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Sankaty Capital Corp – ‘10-12G’ on 10/13/15

On:  Tuesday, 10/13/15, at 2:07pm ET   ·   Accession #:  1140361-15-37483   ·   File #:  0-55528

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  As Of                Filer                Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size              Issuer               Agent

10/13/15  Sankaty Capital Corp              10-12G                 1:632K                                   Summit Fin’l Printing

Registration of Securities (General Form)   —   Form 10
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-12G      Sankaty Capital Corporation 10-12G 10-13-2015       HTML    490K 


Document Table of Contents

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11st Page   -   Filing Submission
"Table of Contents
"Explanatory Note
"Forward-Looking Statements
"Item 1. Business
"Item 1A. Risk Factors
"Item 2. Financial Information
"Item 3. Properties
"Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
"Item 5. Directors and Executive Officers
"Item 6. Executive Compensation
"Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
"Item 8. Legal Proceedings
"Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
"Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
"Item 11. Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered
"Item 12. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
"Item 13. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
"Item 14. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
"Item 15. Financial Statements and Exhibits

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 13, 2015
File No. [  ]
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
FORM 10
 
GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Sankaty Capital Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
Delaware
 
[  ]
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

200 Clarendon Street, 37th Floor, Boston, MA
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(617) 516-2000
 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
with copies to:
 
Richard Horowitz, Esq.
Dechert LLP
1095 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
(212) 698-3500
 
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
None
 
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
 
Large accelerated filer 
Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer ☒
Smaller reporting company 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
Sankaty Capital Corporation is filing this registration statement on Form 10 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on a voluntary basis to permit it to file an election to be regulated as a business development company (a “BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), to provide current public information to the investment community and to comply with applicable requirements for the potential of the quotation or listing of its securities on a national securities exchange in connection with an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock in the future. In this Registration Statement, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Sankaty Capital Corporation, unless otherwise specified.
 
Once this Registration Statement has been deemed effective, we will be subject to the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which will require us, among other things, to file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, and we will be required to comply with all other obligations of the Exchange Act applicable to issuers filing registration statements pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.
 
Shortly after the effectiveness of this Registration Statement, we will file an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Upon filing of such election, we will become subject to the 1940 Act requirements applicable to BDCs.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Statements contained in this Registration Statement (including those relating to current and future market conditions and trends in respect thereof) that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and/or beliefs of the Company, SCC Advisors, LLC (“SCC” or the “Advisor”) and/or Sankaty Advisors, LLC (“Sankaty”). Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Certain information contained in this Registration Statement constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “seek,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “target,” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the Company may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Registration Statement and in our filings with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
 
Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, some of those assumptions are based on the work of third parties and any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate; as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could prove to be inaccurate. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this Registration Statement should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Registration Statement. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this Registration Statement. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or any other information contained herein, except as required by applicable law. The safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which preclude civil liability for certain forward-looking statements, do not apply to the forward-looking statements in this Registration Statement because we are an investment company.
 
1

Item 1. Business
 
(a) General Development of Business
 
The Company was formed on October 5, 2015 as a Delaware corporation. We expect to enter into separate subscription agreements (each, a “Subscription Agreement”) with a number of investors providing for the private placement of the Company’s common stock (the “Private Offering”). Each investor will make a capital commitment to purchase shares of our common stock pursuant to the Subscription Agreement. Investors will be required to make capital contributions to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock each time the Company delivers a drawdown notice, which will be delivered at least 10 business days prior to the required funding date, in an aggregate amount not to exceed their respective capital commitments. See Item 1(c). Description of Business—The Private Offering.” We anticipate commencing our investment activities contemporaneously with the initial closing of the Private Offering, which is expected to occur shortly after the filing of the Company’s election to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act (the “Initial Closing”). See Item 1(c). Description of Business—The Private Offering.”
 
Shortly after the effectiveness of this Registration Statement, we intend to file with the SEC an election to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We also intend to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a BDC and a RIC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. See Item 1(c). Description of Business—Regulation as a Public Business Development Company” and “Item 1(c). Description of Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
 
The common stock described herein has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the securities laws of any other state or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. The shares of common stock will be offered and sold during the Private Offering (i) in the United States under the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and other exemptions of similar import in the laws of the states and jurisdictions where the offering will be made, and (ii) outside of the United States in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act. Within the United States, shares of common stock are being offered solely to investors that are “accredited investors” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
 
(b) Financial Information about Industry Segments
 
Our operations comprise only a single reportable segment. See “Item 2. Financial Information.
 
(c) Description of Business
 
General
 
We are a business development company.  Our primary focus is capitalizing on senior middle market lending opportunities.  We will seek to provide superior risk-adjusted returns and current income to investors by investing primarily in middle market companies with between $10 and $150 million in annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). We intend to focus on senior investments with a first or second lien on collateral and strong structures and documentation intended to protect the lender. We may also invest in mezzanine debt and other junior securities and in secondary purchases of assets or portfolios, as described below. Investments are likely to include, among other things, (i) senior first lien, stretch senior, senior second lien, unitranche, and mezzanine debt and other junior securities and (ii) secondary purchases of assets or portfolios that primarily consist of middle market corporate debt. Leverage is expected to be utilized to help the Company meet its investment objective. Any such leverage, if incurred, would be expected to increase the total capital available for investment by the Company.  As a BDC, we may also invest up to 30% of our portfolio opportunistically in “non-qualifying” portfolio investments, such as investments in non-U.S. companies.  See Item 1(c). Description of Business—Regulation as a Business Development Company—Qualifying Assets.”
 
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The Advisor will seek to achieve the Company’s investment objective by:
 
· Capitalizing on the significant experience and expertise of Sankaty’s 109-person total investment team, including its dedicated 23-person Middle Market Group, which is represented in Sankaty’s Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Melbourne and Hong Kong offices; See “Item 1(c). Description of Business—About Sankaty.
 
· Applying Sankaty’s long-standing middle market direct lending investment strategy that spans over 15 years and has invested over $[   ] billion, of which $[   ] billion has been invested within the last 12 months, in such opportunities;
 
· Leveraging Sankaty’s sourcing capabilities and extensive contacts with over 1,500 middle market private equity sponsors, banks and financial intermediaries to drive differentiated deal flow and to enhance the security selection process;
 
· Utilizing Sankaty’s deep due diligence approach supported by its industry teams to evaluate investment opportunities; and
 
· Driving value through Sankaty’s dedicated Portfolio Group where appropriate through hands-on operational expertise.
 
Because we intend to be a BDC, and we intend to qualify as a RIC under the Code, our portfolio will be subject to diversification and other requirements. See “—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
 
We may borrow money from time to time within the levels permitted by the 1940 Act (which generally allows us to incur leverage for up to one-half of our assets). In determining whether to borrow money, we will analyze the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of the proposed borrowings as well as the risks of such borrowings compared to our investment outlook. The use of borrowed funds or the proceeds of preferred stock offerings to make investments would have its own specific set of benefits and risks, and all of the costs of borrowing funds or issuing preferred stock would be borne by holders of our common stock. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure— Financing Investments With Borrowed Money.”
 
The Investment Advisor
 
The Company’s investment activities will be managed by SCC Advisors, LLC (“SCC” or the “Advisor”), an investment adviser that is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Our Advisor will be responsible for originating prospective investments, conducting research and due diligence investigations on potential investments, analyzing investment opportunities, negotiating and structuring our investments and monitoring our investments and portfolio companies on an ongoing basis.
 
The Advisor has entered into a Resource Sharing Agreement (the “Resource Sharing Agreement”) with Sankaty, pursuant to which Sankaty will provide the Advisor with experienced investment professionals (including the members of the Advisor’s Credit Committee) and access to the resources of Sankaty so as to enable the Advisor to fulfill its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. Through the Resource Sharing Agreement, the Advisor intends to capitalize on the significant deal origination, credit underwriting, due diligence, investment structuring, execution, portfolio management and monitoring experience of Sankaty’s investment professionals. See Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”
 
About Sankaty
 
Sankaty was formed in 1998 and had approximately $26.8 billion in committed assets under management as of April 1, 2015. Sankaty currently has 109 professionals who actively monitor investments in over 500 companies. To date, Sankaty has invested across the credit products and fixed income universe, including performing and distressed bank loans, high yield bonds, debtor-in-possession loans, senior direct lending, mezzanine debt and other junior securities, structured products, credit-based equities and other investments. Sankaty has invested over $[   ] billion in senior and junior direct lending transactions since 1998 (of which $[   ] billion has been invested within the last 12 months) and has an extensive track record as a non-traditional lender in the middle market.
 
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The Board of Directors
 
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Directors (the “Board”). Our Board consists of five members, three of whom are not “interested persons” of the Company, the Advisor or their respective affiliates as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. We refer to these individuals as our “Independent Directors.” The Independent Directors compose a majority of our Board. Our Board elects our officers, who serve at the discretion of our Board. The responsibilities of our Board include quarterly determinations of fair value of our assets, corporate governance activities, oversight of our financing arrangements and oversight of our investment activities.
 
Investment Advisory Agreement; Administration Agreement; License Agreement
 
Our investment activities will be managed by our Advisor, which will be responsible for originating prospective investments, conducting research and due diligence investigations on potential investments, analyzing investment opportunities, negotiating and structuring our investments and monitoring our investments and portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. We have entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) with the Advisor, pursuant to which we have agreed to pay the Advisor a base management fee and an incentive fee for its services. The cost of both the base management fee and the incentive fee will ultimately be borne by our stockholders.
 
The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of [  ]% of our gross assets, including assets purchased with borrowed funds or other forms of leverage but excluding cash and cash equivalents. For services rendered under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee is calculated based on the average value of our gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated. For purposes of the Investment Advisory Agreement, cash equivalents means U.S. government securities and commercial paper instruments maturing within one year of purchase.  The Advisor, however, will agree to waive its right to receive management fees in excess of [  ]% of the aggregate gross assets excluding cash (including capital drawn to pay the Company’s expenses) during any period prior to the earlier of the end of the Commitment Period and a Qualified IPO. A “Qualified IPO” is an initial public offering (“IPO”) of the Company’s common stock that results in an unaffiliated public float of at least the lower of $[  ] or [  ]% of the aggregate capital commitments received prior to the date of such initial public offering. The Advisor will not be permitted to recoup any waived amounts at any time and the waiver agreement may only be modified or terminated prior to a Qualified IPO with the approval of the Board.
 
We will pay the Advisor an incentive fee. The incentive fee will consist of two parts—an incentive fee based on income and an incentive fee based on capital gains. The first part, which is described in more detail in the bullet points below, will be calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals (a) [  ]% of the excess of our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, over a preferred return of [  ]% per quarter ([  ]% annualized), or “Hurdle,” and a “catch-up” feature, until the Advisor has received, (i) prior to a Qualified IPO, [  ]%, or (ii) after a Qualified IPO, [  ]%, of the pre-incentive fee net investment income for the current quarter up to the “catch-up” and (b) (i) prior to a Qualified IPO, [  ]% or (ii) after a Qualified IPO, [  ]%, of all remaining pre-incentive fee net investment income above the “catch-up.” The second part, the capital gains incentive fee, will be determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each fiscal year (or upon a Qualified IPO or termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement), (i) prior to a Qualified IPO, [  ]%, or (ii) after a Qualified IPO, [  ]% of the Company’s realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of the fiscal year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees.
 
Pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies but excluding fees for providing managerial assistance) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, any expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature such as market discount, OID, debt instruments with PIK interest, preferred stock with PIK dividends and zero-coupon securities, accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Incentive Fee Structure Relating to the Advisor.”
 
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Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized or unrealized capital gains or losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. Because of the structure of the incentive fee, it is possible that we may pay an incentive fee in a quarter where we incur a loss. For example, if we receive pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the Hurdle rate for a quarter, we will pay the applicable incentive fee even if we have incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized and unrealized capital losses.
 
Pre-incentive fee net investment income will be compared to a “Hurdle Amount” equal to the product of (i) the “Hurdle rate” of [  ]% per quarter ([  ]% annualized) and (ii) the Company’s net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period) at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter. If market interest rates rise, we may be able to invest our funds in debt instruments that provide for a higher return, which would increase our pre-incentive fee net investment income and make it easier for the Advisor to surpass the fixed Hurdle rate and receive an incentive fee based on such net investment income. PIK interest and OID will also increase our pre-incentive fee net investment income and make it easier to surpass the fixed Hurdle rate. Our pre-incentive fee net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of our total assets (other than cash and cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts) used to calculate the  [  ]% base management fee.
 
Prior to the occurrence of a Qualified IPO, the Company will pay the income incentive fee in each calendar quarter as follows:
 
· no income incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the Hurdle Amount;
 
· [  ]% of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle Amount but is less than or equal to an amount (the “Pre-Qualified IPO Catch-Up Amount”) determined on a quarterly basis by multiplying [  ]% by the Company’s net asset value at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter. The Pre-Qualified IPO Catch-Up Amount is intended to provide the Advisor with an incentive fee of [  ]% on all of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income when the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income reaches the Pre-Qualified IPO Catch-Up Amount in any calendar quarter; and
 
· for any calendar quarter in which the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds the Pre-Qualified IPO Catch-Up Amount, the income incentive fee shall equal [  ]% of the amount of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income for the calendar quarter.
 
On and after the occurrence of a Qualified IPO, the Company will pay the income incentive fee in each calendar quarter as follows:
 
· no income incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the Hurdle Amount;
 
· [  ]% of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle Amount but is less than or equal to an amount (the “Post-Qualified IPO Catch-Up Amount”) determined on a quarterly basis by multiplying [  ]% by the Company’s net asset value at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter. The Post-Qualified IPO Catch-Up Amount is intended to provide the Advisor with an incentive fee of  [  ]% on all of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income when the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income reaches the Post-Qualified IPO Catch-UP Amount in any calendar quarter; and
 
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· for any calendar quarter in which the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds the Post-Qualified IPO Catch-Up Amount, the income incentive fee shall equal [  ]% of the amount of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income for the calendar quarter.
 
These calculations will be appropriately pro-rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases by the Company during the current quarter. The Company does not currently intend to institute a share repurchase program and share repurchases will be effected only in extremely limited circumstances in accordance with applicable law. If the Qualified IPO occurs on a date other than the first day of a calendar quarter, the income incentive fee shall be calculated for such calendar quarter at a weighted rate calculated based on the fee rates applicable before and after a Qualified IPO based on the number of days in such calendar quarter before and after a Qualified IPO.
 
The second part of the incentive fee is a capital gains incentive fee that will be determined and payable in arrears in cash as of the end of each fiscal year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals (i) [  ]% of our realized capital gains as of the end of the fiscal year prior to a Qualified IPO, and (ii)  [  ]% of our realized capital gains as of the end of the fiscal year after a Qualified IPO. In determining the capital gains incentive fee payable to the Advisor, we calculate the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains and cumulative aggregate realized capital losses since our inception, and the aggregate unrealized capital depreciation as of the date of the calculation, as applicable, with respect to each of the investments in our portfolio. For this purpose, cumulative aggregate realized capital gains, if any, equals the sum of the differences between the net sales price of each investment, when sold, and the original cost of such investment since our inception. Cumulative aggregate realized capital losses equals the sum of the amounts by which the net sales price of each investment, when sold, is less than the original cost of such investment since our inception. Aggregate unrealized capital depreciation equals the sum of the difference, if negative, between the valuation of each investment as of the applicable calculation date and the original cost of such investment. At the end of the applicable year, the amount of capital gains that serves as the basis for our calculation of the capital gains incentive fee equals the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains less cumulative aggregate realized capital losses, less aggregate unrealized capital depreciation, with respect to our portfolio of investments. If this number is positive at the end of such year, then the capital gains incentive fee for such year will equal [  ]% or [  ]%, as applicable, of such amount, less the aggregate amount of any capital gains incentive fees paid in respect of our portfolio in all prior years as calculated in accordance with the below after a Qualified IPO.
 
If a Qualified IPO occurs on a date other than the first day of a fiscal year, a capital gains incentive fee shall be calculated as of the day before the Qualified IPO, with such capital gains incentive fee paid to the Advisor following the end of the fiscal year in which the Qualified IPO occurred. For the avoidance of doubt, such capital gains incentive fee shall be equal to [  ]% of the Company’s realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception through the day before the Qualified IPO, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gains incentive fees. Following a Qualified IPO, solely for the purposes of calculating the capital gains incentive fee, the Company will be deemed to have previously paid capital gains incentive fees prior to a Qualified IPO equal to the product obtained by multiplying (a) the actual aggregate amount of previously paid capital gains incentive fees for all periods prior to a Qualified IPO by (b) the percentage obtained by dividing (x) [  ]% by (y) [  ]%. In the event that the Investment Advisory Agreement shall terminate as of a date that is not a fiscal year end, the termination date shall be treated as though it were a fiscal year end for purposes of calculating and paying a capital gains incentive fee.
 
Our Board will monitor the mix and performance of our investments over time and will seek to satisfy itself that the Advisor is acting in our interests and that our fee structure appropriately incentivizes the Advisor to do so.
 
We have also entered into an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with the Advisor (in such capacity, the “Administrator”), pursuant to which the Administrator will provide the administrative services necessary for us to operate, and we will utilize the Administrator’s office facilities, equipment and recordkeeping services. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator has agreed to oversee our public reporting requirements and tax reporting and monitor our expenses and the performance of professional services rendered to us by others. The Administrator has also hired a sub-administrator to assist in the provision of administrative services. We will reimburse the Administrator for its costs and expenses and our allocable portion of overhead incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by our officers (including our Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and any of their respective staff who provide services to us, operations staff who provide services to us, and any internal audit staff, to the extent internal audit performs a role in our Sarbanes-Oxley internal control assessment. Our allocable portion of overhead will be determined by the Administrator, which expects to use various methodologies such as allocation based on the percentage of time certain individuals devote, on an estimated basis, to the business and affairs of the Company, and will be subject to oversight by the Board. The sub-administrator will be paid its compensation for performing its sub-administrative services under the sub-administration agreement. The Administrator will waive its right to be reimbursed in the event that any such reimbursements would cause any distributions to our stockholders to constitute a return of capital. See Fees and Expenses.” In addition, the Advisor is permitted to delegate its duties under the Administration Agreement to affiliates or third parties and we will reimburse the expenses of these parties incurred and paid by the Advisor on our behalf.
 
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Both the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement have been approved by our Board. Unless earlier terminated as described below, both the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement will remain in effect for a period of two years from their effective date and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved annually by (i) the vote of our Board, or by the vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, and (ii) the vote of a majority of our Independent Directors. The Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of assignment. Both the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure— Dependence Upon Key Personnel of Sankaty and the Advisor.”
 
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under that agreement. It will not be responsible for any action of our Board in following or declining to follow the Advisor’s advice or recommendations. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor, its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Advisor, including, without limitation, its general partner and the Administrator, and any person controlling or controlled by the Advisor will not be liable to us, any subsidiary of ours, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary’s stockholders or partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts constituting gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of the duties that the Advisor owes to us under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, as part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify the Advisor and each of its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Advisor, including, without limitation, its general partner and the Administrator, from and against any claims or liabilities, including reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred, arising out of or in connection with our business and operations or any action taken or omitted on our behalf pursuant to authority granted by the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of such person’s duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead the Advisor to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
 
United States federal and state securities laws may impose liability under certain circumstances on persons who act in good faith. Nothing in the Investment Advisory Agreement will constitute a waiver or limitation of any rights that the Company may have under any applicable federal or state securities laws.
 
We have also entered into a license agreement with Sankaty under which Sankaty has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Sankaty”.
 
Investment Decision Process
 
The Advisor’s investment process can be broken into in five processes: (1) Sourcing and Idea Generation, (2) Investment Diligence & Recommendation, (3) Credit Committee Approval, (4) Portfolio Construction and (5) Portfolio & Risk Management.
 
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Sourcing and Idea Generation
 
The investment decision-making process begins with sourcing ideas. Sankaty’s Middle Market Group interacts with over 1,500 global contacts, enabling the group to generate a large set of middle market investment opportunities. Further enhancing the sourcing capability of the core Middle Market Group are Sankaty’s 14 industry groups, Trading Desk, Portfolio Group and Restructuring team, each with its own sets of contacts. Of these contacts (with many of which a traditional middle market fund would not typically have relationships), approximately 400 are private equity firms. Relationships with banks, a variety of advisors and intermediaries and a handful of unique independent sponsors compose the remainder of the relationships.  Over the past 12 months, Sankaty’s Middle Market Group considered approximately 730 global investment opportunities.
 
Investment Diligence & Recommendation
 
The Advisor utilizes Sankaty’s bottom-up approach to investing and it starts with the due diligence performed by its Middle Market Group. They work with the close support of Sankaty’s 14 industry groups. This diligence process typically begins with a detailed review of the offering memorandum as well as Sankaty’s own independent diligence efforts, including in-house materials and expertise, third-party independent research and interviews, and hands-on field checks where appropriate. For deals that progress beyond an initial stage, the team will schedule one or more meetings with company management, facilities visits and also meetings with the sponsor in order to ask more detailed questions and to better understand the sponsor’s view of the business and plans for it going forward.  The team’s diligence work is summarized in investment memos and accompanying credit packs.  Work product also includes full models and covenant analysis. The approval process itself is iterative, involving multiple levels of discussion and approval which culminate with a final credit approval meeting with Sankaty’s unified eight-member Credit Committee that is responsible for approving all investments across every asset class and strategy within Sankaty.
 
Credit Committee Approval
 
Once an investment is deemed worthy of serious consideration, it must be presented to the Advisor’s Credit Committee. The Advisor’s Credit Committee is comprised of 8 credit professionals who average over 25 years of experience and have varied areas of expertise from bank loans to high yield to restructuring, including Jonathan S. Lavine (Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer), Tim Barns (Managing Director, Chief Credit Officer), Stuart E. Davies (Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer – Opportunistic Credit), Jonathan DeSimone (Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer – Performing Credit), Alon Avner (Managing Director, Head of Europe), Michael A. Ewald (Managing Director, Head of Middle Market Group), Christopher Linneman (Managing Director, Head of New York) and Jeff Robinson (Managing Director, Portfolio Manager).
 
Portfolio Construction
 
Portfolio construction is largely the responsibility of the portfolio managers (the “Portfolio Managers”), who are closely monitored by Sankaty’s independent Risk and Oversight Committee. The Portfolio Managers will construct the portfolio using a set of investments approved by the Credit Committee. While the decision to buy requires approval from the Credit Committee, the decision to sell securities is at the sole discretion of the Portfolio Managers. The Portfolio Managers’ sell decisions are based primarily on price targets, relative value and market conditions. For middle market holdings, the path to exit an investment is discussed at Credit Committee meetings, including restructurings, acquisitions and sale to strategic buyers. Since most middle market investments are illiquid, exits are driven by a sale of the portfolio company or a refinancing of the portfolio company’s debt.
 
Portfolio & Risk Management
 
Sankaty’s Middle Market Group remains responsible for the daily monitoring of its respective credits once an investment has been made. This monitoring is facilitated through Sankaty’s proprietary system, Sankaty Tool for Analyst Recommendations (“STAR”). The Advisor believes that the ongoing monitoring of financial performance and market developments of portfolio investments is critical to successful investment management. Accordingly, the Advisor is actively involved in an on-going portfolio review process and attends board meetings. To the extent a portfolio investment is not meeting the Advisor’s expectations, the Advisor takes corrective action when it deems appropriate, which may include raising interest rates, gaining a more influential role on its board, taking warrants and, where appropriate, restructuring the balance sheet to take control of the company. Guiding the portfolio construction process from a risk perspective is Sankaty’s Risk and Oversight Committee, whose members are Jonathan S. Lavine, Sally D. Fassler, Jeff B. Hawkins, Jamie Kellogg, David McCarthy, Ranesh Ramanathan and Kathleen Rockey. The Risk and Oversight Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing risk management, including portfolio risk, counterparty risk and firm-wide risk issues. In addition to the methods noted above, there are a number of proprietary methods and tools used through all levels of Sankaty to manage portfolio risk.
 
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Investment Strategy
 
The Advisor, through the resources and personnel provided by Sankaty through the Resource Sharing Agreement, uses detailed business, industry and competitive analyses to make investments. In evaluating potential opportunities, Sankaty’s investment professionals typically complete market analyses to assess the attractiveness of a given industry and a specific investment and monitor, on an ongoing basis, financial performance and market developments. The Advisor’s approach to making investments generally involves evaluating the following business characteristics: market definition, market size and growth prospects, competitive analysis, historical financial performance, margin analysis and cost structure, quality of earnings, capital structure, access to capital markets and regulatory, risk analysis, tax and legal matters. Additionally, the Advisor places significant emphasis on the quality and track record of the controlling shareholders and management team as well as careful consideration to the underlying deal structure and documentation. When considering an investment that meets the Company’s return objectives, the Advisor seeks to mitigate downside risk.
 
We will seek to create a diversified portfolio of investments across various industries as a method to manage risk and capitalize on specific sector trends, although our investments may be concentrated in a small number of industries.
 
Investment Focus
 
Our primary focus is capitalizing on senior middle market lending opportunities.  We will seek to provide superior risk-adjusted returns and current income to investors by investing primarily in middle market companies with between $10 and $150 million in EBITDA. The Company intends to focus on senior investments with a first or second lien on collateral and strong structures and documentation intended to protect the lender. We may also invest in mezzanine debt and other junior securities and in secondary purchases of assets or portfolios, as described below. Investments are likely to include, among other things, (i) senior first lien, stretch senior, senior second lien, unitranche, and mezzanine debt and other junior securities and (ii) secondary purchases of assets or portfolios that primarily consist of middle market corporate debt. Leverage is expected to be utilized to help the Company meet its investment objective. Any such leverage, if incurred, would be expected to increase the total capital available for investment by the Company. As a BDC, we may also invest up to 30% of our portfolio opportunistically in “non-qualifying” portfolio investments, such as investments in non-U.S. companies.
 
We may invest in securities that are rated below investment grade by rating agencies or that would be rated below investment grade if they were rated (i.e. junk bonds). See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Investments— Lack of Liquidity in Investments.” Our investments also may include non-cash income features, including payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest and original issue discount (“OID”). See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Investments—Risks Associated with OID and PIK Interest Income.”
 
Competition
 
Our primary competitors in providing financing to middle-market companies include public and private funds, other business development companies, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity and hedge funds. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. For example, we believe some competitors may have access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or to the distribution and other requirements we must satisfy to maintain our qualification as a RIC.
 
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We expect to use the expertise of the investment professionals of Sankaty to which we will have access to assess investment risks and determine appropriate pricing for our investments in portfolio companies. In addition, we expect that the relationships of Sankaty will enable us to learn about, and compete effectively for, financing opportunities with attractive middle-market companies in the industries in which we seek to invest. For additional information concerning the competitive risks we face, see Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Business and Structure—Operation in a Highly Competitive Market for Investment Opportunities.”
 
Fees and Expenses
 
Our primary operating expenses will include the payment of fees to the Advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our allocable portion of overhead expenses under the Administration Agreement and other operating costs described below. We will bear all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including:
 
· our initial organization costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations up to a maximum of $[  ] million;
 
· operating costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations;
 
· the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;
 
· the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of shares of our common stock and other securities;
 
· fees payable to third parties relating to making investments, including our Advisor’s or its affiliates’ travel expenses, research costs and out-of-pocket fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence and reviews of prospective investments;
 
· interest expense and other costs associated with Company indebtedness;
 
· transfer agent and custodial fees;
 
· out-of-pocket fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;
 
· federal and state registration fees and any stock exchange listing fees;
 
· U.S. federal, state and local taxes;
 
· independent directors’ fees and expenses;
 
· brokerage commissions and markups;
 
· fidelity bond, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and other insurance premiums;
 
· direct costs, such as printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;
 
· fees and expenses associated with independent audits and outside legal costs;
 
· costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and other applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; and
 
· other expenses incurred by the Administrator or us in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement that will be based upon our allocable portion (subject to the review and approval of our Board) of overhead.
 
All of the foregoing expenses are borne indirectly by our stockholders.
 
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We have agreed to repay the Advisor for initial organization costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations up to a maximum of $[  ] million and operating costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations, each on a pro rata basis over the first $[   ] million of invested capital over a period not to exceed [  ] years from the initial capital commitment . In the event receipt of a formal commitment of external capital does not occur, all initial organization and operating costs will be borne by the Advisor. As there has been no commitment of external capital to date, no such costs have been allocated to the Company.
 
From time to time, the Administrator or its affiliates may pay third-party providers of goods or services. We will reimburse the Administrator or such affiliates thereof for any such amounts paid on our behalf. The Administrator will waive its right to be reimbursed in the event that such reimbursements would cause any distributions to our stockholders to constitute a return of capital. All of these expenses will ultimately be borne by our stockholders.
 
Capital Resources and Borrowings
 
We anticipate cash to be generated from the Private Offering and other future offerings of securities (including a Qualified IPO), and cash flows from operations, including interest earned from the temporary investment of cash in cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Additionally, we will be permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. Furthermore, while any indebtedness and senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. In connection with borrowings, our lenders may require us to pledge assets, investor commitments to fund capital calls and/or the proceeds of those capital calls. In addition, the lenders may ask us to comply with positive or negative covenants that could have an effect on our operations.
 
We expect to enter into one or more agreements for a credit facility and/or subscription facility (each, a “Credit Facility”). Each Credit Facility will provide for borrowings to make additional investments and for other general corporate purposes. It is anticipated that a Credit Facility will bear interest at floating rates at to be determined spreads over LIBOR and will be secured by the Company’s assets, and/or the Company may be required to pledge capital commitments to the lender. We cannot assure stockholders that we will be able to enter into a Credit Facility. Our stockholders will indirectly bear the costs associated with any borrowings under a Credit Facility or otherwise, including increased management fees payable to the Advisor as a result of such borrowings.
 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
 
Prior to the listing of the Company’s shares on a national securities exchange (a “Listing”), stockholders who “opt in” to the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Company’s common stock, rather than receiving cash dividends and distributions.
 
Subsequent to a Listing, stockholders who do not “opt out” of the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Company’s common stock, rather than receiving cash dividends and distributions.
 
Stockholders can elect to “opt in” or “opt out” of the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan in their Subscription Agreements.  We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that will provide for reinvestment of our dividends and other distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if our Board authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or other distribution, then (i) prior to a Listing, stockholders who “opt in” to the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan and (ii) subsequent to a Listing, stockholders who do not “opt out” of the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, will have their cash dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Company’s common stock, rather than receiving cash dividends and distributions. The elections of stockholders that make an election prior to a Listing shall remain effective after the Listing.
 
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Administration
 
We do not currently have any employees. Each officer of the Company will also be an employee of the Advisor or its affiliates. See Item 5. Directors and Executive Officers.”
 
Our day-to-day investment operations will be managed by the Advisor. Pursuant to its Resource Sharing Agreement with Sankaty, the Advisor will have access to the individuals who comprise our Advisor’s Credit Committee, and a team of additional experienced investment professionals who, collectively, comprise the Advisor’s investment team. The Advisor may hire additional investment professionals to provide services to us, based upon its needs. See Item 1(c). Description of Business—General—Investment Advisory Agreement; Administration Agreement; License Agreement.”
 
The Private Offering
 
We expect to enter into separate Subscription Agreements with a number of investors for the Private Offering. Each investor will make a capital commitment to purchase shares of our common stock pursuant to the Subscription Agreement. Investors will be required to make capital contributions to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock each time the Company delivers a drawdown notice, which will be delivered at least 10 business days prior to the required funding date, in an aggregate amount not to exceed their respective capital commitments. All purchases will generally be made pro rata in accordance with the investors’ capital commitments, at a per-share price as determined by the Company’s Board (including any committee thereof) as of the end of the most recent calendar quarter or such other date determined by the Board prior to the date of the applicable drawdown notice. The per-share price shall be at least equal to the net asset value per share in accordance with the limitations under Section 23 of the 1940 Act. The Board may set the per-share price above the net asset value per share based on a variety of factors, including without limitation the total amount of the Company’s organizational and other expenses. Upon the earlier to occur of (i) a Qualified IPO and (ii) the third anniversary of the Initial Closing, investors will be released from any further obligation to purchase additional shares, subject to certain exceptions contained herein and in the Subscription Agreement.  Prior to a Qualified IPO, no investor who participated in the Private Offering will be permitted to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of its shares or capital commitment unless the Company provides its prior written consent and the transfer is otherwise made in accordance with applicable law.
 
The Initial Closing is expected to occur shortly after the filing of the Company’s election to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. A limited number of additional closings are expected to occur from time to time as determined by the Company. In the event that the Company enters into a Subscription Agreement with one or more investors after the initial drawdown, each such investor will be required to make purchases of shares of common stock (each, a “Catch-up Purchase”) on one or more dates to be determined by the Company. The aggregate purchase price of the Catch-up Purchases will be equal to an amount necessary to ensure that, upon payment of the aggregate purchase price, such investor will have contributed the same percentage of its capital commitment to the Company as all investors whose subscriptions were accepted at previous closings. Catch-up Purchases will be made at a per-share price as determined by the Company’s Board (including any committee thereof) as of the end of the most recent calendar quarter or such other date as determined by the Board prior to the date of the applicable drawdown notice. The per-share price shall be at least equal to the net asset value per share of the Company’s common stock in accordance with the limitations under Section 23 of the 1940 Act.  The Board may set the per-share price above the net asset value per share based on a variety of factors, including without limitation the total amount of the Company’s organizational and other expenses.
 
In addition to all legal remedies available to the Company, failure by an investor to purchase additional common stock when requested by the Company will (following a cure period of ten business days) result in that investor being subject to certain default provisions set forth in the Subscription Agreement. Defaulting investors may also forfeit their right to participate in purchasing additional shares on any future drawdown date or otherwise participate in any future investments in the Company.
 
Except as provided above, three (3) years following the Initial Closing (the “Commitment Period”), investors in the Private Offering will be released from any further obligation to purchase additional shares of common stock, except to the extent necessary to (a) pay Company expenses, including management fees, any amounts that may become due under any borrowings or other financings or similar obligations and any other liabilities, contingent or otherwise, in each case to the extent they relate to the Commitment Period, (b) complete investments in any transactions for which there are binding written agreements as of the end of the Commitment Period (including investments that are funded in phases), (c) fund follow-on investments made in existing portfolio companies within [  ] years from the end of the Commitment Period that, in the aggregate, do not exceed [  ]% of total commitments, (d) fund obligations under any Company guarantee or indemnity made during the Commitment Period and/or (e) fund any defaulted commitments.  The Commitment Period shall terminate earlier upon a Qualified IPO and investors will be released from any further obligation to purchase additional shares of common stock. The Company reserves the right to conduct new or additional offerings of securities in the future.
 
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Regulation as a Business Development Company
 
We intend to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. A BDC is regulated under the 1940 Act. A BDC must be organized in the United States for the purpose of investing in or lending to primarily private companies and making significant managerial assistance available to them. A BDC may use capital provided by public stockholders and from other sources to make long-term, private investments in businesses. A publicly-traded BDC provides stockholders the ability to retain the liquidity of a publicly-traded stock while sharing in the possible benefits, if any, of investing in primarily privately owned companies. Until a Qualified IPO, we do not intend to list our common stock on a stock exchange and it will not be publicly traded. We will only pursue a Qualified IPO if and when the Advisor believes market conditions are appropriate for the Company to conduct a Qualified IPO and list its shares on an exchange. At such time, the Advisor will recommend that the Board approve such Qualified IPO. There can be no guarantee that a Qualified IPO will take place and investors should not rely on a Qualified IPO for liquidity.
 
We may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC unless authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, as required by the 1940 Act. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of such company’s voting securities present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company. We do not anticipate any substantial change in the nature of our business.
 
As with other companies regulated by the 1940 Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our directors must be persons who are not interested persons, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Additionally, we will be required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect the BDC. Furthermore, as a BDC, we will be prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office.
 
As a BDC, we will generally be required to meet an asset coverage ratio, defined under the 1940 Act as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to our outstanding senior securities, of at least 200% after each issuance of senior securities. We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC. As a BDC, we will generally be limited in our ability to invest in any portfolio company in which our Advisor or any of its affiliates currently has an investment or to make any co-investments with our Advisor or its affiliates without an exemptive order from the SEC, subject to certain exceptions.
 
We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under these limits, except for registered money market funds, we generally cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting stock of any investment company, invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company or invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of investment companies in the aggregate. The portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies ordinarily will subject our stockholders to additional expenses. Our investment portfolio is also subject to diversification requirements by virtue of our intention to be a RIC for U.S. tax purposes.
 
We will generally not be able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In addition, we may generally issue new shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends and in certain other limited circumstances.
 
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We will be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.
 
As a BDC, we will be subject to certain risks and uncertainties. See Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
 
Qualifying Assets
 
We may invest up to 30% of our portfolio opportunistically in “non-qualifying assets”, which will be driven primarily through opportunities sourced through the Advisor. However, under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as “qualifying assets,” unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the BDC’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our proposed business are the following:
 
(1) Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940 Act as any issuer which:
 
(a) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;
 
(b) is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and
 
(c) satisfies any of the following:
 
i. does not have any class of securities that is traded on a national securities exchange;
 
ii. has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange, but has an aggregate market value of outstanding voting and non-voting common equity of less than $250 million;
 
iii. is controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC and the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company; or
 
iv. is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more than $4.0 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2.0 million.
 
(2) Securities of any eligible portfolio company which we control.
 
(3) Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.
 
(4) Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.
 
(5) Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (4) above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.
 
(6) Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.
 
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Limitations on Leverage
 
As a BDC, we will generally be required to meet an asset coverage ratio, defined under the 1940 Act as the ratio of our total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to our outstanding senior securities, of at least 200% after each issuance of senior securities.
 
Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies
 
A BDC must have been organized under the laws of, and have its principal place of business in, any state or states within the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in (1), (2) or (3) above. However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities (other than small and solvent companies described above) significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors or officers, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.
 
Monitoring Investments
 
In most cases, we will not have influence over the board of directors of our portfolio companies. In some instances, the Advisor’s investment professionals may obtain board representation or observation rights in conjunction with our investments. In conjunction with our Advisor’s Credit Committee and our Board, the Advisor will take an active approach in monitoring all investments, which includes reviews of financial performance on at least a quarterly basis and may include discussions with management and/or the equity sponsor. The monitoring process will begin with structuring terms and conditions which require the timely delivery and access to critical financial and business information regarding portfolio companies.
 
Temporary Investments
 
Pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as “temporary investments,” so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. See Item I. Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Election to be Taxed as a RIC.” Typically, we will invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our gross assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as a RIC. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our Advisor will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.
 
Senior Securities
 
We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure— Financing Investments With Borrowed Money.”
 
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The 1940 Act imposes limitations on a BDC’s issuance of preferred shares, which are considered “senior securities” and thus are subject to the 200% asset coverage requirement described above. In addition, (i) preferred shares must have the same voting rights as the common stockholders (one share, one vote); and (ii) preferred stockholders must have the right, as a class, to appoint directors to the board of directors.
 
Code of Ethics
 
Prior to acceptance of any subscriptions in this offering, we and the Advisor will each adopt a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions by our personnel. Our codes of ethics generally will not permit investments by our and the Advisor’s personnel in securities that may be purchased or sold by us. Once it is filed, investors may read and copy this code of ethics at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Investors may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. Investors may also obtain copies of the code of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address:  publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
 
Compliance Policies and Procedures
 
Prior to acceptance of any subscriptions in the Private Offering, we and our Advisor will have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws and will be required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and designate a Chief Compliance Officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures. James Goldman currently serves as our Chief Compliance Officer.
 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly-held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:
 
· pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, our President and Chief Financial Officer must certify the accuracy of the financial statements contained in our periodic reports;
 
· pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K, our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;
 
· pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our management must prepare an annual report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting and (once we cease to be an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act or, if later, for the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC) must obtain an audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; and
 
· pursuant to Item 308 of Regulation S-K and Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our periodic reports must disclose whether there were significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.
 
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
 
We will delegate our proxy voting responsibility to our Advisor. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Advisor are set forth below. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically by the Advisor and our non-interested directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change.
 
An investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, the Advisor recognizes that it must vote portfolio securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of its clients.
 
These policies and procedures for voting proxies are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.
 
The Advisor will vote proxies relating to our portfolio securities in what the Advisor perceives to be the best interest of our stockholders. The Advisor will review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine its impact on the portfolio securities held by us. Although the Advisor will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on our portfolio securities, the Advisor may vote for such a proposal if there exists compelling long-term reasons to do so.
 
The Advisor’s proxy voting decisions will be made by our Advisor’s Credit Committee. To ensure that the vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, the Advisor will require that: (1) anyone involved in the decision making process disclose to our Advisor’s Credit Committee, and disinterested directors, any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (2) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how the Advisor intends to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.
 
Privacy Principles
 
We are committed to maintaining the privacy of our stockholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help investors understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.
 
Pursuant to our privacy policy, we will not disclose any non-public personal information concerning any of our stockholders who are individuals unless the disclosure meets certain permitted exceptions under Regulation S-P. We generally will not use or disclose any stockholder information for any purpose other than as required by law.
 
We may collect non-public information about investors from our Subscription Agreements or other forms, such as name, address, account number and the types and amounts of investments, and information about transactions with us or our affiliates, such as participation in other investment programs, ownership of certain types of accounts or other account data and activity. We may disclose the information that we collect from our stockholders or former stockholders, as described above, only to our affiliates and service providers and only as allowed by applicable law or regulation. Any party that receives this information will use it only for the services required by us and as allowed by applicable law or regulation, and is not permitted to share or use this information for any other purpose. To protect the non-public personal information of individuals, we permit access only by authorized personnel who need access to that information to provide services to us and our stockholders. In order to guard our stockholders’ non-public personal information, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that are designed to comply with applicable law. Non-public personal information that we collect about our stockholders will generally be stored on secured servers. An individual stockholder’s right to privacy extends to all forms of contact with us, including telephone, written correspondence and electronic media, such as the Internet.
 
Pursuant to our privacy policy, we will provide a clear and conspicuous notice to each investor that details our privacy policies and procedures at the time of the investor’s subscription.
 
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Reporting Obligations
 
We will furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing audited financial statements, quarterly reports, and such other periodic reports as we determine to be appropriate or as may be required by law. We are filing this Registration Statement with the SEC voluntarily with the intention of establishing the Company as a reporting company under the Exchange Act. Upon the effectiveness of our Form 10 under the Exchange Act, we will be required to comply with all periodic reporting, proxy solicitation and other applicable requirements under the Exchange Act.
 
Stockholders and the public may also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may also obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. The SEC also maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains such information.
 
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
 
The following discussion is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and an investment in shares of our common stock. The discussion is based upon the Code, the regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury promulgated thereunder, which we refer to as the “Treasury regulations”, the legislative history of the Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the “IRS” (including administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers that requested and received those rulings) and judicial decisions, each as of the date of this Registration Statement and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. We have not sought, and will not seek, any ruling from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this summary, and this summary is not binding on the IRS. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert, and a court will not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences discussed below.
 
Investors should note that this summary does not purport to be a complete description of all the tax aspects affecting us or the beneficial owners of shares of our common stock, which we refer to as “stockholders”. For example, this summary does not describe all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to certain types of stockholders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including stockholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, partnerships or other pass-through entities and their owners, Non-U.S. stockholders (as defined below) engaged in a trade or business in the United States or entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty, persons who have ceased to be U.S. citizens or to be taxed as residents of the United States, U.S. stockholders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, persons holding our common stock in connection with a hedging, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction, dealers in securities, traders in securities that elect to use a market-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings, pension plans and trusts, and financial institutions. This summary assumes that our stockholders hold shares of our common stock as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment). This summary does not discuss any aspects of U.S. estate or gift taxation, U.S. state or local taxation or non-U.S. taxation. It does not discuss the special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws that could result if we invest in tax-exempt securities or certain other investment assets.
 
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. stockholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
 
· an individual who is a citizen or 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 or any state thereof, including, for this purpose, the District of Columbia;
 
· a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more “United States persons” (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantive decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or
 
· an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.
 
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For purposes of this discussion, a “Non-U.S. stockholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is not a U.S. stockholder or a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
If a partnership, or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds shares of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. A stockholder that is a partnership holding shares of our common stock, and each partner in such a partnership, should consult his, her or its own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.
 
Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences to each stockholder of the ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock will depend on the facts of his, her or its particular situation. Investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the specific tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock to investors, including tax reporting requirements, the applicability of U.S. federal, state and local tax laws and non-U.S. tax laws, eligibility for the benefits of any applicable income tax treaty and the effect of any possible changes in the tax laws.
 
Election to be Taxed as a RIC
 
We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ending on December 31, 2015. As a RIC, we generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any income or gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders as dividends. Rather, dividends we distribute generally will be taxable to our stockholders, and any net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other of our tax attributes generally will not pass through to our stockholders, subject to special rules for certain items such as net capital gains and qualified dividend income we recognize. See “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders” and “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders” below.
 
To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, to qualify as a RIC, we must timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for each taxable year (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”).
 
Taxation as a RIC
 
If we qualify as a RIC and satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, then we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (generally, net long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss) that we timely distribute (or are deemed to timely distribute) to our stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.
 
We generally will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any net ordinary income and capital gains in excess of capital losses recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”).  We will not be subject to the U.S. federal excise tax on amounts on which we are required to pay U.S. federal income tax (such as retained net capital gains).  Depending upon the level of taxable income earned in a year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay the applicable U.S. federal excise tax.
 
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In order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:
 
· qualify and have in effect an election to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act at all times during each taxable year;
 
· derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, gains from the sale of stock or other securities, net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (as defined in the Code), or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities (the “90% Income Test”); and
 
· diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:
 
· at least 50% of the value of our 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 our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and
 
· no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in (a) the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer or of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (b) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Diversification Tests”).
 
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable U.S. federal income tax rules as having OID (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, that have increasing interest rates or are issued with warrants), we must include in our taxable income in each year a portion of the OID that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether we receive cash representing such income in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in our taxable income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as accruals on a contingent payment debt instrument or deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Because such OID or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make distributions to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and/or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, even though we will have not received any corresponding cash payments. Accordingly, to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may need to sell some of our assets at times and/or at prices that we would not consider advantageous, we may need to raise additional equity or debt capital or we may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to our business). If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources to enable us to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable state and local taxes).
 
Because we expect to use debt financing, we may be prevented by financial covenants contained in our debt financing agreements from making distributions to our stockholders in certain circumstances. In addition, under the 1940 Act, we are generally not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met.  Limits on our distributions to our stockholders may prevent us from satisfying the Annual Distribution Requirement and, therefore, may jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a RIC, or subject us to the 4% U.S. federal excise tax.
 
Although we do not presently expect to do so, we may borrow funds and sell assets in order to make distributions to our stockholders that are sufficient for us to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. However, our ability to dispose of assets may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.  Alternatively, although we currently do not intend to do so, to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may declare a taxable dividend payable in our stock or cash at the election of each stockholder.  In such case, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in our common stock will generally be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of our stock.  See “—Taxation of Stockholders” below for a discussion of the tax consequences to stockholders upon receipt of such dividends.
 
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Distributions we make to our stockholders may be made from our cash assets or by liquidation of our investments, if necessary. We may recognize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event we recognize net capital gains from such transactions, investors may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would have received in the absence of such transactions.
 
Failure to Qualify as a RIC
 
If we failed to satisfy the 90% Income Test for any taxable year or the Diversification Tests for any quarter of a taxable year, we 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 us to pay certain corporate-level U.S. federal taxes or to dispose of certain assets). If we failed to qualify for treatment as a RIC and such relief provisions did not apply to us, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate U.S. federal income tax rates (and we also would be subject to any applicable state and local taxes), regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders.  We would not be able to deduct distributions to our stockholders, nor would distributions to our stockholders be required to be made for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any distributions we make generally would be taxable to our U.S. stockholders as ordinary dividend income and, subject to certain limitations under the Code, would be eligible for the 20% maximum rate applicable to individuals and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, U.S. stockholders that are corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’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, we could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by us during the period in which we failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized during the 10-year period after our requalification as a RIC, unless we made a special election to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on such net built-in gains at the time of our requalification as a RIC. We may decide to be taxed as a regular corporation even if we would otherwise qualify as a RIC if we determine that treatment as a corporation for a particular year would be in our best interests.
 
Our Investments — General
 
Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (1) treat dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income as non-qualified dividend income, (2) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (3) convert lower-taxed long-term capital gain into higher-taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (4) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (5) cause us to recognize income or gain without receipt of a corresponding cash payment, (6) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (7) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (8) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test. We intend to monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions, but there can be no assurance that we will be eligible for any such tax elections or that any adverse effects of these provisions will be mitigated.
 
Gain or loss recognized by us from warrants or other securities acquired by us, as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants, generally will be treated as capital gain or loss.  Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term depending on how long we held a particular warrant or security.
 
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A portfolio company in which we invest may face financial difficulties that require us to work-out, modify or otherwise restructure our investment in the portfolio company.  Any such transaction could, depending upon the specific terms of the transaction, result in unusable capital losses and future non-cash income.  Any such transaction could also result in our receiving assets that give rise to non-qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test or otherwise would not count toward satisfying the Diversification Requirements.
 
Our investment in non-U.S. securities may be subject to non-U.S. income, withholding and other taxes.  In that case, our yield on those securities would be decreased.  Stockholders generally will not be entitled to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit or deduction with respect to non-U.S. taxes paid by us.
 
If we purchase shares in a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”), we may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” received on, or any gain from the disposition of, such shares even if we distribute such income as a taxable dividend to our stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest generally will be imposed on us in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distribution or gain. If we invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code (a “QEF”), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, we will be required to include in income each year our proportionate share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed by the QEF. Alternatively, we may be able to elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year our shares in a PFIC; in this case, we will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares, and as ordinary loss any decrease in such value to the extent that any such decrease does not exceed prior increases included in our income. Our ability to make either election will depend on factors beyond our control, and are subject to restrictions which may limit the availability of the benefit of these elections.  Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a year income in excess of any distributions we receive from PFICs and any proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and such income will nevertheless be subject to the Annual Distribution Requirement and will be taken into account for purposes of determining whether we satisfy the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement. See “—Taxation as a RIC” above.
 
Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time we accrue income, expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time we actually collect such income or pay such expenses or liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts and the disposition of debt obligations denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss.
 
Some of the income that we might otherwise earn, such as fees for providing managerial assistance, certain fees earned with respect to our investments, income recognized in a work-out or restructuring of a portfolio investment, or income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the 90% Income Test.  To manage the risk that such income might disqualify us as a RIC for failure to satisfy the 90% Income Test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related asset.  Such subsidiary entities will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the yield to our stockholders on such fees and income.
 
The remainder of this discussion assumes that we qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.
 
Taxation of U.S. Stockholders
 
The following discussion only applies to U.S. stockholders. Prospective stockholders that are not U.S. stockholders should refer to “— Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders” below.
 
Distributions
 
Distributions by us (including distributions where stockholders can elect to receive cash or stock) generally are taxable to U.S. stockholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of our investment company taxable income will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. stockholders to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or stock. To the extent that such distributions paid by us to non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals) are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, such distributions (“Qualifying Dividends”) may be eligible for a reduced maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%. In this regard, it is anticipated that our distributions generally will not be attributable to dividends received by us and, therefore, generally will not qualify for the 20% maximum rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends. Distributions of our net capital gain (which is generally our realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) properly designated by us as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to U.S. stockholders as long-term capital gains (currently taxable at a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20% in the case of non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals)), regardless of the U.S. stockholder’s holding period for his, her or its common stock and regardless of whether paid in cash or stock. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in such stockholder’s common stock and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. stockholder.
 
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We may decide to retain some or all of our net capital gain for reinvestment, but designate the retained net capital gain as a “deemed distribution”. In that case, among other consequences, (i) we will pay tax on the retained amount, (ii) each U.S. stockholder will be required to include his, her or its share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been actually distributed to the U.S. stockholder, and (iii) the U.S. stockholder will be entitled to claim a credit equal to his, her or its allocable share of the tax paid thereon by us. Because we expect to pay tax on any retained net capital gains at the regular corporate U.S. federal income tax rate, and because that rate is in excess of the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate currently payable by individuals (and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders) on long-term capital gains, the amount of tax that individuals (and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders) will be treated as having paid will exceed the tax they owe on the capital gain distribution.  Such excess generally may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s other federal income tax obligations or may be refunded to the extent it exceeds the U.S. stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of the deemed distribution net of such tax will be added to the U.S. stockholder’s tax basis for his, her or its common stock. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, we must provide written notice to our stockholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. We cannot treat any of our investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution”.
 
For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and (2) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, under certain circumstances, we may elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If we make such an election, U.S. stockholders will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to stockholders 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 received by our U.S. stockholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
 
Although we currently do not intend to do so, we have the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in shares of our stock. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in our common stock will generally be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of our stock. This may result in our U.S. stockholders having to pay tax on such dividends, even if no cash is received.
 
We will be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company” (within the meaning of Section 67 of the Code) if either (i) shares of our common stock and our preferred stock collectively are held by at least 500 persons at all times during a taxable year, (ii) shares of our common stock are treated as regularly traded on an established securities market or (iii) shares of our common stock are continuously offered pursuant to a public offering (within the meaning of Section 4 of the Securities Act).  We cannot assure investors that we will be treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for all years. If we are not treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for any calendar year, for purposes of computing the taxable income of U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates, (i) our earnings will be computed without taking into account such U.S. stockholders’ allocable shares of the management and incentive fees paid to our Advisor and certain of our other expenses, (ii) each such U.S. stockholder will be treated as having received or accrued a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for the calendar year, (iii) each such U.S. stockholder will be treated as having paid or incurred such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for the calendar year, and (iv) each such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions by such U.S. stockholder.  Miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are deductible by a U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S. stockholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and are subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under Section 67 of the Code.
 
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Our U.S. stockholders will receive, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice reporting the amounts includible in such U.S. stockholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the U.S. federal tax status of each year’s distributions from us generally will be reported to the IRS (including the amount of any dividends that are Qualifying Dividends eligible for the 20% maximum rate). Dividends paid by us generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction or the preferential tax rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends because our income generally will not consist of dividends. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and non-U.S. taxes depending on a U.S. stockholder’s particular situation.
 
Alternative Minimum Tax
 
As a RIC, we will be subject to alternative minimum tax, also referred to as “AMT”, but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between us and our U.S. stockholders, and this may affect the U.S. stockholders’ AMT liabilities. Although Treasury regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have not yet been issued, such items will generally be apportioned in the same proportion that dividends paid to each U.S. stockholder bear to our taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), unless a different method for a particular item is warranted under the circumstances.
 
Dispositions
 
A U.S. stockholder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss if the U.S. stockholder sells or otherwise disposes of his, her or its shares of our common stock. The amount of gain or loss will be measured by the difference between such stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in the common stock sold and the amount of the proceeds received in exchange. Any gain or loss arising from such sale or disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. stockholder has held his, her or its shares for more than one year; otherwise, any such gain or loss will be classified as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or disposition of shares of our common stock 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 of our common stock may be disallowed if other shares of our common stock are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition.
 
In general, non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals) 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 of our common stock. Such rate is lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. Corporate U.S. stockholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 35% rate also applied to ordinary income. Non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals) 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. stockholder (including an individual) in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as provided in the Code. Corporate U.S. stockholders 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.
 
Legislation requires reporting of adjusted cost basis information for covered securities, which generally include shares of a RIC, to the IRS and to taxpayers.  Stockholders should contact their financial intermediaries with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.
 
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Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income
 
An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.
 
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations
 
Under applicable Treasury regulations, if a U.S. stockholder recognizes a loss with respect to our common stock of $2 million or more for a non-corporate U.S. stockholder or $10 million or more for a corporate U.S. stockholder in any single taxable year (or a greater loss over a combination of years), the U.S. stockholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct U.S. stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, U.S. stockholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to U.S. stockholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Significant monetary penalties apply to a failure to comply with this reporting requirement. States may also have a similar reporting requirement. U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers to determine the applicability of these Treasury regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
 
Backup Withholding
 
The relevant withholding agent may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax (“backup withholding”), at a current rate of 28%, from any taxable distribution to a U.S. stockholder (other than a “C” corporation, a financial institution, or a stockholder that otherwise qualifies for an exemption) (1) that fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or a certificate that such stockholder is exempt from backup withholding or (2) with respect to whom the IRS notifies the withholding agent that such stockholder 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. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules is allowed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that proper information is timely provided to the IRS.
 
Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders
 
The following discussion applies only to Non-U.S. stockholders. Whether an investment in shares of our common stock is appropriate for a Non-U.S. stockholder will depend upon that stockholder’s particular circumstances. An investment in shares of our common stock by a Non-U.S. stockholder may have adverse tax consequences to such Non-U.S. stockholder. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers before investing in our common stock.
 
Distributions; Dispositions
 
Subject to the discussion below, distributions of our investment company taxable income to a Non-U.S. stockholder that are not effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty) to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits.
 
For taxable years of RICs beginning before January 1, 2015, certain properly designated dividends were generally exempt from withholding of U.S. federal income tax where they were paid in respect of a RIC’s (i) “qualified net interest income” (generally, its U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the RIC or the non-U.S. stockholder are at least a 10% stockholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the RIC’s net short-term capital gain over the RIC’s long-term capital loss for such taxable year), and certain other requirements were satisfied.  This provision expired on December 31, 2014 and, as a result, this exemption from withholding of U.S. federal income tax does not apply for any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2015.  No assurance can be given that this provision will be reinstated and, if this provision is reinstated, the form or effective date of any such reinstatement.
 
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In addition, even if this provision is reinstated, no assurance can be given as to whether any of our distributions will be eligible for this exemption from withholding of U.S. federal income tax or, if eligible, will be designated as such by us.  In particular, under the provision that was in effect through December 31, 2014, the exemption did not apply to distributions paid in respect of a RIC’s non-U.S. source interest income or its dividend income (or any other type of income other than generally non-contingent U.S.-source interest income received from unrelated obligors and qualified short-term capital gains).  Also, because our common stock will be subject to significant transfer restrictions, and an investment in our common stock will generally be illiquid, non-U.S. stockholders whose distributions on our common stock are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax may not be able to transfer their shares of our common stock easily or quickly or at all.
 
Distributions of our investment company taxable income to a Non-U.S. stockholder that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. stockholder), generally will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax if the Non-U.S. stockholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, although the distributions (to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the rates and in the manner applicable to U.S. stockholders generally.
 
Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gains to a Non-U.S. stockholder, and gains realized by a Non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale of our common stock, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or any withholding of such tax, unless (a) the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. stockholder), in which case the distributions or gains will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the rates and in the manner applicable to U.S. stockholders generally or (b) the Non-U.S. stockholder is an individual who has been present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and satisfies certain other conditions, in which case, except as otherwise provided by an applicable income tax treaty, the distributions or gains, which may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses, generally will be subject to a flat 30% U.S. federal income tax, even though the Non-U.S. stockholder is not considered a resident alien under the Code.
 
If we distribute our net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a Non-U.S. stockholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the stockholder’s allocable share of the tax we pay on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the Non-U.S. stockholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return, even if the Non-U.S. stockholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.
 
For a corporate Non-U.S. stockholder, both distributions (actual or deemed) and gains realized upon the sale of our common stock that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States 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 income tax treaty).
 
Backup Withholding
 
A Non-U.S. stockholder who is a non-resident alien individual, and who is otherwise subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax, will be subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on taxable distributions unless the Non-U.S. stockholder provides the applicable withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or an acceptable substitute form) or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding.
 
Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal income and withholding tax consequences, and state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences, of an investment in shares of our common stock.
 
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Withholding and Information Reporting on Foreign Financial Accounts
 
Under the Code and recently issued Treasury regulations, the applicable withholding agent generally will be required to withhold 30% of the dividends on our common stock paid after June 30, 2014 and the gross proceeds from a sale of our common stock and certain capital gain dividends paid after December 31, 2016 to (i) a non-U.S. financial institution (whether such financial institution is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) unless such non-U.S. financial institution agrees to verify, report and disclose its U.S. accountholders and meets certain other specified requirements or (ii) a non-financial non-U.S. entity (whether such entity is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) unless such entity certifies that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner and such entity meets certain other specified requirements. If payment of this withholding tax is made, Non-U.S. stockholders that are otherwise eligible for an exemption from, or a reduction in, withholding of U.S. federal income taxes with respect to such dividends or proceeds will be required to seek a credit or refund from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction.  We will not pay any additional amounts in respect to any amounts withheld.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Investing in our common stock involves a number of significant risks. Before an investor invests in our common stock, the investor should be aware of various risks, including those described below. The investor should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this Registration Statement, before the investor decides whether to make an investment in our common stock. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, the net asset value of our common stock could decline, and an investor may lose all or part of his or her investment.
 
Risks Relating to our Business and Structure
 
No Operating History
 
We will begin operations upon the Initial Closing and have no operating history. There can be no assurance that the results achieved by Sankaty’s past investments will be achieved for the Company. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indication of future results. Moreover, the Company is subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that it will not achieve its investment objectives and that the value of an investor’s investment could decline substantially.
 
In addition, Sankaty has never managed a BDC. The 1940 Act and the Code impose numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs and RICs that do not apply to other investment vehicles managed by Sankaty. BDCs are required, for example, to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of U.S. private or thinly traded public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt instruments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. Moreover, qualification for taxation as a RIC requires satisfaction of source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. Neither we, the Advisor nor Sankaty has any experience operating or advising under these constraints, which may hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.
 
Inability to Meet Investment Objective or Investment Strategy
 
The Company is intended for long-term investors who can accept the risks associated with investing primarily in potentially illiquid, privately negotiated (i) senior first lien, stretch senior, senior second lien, unitranche, and mezzanine debt and other junior securities and (ii) secondary purchases of assets or portfolios that primarily consist of middle market corporate debt. Our success depends on the Advisor’s ability to identify and select appropriate investment opportunities, as well as the Company’s ability to acquire those investments. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve its investment or performance objectives, including its targeted returns, or that the Advisor will be successful in identifying a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities to fully deploy the Company’s committed capital. The possibility of partial or total loss of the Company’s capital exists, and prospective investors should not subscribe unless they can readily bear the consequences of a complete loss of their investment.
 
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Dependence Upon Key Personnel of Sankaty and the Advisor
 
The success of the Company is highly dependent on the financial and managerial expertise of the Advisor.  Although Sankaty has attempted to foster a team approach to investing, the loss of key individuals employed by Sankaty could have a material adverse effect on the performance of the Company. The individuals may not necessarily continue to remain employed by Sankaty during the entire term of the Company. If these individuals do not maintain their existing relationships with Sankaty and do not develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities available to us, we may not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom the senior professionals of Sankaty have relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities. Therefore, we can offer no assurance that such relationships will generate investment opportunities for us. In addition, a number of members of the professional staff of Sankaty are investors in, and are actively involved in managing the investment decisions of, other funds advised by Sankaty. Accordingly, the members of the professional staff of the Advisor will have demands on their time for the investment, monitoring and other functions of other funds advised by Sankaty.
 
The employees of the Advisor and other Sankaty investment professionals expect to devote such time and attention to the conduct of the Company’s business as such business shall reasonably require. However, there can be no assurance, for example, that the members of the Advisor or such investment professionals will devote any minimum number of hours each week to the affairs of the Company or that they will continue to be employed by Sankaty. Subject to certain remedies, in the event that certain employees of the Advisor cease to be actively involved with the Company, we will be required to rely on the ability of Sankaty to identify and retain other investment professionals to conduct the Company’s business.
 
Under a Resource Sharing Agreement entered into between Sankaty and the Advisor, Sankaty has agreed to provide the Advisor with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Resource Sharing Agreement provides that Sankaty will make available to the Advisor experienced investment professionals and access to the resources of Sankaty for purposes of evaluating, negotiating, structuring, closing and monitoring our investments. Although we are a third-party beneficiary of the Resource Sharing Agreement, we cannot assure shareholders that Sankaty will fulfill its obligations under the agreement. We cannot assure shareholders that the Advisor will enforce the Resource Sharing Agreement if Sankaty fails to perform, that such agreement will not be terminated by either party or that we will continue to have access to the investment professionals of Sankaty and its affiliates or their information and deal flow.
 
Dependence on Strong Referral Relationships
 
We depend upon Sankaty to maintain its relationships with private equity sponsors, placement agents, investment banks, management groups and other financial institutions, and we expect to rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide us with potential investment opportunities. If Sankaty fails to maintain such relationships, or to develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities, we will not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom Sankaty has relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities, and we can offer no assurance that these relationships will generate investment opportunities for us in the future.
 
No Guarantee to Replicate Historical Results Achieved by Sankaty
 
Our primary focus in making investments may differ from those of existing investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles that are or have been managed by members of the Advisor’s Credit Committee or by Sankaty. We may consider co-investing in portfolio investments with other investment funds, accounts or investment vehicles managed by members of the Advisor’s Credit Committee or by Sankaty. Any such investments will be subject to regulatory limitations and approvals by directors who are not “interested persons,” as defined in the 1940 Act. We can offer no assurance, however, that we will be able to obtain such approvals or develop opportunities that comply with such limitations. There can be no guarantee that we will replicate the historical results achieved by members of the Advisor’s Credit Committee or by Sankaty, and we caution shareholders that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in prior periods. Additionally, all or a portion of the prior results may have been achieved in particular market conditions which may never be repeated. Moreover, current or future market volatility and regulatory uncertainty may have an adverse impact on our future performance.
 
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Expedited Investment Decisions
 
Investment analyses and decisions by the Advisor may frequently be required to be undertaken on an expedited basis to take advantage of investment opportunities. In these cases, the information available to the Advisor at the time of making an investment decision may be limited. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the Advisor will have knowledge of all circumstances that may adversely affect an investment. In addition, the Advisor expects to rely upon independent consultants and other sources in connection with its evaluation of proposed investments, and no assurance can be given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by such independent consultants or other sources, or as to the Company’s right of recourse against them in the event errors or omissions do occur.
 
Ability to Manage Our Business Effectively
 
Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on our ability to manage our business and to grow our investments and earnings. This will depend, in turn, on Sankaty’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor portfolio companies that meet our investment criteria. The achievement of our investment objectives on a cost-effective basis will depend upon Sankaty’s execution of our investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and, to a lesser extent, our access to financing on acceptable terms. Sankaty’s investment professionals will have substantial responsibilities in connection with the management of other investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles. The personnel of Sankaty may be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These activities may distract them from servicing new investment opportunities for us or slow our rate of investment. Any failure to manage our business and our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Potential Conflicts of Interest
 
As a result of our arrangements with Sankaty, the Advisor and the Advisor’s Credit Committee, there may be times when the Advisor or such persons have interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict of interest.
 
Conflicts Related to Obligations of Sankaty or the Portfolio Managers
 
Sankaty employees, including the Portfolio Managers, serve, or may serve, as officers, directors, members, or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do, or of investment funds, accounts, or investment vehicles managed by Sankaty and/or its affiliates. Similarly, Sankaty and its affiliates may have other clients with similar, different or competing investment objectives.
 
In serving in these multiple capacities, they may have obligations to other clients or investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. For example, Sankaty has, and, following this offering, will continue to have management responsibilities for other investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles. There is a potential that we will compete with these funds, and other entities managed by Sankaty and its affiliates, for capital and investment opportunities. As a result, Sankaty and the Portfolio Managers who are affiliated with Sankaty will face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among us and the investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty and its affiliates. Sankaty intends to allocate investment opportunities among eligible investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles in a manner that is fair and equitable over time and consistent with its allocation policy. However, we can offer no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time. We expect that Sankaty and the Advisor will agree with our Board that, subject to applicable law, allocations among us and other investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty will generally be made based on capital available for investment in the asset class being allocated and the respective governing documents of such investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles. We expect that available capital for our investments will be determined based on the amount of cash on-hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, the targeted leverage level, targeted asset mix and diversification requirements and other investment policies and restrictions set by our Board or as imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable to us.
 
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Possession of Material Non-Public Information by Principals and Employees of Sankaty
 
Principals and other employees of Sankaty, including members of the Advisor’s Credit Committee, may serve as directors of, or in a similar capacity with, portfolio companies in which we invest, the securities of which are purchased or sold on our behalf. In the event that material nonpublic information is obtained with respect to such companies, or we become subject to trading restrictions under the internal trading policies of those companies or as a result of applicable law or regulations, we could be prohibited for a period of time from purchasing or selling the securities of such companies, and this prohibition may have an adverse effect on us.
 
Third Party Involvement
 
We may invest alongside third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities. Such investments may involve risks not present in investments where a third party is not involved, including the possibility that such third party may at any time have economic or business interests or goals which are inconsistent with those of the Company, or may be in a position to take action contrary to the investment objective of the Company. In addition, the Company may in certain circumstances be liable for actions of such third party.
 
Incentive Fee Structure Relating to the Advisor
 
In the course of our investing activities, we will pay management and incentive fees to the Advisor. We have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Advisor that provides that these fees will be based on the value of our gross assets. As a result, investors in our common stock will invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than one might achieve through direct investments. Because these fees are based on the value of our gross assets, the Advisor will benefit when we incur debt or use leverage. Additionally, under the incentive fee structure, the Advisor may benefit when capital gains are recognized and, because the Advisor will determine when to sell a holding, the Advisor will control the timing of the recognition of such capital gains. As a result of these arrangements, there may be times when the management team of the Advisor has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict. Furthermore, there is a risk the Advisor will make more speculative investments in an effort to receive this payment.
 
Our Board is charged with protecting our interests by monitoring how the Advisor addresses these and other conflicts of interests associated with its services and compensation. While they are not expected to review or approve each investment decision or incurrence of leverage, our independent directors will periodically review the Advisor’s services and fees as well as its portfolio management decisions and portfolio performance. In connection with these reviews, our independent directors will consider whether our fees and expenses (including those related to leverage) remain appropriate.
 
The part of the incentive fee payable to the Advisor relating to our net investment income will be computed and paid on income that may include interest income that has been accrued but not yet received in cash. This fee structure may give rise to a conflict of interest for the Advisor to the extent that it encourages the Advisor to favor debt financings that provide for deferred interest, rather than current cash payments of interest. The Advisor may have an incentive to invest in deferred interest securities in circumstances where it would not have done so but for the opportunity to continue to earn the incentive fee even when the issuers of the deferred interest securities would not be able to make actual cash payments to us on such securities. This risk could be increased because, under our Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is not obligated to reimburse us for incentive fees it receives even if we subsequently incur losses or never receive in cash the deferred income that was previously accrued.
 
Conflict of Interest Created by Valuation Process for Certain Portfolio Holdings
 
We expect to make many of our portfolio investments in the form of loans and securities that are not publicly traded and for which no market based price quotation is available. As a result, our Board will determine the fair value of these loans and securities in good faith as described below in “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Uncertainty as to the Value of Certain Portfolio Investments.” In connection with that determination, investment professionals from Sankaty may provide our Board with valuations based upon the most recent portfolio company financial statements available and projected financial results of each portfolio company. While the valuation for each portfolio investment will be reviewed by an independent valuation firm at least once annually, the ultimate determination of fair value will be made by our Board and not by such third-party valuation firm. In addition, each of the interested members of our Board has an indirect pecuniary interest in the Advisor. The participation of the Advisor’s investment professionals in our valuation process, and the pecuniary interest in the Advisor by certain members of our Board, could result in a conflict of interest as the Advisor’s management fee is based, in part, on the value of our gross assets, and our incentive fees will be based, in part, on realized gains and realized and unrealized losses.
 
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Conflicts Related to Other Arrangements With Sankaty and the Advisor’s Other Affiliates
 
We have entered into a license agreement with Sankaty under which Sankaty has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Sankaty”. See Section X—“Certain Relationships and Conflicts of Interest—License Agreement.” In addition, we have entered into an Administration Agreement with the Administrator pursuant to which we are required to pay to the Administrator our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under such Administration Agreement, such as rent and our allocable portion of the cost of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their respective staffs. This will create conflicts of interest that our Board will monitor. For example, under the terms of the license agreement, we will be unable to preclude Sankaty from licensing or transferring the ownership of the “Sankaty” name to third parties, some of whom may compete against us. Consequently, we will be unable to prevent any damage to goodwill that may occur as a result of the activities of Sankaty or others. Furthermore, in the event the license agreement is terminated, we will be required to change our name and cease using “Sankaty” as part of our name. Any of these events could disrupt our recognition in the market place, damage any goodwill we may have generated and otherwise harm our business.
 
Negotiation of the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Advisor and the Administration Agreement with the Administrator
 
The Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement were negotiated between related parties. Consequently, their terms, including fees payable to the Advisor, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights and remedies under these agreements because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with the Advisor and its affiliates. Any such decision, however, could breach our fiduciary obligations to our stockholders.
 
Limited Liability and Indemnification of the Advisor
 
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under that agreement. It will not be responsible for any action of our Board in following or declining to follow the Advisor’s advice or recommendations. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor, its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Advisor, and any person controlling or controlled by the Advisor will not be liable to us, any subsidiary of ours, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary’s stockholders or partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts constituting gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of the duties that the Advisor owes to us under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, as part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify the Advisor and each of its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Advisor, from and against any claims or liabilities, including reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred, arising out of or in connection with our business and operations or any action taken or omitted on our behalf pursuant to authority granted by the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of such person’s duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead the Advisor to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
 
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Restricted Ability to Enter Into Transactions with Affiliates
 
We are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such affiliate without the prior approval of our independent directors. We consider the Advisor and its affiliates, including Sankaty, to be our affiliates for such purposes. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with certain of our affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company, without prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. We are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to any person who owns more than 25% of our voting securities or certain of that person’s affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC.
 
We may, however, invest alongside Sankaty’s investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with our investment strategy as well as applicable law and SEC staff interpretations. For example, we may invest alongside such investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles consistent with guidance promulgated by the SEC staff to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that Sankaty, acting on our behalf and on behalf of such investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles, negotiates no term other than price. We may also invest alongside Sankaty’s investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles as otherwise permissible under regulatory guidance, applicable regulations and Sankaty’s allocation policy. If the Company is prohibited by applicable law from investing alongside Sankaty’s investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles with respect to an investment opportunity, the Company will not participate in such investment opportunity. This allocation policy provides that allocations among us and investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty and its affiliates will generally be made pro rata based on capital available for investment, as determined, in our case, by our Board as well as the terms of our governing documents and those of such investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles. It is our policy to base our determinations on such factors as: the amount of cash on-hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, our targeted leverage level, our targeted asset mix and diversification requirements and other investment policies and restrictions set by our Board or imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations. We expect that these determinations will be made similarly for investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty. However, we can offer no assurance that investment opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time.
 
In situations where co-investment with investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty is not permitted or appropriate, such as when there is an opportunity to invest in different securities of the same issuer or where the different investments could be expected to result in a conflict between our interests and those of Sankaty’s clients, subject to the limitations described in the preceding paragraph, Sankaty will need to decide which client will proceed with the investment. Moreover, except in certain limited circumstances as permitted by the 1940 Act, such as when the only term being negotiated is price, we will be unable to invest in any issuer in which an investment fund, account or investment vehicle managed by Sankaty has previously invested. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates. These restrictions will limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.
 
We, the Advisor and Sankaty intend to seek exemptive relief from the SEC to permit greater flexibility to negotiate the terms of co-investments if our Board determines that it would be advantageous for us to co-invest with investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty in a manner consistent with our investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors. We believe that co-investment by us and investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty may afford us additional investment opportunities and an ability to achieve greater diversification. Accordingly, our application for exemptive relief will seek an exemptive order permitting us to invest with investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty in the same portfolio companies under circumstances in which such investments would otherwise not be permitted by the 1940 Act. We expect that such exemptive relief permitting co-investments, if granted, would apply only if our independent directors review and approve each co-investment. There can be no assurance if and when the SEC would grant such relief.
 
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Restriction on Ability to Sell or Otherwise Exit Investments Also Invested in by Other Sankaty Investment Vehicles
 
We may be considered affiliates with respect to certain of our portfolio companies because certain investment funds, accounts or investment vehicles managed by Sankaty also hold interests in these portfolio companies and as such these interests may be considered a joint enterprise under the 1940 Act. To the extent that our interests in these portfolio companies may need to be restructured in the future or to the extent that we choose to exit certain of these transactions, our ability to do so will be limited. We intend to seek exemptive relief in relation to certain joint transactions; however, there is no assurance that we will obtain relief that would permit us to negotiate future restructurings or other transactions that may be considered a joint enterprise.
 
Operation in a Highly Competitive Market for Investment Opportunities
 
The business of investing in assets meeting our investment objective is highly competitive. Competition for investment opportunities includes a growing number of nontraditional participants, such as hedge funds, senior private debt funds, including business development companies, and other private investors, as well as more traditional lending institutions and competitors. Some of these competitors may have access to greater amounts of capital and to capital that may be committed for longer periods of time or may have different return thresholds than the Company, and thus these competitors may have advantages not shared by the Company. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or the source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements we must satisfy to maintain our RIC qualification. Increased competition for, or a diminishment in the available supply of, investments suitable for the Company could result in lower returns on such investments. Moreover, the identification of attractive investment opportunities is difficult and involves a high degree of uncertainty. The Company may incur significant expenses in connection with identifying investment opportunities and investigating other potential investments which are ultimately not consummated, including expenses relating to due diligence, transportation, legal expenses and the fees of other third party advisors.
 
With respect to the investments we make, we will not seek to compete based primarily on the interest rates we will offer, and we believe that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that will be lower than the rates we offer. In the secondary market for acquiring existing loans, we expect to compete generally on the basis of pricing terms. With respect to all investments, we may lose some investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. However, if we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income, lower yields and increased risk of credit loss. We may also compete for investment opportunities with investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty. Although Sankaty will allocate opportunities in accordance with its policies and procedures, allocations to such investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles will reduce the amount and frequency of opportunities available to us and may not be in the best interests of us and our stockholders. Moreover, the performance of investments will not be known at the time of allocation.
 
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Potential Conflicts of Interest” and “—Conflicts Related to Obligations of Sankaty or the Advisor’s Credit Committee.”
 
Possibility of Corporate-Level Income Tax
 
To qualify as a RIC under the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. The distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. We will be subject, to the extent we use debt financing, to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax. To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our qualifications as a RIC. Because most of our investments will be in private or thinly traded public companies, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in substantial losses. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distributions to our stockholders and the amount of funds available for new investments. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders.
 
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Possibility of the Need to Raise Additional Capital
 
We may need additional capital to fund new investments and grow our portfolio of investments once we have fully invested the net proceeds of this Private Offering. We intend to access the capital markets periodically to issue debt or equity securities or borrow from financial institutions in order to obtain such additional capital. Unfavorable economic conditions could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. A reduction in the availability of new capital could limit our ability to grow. In addition, we will be required to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders to maintain our qualification as a RIC. As a result, these earnings will not be available to fund new investments. An inability on our part to access the capital markets successfully could limit our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy fully and could decrease our earnings, if any, which would have an adverse effect on the value of our securities.
 
Required Distributions and the Recognition of Income
 
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as the accretion of OID. This may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the making of a loan and in other circumstances, or through contracted PIK interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such OID, which could be significant relative to our overall investment activities, or increases in loan balances as a result of contracted PIK arrangements, will be included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash.
 
Since in certain cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to maintain our qualification as a RIC. In such a case, we may have to sell some of our investments at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we are not able to obtain such cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC and thus be subject to corporate-level income tax.
 
Potential Adverse Tax Consequences as a Result of Not Being Treated as a “Publicly Offered Regulated Investment Company”
 
We will be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company” (within the meaning of Section 67 of the Code) if either (i) shares of our common stock and our preferred stock (if any) collectively are held by at least 500 persons at all times during a taxable year, (ii) shares of our common stock are treated as regularly traded on an established securities market or (iii) shares of our common stock are continuously offered pursuant to a public offering (within the meaning of Section 4 of the Securities Act).  We cannot assure investors that we will be treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for all years.  If we are not treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for any calendar year, each U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate will be treated as having received a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of the management and incentive fees paid to our Advisor and certain of our other expenses for the calendar year, and these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions of such U.S. stockholder.  Miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are deductible by a U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S. stockholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and are subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under the Code.
 
Withholding of U.S. Federal Income Tax on Dividends for Non-U.S. Stockholders
 
Distributions by a BDC generally are treated as dividends for U.S. tax purposes, and will be subject to U.S. income or withholding tax unless the stockholder receiving the dividend qualifies for an exemption from U.S. tax, or the distribution is subject to one of the special look-through rules described below. Distributions paid out of net capital gains can qualify for a reduced rate of taxation in the hands of an individual U.S. stockholder, and an exemption from U.S. tax in the hands of a non-U.S. stockholder.
 
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In recent years, Congress has renewed the rules under which dividend distributions by RICs paid out of certain interest income (such distributions, “interest-related dividends”) qualified for a generally applicable exemption from U.S. withholding tax for non-U.S. stockholders. Under such exemption, a non-U.S. stockholder could have generally received interest-related dividends free of U.S. withholding tax if the stockholder would not have been subject to U.S. withholding tax if it had received the underlying interest income directly. However, this exemption expired on December 31, 2014, and, as a result, does not apply for any taxable year beginning after January 1, 2015.  No assurance can be given that this provision will be reinstated and, if the provision is reinstated, the form or effective date of any such reinstatement.  In addition, even if this provision is reinstated, no assurance can be given as to whether any of our distributions will be eligible for this exemption from U.S. withholding tax or, if eligible, will be designated as such by us.  In particular, under the provision that was in effect through December 31, 2014, the exemption did not apply to distributions paid in respect of a RIC’s non-U.S. source interest income, its dividend income or its foreign currency gains.  Also, because our common stock will be subject to significant transfer restrictions, and an investment in our common stock will generally be illiquid, non-U.S. stockholders whose distributions on our common stock are subject to U.S. withholding tax may not be able to transfer their shares of our common stock easily or quickly or at all.
 
A failure to extend the exemption for interest-related dividends would not affect the treatment of non-U.S. stockholders that qualify for an exemption from U.S. withholding tax on dividends by reason of their special status (for example, foreign government-related entities and certain pension funds resident in favorable treaty jurisdictions).
 
PIK Interest Payments
 
Certain of our debt investments may contain provisions providing for the payment of PIK interest. Because PIK interest results in an increase in the size of the loan balance of the underlying loan, the receipt by us of PIK interest will have the effect of increasing our assets under management. As a result, because the base management fee that we pay to the Advisor is based on the value of our gross assets, the receipt by us of PIK interest will result in an increase in the amount of the base management fee payable by us. In addition, any such increase in a loan balance due to the receipt of PIK interest will cause such loan to accrue interest on the higher loan balance, which will result in an increase in our pre-incentive fee net investment income and, as a result, an increase in incentive fees that are payable by us to the Advisor.
 
Regulations Governing Our Operation as a BDC
 
We may issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we will be permitted as a BDC to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% of our gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous to us in order to repay a portion of our indebtedness. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. If we issue senior securities, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.
 
We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests, and if our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease, and stockholders may experience dilution.
 
Potential Default or Other Issues Under a Credit Facility
 
We intend to enter into one or more Credit Facilities following the completion of this offering. The closing of a Credit Facility is contingent on a number of conditions including, without limitation, the closing of this offering and the negotiation and execution of definitive documents relating to such Credit Facility. If we are successful in securing a Credit Facility, we intend to use borrowings under such Credit Facility to make additional investments and for other general corporate purposes. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to close a Credit Facility or obtain other financing.
 
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In the event we default under a Credit Facility or any other future borrowing facility, our business could be adversely affected as we may be forced to sell a portion of our investments quickly and prematurely at what may be disadvantageous prices to us in order to meet our outstanding payment obligations and/or support working capital requirements under such Credit Facility or such future borrowing facility, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, following any such default, the agent for the lenders under the relevant Credit Facility or such future borrowing facility could assume control of the disposition of any or all of our assets, including the selection of such assets to be disposed and the timing of such disposition, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. As part of certain Credit Facilities, the right to make capital calls of stockholders may be pledged as collateral to the lender, which will be able to call for capital contributions upon the occurrence of an event of default under such Credit Facility. To the extent such an event of default does occur, stockholders could therefore be required to fund any shortfall up to their remaining capital commitments, without regard to the underlying value of their investment.
 
Potential Limited Ability To Invest in Public Companies
 
To maintain our status as a BDC, we are not permitted to acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Subject to certain exceptions for follow-on investments and distressed companies, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding securities listed on a national securities exchange may be treated as a qualifying asset only if such issuer has a common equity market capitalization that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment.
 
Financing Investments With Borrowed Money
 
The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested. The use of leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique and increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. However, we intend to borrow from, and may in the future issue debt securities to, banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Lenders of these funds will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instruments we may enter into with lenders. In addition, under the terms of a Credit Facility and any borrowing facility or other debt instrument we may enter into, we are likely to be required to use the net proceeds of any investments that we sell to repay a portion of the amount borrowed under such facility or instrument before applying such net proceeds to any other uses. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged, thereby magnifying losses or eliminating our stake in a leveraged investment. Similarly, any decrease in our revenue or income will cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline would also negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock or preferred stock. Our ability to service any debt will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. Moreover, as we expect that the base management fee payable to the Advisor will be payable based on the value of our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage, the Advisor will have a financial incentive to incur leverage, which may not be consistent with our stockholders’ interests. In addition, our common stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of our use of leverage, including interest expenses and any increase in the base management fee payable to the Advisor.
 
As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. If this ratio declines below 200%, we will not be able to incur additional debt and could be required to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is otherwise disadvantageous for us to do so. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on the Advisor’s and our Board’s assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
 
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In addition, a Credit Facility will, and our future debt facilities may, impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our qualification as a RIC under the Code.
 
Changes in Interest Rates May Affect Our Cost of Capital and Net Investment Income
 
To the extent we borrow money to make investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates would not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income in the event we use debt to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
 
In addition, a rise in the general level of interest rates typically leads to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates may result in an increase of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income and, as a result, an increase in incentive fees payable to the Advisor.
 
Potential Limits Under a Credit Facility or Any Other Future Borrowing Facility
 
Each Credit Facility, and any future borrowing facility, may be backed by all or a portion of our loans and securities on which the lenders may have a security interest. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instrument we enter into with lenders. We expect that any security interests we grant will be set forth in a pledge and security agreement and evidenced by the filing of financing statements by the agent for the lenders. In addition, we expect that the custodian for our securities serving as collateral for such loan would include in its electronic systems notices indicating the existence of such security interests and, following notice of occurrence of an event of default, if any, and during its continuance, will only accept transfer instructions with respect to any such securities from the lender or its designee. If we were to default under the terms of any debt instrument, the agent for the applicable lenders would be able to assume control of the timing of disposition of any or all of our assets securing such debt, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In addition, any security interests as well as negative covenants a Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility may provide may limit our ability to create liens on assets to secure additional debt and may make it difficult for us to restructure or refinance indebtedness at or prior to maturity or obtain additional debt or equity financing. In addition, if our borrowing base under a Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility were to decrease, we would be required to secure additional assets in an amount equal to any borrowing base deficiency. In the event that all of our assets are secured at the time of such a borrowing base deficiency, we could be required to repay advances under the relevant Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility or make deposits to a collection account, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to fund future investments and to pay dividends.
 
In addition, we expect that under a Credit Facility we will be subject to limitations as to how borrowed funds may be used, which may include restrictions on geographic and industry concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status, average life, collateral interests and investment ratings, as well as regulatory restrictions on leverage which may affect the amount of funding that may be obtained. There may also be certain requirements relating to portfolio performance, including required minimum portfolio yield and limitations on delinquencies and charge-offs, a violation of which could limit further advances and, in some cases, result in an event of default. An event of default under a Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility could result in an accelerated maturity date for all amounts outstanding thereunder, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. This could reduce our revenues and, by delaying any cash payment allowed to us under the relevant Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility until the lenders have been paid in full, reduce our liquidity and cash flow and impair our ability to grow our business and maintain our qualification as a RIC.
 
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Adverse Developments in the Credit Markets
 
During the economic downturn in the United States that began in mid-2007, many commercial banks and other financial institutions stopped lending or significantly curtailed their lending activity. In addition, in an effort to stem losses and reduce their exposure to segments of the economy deemed to be high risk, some financial institutions limited refinancing and loan modification transactions and reviewed the terms of existing facilities to identify bases for accelerating the maturity of existing lending facilities. If these conditions recur, it may be difficult for us to enter into a new borrowing facility (including a Credit Facility), obtain other financing to finance the growth of our investments, or refinance any outstanding indebtedness on acceptable economic terms, or at all.
 
Investing a Sufficient Portion of Assets in Qualifying Assets
 
As a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. See—“Item 1(c). Description of Business—Qualifying Assets.”
 
We believe that most of the investments that we may acquire in the future will constitute qualifying assets. However, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe to be attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could violate the 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs. As a result of such violation, specific rules under the 1940 Act could prevent us, for example, from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position) or could require us to dispose of investments at inappropriate times in order to come into compliance with the 1940 Act. If we need to dispose of such investments quickly, it could be difficult to dispose of such investments on favorable terms. We may not be able to find a buyer for such investments and, even if we do find a buyer, we may have to sell the investments at a substantial loss. Any such outcomes would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
If we do not maintain our status as a BDC, we would be subject to regulation as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end investment company, we would be subject to substantially more regulatory restrictions under the 1940 Act which would significantly decrease our operating flexibility.
 
Uncertainty as to the Value of Certain Portfolio Investments
 
We expect that many of our portfolio investments will take the form of securities that are not publicly traded. The fair value of loans, securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable, and we will value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board, including to reflect significant events affecting the value of our investments. Most, if not all, of our investments (other than cash and cash equivalents) will be classified as Level 3 under the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC Topic 820). This means that our portfolio valuations will be based on unobservable inputs and our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. We expect that inputs into the determination of fair value of our portfolio investments will require significant management judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information. We expect to retain the services of one or more independent service providers to review the valuation of these loans and securities. The types of factors that the Board may take into account in determining the fair value of our investments generally include, as appropriate, comparison to publicly-traded securities including such factors as yield, maturity and measures of credit quality, the enterprise value of a portfolio company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business and other relevant factors. 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, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these loans and securities existed. Our net asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such loans and securities.
 
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We will adjust quarterly the valuation of our portfolio to reflect our Board’s determination of the fair value of each investment in our portfolio. Any changes in fair value are recorded in our statement of operations as net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.
 
Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results
 
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the interest rate payable on the loans and debt securities we acquire, the default rate on such loans and securities, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. In light of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.
 
Potential Adverse Effects of New or Modified Laws or Regulations
 
We and our portfolio companies will be subject to regulation by laws at the U.S. federal, state and local levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, and new laws, regulations and interpretations may also come into effect. Any such new or changed laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
Additionally, changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations related to permitted investments may cause us to alter our investment strategy in order to avail ourselves of new or different opportunities. Such changes could result in material differences to the strategies and plans set forth in this Registration Statement and may shift our investment focus from the areas of expertise of Sankaty to other types of investments in which Sankaty may have little or no expertise or experience. Any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of a shareholder’s investment.
 
Shadow Banking Regulatory Changes
 
There has been increasing commentary amongst regulators and intergovernmental institutions, including the Financial Stability Board and International Monetary Fund, on the topic of so called “shadow banking” (a term generally taken to refer to credit intermediation involving entities and activities outside the regulated banking system). The Company is an entity outside the regulated banking system and certain of the activities of the Company may be argued to fall within this definition and, in consequence, may be subject to regulatory developments.  As a result, the Company and the Advisor could be subject to increased levels of oversight and regulation. This could increase costs and limit operations. In an extreme eventuality, it is possible that such regulations could render the continued operation of the Company unviable and lead to its premature termination or restructuring.
 
Potential Changes in Investment Objective, Operating Policies or Strategies Without Prior Notice or Stockholder Approval
 
Our Board has the authority, except as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act, to modify or waive certain of our operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. Under Delaware law, we also cannot be dissolved without prior stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and the market price of our common stock. Nevertheless, any such changes could adversely affect our business and impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
 
Potential Deterrence of Takeover Attempts
 
The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) contains provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of us or the removal of our directors. Our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that limit liability and provide for indemnification of our directors and officers. These provisions and others which we may adopt also may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management. We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, the application of which is subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. This section generally prohibits us from engaging in mergers and other business combinations with stockholders that beneficially own 15% or more of our voting stock, either individually or together with their affiliates, unless our directors or stockholders approve the business combination in the prescribed manner. Our Board will adopt a resolution exempting from Section 203 of the DGCL any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our Board, including approval by a majority of our directors who are not “interested persons.” If our Board does not adopt, or adopts but later repeals such resolution exempting business combinations, or if our Board does not approve a business combination, Section 203 of the DGCL may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.
 
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We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation that classify our Board in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation authorizing our Board to classify or reclassify shares of our preferred stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, and to amend our Certificate of Incorporation, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions we have adopted in our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
 
Potential Resignation of the Advisor and/or the Administrator
 
The Advisor has the right under the Investment Advisory Agreement to resign as our Advisor at any time upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. Similarly, the Administrator has the right under the administration agreement to resign at any time upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If the Advisor or the Administrator were to resign, we may not be able to find a new investment adviser or administrator, as applicable, or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations as well as our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders are likely to be adversely affected and the market price of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment or administrative activities, as applicable, is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by the Advisor, or the Administrator, as applicable. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Incurrence of Significant Costs as a Result of Being an Exchange Act Reporting Company
 
As an Exchange Act reporting company, we will incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented by the SEC.
 
Dependence on Information Systems and Potential Systems Failures
 
Our business is highly dependent on the communications and information systems of Sankaty. In addition, certain of these systems are provided to Sankaty by third-party service providers. Any failure or interruption of such systems, including as a result of the termination of an agreement with any such third-party service provider, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. This, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
 
Small Business Investment Company License
 
Principals or employees of Sankaty may apply for a license to form a SBIC for the Company. If the application is approved and the SBA so permits, the SBIC license will be transferred to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
 
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Following such transfer, the SBIC subsidiary will be allowed to issue SBA-guaranteed debentures, subject to the required capitalization of the SBIC subsidiary. SBA guaranteed debentures carry long-term fixed rates that are generally lower than rates on comparable bank and other debt. We cannot assure investors that the principals or employees of Sankaty will be successful in receiving an SBIC license from the SBA or that the SBA will permit such license to be transferred to the Company. If we do receive an SBIC license, there is no minimum amount of SBA-guaranteed debentures that must be allocated to us.
 
Risks Related to our Investments
 
Potential Impact of Economic Recessions or Downturns
 
Many of the portfolio companies in which we expect to make investments are likely to be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during such periods. Therefore, the number of our non-performing assets is likely to increase and the value of our portfolio is likely to decrease during such periods. Adverse economic conditions may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and debt securities and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing our investments and harm our operating results.
 
A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the loans and debt securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, lenders in certain cases can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them when they become too involved in the borrower’s business or exercise control over a borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, including as a result of actions taken if we render significant managerial assistance to the borrower. Furthermore, if one of our portfolio companies were to file for bankruptcy protection, a bankruptcy court might re-characterize our debt holding and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to claims of other creditors, even though we may have structured our investment as senior secured debt. The likelihood of such a re-characterization would depend on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we provided managerial assistance to that portfolio company.
 
Potential Material and Adverse Effects of Market Conditions on Debt and Equity Capital Markets
 
From 2007 through 2009, the global capital markets experienced a period of disruption resulting in increasing spreads between the yields realized on riskier debt securities and those realized on risk-free securities and a lack of liquidity in parts of the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to subprime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated market. We and the portfolio companies in which we may invest may be adversely affected by deteriorations in the financial markets and economic conditions throughout the world, some of which may magnify the risks described herein and may have other adverse effects. Deteriorating market conditions could result in increasing volatility and illiquidity in the global credit, debt and equity markets generally. The duration and ultimate effect of recent market conditions cannot be forecast, nor is it known whether or the degree to which such conditions may remain stable or worsen. Deteriorating market conditions and uncertainty regarding economic markets generally could result in declines in the market values of potential investments or declines in the market values of investments after they are made or acquired by the Company. Such declines may be exacerbated by other events, such as the failure of significant financial institutions or hedge funds, dislocations in other investment markets or other extrinsic events. In addition, such declines could lead to weakened investment opportunities for the Company, could prevent the Company from successfully meeting its investment objectives and/or could require the Company to dispose of investments at a loss while such unfavorable market conditions prevail. Although the credit markets and the U.S. economy have improved in recent years, there can be no assurance that market conditions will remain or improve further in the near future. A prolonged period of market illiquidity may cause us to reduce the volume of loans and debt securities we originate and/or fund and adversely affect the value of our portfolio investments, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
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General Market and Credit Risks of Debt Securities
 
Debt portfolios are subject to credit and interest rate risk. “Credit risk” refers to the likelihood that an issuer will default in the payment of principal and/or interest on an instrument. Financial strength and solvency of an issuer are the primary factors influencing credit risk. In addition, subordination, lack or inadequacy of collateral or credit enhancement for a debt instrument may affect its credit risk. Credit risk may change over the life of an instrument, and securities which are rated by rating agencies are often reviewed and may be subject to downgrade. “Interest rate risk” refers to the risks associated with market changes in interest rates. Factors that may affect market interest rates include, without limitation, inflation, slow or stagnant economic growth or recession, unemployment, money supply and the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board and central banks throughout the world, international disorders and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. Interest rate changes may affect the value of a debt instrument indirectly (especially in the case of fixed rate securities) and directly (especially in the case of instruments whose rates are adjustable). In general, rising interest rates will negatively impact the price of a fixed rate debt instrument and falling interest rates will have a positive effect on price. Adjustable rate instruments may also react to interest rate changes in a similar manner although generally to a lesser degree (depending, however, on the characteristics of the reset terms, including, among other factors, the index chosen, frequency of reset and reset caps or floors). Interest rate sensitivity is generally more pronounced and less predictable in instruments with uncertain payment or prepayment schedules. The Company expects that it will periodically experience imbalances in the interest rate sensitivities of its assets and liabilities and the relationships of various interest rates to each other. In a changing interest rate environment, the Company may not be able to manage this risk effectively, which in turn could adversely affect the Company’s performance.
 
Investments in Leveraged Portfolio Companies
 
Portfolio companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing and other capabilities, or a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. As a result, portfolio companies which the Advisor expects to be stable may operate at a loss or have significant variations in operating results, may require substantial additional capital to support their operations or to maintain their competitive position or may otherwise have a weak financial condition or be experiencing financial distress.
 
Portfolio companies may issue certain types of debt, such as senior loans, mezzanine or high yield in connection with leveraged acquisitions or recapitalizations in which the portfolio company incurs a substantially higher amount of indebtedness than the level at which it had previously operated. Leverage may have important consequences to these portfolio companies and the Company as an investor. For example, the substantial indebtedness of a portfolio company could (i) limit its ability to borrow money for its working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, strategic initiatives or other purposes; (ii) require it to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the repayment of its indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available to it for other purposes; (iii) make it more highly leveraged than some of its competitors, which may place it at a competitive disadvantage and (iv) subject it to restrictive financial and operating covenants, which may preclude it from favorable business activities or the financing of future operations or other capital needs.
 
A leveraged portfolio company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used. In addition, a portfolio company with a leveraged capital structure will be subject to increased exposure to adverse economic factors, such as a significant rise in interest rates, a severe downturn in the economy or deterioration in the condition of that portfolio company or its industry. If a portfolio company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow to meet all of its obligations, it may take alternative measures (e.g., reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital, or seek to restructure, extend or refinance indebtedness). These actions may negatively affect our investment in such a portfolio company.
 
Investment in leveraged companies involves a number of significant risks. Leveraged companies in which we invest may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their loans and debt securities that we hold. Such developments may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees that we may have obtained in connection with our investment. Smaller leveraged companies also may have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance their expansion or maintain their competitive position.
 
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Volatility of Loans and Debt Securities of Leveraged Companies
 
Leveraged companies may experience bankruptcy or similar financial distress. The bankruptcy process has a number of significant inherent risks. Many events in a bankruptcy proceeding are the product of contested matters and adversary proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. A bankruptcy filing by a portfolio company may adversely and permanently affect the company. If the proceeding is converted to a liquidation, the value of the portfolio company may not equal the liquidation value that was believed to exist at the time of the investment. The duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is also difficult to predict, and a creditor’s return on investment can be adversely affected by delays until the plan of reorganization or liquidation ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtor’s estate prior to any return to creditors. Because the standards for classification of claims under bankruptcy law are vague, our influence with respect to the class of securities or other obligations we own may be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in the same class or by different classification and treatment. In the early stages of the bankruptcy process, it is often difficult to estimate the extent of, or even to identify, any contingent claims that might be made. In addition, certain claims that have priority by law (for example, claims for taxes) may be substantial.
 
Investments in Middle-Market Portfolio Companies
 
We expect to invest its investable capital in small and/or less well-established companies. While smaller companies may have potential for rapid growth, they often involve higher risks because they lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strength of larger corporations, all of which may contribute to illiquidity, which may, in turn adversely affect the price and timing of liquidation of our investments. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we will rely on the ability of Sankaty’s investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Middle-market companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their loans and debt securities that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment. Additionally, middle-market companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons. Therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on one or more of the portfolio companies we invest in and, in turn, on us. Middle-market companies also may be parties to litigation and may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence. In addition, our executive officers, directors and the Advisor may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in portfolio companies.
 
Lack of Liquidity in Investments
 
The lack of an established, liquid secondary market for a large portion of our investments may have an adverse effect on the market value of our investments and on our ability to dispose of them. Additionally, our investments may be subject to certain transfer restrictions that may also contribute to illiquidity. Further, our assets that are typically traded in a liquid market may become illiquid if the applicable trading market tightens. Therefore, no assurance can be given that, if the Company is determined to dispose of a particular investment held by the Company, it could dispose of such investment at the prevailing market price.
 
In addition, we may, from time to time, possess material, non-public information, including information received due to its participation on creditors’ committees, about a borrower or issuer or the Company may be an affiliate of a borrower or an issuer. Such information or affiliation may limit the ability of the Company to buy and sell investments.
 
We may also invest in debt securities which will not be rated by any rating agency and, if they were rated, would be rated as below investment grade quality. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as “junk,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. They may also be illiquid and difficult to value. Some of our debt investments may contain interest rate reset provisions that may make it more difficult for the borrowers to make periodic interest payments to us. In addition, some of our debt investments may not pay down principal until the end of their lifetimes, which could result in a substantial loss to us if the portfolio companies are unable to refinance or repay their debts at maturity.
 
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Potential Adverse Effects of Price Declines and Illiquidity in the Corporate Debt Markets
 
As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board. As part of the valuation process, we may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments:
 
 
·
a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to publicly-traded securities;
 
 
·
the enterprise value of a portfolio company;
 
 
·
the nature and realizable value of any collateral;
 
 
·
the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow;
 
 
·
the markets in which the portfolio company does business;
 
 
·
appraisals and reviews by third-party valuation firms; and
 
 
·
changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made in the future and other relevant factors.
 
When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. We record decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments as unrealized depreciation. Declines in prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets may result in significant net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio may reduce our net asset value by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer additional unrealized losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Risks of Secured Loans
 
While we may invest in secured loans that may be over-collateralized at the time of the investment, it may nonetheless be exposed to losses resulting from default and foreclosure. Therefore, the value of the underlying collateral, the creditworthiness of the borrower and the priority of the lien are each of great importance. We cannot guarantee the adequacy of the protection of the Company’s interests, including the validity or enforceability of the loan and the maintenance of the anticipated priority and perfection of the applicable security interests. Furthermore, the Company cannot assure that claims may not be asserted that might interfere with enforcement of the Company’s rights. In addition, in the event of any default under a secured loan held directly by the Company, the Company will bear a risk of loss of principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the secured loan, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s cash flow from operations.
 
In the event of a foreclosure, we may assume direct ownership of the underlying asset. The liquidation proceeds upon sale of such asset may not satisfy the entire outstanding balance of principal and interest on the loan, resulting in a loss to the Company. Any costs or delays involved in the effectuation of a foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the proceeds and thus increase the loss.
 
Mezzanine Debt and Other Junior Securities
 
The mezzanine debt and other junior securities in which we may invest are typically contractually or structurally subordinate to senior indebtedness of the applicable company, or effectively subordinated as a result of being unsecured debt and therefore subject to the prior repayment of secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets pledged as security. In some cases, the subordinated debt held by the Company may be subject to the prior repayment of different classes of senior debt that may be “layered” ahead of the debt held by the Company. In the event of financial difficulty on the part of a portfolio company, such class or classes of senior indebtedness ranking prior to the debt held by us, and interest thereon and related expenses, must first be repaid in full before any recovery may be had on the Company’s mezzanine or other subordinated investment. Subordinated investments are characterized by greater credit risks than those associated with the senior or senior secured obligations of the same issuer. In addition, under certain circumstances the holders of the senior indebtedness will have the right to block the payment of interest and principal on the Company’s mezzanine debt and other junior securities and to prevent us from pursuing its remedies on account of such non-payment against the company. Further, in the event of any debt restructuring or workout of the indebtedness of any company, the holders of the senior indebtedness will likely control the creditor side of such negotiations.
 
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Many issuers of mezzanine debt and other junior securities are highly leveraged, and their relatively high debt-to-equity ratios create increased risks that their operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service their debt obligations. In addition, many issuers of mezzanine debt and other junior securities may be in poor financial condition, experiencing poor operating results, having substantial capital needs or negative net worth or be facing special competitive or product obsolescence problems, and may include companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganizations or liquidation proceedings. Adverse changes in the financial condition of an issuer, general economic conditions, or both, may impair the ability of such issuer to make payments on the subordinated securities and result in defaults on such securities more quickly than in the case of the senior obligations of such issuer. Mezzanine debt and other junior securities may not be publicly traded, and therefore it may be difficult to obtain information as to the true condition of the issuers. Finally, the market values of certain of mezzanine debt and other junior securities may reflect individual corporate developments.
 
Investments in mezzanine debt and other junior securities may also be in the form of zero-coupon or deferred interest bonds, which are bonds which are issued at a significant discount from face value. The original discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accrue and compound over the period until maturity or the first interest accrual date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. While zero-coupon bonds do not require the periodic payment of interest, deferred interest bonds generally provide for a period of delay before the regular payment of interest begins. These investments typically experience greater volatility in market value due to changes in the interest rates than bonds that provide for regular payments of interest.
 
Potential Early Redemption of Some Investments
 
The terms of loans acquired or originated by the Company may be subject to early prepayment options or similar provisions which, in each case, could result in the Company realizing such loans earlier than expected, sometimes with no or a nominal prepayment premium. This may happen when there is a decline in interest rates, when the portfolio company’s improved credit or operating or financial performance allows the refinancing of certain classes of debt with lower cost debt or when the general credit market conditions improve. Additionally, prepayments could negatively impact our ability to pay, or the amount of, dividends on our common stock, which could result in a decline in the market price of our shares. The Company’s inability to reinvest such proceeds may materially affect the performance of the Company.
 
Limited Amortization Requirements
 
We may invest in debt that has limited mandatory amortization and interim repayment requirements. A low level of amortization of any debt, over the life of the investment, may increase the risk that a portfolio company will not be able to repay or refinance the debt held by the Company when it comes due at its final stated maturity.
 
High Yield Debt
 
We may invest in high yield debt, a substantial portion of which may be rated below investment-grade by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations or is unrated but of comparable credit quality to obligations rated below investment-grade, and has greater credit and liquidity risk than more highly rated debt obligations. High yield debt is generally unsecured and may be subordinate to other obligations of the obligor. The lower rating of high yield debt reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor or in general economic conditions (including, for example, a substantial period of rising interest rates or declining earnings) or both may impair the ability of the obligor to make payment of principal and interest. Many issuers of high yield debt are highly leveraged, and their relatively high debt-to-equity ratios create increased risks that their operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service their debt obligations. In addition, many issuers of high yield debt may be in poor financial condition, experiencing poor operating results, having substantial capital needs or negative net worth or be facing special competitive or product obsolescence problems, and may include companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganizations or liquidation proceedings. Certain of these securities may not be publicly traded, and therefore it may be difficult to obtain information as to the true condition of the issuers. Overall declines in the below investment-grade bond and other markets may adversely affect such issuers by inhibiting their ability to refinance their debt at maturity. High yield debt is often less liquid than higher rated securities, and the market for high yield debt has recently experienced periods of volatility. The market values of certain of this high yield debt may reflect individual corporate developments.
 
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High yield debt generally experience greater default rates than is the case for investment-grade securities. We may also invest in equity securities issued by entities with unrated or below investment-grade debt.
 
High yield debt may also be in the form of zero-coupon or deferred interest bonds, which are bonds which are issued at a significant discount from face value. The original discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accrue and compound over the period until maturity or the first interest accrual date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. While zero-coupon bonds do not require the periodic payment of interest, deferred interest bonds generally provide for a period of delay before the regular payment of interest begins. These investments typically experience greater volatility in market value due to changes in the interest rates than bonds that provide for regular payments of interest.
 
Bank Loans
 
We may invest a portion of its investments in loans originated by banks and other financial institutions. The loans invested in by us may include term loans and revolving loans, may pay interest at a fixed or floating rate and may be senior or subordinated. Purchasers of bank loans are predominantly commercial banks, investment funds and investment banks. As secondary market trading volumes for bank loans increase, new bank loans are frequently adopting standardized documentation to facilitate loan trading, which should improve market liquidity. There can be no assurance, however, that future levels of supply and demand in bank loan trading will provide an adequate degree of liquidity, that the current period of illiquidity will not persist or worsen and that the market will not experience periods of significant illiquidity in the future. In addition, the Company may make investments in stressed or distressed bank loans, which are often less liquid than performing bank loans.
 
We may acquire interests in bank loans either directly (by way of sale or assignment) or indirectly (by way of participation). The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, its rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution. Participation interests in a portion of a debt obligation typically result in a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, and not with the borrower. In purchasing participations, we generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and we may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, we will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation. The bank loans acquired by us are likely to be below investment-grade.
 
Exposure to Originated Investments
 
We may originate certain of its investments with the expectation of later syndicating a portion of such investment to other affiliated funds or third parties. Prior to such syndication, or if such syndication is not successful, our exposure to the originated investment may exceed the exposure that we intended to have over the long-term or would have had had it purchased such investment in the secondary market rather than originating it.
 
Equity Securities
 
We may in certain limited circumstances invest in equity securities. As with other investments that we may make, the value of equity securities held by us may be adversely affected by actual or perceived negative events relating to the issuer of such securities, the industry or geographic areas in which such issuer operates or the financial markets generally. However, equity securities may be even more susceptible to such events given their subordinate position in the issuer’s capital structure. As such, equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, and the market price of equity securities owned by us is more susceptible to moving up or down in a rapid or unpredictable manner.
 
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Highly Volatile Instruments
 
The prices of the financial instruments in which we invest can be highly volatile. Price movements of instruments in which our assets may be invested 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 in currencies and financial instrument options. Such intervention is intended to influence prices directly 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.
 
Convertible Securities
 
We may in certain limited circumstances invest in convertible securities, which are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of common stock of the same or different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest that is generally paid or accrued on debt or a dividend that is paid or accrued on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally (i) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying common stock due to their fixed income characteristics and (iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
 
A convertible security may 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 held by us is called for redemption, we will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve its investment objective.
 
Portfolio Purchases
 
We may invest in entire portfolios of assets sold by hedge funds, other business development companies, regional commercial banks, specialty finance companies and other types of financial firms. The performance of individual assets in such a portfolio will vary, and the return on our investment in an entire portfolio may not exceed the returns we would have received had we purchased some, but not all, of the assets contained in such portfolio.
 
Investments in Undervalued Assets
 
We may seek to invest in undervalued assets. The identification of investment opportunities in undervalued assets is a difficult task, and there is no assurance that such opportunities will be successfully recognized or acquired. While investments in undervalued assets offer the opportunity for above-average capital appreciation, these investments involve a high degree of financial risk and can result in substantial losses. We may be required to hold undervalued assets for a substantial period of time with the expectation that the assets will appreciate in value, even though there is no assurance that such value appreciation will take place. Accordingly, we may be forced to sell such undervalued assets at a substantial loss. During the period pending any sale, a portion of our funds would be committed to undervalued assets, thus possibly preventing the Company from investing in other opportunities. In addition, the Company may finance such purchases with borrowed funds and thus will have to pay interest on such funds during this waiting period. Finally, margin calls and other events related to the Company’s indebtedness could force the Company to have to sell assets at prices that are less than their fair value.
 
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Widening Risk
 
For reasons not necessarily attributable to any of the risks set forth herein, the prices of the securities and other financial assets in which the Company invests may decline substantially. In particular, purchasing assets at what may appear to be “undervalued” levels is no guarantee that these assets will not be trading at even lower levels at a time of valuation or at the time of sale. It is not possible to predict, or to hedge against, such “spread widening” risk.
 
Financially Troubled Companies
 
We may invest in the obligations of companies that are financially troubled and that are either engaged in a reorganization or expect to file for bankruptcy. Investments in financially troubled companies involve significantly greater risk than investments in non-troubled companies, and the repayment of obligations of financially troubled companies is subject to significant uncertainties. Such companies generally are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse industry developments, and if their financial condition deteriorates, accurate financial and business information may be limited or unavailable. In addition, securities of such companies may be thinly traded and there may be no established secondary or public market. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful financing to companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There is no assurance that we will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing our loans or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. Additionally, the Company may invest in the securities of financially troubled companies that are non-U.S. issuers. Such non-U.S. issuers may be subject to bankruptcy and reorganization processes and proceedings that are not comparable to those in the United States and that may be less favorable to the rights of lenders.  We may make investments that become distressed due to factors outside the control of the Advisor. There is no assurance that there will be sufficient collateral to cover the value of the loans and/or other investments purchased by us or that there will be a successful reorganization or similar action of the company or investment which becomes distressed. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a company in which we invest, we may lose its entire investment, may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than our original investment and/or may be required to accept payment over an extended period of time. Under these circumstances, the returns generated from the Company’s investments may not compensate the Stockholders adequately for the risks assumed. For example, under certain circumstances, a lender who has inappropriately exercised control of the management and policies of a debtor may have its claims subordinated, or disallowed, or may be found liable for damage suffered by parties as a result of such actions. In addition, under circumstances involving a portfolio company’s insolvency, payments to the Company and distributions by the Company to the Stockholders may be reclaimed if any such payment or distribution is later determined to have been a fraudulent conveyance or a preferential payment.
 
Troubled company investments require active monitoring and may, at times, require significant participation in business strategy or reorganization proceedings by the Advisor. In addition, involvement by the Advisor in a company’s reorganization proceedings could result in the imposition of restrictions limiting the Company’s ability to liquidate its position in the company.
 
Event-Driven Special Situations
 
Our strategies will, from time to time, involve investments in “event-driven” special situations such as recapitalizations, spinoffs, corporate and financial restructurings, litigation or other catalyst-orientated situations. Investments in such securities are often difficult to analyze, and the Company could be incorrect in its assessment of the downside risk associated with an investment, thus resulting in a significant loss. Although the Company intends to utilize appropriate risk management strategies, such strategies cannot fully insulate the Company from the risks inherent in its planned activities. Moreover, in certain situations, the Company may be unable to, or may choose not to, implement risk management strategies because of the costs involved or other relevant circumstances.
 
Lender Liability Considerations and Equitable Subordination
 
In recent years, a number of judicial decisions in the United States have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories (collectively termed “lender liability”). Generally, lender liability is founded upon the premise that an institutional lender has violated a duty (whether implied or contractual) of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. Because of the nature of certain of the Company’s investments, the Company could be subject to allegations of lender liability.
 
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In addition, under common law principles that in some cases form the basis for lender liability claims, if a lending institution (i) intentionally takes an action that results in the undercapitalization of a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, (ii) engages in other inequitable conduct to the detriment of such other creditors, (iii) engages in fraud with respect to, or makes misrepresentations to, such other creditors or (iv) uses its influence as a stockholder to dominate or control a borrower to the detriment of the other creditors of such borrower, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lending institution to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors, a remedy called “equitable subordination.” Because of the nature of certain of the Company’s investments, the Company could be subject to claims from creditors of an obligor that the Company’s investments issued by such obligor should be equitably subordinated. A significant number of the Company’s investments will involve investments in which the Company will not be the lead creditor. It is, accordingly, possible that lender liability or equitable subordination claims affecting the Company’s investments could arise without the direct involvement of the Company.
 
If the Company purchases debt securities of an affiliate of a portfolio company in the secondary market at a discount, (i) a court might require the Company to disgorge profit it realizes if the opportunity to purchase such securities at a discount should have been made available to the issuer of such securities or (ii) the Company might be prevented from enforcing such securities at their full face value if the issuer of such securities becomes bankrupt.
 
Fraudulent Conveyance and Preference Considerations
 
Various federal and state laws enacted for the protection of creditors may apply to the purchase of the Company’s investments, which constitute the primary assets of the Company, by virtue of the Company’s role as a creditor with respect to the borrowers under such investments. If a court in a lawsuit brought by an unpaid creditor or representative of creditors of a borrower, such as a trustee in bankruptcy or the borrower as debtor-in-possession, were to find that the borrower did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for incurring indebtedness evidenced by an investment and the grant of any security interest or other lien securing such investment, and, after giving effect to the incurring of such indebtedness, the borrower (i) was insolvent, (ii) was engaged in a business for which the assets remaining in such borrower constituted unreasonably small capital or (iii) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, such court could invalidate, in whole or in part, such indebtedness and such security interest or other lien as fraudulent conveyances, could subordinate such indebtedness to existing or future creditors of the borrower or could allow the borrower to recover amounts previously paid by the borrower to the creditor (including to the Company) in satisfaction of such indebtedness or proceeds of such security interest or other lien previously applied in satisfaction of such indebtedness. In addition, in the event of the insolvency of an issuer of an investment, payments made on the Company’s investment could be subject to avoidance as a “preference” if made within a certain period of time (which may be as long as one year) before insolvency depending on a number of factors, including the amount of equity of the borrower owned by the Company and its affiliates and any contractual arrangement between the borrower, on the one hand, and the Company and its affiliates, on the other hand. The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing will vary depending on the law of the jurisdiction which is being applied. Generally, however, a borrower would be considered insolvent at a particular time if the sum of its debts was greater than all of its assets at a fair valuation or if the then-present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liabilities on its then-existing debts as they became absolute and matured. There can be no assurance as to what standard a court would apply in order to determine whether a borrower was insolvent after giving effect to the incurrence of the loan or that, regardless of the method of evaluation, a court would not determine that the borrower was “insolvent” upon giving effect to such incurrence. In general, if payments on an investment are avoidable, whether as fraudulent conveyances or preferences, such payments can be recaptured either from the initial recipient (such as the Company) or from subsequent transferees of such payments.
 
Participation on Creditors’ Committees
 
Our Advisor may participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate the management of financially troubled companies that may or may not be in bankruptcy or the Advisor may seek to negotiate directly with the debtors with respect to restructuring issues. If the Advisor does join a creditors’ committee, the participants of the committee would be interested in obtaining an outcome that is in their respective individual best interests and there can be no assurance of obtaining results most favorable to the Company in such proceedings. By participating on such committees, the Advisor may be deemed to have duties to other creditors represented by the committees, which might expose the Advisor to liability to such other creditors who disagree with the Advisor’s actions.
 
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While the Advisor intends to comply with all applicable securities laws and to make judgments concerning restrictions on trading in good faith, the Advisor may trade in a portfolio company’s securities while engaged in the portfolio company’s restructuring activities. Such trading creates a risk of litigation and liability that may cause the Advisor and/or the Company to incur significant legal fees and potential losses.
 
Projections
 
Our Advisor may rely upon projections, forecasts or estimates developed by us or a portfolio company in which we are invested concerning the portfolio company’s future performance and cash flow. Projections, forecasts and estimates are forward-looking statements and are based upon certain assumptions. Actual events are difficult to predict and beyond our control. Actual events may differ from those assumed. Some important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements include changes in interest rates; domestic and foreign business, market, financial or legal conditions; differences in the actual allocation of our investments among asset groups from that described herein; the degree to which our investments are hedged and the effectiveness of such hedges, among others. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that estimated returns or projections can be realized or that actual returns or results will not be materially lower than those estimated therein.
 
Third Party Litigation
 
In addition to litigation relating to the bankruptcy process, our investment activities subject us to the normal risks of becoming involved in litigation by third parties. This risk is somewhat greater where we exercise control or significant influence over a portfolio company’s direction. The expense of defending against claims by third parties and paying any amounts pursuant to settlements or judgments would generally be borne by us and would reduce net assets.
 
Proportion of Assets that May Be Invested in Securities of a Single Issuer
 
We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means that we are not limited by the 1940 Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification. As such, the Company’s assets may not be diversified. Any such non-diversification would increase the risk of loss to the Company if there was a decline in the market value of any loan in which the Company had invested a large percentage of its assets. If a large portion of the assets of the Company is held in cash or similarly liquid form, the Company’s performance might be adversely affected. Investment in a non-diversified fund will generally entail greater risks than investment in a “diversified” fund. The Company may have a more concentrated or less diversified portfolio than an average mutual fund. While a more concentrated portfolio can have good results when a manager is correct, it can also cause a portfolio such as the Company’s to have higher volatility. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company.
 
Potential Failure to Make Follow-On Investments in Portfolio Companies
 
Following its initial investment in a portfolio company, the Company may decide to provide additional funds to such portfolio company, seeking to:
 
·
increase or maintain in whole or in part our position as a creditor or equity ownership percentage in a portfolio company;
 
·
exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or
 
·
preserve or enhance the value of our investment.
 
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There is no assurance that we will make follow-on investments or that we will have sufficient funds to make all or any of such investments. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our level of risk, because we prefer other opportunities or because we are inhibited by compliance with BDC requirements of the 1940 Act or the desire to maintain our qualification as a RIC. Our ability to make follow-on investments may also be limited by Sankaty’s allocation policy. Any decision by us not to make follow-on investments or its inability to make such investments may have a substantial adverse effect on a portfolio company in need of such an investment. Additionally, a failure to make such investments may result in a lost opportunity for us to increase its participation in a successful portfolio company or the dilution of our ownership in a portfolio company if a third party invests in the portfolio company.
 
Potential Impact of Not Holding Controlling Equity Interests in Portfolio Companies
 
We do not currently intend to hold controlling equity positions in our portfolio companies. As a result, we will be subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of the debt and equity investments that we expect to hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.
 
Defaults By Portfolio Companies
 
A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its assets. This could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize such portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the loans or debt or equity securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting portfolio company.
 
Potential Incurrence of Debt by Portfolio Companies That Ranks Equally With, or Senior to, Our Investments
 
The characterization of certain of our investments as senior debt or senior secured debt does not mean that such debt will necessarily be repaid in priority to all other obligations of the businesses in which we invest. Furthermore, debt and other liabilities incurred by nonguarantor subsidiaries of the borrowers of senior secured loans made by us may be structurally senior to the debt held by us. In the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, the debt and other liabilities of such subsidiaries could be repaid in full before any distribution can be made to an obligor of the senior secured loans held by us. Finally, portfolio companies will typically incur trade credit and other liabilities or indebtedness, which by their terms may provide that their holders are entitled to receive principal payments on or before the dates payments are due in respect of the senior secured loans held by us.
 
Where we hold a first lien to secure senior indebtedness, the portfolio companies may be permitted to issue other senior loans with liens that rank junior to the first liens granted to us. The intercreditor rights of the holders of such other junior lien debt may, in any liquidation, reorganization, insolvency, dissolution or bankruptcy of such a portfolio company, affect the recovery that we would have been able to achieve in the absence of such other debt.
 
Additionally, certain loans that we may make to portfolio companies may be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior secured debt of such companies. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.
 
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Even where the senior loans held by us are secured by a perfected lien over a substantial portion of the assets of a portfolio company and its subsidiaries, the portfolio company and its subsidiaries will often be able to incur a substantial amount of additional indebtedness, which may have an exclusive lien over particular assets. For example, debt and other liabilities incurred by non-guarantor subsidiaries of portfolio companies will be structurally senior to the debt held by us. Accordingly, any such debt and other liabilities of such subsidiaries would, in the event of liquidation, dissolution, insolvency, reorganization or bankruptcy of such subsidiary, be repaid in full before any distributions to an obligor of the loans held by us. Furthermore, these other assets over which other lenders have a lien may be substantially more liquid or valuable than the assets over which we have a lien.
 
The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing the loans we make to our portfolio companies with senior debt outstanding may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of such senior debt. Under a typical intercreditor agreement, at any time that obligations that have the benefit of the first priority liens are outstanding, any of the following actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral will be at the direction of the holders of the obligations secured by the first priority liens:
 
 
·
the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral;
 
 
·
the ability to control the conduct of such proceedings;
 
 
·
the approval of amendments to collateral documents;
 
 
·
releases of liens on the collateral; and
 
 
·
waivers of past defaults under collateral documents.
 
We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights are adversely affected.
 
Subordinated Investments
 
We may make subordinated investments that rank below other obligations of the obligor in right of payment. Subordinated investments are subject to greater risk of default than senior obligations as a result of adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor or in general economic conditions. If we make a subordinated investment in a portfolio company, the portfolio company may be highly leveraged, and its relatively high debt-to-equity ratio may create increased risks that its operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service all of its debt obligations.
 
Contingent Liabilities Resulting from the Disposition of Investments
 
We may from time to time incur contingent liabilities in connection with an investment. For example, we may acquire a revolving credit or delayed draw term facility that has not yet been fully drawn or may originate or make a secondary purchase of a revolving credit facility. If the borrower subsequently draws down on the facility, we will be obligated to fund the amounts due. In connection with the disposition of an investment in loans and private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to potential liabilities. We may incur numerous other types of contingent liabilities. There can be no assurance that we will adequately reserve for its contingent liabilities and that such liabilities will not have an adverse effect on us.
 
Additional Risks of Hedging Transactions and/or Investments in Non-U.S. Securities
 
The 1940 Act generally requires that at least 70% of our investments be in issuers each of whom is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or any other possession of the United States. However, our portfolio may include debt securities of non-U.S. companies, including emerging market issuers, to the limited extent such transactions and investments would not cause us to violate the 1940 Act. We expect to invest in the securities of non-U.S. issuers. Investing in loans and securities of non-U.S. issuers involves many risks including economic, social, political, financial, tax and security conditions in the non-U.S. market, potential inflationary economic environments, less liquid markets and regulation by foreign governments. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than about a U.S. issuer, and non-U.S. issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is a possibility of expropriation, imposition of non-U.S. withholding or other taxes on dividends, interest, capital gains or other income, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of the Company, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect investments in those countries. An issuer of securities may be domiciled in a country other than the country in whose currency the instrument is denominated. The values and relative yields of investments in the securities markets of different countries, and their associated risks, are expected to change independently of each other.
 
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Bankruptcy law and process in non-U.S. jurisdictions may differ substantially from that in the United States, which may result in greater uncertainty as to the rights of creditors, the enforceability of such rights, reorganization timing and the classification, seniority and treatment of claims. In certain developing countries, although bankruptcy laws have been enacted, the process for reorganization remains highly uncertain, while other developing countries may have no bankruptcy laws enacted, adding further uncertainty to the process for reorganization.
 
We are authorized to use various investment strategies to hedge interest rate or currency exchange risks. These strategies are generally accepted as portfolio management techniques and are regularly used by many investment funds and other institutional investors. Techniques and instruments may change over time as new instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur. We may use any or all such types of interest rate hedging transactions and currency hedging transactions at any time and no particular strategy will dictate the use of one transaction rather than another. The choice of any particular interest rate hedging transactions and currency hedging transactions will be a function of numerous variables, including market conditions. Investments or liabilities of the Company may be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and hence the value of such investments, or the amount of such liabilities, will depend in part on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar. We may be affected favorably or unfavorably by exchange control regulations or changes in the exchange rate between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also affect the value of dividends and interest earned as well as the level of gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. The rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies are affected by many factors, including forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These rates are also affected by the international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions, government intervention, speculation and other factors. We are not obligated to engage in any currency hedging operations, and there can be no assurance as to the success of any hedging operations that we may implement.
 
Although we intend to engage in any interest rate hedging transactions and currency hedging transactions only for hedging purposes and not for speculation, use of interest rate hedging transactions and currency hedging transactions involves certain inherent risks. These risks include (i) the possibility that the market will move in a manner or direction that would have resulted in gain for us had an interest rate hedging transaction or currency hedging transaction not been utilized, in which case it would have been better had we not engaged in the interest rate hedging transaction or currency hedging transaction, (ii) the risk of imperfect correlation between the risk sought to be hedged and the interest rate hedging transaction or currency hedging transaction utilized, (iii) potential illiquidity for the hedging instrument utilized, which may make it difficult for us to close-out or unwind an interest rate hedging transaction or currency hedging transaction and (iv) credit risk with respect to the counterparty to the interest rate hedging transaction or currency hedging transaction. In addition, it might not be possible for us to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those loans and securities would likely fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.
 
We may also enter into certain hedging and short sale transactions for the purpose of protecting the market value of an investment of the Company for a period of time without having to currently dispose of such investment. Such defensive hedge transactions may be entered into when the Company is legally restricted from selling an investment or when the Company otherwise determines that it is advisable to decrease its exposure to the risk of a decline in the market value of an investment. Such defensive hedging transactions may expose the Company to the counterparty’s credit risk. There also can be no assurance that the Company will accurately assess the risk of a market value decline with respect to an investment or enter into an appropriate defensive hedge transaction to protect against such risk. Furthermore, the Company is in no event obligated to enter into any defensive hedge transaction. The Company may from time to time employ various investment programs, including the use of derivatives, short sales, swap transactions, currency hedging transactions, securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements. There can be no assurance that any such investment program will be undertaken successfully.
 
53

Realizing Gains From Equity Investments
 
When we invest in loans and debt securities, we may acquire warrants or other equity securities of portfolio companies as well. We may also invest in equity securities directly. To the extent we hold equity investments, we will attempt to dispose of them and realize gains upon our disposition of them. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, may decline in value. As a result, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
 
Risks Associated with OID and PIK Interest Income
 
Our investments may include OID and PIK instruments. To the extent OID and PIK interest income constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to risks associated with such income being required to be included in an accounting income and taxable income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:
 
·
OID instruments and PIK securities may have unreliable valuations because the accretion of OID as interest income and the continuing accruals of PIK securities require judgments about their collectability and the collectability of deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral.
 
·
OID instruments may create heightened credit risks because the inducement to the borrower to accept higher interest rates in exchange for the deferral of cash payments typically represents, to some extent, speculation on the part of the borrower.
 
·
For accounting purposes, cash distributions to shareholders that include a component of accreted OID income do not come from paid-in capital, although they may be paid from the offering proceeds. Thus, although a distribution of accreted OID income may come from the cash invested by the stockholders, the 1940 Act does not require that shareholders be given notice of this fact.
 
·
The higher interest rates on PIK securities reflects the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with such instruments and PIK securities generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans.
 
·
The presence of accreted OID income and PIK interest income create the risk of non-refundable cash payments to the Advisor in the form of incentive fees on income based on non-cash accreted OID income and PIK interest income accruals that may never be realized.
 
·
Even if accounting conditions are met, borrowers on such securities could still default when the Company’s actual collection is expected to occur at the maturity of the obligation.
 
·
PIK interest has the effect of generating investment income and increasing the incentive fees payable at a compounding rate. In addition, the deferral of PIK interest also reduces the loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate.
 
Risks Relating to This Offering
 
Potential Difficulty Sourcing Investment Opportunities
 
We have not identified the potential investments for our portfolio that we will acquire following this offering. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to locate a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities to allow us to deploy all capital commitments successfully. In addition, privately negotiated investments in loans and illiquid securities of private middle-market companies require substantial due diligence and structuring, and we cannot assure investors that we will achieve our anticipated investment pace. As a result, investors will be unable to evaluate any future portfolio company investments prior to purchasing our shares of common stock. Additionally, our Advisor will select our investments subsequent to the closing of this offering, and our stockholders will have no input with respect to such investment decisions. These factors increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk, of investing in our common stock. To the extent we are unable to deploy all capital commitments, our investment income and, in turn, our results of operations, will likely be materially adversely affected.
 
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We generally expect to call capital for investment purposes only at the time we identify an investment opportunity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we expect to deploy all proceeds from each capital call for investment purposes within two years of calling such capital. Until such time as we invest the proceeds of such capital calls in portfolio companies, we will invest these amounts in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. We expect these temporary investments to earn yields substantially lower than the income that we expect to receive in respect of investments in secured debt (including senior secured, unitranche and second lien debt) and unsecured debt (including senior unsecured and subordinated debt), as well as related equity securities.
 
Risks Regarding Distributions
 
We intend to make distributions on a [  ] basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure investors that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be adversely affected by the impact of one or more of the risk factors described in this Registration Statement. Due to the asset coverage test applicable to us under the 1940 Act as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. In addition, if we enter into a Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility, for so long as such facility is outstanding, we anticipate that we may be required by its terms to use all payments of interest and principal that we receive from our current investments as well as any proceeds received from the sale of our current investments to repay amounts outstanding thereunder, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions.
 
Above Average Degree of Risk Associated with an Investment in Our Common Stock
 
The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk, and higher volatility or loss of principal, than alternative investment options. Our investments in portfolio companies may be speculative and, therefore, an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.
 
Limited Liquidity of an Investment in Our Common Stock
 
Our shares of common stock constitute illiquid investments for which there is not, and will likely not be, a secondary market at any time prior to a public offering and listing of our shares on a national securities exchange. There can be no guarantee that we will conduct a public offering and list our shares on a national securities exchange. Investment in the Company is suitable only for sophisticated investors and requires the financial ability and willingness to accept the high risks and lack of liquidity inherent in an investment in the Company.
 
Severe Economic Consequences of Defaulting Stockholders
 
If stockholders fail to fund their commitment obligations or to make required capital contributions when due, the Company’s ability to complete its investment program or otherwise continue operations may be substantially impaired. A stockholder’s failure to fund such amounts when due causes that stockholder to become a defaulting stockholder. If a substantial number of stockholders become defaulting stockholders, this may severely limit opportunities for investment diversification and would likely reduce returns to the Company and restrict the Company’s ability to meet loan obligations. Any single defaulting stockholder could cause substantial costs to be incurred by the Company if such default causes the Company to fail to meet its contractual obligations or if the Company must pursue remedial action against such stockholder. In the event a stockholder fails to make a required capital contribution when due, it may be subject to various remedies, including, without limitation, forfeiture of its right to participate in purchasing additional shares on any future drawdown date or otherwise participate in any future investments of the Company.  Without limitation on the rights the Company may have against the defaulting stockholder, the Company may call for additional capital contributions from non-defaulting stockholders to make up any shortfall. The non-defaulting stockholders could therefore be required to fund any shortfall up to their remaining capital commitments, without regard to the underlying value of their investment.
 
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If the Company fails to meet its contractual obligations related to a portfolio investment due to a defaulting stockholder, the relevant portfolio company may have a cause of action against the Company, which may include a claim against assets of the Company other than the Company’s interest in such portfolio company.  A creditor of the Company (including a portfolio company with respect to which the Company has failed to meet its contractual obligations) will not be bound to satisfy its claims from the assets attributable to a particular portfolio investment and such creditor generally may seek to satisfy its claims from the assets of the Company as a whole.  As a result, if a creditor’s claims relating to a particular portfolio investment exceed the net assets attributable to that portfolio investment, the remaining assets of the Company will likely be subject to such claim.
 
Item 2.
Financial Information
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Overview
 
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 5, 2015. We intend to file an election to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act, and as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. As such, we will be required to comply with various regulatory requirements, such as the requirement to invest at least 70% of our assets in “qualifying assets,” source of income limitations, asset diversification requirements, and the requirement to distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income and tax-exempt interest. See Item 1(c). Description of Business—Regulation as a Public Business Development Company” and “Item 1(c). Description of Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences— Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
 
The Company is currently in the development stage and has not commenced commercial operations. Since inception, there has been no activity other than an initial $[  ] capital contribution received from [  ], our initial stockholder, in exchange for [  ] shares of our common stock. To date our efforts have been limited to organizational and initial operating activities, the cost of which has been borne by the Advisor. We have agreed to repay the Advisor for initial organization costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations up to a maximum of $[  ] million and operating costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations, each on a pro rata basis over the first $[  ] million of invested capital over a period not to exceed [  ] years from the initial capital commitment. In the event receipt of a formal commitment of external capital does not occur, all initial organization and operating costs will be borne by the Advisor. As there has been no commitment of external capital to date, no such costs have been allocated to the Company.
 
Revenues
 
We expect to generate revenues primarily in the form of interest income from the investments we hold in addition to income from dividends on direct equity investments, capital gains on the sales of loans and debt and equity securities and various loan origination and other fees. The debt we invest in will typically not be rated by any rating agency, but if it were, it is likely that such debt would be rated below investment grade.
 
Expenses
 
Our primary operating expenses will include the payment of fees to the Advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our allocable portion of overhead expenses under the Administration Agreement and other operating costs described below. We will bear all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including:
 
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· our initial organization costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations up to a maximum of $[  ] million;
 
· operating costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations;
 
· the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;
 
· the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of shares of our common stock and other securities;
 
· fees payable to third parties relating to making investments, including our Advisor’s or its affiliates’ travel expenses, research costs and out-of-pocket fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence and reviews of prospective investments;
 
· interest expense and other costs associated with Company indebtedness;
 
· transfer agent and custodial fees;
 
· out-of-pocket fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;
 
· federal and state registration fees and any stock exchange listing fees;
 
· U.S. federal, state and local taxes;
 
· independent directors’ fees and expenses;
 
· brokerage commissions and markups;
 
· fidelity bond, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and other insurance premiums;
 
· direct costs, such as printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;
 
· fees and expenses associated with independent audits and outside legal costs;
 
· costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and other applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; and
 
· other expenses incurred by the Administrator or us in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement that will be based upon our allocable portion (subject to the review and approval of our Board) of overhead.
 
All of the foregoing expenses are borne indirectly by our stockholders.
 
We have agreed to repay the Advisor for initial organization costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations up to a maximum of $[  ] million and operating costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations, each on a pro rata basis over the first $[   ] million of invested capital over a period not to exceed [  ] years from the initial capital commitment . In the event receipt of a formal commitment of external capital does not occur, all initial organization and operating costs will be borne by the Advisor. As there has been no commitment of external capital to date, no such costs have been allocated to the Company.
 
From time to time, the Administrator or its affiliates may pay third-party providers of goods or services. We will reimburse the Administrator or such affiliates thereof for any such amounts paid on our behalf. The Administrator will waive its right to be reimbursed in the event that such reimbursements would cause any distributions to our stockholders to constitute a return of capital. All of these expenses will ultimately be borne by our stockholders.
 
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We may also enter into a credit facility or other debt arrangements to partially fund our operations, and could incur costs and expenses including commitment, origination, or structuring fees and the related interest costs associated with any amounts borrowed.
 
Hedging
 
The Company may enter into currency hedging contracts, interest rate hedging agreements such as futures, options, swaps and forward contracts, and credit hedging contracts, such as credit default swaps. However, no assurance can be given that such hedging transactions will be entered into or, if they are, that they will be effective.
 
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As we have not yet commenced commercial activities, the only transaction to date has been the receipt of an initial capital contribution of $[  ] from [  ], our initial stockholder, in exchange for [  ] shares of our securities. We expect to generate cash from (1) future offerings of our common or preferred stock, (2) cash flows from operations and (3) borrowings from banks or other lenders. We will seek to enter into any bank debt, credit facility or other financing arrangements on at least customary market terms; however, we cannot assure investors we will be able to do so.
 
Our primary use of cash will be for (1) investments in portfolio companies and other investments to comply with certain portfolio diversification requirements, (2) the cost of operations (including paying the Advisor), (3) debt service of any borrowings and (4) cash distributions to the holders of our stock.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. We will generally invest in illiquid loans and securities including debt and equity securities of middle-market companies. Because we expect that there will not be a readily available market for many of the investments in our portfolio, we expect to value many of our portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board using a documented valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material. See Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters—Valuation of Investments.”
 
Item 3.
Properties
 
We maintain our principal executive office at 200 Clarendon Street, 37th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. We do not own any real estate. We believe that our present facilities are adequate to meet our current needs. If new or additional space is required, we believe that adequate facilities are available at competitive prices in the same area.
 
Item 4.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
 
In conjunction with our initial incorporation, [  ] purchased [  ] shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $[  ] per share as our initial capital. The Company intends to redeem these shares at cost immediately prior to the initial capital drawdown date and the issuance of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Private Offering.
 
Item 5.
Directors and Executive Officers.
 
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board. Our Board consists of five members, three of whom are Independent Directors. Our Board elects our officers, who serve at the discretion of our Board. The responsibilities of our Board include quarterly determinations of fair value of our assets, corporate governance activities, oversight of our financing arrangements and oversight of our investment activities. Oversight of our investment activities extends to oversight of the risk management processes employed by the Advisor as part of its day-to-day management of our investment activities. Our Board anticipates reviewing risk management processes at both regular and special board meetings throughout the year, consulting with appropriate representatives of Sankaty as necessary and periodically requesting the production of risk management reports or presentations. The goal of our Board’s risk oversight function is to ensure that the risks associated with our investment activities are accurately identified, thoroughly investigated and responsibly addressed. Investors should note, however, that our Board’s oversight function cannot eliminate all risks or ensure that particular events do not adversely affect the value of investments.
 
58

Board of Directors and Executive Officers
 
We have adopted provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation that divide our Board into three classes. At each annual meeting, directors will be elected for staggered terms of three years (other than the initial terms, which extend for up to three years), with the term of office of only one of these three classes of directors expiring each year. Each director will hold office for the term to which he or she is elected and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.
 
Directors
 
The address for each director is c/o Sankaty Capital Corporation, 200 Clarendon Street, 37th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Information regarding the Board is as follows:
 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
 
Director Since
 
Expiration of Term
                 
Interested Directors
               
                 
Jeffrey B. Hawkins
 
[  ]
 
Director & Chairman
 
[  ] 2015
 
[  ]
                 
Michael A. Ewald
 
[  ]
 
Director, President & Chief Executive Officer
 
[  ] 2015
 
[  ]
                 
Independent Directors
               
                 
[  ]
 
[  ]
 
Director
 
[  ] 2015
 
[  ]
                 
[  ]
 
[  ]
 
Director
 
[  ] 2015
 
[  ]
                 
[  ]
 
[  ]
 
Director
 
[  ] 2015
 
[  ]
 
Executive Officers who are not Directors
 
Information regarding our executive officers who are not directors is as follows:
 
Name
 
Age
 
Position(s)
         
Sally D. Fassler
 
[  ]
 
Chief Financial Officer
         
James Goldman
 
[  ]
 
Chief Compliance Officer
         
James S. Athanasoulas
 
[  ]
 
Vice President & Treasurer
         
 
[  ]
 
Vice President & Secretary
 
59

Biographical Information
 
Directors
 
Our directors have been divided into two groups — interested directors and independent directors. An interested director is an “interested person” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
 
Interested Directors
 
Jeffrey B. Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins is the Chairman of our Board. He is a Managing Director, the Chief Operating Officer and a Risk & Oversight Committee member of Sankaty. As the Chief Operating Officer, he is responsible for the firm’s business strategy and all non-investment activities. Previously, Mr. Hawkins was at Ropes & Gray, LLP working on securities law, mergers & acquisitions and collateralized debt funds. Mr. Hawkins received a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College.
 
Michael A. Ewald. Mr. Ewald is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and serves on the Advisor’s Credit Committee.  He is a Managing Director, the head of the Middle Market Group and Portfolio Manager for Sankaty’s Middle Market Opportunities and Senior Direct Lending fund strategies. Previously, Mr. Ewald was an Associate Consultant at Bain & Company for three years where he focused on strategy consulting to the Financial Services, Manufacturing and Consumer Products industries. Prior to that, he worked at Credit Suisse First Boston as an analyst in the Regulated Industries group. Mr. Ewald received an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a B.A. magna cum laude from Tufts University.
 
Independent Directors
 
[   ]
 
Executive Officers who are not Directors
 
Sally D. Fassler. Ms. Fassler is Chief Financial Officer of the Company. She is a Managing Director, the Chief Financial Officer and a Risk & Oversight Committee member of Sankaty. Previously, Ms. Fassler was a Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in their Investment Management practice focusing on alternative investment products. Ms. Fassler received an M.S./M.B.A from Northeastern University and a B.A. from Brandeis University. Ms. Fassler is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
James Goldman. Mr. Goldman is Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. He is a Vice President in Compliance responsible for providing compliance support to Sankaty. Previously, Mr. Goldman served as Senior Counsel in the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and as an attorney at the law firm of WilmerHale. Mr. Goldman received a J.D. magna cum laude from Boston College Law School and a B.A. magna cum laude in History from Harvard University. Mr. Goldman is admitted to the bar of Massachusetts.
 
James S. Athanasoulas. Mr. Athanasoulas is a Vice President and Treasurer of the Company. He is a Managing Director in the Middle Market Group of Sankaty. Previously, Mr. Athanasoulas was a Manager at Bain & Company where he led case teams in the firm’s Private Equity Practice performing strategic due diligence and post-acquisition strategy assessments. Mr. Athanasoulas received an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a B.S. from Georgetown University where he won the Shandwick Scholar award.
 
Ranesh Ramanathan. Mr. Ramanathan is a Vice President and Secretary of the Company. He is a Managing Director, the General Counsel and a Risk & Oversight Committee member of Sankaty. Previously, Mr. Ramanathan was the General Counsel of Citi Private Equity and Associate General Counsel of Citi Alternative Investments at Citigroup. Prior to that, Mr. Ramanathan was an Associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. Mr. Ramanathan received a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.A. from The Johns Hopkins University.
 
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Committees of the Board
 
Our Board has established an Audit Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and may establish additional committees in the future. All directors are expected to attend at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of our Board and of the respective committees on which they serve. We require each director to make a diligent effort to attend all Board and committee meetings as well as each annual meeting of our stockholders.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee is currently composed of [  ], all of whom are not considered “interested persons” of our company as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. [  ] serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Our Board has determined that [  ] is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined under Item 407 of Regulation S-K, as promulgated under the Exchange Act. [  ] meet the current independence and experience requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by our Board, which sets forth the responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include establishing guidelines and making recommendations to our Board regarding the valuation of our loans and investments, selecting our independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing with such independent registered public accounting firm the planning, scope and results of their audit of our financial statements, pre-approving the fees for services performed, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of internal control systems, reviewing our annual financial statements, overseeing internal audit staff and periodic filings and receiving our audit reports and financial statements.
 
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
 
The members of the Nominating and Corporate governance committee are our independent directors. [  ] serves as chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for selecting, researching and nominating directors for election by our stockholders, selecting nominees to fill vacancies on the board or a committee of the board, developing and recommending to the board a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the board and our management.
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to our Board, our company and our stockholders. In considering possible candidates for election as a director, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee takes into account, in addition to such other factors as it deems relevant, the desirability of selecting directors who:
 
· are of high character and integrity;
 
· are accomplished in their respective fields, with superior credentials and recognition;
 
· have relevant expertise and experience upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management;
 
· have sufficient time available to devote to our affairs;
 
· are able to work with the other members of our Board and contribute to our success;
 
· can represent the long-term interests of our stockholders as a whole; and
 
· are selected such that our Board represents a range of backgrounds and experience.
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not adopted a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees. In determining whether to recommend a director nominee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers and discusses diversity, among other factors, with a view toward the needs of our Board as a whole. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee generally conceptualizes diversity expansively to include, without limitation, concepts such as race, gender, national origin, differences of viewpoint, professional experience, education, skill and other qualities that contribute to our Board, when identifying and recommending director nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that the inclusion of diversity as one of many factors considered in selecting director nominees is consistent with the goal of creating a board of directors that best serves our needs and the interests of our stockholders.
 
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Item 6.
Executive Compensation.
 
(a)
Compensation of Executive Officers
 
We do not currently have any employees. None of our officers receives direct compensation from us. We have agreed to reimburse the Administrator for our allocable portion of the compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, and any of their respective staff who provide services to us, operations staff who provide services to us, and any internal audit staff, to the extent internal audit performs a role in our Sarbanes-Oxley internal control assessment. In addition, to the extent that the Administrator outsources any of its functions, we will pay the fees associated with such functions at cost. As discussed under Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence,” we will agree to reimburse the Administrator for our allocable portion of the compensation of any personnel that it provides for our use.
 
(b)
Compensation of Directors
 
Our independent directors’ annual fee is $[  ]. The independent directors also receive $[  ] plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each regular Board meeting and $[  ] for each special meeting.  They also receive $[  ] plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with each committee meeting attended. In addition, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual fee of $[  ]. The Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receives an additional annual fee of $[  ]. No compensation is expected to be paid to directors who are “interested persons” with respect to us, as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
 
Item 7.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
(a)
Transactions with Related Persons; Review, Approval or Ratification of Transaction with Related Persons
 
As a diversified private investment firm, Bain Capital, LLC (“Bain Capital”) and its affiliates, including Sankaty and the Advisor, engage in a broad range of activities, including investment activities for their own account and for the account of other investment funds or accounts, and provide investment banking, advisory, management and other services to funds and operating companies.
 
Bain Capital currently has a number of affiliated advisors including Sankaty and the Advisor (collectively, the “Affiliate Advisors”), each of which focuses primarily on a different investment strategy, although such investment strategies overlap from time to time.
 
The funds and accounts managed by the Affiliate Advisors (other than the Advisor) are referred to as the “Related Funds.” The funds and accounts managed by Sankaty are referred to as the “Sankaty Funds.” In the ordinary course of conducting its activities, the interests of the Company or the stockholders may conflict with the interests of the Advisor, Sankaty Funds, Related Funds or their respective affiliates.
 
Resolution of Conflicts
 
Each of the Advisor and the other Affiliate Advisors will deal with all conflicts of interest using its best judgment, but in its sole discretion. When conflicts arise between the Company, on the one hand, and a Related Fund, on the other hand, the Advisor will represent the interests of the Company, and the other participating Affiliate Advisor will represent the interests of the Related Fund it advises. In resolving conflicts, the Advisor and the other Affiliate Advisors may consider various factors, including applicable restrictions under the 1940 Act, the interests of the funds and accounts they advise in the context of both the immediate issue at hand and the longer term course of dealing among the Company and the Related Fund. In the case of all conflicts involving the Company, the Advisor’s determination as to which factors are relevant, and the resolution of such conflicts will be made in the Advisor’s sole discretion except as required by the 1940 Act or by the governing documents of the Company. There can be no assurance that the Advisor will be able to resolve all conflicts in a manner that is favorable to the Company. By acquiring the Company’s stock, a stockholder acknowledges and represents that it has carefully reviewed this “Certain Relationships and Conflicts of Interest” section and understands and consents to the existence of potential conflicts of interest including, without limitation, those described in this section and to the operation of the Company subject to these conflicts.
 
62

Sources of Conflicts of Interest
 
There are numerous perceived and actual conflicts of interest among the Company, the Sankaty Funds, the Affiliate Advisors, and the Related Funds. The conflicts of interest that may be encountered by the Company include those discussed below and elsewhere throughout this Registration Statement, although such discussions do not describe all of the conflicts that may be faced by the Company. Dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult, and new and different types of conflicts may subsequently arise.
 
Conflicts Relating to the Advisor and Certain Affiliate Advisors
 
Advisor Personnel
 
It is expected that most or all of the Sankaty officers and employees responsible for managing the Company will have responsibilities with respect to other funds or accounts managed by Sankaty, including funds and accounts that may be raised in the future. Substantial time will be spent by such officers and employees monitoring the investments of Sankaty Funds. Conflicts of interest may arise in allocating time, services or functions of these officers and employees.
 
Advisory Services
 
In addition, the Affiliate Advisors perform advisory and other services for, and receive compensation from, a number of entities, which, subject to applicable law, may include entities in which the Company has interests.
 
The Affiliate Advisors have existing and potential advisory and other relationships with a significant number of portfolio companies and other clients, and may provide financing, services, advice or otherwise deal with third parties whose interests conflict with the interests of a company in which the Company has invested, such as competitors, suppliers or customers of a company in which the Company has invested. An Affiliate Advisor may recommend or cause such a third party to take actions that are adverse to the Company or portfolio companies in which it has invested.
 
The Affiliate Advisors and their respective affiliates may perform management, advisory, investment banking, financial advisory and other services (“Related Services”) for, and will receive fees from, actual or prospective investments or other deal-related investment vehicles of the Related Funds, including such fees in connection with mergers, acquisitions, add-on acquisitions, refinancings, public offerings, sales and similar transactions. Such fees may be significant. Such fees may be paid in cash, in securities of the portfolio company or investment vehicles (or rights thereto) or otherwise. Additionally, a portfolio company may reimburse an Affiliate Advisor for expenses incurred by it in connection with its performance of services for such portfolio company.
 
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Affiliate Advisor or its affiliate will determine the amount of these fees in its own discretion, subject to agreements with sellers, buyers and management teams, the boards of directors of or lenders to portfolio companies, and/or third-party co-investors in its transactions. The Affiliate Advisor or its affiliate is not required to provide the Company or the stockholders with information regarding the amounts of these fees and reimbursements. The opportunity to earn these fees and receive these reimbursements creates a conflict of interest between the Affiliate Advisor or its affiliate, on the one hand, and the Company and the stockholders, on the other.
 
63

Investment Advisory Agreement
 
The Advisor is entitled to a management and incentive fee under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The existence of the incentive fee may create an incentive for the Advisor to cause the Company to make more speculative investments than it would otherwise make in the absence of performance-based compensation. In calculating the incentive fee and management fee and making corresponding distributions, the Advisor will value the Company’s investments to determine how distributions should be made, subject at all times to the oversight and approval of our Board. If the valuations conducted by the Advisor are incorrect, the amount and timing of the payment of the incentive fee and management fee to the Advisor could be incorrect. In addition, the method of calculating the incentive fee and management fee may result in conflicts of interest between the Advisor, on the one hand, and the stockholders on the other hand, with respect to the management, disposition and valuation of investments.
 
Diverse Investor Base of the Company, the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds
 
The Company, the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds may have tax-exempt, taxable, non-U.S. and other investors, whereas most members of the Advisor and of the general partners of the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds are taxable at individual U.S. rates. Potential conflicts exist with respect to various structuring, investment and other decisions because of divergent tax, economic or other interests, including conflicts among the interests of taxable and tax-exempt investors, conflicts among the interests of U.S. and non-U.S. investors, and conflicts between the interests of investors and management with regard to the Company, Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds. For these reasons, among others, decisions may be more beneficial for one investor than for another investor, particularly with respect to investors’ individual tax situations.
 
Investments Alongside Sankaty Funds and/or Related Funds
 
We may invest alongside Sankaty Funds and/or Related Funds in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with our investment strategy, as well as applicable law and SEC staff interpretations. We and one or more other Affiliate Advisors intend to submit an exemptive application to the SEC to permit greater flexibility to negotiate the terms of co-investments if our Board determines that it would be advantageous for us to co-invest with investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Sankaty or other Affiliate Advisors in a manner consistent with our investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors.
 
We expect to seek exemptive relief, and it is expected that we would undertake that, in connection with any commitment to a co-investment, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors would make certain conclusions, including that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our investment strategies and policies. There is no assurance that an application for exemptive relief, if sought by us, would be granted by the SEC or that, if granted, it will be on the terms set forth above.
 
In addition, in the absence of exemptive relief granted for each investment by the SEC, we will not be permitted to invest in securities of an issuer where entities advised by Sankaty or other Affiliate Advisors have invested in different securities of that issuer.
 
Allocation of Investment Opportunities
 
The Advisor, Sankaty and Bain Capital sponsor and manage various investment vehicles, and may form new investment vehicles in the future. Sankaty Funds and/or Related Funds may make certain investments that are appropriate for the Company and the Company may receive a smaller allocation of any such investment or no allocation at all. The investment policies, fee arrangements, carried interest, investments owned by employees of the Advisor or the other Affiliate Advisors, and other circumstances of the Company, may vary from those of the Sankaty Funds or the Related Funds. These relationships may present conflicts of interest in determining how much, if any, of certain investment opportunities to offer to the Company. Subject to any requirements of the governing instruments of the Company (and, if applicable, the SEC exemptive order), the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds, opportunities for investments will be allocated between the Company, the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds in a manner that the Advisor and the other Affiliate Advisors believe in their sole discretion to be appropriate given factors they believe to be relevant. Such factors may include the investment objectives, geography, nature of the target’s business, scale, transaction sourcing, liquidity, diversification, lender covenants and other limitations of the Company, the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds, the amount of capital each then has available for such investment, the expected duration of the investment in light of the term of the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds, regulatory and tax considerations, the degree of risk arising from an investment, the expected investment return and such other factors as the Advisor, Sankaty and other Affiliate Advisors deem to be appropriate. The foregoing methodology for allocation of investment opportunities will likely vary over time and will be on a case-by-case basis. The Advisor also reserves the right to make independent decisions with regard to when the Company should purchase and sell investments, and Sankaty and the other Affiliate Advisors reserve similar rights with respect to the Sankaty Funds or Related Funds that they advise. As a result, the Company may be purchasing an investment at a time when a Sankaty Fund or a Related Fund is selling the same or a similar investment, or vice versa. The Company may invest in opportunities that Sankaty Funds or Related Funds have declined, and likewise, the Company may decline to invest in opportunities in which the Sankaty Funds or Related Funds have invested. The Sankaty Funds and Related Funds may pursue similar investment strategies as the Company and may compete with the Company for investment opportunities. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure— Conflicts Related to Obligations of Sankaty or the Advisor’s Credit Committee.”
 
64

Allocation of Fees and Expenses
 
The appropriate allocation among the Company, the Sankaty Funds and/or the Related Funds of expenses and fees generated in the course of evaluating and making investments often may not be clear, especially where more than one fund participates. For instance, if the Company and a Sankaty Fund or Related Fund are considering making an investment that is not consummated, allocation of the expenses generated for the account of the Company and such Sankaty Fund or Related Fund (such as expenses of common counsel and other professionals) will be made in good faith. When the Advisor, Sankaty and the other Affiliate Advisors incur expenses that were related to the Company, the Sankaty Funds and/or Related Funds, they will typically allocate such expenses among all funds eligible to reimburse expenses of the applicable nature. In general, the Advisor and each other affected Affiliate Advisor will participate in the resolution of all such matters using its best judgment, considering all factors it deems relevant, but in its sole discretion.
 
Material, Non-Public Information; Trading Restrictions
 
From time to time, the Advisor or another Affiliate Advisor may come into possession of material, nonpublic information, and such information may limit the ability of the Company to buy and sell investments. Although Bain Capital currently maintains “ethical walls” which reduce the likelihood that the Advisor will be deemed to possess material, non-public information possessed by other Affiliate Advisors, there is no guarantee that Bain Capital will maintain “ethical walls” for the life of the Company. Furthermore, the Advisor and the other Affiliate Advisors may agree from time to time to “cross” ethical walls, and Bain Capital may from time to time impose restrictions on transactions involving particular issuers in its sole discretion taking into account all factors it deems relevant in the collective interest of the Advisor and the other Affiliate Advisors. In such cases, the Company, the Sankaty Funds and the Related Funds could be restricted indefinitely in transactions involving a particular issuer. Consequently, the possession of material, non-public information by other Affiliate Advisors may limit the ability of the Company to buy and sell investments. In addition, the Advisor may be restricted by contract from using confidential information that it, or another Affiliate Advisor, has for the benefit of the Company.
 
Fees
 
In the course of our investing activities, we will pay management fees and incentive fees to the Advisor, incur direct expenses and will reimburse the Advisor for certain expenses it incurs. See Item 1(c). Description of Business—General—The Investment Advisor.”
 
Certain Business Relationships
 
Certain of the current directors and officers of the Company are directors or officers of the Advisor. See Item 7(b) below for a description of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
 
65

Indebtedness of Management
 
None.
 
(b)
Promoters and Certain Control Persons
 
The Advisor may be deemed a promoter of the Company. The Company will enter into the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Advisor.
 
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor will act as the investment adviser to the Company and manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Company, subject to the supervision of the Board, in accordance with the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in this Registration Statement, in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws (as amended from time to time), and in accordance with the 1940 Act. In carrying out its duties as the investment adviser to the Company pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor will:
 
· determine the composition of the portfolio of the Company, the nature and timing of the changes therein and the manner of implementing such changes;
 
· identify/source, research, evaluate and negotiate the structure of the investments made by the Company;
 
· close and monitor the Company’s investments;
 
· determine the assets that the Company will originate, purchase, retain, or sell;
 
· perform due diligence on prospective portfolio companies; and
 
· provide the Company with such other investment advisory, research, and related services as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably require for the investment of its funds, including providing operating and managerial assistance to the Company and its portfolio companies as required.
 
Our primary operating expenses will include the payment of fees to the Advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our allocable portion of overhead expenses under the Administration Agreement and other operating costs described below. We will bear all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including:
 
· our initial organization costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations up to a maximum of $[  ] million;
 
· operating costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations;
 
· the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;
 
· the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of shares of our common stock and other securities;
 
· fees payable to third parties relating to making investments, including our Advisor’s or its affilitates’ travel expenses, research costs and out-of-pocket fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence and reviews of prospective investments;
 
· interest expense and other costs associated with Company indebtedness;
 
· transfer agent and custodial fees;
 
66

· out-of-pocket fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;
 
· federal and state registration fees and any stock exchange listing fees;
 
· U.S. federal, state and local taxes;
 
· independent directors’ fees and expenses;
 
· brokerage commissions and markups;
 
· fidelity bond, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and other insurance premiums;
 
· direct costs, such as printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;
 
· fees and expenses associated with independent audits and outside legal costs;
 
· costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and other applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; and
 
· other expenses incurred by the Administrator or us in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement that will be based upon our allocable portion (subject to the review and approval of our Board) of overhead.
 
All of the foregoing expenses are borne indirectly by our stockholders.
 
We have agreed to repay the Advisor for initial organization costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations up to a maximum of $[  ] million and operating costs incurred prior to the commencement of our operations, each on a pro rata basis over the first $[   ] million of invested capital over a period not to exceed [  ] years from the initial capital commitment . In the event receipt of a formal commitment of external capital does not occur, all initial organization and operating costs will be borne by the Advisor. As there has been no commitment of external capital to date, no such costs have been allocated to the Company.
 
From time to time, the Administrator or its affiliates may pay third-party providers of goods or services. We will reimburse the Administrator or such affiliates thereof for any such amounts paid on our behalf. The Administrator will waive its right to be reimbursed in the event that such reimbursements would cause any distributions to our stockholders to constitute a return of capital. All of these expenses will ultimately be borne by our stockholders.
 
The Advisor, for its services to the Company, will be entitled to receive fees as described under Item 1(c). Description of Business—General—Investment Advisory Agreement; Administration Agreement; License Agreement.”
 
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company expects, to the extent permitted by applicable law and in the discretion of the Board, to indemnify the Advisor and certain of its affiliates, as described under Item 1(c). Description of Business—General—Investment Advisory Agreement; Administration Agreement; License Agreement.”
 
Both the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement have been approved by our Board. Unless earlier terminated as described below, both the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement will remain in effect for a period from their effective date and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved annually by (i) the vote of our Board, or by the vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, and (ii) the vote of a majority of our Independent Directors. The Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of assignment. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure— Dependence Upon Key Personnel of Sankaty and the Advisor.”
 
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice, provided that such termination will be directed or approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, by the vote of the Company’s directors, or by the Advisor. The Investment Advisory Agreement will also immediately terminate in the event of its assignment. If the Investment Advisory Agreement is terminated, the Company will pay the Advisor a pro-rated portion of the management fee and incentive fee. The Company will engage at its own expense a firm acceptable to the Company and the Advisor to determine the maximum reasonable fair value as of the termination date of the Company’s consolidated assets (assuming each asset is readily marketable among institutional investors without minority discount and with an appropriate control premium for any control positions and ascribing an appropriate net present value to unamortized organizational and offering costs and going concern value).
 
Item 8.
Legal Proceedings
 
We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us. From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under loans to or other contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Item 9.
Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
 
Market Information
 
Until a public offering, our outstanding common stock will be offered and sold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act under Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D. See “Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities” for more information. There is currently no market for our common stock, and we can offer no assurances that a market for our shares of common stock will develop in the future.
 
Because shares of our common stock are being acquired by investors in one or more transactions “not involving a public offering,” they are “restricted securities” and may be required to be held indefinitely. Our common shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise disposed of unless (i) our consent is granted, and (ii) the common shares are registered under applicable securities laws or specifically exempted from registration (in which case the stockholder may, at our option, be required to provide us with a legal opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to us, that registration is not required). Accordingly, an investor must be willing to bear the economic risk of investment in the common shares until we are liquidated. No sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or other disposition, whether voluntary or involuntary, of the common shares may be made except by registration of the transfer on our books. Each transferee will be required to execute an instrument agreeing to be bound by these restrictions and the other restrictions imposed on the common shares and to execute such other instruments or certifications as are reasonably required by us.
 
Holders
 
Please see Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” for disclosure regarding the holders of the Company’s common stock.
 
Valuation of Investments
 
Under procedures established by our Board, we intend to value investments for which market quotations are readily available at such market quotations. Assets listed on an exchange will be valued at their last sales prices as reported to the consolidated quotation service at 4:00 P.M. eastern time on the date of determination. If no such sales of such securities occurred, we will obtain the market values from an independent pricing service or at the mean between the bid and ask prices obtained from at least two brokers or dealers (if available, otherwise by a principal market maker or a primary market dealer).  Debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by our Advisor, subject at all times to the oversight and approval of our Board. Such determination of fair values may involve subjective judgments and estimates, although we will also engage independent valuation providers to review the valuation of each portfolio investment that constitutes a material portion of our portfolio and that does not have a readily available market quotation at least once annually. With respect to unquoted securities, our Advisor, together with our independent valuation advisors, and subject at all times to the oversight and approval of our Board, will value each investment considering, among other measures, discounted cash flow models, comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public and other factors. The Company intends to retain one or more independent providers of financial advisory services to assist the Advisor and the Board by performing certain limited third-party valuation services.  The Company may appoint additional or different third-party valuation firms in the future.
 
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When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, our Board will use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate and/or assist us in our valuation. Because we expect that there will not be a readily available market for many of the investments in our portfolio, we expect to value many of our portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board using a documented valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.
 
With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our Advisor will undertake a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:
 
· Our quarterly valuation process will begin with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the investment professionals of our Advisor responsible for the portfolio investment;
 
· Preliminary valuation conclusions will then be documented and discussed with our senior management and our Advisor;
 
· The Audit Committee of our Board will then review these preliminary valuations;
 
· At least once annually, the valuation for each portfolio investment that constitutes a material portion of our portfolio and that does not have a readily available market quotation will be reviewed by an independent valuation firm; and
 
· Our Board will then discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith, based on the input of our Advisor, the respective independent valuation firms and the Audit Committee.
 
All values assigned to securities and other assets by the Board will be binding on all stockholders.
 
Distributions
 
To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute [  ] dividends to our stockholders. Our [  ] dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution.
 
We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under the Code, beginning with our taxable year ending December 31, 2015. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment, we must distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of our net long-term capital losses, if any. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we currently intend to distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of: (1) 98% of our net ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for such calendar year; (2) 98.2% of our net capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on December 31 of the calendar year; and (3) any net ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we previously paid no U.S. federal income tax.
 
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We currently intend to distribute net capital gains (i.e., net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually out of the assets legally available for such distributions. However, we may decide in the future to retain such capital gains for investment and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to stockholders. If this happens, stockholders will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if stockholders had received an actual distribution of the capital gains that we retain and reinvested the net after tax proceeds in us. In this situation, stockholders would be eligible to claim a tax credit equal to their allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to them. We cannot assure stockholders that we will achieve results that will permit us to pay any cash distributions, and if we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so would cause us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if such distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.
 
Unless a stockholder elects to receive his or her dividends in cash, we intend to make such distributions in additional shares of our common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan. Although distributions paid in the form of additional shares of our common stock will generally be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes in the same manner as cash distributions, investors participating in our dividend reinvestment plan will not receive any corresponding cash distributions with which to pay any such applicable taxes. If a stockholder holds shares of our common stock in the name of a broker or financial intermediary, the stockholder should contact such broker or financial intermediary regarding his or her election to receive distributions in cash in lieu of shares of our common stock. Any dividends reinvested through the issuance of shares through our dividend reinvestment plan will increase our gross assets on which the base management fee and the incentive fee are determined and paid to the Advisor. See Item 1(c). Description of Business—Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
 
Reports to Stockholders
 
We will furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing audited financial statements, quarterly reports, and such other periodic reports as we determine to be appropriate or as may be required by law. Upon the effectiveness of our Form 10 under the Exchange Act, we will be required to comply with all periodic reporting, proxy solicitation and other applicable requirements under the Exchange Act.
 
Item 10.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
On [  ], 2015, we issued and sold [  ] shares of common stock at an aggregate purchase price of $[  ] to [  ]. These shares were issued and sold in reliance upon the available exemptions from registration requirements of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The Company intends to redeem these shares at cost immediately prior to the initial capital drawdown date and the issuance of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Private Offering.
 
Item 11.
Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered
 
Description of our Shares
 
General.
 
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation that was in effect from our formation until [  ], 2015 our authorized stock consisted of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
 
Under the terms of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which was adopted on [   ], 2015 our authorized stock now consists solely of [  ] shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which [  ] shares remain outstanding as of the date of this Registration Statement, and [  ] shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which no shares are outstanding as of the date of this Registration Statement.  There is currently no market for our common stock, and we can offer no assurances that a market for our shares of common stock will develop in the future. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under Delaware law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.
 
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Common Stock.
 
All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and voting and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Distributions may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by our Board and declared by us out of funds legally available therefor. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, exchange, conversion or redemption rights and are freely transferable, except when their transfer is restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders of our preferred stock, if any preferred stock is outstanding at such time. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of our directors, and holders of less than a majority of such shares will not be able to elect any directors.
 
Preferred Stock.
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of preferred stock into other classes or series of preferred stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the Board is required by Delaware law and by our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to set the powers, preferences and relative, participation, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, for each class or series. Thus, the Board could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. Stockholders should note, however, that any issuance of preferred stock will be required to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution is made with respect to our common stock and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred stock are in arrears by two years or more. Some matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would be entitled to vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a BDC. We believe that the availability for issuance of preferred stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring future financings and acquisitions. The Company does not currently intend to issue preferred stock. The issuance of preferred stock with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock could adversely affect our common stock by making an investment in the common stock less attractive.
 
Transferability of Shares
 
Unless and until a Qualified IPO occurs, our common shares will not be registered under the Securities Act. The common shares are exempt from registration requirements pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of, and Regulation D under, the Securities Act.
 
Because our common shares will be acquired by investors in one or more transactions “not involving a public offering,” they will be “restricted securities” and may be required to be held indefinitely. Our common shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise disposed of unless (i) our consent is granted, and (ii) the common shares are registered under applicable securities laws or specifically exempted from registration (in which case the stockholder may, at our option, be required to provide us with a legal opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to us, that registration is not required). Accordingly, an investor must be willing to bear the economic risk of investment in the common shares until we are liquidated. No sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or other disposition, whether voluntary or involuntary, of the common shares may be made except by registration of the transfer on our books. Each transferee will be required to execute an instrument agreeing to be bound by these restrictions and the other restrictions imposed on the common shares and to execute such other instruments or certifications as are reasonably required by us.
 
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Dissolution of the Company
 
Prior to any Qualified IPO of the common stock that may occur, if the Company’s Board determines that there has been a significant adverse change in the regulatory or tax treatment of the Company or its stockholders that in its judgment makes it inadvisable for the Company to continue in its present form, then the Board will endeavor to restructure or change the form of the Company to preserve (insofar as possible) the overall benefits previously enjoyed by stockholders as a whole or, if the Board determines it appropriate (and subject to any necessary stockholder approvals and applicable requirements of the 1940 Act), (i) cause the Company to change its form and/or jurisdiction of organization or (ii) wind down and/or liquidate and dissolve the Company.
 
If the Company has not consummated a Qualified IPO of its common stock within three (3) years following the Initial Closing, then the Board (subject to any necessary stockholder approvals and applicable requirements of the 1940 Act) will use its best efforts to wind down and/or liquidate and dissolve the Company; provided that the term of the Company may be extended by the Board for an additional six-month period if (i) the Company has filed an IPO registration statement with the SEC and (ii) the Board reasonably expects such registration statement to be effective within six months of the end of such three-year period.
 
Delaware Anti-takeover Law
 
The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) contains provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our Board. These measures may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. We believe, however, that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms.
 
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. In general, these provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
 
· prior to such time, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
 
· upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or
 
· at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders, by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
 
Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:
 
· any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
 
· any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the corporation or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
 
· subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
 
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· any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation owned by the interested stockholder; or
 
· the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.
 
In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.
 
The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.
 
Our Board will adopt a resolution exempting from Section 203 of the DGCL any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our Board, including approval by a majority of our directors who are not “interested persons.”
 
Classified Board of Directors
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified board of directors consisting of three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms, with the term of office of only one of the three classes expiring each year. A classified board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified board of directors will help to ensure the continuity and stability of our management and policies.
 
Election of Directors
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws, provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and entitled to vote at such meeting is required to elect a director. Under our Certificate of Incorporation, our Board may amend the bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.
 
Number of Directors; Vacancies; Removal
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the number of directors is set only by the Board in accordance with our bylaws. Our bylaws provide that a majority of our entire Board may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors. However, unless our bylaws are amended, the number of directors may never be less than four nor more than eight. Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise (which our Certificate of Incorporation does not), directors on a classified board such as our Board may be removed only for cause. Under our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws, any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of the Board, may be filled only by vote of a majority of the directors then in office. The limitations on the ability of our stockholders to remove directors and fill vacancies could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, control of us.
 
Action by Stockholders
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. This may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.
 
Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals
 
Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) by or at the direction of the Board, (2) pursuant to our notice of meeting or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the bylaws. Nominations of persons for election to the Board at a special meeting may be made only by or at the direction of the Board, and provided that the Board has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.
 
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The purpose of requiring stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our Board a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by our Board, to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our Board any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.
 
Stockholder Meetings
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may only be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting. In addition, in lieu of such a meeting, any such action may be taken by the unanimous written consent of our stockholders. Our Certificate of Incorporation also provides that, except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of the stockholders can only be called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board. In addition, our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of candidates for election to the Board. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to the secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.
 
Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that special meetings of stockholders may be called by our Board, the Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer.
 
Conflict with 1940 Act
 
Our bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the DGCL or any provision of our Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable provision of the 1940 Act will control.
 
Exclusive Forum
 
Our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws or the securities, antifraud, unfair trade practices or similar laws of any international, national, state, provincial, territorial, local or other governmental or regulatory authority, including, in each case, the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a federal or state court located in the state of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to have notice of and consented to these exclusive forum provisions and to have irrevocably submitted to, and waived any objection to, the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in connection with any such action or proceeding and consented to process being served in any such action or proceeding, without limitation, by United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid.
 
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Item 12.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
 
The indemnification of our officers and directors is governed by Section 145 of the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws. Subsection (a) of DGCL Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if (1) such person acted in good faith, (2) in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (3) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.
 
Subsection (b) of DGCL Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court deems proper.
 
DGCL Section 145 further provides that to the extent that a present or former director or officer is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person will be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding. In all cases in which indemnification is permitted under subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 (unless ordered by a court), it will be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the applicable standard of conduct has been met by the party to be indemnified. Such determination must be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (4) by the stockholders. The statute authorizes the corporation to pay expenses incurred by an officer or director in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to whom the advance will be made, to repay the advances if it is ultimately determined that he or she was not entitled to indemnification. DGCL Section 145 also provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses permitted under such Section are not to be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. DGCL Section 145 also authorizes the corporation to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents regardless of whether the corporation would have the statutory power to indemnify such persons against the liabilities insured.
 
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Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that our directors will not be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter be amended. DGCL Section 102(b)(7) provides that the personal liability of a director to a corporation or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may be eliminated except for liability (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the registrant or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.
 
Our bylaws provide for the indemnification of any person to the full extent permitted, and in the manner provided, by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter be amended.
 
As a BDC, we are not permitted to, and will not indemnify the Advisor, any of our executive officers and directors, or any other person against liability arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office, or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties of such person arising under contract or agreement.
 
Item 13.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
We set forth below a list of our audited financial statements included in this Registration Statement.
 
Statement
Page
   
Index to Financial Statements
F-1
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
   
Balance Sheet as of [  ], 2015
F-3
   
Notes to Balance Sheet
F-4
 
Item 14.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
There are not and have not been any disagreements between the Company and its accountant on any matter of accounting principles, practices, or financial statement disclosure.
 
Item 15.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(a)            List separately all financial statements filed
 
The financial statements included in this Registration Statement are listed in Item 13 and commence on page [  ].
 
(b)            Exhibits
 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
[  ] [  ]
             
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
  Sankaty Capital Corporation  
       
 
By:
 
     
   
Title: Vice President and Secretary
 
       
     
 
 
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Dates Referenced Herein   and   Documents Incorporated by Reference

This ‘10-12G’ Filing    Date    Other Filings
12/31/16
12/31/15
Filed on:10/13/15N-6F
10/5/15
4/1/15
1/1/15
12/31/14
6/30/14
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