarterly repurchase mechanism. Pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a fundamental policy to conduct quarterly repurchase offers. The Fund currently intends to conduct quarterly repurchase offers for no less than 5% of its outstanding Shares, at a price equal to the applicable NAV per Share, unless suspended or postponed in accordance with regulatory requirements. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed, shareholders may only be able to have a portion of their Shares repurchased. There is no assurance that you will be able to tender your Shares when or in the amount that you desire.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the SEC, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.primarkcapital.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.


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If you elect, or have already elected, to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund or your financial intermediary electronically, by calling the Fund at 877-792-0924 or by sending an email to fundinfo@primarkcapital.com, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by contacting the Fund, c/o PO Box 541150, Omaha, NE 68154-9150, by telephone at 877-792-0924 or by email to fundinfo@primarkcapital.com. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with your financial intermediary.

The date of this Prospectus is [●].


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

     1  

SUMMARY

     3  

SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES

     9  

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

     10  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     10  

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES

     12  

PRIVATE EQUITY MARKET OVERVIEW

     12  

INVESTMENT PROCESS OVERVIEW

     14  

INVESTMENT POLICIES

     16  

GENERAL RISKS

     17  

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

     32  

MANAGEMENT FEE

     34  

DISTRIBUTOR

     34  

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN

     35  

SERVICES

     36  

CUSTODIAN

     36  

FUND EXPENSES

     36  

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

     38  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

     39  

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

     39  

OUTSTANDING SECURITIES

     39  

PERIODIC REPURCHASE OFFERS

     40  

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE; VALUATION

     42  

CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     44  

ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

     51  

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

     52  

PURCHASING SHARES

     52  

SUMMARY OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST

     52  

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM; LEGAL COUNSEL

     53  

INQUIRIES

     53  

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF SAI

     54  

 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

1.

What is Primark Private Equity Fund?

Primark Private Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is a newly organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund presents a unique opportunity to access private equity with broad diversification, immediate investment exposure and low investment minimums. Through a single investment, the Fund offers a simplified, comprehensive solution that solves many of the obstacles that prevent investors from accessing private equity, including high investment minimums, operational complexity, tax reporting complexity, long periods of illiquidity, and concentrated risk exposures.

 

2.

Who is Primark and what is its role?

Primark Advisors LLC (“Primark” or the “Adviser”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Primark Capital LLC (“Primark Capital”), an asset management company focused on providing investors with exposure to private market transactions. Primark is the investment adviser of the Fund and is responsible for investment selection and portfolio construction. Over the past three decades, the investment team now employed by the Adviser has developed an attractive track record investing in lower middle market private companies. Please see “Management Team – Primark” for biographies of the Adviser’s management team.

 

3.

What is the Fund’s investment strategy?

The Fund seeks to invest in a globally diversified portfolio of private equity and other investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted return potential, consistent with prudent investment management. The Fund invests in private operating companies, private equity vehicles, publicly traded private equity investments and short-term investments, while simultaneously providing diversification across a broad set of private equity managers, strategies, and transaction types. To meet the Fund’s return and liquidity risk management objectives, the Fund will allocate to specific segments of private and public markets that the Adviser considers most attractive at a given point in the market cycle.

The principal investments utilized by the Fund include, but are not limited to:

 

   

direct equity investments in private operating companies;

 

   

primary and secondary investments in private equity funds;

 

   

publicly traded private equity investments; and

 

   

short-term investments.

The Fund will also seek to diversify across industry sector, geography, size, vintage year, and private equity sponsor. Please see “Investment Process Overview” for more detailed information.

 

4.

What are some of the benefits of the Fund?

 

   

Access – Access to private equity has historically been difficult to achieve. The Fund seeks to provide greater access to private equity by offering a diversified, low-minimum private equity solution that is available to all investors.

 

   

Diversification – In a single investment, the Fund seeks to provide diversification across private equity investment types, industry sectors, geography, size, vintage years, and private equity sponsors.

 

   

Low Investment Minimums – The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $25,000,000 with respect to Class I Shares, $1,000,000 with respect to Class II Shares and $50,000 with respect to Class III Shares, allowing investors to achieve access and diversification at much lower dollar amounts than what is associated with typical private equity investments.

 

   

Experienced Investment Team – The investment team now employed by the Adviser has decades of experience sourcing, evaluating, and recommending private equity investments, as well as managing both evergreen private equity funds and registered investment companies.

 

   

1099 Tax Reporting - The Fund will distribute to its shareholders an IRS Form 1099 tax reporting document such that it is not expected that an investment in the Fund will require shareholders of the Fund (“Shareholders”) to file for an extension.

 

   

Simplified Performance Reporting – The Fund will calculate a daily net asset value (“NAV”) per Share that will allow Shareholders to easily calculate and compare Fund performance.

 

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Liquidity Provisions – The Fund will offer repurchases on a quarterly basis, allowing investors the potential to have their Shares repurchased at the relevant NAV per Share, subject to Fund level restrictions. While limited liquidity may be available, the Fund should be considered an illiquid investment and long-term in nature. Please see “Periodic Repurchase Offers” for more information.

 

5.

How do I subscribe for Shares?

Shares will generally be offered at the applicable NAV per Share on each regular business day. Prospective investors should read this prospectus in its entirety, including the “General Risks” section. Please see “Purchasing Shares” for more information.

 

6.

How do I redeem shares?

The Fund should be considered an illiquid investment and is appropriate for investors with a long-term time horizon. The Fund will provide a limited degree of liquidity to Shareholders by conducting quarterly repurchase offers, unless suspended or postponed in accordance with regulatory requirements. The Fund has adopted a fundamental policy, which cannot be amended without a majority vote of the Fund’s Shareholders, to conduct quarterly repurchase offers at the applicable NAV per Share.

 

7.

When will I receive tax information?

The Fund will distribute a Form 1099-DIV or Form 1099-B to each Shareholder, as appropriate, for the prior year.

FEES AND EXPENSES

 

8.

What are the Fund’s management fees?

The Fund pays the Adviser an investment management fee (the “Management Fee”) in consideration of the advisory and other services provided by the Adviser to the Fund. The Fund pays the Adviser a monthly Management Fee equal to 1.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (or such lesser amount as the Adviser may from time to time agree to receive). The Adviser may but is not obligated to waive up to 0.50% of the Management Fee on cash and cash equivalents held in the Fund from time to time. See “Management Fee” for more information.

 

9.

Does the Fund charge any incentive or performance fees?

No. The Fund does not charge any incentive or performance fees. Please note, however, that some underlying portfolio investments may be subject to performance fees charged by the relevant fund manager or private equity sponsor.

 

10.

Is there a limit to the Fund’s expenses?

The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the Fund, whereby the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fee payable to it (but not below zero), and pay any operating expenses of the Fund, to the extent necessary to limit the operating expenses of the Fund, excluding certain “Excluded Expenses” listed below, to the annual rate (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the applicable class of Shares of the Fund) of 1.60%, 2.00% and 2.25% with respect to Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares, respectively (the “Expense Cap”).

If the Adviser waives its Management Fee or pays any operating expenses of the Fund pursuant to the Expense Cap, the Adviser may, for a period ending three years after the end of the month in which such fees or expenses are waived or incurred, recoup amounts waived or incurred to the extent such recoupment does not cause the Fund’s operating expense ratio (after recoupment and excluding the Excluded Expenses) to exceed the Expense Cap.

 

11.

What are the Fund’s Excluded Expenses?

Excluded Expenses that are not covered by the Expense Cap include: brokerage commissions and other similar transactional expenses, interest (including interest incurred on borrowed funds and interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts), other borrowing costs and fees including interest and commitment fees, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation and indemnification expenses, judgments, and extraordinary expenses. Please see “Expense Limitation Agreement” for more information.

 

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SUMMARY

This is only a summary and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Fund. Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully read the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus, the SAI, and the agreement and declaration of trust of the Fund (the “Declaration of Trust”).

 

The Fund   

Primark Private Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is a newly organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the 1940 Act as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on June 15, 2020.

 

The Fund is an appropriate investment only for those investors who can tolerate a high degree of risk and do not require a liquid investment.

 

The Fund offers three separate classes of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) designated as Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares. Each class of Shares is subject to different fees and expenses. The Fund may offer additional classes of Shares in the future. The Fund has applied for and expects to receive an exemptive order from the SEC with respect to the Fund’s multi-class structure. Class I Shares will be the only class offered for purchase until the Fund has received an exemptive order permitting the multi-class structure. There is no assurance that the Fund will be granted the exemptive order.

Investment objective and strategies

  

The Fund’s investment objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation, consistent with prudent investment management.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a globally diversified portfolio of private equity and other investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted return potential, including: (i) direct investments in the equity of private operating companies (“Portfolio Companies”); (ii) primary and secondary investments in private equity funds (“Portfolio Funds”) managed by third-party managers (“Portfolio Fund Managers”); (iii) publicly traded private equity vehicles, such as business development companies (including derivatives tied to the returns of such vehicles); and (iv) short-term investments, including money-market funds, short term treasuries, or other liquid investment vehicles (together, the “Fund Investments”). For purposes of this Prospectus, publicly traded private equity vehicles that are structured as commingled investment vehicles are deemed to be Portfolio Funds, and investment managers of such vehicles, along with the lead investors of direct private equity investments, are deemed to be Portfolio Fund Managers.

 

Asset allocation and investment selection will be guided by the Adviser’s global rigorous investment analysis, which takes into account changes in the market environment.

 

The Adviser manages the Fund’s portfolio with a view towards managing liquidity and maintaining a high investment level. Accordingly, the Adviser may make investments and commitments based, in part, on anticipated future distributions from investments. The Adviser also takes other anticipated cash flows into account, such as those relating to new subscriptions, the tender of Shares by investors and any distributions made to investors. See “Investment Process Overview” below.

 

The Adviser intends to use a range of techniques to reduce the risk associated with the Fund’s investment strategy. These techniques may include, without limitation:

 

•   Diversifying investments and commitments across industry sector, geography, size, private equity sponsor and “vintage year” (i.e., the year in which a Portfolio Fund begins investing); and



 

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•   Actively managing cash and liquid assets.

 

To enhance the Fund’s liquidity, particularly in times of possible net outflows through the tender of Shares by investors, the Adviser may sell certain of the Fund’s assets.

 

The Fund intends to hold liquid assets to the extent required for purposes of liquidity management and compliance with the 1940 Act. Over time, during normal market conditions, it is generally not expected that the Fund will hold more than 10% of its net assets in cash or cash equivalents for extended periods of time. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the Fund may borrow for investment purposes and to satisfy repurchase requests.

 

The Fund intends to limit its investments in Portfolio Funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” under the 1940 Act solely by Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act (“Private Investment Companies”) to no more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets in order to permit investors who may not qualify as “accredited investors” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. The balance of the Fund’s investments will be Portfolio Companies, Portfolio Funds that are not Private Investment Companies (i.e., publicly traded private equity vehicles), and cash and cash equivalents. See “General Risks—Regulatory Risks of Private Investment Companies.”

 

There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be achieved or that the Fund’s portfolio design and risk monitoring strategies will be successful. See “Investment Policies.

Risk factors    An investment in the Fund involves substantial risks and special considerations. A discussion of the risks associated with an investment in the Fund can be found under “General Risks,” “Investment-Related Risks,” “Special Risks Pertaining to Investments in Portfolio Funds,” “Risks Related to Portfolio Companies,” “Risks Related to Secondary Investments” and “Risks Related to Publicly Traded Securities.
Management    The Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board,” and each member of the Board, a “Trustee”) has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the business operations of the Fund. See “Management of the Fund—The Board of Trustees.” To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may delegate any of its rights, powers and authority to, among others, the officers of the Fund, any committee of the Board or the Adviser.
The Adviser    Pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”), Primark Advisors LLC (“Primark” or the “Adviser”), an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on June 5, 2020.
Fund services    The Fund has retained Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”) to provide certain fund services, including fund administration, fund accounting, transfer agency and compliance services to the Fund. The Administrator also supplies certain officers to the Fund, a Chief Compliance Officer and additional compliance support personnel. Fees and expenses of the Administrator are paid by the Fund. The Fund compensates the Administrator for these services and reimburses the Administrator for certain of its out-of-pocket expenses. See “Fund Expenses” below.


 

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Fees and expenses   

On an ongoing basis, the Fund bears its own operating expenses (including, without limitation, its offering expenses). A more detailed discussion of the Fund’s expenses can be found under “Fund Expenses.

 

Management Fee. As compensation under the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly Management Fee equal to 1.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Adviser may but is not obligated to waive up to 0.50% of the Management Fee on cash and cash equivalents held in the Fund from time to time. See “Management Fee.”

 

Administration Fee. The Administrator provides the Fund certain administration and accounting services. In consideration for these services, the Administrator is paid a monthly fee calculated based on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to a minimum monthly fee (the “Administration Fee”). The Administration Fee is paid to the Administrator out of the assets of the Fund and therefore decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. The Fund also reimburses the Administrator for certain out-of-pocket expenses and pays the Administrator fees for transfer agency and compliance services. See “Administration.”

 

Distribution and Service Fee. The Fund has applied for exemptive relief from the SEC that will allow the Fund, subject to certain conditions, to adopt a Distribution and Service Plan with respect to Class III Shares in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Fund will be permitted to pay as compensation to the Distributor or other qualified recipient up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class III Shares (the “Distribution and Service Fee”). The Distribution and Service Fee will be paid out of the Fund’s assets and decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. Class I Shares and Class II Shares are not subject to the Distribution and Service Fee. Class III Shares will not be offered for sale until the Fund has received the requested exemptive relief from the SEC. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund had not received the requested exemptive relief, and Class III Shares have not been offered for sale. There is no assurance that the Fund will be granted the requested exemptive relief. See “Distribution and Service Plan.”

 

Shareholder Servicing Fee. The requested exemptive relief from the SEC will also allow the Fund, subject to certain conditions, to adopt a Shareholder Servicing Plan with respect to Class II Shares. Under the Shareholder Servicing Plan, the Fund will be permitted to pay as compensation to qualified recipients up to 0.10% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class II Shares (the “Shareholder Servicing Fee”). The Shareholder Servicing Fee will be paid out of the Fund’s assets and decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. Class I Shares and Class III Shares are not subject to the Shareholder Servicing Fee. Class II Shares will not be offered for sale until the Fund has received the requested exemptive relief from the SEC. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund had not received the requested exemptive relief, and Class II Shares have not been offered for sale. There is no assurance that the Fund will be granted the requested exemptive relief. See “Shareholder Servicing Plan.”

Expense Limitation Agreement

   The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the Fund, whereby the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fee payable to it (but not below zero), and to pay any operating expenses of the Fund, to the extent necessary to limit the operating expenses of the Fund, excluding certain “Excluded Expenses” listed below, to the annual rate (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the applicable class of Shares of the Fund) of 1.60%, 2.00% and


 

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2.25% with respect to Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares,
respectively (the “Expense Cap”). Excluded Expenses that are not covered by
the Expense Cap include: brokerage commissions and other similar transactional
expenses, interest (including interest incurred on borrowed funds and interest
incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts), other borrowing costs
and fees including interest and commitment fees, taxes, acquired fund fees and
expenses, litigation and indemnification expenses, judgments, and extraordinary
expenses.

 

If the Adviser waives its Management Fee or pays any operating expenses of the
Fund pursuant to the Expense Cap, the Adviser may, for a period ending three
years after the end of the month in which such fees or expenses are waived or
incurred, recoup amounts waived or incurred to the extent such recoupment does
not cause the Fund’s operating expense ratio (after recoupment and excluding
the Excluded Expenses) to exceed the Expense Cap. See “Expense Limitation
Agreement
.”

Distributions    Because the Fund intends to qualify annually as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund intends to distribute at least 90% of its annual net taxable income to its Shareholders. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay distributions to Shareholders at any particular rate or at all. Each year, a statement on Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 1099-DIV identifying the amount and character of the Fund’s distributions will be mailed to Shareholders. See “Taxes” below.
Purchasing Shares   

The minimum initial investment in the Fund by any investor is $25,000,000 with respect to Class I Shares, $1,000,000 with respect to Class II Shares and $50,000 with respect to Class III Shares, and the minimum additional investment in the Fund by any investor is $100,000 with respect to Class I Shares, $100,000 with respect to Class II Shares and $10,000 with respect to Class III Shares. For Shares purchased through a financial intermediary, the value of Class I Shares being purchased may be combined with the current value of any Class I Shares previously purchased by anyone through such intermediary when determining whether an investor meets the initial and additional investment minimums for Class I Shares. The Fund, in its sole discretion, may accept investments below these minimums.

 

Shares will generally be offered at the NAV per Share on each regular business day.

Periodic Repurchase Offers

   The Fund is an “interval fund,” a type of fund which, in order to provide liquidity to Shareholders, has adopted a fundamental investment policy to make quarterly offers to repurchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding Shares at the applicable NAV per Share, reduced by any applicable repurchase fee. Subject to applicable law and approval of the Board, for each quarterly repurchase offer, the Fund currently expects to offer to repurchase 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at the applicable NAV per Share, which is the minimum amount permitted. Written notification of each quarterly repurchase offer will be sent to Shareholders at least 21 calendar days before the repurchase request deadline (i.e., the date by which Shareholders can tender their Shares in response to a repurchase offer). The Fund’s Shares are not listed on any securities exchange, and the Fund anticipates that no secondary market will develop for its Shares. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell Shares when and/or in the amount that you desire. Shareholders should consider Shares of the Fund to be an illiquid investment. Thus, the Shares are appropriate only as a long-term investment. In addition, the Fund’s repurchase offers may subject the Fund and Shareholders to special risks. See “General Risks — Repurchase Offers Risk.


 

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A 2.00% early repurchase fee will be charged by the Fund with respect to any
repurchase of Shares from a Shareholder at any time prior to the day
immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of the Shareholder’s purchase
of the Shares. Shares tendered for repurchase will be treated as having been
repurchased on a “first in-first out” basis. The Fund may waive the early
repurchase fee for certain categories of Shareholders or transactions, such as
repurchases of Shares in the event of the Shareholder’s death or disability, or in
connection with certain distributions from employer sponsored benefit plans.
See “Periodic Repurchase Offers.”

 

A Shareholder who tenders some but not all of its Shares for repurchase will be
required to maintain a minimum account balance of $100,000 for Class I Shares,
$100,000 for Class II Shares and $10,000 for Class III Shares. Such minimum
ownership requirement may be waived by the Fund, in its sole discretion. The
Fund reserves the right to reduce the amount to be repurchased from a
Shareholder so that the required capital balance is maintained.

Unlisted Closed-End Structure; Limited Liquidity    The Fund does not currently intend to list Shares on any exchange. As a result, Shareholders should look to the Fund’s periodic repurchase offers as their sole means of liquidating their investment, which may be limited as described above. Additional information regarding Share repurchases is set forth under “Periodic Repurchase Offers.” Accordingly, you should consider that you may not have access to the funds you invest in the Fund for an indefinite period of time.
Taxes   

The Fund intends to elect to be treated as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and it further intends to elect to be treated, and expects each year to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax, provided that it distributes all of its net taxable income and gains each year. It is anticipated that the Fund will principally recognize capital gains and dividends and therefore dividends paid to Shareholders in respect of such income generally will be taxable to Shareholders at the reduced rates of U.S. federal income tax that are applicable to individuals for “qualified dividends” and long-term capital gains.

 

For a discussion of certain tax risks and considerations relating to an investment in the Fund see “Tax Reports” below and “Certain Tax considerations.”

 

Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the specific U.S. federal, state, local, U.S. and non-U.S. tax consequences, including applicable tax reporting requirements.

Tax reports    The Fund will distribute to its Shareholders, after the end of each calendar year, IRS Forms 1099-DIV detailing the amounts includible in such investor’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income, qualified dividend income and long-term capital gains. Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to the Fund’s Shareholders even if they are reinvested in additional Shares.
ERISA Plans and Other Tax-Exempt Entities    Investors subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and Section 4975 of the Code, including employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts (each, an “IRA”), and Keogh plans may purchase Shares. Because the Fund is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act, the underlying assets of the Fund will not be considered to be “plan assets” subject to the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction rules of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code. Thus, it


 

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     is not intended that the Adviser will be a “fiduciary” within the meaning of
ERISA with respect to the assets of any “benefit plan investor” within the
meaning of ERISA that becomes a Shareholder, solely as a result of the
Shareholder’s investment in the Fund. For additional information, see “ERISA
Considerations
” below.
Reports to Shareholders    Shareholders will receive an audited annual and unaudited semi-annual report for the Fund. See “Reports to Shareholders.”
Fiscal and tax year    The Fund’s fiscal year is the 12-month period ending on March 31. The Fund’s taxable year is the 12-month period ending on September 30.
Term    The Fund’s term is perpetual unless the Fund is otherwise terminated under the terms of the Declaration of Trust.


 

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SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES

The following table illustrates the expenses and fees that the Fund expects to incur and that Shareholders can expect to bear directly or indirectly.

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES    Class I
Shares
    Class II
Shares
    Class III
Shares
 

Maximum Sales Load

     None       None       None  

Maximum Early Repurchase Fee (as a percentage of repurchased amount) (1)

     2.00     2.00     2.00

ANNUAL EXPENSES (as a percentage of net assets attributable to Shares)

      

Management Fee (2)

     1.50     1.50     1.50

Distribution and/or Shareholder Servicing Fees (3)

     0.00     0.10     0.25

Other Expenses (4)

     1.00     1.00     1.00
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Annual Expenses Before Fee Waivers and Acquired Fund Fees

     2.50     2.60     2.75

Fee Waiver(5)

     (0.90 )%      (0.60 )%      (0.50 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Annual Expenses Before Acquired Fund Fees

     1.60     2.00     2.25

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (6)

     0.30     0.30     0.30
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Annual Expenses after Acquired Fund Fees

     1.90     2.30     2.55

 

(1)

A 2.00% early repurchase fee payable to the Fund will be charged with respect to the repurchase of a Shareholder’s Shares at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of a Shareholder’s purchase of the Shares (on a “first in-first out” basis). The Fund may waive the early repurchase fee for certain categories of Shareholders or transactions, such as repurchases of Shares in the event of the Shareholder’s death or disability, or in connection with certain distributions from employer sponsored benefit plans. See “Periodic Repurchase Offers.”

(2)

The Management Fee is equal to 1.50% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Adviser may but is not obligated to waive up to 0.50% of the Management Fee on cash and cash equivalents held in the Fund from time to time. See “Management Fee” for additional information.

(3)

The Fund has applied for exemptive relief from the SEC permitting it to offer multiple classes of Shares and to adopt a shareholder servicing plan for Class II Shares and a distribution and service plan (pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act) for Class III Shares. If approved, the Fund may charge a shareholder servicing fee up to 0.10% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class II Shares, and a distribution and service (12b-1) fee up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class III Shares. The Fund may use these fees to compensate financial intermediaries or financial institutions for providing ongoing shareholder servicing in respect of clients holding Class II Shares, and for distribution-related expenses, if applicable, in respect of clients to whom they have distributed Class III Shares. See “Distribution and Service Plan” and “Shareholder Servicing Plan.”

(4)

Other Expenses are estimated for the Fund’s current fiscal year. “Other Expenses” include, among other things, professional fees and other expenses that the Fund will bear, including initial and ongoing offering costs and fees and expenses of the Administrator, transfer agent and custodian.

(5)

The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the Fund, whereby the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fee payable to it (but not below zero), and to pay any operating expenses of the Fund, to the extent necessary to limit the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding brokerage commissions and other similar transactional expenses, interest (including interest incurred on borrowed funds and interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts), other borrowing costs and fees including interest and commitment fees, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation and indemnification expenses, judgments, and extraordinary expenses) to the annual rate (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the applicable class of Shares of the Fund) of 1.60%, 2.00% and 2.25% with respect to Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares, respectively (the “Expense Cap”). For a period ending three years after the end of the month in which the Adviser waives its Management Fee or pays any operating expenses of the Fund pursuant to the Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup amounts waived or incurred to the extent such recoupment does not cause the Fund’s operating expense ratio (after recoupment and excluding brokerage commissions and other similar transactional expenses, interest (including interest incurred on borrowed funds and interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts), other borrowing costs and fees including interest and commitment fees, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation and indemnification expenses, judgments, and extraordinary expenses) to exceed the Expense Cap. The Expense Limitation Agreement will continue in effect for at least one year from the effective date of the Prospectus, and will renew automatically for successive periods of one year thereafter, unless written notice of termination is provided by the Adviser to the Fund not less than 10 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

(6)

Shareholders also indirectly bear a portion of the asset-based fees, performance or incentive fees or allocations and other expenses incurred by the Fund as an investor in the Portfolio Funds. Generally, asset-based fees payable in connection with Portfolio Fund investments will range from 1.00% to 2.00% (annualized) of the commitment amount of the Fund’s investment, and performance or incentive fees or allocations are typically 20% of a Portfolio Fund’s net profits annually, although it is possible that such amounts may be exceeded for certain Portfolio Fund Managers. The “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” disclosed above, however, do not reflect any performance-based fees or allocations paid by the Portfolio Funds that are calculated solely on the realization and/or distribution of gains, or on the sum of such gains and unrealized appreciation of assets distributed in kind, as such fees and allocations for a particular period may be unrelated to the cost of investing in the Portfolio Funds. The “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” disclosed above are based on estimated amounts for the Fund’s current fiscal year.

 

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The purpose of the table above is to assist prospective investors in understanding the various fees and expenses Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly. For a more complete description of the various fees and expenses of the Fund, see “Management Fee,” “Distribution and Service Plan and Shareholder Servicing Plan,” “Fund Expenses,” “Periodic Repurchase Offers” and “Purchasing Shares.

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The example assumes that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value and that the percentage amounts listed under Annual Expenses remain the same in the years shown. The assumption in the hypothetical example of a 5% annual return is required by regulation of the SEC applicable to all registered investment companies. The assumed 5% annual return is not a prediction of, and does not represent, the projected or actual performance of Shares.

EXAMPLE

Class I Shares

 

You Would Pay the Following Expenses Based on a $1,000

Investment in the Fund, Assuming a 5% Annual Return:  

   1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
   $ 40      $ 60      $ 103      $ 222  

Class II Shares

 

You Would Pay the Following Expenses Based on a $1,000

Investment in the Fund, Assuming a 5% Annual Return:  

   1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
   $ 44      $ 72      $ 123      $ 264  

Class III Shares

 

You Would Pay the Following Expenses Based on a $1,000

Investment in the Fund, Assuming a 5% Annual Return:  

   1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
   $ 46      $ 74      $ 125      $ 265  

The example is based on the annual fees and expenses set out on the table above and should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the rate of return of the Fund may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return used in the example. A greater rate of return than that used in the example would increase the dollar amount of the asset-based fees paid by the Fund.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Fund is newly organized and has a limited operating history. Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports when they are prepared.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The Fund will invest the proceeds from the continuous offering of Shares on an ongoing basis in accordance with its investment objective and strategies as stated below. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest all or substantially all of the net proceeds in accordance with its investment objective and strategies as soon as practicable after receipt of the proceeds, first in more liquid publicly traded securities and short-term investments, then in privately offered securities (including Portfolio Companies and Portfolio Funds) as they become available to the Fund, depending on the amount and timing of proceeds available to the Fund as well as the availability of investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies, and except to the extent proceeds are held in cash to pay dividends and operating expenses, satisfy repurchase offers or for temporary defensive purposes. See “Purchasing Shares—Purchase terms.” Such proceeds will be deposited in the Fund’s account with the custodian of the Fund (the “Custodian”) when received prior to or immediately after the closing of the applicable offering on each business day. Delays in investing the Fund’s assets may occur (i) because of the time typically required to complete private equity transactions (which may be considerable), (ii) because certain Portfolio Funds selected by the Adviser may provide infrequent opportunities to purchase their securities, and/or (iii) because of the time required for Portfolio Fund Managers to invest the amounts committed by the Fund.

 

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A portion of the amount of proceeds of the offering of Shares or any other available funds may be invested in short-term debt securities or money market funds pending investment pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. In addition, subject to applicable law, the Fund may maintain a portion of its assets in cash or such short-term securities or money market funds to meet operational needs, for temporary defensive purposes, or to maintain liquidity. The Fund may be prevented from achieving its objective during any period in which the Fund’s assets are not substantially invested in accordance with its principal investment strategies.

 

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES

Investment objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation, consistent with prudent investment management.

The investment objective of the Fund is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by the Board without the vote of a majority (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding Shares. The Fund’s fundamental policies, which are listed in the SAI, may only be changed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.

Investment strategies

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a globally diversified portfolio of private equity investments and other investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted return potential, including: (i) direct investments in the equity of private operating companies (“Portfolio Companies”); (ii) primary and secondary investments in private equity funds (“Portfolio Funds”) managed by third-party managers (“Portfolio Fund Managers”); (iii) publicly traded private equity vehicles, such as business development companies (including derivatives tied to the returns of such vehicles); and (iv) short-term investments, including money-market funds, short term treasuries, or other liquid investment vehicles (together, the “Fund Investments”).

The Fund seeks to earn superior risk-adjusted returns by allocating its investments among the segments and opportunities within the private equity market that the Adviser believes offer the most attractive relative value at a given point in time. The Adviser believes that this investment strategy will capitalize on the diverse, dynamic nature of the private equity industry, resulting in a favorable return pattern relative to funds-of-funds and vehicles that focus solely on a narrow segment of the market, such as publicly traded private equity.

It is intended that the Fund will provide Shareholders with asset allocation services and access to private equity investments that are typically only available to large institutional investors, thereby offering an opportunity to increase the efficiency of portfolios that currently lack private equity exposure.

The principal elements of the Fund’s investment strategy include (i) allocating the assets of the Fund across the broad private equity market, (ii) well-established sourcing relationships for investment opportunities, (iii) selecting the investments that are believed to offer superior relative value, (iv) seeking to manage the Fund’s investment level and liquidity and (v) seeking to manage risk through ongoing monitoring of the portfolio.

 

   

Asset Allocation. Just as in public equity markets, asset allocation across private equity market segments is a cornerstone of long-term portfolio performance. The Fund’s portfolio plan will seek to benefit from long-term diversification of investments through exposure to different industry sectors, geographic markets, investment types and vintage years.

 

   

Access. In many segments of the private equity market, it is not enough to identify promising investments – access is also required. The Fund will seek to provide Shareholders with access to investments through well-established sourcing relationships that may be unavailable to the investing public due to resource requirements, regulatory restrictions and high investment minimums.

 

   

Rigorous Investment Analysis. Changing market conditions can dramatically affect the attractiveness of different segments within the overall private equity market. Based on its ongoing review of developments in the private equity industry, the Adviser will attempt to identify and overweight the segments that it believes offer the most attractive investment opportunities.

 

   

Risk Management. The long-term nature of private equity investments requires a commitment to ongoing risk management. The Adviser seeks to maintain close contact with the Fund’s portfolio companies, and to monitor the performance of individual investments by tracking operating information and other pertinent details.

PRIVATE EQUITY MARKET OVERVIEW

Private equity asset class

Private equity is a common term for investments that are typically made in non-public companies through privately negotiated transactions. Private equity investments may be structured using a range of financial instruments, including common and preferred equity, convertible securities, senior debt, subordinated debt and warrants or other derivatives, depending on the strategy of the investor and the financing requirements of the company.

 

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The private equity market is diverse and can be divided into several different segments, each of which may exhibit distinct characteristics based on combinations of various factors. These include the type and financing stage of the investment, the geographic region in which the investment is made and the “vintage year” of a private equity fund.

Investments in private equity have increased significantly over the last 35 years, driven principally by large institutional investors seeking increased returns and portfolio efficiency. It is now common for large pension funds, endowments and other institutional investors to dedicate several percentage points of their overall portfolios to private equity.

Private equity investment types

 

   

Direct equity investments. Direct equity investments generally involve taking an interest in equity securities issued by an operating company. Direct equity investments generally involve new owners taking a material stake in the target company, frequently a controlling interest, and exercising significant influence on the growth and development of the company through work with the company’s management and board of directors. Direct equity investments may vary in duration, but usually are exited within three to seven years.

In contrast to private equity fund investments (which require a commitment to a largely unknown portfolio), direct equity investments involve specific situations and particular companies. Accordingly, this style of investing offers the greatest degree of transparency and control in portfolio construction and most directly reflects the investor’s sourcing, underwriting, negotiation and structuring skills. In addition, investing directly is generally the most cost-effective way to make private equity investments, by avoiding the fees and expenses generally associated with investing indirectly through underlying private equity funds.

 

   

Private equity fund investments. Private equity fund investments generally involve making a commitment to contribute up to a certain amount of capital to a private equity fund as and when requested by the fund’s manager or general partner. The general partner then makes private equity investments on behalf of the fund, typically according to a pre-defined investment strategy and time horizon. The private equity fund’s investments are usually realized, or “exited” after a three- to seven-year holding period through a private sale, an initial public offering (IPO) or a recapitalization, and the proceeds are distributed to the fund’s investors. The funds themselves typically have a duration of ten to twelve years.

Primary investments (primaries) are interests or investments in newly established private equity funds. Most private equity groups raise new funds only every two to four years, and many top-performing funds may be closed to new investors. Because of the limited windows of opportunity for making primary investments in particular funds, strong relationships with leading firms are highly important for primary investors.

Primary investors subscribe for interests during an initial fundraising period, and their capital commitments are then used to fund investments in several individual operating companies (typically ten to thirty) during a defined investment period. The investments of the fund are usually unknown at the time of commitment and primary investors typically have little or no ability to influence the investments made during the fund’s life. Because primary investors must rely on the expertise of the fund manager, an accurate assessment of the manager’s capabilities is essential for investment success.

Primary investments typically exhibit a value development pattern, commonly known as the “J-curve,” in which the net asset value typically declines moderately during the early years of the fund’s life as investment related fees and expenses are incurred before investment gains have been realized. As the fund matures and portfolio companies are sold, the pattern typically reverses with increasing net asset value and distributions.

Secondary investments (secondaries) are interests in existing private equity funds that are acquired in privately negotiated transactions, typically after the end of the private equity fund’s fundraising period. Secondary investments play an important role in a diversified private equity portfolio. Because secondaries allow investors to avoid some of the fees charged by underlying fund managers, secondaries may exhibit little or none of the “J-curve” characteristics associated with primary investments (as described above). In addition, secondaries typically provide earlier distributions than primaries and may provide valuable arbitrage opportunities for sophisticated investors. The ability to source and value potential investments is crucial for success in secondary investing, and the nature of the process typically requires significant resources. As a result, generally only very large and experienced investors are active secondary market participants.

 

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Publicly traded private equity. Publicly traded private equity companies are typically regulated vehicles listed on a public stock exchange that invest in private equity transactions or funds. Such vehicles may take the form of corporations, business development companies, unit trusts, publicly traded partnerships, or other structures, and may focus on mezzanine, infrastructure, buyout or venture capital investments. Publicly traded private equity may also include investments in publicly listed companies in connection with a privately negotiated financing or an attempt to exercise significant influence on the subject of the investment. Publicly traded private equity investments usually have an indefinite duration.

Publicly traded private equity occupies a small portion of the public equity universe, including only a few professional investors who focus on and actively trade such vehicles. As a result, relatively little market research is performed on publicly traded private equity companies, only limited public data may be available regarding these vehicles and their underlying investments, and market pricing may significantly deviate from published net asset value. This can result in market inefficiencies and may offer opportunities to specialists that can value the underlying private equity investments.

Publicly traded private equity vehicles are typically liquid and capable of being traded daily, in contrast to direct investments and private equity funds, in which capital is subject to lengthy holding periods. Accordingly, publicly traded private equity transactions are significantly easier to execute than other types of private equity investments, giving investors an opportunity to adjust the investment level of their portfolios more efficiently.

Private equity financing stages

In the private equity asset class, the term “financing stage” is used to describe investments (or funds that invest) in companies at a certain stage of development. The different financing stages have distinct risk, return and correlation characteristics and play different roles within a diversified private equity portfolio. Private equity investments can be broken down generally into three financing stages: buyout, venture capital and special situations. These categories may be further subdivided based on the investment strategies that are employed.

 

   

Buyouts. Control investments in established, cash flow positive companies are usually classified as buyouts. Buyout investments may focus on small-, mid- or large-capitalization companies, and such investments collectively represent a substantial majority of the capital deployed in the overall private equity market. The use of debt financing, or leverage, is prevalent in buyout transactions – particularly in the large-cap segment. Overall, debt financing typically makes up 50-70% of the price paid for a company.

 

   

Venture capital. Investments in new and emerging companies are usually classified as venture capital. Such investments are often in technology and healthcare related industries. Companies financed by venture capital are generally not cash flow positive at the time of investment and may require several rounds of financing before the company can be sold privately or taken public. Venture capital investors may finance companies along the full path of development or focus on certain sub-stages (usually classified as seed, early and late stage) in partnership with other investors.

 

   

Special situations. A broad range of investments including private debt instruments, infrastructure investments and distressed debt/turnarounds may be classified as special situations. The Fund’s special situations investments may be in senior and subordinated direct debt investments, such as mezzanine direct investments, which are typically comprised of subordinated debt or preferred stock, possibly in combination with warrants on the company’s common stock. The value drivers and cash flow characteristics of special situations investments are frequently distinct from those of other private equity investments, complementing a buyout and venture capital portfolio.

No guarantee or representation is made that the investment program of the Fund or any Portfolio Fund will be successful, that the various Portfolio Funds selected will produce positive returns or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

INVESTMENT PROCESS OVERVIEW

Portfolio planning

The investment process begins with portfolio planning, which is designed to provide a framework for the Fund’s long-term diversification across various dimensions of the global private equity market, such as: (i) direct equity, private equity fund and publicly traded private equity investments; (ii) buyout, venture capital, mezzanine, distressed investments and other special situations; and (iii) investments focused in North America, Europe, Asia and/or emerging markets. The portfolio plan also provides for diversification over vintage years and with respect to individual investments. It is expected that through such diversification, the Fund may be able to achieve more consistent returns and lower volatility than would generally be expected if its portfolio were more concentrated.

 

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Rigorous investment analysis

The second step of the investment process is to analyze changing market conditions and their effect on the relative attractiveness of different segments within the overall private equity market. This rigorous investment analysis is based on general economic developments, such as business cycles, credit spreads, equity multiples, IPO opportunities, deregulation, and changes in tax or securities law. In addition, variables specific to particular industry sectors and the overall private equity market are typically evaluated. Based on the outcome of this review, the Adviser will attempt to identify the market segments that it believes offer the most attractive investment opportunities at the relevant time.

The Adviser’s investment analysis is intended to serve as a guide for tactical capital allocation decisions within the framework of the portfolio plan. Due to the long-term nature of private equity investments, it is generally not practical to dramatically re-allocate a portfolio over a short period of time. Accordingly, the actual allocation of the Fund Investments may deviate significantly from the general relative value views of the Adviser at a particular point in time.

Investment selection

In the final step of the investment process, the Adviser seeks to invest the Fund’s capital allocated to each segment in the highest quality investments available. Opportunities are typically sourced through a network of existing relationships with private equity managers and investors across the globe and subsequently evaluated individually by the Adviser’s investment professionals using a structured selection process. See “Due diligence and selection of investments.” As investment opportunities are analyzed, investment professionals seek to evaluate them in relation to historical benchmarks, current information from the Adviser’s existing private equity portfolios, and against each other. This comparative analysis can provide insight into the specific investments that offer the greatest value at different points in time in the various segments of the private equity market.

Due diligence and selection of investments

Primark’s investment team follows a structured process to source, evaluate, select and monitor investments for the Fund. The Adviser’s investment professionals are involved throughout the process and draw on their significant investment experience, resources and market insights. See “Management of the Fund.” The Adviser’s investment committee is responsible for the portfolio plan and for final investment decisions.

 

   

Deal sourcing. The Adviser typically identifies prospective investments from multiple sources, the most important of which is a global network of relationships across the private equity industry. Built through the investment activities of the Adviser’s portfolio management team, this network has a historically proven track record of generating high volumes of deal flow. In particular, the Adviser believes the scope of its portfolio management team’s investment activities provides a competitive advantage for deal generation, enabling it to access attractive opportunities in local markets around the world.

 

   

Pre-selection. The initial screening process for investment opportunities is typically based on a confidential information memorandum or an introductory meeting. For opportunities that pass the Adviser’s minimum requirements, a due diligence deal team is assigned to evaluate the opportunity in detail.

 

   

Due diligence. The due diligence process involves a detailed analysis of various aspects of each opportunity, including both qualitative and quantitative assessments. Various tools and databases are used to better understand market trends, potential return scenarios and/or the historical or anticipated sources of value creation for an investment. Evaluations are generally based on information such as industry dynamics, competitive positioning, financial analysis, comparable analysis, interviews with key personnel, on-site visits, reference calls, third-party consultant reports and/or track record analysis. The investment committee reviews the conclusions of the due diligence analysis and may decline the opportunity, request additional information, or approve subject to tax and legal due diligence.

 

   

Tax and legal assessment. In conjunction with the commercial due diligence process, the tax treatment and legal terms of the investment are considered. Based on this analysis and the findings of external professional advisers, the Adviser’s internal legal and investment teams seek to negotiate the terms and conditions of the investment. After resolving all open issues and negotiating terms, a final “investment recommendation” is prepared and presented to the investment committee, which finally approves or declines the investment.

 

   

Portfolio risk monitoring. Post-investment, the Adviser seeks to monitor the Fund’s portfolio through regular interaction with the companies and, where relevant, the private equity sponsors represented in the portfolio. This interaction facilitates on-going portfolio analysis and a proactive approach to addressing any new opportunities or issues that may arise.

 

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INVESTMENT POLICIES

Portfolio and liquidity management

The Adviser manages the Fund’s portfolio with a view towards managing liquidity and maintaining a high investment level. Accordingly, the Adviser may make investments and commitments based, in part, on anticipated future distributions from investments. The Adviser also takes other anticipated cash flows into account, such as those relating to new subscriptions, the tender of Shares by Shareholders and any distributions made to Shareholders. To forecast portfolio cash flows, the Adviser utilizes quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical private equity data, actual portfolio observations and qualitative forecasts by the Adviser’s investment professionals. See “Investment process overview—Portfolio planning.”

The Adviser intends to use a range of techniques to reduce the risk associated with the Fund’s investment strategy. Such techniques may include, without limitation:

 

   

Diversifying investments and commitments across industry sector, geography, size, private equity sponsor and “vintage year” (i.e., the year in which a Portfolio Fund begins investing); and

 

   

Actively managing cash and liquid assets.

The Fund expects to hold liquid assets to the extent required for purposes of liquidity management and compliance with the 1940 Act. Over time, during normal market conditions, it is generally not expected that the Fund will hold more than 10% of its net assets in cash or cash equivalents for extended periods of time. To enhance the Fund’s liquidity, particularly in times of possible net outflows through the tender of Shares by Shareholders, the Adviser may sell certain of the Fund’s assets on the Fund’s behalf.

The Fund intends to limit its investments in Portfolio Funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” under the 1940 Act solely by Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act (“Private Investment Companies”) to no more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets in order to permit investors who may not qualify as “accredited investors” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. The balance of the Fund’s investments will be Portfolio Companies, Portfolio Funds that are not Private Investment Companies (i.e., publicly traded private equity vehicles), and cash and cash equivalents. Please see “General Risks—Regulatory Risks of Private Investment Companies” for additional information on the risks of the Fund’s investment in Private Investment Companies.

There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Fund with respect to liquidity management will be achieved or that the Fund’s portfolio design and risk management strategies will be successful. Prospective investors should refer to the discussion of the risks associated with the investment strategy and structure of the Fund found under “General risks,” “Investment-Related risks,” and “Limits of Risk Disclosure.”

Borrowing by the Fund

The Fund may borrow money to pay operating expenses, including, without limitation, investment management fees, or to purchase portfolio securities, to fund repurchase of Shares or for other portfolio management purposes. Such borrowing may be accomplished through credit facilities or derivative instruments or by other means. The use of borrowings for investment purposes involves a high degree of risk. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to borrow for any purposes if, immediately after such borrowing, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 300% with respect to indebtedness. The 1940 Act also provides that the Fund may not declare distributions or purchase its Shares (including through repurchase offers) if, immediately after doing so, it will have an asset coverage of less than 300%. The foregoing requirements do not apply to Portfolio Funds in which the Fund invests unless such Portfolio Funds are registered under the 1940 Act. The Board may modify the borrowing policies of the Fund, including the purposes for which borrowings may be made, and the length of time that the Fund may hold portfolio securities purchased with borrowed money. The rights of any lenders to the Fund to receive payments of interest or repayments of principal will be senior to those of the Shareholders and the terms of any borrowings may contain provisions that limit certain activities of the Fund.

Hedging techniques

From time to time in its sole discretion, the Adviser may employ various hedging techniques in an attempt to reduce certain potential risks to which the Fund’s portfolio may be exposed. These hedging techniques may involve the use of derivative instruments, including swaps and other arrangements such as exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options, rate caps, floors and collars, and futures and forward contracts. The Fund may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as “swaptions.”

 

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To the extent that the Fund’s potential exposure in a transaction involving options, rate caps, floors or collars, or futures or forward contracts is covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets or otherwise, the Fund believes that such instruments do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the borrowing restrictions of the Fund.

There are certain risks associated with the use of such hedging techniques. See “Investment-Related risks—Derivatives and Hedging” and “Investment-Related risks—Currency risk.”

Temporary and defensive strategies

The Fund may, from time to time in its sole discretion, take temporary or defensive positions in cash, cash equivalents, other short-term securities or money market funds to attempt to reduce volatility caused by adverse market, economic, or other conditions. Any such temporary or defensive positions could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. In addition, subject to applicable law, the Fund may, in the Adviser’s sole discretion, hold cash, cash equivalents, other short-term securities or investments in money market funds pending investment in order to fund anticipated repurchases, expenses of the Fund or other operational needs, or otherwise in the sole discretion of the Adviser. See “Use of Proceeds.”

GENERAL RISKS

The following are certain risk factors that relate to the operations and terms of the Fund. These considerations, which do not purport to be a complete description of any of the particular risks referred to or a complete list of all risks involved in an investment in the Fund, should be carefully evaluated before determining whether to invest in the Fund. For purposes of this section, risks that are applicable to Portfolio Funds and Portfolio Fund Managers also apply to publicly traded private equity vehicles and their associated portfolio managers, respectively.

The Shares are speculative and illiquid securities involving substantial risk of loss. An investment in the Fund is appropriate only for those investors who do not require a liquid investment, for whom an investment in the Fund does not constitute a complete investment program, and who fully understand and are capable of assuming the risks of an investment in the Fund.

No Operating History. The Fund was formed on June 15, 2020. The Fund is subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that the Fund will not achieve its investment objectives and that the value of Shares could decline.

Unlisted Closed-End Structure; Liquidity Limited to Periodic Repurchases of Shares. The Fund has been organized as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and designed primarily for long-term investors. An investor should not invest in the Fund if the investor needs a liquid investment. Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly known as mutual funds) in that investors in a closed-end fund do not have the right to redeem their shares on a daily basis. Unlike most closed-end funds, which typically list their shares on a securities exchange, the Fund does not intend to list the Shares for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for the Shares. Although the Fund will offer a limited degree of liquidity by conducting quarterly repurchase offers, a Shareholder may not be able to tender its Shares in the Fund promptly after it has made a decision to do so. There is no assurance that you will be able to tender your Shares when or in the amount that you desire. In addition, with very limited exceptions, Shares are not transferable, and liquidity will be provided only through repurchase offers made quarterly by the Fund. Shares are considerably less liquid than shares of funds that trade on a stock exchange or shares of open-end registered investment companies, and are therefore suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of Shares, and should be viewed as a long-term investment.

There will be a substantial period of time between the date as of which Shareholders must submit a request to have their Shares repurchased and the date they can expect to receive payment for their Shares from the Fund. Shareholders whose Shares are accepted for repurchase bear the risk that the Fund’s net asset value may fluctuate significantly between the time that they submit their repurchase requests and the date as of which such Shares are valued for purposes of such repurchase. Shareholders will have to decide whether to request that the Fund repurchase their Shares without the benefit of having current information regarding the value of Shares on a date proximate to the date on which Shares are valued by the Fund for purposes of effecting such repurchases.

Repurchases of Shares, if any, may be suspended, postponed or terminated by the Board under certain circumstances. See “Periodic Repurchase Offers.” An investment in the Fund is suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of Shares and the underlying investments of the Fund. Also, because Shares are not listed on any securities exchange, the Fund is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of its Shareholders unless called for under the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

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Repurchase Offers Risk. As described under “Periodic Repurchase Offers” below, the Fund is an “interval fund” and, in order to provide liquidity to Shareholders, the Fund, subject to applicable law, will conduct quarterly repurchase offers of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at the applicable NAV per Share, subject to approval of the Board. In all cases such repurchases will be for at least 5% and not more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at the applicable NAV per Share, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act. The Fund currently expects to conduct quarterly repurchase offers for 5% of its outstanding Shares under ordinary circumstances. The Fund believes that these repurchase offers are generally beneficial to Shareholders, and repurchases generally will be funded from available cash or sales of portfolio securities. However, repurchase offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution in the size of the Fund through repurchases may result in untimely sales of portfolio securities (with associated imputed transaction costs, which may be significant), and may limit the ability of the Fund to participate in new investment opportunities or to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may accumulate cash by holding back (i.e., not reinvesting) payments received in connection with the Fund’s investments. The Fund believes that payments received in connection with the Fund’s investments will generate sufficient cash to meet the maximum potential amount of the Fund’s repurchase obligations. If at any time cash and other liquid assets held by the Fund are not sufficient to meet the Fund’s repurchase obligations, the Fund intends, if necessary, to sell investments. If, as expected, the Fund employs investment leverage, repurchases of Shares would compound the adverse effects of leverage in a declining market. In addition, if the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect Shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income.

If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed, the Board may determine to increase the amount repurchased by up to 2% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline. In the event that the Board determines not to repurchase more than the repurchase offer amount, or if Shareholders tender more than the repurchase offer amount plus 2% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and Shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. As a result, Shareholders may be unable to liquidate all or a given percentage of their investment in the Fund during a particular repurchase offer. Some Shareholders, in anticipation of proration, may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. A Shareholder may be subject to market and other risks, and the NAV per Share of Shares tendered in a repurchase offer may decline between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the date on which the NAV per Share for tendered Shares is determined. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund may be a taxable event to Shareholders.

Payment In-Kind for Repurchased Shares. The Fund does not expect to distribute securities as payment for repurchased Shares except in unusual circumstances. The Fund has the right to distribute securities as payment for repurchased Shares in unusual circumstances, including if making a cash payment would result in a material adverse effect on the Fund or on Shareholders not requesting that their Shares be repurchased. For example, it is possible that the Fund may receive securities from a Fund Investment that are illiquid or difficult to value. In such circumstances, the Adviser would seek to dispose of these securities in a manner that is in the best interests of the Fund, which may include a distribution in-kind to the Fund’s Shareholders. In the event that the Fund makes such a distribution of securities, Shareholders will bear any risks of the distributed securities and may be required to pay a brokerage commission or other costs in order to dispose of such securities.

Non-Diversified Status. The Fund is a “non-diversified” management investment company. Thus, there are no percentage limitations imposed by the 1940 Act on the Fund’s assets that may be invested, directly or indirectly, in the securities of any one issuer. Consequently, if one or more Fund Investments are allocated a relatively large percentage of the Fund’s assets, losses suffered by such Fund Investments could result in a higher reduction in the Fund’s capital than if such capital had been more proportionately allocated among a larger number of investments. The Fund may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. However, the Fund will be subject to diversification requirements applicable to RICs under the Code. See “Certain Tax Considerations.”

Regulatory Risks of Private Investment Companies. The regulatory environment for Private Investment Companies (and for registered investment companies investing in Private Investment Companies) is complex and evolving. Changes in the regulation or taxation of private funds are impossible to predict and may adversely affect the value of the Fund Investments, the ability of the Fund to execute its investment strategy, and the ability of the Fund to offer its interests to investors who do not qualify as “accredited investors” as defined under Regulation D under the Securities Act. There is no guarantee that the SEC will not require the Fund’s Shareholders to meet certain eligibility criteria in the future. Under such circumstances, any Shareholders of the Fund who are not “accredited investors” may be subject to mandatory redemption of all of their Shares in the Fund.

 

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Additionally, while the Fund will actively monitor its investments, there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in limiting its investments in Private Investment Companies to 15% of the Fund’s net assets. In order to remain within this limitation, the Fund may be required to dispose of or liquidate its holdings in Private Investment Companies (which are illiquid by nature) when it is disadvantageous or impossible to do so, due to restrictions on sales such as those imposed by Portfolio Fund Managers, agreements signed by the Fund, or by other rules or regulations. The Fund may also be required to take other measures to remain within this limitation that may have an adverse effect on the Fund Investments or on the Fund.

Access to Investments. The Fund is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act and is subject to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act, and certain tax requirements, among other restrictions, that limit the Fund’s ability to make investments, as compared to a fund that is not so registered. Such restrictions may prevent the Fund from participating in (or increasing its share of) certain favorable investment opportunities, or may lead to a lack of exposure to a certain type of investment for certain periods of time. The Fund’s intention to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company under the Code can limit its ability to acquire or continue to hold positions in investments that would otherwise be consistent with its investment strategy. The Fund incurs additional expenses (compared to a fund that is not registered under the 1940 Act) in determining whether an investment is permissible under the 1940 Act and in structuring investments to comply with the 1940 Act, which reduces returns to Shareholders of the Fund.

General Legal, Tax and Regulatory Risks. Legal, tax and regulatory changes could occur during the term of the Fund which may materially adversely affect the Fund. For example, the regulatory and tax environment for leveraged investors and for private equity funds generally is evolving, and changes in the direct or indirect regulation or taxation of leveraged investors or private equity funds may materially adversely affect the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategies or achieve its investment objective. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) vests U.S. federal bank, securities and commodities regulators with significant and extensive rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority. The implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act requires the adoption of various regulations and the preparation of reports by various agencies over a period of time. It is unclear how these regulators will exercise these revised and expanded powers and whether they will undertake rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions that would adversely affect the Fund or investments made by the Fund. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not significantly reduce the profitability of the Fund. The implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect the Fund by increasing transaction and/or regulatory compliance costs.

In November 2019, the SEC proposed a new rule that, if adopted, would change the regulation of the use of derivatives and financial commitment transactions by registered investment companies. The nature of any final regulations is uncertain at this time, but the Fund may have difficulty adjusting its investment portfolio and strategy in order to comply with such regulations. In addition, greater regulatory scrutiny may increase the Fund’s and the Adviser’s exposure to potential liabilities. Increased regulatory oversight can also impose administrative burdens on the Fund and the Adviser, including, without limitation, responding to examinations or investigations and implementing new policies and procedures.

Temporary Investments. Delays in investing the net proceeds of the offering of Shares may impair the Fund’s performance. The Fund cannot assure you it will be able to identify any investments that meet its investment objective or that any investment that the Fund makes will produce a positive return. The Fund may be unable to invest the net proceeds of the Fund’s offering on acceptable terms within the time period that the Fund anticipates or at all, which could harm the Fund’s financial condition and operating results.

Before making investments, the Fund may invest the net proceeds of the Fund’s offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, money market funds, repurchase agreements, and other high-quality debt instruments maturing in one year or less from the time of investment (“Temporary Investments”). This will produce returns that are significantly lower than the returns that the Fund expects to achieve when the Fund’s portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting the Fund’s investment objective. As a result, any distributions that the Fund pays while the Fund’s portfolio is not fully invested in securities meeting its investment objective may be lower than the distributions that the Fund may be able to pay when the Fund portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting the Fund’s investment objective.

Dilution from Subsequent Offerings of Shares. The Fund may accept additional subscriptions for Shares as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion. Additional purchases will dilute the indirect interests of existing Shareholders in the Fund Investments prior to such purchases, which could have an adverse impact on the existing Shareholders’ interests in the Fund if subsequent Fund Investments underperform the prior investments. Further, in certain cases Portfolio Fund Managers may structure performance-based compensation, with such compensation being paid only if gains exceed prior losses. The value attributable to the fact that no performance-based compensation is being paid to a Portfolio Fund Manager until its gains exceed prior losses is not taken into account when determining the NAV of the Fund. New purchases of Shares will dilute the benefit of such compensation structures to existing Shareholders.

 

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Valuations of Fund Investments; valuations subject to adjustment. The valuations reported by the Portfolio Fund Managers, based upon which the Fund determines its daily net asset value and the net asset value per Share may be subject to later adjustment or revision. For example, fiscal year-end net asset value calculations of the Portfolio Funds may be revised as a result of audits by their independent auditors. Other adjustments may occur from time to time. Because such adjustments or revisions, whether increasing or decreasing the net asset value of the Fund at the time they occur, relate to information available only at the time of the adjustment or revision, the adjustment or revision may not affect the amount of the repurchase proceeds of the Fund received by Shareholders who had their Shares repurchased prior to such adjustments and received their repurchase proceeds. As a result, to the extent that such subsequently adjusted valuations from the Portfolio Fund Managers or revisions to the net asset value of a Portfolio Fund or direct private equity investment adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value, the outstanding Shares may be adversely affected by prior repurchases to the benefit of Shareholders who had their Shares repurchased at a net asset value higher than the adjusted amount. Conversely, any increases in the net asset value resulting from such subsequently adjusted valuations may be entirely for the benefit of the outstanding Shares and to the detriment of Shareholders who previously had their Shares repurchased at a net asset value lower than the adjusted amount. The same principles apply to the purchase of Shares. New Shareholders may be affected in a similar way.

The valuations of Shares may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond the Fund’s control and may not be directly related to the Fund’s operating performance. These factors include:

 

   

changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines;

 

   

changes in earnings or variations in operating results;

 

   

changes in the value of the Fund Investments;

 

   

changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of the Fund Investments;

 

   

any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors;

 

   

departure of the Adviser or certain of its respective key personnel;

 

   

general economic trends and other external factors; and

 

   

loss of a major funding source.

Reporting Requirements. Shareholders who beneficially own Shares that constitute more than 5% or 10% of the Fund’s Shares are subject to certain requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder. These include requirements to file certain reports with the SEC. The Fund has no obligation to file such reports on behalf of such Shareholders or to notify Shareholders that such reports are required to be made. Shareholders who may be subject to such requirements should consult with their legal advisers.

Reliance on the Adviser. The Adviser has full discretionary authority to identify, structure, allocate, execute, administer, monitor and liquidate Fund Investments and, in doing so, has no responsibility to consult with any Shareholder. Accordingly, an investor in the Fund must rely upon the abilities of the Adviser, and no person should invest in the Fund unless such person is willing to entrust all aspects of the investment decisions of the Fund to the Adviser.

Reliance on Key Personnel. The Fund will depend on the investment expertise, skill and network of business contacts of the Adviser. The Adviser will evaluate, negotiate, structure, execute and monitor Fund Investments. The Fund’s future success will depend to a significant extent on the continued service and coordination of the Adviser and its investment management team. The departure of certain key personnel of the Adviser could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives.

The Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives depends on the Adviser’s ability to identify, analyze, invest in, finance and monitor Portfolio Funds and portfolio companies that meet the Fund’s investment criteria. The Adviser’s capabilities in structuring the investment process, providing competent, attentive and efficient services to the Fund, and facilitating access to financing on acceptable terms depend on the employment of investment professionals in an adequate number and of adequate sophistication to match the corresponding flow of transactions. To achieve the Fund’s investment objectives, the Adviser may need to hire, train, supervise and manage new investment professionals to participate in the Fund’s investment selection and monitoring process. The Adviser may not be able to find investment professionals in a timely manner or at all. Failure to support the Fund’s investment process could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

It is anticipated that the Adviser will depend on its relationships with private equity sponsors, investment banks and commercial banks, and the Fund will rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide the Fund with potential investment opportunities. If the Adviser fails to maintain its existing relationships or develop new relationships with other sponsors or

 

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sources of investment opportunities, the Fund may not be able to grow its investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom the Adviser has relationships are not obligated to provide the Fund or the Adviser with investment opportunities, and, therefore, there is no assurance that such relationships will generate investment opportunities for the Fund.

Additionally, to the extent the Fund invests in Portfolio Funds, the Fund will be exposed to these risks with respect to the Portfolio Fund Managers of such Portfolio Funds. The Fund’s performance depends on the adherence by such Portfolio Fund Managers to their selected strategies, the instruments used by such Portfolio Fund Managers, the Adviser’s ability to select Portfolio Fund Managers and strategies and effectively allocate the Fund’s assets among them. The Portfolio Fund Managers’ investment strategies or choice of specific securities may be unsuccessful and may cause the Portfolio Fund, and in turn the Fund, to incur losses.

Competition for investment opportunities. The Fund will compete for investments with other investment funds (including registered investment companies, private equity funds, mezzanine funds and collateralized loan obligation funds), as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks, finance companies, business development companies, small business investment companies and other sources of funding. Moreover, alternative investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, have begun to invest in areas in which they have not traditionally invested, including making investments in private U.S. companies. As a result of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities in private U.S. companies may strengthen. Many of the Fund’s competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Fund. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of capital and access to funding sources that are not available to the Fund. In addition, some of the Fund’s competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than the Fund. These characteristics could allow competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and offer better pricing and more flexible structuring than the Fund is able to do. As a result, the Fund may lose investment opportunities if it does not match its competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. No assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to identify and complete attractive investments in the future or that it will be able to fully invest its subscriptions. Even if the Adviser or a Portfolio Fund Manager identifies an attractive investment opportunity, the Fund or the Portfolio Fund may not be permitted to take advantage of the opportunity to the fullest extent desired.

If the Fund is forced to match its competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, it may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on its investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. Furthermore, many of the Fund’s competitors are not subject to the source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements the Fund must satisfy to maintain its qualification as a RIC.

Valuation of Fund Investments uncertain. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is required to carry Fund Investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by the Adviser, in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures, which have been approved by the Board. There is not a public market or active secondary market for many of the securities of the privately held companies in which the Fund intends to invest. Rather, many of the Fund Investments may be traded on a privately negotiated over-the-counter secondary market for institutional investors. As a result, the Fund will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with the valuation procedures that have been approved by the Board.

The determination of fair value, and thus the amount of unrealized losses the Fund may incur in any year, is to a degree subjective, and the Adviser has a conflict of interest in making the determination. The Fund values these securities daily at fair value determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with the valuation procedures that have been approved by the Board. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, the Fund’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these non-traded securities existed. Due to this uncertainty, the Fund’s fair value determinations may cause the Fund’s net asset value on a given date to understate or overstate materially the value that the Fund may ultimately realize upon the sale of one or more Fund Investments. Under limited circumstances (such as to resolve a pricing issue regarding a Fund Investment), the Fund may retain a valuation assurance service provider to provide the Fund reasonable assurance on the correctness of the processes and procedures leading to the fair value determinations by the Adviser. See “Calculation of net asset value; Valuation.”

Amount or frequency of distributions not guaranteed. The Fund expects to pay distributions out of assets legally available for distribution from time to time, at the sole discretion of the Board. Nevertheless, the Fund cannot assure Shareholders that the Fund will achieve investment results that will allow the Fund to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. The Fund’s ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by the impact of the risks described in this Prospectus. All distributions will depend on the Fund’s earnings, its net investment income, its financial condition, and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant from time to time.

 

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In the event that the Fund encounters delays in locating suitable investment opportunities, the Fund may return all or a substantial portion of the proceeds from the offering of Shares in anticipation of future cash flow, which may constitute a return of your capital and will lower your tax basis in your Shares. A return of capital generally is a return of your investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from the Fund’s investment activities and will be made after deduction of the fees and expenses payable in connection with the proceeds from the offering of Shares, including any fees payable to the Adviser.

Uncertain source and quantity of funding. Proceeds from the sale of Shares will be used for the Fund’s investment opportunities, operating expenses and for payment of various fees and expenses such as the Management Fee and other fees. Any working capital reserves the Fund maintains may not be sufficient for investment purposes, and it may require debt or equity financing to operate. Accordingly, in the event that the Fund develops a need for additional capital in the future for investments or for any other reason, these sources of funding may not be available to the Fund. Consequently, if the Fund cannot obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, the ability to acquire investments and expand operations will be adversely affected. As a result, the Fund would be less able to achieve portfolio diversification and the investment objectives, which may negatively impact the Fund’s results of operations and reduce the Fund’s ability to make distributions to Shareholders.

Fluctuations in performance. The Fund could experience fluctuations in its performance due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the Fund’s ability or inability to make investments in companies that meet the Fund’s investment criteria, the interest rate payable on the debt securities the Fund acquires, the level of the Fund’s expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which the Fund encounters competition in its markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any previous period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.

Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber-attacks and to technological malfunctions that have effects similar to those of a cyber-attack. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and disrupting operations. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Fund, the Adviser, or a custodian, transfer agent, or other service provider may adversely affect the Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, affect the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release or misappropriation of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject the Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses and additional compliance costs. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to prevent, detect and respond to cyber-attacks, those plans and systems have inherent limitations. Similar types of cyber security risks also are present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could have material adverse consequences for those issuers and result in a decline in the market price of their securities. Furthermore, as a result of cyber-attacks, technological disruptions, malfunctions, or failures, an exchange or market may close or suspend trading in specific securities or the entire market, which could prevent the Fund from, among other things, buying or selling securities or accurately pricing their investments. The Fund cannot directly control cyber security plans and systems of its service providers, the Fund’s counterparties, issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, or securities markets and exchanges.

Failure to qualify as a RIC or satisfy distribution requirement. To qualify for and maintain RIC qualification under the Code, the Fund must meet the following annual distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. See “Certain Tax considerations.”

 

   

The annual distribution requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if the Fund distributes to Shareholders on an annual basis at least 90% of the Fund’s net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Because the Fund may borrow, it is subject to an asset coverage ratio requirement under the 1940 Act and may in the future become subject to certain financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict the Fund from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If the Fund is unable to obtain cash from other sources, it could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

 

   

The source-of-income requirement will be satisfied if the Fund obtains at least 90% of its income for each year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities or similar passive sources.

 

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The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if the Fund meets certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s tax year. To satisfy this requirement, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets can be invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under the Code and its applicable regulations, by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships.” Failure to meet these requirements may result in the Fund having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of its qualification as a RIC. Because most of the Fund’s investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.

If the Fund fails to qualify for or maintain RIC tax treatment for any reason and is subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce the Fund’s net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of the Fund’s distributions.

Difficulty meeting RIC distribution requirement. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which the Fund does not receive a corresponding payment in cash. For example, if the Fund holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or debt instruments that were issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year. The Fund may also have to include in income other amounts that the Fund has not yet received in cash, such as deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Furthermore, the Fund may invest in non-U.S. corporations (or other non-U.S. entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that could be treated under the Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Treasury Regulations”) as “passive foreign investment companies” and/or “controlled foreign corporations.” The rules relating to investment in these types of non-U.S. entities are designed to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are either, in effect, taxed currently (or on an accelerated basis with respect to corporate level events) or taxed at increased tax rates at distribution or disposition. In certain circumstances this could require the Fund to recognize income where the Fund does not receive a corresponding payment in cash.

The Fund anticipates that a portion of its income may constitute original issue discount or other income required to be included in taxable income prior to receipt of cash. Further, the Fund may elect to amortize market discounts and include such amounts in its taxable income in the current year, instead of upon disposition, as an election not to do so would limit the Fund’s ability to deduct interest expenses for tax purposes.

Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income for the year of the accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to Shareholders in order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement, even though the Fund will not have received any corresponding cash amount. As a result, the Fund may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to qualify for and maintain its qualification as a RIC under the Code. The Fund may have to sell some of its investments at times and/or at prices the Fund would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If the Fund is not able to obtain cash from other sources, the Fund may fail to qualify for or maintain RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see “Certain Tax Considerations.”

Restrictions on borrowing. The Fund may borrow for investment purposes. If the value of the Fund’s assets declines, the Fund may be unable to satisfy the asset coverage test, which would prohibit the Fund from paying distributions and could prevent the Fund from qualifying as a RIC. If the Fund cannot satisfy the asset coverage test, the Fund may be required to sell a portion of its investments and, depending on the nature of the Fund’s debt financing, repay a portion of the Fund’s indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. In addition, any amounts that the Fund uses to service its indebtedness would not be available for distribution by the Fund to Shareholders.

 

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Investment-Related Risks

Limited operating history of Fund Investments. Fund Investments may have limited operating histories and the information the Fund will obtain about such investments may be limited. As such, the ability of the Adviser to evaluate past performance or to validate the investment strategies of such Fund Investment will be limited. Moreover, even to the extent a Fund Investment has a longer operating history, the past investment performance of any of the Fund Investments should not be construed as an indication of the future results of such investments or the Fund, particularly as the investment professionals responsible for the performance of such investments may change over time. This risk is related to, and enhanced by, the risks created by the fact that the Adviser relies upon information provided to it by the issuer of the securities it receives or the Portfolio Fund Managers (as applicable) that is not, and cannot be, independently verified.

Unspecified investments; dependence on the Adviser. The Adviser has complete discretion to select the Fund Investments as opportunities arise. The Fund and, accordingly, Shareholders, must rely upon the ability of the Adviser to identify and implement Fund Investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. Shareholders will not receive or otherwise be privy to due diligence or risk information prepared by or for the Adviser in respect of the Fund Investments. The Adviser has the authority and responsibility for asset allocation, the selection of Fund Investments and all other investment decisions for the Fund. The success of the Fund depends upon the ability of the Adviser to develop and implement investment strategies that achieve the investment objective of the Fund. Shareholders will have no right or power to participate in the management or control of the Fund or the Fund Investments, or the terms of any such investments. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to select or implement successful strategies or achieve their respective investment objectives.

Concentration of Investments. Except to the extent required by applicable law, there are no limitations imposed by the Adviser as to the amount of Fund assets that may be invested in (i) any one geography, (ii) any one Fund Investment, (iii) in a Fund Investment managed by a particular general partner or its affiliates, (iv) indirectly in any single industry or (v) in any issuer. In addition, a Portfolio Company’s investment portfolio may consist of a limited number of companies and may be concentrated in a particular industry area or group. Accordingly, the investment portfolio may at times be significantly concentrated, both as to managers, geographies, industries and individual companies. Such concentration could offer a greater potential for capital appreciation as well as increased risk of loss. Such concentration may also be expected to increase the volatility of the Fund’s investment portfolio. The Fund is, however, subject to the asset diversification requirements applicable to RICs. See “Certain Tax Considerations.”

Nature of Portfolio Companies. The Fund Investments will include direct and indirect investments in Portfolio Companies. This may include Portfolio Companies in the early phases of development, which can be highly risky due to the lack of a significant operating history. The Fund Investments may also include Portfolio Companies that are in a state of distress or which have a poor record, and which are undergoing restructuring or changes in management, and there can be no assurances that such restructuring or changes will be successful. The management of such Portfolio Companies may depend on one or two key individuals, and the loss of the services of any of such individuals may adversely affect the performance of such Portfolio Companies.

Control Positions. The Fund (in the case of direct investments) and the Fund Investments may take control positions in Portfolio Companies. The exercise of control over a company imposes additional risks of liability for environmental damage, product defects, failure to supervise management, violation of governmental regulations and other types of liability in which the limited liability characteristic of a corporation may be ignored, which would increase the Fund’s possibility of incurring losses.

Leverage. The Portfolio Fund Managers and (subject to applicable law) the Fund may employ leverage through borrowings or derivative instruments, and are likely to directly or indirectly acquire interests in companies with highly leveraged capital structures. If income and appreciation on investments made with borrowed funds are less than the cost of the leverage, the value of the relevant portfolio or investment will decrease. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of a Fund Investment will be magnified to the extent leverage is employed. The cumulative effect of the use of leverage by the Fund or the Portfolio Funds in a market that moves adversely to the relevant investments could result in substantial losses, exceeding those that would have been incurred if leverage had not been employed.

Derivatives and Hedging. The Fund may invest and trade in a variety of derivative instruments to hedge the Fund’s primary Fund Investments, including options, swaps, futures contracts, forward agreements and other derivatives contracts. Derivatives are financial instruments or arrangements in which the risk and return are related to changes in the value of other assets,

 

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reference rates or indices. Transactions in derivative instruments present risks arising from the use of leverage (which increases the magnitude of losses), volatility, the possibility of default by a counterparty, and illiquidity. Use of derivative instruments for hedging or speculative purposes by the Adviser or the Portfolio Fund Managers could present significant risks, including the risk of losses in excess of the amounts invested. The Fund’s ability to avoid risk through investment or trading in derivatives will depend on the ability to anticipate changes in the underlying assets, reference rates or indices.

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events (and their aftermath) have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters, such as, for example, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and weather-related phenomena generally, as well as the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, including widespread epidemics or pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, and systemic market dislocations can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in non-U.S. and domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of Fund Investments.

The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 has resulted in travel restrictions and disruptions, closed borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, event cancellations and restrictions, service cancellations or reductions, disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, lower consumer demand for goods and services, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the economic environment. The impact of this outbreak and any other epidemic or pandemic that may arise in the future could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, the financial performance of individual issuers, borrowers and sectors and the health of capital markets and other markets generally in potentially significant and unforeseen ways. This crisis or other public health crises may also exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty. The foregoing could lead to a significant economic downturn or recession, increased market volatility, a greater number of market closures, higher default rates and adverse effects on the values and liquidity of securities or other assets. Such impacts, which may vary across asset classes, may adversely affect the performance of the Fund Investments, the Fund and a Shareholder’s investment in the Fund.

LIBOR Risk. In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. That announcement suggests that LIBOR may cease to be published after that time. In addition, the E.U. Benchmarks Regulation imposed conditions under which only compliant benchmarks may be used in new contracts after 2021. Various financial industry groups have begun planning for that transition, but there are obstacles to converting certain securities and transactions to a new benchmark. Transition planning is at an early stage and the nature of a substitute rate, if any, is unknown, and neither the effect of the transition process nor its ultimate success is certain. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effects of any establishment of replacement or alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United States, United Kingdom or elsewhere.

Currency Risk. Although the Fund intends to invest predominantly in the United States, the Fund’s portfolio is anticipated to include investments in a number of different currencies. Any returns on, and the value of such investments may, therefore, be materially affected by exchange rate fluctuations, local exchange control, limited liquidity of the relevant foreign exchange markets, the convertibility of the currencies in question and/or other factors. A decline in the value of the currencies in which the Fund Investments are denominated against the U.S. Dollar may result in a decrease the Fund’s net asset value. The Adviser may or may not elect to hedge the value of investments made by the Fund against currency fluctuations, and even if the Adviser deems hedging appropriate, it may not be possible or practicable to hedge currency risk exposure. Accordingly, the performance of the Fund could be adversely affected by such currency fluctuations.

Eurozone Risk. The Fund may invest directly or indirectly from time to time in European companies and assets and companies and assets that may be affected by the Eurozone economy. Ongoing concerns regarding the sovereign debt of various Eurozone countries, including the potential for investors to incur substantial write-downs, reductions in the face value of sovereign debt and/or sovereign defaults, as well as the possibility that one or more countries might leave the European Union (“EU”) or the Eurozone create risks that could materially and adversely affect the Fund Investments. Sovereign debt defaults and EU and/or Eurozone exits could have material adverse effects on the Fund’s investments in European companies and assets, including, but not limited to, the availability of credit to support such companies’ financing needs, uncertainty and disruption in relation to financing, increased currency risk in relation to contracts denominated in Euros and wider economic disruption in markets served by those companies, while austerity and/or other measures introduced to limit or contain these issues may themselves

 

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lead to economic contraction and resulting adverse effects for the Fund. Legal uncertainty about the funding of Euro- denominated obligations following any breakup or exits from the Eurozone, particularly in the case of investments in companies and assets in affected countries, could also have material adverse effects on the Fund.

Brexit Risk. In June of 2016, the United Kingdom (the “UK”) approved a referendum to leave the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” which sparked depreciation in the value of the British pound and heightened risk of continued worldwide economic volatility. Pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, the UK gave notice in March 2017 of its withdrawal from the EU and commenced negotiations on the terms of withdrawal. Following years of negotiations and multiple withdrawal deadline extensions, the UK withdrew from the EU on January 31, 2020. A transition period, currently set to last through December 31, 2020, will be used for the UK and EU to negotiate their future relationship. The effects of this withdrawal will depend, in part, on agreements the UK negotiates to retain access to EU markets either during the transitional period or more permanently including, but not limited to, current trade and finance agreements. As a result of the UK’s exit from the EU, the Fund may be exposed to volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations over a short period of time, and potentially lower economic growth in the UK, Europe and globally. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately affected by Brexit. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively affect the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers located in the EU. The effects of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, are not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

Hedging. The Fund may seek to hedge against interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations and credit risk by using structured financial instruments such as futures, options, swaps and forward contracts, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. Use of structured financial instruments for hedging purposes may present significant risks, including the risk of loss of the amounts invested. Defaults by the other party to a hedging transaction can result in losses in the hedging transaction. Hedging activities also involve the risk of an imperfect correlation between the hedging instrument and the asset being hedged, which could result in losses both on the hedging transaction and on the instrument being hedged. Use of hedging activities may not prevent significant losses and could increase losses. Further, hedging transactions may reduce cash available to pay distributions to Shareholders.

Risks relating to accounting, auditing and financial reporting, etc. The legal, regulatory, disclosure, accounting, auditing and reporting standards in certain of the countries in which the Fund Investments (both direct and indirect) may be made may be less stringent and may not provide the same degree of protection or information to investors as would generally apply in the United States. Although the Fund will be using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the assets, liabilities, profits and losses appearing in published financial statements of the Fund Investments may not reflect their financial position or operating results as they would be reflected under GAAP. Accordingly, the net asset value of the Fund published from time to time may not accurately reflect a realistic value for any or all of the investments.

Certain Fund Investments may be in Portfolio Companies that do not maintain internal management accounts or adopt financial budgeting, internal audit or internal control procedures to standards normally expected of companies in the United States. Accordingly, information supplied to the Fund and the Portfolio Funds may be incomplete, inaccurate and/or significantly delayed. The Fund and the Portfolio Funds may therefore be unable to take or influence timely actions necessary to rectify management deficiencies in such Portfolio Companies, which may ultimately have an adverse impact on the net asset value of the Fund.

Exchange-Traded Product Risk. The Fund may invest in long (or short) positions in ETFs. Through its positions in ETFs, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such vehicles’ investments, including the possibility that the value of the securities or instruments held by an ETF could decrease (or increase), and will bear its proportionate share of the ETF’s fees and expenses. In addition, certain of the ETFs may hold common portfolio positions, thereby reducing any diversification benefits.

Foreign Investments and Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in the securities of non-U.S. issuers, including those located in developing countries, which securities involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These risks may relate to foreign political, social and economic matters, less developed markets, political immobility and less developed legal and accounting practices. Non-U.S. securities are subject to the risks of foreign currency fluctuations, generally higher volatility and lower liquidity than U.S. securities.

Issuers of foreign securities are subject to different, often less comprehensive, accounting, custody, reporting, and disclosure requirements than U.S. issuers. The securities of some foreign governments, companies, and securities markets are less liquid, and at times more volatile, than comparable U.S. securities and securities markets. Foreign brokerage commissions and related

 

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fees also are generally higher than in the United States. Portfolio Funds that invest in foreign securities also may be affected by different custody and/or settlement practices or delayed settlements in some foreign markets. The laws of some foreign countries may limit the Fund’s or a Portfolio Fund’s ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries. Foreign countries may have reporting requirements with respect to the ownership of securities, and those reporting requirements may be subject to interpretation or change without prior notice to investors. No assurance can be given that the Fund or a Portfolio Fund will satisfy applicable foreign reporting requirements at all times.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk. As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and manager risk. In addition, if the Fund acquires shares of investment companies, investors bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies.

Special Risks Pertaining to Investments in Portfolio Funds

Investments in the Portfolio Funds generally; dependence on the Portfolio Fund Managers. Because the Fund invests in Portfolio Funds, a Shareholder’s investment in the Fund will be affected by the investment policies and decisions of the Portfolio Fund Manager of each Portfolio Fund in direct proportion to the amount of Fund assets that are invested in each Portfolio Fund. The Fund’s net asset value may fluctuate in response to, among other things, various market and economic factors related to the markets in which the Portfolio Funds invest and the financial condition and prospects of issuers in which the Portfolio Funds invest. Certain risks related to the investment strategies and techniques utilized by the Portfolio Fund Managers are described under “Investment-Related Risks” above. The success of the Fund depends upon the ability of the Portfolio Fund Managers to develop and implement strategies that achieve their investment objectives. Shareholders will not have an opportunity to evaluate the specific investments made by the Portfolio Funds or the Portfolio Fund Managers, or the terms of any such investments. In addition, the Portfolio Fund Managers could materially alter their investment strategies from time to time without notice to the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio Fund Managers will be able to select or implement successful strategies or achieve their respective investment objectives.

Portfolio Funds not registered. The Fund is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act is designed to afford various protections to investors in pooled investment vehicles. For example, the 1940 Act imposes limits on the amount of leverage that a registered investment company can assume, restricts layering of costs and fees, restricts transactions with affiliated persons and requires that the investment company’s operations be supervised by a board of managers, a majority of whose members are independent of management. However, most of the Portfolio Funds in which the Fund invests are not subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act. Many Portfolio Fund Managers may not be registered as investment advisers under the Advisers Act. As an indirect investor in the Portfolio Funds managed by Portfolio Fund Managers that are not registered as investment advisers, the Fund will not have the benefit of certain of the protections of the Advisers Act.

The Portfolio Funds generally are exempted from regulation under the 1940 Act because they permit investment only by investors who meet very high thresholds of investment experience and sophistication, as measured by net worth. The Fund’s investment qualification thresholds are generally lower. As a result, the Fund provides an avenue for investing in Portfolio Funds that would not otherwise be available to certain investors. This means that investors who would not otherwise qualify to invest in largely unregulated vehicles will have the opportunity to make such an investment through the Fund.

In addition, the Portfolio Funds typically do not maintain their securities and other assets in the custody of a bank or a member of a securities exchange, as generally required of registered investment companies, in accordance with certain SEC rules. A registered investment company which places its securities in the custody of a member of a securities exchange is required to have a written custodian agreement, which provides that securities held in custody will be at all times individually segregated from the securities of any other person and marked to clearly identify such securities as the property of such investment company and which contains other provisions designed to protect the assets of such investment company. The Portfolio Funds in which the Fund will invest may maintain custody of their assets with brokerage firms which do not separately segregate such customer assets as would be required in the case of registered investment companies, or may not use a custodian to hold their assets. Under the provisions of the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, as amended, the bankruptcy of any brokerage firm used to hold Portfolio Fund assets could have a greater adverse effect on the Fund than would be the case if custody of assets were maintained in accordance with the requirements applicable to registered investment companies. There is also a risk that a Portfolio Fund Manager could convert assets committed to it by the Fund to its own use or that a custodian could convert assets committed to it by a Portfolio Fund Manager to its own use. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio Fund Managers or the entities they manage will comply with all applicable laws and that assets entrusted to the Portfolio Fund Managers will be protected.

Prospective investors should understand that the Fund is an appropriate investment only for investors who can tolerate a high degree of risk, including lesser regulatory protections in connection with the Fund’s investments in Portfolio Funds than might normally be available through investments in registered investment company vehicles.

 

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Portfolio Funds are generally non-diversified. While there are no regulatory requirements that the investments of the Portfolio Funds be diversified, some Portfolio Funds may undertake to comply with certain investment concentration limits. Portfolio Funds may at certain times hold large positions in a relatively limited number of investments. Portfolio Funds may target or concentrate their investments in particular markets, sectors or industries. Those Portfolio Funds that concentrate in a specific industry or target a specific sector will also be subject to the risks of that industry or sector, which may include, but are not limited to, rapid obsolescence of technology, sensitivity to regulatory changes, minimal barriers to entry and sensitivity to overall market swings. As a result, the net asset values of such Portfolio Funds may be subject to greater volatility than those of investment companies that are subject to diversification requirements and this may negatively impact the net asset value of the Fund.

Portfolio Funds’ securities are generally illiquid. The securities of the Portfolio Funds in which the Fund invests or plans to invest will generally be illiquid. Subscriptions to purchase the securities of Portfolio Funds are typically subject to restrictions or delays. There is no regular market for interests in the Portfolio Funds or the Portfolio Companies, which typically must be sold in privately negotiated transactions. Any such sales would likely require the consent of the manager of the applicable Portfolio Fund or the board of the Portfolio Company, and could occur at a discount to the stated net asset value. If the Adviser determines to cause the Fund to sell its interest in a Portfolio Fund or a Portfolio Company, the Fund may be unable to sell such interest quickly, if at all, and could therefore be obligated to continue to hold such interest for an extended period of time, or to accept a lower price for a quick sale.

Portfolio Fund operations not transparent. The Adviser does not control the investments or operations of the Portfolio Funds. A Portfolio Fund Manager may employ investment strategies that differ from its past practices and are not fully disclosed to the Adviser and that involve risks that are not anticipated by the Adviser. Some Portfolio Fund Managers may have a limited operating history and some may have limited experience in executing one or more investment strategies to be employed for a Portfolio Fund. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the information given to the Administrator and reports given to the Adviser with respect to the Fund Investments will not be fraudulent, inaccurate or incomplete.

Valuation of the Fund’s interests in Portfolio Funds. The valuation of the Fund’s investments in Portfolio Funds is ordinarily determined based upon valuations provided by the Portfolio Fund Managers of such Portfolio Funds which valuations are generally not audited. A majority of the securities in which the Portfolio Funds invest will not have a readily ascertainable market price and will be valued by the Portfolio Fund Managers. In this regard, a Portfolio Fund Manager may face a conflict of interest in valuing the securities, as their value may affect the Portfolio Fund Manager’s compensation or its ability to raise additional funds. No assurances can be given regarding the valuation methodology or the sufficiency of systems utilized by any Portfolio Fund, the accuracy of the valuations provided by the Portfolio Funds, that the Portfolio Funds will comply with their own internal policies or procedures for keeping records or making valuations, or that the Portfolio Funds’ policies and procedures and systems will not change without notice to the Fund. As a result, valuations of the securities may be subjective and could prove in hindsight to have been wrong, potentially by significant amounts. The Adviser has established a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to oversee the valuation of the Fund Investments pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. The members of the Valuation Committee may face conflicts of interest in overseeing the valuation of the Fund Investments, as the value of the Fund Investments will affect the Adviser’s compensation. Moreover, neither the Valuation Committee nor the Adviser will generally have sufficient information in order to be able to confirm or review the accuracy of valuations provided by Portfolio Fund Managers.

A Portfolio Fund Manager’s information could be inaccurate due to fraudulent activity, misvaluation or inadvertent error. In any case, the Fund may not uncover errors for a significant period of time. Even if the Adviser elects to cause the Fund to sell its interests in such a Portfolio Fund, the Fund may be unable to sell such interests quickly, if at all, and could therefore be obligated to continue to hold such interests for an extended period of time. In such a case, the Portfolio Fund Manager’s valuations of such interests could remain subject to such fraud or error and the Valuation Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine to discount the value of the interests or value them at zero.

Shareholders should be aware that situations involving uncertainties as to the valuations by Portfolio Fund Managers could have a material adverse effect on the Fund if the Portfolio Fund Manager’s, the Adviser’s or the Fund’s judgments regarding valuations should prove incorrect. Prospective investors who are unwilling to assume such risks should not make an investment in the Fund.

Multiple levels of fees and expenses. Although in many cases investor access to the Portfolio Funds may be limited or unavailable, an investor who meets the conditions imposed by a Portfolio Fund may be able to invest directly with the Portfolio Fund. By investing in Portfolio Funds indirectly through the Fund, the investor bears asset-based and performance-based fees

 

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charged by the Fund, in addition to any asset-based fees and performance-based fees and allocations at the Portfolio Fund level. Moreover, an investor in the Fund bears a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the Fund (including, among other things and as applicable, offering expenses, operating costs, sales charges, brokerage transaction expenses, management fees, distribution fees, administrative and custody fees, and tender offer expenses) and, indirectly, similar expenses of the Portfolio Funds. Thus, an investor in the Fund may be subject to higher operating expenses than if he or she invested in a Portfolio Fund directly or in a closed-end fund that did not invest through Portfolio Funds.

Each Portfolio Fund generally will be subject to a performance-based fee or allocation irrespective of the performance of other Portfolio Funds and the Fund generally. Accordingly, a Portfolio Fund Manager to a Portfolio Fund with positive performance may receive performance-based compensation from the Portfolio Fund, and thus indirectly from the Fund and its Shareholders, even if the overall performance of the Fund is negative. Generally, asset-based fees payable to Portfolio Fund Managers of the Portfolio Funds will range from 1% to 2% (annualized) of the commitment amount of the Fund’s investment, and performance-based fees or allocations are typically 20%, although it is possible that such amounts may be exceeded for certain Portfolio Fund Managers. The performance-based compensation received by a Portfolio Fund Manager also may create an incentive for that Portfolio Fund Manager to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than those that it might have made in the absence of such performance-based compensation.

Shareholders that invest in the Fund through financial advisers or intermediaries may also be subject to account fees or charges levied by such parties. Prospective investors should consult with their respective financial advisers or intermediaries for information regarding any fees or charges that may be associated with the services provided by such parties.

Inability to vote. To the extent that the Fund owns less than 5% of the voting securities of each Portfolio Fund, it may be able to avoid that any such Portfolio Fund is deemed an “affiliated person” of the Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act (which designation could, among other things, potentially impose limits on transactions with the Portfolio Funds, both by the Fund and other clients of the Adviser). To limit its voting interest in certain Portfolio Funds, the Fund may enter into contractual arrangements under which the Fund irrevocably waives its rights (if any) to vote its interests in a Portfolio Fund. These voting waiver arrangements may increase the ability of the Fund and other clients of the Adviser to invest in certain Portfolio Funds. However, to the extent the Fund contractually forgoes the right to vote the securities of a Portfolio Fund, the Fund will not be able to vote on matters that require the approval of such Portfolio Fund’s investors, including matters which may be adverse to the Fund’s interests.

There are, however, other statutory tests of affiliation (such as on the basis of control), and, therefore, the prohibitions of the 1940 Act with respect to affiliated transactions could apply in certain situations where the Fund owns less than 5% of the voting securities of a Portfolio Fund. If the Fund is considered to be affiliated with a Portfolio Fund, transactions between the Fund and such Portfolio Fund may, among other things, potentially be subject to the prohibitions of Section 17 of the 1940 Act notwithstanding that the Fund has entered into a voting waiver arrangement.

Consortium or offsetting investments. The Portfolio Fund Managers may invest in consortia, which could result in increased concentration risk where multiple Portfolio Funds in the Fund’s portfolio each invest in a particular underlying company. In other situations, Portfolio Funds may hold economically offsetting positions. To the extent that the Portfolio Fund Managers do, in fact, hold such offsetting positions, the Fund’s portfolio, considered as a whole, may not achieve any gain or loss despite incurring fees and expenses in connection with such positions. In addition, Portfolio Fund Managers are compensated based on the performance of their portfolios. Accordingly, there often may be times when a particular Portfolio Fund Manager may receive incentive compensation in respect of its portfolio for a period even though the Fund’s net asset values may have decreased during such period. Furthermore, it is possible that from time to time, various Portfolio Fund Managers selected by the Adviser may be competing with each other for investments in one or more markets.

Limitations on ability to invest in Portfolio Funds. Certain Portfolio Fund Managers’ investment approaches can accommodate only a certain amount of capital. Portfolio Fund Managers typically endeavor not to undertake to manage more capital than such Portfolio Fund Manager’s approach can accommodate without risking a potential deterioration in returns. Accordingly, each Portfolio Fund Manager has the right to refuse to manage some or all of the Fund’s assets that the Adviser may wish to allocate to such Portfolio Fund Manager. Further, continued sales of Shares would dilute the indirect participation of existing Shareholders with such Portfolio Fund Manager.

In addition, it is expected that the Fund will be able to make investments in particular Portfolio Funds only at certain times, and commitments to Portfolio Funds may not be accepted (in part or in their entirety). As a result, the Fund may hold cash or invest any portion of its assets that is not invested in Portfolio Funds in cash equivalents, short-term securities or money market securities pending investment in Portfolio Funds. To the extent that the Fund’s assets are not invested in Portfolio Funds, the Fund may be unable to meet its investment objective.

 

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Indemnification of Portfolio Funds and Portfolio Fund Managers. The Fund may agree to indemnify certain of the Portfolio Funds and the Portfolio Fund Managers and their respective officers, directors, and affiliates from any liability, damage, cost, or expense arising out of, among other things, acts or omissions undertaken in connection with the management of Portfolio Funds or direct investments. If the Fund were required to make payments (or return distributions received from such Portfolio Funds or direct investments) in respect of any such indemnity, the Fund could be materially adversely affected.

Contingent Liabilities on Disposition of Investments. In connection with the disposition of a Fund Investment, it may be required to make representations about the investment. The Fund may be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations are inaccurate. These arrangements may result in the incurrence of contingent liabilities for which the Adviser may establish reserves and escrows. In that regard, distributions may be delayed or withheld until such reserve is no longer needed or the escrow period expires.

Capital Call Risk. The Fund may maintain a sizeable cash position in anticipation of funding capital calls or near-term investment opportunities. Even though the Fund may maintain a sizeable position in cash and short-term securities, it may not contribute the full amount of its commitment to a fund at the time of investment. Instead, the Fund will be required to make incremental contributions pursuant to capital calls issued from time to time by a Portfolio Fund. If the Fund defaults on its commitment to a Portfolio Fund or fails to satisfy capital calls to a Portfolio Fund in a timely manner then, generally, it will be subject to significant penalties, including the complete forfeiture of the Fund’s investment in the Portfolio Fund. Any failure by the Fund to make timely capital contributions in respect of its commitments may (i) impair the ability of the Fund and the Fund to pursue its investment strategy, (ii) force the Fund to borrow, (iii) indirectly cause the Fund, and, indirectly, the Shareholders to be subject to certain penalties from the Fund Investments (including the complete forfeiture of the Fund’s investment in a Portfolio Fund), or (iv) otherwise impair the value of the Fund’s investments (including the devaluation of the Fund).

Lack of Control. The Fund may indirectly make binding commitments to co-investment vehicles without an ability to participate in their management and control and with no or limited ability to transfer its interests in such co-investment vehicles. The Fund also generally will not have control over any of the underlying portfolio companies and will not be able to direct the policies or management decisions of such portfolio companies.

Availability of Financing and Market Conditions. Market fluctuations in business loans may affect the availability and cost of loans needed for the Fund Investments. Credit availability has been restricted in the past and may become so in the future. Restrictions upon the availability of financing or high interest rates on such loans will adversely affect the value of existing Fund Investments and may limit the Fund’s availability to source and invest in new Fund Investments. Interest paid by any Fund Investment on its debt obligations will reduce cash available for distributions. Interest rates are currently low compared to prior periods. If any Fund Investment incurs variable rate debt, increases in interest rates would increase its interest costs, which could reduce the Fund’s return on its investments.

Termination of the Fund’s Interest in a Portfolio Fund. A Portfolio Fund may, among other things, terminate the Fund’s interest in that Portfolio Fund (causing a forfeiture of all or a portion of such interest) if the Fund fails to satisfy any capital call by that Portfolio Fund or if the continued participation of the Fund in the Portfolio Fund would have a material adverse effect on the Portfolio Fund or its assets.

Risks Related to Portfolio Companies

Limited Operating History of Portfolio Companies. Portfolio Companies may have limited operating histories by which to assess their ability to achieve, sustain and increase revenues or profitability. A Portfolio Company’s financial results will be affected by many factors, including (i) the ability to successfully identify a market or markets in which there is a need for its products; (ii) the ability to successfully negotiate strategic alliances, licensing and other relationships for product development, marketing, distribution and sales; (iii) the progress of research and development programs with respect to the development of additional products and enhancements to existing products; (iv) the ability to protect proprietary rights; and (v) competing technological and market developments, particularly companies that have substantially greater resources. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio Companies will ever achieve significant commercial revenues or profitability.

Risks Associated with Management of Growth. To achieve their projected revenues and other targeted operating results, the Portfolio Companies may be required to rapidly implement and improve operational, financial and management control systems on a timely basis, together with maintaining effective cost controls, and any failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition and results of operations. The success of their growth plans will depend in part upon their ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate key personnel. Failure to make the required expansions and upgrades could have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition, results of operations and relationships with their corporate partners. The results of operations for the companies will also be adversely affected if revenues do not increase sufficiently to compensate for the increase in operating expenses resulting from any expansion and there can be no assurance that any expansion will be profitable or will not adversely affect their results of operations.

 

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Reliance on Portfolio Company Management. The day-to-day operations of each Portfolio Company will be the responsibility of its own management team. Although the Adviser will monitor the performance of investments and will screen for capable management skills, there can be no assurance that such management will be able to operate any such Portfolio Company in accordance with the Fund’s expectations. In addition, the loss to a Portfolio Company of a member of its management team could be detrimental to the development of the Portfolio Company.

Market Uncertainties. Even if the Portfolio Companies’ product and service development efforts are successful, their ultimate success will depend upon market acceptance of the concepts, the products and the services. The Portfolio Companies may not have engaged in any formal market research studies with respect to the establishment of a market for their products. There can be no assurance that performance errors and deficiencies will not be found, or if found, that they will be able to successfully correct such performance errors and deficiencies in a timely manner or at all. Even if the concepts gain initial market acceptance, competitors are likely to introduce concepts with comparable price and performance characteristics. This competition may result in reduced future market acceptance for their products and decreasing sales and lower gross margins which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Fund and the Portfolio Companies.

No Assurance of Additional Capital for Investments. Even if a Portfolio Company is successful generating revenues and expanding its service offerings, it may require additional financing to continue product and service development, testing and, ultimately, marketing and other operational activities. Moreover, its cash requirements may vary materially due to service development results, service testing results, changing relationships with strategic partners, changes in the focus and direction of its research and development programs, competitive and technological advances of competitors, and other factors. Additional financing may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms. If additional financing is not available, the Portfolio Company may need to delay, scale back or eliminate certain of its product development, marketing or other activities, or even be forced to cease operations and liquidate.

Risks Related to Secondary Investments

General Risks of Secondary Investments. The overall performance of the Fund’s secondary investments will depend in large part on the acquisition price paid, which may be negotiated based on incomplete or imperfect information. Certain secondary investments may be purchased as a portfolio, and in such cases the Fund may not be able to exclude from such purchases those investments that the Adviser considers (for commercial, tax, legal or other reasons) less attractive. Where the Fund acquires a portfolio company interest as a secondary investment, the Fund will generally not have the ability to modify or amend such portfolio company’s constituent documents (e.g., limited partnership agreements) or otherwise negotiate the economic terms of the interests being acquired. In addition, the costs and resources required to investigate the commercial, tax and legal issues relating to secondary investments may be greater than those relating to primary investments.

Contingent Liabilities Associated with Secondary Investments. Where the Fund acquires a Portfolio Company interest as a secondary investment, the Fund may acquire contingent liabilities associated with such interest. Specifically, where the seller has received distributions from the relevant Portfolio Company and, subsequently, that Portfolio Company recalls any portion of such distributions, the Fund (as the purchaser of the interest to which such distributions are attributable) may be obligated to pay an amount equivalent to such distributions to such Portfolio Company. While the Fund may be able, in turn, to make a claim against the seller of the interest for any monies so paid to the Portfolio Company, there can be no assurance that the Fund would have such right or prevail in any such claim.

Risks relating to secondary investments involving syndicates. The Fund may acquire secondary investments as a member of a purchasing syndicate, in which case the Fund may be exposed to additional risks including (among other things): (i) counterparty risk, (ii) reputation risk, (iii) breach of confidentiality by a syndicate member and (iv) execution risk.

Risks Related to Publicly Traded Securities

Securities Markets Risk. Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests. Factors such as domestic and foreign economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the securities and derivatives markets. Equity securities may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific industries, sectors, or companies in which the Fund invests. When the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.

Liquidity and Valuation Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time the Adviser would like or at the price it believes the security is currently worth. Liquidity risk may be increased for certain Fund

 

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investments, including those investments in funds with gating provisions or other limitations on investor withdrawals and restricted or illiquid securities. Some funds in which the Fund invests may impose restrictions on when an investor may withdraw its investment or limit the amounts an investor may withdraw. To the extent that the Adviser seeks to reduce or sell out of its investment at a time or in an amount that is prohibited, the Fund may not have the liquidity necessary to participate in other investment opportunities or may need to sell other investments that it may not have otherwise sold.

The Fund may also invest in securities that, at the time of investment, are illiquid, as determined by using the SEC’s standard applicable to registered investment companies (i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of by the Fund within seven calendar days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities). Illiquid and restricted securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid and restricted securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of such securities. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid and restricted securities may also restrict the Fund’s ability to take advantage of market opportunities.

Valuation risk is the risk that one or more of the securities in which the Fund invests are priced differently than the value realized upon such security’s sale. In times of market instability, valuation may be more difficult, in which case the Adviser’s judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process.

Publicly Traded Private Equity Risk. Publicly traded private equity companies are typically regulated vehicles listed on a public stock exchange that invest in private equity transactions or funds. Such vehicles may take the form of corporations, business development companies, unit trusts, publicly traded partnerships, or other structures, and may focus on mezzanine, infrastructure, buyout or venture capital investments. Publicly traded private equity may also include investments in publicly listed companies in connection with a privately negotiated financing or an attempt to exercise significant influence on the subject of the investment. Publicly traded private equity investments usually have an indefinite duration.

Publicly traded private equity occupies a small portion of the public equity universe, including only a few professional investors who focus on and actively trade such vehicles. As a result, relatively little market research is performed on publicly traded private equity companies, only limited public data may be available regarding these vehicles and their underlying investments, and market pricing may significantly deviate from published net asset value. This can result in market inefficiencies and may offer opportunities to specialists that can value the underlying private equity investments.

Publicly traded private equity vehicles are typically liquid and capable of being traded daily, in contrast to direct investments and private equity funds, in which capital is subject to lengthy holding periods. Accordingly, publicly traded private equity transactions are significantly easier to execute than other types of private equity investments, giving investors an opportunity to adjust the investment level of their portfolios more efficiently.

Limits of Risk Disclosure

The above discussions and the discussions in the SAI relating to various risks associated with the Fund, Fund Investments, and Shares are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or explanation of the risks involved in an investment in the Fund. Prospective investors should read this entire Prospectus, the SAI, and the Declaration of Trust and should consult with their own advisers before deciding whether to invest in the Fund. In addition, as the Fund’s investment program or market conditions change or develop over time, an investment in the Fund may be subject to risk factors not currently contemplated or described in this Prospectus.

In view of the risks noted above, the Fund should be considered a speculative investment and prospective investors should invest in the Fund only if they can sustain a complete loss of their investment.

No guarantee or representation is made that the investment program of the Fund or any Portfolio Fund will be successful, that the various Fund Investments selected will produce positive returns or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

The Board of Trustees

The Board has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the business operations of the Fund on behalf of the Shareholders. A majority of Trustees of the Board are and will be persons who are not “interested persons,” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”). To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and other applicable law, the Board may delegate any of its rights, powers and authority to, among others, the officers of the Fund, any committee of the Board, service providers or the Adviser. See “Board of Trustees and Officers” in the Fund’s SAI for the identities of the Trustees and executive officers of the Fund, brief biographical information regarding each of them, and other information regarding the election and membership of the Board.

 

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The Adviser

Primark Advisors LLC (“Primark” or the “Adviser”), located at 205 Detroit Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado, serves as the investment adviser of the Fund and will be responsible for determining and implementing the Fund’s overall investment strategy, including direct investments. The Adviser, formed in 2020, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Primark Capital LLC (“Primark Capital”), an asset management company focused on providing investors with exposure to private market transactions, and is focused on investing in the lower middle market in private equity. The Adviser is an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act.

Management Team – Primark

The personnel who currently have primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund are:

Michael Bell is a Managing Director of Primark and has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2020. Prior to Primark, Mr. Bell was the CEO of Global Financial Private Capital, a $6 billion registered investment adviser that he acquired with a family office investor in 2015, and recently sold to a U.S. investment management company in 2019. Prior to that, from 2003 through 2014 he built, managed and was the CEO for the retail asset management complex for Jackson National Life Insurance, which consisted of a $12 billion national registered investment adviser managing more than 30 investment strategies and a $10 billion alternative mutual fund complex that launched more than 50 alternative investment funds. Previously, he was a corporate finance attorney specializing in M&A and public equity offerings for Latham & Watkins from 1993 through 1999 and was a CPA for KPMG from 1985 through 1988. He holds a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia and a JD from West Virginia University.

Adam Goldman is a Managing Director of Primark and has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2020. Prior to Primark, Mr. Goldman was a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Red Rocks Capital, Denver, Colorado, from 2003 to 2017. Red Rocks Capital created the first liquid index tracking the performance of the private equity asset class: The Listed Private Equity Index and the Global Listed Private Equity Index. The indices are licensed to Invesco and used for the Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF. In addition, Mr. Goldman as a portfolio manager at Red Rocks Capital actively managed/advised $1.9 billion in global private equity assets for institutional clients. Previously he served as a General Partner and Managing Director in four separate venture funds with Centennial Ventures, Denver, Colorado, from 1992 through 2002. Centennial Ventures focused on early stage and consolidation opportunity investments in the telecommunications, media, and telecom technology sectors, managing approximately $1 billion in private funds. Prior to joining Centennial Ventures, Mr. Goldman was an Associate with Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, in Chicago, Illinois from 1989 through 1991 and a Portfolio Manager with the Pritzker family’s investment arm in 1988 in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of 22, Mr. Goldman purchased a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade, became a Market Maker, and traded financial instruments and options for his personal account from 1982 to 1987. He was one of the youngest members to be admitted to the Board of Trade. He holds a BA in Economics from Northwestern University and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.

Mark Sunderhuse is a Managing Director of Primark and has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2020. Prior to Primark, Mr. Sunderhuse was a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Red Rocks Capital, Denver, Colorado, from 2003 to 2017. Red Rocks Capital created the first liquid index tracking the performance of the private equity asset class: The Listed Private Equity Index and the Global Listed Private Equity Index. The indices are licensed to Invesco and used for the Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF. In addition, Mr. Sunderhuse was a portfolio manager at Red Rocks Capital actively managed/advised $1.9 billion in global private equity assets for institutional clients. Previously, he was a portfolio manager for Berger Funds, Janus Capital Group, Crestone Capital and Well Fargo (Norwest) managing multiple small cap growth funds each in excess of $1 billion. He acquired multiple investment platforms for the Berger/ Janus organization including Bay Isle, Perkins Wolfe and McDonell. Mr. Sunderhuse was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Colorado Fire and Police Pension Board. He attended the University of Colorado and served on the Board of Trustees for the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business.

Investment Management Agreement

Under the general oversight of the Board, the Adviser has been engaged to continuously furnish an investment program with respect to the Fund and to furnish such other services necessary to sponsor and manage the Fund that are not specifically delegated to other service providers of the Fund, including overseeing the work that is delegated to other service providers of the Fund. The Adviser compensates all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the Adviser’s organization and who render investment services to the Fund.

 

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Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser agrees to manage the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies and determine what investments will be purchased, held, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion, if any, of the assets of the Fund will be held uninvested. The Adviser bears its own operating and overhead expenses attributable to its duties under the Investment Management Agreement (such as salaries, bonuses, rent, office and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, and auditing expenses). The Fund bears all other costs of its operations, including, without limitation, the expenses set forth in “Fund Expenses” below.

The Adviser may earn a profit on the Management Fee paid by the Fund. Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser, and not Shareholders, would benefit from any price decreases in third-party services, including decreases resulting from an increase in net assets.

A discussion regarding the considerations of the Fund’s Board for approving the Investment Management Agreement will be included in the Fund’s first annual or semi-annual report to shareholders.

MANAGEMENT FEE

The Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser as compensation under the Investment Management Agreement a fee in the amount of 1.50% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Management Fee is paid to the Adviser out of the Fund’s assets and decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund.

Separately from the contractual expense limitation referenced under “Summary of Fund Expenses” above, the Adviser may voluntarily reimburse any fees and expenses of the Fund but is under no obligation to do so. The Adviser may but is not obligated to waive up to 0.50% of the Management Fee on cash and cash equivalents held in the Fund from time to time. Any such voluntary reimbursements may be terminated at any time.

A portion of the Management Fee may be paid to brokers or dealers that assist in the distribution of Shares.

DISTRIBUTOR

The Fund continuously offers the Shares at their NAV per Share through Foreside Financial Services, LLC, the principal underwriter and distributor of the Shares (the “Distributor”). The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement with the Distributor, Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor serves on a best efforts basis, subject to various conditions. The Distributor is not required to buy any Shares and does not intend to make a market in the Shares. There is no sales charge for purchases of Shares.

Under the Fund’s Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is also responsible for entering into agreements with broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries (“Selling Agents”) to assist in the distribution of the Shares, reviewing the Fund’s proposed advertising materials and sales literature and making certain filings with regulators. For these services, the Distributor receives an annual fee from the Adviser. The Adviser is also responsible for paying any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Distributor in providing services under the Distribution Agreement.

Under the Fund’s Distribution Agreement with the Distributor, the Fund agrees to indemnify the Distributor and its control persons against certain liabilities including those that may arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the 1940 Act as a result of: (1) the Distributor serving as distributor of the Fund pursuant to the agreement; (2) the Fund’s breach of any of its obligations, representations, warranties or covenants contained in the agreement; (3) the Fund’s failure to comply with any applicable securities laws or regulations; or (4) untrue statements of material fact or the omissions of material facts required to make statements not misleading in Fund offering materials, sales materials and shareholder reports.

The Distributor may engage one or more Selling Agents to assist in the distribution of Shares. Selling Agents may charge a separate fee for their service in conjunction with an investment in the Fund and/or maintenance of investor accounts. Such a fee is not a sales load imposed by the Fund or the Distributor and will be in addition to the fees charged or paid by the Fund. The payment of these fees and the effect of these fees on the performance of a shareholder’s investment in Shares will not be reflected in the performance returns of Shares.

Selling Agents may also impose terms and conditions on investor accounts and investments in the Fund that are in addition to the terms and conditions described in this Prospectus and are not imposed by the Fund, the Distributor or any other Fund service providers. These terms and conditions may affect or limit a prospective or current shareholder’s ability to purchase Shares, a current shareholder’s ability to tender Shares to the Fund for repurchase or to otherwise transact business with the Fund. Services provided by Selling Agents may vary. Shareholders investing in Shares through a Selling Agent should consult with the Selling Agent regarding the terms and conditions related to accounts held at the Selling Agent, services provided to such accounts and related service fees as well as operational limitations of the Selling Agent.

 

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The Adviser shall pay for any distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional services rendered to the Shares including payments to Selling Agents for the sale of Shares and related shareholder services and payments to other entities marketing the Fund. These expenses are not reflected in the expense table included in this Prospectus. Payments to Selling Agents or other entities marketing the Fund create conflicts of interest by influencing the Selling Agent, marketing entity and your salesperson to recommend Shares over another investment. These payments may also benefit the Adviser, the Distributor and their respective affiliates if these payments result in an increase in the NAV of Shares, the value upon which any fees payable by the Fund to these entities are based.

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN

Distribution and Service Plan

Subject to the receipt of an exemptive order from the SEC, the Fund intends to adopt a Distribution and Service Plan with respect to Class III Shares in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distribution and Service Plan will not be implemented until the Fund receives an exemptive order from the SEC. There is no assurance that the Fund will be granted the exemptive order. The Distribution and Service Plan will allow the Fund to pay distribution and service (12b-1) fees for the sale and servicing of its Class III Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Fund will be permitted to pay as compensation to the Fund’s Distributor and/or other qualified recipients 0.25% on an annualized basis of the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to Class III Shares (the “Distribution and Service Fee”). Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of an investment and may cost more than paying other types of sales charges. Class III Shares will not be offered until the Fund has received an exemptive order from the SEC permitting the adoption of the Distribution and Service Plan. Class I Shares and Class II Shares are not subject to the Distribution and Service Fee.

The Distribution and Service Fee to be paid to the Distributor for distribution of each class of Shares under the Distribution and Service Plan is as follows:

 

Class

   Distribution and Service Fee  

Class I Shares

     None  

Class II Shares

     None  

Class III Shares

     0.25

Shareholder Servicing Plan

Subject to the receipt of an exemptive order from the SEC, the Fund intends to adopt a Shareholder Servicing Plan with respect to Class II Shares. The Shareholder Servicing Plan will not be implemented until the Fund receives an exemptive order from the SEC. There is no assurance that the Fund will be granted the exemptive order. The Shareholder Servicing Plan will allow the Fund to pay shareholder servicing fees in respect of Shareholders holding Class II Shares. Under the Shareholder Servicing Plan, the Fund will be permitted to pay as compensation to qualified recipients up to 0.10% on an annualized basis of the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to Class II Shares (the “Shareholder Servicing Fee”). Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of an investment and may cost more than paying other types of sales charges. Class II Shares will not be offered until the Fund has received an exemptive order from the SEC permitting the adoption of the Shareholder Service Plan. Class I Shares and Class III Shares are not subject to the Shareholder Servicing Fee.

The Shareholder Servicing Fee to be paid in respect of each class of Shares under the Shareholder Servicing Plan is as follows:

 

Class

   Shareholder Servicing Fee  

Class I Shares

     None  

Class II Shares

     0.10

Class III Shares

     None  

 

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SERVICES

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator” or “Ultimus”), 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249, provides certain administrative, accounting and transfer agency services to the Fund pursuant to a Master Services Agreement between the Fund and the Administrator (the “Master Services Agreement”) and compliance services to the Fund pursuant to a Compliance Services Consulting Agreement. For its services, the Fund pays the Administrator a fee and separate fixed fees to make certain filings and for supplying the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer and related compliance services. The Fund also reimburses the Administrator for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the Fund’s behalf. The fees are accrued and paid monthly by the Fund and the administrative fees are based on the average net assets for the prior month and subject to monthly minimums.

The Administrator administers the Fund’s operations in such manner and to such extent as may be authorized by the Board. Administration services include, but are not limited to: (1) overseeing the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Fund by others, including its custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent as well as legal, auditing, shareholder servicing and other services performed for the Fund; (2) preparing for filing and filing certain regulatory filings subject to Fund counsel and/or independent auditor oversight; (3) overseeing the preparation and filing of the Fund’s tax returns, financial statements and related reports to the Fund’s shareholders, the SEC and state and other securities administrators; (4) providing the Fund with adequate general office space and facilities and persons suitable to the Board to serve as officers of the Fund; (5) assisting the Adviser in monitoring Fund holdings for compliance with prospectus investment restrictions and in the preparation of periodic compliance reports; and (6) with the cooperation of the Adviser, the officers of the Fund and other relevant parties, preparing and disseminating materials for meetings of the Board.

The Master Services Agreement continues in effect, unless earlier terminated by the Fund or the Administrator, through [●], 2023. Thereafter, unless otherwise terminated, the Master Services Agreement shall be renewed automatically for successive one-year periods. Either party may terminate the Master Services Agreement with or without cause, but only upon the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, by giving the other party 120 days’ prior written notice. Either party may terminate the Master Services Agreement with good cause (as defined under the Master Services Agreement) on at least thirty days’ written notice to the other party.

Under the Master Services Agreement, the Administrator is liable for any damages resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence of the Administrator as a result of the performance or non-performance by the Administrator of its obligations and duties under the agreement. In addition, the Administrator will not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, punitive, consequential or exemplary damages or lost profits, of any kind whatsoever under any provision of the Master Services Agreement or for any such damages arising out of any act or failure to act thereunder.

CUSTODIAN

UMB Bank, n.a. (the “Custodian”) serves as the primary custodian of the assets of the Fund and may maintain custody of such assets with U.S. and non-U.S. sub-custodians (which may be banks and trust companies), securities depositories and clearing agencies in accordance with the requirements of Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Assets of the Fund are not held by the Adviser or commingled with the assets of other accounts other than to the extent that securities are held in the name of the Custodian or U.S. or non-U.S. sub-custodians in a securities depository, clearing agency or omnibus customer account of such custodian. The Custodian’s principal business address is 1010 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106.

FUND EXPENSES

Fund Operating Expenses

The Fund will bear all expenses and costs incurred in the conduct of the Fund’s business, including, without limitation the following: (i) all of the legal and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the organization of the Fund and the offering of its shares; (ii) ordinary administrative and operating expenses, including the Management Fee and all expenses associated with the pricing of Fund assets; (iii) risk management expenses; (iv) ordinary and recurring investment expenses, including all fees and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Fund’s account (including brokerage, clearing, and settlement costs), custodial costs, and interest charges; (v) professional fees (including, without limitation, expenses of consultants, experts, and specialists); (vi) fees and expenses in connection with repurchase offers and any repurchases or redemptions of Fund shares of beneficial interest; (vii) office space, office supplies, facilities and equipment for the Fund; (viii) executive and other personnel for managing the affairs of the Fund, other than for the provision of portfolio

 

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management services provided by the Adviser; (ix) any of the costs of preparing, printing and distributing sales literature; (x) compensation of trustees of the Fund who are not directors, officers or employees of the Adviser or of any affiliated person (other than a registered investment company) of the Adviser; (xi) registration, filing and other fees in connection with requirements of regulatory authorities; (xii) the charges and expenses of any entity appointed by the Fund for custodial, paying agent, shareholder servicing and plan agent services; (xiii) charges and expenses of independent accountants retained by the Fund; (xiv) charges and expenses of any transfer agents and registrars appointed by the Fund; (xv) brokers’ commissions and issue and transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with securities transactions to which the Fund is a party; (xvi) taxes and fees payable by the Fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies; (xvii) any cost of certificates representing shares of the Fund; (xviii) legal fees and expenses in connection with the affairs of the Fund, including registering and qualifying its shares with federal and state regulatory authorities; (xix) expenses of meetings of shareholders and trustees of the Fund; (xx) interest, including interest on borrowings by the Fund; (xxi) the costs of services, including services of counsel and any of the costs of printing and mailing, required in connection with the preparation of the Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses, including amendments and revisions thereto, annual, semiannual and other periodic reports of the Fund, and notices and proxy solicitation material furnished to shareholders of the Fund or regulatory authorities; (xxii) the Fund’s expenses of bookkeeping, accounting, auditing and financial reporting, including related clerical expenses; (xxiii) all filing costs, fees, and any other expenses which are directly related to the investment of the Fund’s assets; and (xxiv) any extraordinary expenses, including any litigation expenses.

The Portfolio Funds will bear various fees and expenses in connection with their operations. These fees and expenses are similar to those incurred by the Fund. In addition, the Portfolio Funds will pay asset-based fees to their Portfolio Fund Managers and generally may pay performance-based fees or allocations to their Portfolio Fund Managers, which effectively reduce the investment returns of the Portfolio Funds. These expenses, fees, and allocations are in addition to those incurred by the Fund directly. As an investor in the Portfolio Funds, the Fund will bear a portion of the expenses and fees of the Portfolio Funds. Such indirect fees and expenses are borne by the Fund.

The Adviser will bear all of its own routine overhead expenses, including rent, utilities, salaries, office equipment and communications expenses. In addition, the Adviser is responsible for the payment of the compensation and expenses of those members of the Board and officers of the Fund affiliated with the Adviser, and making available, without expense to the Fund, the services of such individuals, subject to their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law.

The Adviser may be entitled to receive topping, break-up, monitoring, directors’ organizational, set-up, advisory, investment banking, syndication and other similar fees in connection with the purchase, monitoring or disposition of Fund Investments or from unconsummated transactions. Any such fees earned in respect of the Fund Investments shall be for the benefit of the Fund.

Expense Limitation Agreement

The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the Fund, whereby the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fee payable to it (but not below zero), and to pay any operating expenses of the Fund, to the extent necessary to limit the operating expenses of the Fund, excluding certain “Excluded Expenses” listed below, to the annual rate (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the applicable class of Shares of the Fund) of 1.60%, 2.00% and 2.25% with respect to Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares, respectively (the “Expense Cap”). Excluded Expenses that are not covered by the Expense Cap include: brokerage commissions and other similar transactional expenses, interest (including interest incurred on borrowed funds and interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts), other borrowing costs and fees including interest and commitment fees, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation and indemnification expenses, judgments, and extraordinary expenses.

If the Adviser waives its Management Fee or pays any operating expenses of the Fund pursuant to the Expense Cap, the Adviser may, for a period ending three years after the end of the month in which such fees or expenses are waived or incurred, recoup amounts waived or incurred to the extent such recoupment does not cause the Fund’s operating expense ratio (after recoupment and excluding the Excluded Expenses) to exceed the Expense Cap.

The Expense Limitation Agreement is expected to continue in effect for at least one year from the effective date of the Prospectus, and will renew automatically for successive periods of one year thereafter, unless written notice of termination is provided by the Adviser to the Fund not less than 10 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

The Fund’s expenses incurred and to be incurred in connection with the Fund’s organization are not expected to exceed $[●]. The Fund’s expenses incurred and to be incurred in connection with the initial offering of Shares will be amortized by the Fund over the 12-month period beginning on the closing date of the initial offering and are not expected to exceed $[●]. The Fund will also bear directly certain ongoing offering costs associated with any periodic offers of Shares, which will be expensed as they are incurred. Offering costs cannot be deducted by the Fund or the Shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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The Fund’s fees and expenses will decrease the net profits or increase the net losses of the Fund.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Fund may be subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest, including, but not limited to, those set forth in further detail below.

The Adviser may from time to time engage in financial advisory activities that are independent from, and may conflict with, those of the Fund. In the future, there might arise instances where the interests of the Adviser conflict with the interests of the Fund. The Adviser may from time to time provide services to, invest in, advise, sponsor and/or act as investment manager to investment vehicles and other persons or entities (including prospective investors in the Fund), which may have structures, investment objectives and/or policies that are similar to (or different than) those of the Fund, and which may compete with the Fund for investment opportunities. In addition, the Adviser and its respective clients may from time to time invest in securities that would be appropriate for the Fund or the Portfolio Funds and may compete with the Portfolio Funds for investment opportunities. By acquiring Shares of the Fund, each Shareholder will be deemed to have acknowledged the existence of any such actual and potential conflicts of interest and to have waived any claim with respect to any liability arising from the existence of any such conflict of interest, except as may otherwise be provided under the provisions of applicable state law or Federal securities law which cannot be waived or modified.

Although the Adviser will seek to allocate investment opportunities among the Fund and its other clients in a fair and reasonable manner, there can be no assurance that an investment opportunity which comes to the attention of the Adviser will be appropriate for the Fund or will be referred to the Fund. The Adviser is not obligated to refer any investment opportunity to the Fund.

The directors, partners, trustees, managers, members, officers and employees of the Adviser may buy and sell securities or other investments for their own accounts. As a result of differing trading and investment strategies or constraints, investments may be made by directors, partners, trustees, managers, members, officers and employees that are the same, different from or made at different times than investments made for the Fund. To reduce the possibility that the Fund will be materially adversely affected by the personal trading described above, each of the Fund and the Adviser have adopted codes of ethics (collectively, the “Codes of Ethics”) in compliance with Section 17(j) of the 1940 Act that restricts securities trading in the personal accounts of investment professionals and others who normally come into possession of information regarding the portfolio transactions of the Fund. The Codes of Ethics are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by email at publicinfo@sec.gov.

Allocation of the Adviser’s time

The Fund substantially relies on the Adviser to manage the day-to-day activities of the Fund and to implement the Fund’s investment strategy. The Adviser may in the future be involved with activities that are unrelated to the Fund. For example, the Adviser is not restricted from forming additional investment funds, from entering into other investment advisory relationships or from engaging in other business activities, even though such activities may be in competition with the Fund and/or may involve substantial time and resources of the Adviser. These activities could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest in that the time and effort of the Adviser and its officers and employees will not be devoted exclusively to the Fund’s business but will be allocated between the Fund and the management of the assets of other clients of the Adviser. The Adviser and its employees will devote only as much of their time to the Fund’s business as the Adviser and its employees, in their judgment, determine is reasonably required, which may be substantially less than their full time. Therefore, the Adviser and its employees may experience conflicts of interest in allocating management time, services and functions among the Fund and any other business ventures in which they or any of their key personnel, as applicable, are or may become involved. This could result in actions that are more favorable to other entities than to the Fund.

Nevertheless, the Fund believes that the members of the Adviser’s senior management and the other key professionals have sufficient time to fully discharge their responsibilities to the Fund and to the other businesses in which they are involved. The Fund believes that its executive officers will devote the time required to manage the business and expect that the amount of time a particular executive officer devotes to the Fund will vary during the course of the year and depend on the Fund’s business activities at the given time.

Compensation arrangements

The Adviser will receive fees from the Fund in return for its services, and these fees could influence the advice provided by the Adviser. Among other matters, the compensation arrangements could affect the Adviser’s judgment with respect to offerings of equity by the Fund, which allow the Adviser to earn increased Management Fees.

 

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DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income. From time to time, the Fund may also pay special interim distributions in the form of cash or Shares at the discretion of the Board. A Shareholder’s dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested if the Shareholder does not instruct the Administrator otherwise. A Shareholder who elects not to reinvest will receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Fund may limit the extent to which any distributions that are returns of capital may be reinvested in the Fund.

Any distributions reinvested will nevertheless remain subject to U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) taxation to Shareholders. The Fund may finance its cash distributions to Shareholders from any sources of funds available to the Fund, including offering proceeds, borrowings, net investment income from operations, capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets (including Fund Investments), non-capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets (including Fund Investments), dividends or other distributions paid to the Fund on account of preferred and common equity investments by the Fund in Portfolio Funds and/or Portfolio Companies and expense reimbursements from the Adviser. The Fund has not established limits on the amount of funds the Fund may use from available sources to make distributions.

Each year a statement on IRS Form 1099-DIV (or successor form) identifying the character (e.g., as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or long-term capital gain) of the distributions will be mailed to Shareholders. The Fund’s distributions may exceed the Fund’s earnings, especially during the period before the Fund has substantially invested the proceeds from this offering. As a result, a portion of the distributions the Fund makes may represent a return of capital for U.S. federal tax purposes. A return of capital generally is a return of a Shareholder’s investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from the Fund’s investment activities and will be made after deduction of the fees and expenses payable in connection with the offering, including any fees payable to the Adviser. See “Certain Tax considerations.” There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to pay distributions at a specific rate or at all.

The Fund intends to elect to be treated, beginning with the taxable year ending September 30, 2020, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment, the Fund must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of its net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. A RIC may satisfy the 90% distribution requirement by distributing dividends (other than capital gain dividends) during the taxable year (including dividends declared in October, November or December of a taxable year that, if paid in the following January, are treated as paid by a RIC and received by its shareholders in the prior taxable year). In addition, a RIC may, in certain cases, satisfy the 90% distribution requirement by distributing dividends relating to a taxable year after the close of such taxable year under the “spillover dividend” provisions of the Code. If a RIC makes a spillover dividend the amounts will be included in IRS Form 1099-DIV for the year the spillover distribution is paid.

The Fund can offer no assurance that it will achieve results that will permit the Fund to pay any cash distributions. If the Fund issues senior securities, the Fund will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes the Fund to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of the Fund’s borrowings. See “Certain Tax considerations.”

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

Unless a Shareholder is ineligible or otherwise elects, all distributions of dividends (including capital gain dividends) with respect to a class of Shares will be automatically reinvested by the Fund in additional Shares of the corresponding class, which will be issued at the net asset value per Share determined as of the ex-dividend date. Election not to reinvest dividends and to instead receive all dividends and capital gain distributions in cash may be made by contacting the Administrator at PO Box 541150, Omaha, NE 68154-9150 or 877-792-0924.

OUTSTANDING SECURITIES

As of the date of this Prospectus, there were no outstanding Shares of the Fund.

 

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PERIODIC REPURCHASE OFFERS

The Fund is a closed-end interval fund and, to provide liquidity and the ability to receive NAV on a disposition of at least a portion of your Shares, makes periodic offers to repurchase Shares. No shareholder will have the right to require the Fund to repurchase its Shares, except as permitted by the Fund’s interval structure. No public market for the Shares exists, and none is expected to develop in the future. Consequently, shareholders generally will not be able to liquidate their investment other than as a result of repurchases of their Shares by the Fund, and then only on a limited basis.

The Fund has adopted, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy, which cannot be changed without shareholder approval, requiring the Fund to offer to repurchase at least 5% and up to 25% of its Shares at the applicable NAV per Share on a regular schedule. Although the policy permits repurchases of between 5% and 25% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares, for each quarterly repurchase offer, the Fund currently expects to offer to repurchase 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at the applicable NAV per Share, subject to approval of the Board. The schedule requires the Fund to make repurchase offers every three months.

Repurchase Dates

The Fund will make quarterly repurchase offers every three months. As discussed below, the date on which the repurchase price for Shares is determined will occur no later than the 14th day after the Repurchase Request Deadline (or the next business day, if the 14th day is not a business day).

Repurchase Request Deadline

The date by which shareholders wishing to tender Shares for repurchase must respond to the repurchase offer will be no more than fourteen days before the Repurchase Pricing Date (defined below). When a repurchase offer commences, the Fund sends, at least 21 days before the Repurchase Request Deadline, written notice to each shareholder setting forth, among other things:

 

   

The percentage of outstanding Shares that the Fund is offering to repurchase and how the Fund will purchase Shares on a pro rata basis if the offer is oversubscribed.

 

   

The date on which a shareholder’s repurchase request is due.

 

   

The date that will be used to determine the Fund’s NAV applicable to the repurchase offer (the “Repurchase Pricing Date”).

 

   

The date by which the Fund will pay to shareholders the proceeds from their Shares accepted for repurchase.

 

   

The NAV of the Shares as of a date no more than seven days before the date of the written notice and the means by which shareholders may ascertain the NAV per Share.

 

   

The procedures by which shareholders may tender their Shares and the right of shareholders to withdraw or modify their tenders before the Repurchase Request Deadline.

 

   

The circumstances in which the Fund may suspend or postpone the repurchase offer.

This notice may be included in a shareholder report or other Fund document. Shareholders that hold Shares through a financial intermediary will need to ask their financial intermediary to submit their repurchase requests and tender Shares on their behalf. The Repurchase Request Deadline will be strictly observed. If a Shareholder’s repurchase request is not submitted to the Fund’s transfer agent in properly completed form by the Repurchase Request Deadline, the Shareholder will be unable to sell his or her Shares to the Fund until a subsequent repurchase offer, and the Shareholder’s request for that offer must be resubmitted. If a Shareholder’s Authorized Intermediary will submit his or her repurchase request, the Shareholder should submit his or her request to the Authorized Intermediary in the form requested by the Authorized Intermediary sufficiently in advance of the Repurchase Request Deadline to allow the Authorized Intermediary to submit the request to the Fund. If a Shareholder’s Authorized Intermediary is unable or fails to submit the Shareholder’s request to the Fund in a timely manner, or if the Shareholder fails to submit his or her request to the Shareholder’s Authorized Intermediary, the Shareholder will be unable to sell his or her Shares to the Fund until a subsequent repurchase offer, and the Shareholder’s request for that offer must be resubmitted. Shareholders may withdraw or change a repurchase request with a proper instruction submitted in good form at any point before the Repurchase Request Deadline.

 

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Determination of Repurchase Price and Payment for Shares

The Repurchase Pricing Date will occur no later than the 14th day after the Repurchase Request Deadline (or the next business day, if the 14th day is not a business day). The Fund expects to distribute payment to Shareholders between one (1) and three (3) business days after the Repurchase Pricing Date and will distribute such payment no later than seven (7) calendar days after such date. The Fund’s NAV per Share may change materially between the date a repurchase offer is mailed and the Repurchase Request Deadline, and it may also change materially between the Repurchase Request Deadline and Repurchase Pricing Date. The method by which the Fund calculates NAV is discussed below under “Net Asset Value.” During the period an offer to repurchase is open, Shareholders may obtain the current NAV by visiting the Fund’s website (www.primarkcapital.com) or calling the Fund’s transfer agent, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, at 877-792-0924.

Early Repurchase Fees

A 2.00% early repurchase fee (the “Early Repurchase Fee”) will be charged by the Fund with respect to any repurchase of Shares from a Shareholder at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of the Shareholder’s purchase of the Shares. Shares tendered for repurchase will be treated as having been repurchased on a “first in-first out” basis. Therefore, Shares repurchased will be deemed to have been taken from the earliest purchase of Shares by such Shareholder (adjusted for subsequent net profits and net losses) until all such Shares have been repurchased, and then from each subsequent purchase of Shares by such Shareholder (adjusted for subsequent net profits and net losses) until such Shares are repurchased.

The Early Repurchase Fee may be waived for certain categories of Shareholders or transactions. For example, the early repurchase fee will be waived on repurchases of Shares (i) in the event of the Shareholder’s death or disability; (ii) that result from required minimum distributions taken from retirement accounts when the Shareholder reaches age 7012; (iii) that result from returns of excess contributions made to retirement plans or individual retirement accounts; (iv) to satisfy participant loan advances by employer sponsored retirement plans; (v) in connection with distributions qualifying under the hardship provisions of the Code; and (vi) in connection with the Fund’s policy with respect to minimum account balances (which is described below in “Periodic Repurchase Offers—Minimum Account Balance”). Restrictions may apply to certain accounts and certain transactions. The Fund reserves the right to change these terms at any time. Any change will apply only to Shares purchased after the effective date of such change

Other than the Early Repurchase Fee, the Fund does not presently intend to impose any charges on the repurchase of Shares. However, the Fund is permitted to allocate Shareholders, whose Shares are repurchased, costs and charges imposed by the Portfolio Fund in connection with Fund Investments, if the Adviser determines to liquidate such interests as a result of repurchase tenders by Shareholders and such charges are imposed on the Fund. In the event that any such charges are allocated to the Fund, and subject to applicable law, the Fund may allocate such charges to the Shareholders whose repurchase tenders resulted in the repurchase of a portion of the Shares that resulted in such charges.

A Shareholder who tenders some but not all of its Shares for repurchase will be required to maintain a minimum account balance of $100,000 for Class I Shares, $100,000 for Class II Shares and $10,000 for Class III Shares. Such minimum account balance requirement may be waived by the Fund, in its sole discretion. The Fund reserves the right to reduce the amount to be repurchased from a Shareholder so that the required account balance is maintained.

In the event that the Adviser holds Shares in its capacity as a Shareholder, such Shares may be tendered for repurchase in connection with any repurchase offer made by the Fund, without notice to the other Shareholders.

Suspension or Postponement of Repurchase Offers

The Fund may suspend or postpone a repurchase offer in limited circumstances set forth in Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, as described below, but only with the approval of a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund may suspend or postpone a repurchase offer only: (1) if making or effecting the repurchase offer would cause the Fund to lose its status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) for any period during which the NYSE or any other market in which the securities owned by the Fund are principally traded is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which trading in such market is restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable, or during which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (4) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the Fund.

Oversubscribed Repurchase Offers

There is no minimum number of Shares that must be tendered before the Fund will honor repurchase requests. However, the Fund’s Trustees set for each repurchase offer a maximum percentage of Shares that may be repurchased by the Fund, which is

 

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currently expected to be 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares. In the event a repurchase offer by the Fund is oversubscribed, the Fund may repurchase, but is not required to repurchase, additional Shares up to a maximum amount of 2% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. If the Fund determines not to repurchase additional Shares beyond the repurchase offer amount, or if shareholders tender an amount of Shares greater than that which the Fund is entitled to repurchase, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis.

If any Shares that you wish to tender to the Fund are not repurchased because of proration, you will have to wait until the next repurchase offer and resubmit a new repurchase request, and your repurchase request will not be given any priority over other shareholders’ requests. Thus, there is a risk that the Fund may not purchase all of the Shares you wish to have repurchased in a given repurchase offer or in any subsequent repurchase offer. In anticipation of the possibility of proration, some shareholders may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, increasing the likelihood of proration.

There is no assurance that you will be able to tender your Shares when or in the amount that you desire.

Consequences of Repurchase Offers

From the time the Fund distributes or publishes each repurchase offer notification until the Repurchase Pricing Date for that offer, the Fund must maintain liquid assets at least equal to the percentage of its Shares subject to the repurchase offer. For this purpose, “liquid assets” means assets that may be sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, at approximately the price at which the Fund values them, within the period between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the repurchase payment deadline, or which mature by the repurchase payment deadline. The Fund is also permitted to borrow up to the maximum extent permitted under the 1940 Act to meet repurchase requests.

If the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able sell a significant amount of additional Shares so as to mitigate these effects.

These and other possible risks associated with the Fund’s repurchase offers are described under “General Risks — Repurchase Offers Risk” above. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund will be a taxable event to shareholders, potentially even to those shareholders that do not participate in the repurchase. For a discussion of these tax consequences, see “Certain Tax Considerations” below and in the SAI.

Minimum Account Balance

A Shareholder who tenders for repurchase only a portion of their Shares in the Fund will be required to maintain a minimum account balance of $100,000 for Class I Shares, $100,000 for Class II Shares, and $10,000 for Class III Shares. If a Shareholder tenders a portion of their Shares and the repurchase of that portion would cause the Shareholder’s account balance to fall below these respective required minimums, the Fund reserves the right to repurchase all of such Shareholder’s outstanding Shares or reduce the amount to be repurchased from a Shareholder so that the required account balance is maintained. Such minimum account balance requirement may also be waived by the Fund, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable federal securities laws.

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE; VALUATION

The Fund will calculate its net asset value as of the close of business of on each business day (each, a “Determination Date”). In determining its net asset value, the Fund will value its investments as of the relevant Determination Date. The net asset value of the Fund will equal, unless otherwise noted, the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all of its liabilities, including accrued fees and expenses, each determined as of the relevant Determination Date.

The Board has approved valuation procedures for the Fund (the “Valuation Procedures”) and has appointed a separate valuation committee (the “Fair Value Committee”) and delegated to the Fair Value Committee the responsibility to determine the fair value of the Fund’s investments. The Fair Value Committee oversees the implementation of the Valuation Procedures and may consult with representatives from the Fund’s outside legal counsel or other third-party consultants in their discussions and deliberations.

The Adviser will assist the Fair Value Committee in making valuation determinations, provide primary day-to-day oversight of valuation of the Fund’s investments and act in accordance with the Valuation Procedures as developed and approved by the Board. The valuation of the Fund’s investments is performed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification 820 — Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

 

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Securities traded on one or more of the U.S. national securities exchanges, the Nasdaq Stock Market or any foreign stock exchange will be valued based on their respective market price.

Debt instruments for which market quotations are readily available are typically valued based on such market quotations. In validating market quotations, the Valuation Committee considers different factors such as the source and the nature of the quotation in order to determine whether the quotation represents fair value. The Valuation Committee makes use of reputable financial information providers in order to obtain the relevant quotations.

For debt and equity securities which are not publicly traded or for which market prices are not readily available (unquoted investments) the fair value is determined in good faith. In determining the fair values of these investments, the Fair Value Committee will typically apply widely recognized market and income valuation methodologies including, but not limited to, earnings and multiple analysis, discounted cash flow method and third-party valuations. In order to determine a fair value, these methods are applied to the latest information provided by the underlying portfolio companies or other business counterparties.

Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of investments for which market values are not readily available the fair values of these investments may fluctuate from period to period. In addition, such fair value may differ materially from the values that may have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may significantly differ from the value ultimately realized by the Fund.

Assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. Dollars using foreign exchange rates provided by a recognized pricing service.

Primary and secondary investments in Portfolio Funds are generally valued based on the latest net asset value reported by the Portfolio Fund Manager. If the net asset value of an investment in a Portfolio Fund is not available at the time the Fund is calculating its net asset value, the Fair Value Committee will consider any cash flows since the reference date of the last net asset value reported by the Portfolio Fund Manager by (i) adding the nominal amount of the investment related capital calls and (ii) deducting the nominal amount of investment related distributions from the last net asset value reported by the Portfolio Fund Manager.

In addition to tracking the net asset value plus related cash flows of such Portfolio Funds, the Fair Value Committee also intends to track relevant broad-based and issuer (or fund) specific valuation information relating to the assets held by each Portfolio Fund that is reasonably available at the time the Fund values its investments. The Fair Value Committee will consider such information and may conclude in certain circumstances that the information provided by the Portfolio Fund Manager does not represent the fair value of a particular asset held by a Portfolio Fund. If the Fair Value Committee concludes in good faith that the latest net asset value reported by a Portfolio Fund Manager does not represent fair value (e.g., there is more current information regarding a portfolio asset which significantly changes its fair value), the Fair Value Committee will make a corresponding adjustment to reflect the current fair value of such asset within such Portfolio Fund. In determining the fair value of assets held by Portfolio Funds, the Fair Value Committee applies valuation methodologies as outlined above.

Determining fair value involves subjective judgments, and it is possible that the fair value determined by the Fair Value Committee for an investment may differ materially from the value that could be realized upon the ultimate sale of the investment. There is no single standard for determining fair value of an investment. Rather, in determining the fair value of an investment for which there are no readily available market quotations, the Fair Value Committee may consider pre-acquisition and annual financial reporting summaries from a Portfolio Fund, comparable company factors, including fundamental analytical data relating to the investment, the nature and duration of any restriction on the disposition of the investment, the cost of the investment at the date of purchase, the liquidity of the market for the investment, the price of such investment in a meaningful private or public investment or merger or acquisition of the issuer subsequent to the Fund’s investment therein, or the per share price of the investment to be valued in recent verifiable transactions. Fair value prices are estimates, and there is no assurance that such a price will be at or close to the price at which the investment is next quoted or next trades.

Notwithstanding the above, Portfolio Fund Managers may adopt a variety of valuation bases and provide differing levels of information concerning Portfolio Funds and there will generally be no liquid markets for such investments. Consequently, there are inherent difficulties in determining the fair value that cannot be eliminated. None of the Fair Value Committee, the Adviser or the Board will be able to confirm independently the accuracy of valuations provided by the Portfolio Fund Managers (which are generally unaudited).

Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of investments for which market values are not readily available the fair value of these investments may fluctuate from period to period. In addition, such fair value may differ materially from the values that may have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may significantly differ from the value ultimately realized by the Fund.

 

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The Adviser may in the future act as investment adviser to other clients that invest in securities for which no public market price exists. Valuation determinations by the Adviser for other clients may result in different values than those ascribed to the same security owned by the Fund. Consequently, the fees charged to the Fund may be different than those charged to other clients, since the method of calculating the fees takes the value of all assets, including assets carried at different valuations, into consideration.

Expenses of the Fund, including the Management Fee, are accrued on a daily basis on the Determination Date and taken into account for the purpose of determining the Fund’s net asset value.

Prospective investors should be aware that situations involving uncertainties as to the value of portfolio positions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s net asset value and the Fund if the judgments of the Fair Value Committee, the Adviser or the Board regarding appropriate valuations should prove incorrect.

CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to the Fund and to an investment in Shares by a Shareholder. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular investor, including an investor who holds Shares as part of a hedging, straddle, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction, or to certain investors (e.g., investors subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities, pension plans and trusts, financial institutions, certain foreign investors and insurance companies) subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws. In addition, this summary does not specifically address the special tax consequences that may be applicable to persons who hold interests in partnerships, grantor trusts and other pass-through entities that hold Shares. This summary assumes that investors hold Shares as capital assets (generally, property held for investment).

THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY GENERAL, AND EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISER WITH RESPECT TO THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSAL OF SHARES, INCLUDING APPLICABLE TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

This summary is based on the Code as in effect on the date of this Prospectus, the Treasury Regulations, rulings of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), and court decisions in existence on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The Fund has not sought a ruling from the IRS or any other federal, state or local agency, or opinion of counsel, with respect to any of the tax issues affecting the Fund. This summary does not discuss any aspects of the U.S. federal estate or gift tax or any state or local or non-U.S. tax. It does not discuss the special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws that could result if the Fund invested in tax-exempt securities or certain other investment assets.

If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership with respect to the Shares generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in partnerships considering an acquisition of Shares should consult their tax advisers with respect to the partnership’s purchase, ownership and disposition of Shares.

Taxation as a RIC

As a RIC, in any fiscal year with respect to which the Fund distributes at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s: (i) “investment company taxable income,” which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net realized short-term capital gains over net realized long- term capital losses, and other taxable income (other than any net capital gain), reduced by deductible expenses, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends and distributions paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (which is the excess of the Fund’s gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions), the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gains that the Fund distributes to its Shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute, in its Shares and/or cash, annually, all or substantially all of such income. To the extent that the Fund retains its net capital gains for investment or any investment company taxable income, the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax. The Fund may choose to retain its net capital gains for investment or any investment company taxable income, and pay the associated U.S. federal corporate income tax, including the U.S. federal excise tax (described below).

The Fund may retain some or all of its realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses and designate the retained net capital gains as a “deemed distribution.” In that case, among other consequences, the Fund will pay tax on the retained amount and each Shareholder will be required to include its share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been actually distributed to the Shareholder, and such Shareholder will be entitled to claim a credit equal to its

 

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allocable share of the tax paid thereon by the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The amount of the deemed distribution net of such tax will be added to the Shareholder’s cost basis for its Shares. Since the Fund generally would be required to pay tax on any retained net capital gains at the Fund’s regular corporate tax rate, and since that rate is in excess of the maximum rate currently payable by individuals on long-term capital gains, the amount of tax that individual Shareholders will be treated as having paid and for which they will receive a credit will exceed the tax they owe on the retained net capital gain. Such excess generally may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. Shareholder’s other U.S. federal income tax obligations or may be refunded to the extent it exceeds a Shareholder’s liability for U.S. federal income tax. A Shareholder that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or otherwise required to file a U.S. federal income tax return would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return on the appropriate form to claim a refund with respect to the allocable share of the taxes that the Fund has paid. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of Shares owned by a Shareholder will be increased by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the Shareholder’s gross income over the tax deemed paid by the Shareholder as described in this paragraph. To utilize the deemed distribution approach, the Fund must provide written notice to Shareholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. The Fund cannot treat any of its investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution.” The Fund may also make actual distributions to its Shareholders of some or all of realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses.

The Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax (the “Excise Tax”) on certain undistributed income unless the Fund distributes in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of the Fund’s net ordinary income for each calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of the Fund’s capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (iii) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). For purposes of the required Excise Tax distribution, the income and gains of Portfolio Funds are expected to be treated as arising in the hands of the Fund at the time realized and recognized by the Portfolio Funds. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the Excise Tax, sufficient amounts of the Fund’s taxable income and capital gains may not be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the Excise Tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the Excise Tax only on the amount by which the Fund does not meet the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement.

Given the difficulty of estimating Fund income and gains in a timely fashion, each year the Fund is likely to be liable for a 4% excise tax on the portion of under distributed income and gains of the Fund.

In order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund must, among other things:

 

   

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities, loans, gains from the sale of stock or other securities, net income from certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock or securities (the “Source of Income Test”); and

 

   

diversify the Fund’s holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

 

   

at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and

 

   

no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets are invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (the “Diversification Tests”).

In the event the Fund owns equity interests in operating businesses conducted in “pass-through” form (i.e., as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes), income from such equity interests may not qualify for purposes of the Source of Income Test and, as a result, the Fund may be required to hold such interests through a subsidiary corporation. In such a case, any income from such equity interests should not adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet the Source of Income Test, although such income generally would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, which the Fund would indirectly bear through its ownership of such subsidiary corporation.

The Fund is authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to make distributions to its Shareholders while its debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. Moreover, the Fund’s ability to dispose of assets to meet the Fund’s distribution requirements may be limited by (i) the illiquid nature of the Fund’s portfolio and/or (ii) other requirements

 

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relating to the Fund’s qualification as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If the Fund disposes of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, the Fund may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.

Fund Investments

The Fund may invest up to substantially all its assets in Portfolio Funds that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

An entity that is properly classified as a partnership, rather than an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation, is not itself subject to federal income tax. Instead, each partner of the partnership must take into account its distributive share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and credits (including all such items allocable to that partnership from investments in other partnerships) for each taxable year of the partnership ending with or within the partner’s taxable year, without regard to whether such partner has received or will receive corresponding cash distributions from the partnership. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to recognize items of taxable income and gain prior to the time that the Fund receives corresponding cash distributions from a Portfolio Fund. In such case, the Fund might have to borrow money or dispose of investments, including interests in Portfolio Funds, and the Fund might have to sell shares of the Fund, in each case including when it is disadvantageous to do so, in order to make the distributions required in order to maintain its status as a RIC and to avoid the imposition of a federal income or excise tax.

In addition, the character of a partner’s distributive share of items of partnership income, gain and loss generally will be determined as if the partner had realized such items directly. Portfolio Funds classified as partnerships for federal income tax purposes may generate income allocable to the Fund that is not qualifying income for purposes of the Source of Income Test. In order to meet the Source of Income Test, the Fund may structure its investments in a way potentially increasing the taxes imposed thereon or in respect thereof. Because the Fund may not have timely or complete information concerning the amount and sources of such a Portfolio Fund’s income until such income has been earned by the Portfolio Fund or until a substantial amount of time thereafter, it may be difficult for the Fund to satisfy the Source of Income Test.

Furthermore, it may not always be entirely clear how the asset diversification rules for RIC qualification will apply to the Fund’s investments in Portfolio Funds that are classified as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. The Fund will engage the services of a third-party service provider to collect, aggregate and analyze data on the Fund’s direct and indirect investments in order to ensure that the Fund meets the asset diversification test. In the event that the Fund believes that it is possible that it will fail the asset diversification requirement at the end of any quarter of a taxable year, it may seek to take certain actions to avert such failure, including by acquiring additional investments to come into compliance with the asset diversification test or by disposing of non-diversified assets. Although the Code affords the Fund the opportunity, in certain circumstances, to cure a failure to meet the asset diversification test, including by disposing of non-diversified assets within six months, there may be constraints on the Fund’s ability to dispose of its interest in a Portfolio Fund that limit utilization of this cure period.

As a result of the considerations described in the preceding paragraphs, the Fund’s intention to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a RIC can limit its ability to acquire or continue to hold positions in Portfolio Funds that would otherwise be consistent with their investment strategy or can require it to engage in transactions in which it would otherwise not engage, resulting in additional transaction costs and reducing the Fund’s return to Shareholders.

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this discussion to the Fund’s investments, activities, income, gain, and loss include the direct investments, activities, income, gain, and loss of the Fund, as well as those indirectly attributable to the Fund as result of the Fund’s investment in any Portfolio Fund (or other entity) that is properly classified as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and not an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation).

Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may: (i) disallow, suspend, or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, including the dividends received deduction, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert ordinary loss or a deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may decide to make certain tax elections, may be required to borrow money, or may be required to dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC.

Investments the Fund makes in securities issued at a discount or providing for deferred interest or paid-in-kind interest are subject to special tax rules that will affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to the Fund’s Shareholders. For

 

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example, with respect to securities issued at a discount, the Fund will generally be required to accrue daily, as income, a portion of the discount and to distribute such income each year to maintain the Fund’s qualification as a RIC and to avoid U.S. federal income and the Excise Tax. Since in certain circumstances the Fund may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, the Fund may have difficulty making distributions in the amounts necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and for avoiding U.S. federal income and the Excise Tax. Accordingly, the Fund may have to sell some of its investments at times the Fund would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital, or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If the Fund is not able to obtain cash from other sources, the Fund may fail to qualify as a RIC and thereby be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.

In the event the Fund invests in foreign securities, the Fund may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes with respect to those securities. The Fund does not expect to satisfy the requirement to pass through to the Fund’s Shareholders their share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund.

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. corporations (or other non-U.S. entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes). Thus, it is possible that one or more such entities in which the Fund invests could be treated under the Code and Treasury Regulations as a “passive foreign investment company” or a “controlled foreign corporation.” The rules relating to investments in these types of non-U.S. entities are designed to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are either, in effect, taxed currently (or on an accelerated basis with respect to corporate level events) or taxed at increased tax rates at distribution or disposition. In certain circumstances this could require the Fund to recognize income where the Fund does not receive a corresponding payment in cash and make distributions with respect to such income in order to maintain the Fund’s qualification as a RIC. Under such circumstances, the Fund may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. Under certain circumstances an investment in a passive foreign investment company could result in a tax to the Fund and/or an increase in the amount of taxable distributions by the Fund.

Failure to Qualify as a RIC

If the Fund failed to satisfy the annual Source of Income Test or the Diversification Tests for any quarter of a taxable year, the Fund might nevertheless continue to qualify as a RIC for such year if certain relief provisions of the Code applied (which might, among other things, require the Fund to pay certain corporate-level U.S. federal taxes or to dispose of certain assets). If the Fund failed to qualify for treatment as a RIC and such relief provisions did not apply, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on all of its net taxable income at regular corporate U.S. federal income tax rates (and the Fund also would be subject to any applicable state and local taxes), regardless of whether the Fund made any distributions to Shareholders. The Fund would not be able to deduct distributions to its Shareholders, nor would the Fund be required to make distributions to its Shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any distributions the Fund made generally would be taxable to its

U.S. Shareholders as ordinary dividend income and, subject to certain limitations under the Code, would be eligible for the 20% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Shareholders, to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, U.S. Shareholders that are corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain.

Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that re-qualify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which it failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized during the 10-year period after its requalification as a RIC, unless it made a special election to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on such net built-in gains at the time of its requalification as a RIC. The Fund may decide to be taxed as a regular corporation (thereby becoming subject to U.S. federal income and other taxes as set forth above) even if it would otherwise qualify as a RIC if it determines that treatment as a corporation for a particular year would be in its best interests.

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

A “U.S. Shareholder” generally is a beneficial owner of Shares which is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state or the District of Columbia;

 

   

a trust, if a court in the United States has primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all decisions of the trust, or the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person; or

 

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an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

Distributions by the Fund generally are taxable to U.S. Shareholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, the Fund’s net ordinary income plus realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses) will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. Shareholders to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Shares. To the extent such distributions paid by the Fund to non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, such “qualifying dividends” may be eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal income tax. Distributions of the Fund’s net capital gains (which is generally the Fund’s realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) properly designated by the Fund as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to a U.S. Shareholder as long-term capital gains that are currently taxable at a maximum

U.S. federal income tax rate of 20% in the case of individuals, trusts or estates, regardless of the U.S. Shareholder’s holding period for its Shares and regardless of whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Shares. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in such Shareholder’s common stock and, after the adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. Shareholder.

In the event that the Fund retains any net capital gains, the Fund may designate the retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to the Fund’s Shareholders. If a designation is made, Shareholders would include in income, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate share of the undistributed amounts, but would be allowed a credit or refund, as the case may be, for their proportionate share of the corporate U.S. federal income tax paid by the Fund. In addition, the tax basis of Shares owned by a U.S. Shareholder would be increased by an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount included in the U.S. Shareholder’s income as long-term capital gains and (ii) the U.S. Shareholder’s proportionate share of the corporate U.S. federal income tax paid by the Fund.

For purposes of determining (i) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and (ii) the amount of distributions paid for that year, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a distribution that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If the Fund makes such an election, the U.S. Shareholder will still be treated as receiving the distribution in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any distribution declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to Shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been paid by the Fund and received by the Fund’s U.S. Shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the distribution was declared.

Distributions are taxable as described herein whether Shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional Shares.

The Fund will conduct periodic repurchase offers for a portion of its outstanding Shares. Shareholders who sell all Shares held, or considered to be held, by them pursuant to a repurchase offer will be treated as having sold their Shares and generally will realize a capital gain or loss, as discussed in the following paragraph. If a Shareholder sells fewer than all of its Shares pursuant to a repurchase offer, such Shareholder may be treated as having received a so-called “Section 301 distribution,” taxable in whole or in part as a dividend upon the sale of its Shares, unless the redemption is treated as being either (i) “substantially disproportionate” with respect to such Shareholder or (ii) otherwise “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” under the relevant rules of the Code. A Section 301 distribution is not treated as a sale or exchange giving rise to capital gain or loss, but rather is treated as a dividend to the extent supported by the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, with the excess treated as a return of capital reducing the Shareholder’s tax basis in its Shares, and thereafter as capital gain. Where the Shareholder is treated as receiving a dividend, there is a risk that non-tendering Shareholders and Shareholders who sell some but not all of their Shares, in each case whose percentage interests in the Fund increase as a result of such repurchase, will be treated as having received a taxable dividend distribution from the Fund. The extent of such risk will vary depending upon the particular circumstances of the repurchase offer, and in particular whether such offer is a single and isolated event or is part of a plan for periodically redeeming Shares of the Fund.

A U.S. Shareholder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss if the U.S. Shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of its Shares pursuant to a repurchase offer in a transaction that is treated as a sale or exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The amount of gain or loss will be measured by the difference between such U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Shares sold and the amount of the proceeds received in exchange. Any gain arising from such sale or disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the

U.S. Shareholder has held its Shares for more than one year. Otherwise, it will be classified as short-term capital gain or loss.

 

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However, any capital loss arising from the sale or disposition of Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received, or undistributed capital gain deemed received, with respect to such Shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of Shares may be disallowed if other Shares are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition.

In general, individual U.S. Shareholders currently are subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20% on their net capital gain (i.e., the excess of realized net long-term capital gains over realized net short-term capital losses), including any long-term capital gain derived from an investment in Shares. Such rate is lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. Corporate U.S. Shareholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 21% rate also applied to ordinary income. Non-corporate U.S. Shareholders with net capital losses for a year (i.e., capital losses in excess of capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against their ordinary income each year; any net capital losses of a non-corporate U.S. Shareholder in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as provided in the Code. Corporate U.S. Shareholders generally may not deduct any net capital losses for a year but may carry back such losses for three years or carry forward such losses for five years.

The Code requires the Fund to report U.S. Shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the IRS on IRS Form 1099s when “covered” securities are sold. For purposes of these reporting requirements, all of the Fund’s Shares acquired by non-tax-exempt Shareholders will be considered “covered” securities. You are encouraged to refer to the appropriate Treasury Regulations or consult your tax adviser with regard to your personal circumstances and any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method with respect to your Shares.

The Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax, or backup withholding, currently at a rate of 24%, from all distributions to any non-corporate U.S. Shareholder (i) who fails to furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number or a certificate that such Shareholder is exempt from backup withholding or (ii) with respect to whom the IRS notifies the Fund that such Shareholder has failed to properly report certain interest and dividend income to the IRS and to respond to notices to that effect. An individual’s taxpayer identification number is his or her social security number. Any amount withheld under backup withholding is allowed as a credit against the U.S. Shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that proper information is provided to the IRS.

A U.S. Shareholder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, will generally be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. Shareholder’s “net investment income” for a taxable year and (ii) the excess of the

U.S. Shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income for such taxable year over $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of joint filers and $125,000 in the case of married individuals filing a separate return). For these purposes, “net investment income” will generally include taxable distributions and deemed distributions paid with respect to the Shares, and net gain attributable to the disposition Shares (in each case, unless such Shares are held in connection with certain trades or businesses), but will be reduced by any deductions properly allocable to such distributions or net gain.

U.S. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Shares, including applicable tax reporting obligations.

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Investors

Under current law, the Fund serves to prevent the attribution to Shareholders of unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) from being realized by its tax-exempt Shareholders (including, among others, individual retirement accounts, 401(k) accounts, Keogh plans, pension plans and certain charitable entities). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a tax-exempt Shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in Shares if such tax-exempt Shareholder borrows to acquire its Shares.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders

A “Non-U.S. Shareholder” generally is a beneficial owner of Shares that is not a U.S. Shareholder, or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This includes nonresident alien individuals, foreign trusts or estates and foreign corporations. Whether an investment in Shares is appropriate for a Non-U.S. Shareholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment in Shares may have adverse tax consequences as compared to a direct investment in the assets in which the Fund will invest. Non-U.S. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in Shares, including applicable tax reporting requirements.

Actual or deemed distributions of “investment company taxable income” to Non-U.S. Shareholders (including interest income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized long-term capital losses, which generally would be free of

 

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withholding if paid to Non-U.S. Shareholders directly) will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits unless the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of a Non-U.S. Shareholder. If the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of a Non-U.S. Shareholder, and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States, the distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. Shareholders, and the Fund will not be required to withhold U.S. federal tax if the Non-U.S. Shareholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements. Special certification requirements apply to a Non-U.S. Shareholder that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such entities are urged to consult their tax advisers.

Properly designated dividends received by a Non-U.S. Shareholder are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax when they (i) are paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the Fund’s U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income), or (ii) are paid in connection with the Fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital gain over its long-term capital loss for such taxable year). In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a Non-U.S. Shareholder must comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its Non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN (for individuals), IRS Form W-8BEN-E (for entities) or an acceptable substitute or successor form). In the case of Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund designates the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. Shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

Actual or deemed distributions of the Fund’s net capital gains to a Non-U.S. Shareholder, and gains realized by a Non-U.S. Shareholder upon the sale or redemption of Shares, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. Shareholder (and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Shareholder in the United States) or, in the case of an individual, the Non-U.S. Shareholder was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met.

If the Fund distributes its net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a Non-U.S. Shareholder will be entitled to a

U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the non-U.S. Shareholder’s allocable share of the corporate-level tax the Fund pays on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed; however, in order to obtain the refund, the Non-U.S. Shareholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return even if the Non-U.S. Shareholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.

For corporate Non-U.S. Shareholders, distributions (both cash and in Shares), and gains realized upon the sale or redemption of Shares that are effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable treaty).

A Non-U.S. Shareholder who is a non-resident alien individual may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on dividends unless the Non-U.S. Shareholder provides the Fund or the Administrator with an IRS Form W-8BEN or an acceptable substitute form or otherwise meets documentary evidence requirements for establishing that it is a Non-U.S. Shareholder or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding.

Pursuant to U.S. withholding provisions commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), payments of most types of income from sources within the United States (as determined under applicable U.S. federal income tax principles), such as interest and dividends, to a foreign financial institution, investment funds and other non-U.S. persons generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, unless certain information reporting and other applicable requirements are satisfied. Any Non-U.S. Shareholder that either does not provide the relevant information or is otherwise not compliant with FATCA may be subject to this withholding tax on certain distributions from the Fund. Any taxes required to be withheld under these rules must be withheld even if the relevant income is otherwise exempt (in whole or in part) from withholding of U.S. federal income tax, including under an income tax treaty between the United States and the beneficial owner’s country of tax residence. Each Non-U.S. Shareholder should consult its tax advisers regarding the possible implications of this withholding tax (and the reporting obligations that will apply to such Non-U.S. Shareholder, which may include providing certain information in respect of such Non-U.S. Shareholder’s beneficial owners).

* * * * *

 

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THE TAX AND OTHER MATTERS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS. EACH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISER AS TO THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES, INCLUDING APPLICABLE TAX REPORTING OBLIGATIONS.

ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

Persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an employee benefit plan or other arrangement subject to ERISA (an “ERISA Plan”), and persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an IRA, Keogh plan or other plan which is not subject to ERISA but is subject to the prohibited transaction rules of Section 4975 of the Code (together with ERISA Plans, “Plans”) should consider, among other things, the matters described below before determining whether to invest in the Fund.

ERISA imposes certain general and specific responsibilities on persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an ERISA Plan, including prudence, diversification, an obligation not to engage in a prohibited transaction and other standards. In determining whether a particular investment is appropriate for an ERISA Plan, Department of Labor (“DOL”) regulations provide that a fiduciary of an ERISA Plan must give appropriate consideration to, among other things, the role that the investment plays in the ERISA Plan’s portfolio, taking into consideration whether the investment is designed reasonably to further the ERISA Plan’s purposes, an examination of the risk and return factors, the portfolio’s composition with regard to diversification, the liquidity and current return of the total portfolio relative to the anticipated cash flow needs of the ERISA Plan, the income tax consequences of the investment (see “Certain Tax Considerations—Taxation of Tax-Exempt Investors”) and the projected return of the total portfolio relative to the ERISA Plan’s funding objectives. Before investing the assets of an ERISA Plan in the Fund, a fiduciary should determine whether such an investment is consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities and the foregoing regulations. For example, a fiduciary should consider whether an investment in the Fund may be too illiquid or too speculative for a particular ERISA Plan, and whether the assets of the ERISA Plan would be sufficiently diversified. If a fiduciary with respect to any such ERISA Plan breaches its responsibilities with regard to selecting an investment or an investment course of action for such ERISA Plan, the fiduciary itself may be held liable for losses incurred by the ERISA Plan as a result of such breach.

Because the Fund is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act, the underlying assets of the Fund will not be considered to be the assets of any Plan investing in the Fund for purposes of ERISA’s (or the Code’s) fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction rules. Thus, the Adviser will not be a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA by reason of its authority with respect to the assets of the Fund.

The Adviser will require a Plan which proposes to invest in the Fund to represent that it and any fiduciaries responsible for such Plan’s investments (including in its individual or corporate capacity, as may be applicable) are aware of and understand the Fund’s investment objective, policies and strategies, and that the decision to invest plan assets in the Fund was made with appropriate consideration of relevant investment factors with regard to the Plan and is consistent with the duties and responsibilities imposed upon fiduciaries with regard to their investment decisions under ERISA and/or the Code.

Certain prospective Shareholders that are Plans may currently maintain relationships with the Adviser or other entities which are affiliated with the Adviser. Each of such persons may be deemed to be a “party in interest” under ERISA (or “disqualified person” under Section 4975 of the Code) to and/or a fiduciary (under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) of any Plan to which it provides investment management, investment advisory or other services. ERISA prohibits (and the Code penalizes) the use of ERISA and Plan assets for the benefit of a party in interest (or disqualified person) and also prohibits (or penalizes) an ERISA or Plan fiduciary from using its position to cause such Plan to make an investment from which it or certain third parties in which such fiduciary has an interest would receive a fee or other consideration. Shareholders that are Plans should consult with counsel to determine if participation in the Fund is a transaction which is prohibited (or penalized) by ERISA or the Code. Fiduciaries of Shareholders that are Plans will be required to represent (including in their individual or corporate capacity, as applicable) that the decision to invest in the Fund was made by them as fiduciaries that are independent of such affiliated persons, that such fiduciaries are duly authorized to make such investment decision and that they have not relied on any individualized advice or recommendation of such affiliated persons as a primary basis for the decision to invest in the Fund, unless such purchase and holding is pursuant to an applicable exemption, such as Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (“PTCE”) 77-3 or PTCE 77-4.

Employee benefit plans which are not subject to ERISA may be subject to other rules governing such plans. Fiduciaries of these plans, whether or not subject to Section 4975 of the Code, should consult with their own legal advisors regarding such matters.

The provisions of ERISA and the Code are subject to extensive and continuing administrative and judicial interpretation and review. The discussion of ERISA and the Code contained in this Prospectus is general and may be affected by future publication of regulations and rulings. Potential Shareholders that are Plans should consult their legal advisors regarding the consequences under ERISA and the Code of the acquisition and ownership of Shares.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

The Fund is authorized to offer three separate classes of Shares designated as Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares. While the Fund presently offers three classes of Shares, it may offer other classes of Shares as well in the future. From time to time, the Board may create and offer additional classes of Shares, or may vary the characteristics of the Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares described herein, including without limitation, in the following respects: (1) the amount of fees permitted by a distribution and/or service plan or shareholder servicing plan as to such class; (2) voting rights with respect to a distribution and/or service plan as to such class; (3) different class designations; (4) the impact of any class expenses directly attributable to a particular class of Shares; (5) differences in any dividends and net asset values resulting from differences in fees under a distribution and/or service plan or in class expenses; (6) any conversion features, as permitted under the 1940 Act.

PURCHASING SHARES

Purchase Terms

The minimum initial investment in the Fund by any investor is $25,000,000 with respect to Class I Shares, $1,000,000 with respect to Class II Shares and $50,000 with respect to Class III Shares, and the minimum additional investment in the Fund by any investor is $100,000 with respect to Class I Shares, $100,000 with respect to Class II Shares and $10,000 with respect to Class III Shares. For Shares purchased through a financial intermediary, the value of Class I Shares being purchased may be combined with the current value of any Class I Shares previously purchased by anyone through such intermediary when determining whether an investor meets the initial and additional investment minimums for Class I Shares. The Fund, in its sole discretion, may accept investments below these minimums.

Shares will generally be offered on each business day, except that Shares may be offered more or less frequently as determined by the Board in its sole discretion.

Except as otherwise permitted by the Board, initial and subsequent purchases of Shares will be payable in cash. The Fund reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or reject any subscription to purchase Shares in the Fund at any time. Although the Fund may, in its sole discretion, elect to accept a subscription prior to receipt of cleared funds, an investor will not become a Shareholder until cleared funds have been received.

Pending any offering, funds received from prospective investors will be placed in an account with the transfer agent. On the date of any closing, the balance in the account with respect to each investor whose investment is accepted will be invested in the Fund on behalf of such investor. Any interest earned with respect to such account will be paid to the Fund and allocated pro rata among Shareholders.

SUMMARY OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST

The Fund is a statutory trust established under the laws of State of Delaware by the Certificate of Trust dated June 15, 2020. The Fund’s Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of common Shares of beneficial interest, par value, unless the Trustees shall otherwise determine, $0.001 per Share. All Shares have equal rights to the payment of dividends and other distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. Shares are, when issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Fund and have no pre-emptive or conversion rights or rights to cumulative voting.

Shareholders are entitled to share equally in dividends declared by the Board payable to holders of Shares and in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to holders of Shares upon liquidation after payment of the preferential amounts payable to holders of any outstanding preferred shares.

The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Fund property for all loss and expense of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund solely by reason of such person’s status as a shareholder or former shareholder. Thus, the risk of a Shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations.

Shareholders have no pre-emptive or conversion rights. Upon liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among the holders of the Shares.

 

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The Board may classify or reclassify any issued or unissued Shares of the Fund into shares of any class by redesignating such Shares or by setting or changing in any one or more respects, from time to time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or conditions of repurchase of such Shares. Any such classification or reclassification will comply with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and the 1940 Act.

If you purchase Shares of the Fund, you will become bound by the terms and conditions of the Declaration of Trust.

As of [●], the following number of Shares of the Fund was authorized for registration and outstanding:

 

(1)

   (2)      (3)      (4)  

Title of Class

   Amount Authorized      Amount Held by the
Fund for its Account
     Amount of Outstanding
Exclusive of Amount Shown
Under (3)
 

Shares of Beneficial Interest

   $ [                  0      $ [            

Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of the Board by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Fund, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Fund and interfering with the normal operation of the Fund. The Trustees are elected for indefinite terms and do not stand for reelection. A Trustee may be removed from office without cause only by a written instrument signed or adopted by a majority of the remaining Trustees or by a vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the class of Shares of the Fund that are entitled to elect a Trustee and that are entitled to vote on the matter. The Declaration of Trust does not contain any other specific inhibiting provisions that would operate only with respect to an extraordinary transaction such as a merger, reorganization, tender offer, sale or transfer of substantially all of the Fund’s assets or liquidation. Reference should be made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the Commission for the full text of these provisions.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM; LEGAL COUNSEL

The Board has selected Cohen & Company, 151 N. Franklin Street, Suite 575, Chicago, IL 60606, as independent registered public accountants for the Fund.

Ropes & Gray LLP, Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111-4006, serves as counsel to the Fund and the Independent Trustees of the Fund.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning the Fund and the Shares (including procedures for purchasing Shares) should be directed to: Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF SAI

 

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

     3  

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES

     3  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES OF THE FUND AND THE RELATED RISKS

     4  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     9  

CODES OF ETHICS

     13  

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES

     13  

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION

     15  

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM; LEGAL COUNSEL

     15  

CUSTODIAN

     16  

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     16  

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     16  

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

     16  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     16  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     16  

APPENDIX A - ADVISER PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     A-1  

 

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The information in this Statement of Additional Information is incomplete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Primark Private Equity Fund

Class I Shares

Class II Shares

Class III Shares

(Subject to Completion) Dated [], 2020

c/o Primark Advisors LLC, 205 Detroit Street, Suite 200

Denver, Colorado 80206

877-792-0924

 

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. This SAI relates to and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus (the “Prospectus”) of Primark Private Equity Fund (the “Fund”) dated [●], 2020 as it may be further amended or supplemented from time to time. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by contacting the Fund at the telephone number or address set forth above.

This SAI is not an offer to sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”) and is not soliciting an offer to buy the Shares in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the same meaning set forth in the Prospectus.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

     3  

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES

     3  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES OF THE FUND AND THE RELATED RISKS

     4  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     9  

CODES OF ETHICS

     13  

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES

     13  

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION

     15  

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM; LEGAL COUNSEL

     15  

CUSTODIAN

     16  

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     16  

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     16  

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

     16  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     16  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     16  

APPENDIX A - ADVISER PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     A-1  

 

2


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INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

The investment objective and the principal investment strategies of the Fund, as well as the principal risks associated with such investment strategies, are set forth in the Prospectus. Certain additional information regarding the investment program of the Fund is set forth below.

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES

The Fund’s fundamental policies, which are listed below, may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. As defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund” means the vote, at an annual or special meeting of the shareholders of the Fund (the “Shareholders”), duly called, (i) of 67% or more of the Shares represented at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding Shares are present in person or represented by proxy or (ii) of more than 50% of the outstanding Shares, whichever is less. Within the limits of the fundamental policies of the Fund, the management of the Fund has reserved freedom of action.

The Fund:

 

  (1)

May issue senior securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of, or any exemptive order or other relief issued by the SEC or any successor organization or their staff under, such Act, rules, or regulations.

 

  (2)

May borrow money to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of, or any exemptive order or other relief issued by the SEC or any successor organization or their staff under, such Act, rules, or regulations.

 

  (3)

May lend money to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of, or any exemptive order or other relief issued by the SEC or any successor organization or their staff under, such Act, rules, or regulations.

 

  (4)

May underwrite securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of, or any exemptive order or other relief issued by the SEC or any successor organization or their staff under, such Act, rules, or regulations.

 

  (5)

May purchase and sell commodities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of, or any exemptive order or other relief issued by the SEC or any successor organization or their staff under, such Act, rules, or regulations.

 

  (6)

May purchase and sell real estate to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of, or any exemptive order or other relief issued by the SEC or any successor organization or their staff under, such Act, rules, or regulations.

 

  (7)

May not concentrate investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as concentration is defined or interpreted under the 1940 Act, and the rules, and regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time, and under regulatory guidance or interpretations of such Act, rules, or regulations.

Any restriction on investments or use of assets, including, but not limited to, market capitalization, geographic, rating and/or any other percentage restrictions, set forth in this SAI or the Fund’s Prospectus shall be measured only at the time of investment, and any subsequent change, whether in the value, market capitalization, rating, percentage held or otherwise, will not constitute a violation of the restriction, other than with respect to investment restriction (2) above related to borrowings by the Fund. For purposes of determining compliance with investment restriction (7) above related to concentration of investments, Portfolio Funds are not considered part of any industry or group of industries.

The Fund’s investment policies and restrictions apply only to investments made by the Fund directly (or any account consisting solely of the Fund’s assets) and do not apply to the activities and the transactions of the Portfolio Funds.

 

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In addition, the Fund has adopted the following fundamental policies with respect to repurchase offers, which may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities:

 

  (a)

The Fund will make quarterly repurchase offers pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.

 

  (b)

The Fund will repurchase Shares that are tendered by a specific date (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”), which will be established by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) in accordance with Rule 23c-3, as amended from time to time. Rule 23c-3 requires the Repurchase Request Deadline to be no less than 21 and no more than 42 days after the Fund sends notification to Shareholders of the repurchase offer.

 

  (c)

The date on which the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) applicable to a repurchase offer is calculated will occur no later than fourteen (14) days after the Repurchase Request Deadline (or the next business day if the fourteenth calendar day is not a business day).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES OF THE FUND AND THE RELATED RISKS

As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in: (i) direct investments in the equity of private operating companies (“Portfolio Companies”); (ii) primary and secondary investments in private equity funds (“Portfolio Funds”) managed by third-party managers (“Portfolio Fund Managers”); (iii) publicly traded private equity vehicles, such as business development companies (including derivatives tied to the returns of such vehicles); and (iv) short-term investments, including money-market funds, short term treasuries, or other liquid investment vehicles (together, the “Fund Investments”).

This section provides additional information about various types of investments and investment techniques that may be employed by the Fund or by Portfolio Funds in which the Fund invests. Many of the investments and techniques described in this section may be based in part on the existence of a public market for the relevant securities. To that extent, such investments and techniques are not expected to represent the principal investments or techniques of the majority of the Fund or of the Portfolio Funds. However, there is no limit on the types of investments the Portfolio Funds may make and certain Portfolio Funds may use such investments or techniques extensively. Similarly, there are few limits on the types of investments the Fund may make. Accordingly, the descriptions in this section cannot be comprehensive. Any decision to invest in the Fund should take into account (i) the possibility that the Portfolio Funds may make virtually any kind of investment, (ii) that the Fund has similarly broad latitude in the kinds of investments it may make (subject to the fundamental policies described above) and (iii) that all such investments will be subject to related risks, which can be substantial.

Equity Securities

The Fund’s and/or a Portfolio Fund’s portfolio may include investments in common stocks, preferred stocks, and convertible securities of U.S. and foreign issuers. The Fund and/or a Portfolio Fund also may invest in depositary receipts relating to foreign securities. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities. Given the private equity focus of the Fund, there is expected to be no liquid market for a majority of such investments.

Common Stock. Common stock or other common equity issued by a corporation or other entity generally entitles the holder to a pro rata share of the profits, if any, of the entity without preference over any other shareholder or claims of shareholders, after making required payments to holders of the entity’s preferred stock and other senior equity. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote and frequently an exclusive right to do so.

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock or other preferred equity generally has a preference as to dividends and, in the event of liquidation, to an issuer’s assets, over the issuer’s common stock or other common equity, but it ranks junior to debt securities in an issuer’s capital structure. Preferred stock generally pays dividends in cash or additional shares of preferred stock at a defined rate but, unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock dividends are generally payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of directors. Dividends on preferred stock may be cumulative, meaning that, in the event the issuer fails to make one or more dividend payments on the preferred stock, no dividends may be paid on the issuer’s common stock until all unpaid preferred stock dividends have been paid. Preferred stock may also be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock, or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of common equity of the same or different issuer within a specified period of time at a specified price or based on a specified formula. In many cases, a convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest or a dividend that is generally paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or

 

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exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally (i) have higher yields (i.e., rates of interest or dividends) than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying common stock into which they are convertible due to their fixed- income characteristics and (iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. The Fund’s and/or the Portfolio Funds’ investments in convertible securities are expected to primarily be in private convertible securities, but may be in public convertible securities.

The value of a convertible security is primarily a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (determined by reference to the security’s anticipated worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value typically declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also increase or decrease the convertible security’s value. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the convertible security is valued principally by reference to its investment value. To the extent the value of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion value, the convertible security will be valued increasingly by reference to its conversion value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. Where no market exists for a convertible security and/or the underlying common stock, such investments may be difficult to value. A public convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed-income security.

A convertible security may in some cases be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security is called for redemption, the holder will generally have a choice of tendering the security for redemption, converting it into common stock prior to redemption, or selling it to a third party. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect and result in losses to the Fund.

Derivative Instruments

Although not a principal investment strategy, the Fund or the Portfolio Funds may use financial instruments known as derivatives. A derivative is generally defined as an instrument whose value is derived from, or based upon, some underlying index, reference rate (such as interest rates or currency exchange rates), security, commodity or other asset. Following are descriptions of certain derivatives that the Portfolio Funds may use. The same descriptions apply to the Fund, mutatis mutandis, to the extent that it engages in derivatives transactions. Certain risks associated with derivatives are described under “Investment Related Risks—Derivatives and Hedging” in the Prospectus.

Options and Futures. A Portfolio Fund may utilize options contracts, futures contracts, and options on futures contracts. It also may use so-called “synthetic” options or other derivative instruments written by broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries. Options transactions may be effected on securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. When options are purchased over the counter, the Portfolio Fund’s portfolio bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Such options may also be illiquid, and, in such cases, a Portfolio Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. Over-the-counter options purchased and sold by the Portfolio Fund also may include options on baskets of specific securities.

A Portfolio Fund may purchase call and put options on specific securities or currencies and may write and sell covered or uncovered call and put options for hedging purposes and non-hedging purposes to pursue its investment objective. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying security at a stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying security at a stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option.

A covered call option is a call option with respect to which a Portfolio Fund owns the underlying security. The sale of such an option exposes the Portfolio Fund, during the term of the option, to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security and to the possibility that it might hold the underlying security in order to protect against depreciation in the market price of the security during a period when it might have otherwise sold the security. The seller of a covered call option assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of the underlying security below the purchase price of the underlying security less the premium received and gives up the opportunity for gain on the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. The seller of an uncovered call option assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option.

 

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A covered put option is a put option with respect to which the seller has a short position in the underlying security. The seller of a covered put option assumes the risk of an increase in the market price of the underlying security above the sales price (in establishing the short position) of the underlying security plus the premium received and gives up the opportunity for gain on the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. If the seller of the put option owns a put option covering an equivalent number of shares with an exercise price equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, the position is “fully hedged” if the option owned expires at the same time or later than the option written. The seller of an uncovered put option assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The seller of a put option may also be required to place cash or liquid securities in a segregated account to ensure compliance with its obligation to purchase the underlying security. The sale of such an option exposes the Portfolio Fund during the term of the option to a decline in price of the underlying security while depriving the Portfolio Fund of the opportunity to invest the segregated assets.

A Portfolio Fund may close out a position when writing options by purchasing an option on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option that it has previously written on the security. The Portfolio Fund will realize a profit or loss if the amount paid to purchase an option is less or more, as the case may be, than the amount received from the sale thereof. To close out a position as a purchaser of an option, the Portfolio Fund would generally make a similar “closing sale transaction,” which involves liquidating its position by selling the option previously purchased. However, if deemed advantageous, the Portfolio Fund would be entitled to exercise the option.

A Portfolio Fund may enter into stock futures contracts, interest rate futures contracts, and currency futures contracts in U.S. domestic markets or on exchanges located outside the United States. Foreign markets may offer advantages such as trading opportunities or arbitrage possibilities not available in the United States. Foreign markets, however, may have greater risk potential than domestic markets. For example, some foreign exchanges are principal markets so that no common clearing facility exists, and an investor may look only to the broker for performance of the contract. Transactions on foreign exchanges may include both commodities that are traded on domestic exchanges and those that are not. Unlike trading on domestic commodity exchanges, trading on foreign commodity exchanges is not regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). Therefore, the CFTC does not have the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the transaction occurs. For these reasons, the Portfolio Funds may not be afforded certain of the protections that apply to domestic transactions, including the right to use domestic alternative dispute resolution procedures. In particular, funds received from customers to margin foreign futures transactions may not be provided the same protections as funds received to margin futures transactions on domestic exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or option contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss resulting from that contract, may be affected by any fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the foreign futures contract is liquidated or the foreign option contract is liquidated or exercised.

In addition to futures contracts traded on U.S. domestic markets or exchanges that are regulated by the CFTC or on foreign exchanges, Portfolio Funds may also trade certain futures either over-the-counter or on trading facilities such as derivatives transaction execution facilities, exempt boards of trade or electronic trading facilities that are licensed and/or regulated to varying degrees by the CFTC. In addition, certain single stock futures and narrow-based security index futures may be traded over-the-counter or on trading facilities such as contract markets, derivatives transaction execution facilities and electronic trading facilities that are licensed and/or regulated to varying degrees by both the CFTC and the SEC or on foreign exchanges.

Trading in futures involves risk of loss to the Portfolio Fund that could materially adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day by regulations referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” or “daily limits.” Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during the trading day. Futures contract prices could move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially subjecting the Portfolio Fund to substantial losses, which may result in losses to the Fund. In addition, the CFTC and various exchanges impose speculative position limits on the number of positions that each Portfolio Fund may indirectly hold or control in certain particular futures or options contracts. Many of the major U.S. exchanges have eliminated speculative position limits and have substituted position accountability rules that would permit the Portfolio Funds to trade without restriction as long as such Portfolio Funds can demonstrate the positions acquired were not acquired for the purpose of manipulating the market.

Successful use of futures by a Portfolio Fund depends on its ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of the relevant market, and, to the extent the transaction is entered into for hedging purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the transaction being hedged and the price movements of the futures contract.

 

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The prices of all derivative instruments, including futures and options prices, are highly volatile. Price movements of forward contracts, futures contracts, and other derivative contracts in which a Portfolio Fund may invest are influenced by, among other things: interest rates; changing supply and demand relationships; trade, fiscal, monetary, and exchange control programs and policies of governments; and national and international political and economic events and policies. In addition, governments from time to time intervene, directly and by regulation, in certain markets, particularly those currencies and interest rate-related futures and options. Such intervention often is intended directly to influence prices and may, together with other factors, cause all of such markets to move rapidly in the same direction because of, among other things, interest rate fluctuations. Portfolio Funds are also subject to the risk of the failure of any of the exchanges on which their positions trade or of their clearinghouses.

A stock index future obligates a Portfolio Fund to pay, or entitles it to receive, an amount of cash equal to a fixed dollar amount specified in the futures contract multiplied by the difference between the settlement price of the contract on the contract’s last trading day and the value of the index based on the stock prices of the securities that comprise it at the opening of trading in such securities on the next business day. An interest rate future obligates a Portfolio Fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific debt security at a future date at a specific price. A currency future obligates a Portfolio Fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific currency at a future date at a specific price.

Call and Put Options on Securities Indexes. A Portfolio Fund may purchase and sell call and put options on stock indexes listed on national securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market for hedging and non-hedging purposes to pursue its investment objectives. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included in the index. Accordingly, successful use by a Portfolio Fund of options on stock indexes will be subject to the ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry or market segment. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the price of individual stocks.

Yield Curve Options. A Portfolio Fund may enter into options on the yield “spread” or differential between two securities. Such transactions are referred to as “yield curve” options. In contrast to other types of options, a yield curve option is based on the difference between the yields of designated securities, rather than the prices of the individual securities, and is settled through cash payments. Accordingly, a yield curve option is profitable to the holder if this differential widens (in the case of a call) or narrows (in the case of a put), regardless of whether the yields of the underlying securities increase or decrease. The trading of yield curve options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, such options present a risk of loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, or if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.

Rights and Warrants. A Portfolio Fund may invest in rights and warrants. Rights (sometimes referred to as “subscription rights”) and warrants may be purchased separately or may be received as part of a distribution in respect of, or may be attached to, other securities that a Portfolio Fund has purchased. Rights and warrants are securities that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase equity securities of the company issuing the rights or warrants, or a related company, at a fixed price either on a date certain or during a set period. Typically, rights have a relatively short term (e.g., two to four weeks), whereas warrants can have much longer terms. At the time of issue, the cost of a right or warrant is substantially less than the cost of the underlying security itself.

Particularly in the case of warrants, price movements in the underlying security are generally magnified in the price movements of the warrant. This effect would enable a Portfolio Fund to gain exposure to the underlying security with a relatively low capital investment but increases the Portfolio Fund’s risk in the event of a decline in the value of the underlying security and can result in a complete loss of the amount invested in the warrant. In addition, the price of a warrant tends to be more volatile than, and may not correlate exactly to, the price of the underlying security. If the market price of the underlying security is below the exercise price of the warrant on its expiration date, the warrant will generally expire without value. The equity security underlying a warrant is authorized at the time the warrant is issued or is issued together with the warrant, which may result in losses to the Fund. Investing in warrants can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security, and, thus, can be a speculative investment. The value of a warrant may decline because of a decline in the value of the underlying security, the passage of time, changes in interest rates or in the dividend or other policies of the company whose equity underlies the warrant or a change in the perception as to the future price of the underlying security, or any combination thereof. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle the holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer.

 

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Swaps

A Portfolio Fund may enter into equity, interest rate, index, currency rate, total return and/or other types of swap agreements. These transactions are entered into in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost than if a Portfolio Fund had invested directly in the asset that yielded the desired return. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than a year. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount” (i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index).

Interest Rate, Mortgage and Credit Swaps. A Portfolio Fund may enter into interest rate swaps. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent interest rates exceed a specified rate or “cap”; interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent interest rates fall below a specified level or “floor”; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed note payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events.

Equity Index Swaps. A Portfolio Fund may enter into equity index swaps. Equity index swaps involve the exchange by a Portfolio Fund with another party of cash flows based upon the performance of an index or a portion of an index of securities that usually includes dividends. A Portfolio Fund may purchase cash-settled options on equity index swaps. A cash-settled option on a swap gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in return for the premium paid, to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the underlying swap as of the exercise date. These options typically are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions, including securities brokerage firms.

Currency Swaps. A Portfolio Fund may enter into currency swaps for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Currency swaps involve the exchange of rights to make or receive payments in specified foreign currencies. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for another designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves special investment techniques and risks. Incorrect forecasts of market values and currency exchange rates can materially adversely affect the Portfolio Fund’s performance. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Portfolio Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

Total Return Swaps. A Portfolio Fund may enter into total return swaps. In a total return swap, one party pays a rate of interest in exchange for the total rate of return on another investment. For example, if a Portfolio Fund wished to invest in a senior loan, it could instead enter into a total return swap and receive the total return of the senior loan, less the “funding cost,” which would be a floating interest rate payment to the counterparty.

Swaptions. A Portfolio Fund may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as “swaptions.” A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms.

Certain swap agreements into which a Portfolio Fund enters may require the calculation of the obligations of the parties to the agreements on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Portfolio Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under such swap agreements generally will be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The risk of loss with respect to swaps consists of the net amount of the payments that the Portfolio Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap defaults, the Portfolio Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of the payments that the Portfolio Fund contractually is entitled to receive.

 

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Distressed Securities

The Fund or a Portfolio Fund may invest in debt or equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers in weak financial condition, experiencing poor operating results, having substantial capital needs or negative net worth, facing special competitive or product obsolescence problems, or that are involved in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings. Investments of this type may involve substantial financial and business risks that can result in substantial or at times even total losses. Among the risks inherent in investments in troubled entities is the fact that it frequently may be difficult to obtain information as to the true condition of such issuers. Such investments also may be adversely affected by state and federal laws relating to, among other things, fraudulent transfers and other voidable transfers or payments, lender liability, and a bankruptcy court’s power to disallow, reduce, subordinate, or disenfranchise particular claims. The market prices of such securities are also subject to abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility, and the spread between the bid and ask prices of such securities may be greater than those prevailing in other securities markets. It may take a number of years for the market price of such securities to reflect their intrinsic value. In liquidation (both in and out of bankruptcy) and other forms of corporate reorganization, there exists the risk that the reorganization either will be unsuccessful (due to, for example, failure to obtain requisite approvals), will be delayed (for example, until various liabilities, actual or contingent, have been satisfied), or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security the value of which will be less than the purchase price to the Portfolio Fund of the security in respect to which such distribution was made.

Additional Method of Investing in a Portfolio Fund

The Fund will typically invest directly in a Portfolio Fund by purchasing an interest in such Portfolio Fund. There may be situations, however, where a Portfolio Fund is not open or available for direct investment by the Fund or where the Adviser elects for other reasons to invest indirectly in a Portfolio Fund (including, without limitation, restrictions of the 1940 Act). On occasions where the Adviser determines that an indirect investment is the most effective or efficient means of gaining exposure to a Portfolio Fund, the Fund may invest in a Portfolio Fund indirectly, such as by purchasing a structured note or entering into a swap or other contract paying a return tied to the return of a Portfolio Fund. In the case of a structured note or a swap, a counterparty would agree to pay to the Fund a return based on the return of the Portfolio Fund, in exchange for consideration paid by the Fund equivalent to the cost of purchasing an ownership interest in the Portfolio Fund. Indirect investment through a swap or similar contract in a Portfolio Fund carries with it the credit risk associated with the counterparty. Indirect investments will generally be subject to transaction and other fees, which will reduce the value of the Fund’s investment. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s indirect investment in a Portfolio Fund will have the same or similar results as a direct investment in the Portfolio Fund, and the Fund’s value may decrease as a result of such indirect investment. When the Fund makes an indirect investment in a Portfolio Fund by investing in a structured note, swap, or other contract intended to pay a return equal to the total return of such Portfolio Fund, such investment by the Fund may be subject to additional regulations.

Portfolio Turnover

Purchases and sales of portfolio investments may be made as considered advisable by the Adviser in the best interests of the Shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary from year-to-year, as well as within a year. The Fund’s distributions of any profits or gains realized from portfolio transactions generally are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates can result in corresponding increases in portfolio transaction costs for the Fund.

For reporting purposes, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio investments for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio investments owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all investments whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the investments in the Fund’s investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell investments.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The business operations of the Fund are managed and supervised under the direction of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and the Fund’s agreement and declaration of trust (“Declaration of Trust”). The Board has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the business affairs of the Fund on behalf of its Shareholders, including the authority to establish policies regarding the management, conduct and operation of its business. The Board exercises the same powers, authority and responsibilities on behalf of the Fund as are customarily exercised by the board of directors of a registered investment company organized as a corporation. The officers of the Fund conduct and supervise the daily business operations of the Fund.

The trustees of the Board (each, a “Trustee”) are not required to contribute to the capital of the Fund or to hold interests therein.

 

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A majority of Trustees of the Board are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund (collectively, the “Independent Trustees”).

The identity of Trustees of the Board and officers of the Fund, and their brief biographical information, including their addresses, their year of birth and descriptions of their principal occupations during the past five years is set forth below.

The Trustees serve on the Board for terms of indefinite duration. A Trustee’s position in that capacity will terminate if the Trustee is removed or resigns or, among other events, upon the Trustee’s death, incapacity, retirement or bankruptcy. A Trustee may resign upon written notice to the other Trustees of the Fund, and may be removed either by (i) the vote of at least two-thirds of the Trustees of the Fund not subject to the removal vote or (ii) the vote of Shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes eligible to be cast by all Shareholders of the Fund. In the event of any vacancy in the position of a Trustee, the remaining Trustees of the Fund may appoint an individual to serve as a Trustee so long as immediately after the appointment at least two-thirds of the Trustees of the Fund then serving have been elected by the Shareholders of the Fund. The Board may call a meeting of the Shareholders to fill any vacancy in the position of a Trustee of the Fund, and must do so if the Trustees who were elected by the Shareholders cease to constitute a majority of the Trustees then serving on the Board.

The Board believes that each of the Trustees’ experience, qualifications, attributes and skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve in such capacity. Among the attributes common to all Trustees is the ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the other Trustees, the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees. A Trustee’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained through the Trustee’s business, consulting, and public service work; experience as a board member of non-profit entities or other organizations; education or professional training; and/or other life experiences. In addition to these shared characteristics, set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee. Specific details regarding each Trustee’s principal occupations during the past five years are included in the tables below. See “Board of Trustees and Officers—Independent Trustees” and “Board of Trustees and Officers—Interested Trustees and Officers.”

Independent Trustees

“Independent Trustees” are those Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act). The address of each person below is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

 

Name, Address

and Year of Birth

  

Position(s)

Held

with Fund

  

Term of

Office and
Length of

Time

Served(1)

  

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5 Years

  

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Trustee

  

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
During the
Past 5 Years

Brien Biondi

(1962)

   Trustee    Since 2020    Chief Executive Officer, Campden Wealth, North America & The Institute for Private Investors (2016-Present); Chief Executive Officer and Founder, The Biondi Group (2011-Present); Chief Operating Officer, League Asset Corp (2009-2011); Executive Director, Chief Executives’ Organization (2004-2007); Chief Executive Officer, Entrepreneurs Organization (1997-2004); Director of Finance and Administration, World Presidents’ Organization (1993-1997); Controller, Archdiocese of Washington (1988-1993); Senior Accountant, KPMG (1985-1988)    None    None

Clifford J. Jack

(1963)

   Trustee    Since 2020    Manager, January Labs, LLC (2015-Present); Chief Executive Officer, Capital Tide LLC (2017-2019); Board of Advisors, National Financial Realty (2015-2019)    None    None

Sean Kearns

(1970)

   Trustee    Since 2020    Principal, Vicarage Associates LLC (2019-Present); Chief Executive Officer, A World of Tile (2004-2019); Chief Financial Officer, Health Fitness Corporation (1999-2001); Associate Vice President, Chase Manhattan Bank (1992-1997)    None    None

 

(1)

Under the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, a Trustee serves until his or her retirement, resignation or replacement.

 

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Interested Trustees and Officers

The address of each person below is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

 

Name, Address

and Year of Birth

  

Position(s) Held with Fund

  

Term of Office and

Length of Time

Served(1)

  

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5

Years

Michael Bell

(1962)

   Trustee, President and Principal Executive Officer    Since 2020    Managing Director, Primark Advisors LLC (2020-Present); CEO, Global Financial Private Capital (2015-2019); CEO, Curian Capital and Curian Clearing (2005-2014); General Counsel and CCO, National Planning Holdings, Inc (2003-2005); General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Folio Investing (1999-2003); Senior Associate, Latham & Watkins (1993-1999)

Derek Mullins

(1973)

   Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer    Since 2020    Managing Partner, PINE Advisor Solutions (2018-Present); Principal Financial Officer, Destra Investment Trust, Destra International & Event Driven Credit Fund and Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (2018-Present); Principal Financial Officer, XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Term Trust (2020-Present); Director of Operations, ArrowMark Partners LLC (2009-2018); Chief Financial Officer and Treasure, MeridianFund, Inc. (2013-2018)

Jesse D. Hallee

(1976)

   Secretary    Since 2020    Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2019-Present); Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2013-2019)

N. Lynn Bowley

(1958)

   Chief Compliance Officer    Since 2020    Chief Compliance Officer, Northern Lights Fund Trust (2007-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Northern Lights Variable Trust (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Alternative Strategy Fund (2016-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, The Reynolds Funds, Inc. (2007-2016)

Kara Baird

(1975)

   AML Compliance Officer    Since 2020    Senior Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions (2012-Present)

Marcie McVeigh

(1979)

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2020    Associate Director of CFO Services, PINE Advisor Solutions (2020-Present); Assistant Vice President and Performance Measurement Manager, Brown Brothers Harriman (2019-2020); Senior Financial Reporting Specialist, American Century Investments (2011-2018)

 

(1)

Under the Fund’s Bylaws, an officer serves until his or her successor is elected or qualified, or until he or she sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified. Officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

 

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Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with the Board. The Fund has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day- to-day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Declaration of Trust. The Board is currently composed of 4 members, 3 of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board will meet in-person at regularly scheduled meetings four times each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibility. The Independent Trustees will meet with their independent legal counsel in-person prior to and during each quarterly in-person board meeting. As described below, the Board has established an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed Clifford J. Jack, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman’s role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman serves as a key point person for dealings between management and the Trustees. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview and it allocates areas of responsibility among committees of Trustees and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight.

The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational and valuation risks, among others. Risk oversight forms part of the Board’s general oversight of the Fund and will be addressed as part of various Board and committee activities. Day- to-day risk management functions are subsumed within the responsibilities of the Adviser, and other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), which carry out the Fund’s investment management and business affairs. The Adviser and other service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various events or circumstances that give rise to risks, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each of the Adviser and other service providers has their own independent interests in risk management, and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models. The Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. The Board will require senior officers of the Fund, including the President, Principal Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, and the Adviser, to report to the full Board on a variety of matters at regular and special meetings of the Board, including matters relating to risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee will also receive regular reports from the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm on internal control and financial reporting matters. The Board will also receive reports from certain of the Fund’s other primary service providers on a periodic or regular basis, including the Fund’s custodian, distributor, sub-administrator and securities lending counterparty. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight.

Committees of the Board of Trustees

Audit Committee. The Board has formed an Audit Committee that is responsible for overseeing the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls, and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit of those financial statements; and acting as a liaison between the Fund’s independent auditors and the full Board. In performing its responsibilities, the Audit Committee will select and recommend annually to the entire Board a firm of independent certified public accountants to audit the books and records of the Fund for the ensuing year, and will review with the firm the scope and results of each audit. The Audit Committee currently consists of each of the Fund’s Independent Trustees. As the Fund is recently organized, the Audit Committee did not hold any meetings during the last year.

 

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Trustee Ownership of Securities

None of the Trustees own shares of the Fund.

Independent Trustee Ownership of Securities

None of the Independent Trustees (or their immediate family members) owns securities of the Adviser, or of an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser.

Trustee Compensation

In consideration of the services rendered by the Independent Trustees, the Fund pays each Independent Trustee an amount of $2,500 per meeting. Trustees that are interested persons will not be compensated by the Fund. The Trustees do not receive any pension or retirement benefits.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation of the Fund’s Trustees.

 

Name of Trustee

   Aggregate Compensation from
the Fund
    Total Compensation from
Funds and Fund Complex
Paid to Trustees
 

Brien Biondi

   $ [ ●]    $ [ ●] 

Clifford J. Jack

   $ [ ●]    $ [ ●] 

Sean Kearns

   $ [ ●]    $ [ ●] 

CODES OF ETHICS

The Fund and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Fund and the Adviser from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund. The codes of ethics permit persons subject to them to invest in securities, including securities that may be held or purchased by the Fund, subject to a number of restrictions and controls. Compliance with the codes of ethics is carefully monitored and enforced.

The codes of ethics are included as exhibits to the Fund’s registration statement filed with the SEC. The codes of ethics are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and may be obtained after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES

The Adviser

Primark Advisors LLC (“Primark” or the “Adviser”), located at 205 Detroit Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado, serves as the investment adviser of the Fund and will be responsible for determining and implementing the Fund’s overall investment strategy, including direct investments. The Adviser, formed in 2020, is a private, independently owned firm that is focused on investing in the lower middle market in private equity. The Adviser is an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). Subject to the general supervision of the Board, and in accordance with the investment objective and policies of the Fund, the Adviser has been engaged to continuously furnish an investment program with respect to the Fund and to furnish such other services necessary to sponsor and manage the Fund that are not specifically delegated to other service providers of the Fund, including overseeing the work that is delegated to other service providers of the Fund. The Adviser provides such services to the Fund pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”).

The Investment Management Agreement became effective as of [●], and unless otherwise terminated, will continue in effect for two years from such date, and from year to year thereafter, so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Fund, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Management Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) and is terminable without penalty (i) on sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser either by vote of the Board or by vote of

 

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a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, or (ii) on ninety (90) days’ written notice to the Fund by the Adviser. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Management Agreement will be available in the Fund’s first annual or semi-annual report to shareholders.

The Investment Management Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder, the Adviser will not be liable to the Fund or to any Shareholder of the Fund or to any other person, firm or organization, for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services thereunder. The Investment Management Agreement also provides for indemnification by the Fund, to the fullest extent permitted by law, of the Adviser, its affiliates and any of their respective partners, members, directors, officers, employees and shareholders from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs and expenses that arise out of or in connection with the performance or non-performance of or by such person of any of the Adviser’s responsibilities under the Investment Management Agreement, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Fund, and so long as the liability or expense is not incurred by reason of the person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person’s obligations under the Investment Management Agreement.

In consideration of the advisory and other services provided by the Adviser to the Fund under the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund will pay the Adviser an investment management fee (the “Management Fee”) at the annual rate of 1.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (or such lesser amount as the Adviser may from time to time agree to receive). The Management Fee is paid to the Adviser out of the Fund’s assets and decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. The Management Fee will be payable monthly in arrears or at such other intervals, not less frequently than quarterly, as the Board may determine and specify in writing to the Adviser.

A portion of the Investment Management Fee may be paid to brokers or dealers that assist in the distribution of Shares.

The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the Fund, whereby the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fee payable to it (but not below zero), and to pay any operating expenses of the Fund, to the extent necessary to limit the operating expenses of the Fund, excluding certain “Excluded Expenses” listed below, to the annual rate (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the applicable class of Shares of the Fund) of 1.60%, 2.00% and 2.25% with respect to Class I Shares, Class II Shares and Class III Shares, respectively (the “Expense Cap”). Excluded Expenses that are not covered by the Expense Cap include: brokerage commissions and other similar transactional expenses, interest (including interest incurred on borrowed funds and interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts), other borrowing costs and fees including interest and commitment fees, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation and indemnification expenses, judgments, and extraordinary expenses.

If the Adviser waives its Management Fee or pays any operating expenses of the Fund pursuant to the Expense Cap, the Adviser may, for a period ending three years after the end of the month in which such fees or expenses are waived or incurred, recoup amounts waived or incurred to the extent such recoupment does not cause the Fund’s operating expense ratio (after recoupment and excluding the Excluded Expenses) to exceed the Expense Cap.

The Expense Limitation Agreement is expected to continue for at least one year from the effective date of the Prospectus, and will renew automatically for successive periods of one year thereafter, unless written notice of termination is provided by the Adviser to the Fund not less than 10 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

Conflicts of Interest

The Primark investment team may from time to time manage separate accounts or other pooled investment vehicles that may have materially higher or different fee arrangements than the Fund and may also be subject to performance-based fees. The side-by-side management of these separate accounts and pooled investment vehicles, if any, may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to cross-trading and the allocation of investment opportunities. The Adviser has a fiduciary responsibility to manage all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. The Adviser seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and to allocate investments to client accounts in a fair and reasonable manner. To this end, the Adviser has developed policies and procedures designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side management.

Compensation of the Management Team

[●].

 

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Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

The table below identifies the number of accounts for which the Portfolio Managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts.

 

     Registered Investment
Companies
    Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
     Other Accounts  
Portfolio Manager    Number of
Accounts(1)
     Total Assets     Number of
Accounts
     Total Assets      Number of
Accounts
     Total Assets  

Michael Bell

     1      $ [●     0      $ 0        0      $ 0  

Adam Goldman

     1      $ [●     0      $ 0        0      $ 0  

Mark Sunderhuse

     1      $ [●     0      $ 0        0      $ 0  

 

(1)

Includes the Fund.

The table below identifies the number of accounts for which the Portfolio Managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts.

 

     Registered Investment
Companies for which the
Adviser receives a performance-
based  fee
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
managed for which the Adviser
receives a performance-based fee
     Other Accounts managed for
which the Adviser receives a
performance-based fee
 
Portfolio Manager    Number of
Accounts
     Total Assets      Number of
Accounts
     Total Assets      Number of
Accounts
     Total Assets  

Michael Bell

     0      $ 0        0      $ 0        0      $ 0  

Adam Goldman

     0      $ 0        0      $ 0        0      $ 0  

Mark Sunderhuse

     0      $ 0        0      $ 0        0      $ 0  

Management Team Ownership of Securities in the Fund

None of the members of the Management Team own Shares of the Fund.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION

The Adviser will seek best execution for securities transactions executed on the Fund’s behalf, so that the Fund’s total cost or proceeds in each transaction is the most favorable under the circumstances. In selecting brokers and dealers to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser will consider the full range and quality of a broker’s services in placing brokerage, including, among other things: execution capability, trading expertise, accuracy of execution, commission rates, reputation and integrity, fairness in resolving disputes, financial responsibility, and responsiveness.

In selecting a broker to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser may also consider the value of research provided by the broker; however, a broker’s sale or promotion of Shares will not be a factor considered by Adviser, nor will the Fund, the Adviser or the Distributor enter into any agreement or understanding under which the Fund directs brokerage transactions or revenue generated by those transactions to brokers to pay for distribution of Shares.

In most instances, the Fund will purchase interests in a Portfolio Fund directly from the Portfolio Fund, and such purchases by the Fund may be, but are generally not, subject to transaction expenses. Nevertheless, the Fund anticipates that some of its portfolio transactions (including investments in Portfolio Funds by the Fund) may be subject to expenses. Given the private equity focus of a majority of the Portfolio Funds, significant brokerage commissions are not anticipated to be paid by such funds.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM; LEGAL COUNSEL

The Board has selected Cohen & Co., 151 N. Franklin Street, Suite 575, Chicago, IL 60606, as independent registered public accountants for the Fund.

Ropes & Gray LLP, Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111-4006, serves as counsel to the Fund.

 

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CUSTODIAN

UMB Bank, n.a. (the “Custodian”) serves as the primary custodian of the assets of the Fund and may maintain custody of such assets with U.S. and non-U.S. sub-custodians (which may be banks and trust companies), securities depositories and clearing agencies in accordance with the requirements of Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Assets of the Fund are not held by the Adviser or commingled with the assets of other accounts other than to the extent that securities are held in the name of the Custodian or U.S. or non-U.S. sub-custodians in a securities depository, clearing agency or omnibus customer account of such custodian. The Custodian’s principal business address is 1010 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106.

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The Fund will calculate its net asset value as of the close of business each regular business day (each, a “Determination Date”). In determining its net asset value, the Fund will value its investments as of the relevant Determination Date. The net asset value of the Fund will equal, unless otherwise noted, the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all of its liabilities, including accrued fees and expenses, each determined as of the relevant Determination Date.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Board has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures. Copies of the Adviser’s proxy policies and procedures are included as Appendix A to this SAI. The Board will periodically review the Fund’s proxy voting record.

The Fund will be required to file Form N-PX, with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. The Fund’s Form N-PX filing will be available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 877-792-0924 or (ii)  by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

No Shares of the Fund are currently owned.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Appendix [●] to this SAI provides financial information regarding the Fund. The Fund’s financial statements have been audited by Cohen & Co.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A registration statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to the Shares offered hereby, has been filed by the Fund with the SEC. The Prospectus and this SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, including any exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Fund and the Shares offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement. A copy of the registration statement may be reviewed and copied on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Prospective investors can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC’s e-mail address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

 

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Appendix A - Adviser Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

[to be filed by amendment]

 

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PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 25.

Financial Statements and Exhibits

(1)     Financial Statements:

Included in Part A:

Not applicable.

Included in Part B:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, to be filed by amendment.

Statement of Assets and Liabilities, to be filed by amendment.

Notes to Financial Statements, to be filed by amendment.

(2)     Exhibits:

 

(a)    (1)   Certificate of Trust of Primark Private Equity Fund (the “Registrant”), dated as of June 15, 2020, filed herewith.
   (2)   Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated as of June 15, 2020, filed herewith.
(b)      By-Laws of the Registrant, filed herewith.
(c)      Not applicable.
(d)    (1)   See portions of Agreement and Declaration of Trust relating to shareholders’ rights.
   (2)   See portions of By-laws relating to shareholders’ rights.
(e)      Not applicable.
(f)      Not applicable.
(g)      Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant and Primark Advisors LLC (“Primark”), filed herewith.
(h)    (1)   Form of Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Financial Services, LLC (the “Distributor”), filed herewith.
   (2)   Form of Private Placement Agent Agreement among the Registrant, Primark and the Distributor, filed herewith.
   (3)   Form of Dealer Agreement between the Registrant and the Distributor, filed herewith.
   (4)   Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan, to be filed by amendment.
   (5)   Multiple Class Plan, to be filed by amendment.
(i)      Not applicable.
(j)    (1)   Form of Custody Agreement between the Registrant and UMB Bank, n.a. (the “Custodian”), filed herewith.
   (2)   Form of Rule 17f-5 Delegation Agreement between the Registrant and the Custodian, filed herewith.
(k)    (1)   Form of Master Services Agreement between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”), filed herewith.


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   (2)   Form of Services Agreement between PINE Advisor Solutions, LLC and the Registrant, filed herewith.
   (3)   Form of Consulting Agreement between Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC and the Registrant, filed herewith.
   (4)   Form of Expense Limitation Agreement, filed herewith.
   (5)   Shareholder Servicing Plan, to be filed by amendment.
(l)      Opinion and consent of counsel for the Fund, to be filed by amendment.
(m)      Not applicable.
(n)      Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, to be filed by amendment.
(o)      Not applicable.
(p)      Not applicable.
(q)      Not applicable.
(r)    (1)   Code of Ethics of the Registrant, filed herewith.
   (2)   Code of Ethics of Primark, filed herewith.
(s)      Power of Attorney, filed herewith.

 

Item 26.

Marketing Arrangements

Not applicable.

 

Item 27.

Other Expenses of Issuance or Distribution

 

Securities and Exchange Commission fees

   $ [●

Printing and engraving expenses

   $ [●

Legal fees

   $ [●

Accounting expenses

   $ [●
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ [●

 

Item 28.

Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

None.

 

Item 29.

Number of Holders of Securities

Set forth below is the number of record holders as of June 30, 2020 of each class of securities of the Registrant.

 

Title of Class

   Number of Record Holders  
Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.001 par value per share      1  

 

Item 30.

Indemnification

The Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, incorporated herein by reference, contains provisions limiting the liability, and providing for indemnification, of the Trustees, officers, employees and other “Covered Persons” (including their respective heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives) to the fullest extent permitted by law, including advancement of payments of all expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and presentation of any defense (subject to repayment obligations in certain circumstances).

 

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Each of the Registrant’s Form of Distribution Agreement, Form of Private Placement Agent Agreement, and Form of Dealer Agreement, each filed herewith, contains provisions limiting the liability, and providing for indemnification, of the Trustees and officers under certain circumstances.

Further, the Form of Investment Management Agreement with Primark, filed herewith, contains provisions limiting the liability, and providing for indemnification, of Primark and its personnel under certain circumstances.

The Registrant’s Trustees and officers are insured under a standard investment company errors and omissions insurance policy covering loss incurred by reason of negligent errors and omissions committed in their official capacities as such.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in this Item 30, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

Item 31.

Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

Primark is a Delaware limited liability company that offers investment management services. Primark’s offices are located at 205 Detroit Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado 80206.

A description of any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the directors and officers of Primark who serve as officers or Trustees of the Registrant have engaged during the last two years for his or her account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee appears under “Management of the Fund” and “Board of Trustees and Officers” in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, respectively.

 

Item 32.

Location of Accounts and Records

All accounts, books and other documents required by Rule 31(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are maintained at the offices, as applicable of: (1) Primark, (2) the Custodian and (3) the Administrator.

 

  1.

Primark Advisors LLC

205 Detroit Street, Suite 200

Denver, Colorado 80206

 

  2.

UMB Bank, n.a.

1010 Grand Boulevard

Kansas City, Missouri 64106

 

  3.

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

 

Item 33.

Management Services

Not applicable.

 

Item 34.

Undertakings

1. Not applicable.

2. Not applicable.

3. Not applicable.

 

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4. The Registrant undertakes:

a. to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement:

(1) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the 1933 Act;

(2) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and

(3) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

b. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

c. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

d. Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

e. That for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the 1933 Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:

The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

(1) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act;

(2) the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the 1933 Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

(3) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

5. Not applicable.

6. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, its Statement of Additional Information.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement of Primark Private Equity Fund to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Denver, and the State of Colorado, on the 30th day of June, 2020.

 

PRIMARK PRIVATE EQUITY FUND
By:  

/s/ Michael Bell

  Name:   Michael Bell
  Title:   President, Principal Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Michael Bell

  

Trustee, President,

Principal Executive Officer

  June 30, 2020
Michael Bell  

/s/ Derek Mullins

  

Treasurer,

Principal Financial Officer

  June 30, 2020
Derek Mullins  

* /s/ Brien Biondi

   Trustee   June 30, 2020
Brien Biondi     

* /s/ Clifford Jack

   Trustee   June 30, 2020
Clifford Jack     

* /s/ Sean Kearns

   Trustee   June 30, 2020
Sean Kearns     

 

*Power of Attorney
*By:  

/s/ Michael Bell

 

Michael Bell

Attorney in Fact


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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

(a)(1)

(a)(2)

(b)

(g)

(h)(1)

(h)(2)

(h)(3)

(j)(1)

(j)(2)

(k)(1)

(k)(2)

(k)(3)

(k)(4)

(r)(1)

(r)(2)

(s)

 

Certificate of Trust of the Registrant.

Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.

Bylaws of the Registrant.

Form of Investment Management Agreement.

Form of Distribution Agreement.

Form of Private Placement Agent Agreement.

Form of Dealer Agreement.

Form of Custody Agreement.

Form of Rule 17f-5 Delegation Agreement.

Form of Master Services Agreement.

Form of Services Agreement.

Form of Consulting Agreement.

Form of Expense Limitation Agreement.

Code of Ethics of the Registrant.

Code of Ethics of Primark.

Power of Attorney.