As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2022

 

Securities Act File No. 333-258821
Investment Company Act File No. 811-23727

 

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE

COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-2

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ¨

 

Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3x

Post-Effective Amendment No.

 


REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ¨

 

Amendment No. 3 x

 

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)

 

c/o Ares Capital Management II LLC

245 Park Avenue

44th Floor

New York, NY 10167

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(212) 750-7300

(Registrant's telephone number)

 

Ian Fitzgerald

c/o Ares Capital Management II LLC

245 Park Avenue

44th Floor

New York, NY 10167

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Copy to: 

Nicole M. Runyan, Esq.

Proskauer Rose LLP

Eleven Times Square

New York, NY 10036

 

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

 

¨ Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans.
     
x Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.
     
¨ Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto.
     
¨ Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act.
     
¨ Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act.

 

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

 

¨ when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c), or as follows:

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

¨ This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement].
¨ This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:   .
¨ This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:   .
¨ This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:   .

 

Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:

 

x Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”)).
¨ Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act).
¨ Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act).
¨ A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form).
¨ Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act).
¨ Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
¨ If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.
x New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing).

 

 

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

 

 

 

 

 

  

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

 

Preliminary Prospectus
Subject to Completion, dated MARCH 23, 2022

 

cid:image001.png@01D82FA3.CC450640

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

Class A Shares

Class D Shares

Class I Shares

 

[                   ], 2022

 

Ares Private Markets Fund (the “Fund”) is a recently-organized Delaware statutory trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with no operating history. Ares Capital Management II LLC serves as the Fund's investment adviser (the "Adviser") and is responsible for making investment decisions for the Fund's portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek attractive long-term capital appreciation. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund intends to invest in an actively managed portfolio of private equity and other private assets (collectively, "Private Assets"). The Fund may gain access to Private Assets through a number of different approaches, including: (i) secondary purchases of interests in private equity and other private asset funds managed by unaffiliated asset managers (“Portfolio Funds”), including through privately negotiated transactions, from investors in a Portfolio Fund or directly from the Portfolio Fund ("Secondary Investments"); (ii) primary investments in Portfolio Funds ("Primary Investments"); and (iii) direct investments in the equity or debt of private companies, including investments alongside private equity firms ("Direct Investments"). The Fund expects to invest principally in Secondary Investments and, to a lesser degree, in Primary Investments and Direct Investments, although the allocation among those types of investments may vary from time to time. The Fund also intends to invest a portion of its assets in a portfolio of liquid assets, including cash and cash equivalents, liquid fixed-income securities and other credit instruments, and other investment companies, including exchange traded funds.

 

This prospectus (the “Prospectus”) applies to the offering of three separate classes of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund (“Shares”) designated as Class A, Class D and Class I Shares. The Shares will generally be offered on the first business day of each month at the net asset value (“NAV”) per Share on that day. No person who is admitted as a shareholder of the Fund (a “Shareholder”) will have the right to require the Fund to redeem its Shares.

 

    Per Class A Share   Per Class D Share   Per Class I Share   Total  
Public Offering Price(1)   Current NAV   Current NAV   Current NAV   $500,000,000  
Sales Load(2)   3.50%   None   None      
Proceeds to the Fund(3)   Current NAV
less applicable sales load
  Current NAV   Current NAV   Up to $500,000,000  

 

(1)  Generally, the stated minimum investment by an investor in the Fund is $25,000 with respect to Class A Shares and Class D Shares and $1,000,000 with respect to Class I Shares.  The stated minimum investment for Class I Shares may be reduced for certain investors as described under "Purchasing Shares."
(2)  Investments in Class A Shares are sold subject to a sales charge of up to 3.50% of the investment. The table assumes the maximum sales load is charged.  For some investors, the sales charge may be waived or reduced. The full amount of sales charge may be reallowed to brokers or dealers participating in the offering.  Your financial intermediary may impose additional charges when you purchase Shares of the Fund.
(3)  Assumes that all Shares currently registered are sold in the continuous offering and the maximum sales load is charged.  The proceeds may differ from that shown if the then-current NAV at which Shares are sold varies from that shown and/or additional Shares are registered.  The Fund will bear certain of its organizational and initial offering costs of approximately $[__________].  The Fund’s initial offering costs, whether borne by the Adviser or the Fund, are being capitalized and amortized over the 12-month period beginning on the Initial Closing Date (as defined herein).  The Fund's organizational costs are expensed as incurred.  The Fund also will bear certain ongoing offering costs associated with the Fund’s continuous offering of Shares.

 

i

 

 

The Fund relies on an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that permits the Fund to offer more than one class of Shares, and the Fund may offer additional classes of Shares in the future. Each class of Shares is subject to different fees and expenses.

 

Investments in the Fund may be made only by eligible investors that are both “accredited investors” as defined in Section 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and “qualified clients” as defined in Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative with a substantial risk of loss. The Fund and the Adviser do not guarantee any level of return or risk on investments and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. You should carefully consider these risks together with all of the other information contained in this Prospectus before making a decision to invest in the Fund.

 

The Fund has no operating history.

 

Shares are not listed on any securities exchange, and it is not anticipated that a secondary market for Shares will develop. Although the Fund may offer to repurchase Shares from time to time, Shares will not be redeemable at an investor’s option nor will they be exchangeable for shares of any other fund. As a result, an investor may not be able to sell or otherwise liquidate his or her Shares. The Adviser intends to recommend that, in normal market circumstances, the Fund's Board of Trustees conduct quarterly repurchase offers of no more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

An investment in the Fund may not be suitable for investors who may need the money they invested in a specified timeframe.

 

Shares are subject to substantial restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold except as permitted under the Fund’s agreement and declaration of trust.

 

The amount of distributions that the Fund may pay, if any, is uncertain.

 

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

 

You should read this Prospectus, which concisely sets forth information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the Shares and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated [              ], 2022, containing additional information about the Fund (the “SAI”), has been filed with the SEC and, as amended from time to time, is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the SAI, the table of contents of which is on page 89 of this Prospectus, as well as free copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available), and other information about the Fund by calling 1-866-324-7348, by writing to the Fund at 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167 or wmsoperations@aresmgmt.com, or by visiting www.areswms.com. You can get the same information for free from the SEC’s website, https://www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the SEC, paper copies of the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders (“Shareholder Reports”) (when available) will not be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the Shareholder Reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or a bank. Instead, the Shareholder Reports will be made available on the Fund’s website, free of charge, at www.areswms.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a Shareholder Report is posted and provided with a website link to access the Shareholder Report. You may elect to receive Shareholder Reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary.

 

ii

 

 

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

 

This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a security in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction.

 

The Fund’s Shares do not represent a deposit or an obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

 

Ares Wealth Management Solutions, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of the Fund and the Adviser, acts as principal underwriter for the Fund’s Shares and serves in that capacity on a reasonable best efforts basis, subject to various conditions. The principal business address of the Distributor is 518 17th Street, 17th Floor, Denver, CO 80202.

 

iii

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY OF OFFERING TERMS     1  
         
SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES     22  
         
THE FUND     24  
         
USE OF PROCEEDS     24  
         
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGY     24  
         
LANDMARK PARTNERS AND ARES PLATFORM     28  
         
RISKS     30  
         
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST     52  
         
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND     54  
         
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT     56  
         
NET ASSET VALUATION     62  
         
ELIGIBLE INVESTORS     64  
         
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION     65  
         
PURCHASING SHARES     66  
         
CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE; NO RIGHT OF REDEMPTION     68  
         
TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS     68  
         
REPURCHASE OF SHARES     69  
         
DISTRIBUTIONS     72  
         
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN     72  
         
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES     73  
         
CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST     74  
         
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS     76  
         
CUSTODIAN     87  
         
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES     87  
         
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT     88  
         
FISCAL YEAR; REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS     88  
         
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM     88  
         
LEGAL COUNSEL     88  
         
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     89  

 

iv

 

 

SUMMARY OF OFFERING TERMS

 

The following is only a summary and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in Ares Private Markets Fund (the Fund”). Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully read the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus, the SAI and the Fund’s Declaration of Trust (as defined herein).

 

The Fund

The Fund is a recently-organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company with no operating history. The Fund will sell its Shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) only to eligible investors that are both “accredited investors,” as defined in Section 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and “qualified clients” as defined in Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”).

 

The Fund relies on an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that permits the Fund to offer more than one class of Shares. The Fund currently offers three separate classes of Shares designated as Class A, Class D and Class I Shares. Each class of Shares is subject to different fees and expenses. The Fund may offer additional classes of Shares in the future.

The business operations of the Fund are managed and supervised under the direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees (the “Board”), subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and the Fund’s agreement and declaration of trust (the “Declaration of Trust”). The Board is comprised of seven trustees, a majority of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Fund (“Independent Trustees”).

   
The Investment Adviser Ares Capital Management II LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser.  The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act.
   
Investment Objective and Strategy The Fund’s investment objective is to seek attractive long-term capital appreciation. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund intends to invest in an actively managed portfolio of private equity and other private assets (collectively, "Private Assets").

 

1

 

 

 

The Fund may gain access to Private Assets through a number of different approaches, including: (i) secondary purchases of interests in private equity and other private asset funds managed by unaffiliated asset managers (“Portfolio Funds”), including through privately negotiated transactions, from investors in a Portfolio Fund or directly from the Portfolio Fund ("Secondary Investments"); (ii) primary investments in Portfolio Funds ("Primary Investments"); and (iii) direct investments in the equity or debt of private companies, including investments alongside private equity firms ("Direct Investments"). The Fund expects to invest principally in Secondary Investments and, to a lesser degree, in Primary Investments and Direct Investments, although the allocation among those types of investments may vary from time to time. Typical Secondary Investments generally will include purchases by the Fund of interests in Portfolio Funds, typically after the end of the Portfolio Fund's fundraising period, with existing underlying portfolio companies, whereas typical Primary Investments are investments in newly established Portfolio Funds where the underlying portfolio companies are not known as of the time of the Fund's commitment.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in Private Assets. The Adviser will seek to invest in Private Assets that represent a broad spectrum of types of private equity and other private asset opportunities (e.g., buyout, venture and growth capital, special situations, credit, venture capital, infrastructure, real estate and private credit) and vintage years (i.e., the year in which a Portfolio Fund begins investing).

 

The Adviser will seek to build a broad portfolio of assets within the Fund. By investing the Fund's assets across Secondary Investments, Primary Investments and Direct Illiquid Investments, as well as in Liquid Assets (as defined herein), the Adviser will seek to limit the Fund's exposure to uncalled commitments and to shorten the duration of expected cash flows relative to a traditional portfolio consisting substantially of Primary Investments. This portfolio construction approach is designed to maintain a relatively high level of exposure to Private Assets while still maintaining appropriate portfolio liquidity to manage Shareholder redemptions.

 

The Fund, either directly through Direct Investments or indirectly through Portfolio Funds, may invest in companies that are organized or headquartered or have substantial sales or operations outside of the United States, its territories, and possessions, including emerging market countries. The Fund defines emerging market countries generally to include every nation in the world except developed countries, that is, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. The Fund may seek to hedge all or a portion of the Fund’s foreign currency risk. Depending on market conditions and the views of the Adviser, the Fund may or may not hedge all or a portion of its currency exposures.

 

The Adviser will manage the Fund’s asset allocation and investment decisions with a view towards managing liquidity and maintaining a high level of investment in Private Assets. The Fund’s asset allocation and amount of Private Assets may be based, in part, on anticipated future capital calls and distributions from such investments. This may result in the Fund making commitments to Private Assets in an aggregate amount that exceeds the total amounts invested by Shareholders in the Fund at the time of such commitment (i.e., to “over-commit”). The Adviser may also take other anticipated cash flows into account, such as those relating to new subscriptions into the Fund, the repurchase of Shares through periodic tenders by holders of the Fund's beneficial interests (“Shareholders”) and any distributions made to Shareholders. To forecast portfolio cash flows, the Adviser utilizes quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical private equity data, actual portfolio observations and qualitative forecasts by the Adviser.

 

2

 

 

 

The Fund is permitted to borrow money or issue debt securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets in accordance with the Investment Company Act. The Fund intends to establish a credit line to borrow money for a range of purposes, including to provide liquidity for capital calls by Portfolio Funds, to satisfy tender requests, to manage timing issues in connection with the inflows of additional capital and the acquisition of Fund investments and to otherwise satisfy Fund obligations. There is no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into a credit line or that it will be able to timely repay any borrowings under such credit line, which may result in the Fund incurring leverage on its portfolio investments from time to time. To enhance the Fund’s liquidity, particularly in times of possible net outflows through the repurchase of Shares by periodic tender offers to Shareholders, the Adviser may sell certain of the Fund’s assets.

 

The Fund also intends to invest a portion of its assets in a portfolio of liquid assets ("Liquid Assets"), including cash and cash equivalents, liquid fixed income securities and other credit instruments, and other investment companies, including exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). During normal market conditions, it is generally not expected that the Fund will hold more than 20% of its net assets in Liquid Assets for extended periods of time. For temporary defensive purposes, liquidity management or in connection with implementing changes in its asset allocation, the Fund may hold a substantially higher amount of Liquid Assets.

 

The Fund may make investments directly or indirectly through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries (each, a “Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Subsidiaries”). The Fund may form a Subsidiary in order to pursue its investment objective and strategies in a potentially tax-efficient manner or for the purpose of facilitating its use of permitted borrowings. Except as otherwise provided, references to the Fund’s investments also will refer to any Subsidiary’s investments.

 

3

 

 

  There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved or that the Fund’s investment program will be successful.
   
Principal Risk Factors

Investment in the Fund is suitable only for those persons who, either alone or together with their duly designated representative, have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that they are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of their proposed investment, who can afford to bear the economic risk of their investment, who are able to withstand a total loss of their investment and who have no need for liquidity in their investment and no need to dispose of their Shares to satisfy current financial needs and contingencies or existing or contemplated undertakings or indebtedness. Investors should consult with their own financial, legal, investment and tax advisors prior to investing in the Fund.

 

The following are certain principal risk factors that relate to the operations and terms of the Fund. These considerations, which do not purport to be a complete description of any of the particular risks referred to or a complete list of all risks involved in an investment in the Fund, should be carefully evaluated before determining whether to invest in the Fund. The Fund’s investment program is speculative and entails substantial risks. In considering participation in the Fund, prospective investors should be aware of certain principal risk factors, including the following:

 

General Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

General Investment Risks. There is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will be profitable, that there will be proceeds from such investments available for distribution to Shareholders, or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves a high degree of risk.

 

No Operating History. The Fund is a recently-organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with no operating history. The Fund does not have any historical financial statements or other meaningful operating or financial data on which potential investors may evaluate the Fund and its performance.

 

4

 

 

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results. The Fund may be subject to a relatively high level of management risk because the Fund invests in Private Assets. The Fund’s allocation of its investments across Portfolio Funds, Direct Investments and other portfolio investments representing various strategies, geographic regions, asset classes and sectors may vary significantly over time based on the Adviser’s analysis and judgment. It is possible that the Fund will focus on an investment that performs poorly or underperforms other investments under various market conditions.

 

Dependence on the Adviser and Key Personnel. The Fund will depend on the Adviser’s ability to select, allocate and reallocate effectively the Fund’s assets. The success of the Fund is thus substantially dependent on the Adviser and its continued employment of certain key personnel. Similarly, the success of each Portfolio Fund investment in which the Fund invests is also likely to be substantially dependent on certain key personnel of a Portfolio Fund Manager. There can be no assurance that these key personnel will continue to be associated with or available to the Adviser or the general partners of the Portfolio Funds throughout the life of the Fund.

 

Closed-End Fund Structure; Liquidity Limited to Periodic Repurchases of Shares. An investment in the Fund, unlike an investment in a traditional listed closed-end fund, should be considered illiquid. The Shares are appropriate only for investors who are comfortable with investment in less liquid or illiquid portfolio investments within an illiquid fund. Unlike open-end funds (commonly known as mutual funds), which generally permit redemptions on a daily basis, the Shares will not be redeemable at a Shareholder’s option. Unlike stocks of listed closed-end funds, the Shares are not listed, and are not expected to be listed, for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for the Shares in the foreseeable future

 

Repurchase of Shares Risk. Although the Board may, in its sole discretion, cause the Fund to offer to repurchase outstanding Shares at their net asset value and the Adviser intends to recommend that, in normal market circumstances, the Board conduct quarterly repurchase offers of no more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets. There can be no assurance that the Fund will conduct repurchase offers in any particular period and Shareholders may be unable to tender Shares for repurchase for an indefinite period of time. Offers for repurchases of Shares, if any, may be suspended, postponed or terminated by the Board under certain circumstances.

 

It is possible that the Fund may be unable to repurchase all of the Shares that a Shareholder tenders due to the illiquidity of the Fund’s investments or if the Shareholders request the Fund to repurchase more Shares than the Fund is then offering to repurchase. In addition, substantial requests for the Fund to repurchase Shares could require the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments more rapidly than otherwise desirable in order to raise cash to fund the repurchases and achieve a market position appropriately reflecting a smaller asset base. This could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Shares.

 

5

 

 

 

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

 

Payment In-Kind For Repurchased Shares. The Fund generally expects to distribute to Shareholders that have their Shares repurchased cash in satisfaction of such repurchase. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have sufficient cash to pay for Shares that are being repurchased or that it will be able to liquidate investments at favorable prices to pay for repurchased Shares. The Fund has the right to distribute securities as payment for repurchased Shares in unusual circumstances, including if making a cash payment would result in a material adverse effect on the Fund. In the event that the Fund makes such a distribution of securities, Shareholders will bear any risks of the distributed securities and may be required to pay a brokerage commission or other costs in order to dispose of such securities.

 

Restrictions on Transfers. Transfers of Shares may be made only with the prior written consent of the Board, which may be withheld in the Board’s sole discretion. Notice to the Fund of any proposed transfer must include evidence satisfactory to the Board that the proposed transferee, at the time of transfer, meets any requirements imposed by the Fund with respect to investor eligibility and suitability.

 

Non-Diversified Status. The Fund is a “non-diversified” investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, which means it is not subject to percentage limitations under the Investment Company Act on assets that may be invested in the securities of any one issuer. Having a larger percentage of assets in a smaller number of issuers makes a non-diversified fund, like the Fund, more susceptible to the risk that one single event or occurrence can have a significant adverse impact upon the Fund.

 

6

 

 

 

Valuation Risk. The Fund is subject to valuation risk, which is the risk that one or more of the securities in which the Fund invests are valued at prices that the Fund is unable to obtain upon sale due to factors such as incomplete data, market instability, human error, or, with respect to securities for which there are no readily available market quotations, the inherent difficulty in determining the fair value of certain types of investments. The Adviser may, but is not required to, use an independent pricing service or prices provided by dealers to value securities at their market value. Because the secondary markets for certain investments may be limited, such instruments may be difficult to value.

 

A substantial portion of the Fund’s assets are expected to consist of Portfolio Funds and Direct Investments for which there are no readily available market quotations. The information available in the marketplace for such companies, their securities and the status of their businesses and financial conditions is often extremely limited, outdated and difficult to confirm. Such securities are valued by the Fund at fair value as determined pursuant to policies and procedures approved by the Board.

 

The value at which the Fund’s investments can be liquidated may differ, sometimes significantly, from the valuations assigned by the Fund. In addition, the timing of liquidations may also affect the values obtained on liquidation. The Fund will invest a significant amount of its assets in Private Assets for which no public market exists. There can be no guarantee that the Fund’s investments could ultimately be realized at the Fund’s valuation of such investments.

 

The Fund’s net asset value is a critical component in several operational matters including computation of the Advisory Fee, the Incentive Fee and the Distribution and Servicing Fee, and determination of the price at which the Shares will be offered and at which a repurchase offer will be made. Consequently, variance in the valuation of the Fund’s investments will impact, positively or negatively, the fees and expenses Shareholders will pay, the price a Shareholder will receive in connection with a repurchase offer and the number of Shares an investor will receive upon investing in the Fund.

 

Amount or Frequency of Distribution. The Fund expects to pay distributions out of assets legally available for distribution from time to time, at the sole discretion of the Board, and otherwise in a manner to comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). See "Distributions." Nevertheless, the Fund cannot assure Shareholders that the Fund will achieve investment results that will allow the Fund to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. All distributions will depend on the Fund’s earnings, its net investment income, its financial condition, and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant from time to time.

 

7

 

 

 

Risks of Investing in Private Assets

 

Risks of Private Equity Strategies. The Fund’s investment portfolio will include Direct Investments in private companies and investments in Portfolio Funds, which will hold securities issued primarily by private companies. Operating results for private companies in a specified period will be difficult to predict. Such investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses.

   
 

Risks Associated with Private Company Investments. Private companies are generally not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, there is risk that the Fund may invest on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate information, which may adversely affect the Fund’s investment performance. Private companies in which the Fund may invest also may have limited financial resources, shorter operating histories, more asset concentration risk, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render such private companies more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. In addition, investments in private companies generally are in restricted securities that are not traded in public markets and subject to substantial holding periods. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to realize the value of such investments in a timely manner.

 

Competition for Access to Private Equity Investment Opportunities. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to secure interests on behalf of the Fund in all of the investment opportunities that it identifies for the Fund, or that the size of the interests available to the Fund will be as large as the Adviser would desire.

 

In addition, certain provisions of the Investment Company Act prohibit the Fund from engaging in transactions with the Adviser and its affiliates; however; unregistered funds also managed by the Adviser are not prohibited from the same transactions. The Investment Company Act also imposes significant limits on co-investments with affiliates of the Fund. The Adviser has received an exemptive order from the SEC, which the Fund may also rely on, that expands the Fund’s ability to co-invest alongside its affiliates in privately negotiated investments. However, the exemptive order contains certain conditions that may limit or restrict the Fund’s ability to participate in an investment or participate in an investment to a lesser extent. An inability to receive the desired allocation to potential investments may affect Fund’s ability to achieve the desired investment returns.

 

8

 

 

 

Portfolio Fund Risks. The Fund’s investments in Portfolio Funds are subject to a number of risks. Portfolio Fund interests are expected to be illiquid, their marketability may be restricted and the realization of investments from them may take considerable time and/or be costly. Although the Adviser will seek to receive detailed information from each Portfolio Fund regarding its business strategy and any performance history, in most cases the Adviser will have little or no means of independently verifying this information. In addition, Portfolio Funds may have little or no near-term cash flow available to distribute to investors, including the Fund.

 

Portfolio Fund interests are ordinarily valued based upon valuations provided by the Portfolio Fund Managers, which may be received on a delayed basis. Certain securities in which the Portfolio Funds invest may not have a readily ascertainable market price and are fair valued by the Portfolio Fund Managers. The Adviser will review and perform due diligence on the valuation procedures used by each Portfolio Fund Manager and monitor the returns provided by the Portfolio Funds. However, neither the Adviser nor the Board is able to confirm the accuracy of valuations provided by Portfolio Fund Managers.

 

The Fund will pay asset-based fees, and, in most cases, will be subject to performance-based fees in respect of its interests in Portfolio Funds. Such fees and performance-based compensation are in addition to the Advisory Fee. In addition, performance-based fees charged by Portfolio Fund Managers may create incentives for the Portfolio Fund Managers to make risky investments, and may be payable by the Fund to a Portfolio Fund Manager based on a Portfolio Fund’s positive returns even if the Fund’s overall returns are negative. Moreover, a Shareholder in the Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the Portfolio Funds, in addition to its proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund.

 

Portfolio Funds’ Underlying Investments. The investments made by the Portfolio Funds will entail a high degree of risk and in most cases be highly illiquid and difficult to value. The Fund will not obtain or seek to obtain any control over the management of any portfolio company in which any Portfolio Fund may invest. The success of each investment made by a Portfolio Fund will largely depend on the ability and success of the management of the portfolio companies in addition to economic and market factors.

 

9

 

 

 

Risks Associated with Secondary Investments. The Fund may make Secondary Investments in Portfolio Funds by acquiring the interests in the Portfolio Funds from existing investors in such Portfolio Funds. In such instances, it is generally not expected that the Fund will have the opportunity to negotiate the terms of the interests being acquired, other than the purchase price, or other special rights or privileges. Moreover, there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to purchase interests at attractive discounts to net asset value, or at all. The overall performance of the Fund will depend in large part on the acquisition price paid by the Fund for its Secondary Investments, the structure of such acquisitions and the overall success of the Portfolio Fund.

 

There is significant competition for Secondary Investments. No assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to identify Secondary Investments that satisfy the Fund’s investment objective or, if the Fund is successful in identifying such Secondary Investments, that the Fund will be permitted to invest, or invest in the amounts desired, in such Secondary Investments.

 

Regulatory Changes Affecting Private Equity Funds. The legal, tax and regulatory environment for private equity funds is evolving, and it is possible that any future changes may materially adversely affect the ability of Portfolio Funds to pursue their investment strategies. Any regulatory changes that adversely affect a Portfolio Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategies could have a material adverse impact on the Portfolio Fund’s performance, and thus on the Fund’s performance.

 

In-Kind Distributions from Portfolio Funds. The Fund may receive in-kind distributions of securities from Portfolio Funds. There can be no assurance that securities distributed in kind by Portfolio Funds to the Fund will be readily marketable or saleable, and the Fund may be required to hold such securities for an indefinite period and/or may incur additional expense in connection with any disposition of such securities.

 

Direct Investments Risks. The Fund’s investment portfolio will include Direct Investments, which are investments in the equity and/or debt securities of private companies, including alongside private equity funds and other private equity firms. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be given Direct Investment opportunities, or that any specific Direct Investment offered to the Fund would be appropriate or attractive to the Fund in the Adviser’s judgment. Due diligence will be conducted on Direct Investment opportunities; however, the Adviser may not have the ability to conduct the same level of due diligence applied to other investments. In addition, the Adviser may have little to no opportunities to negotiate the terms of such Direct Investments. The Fund’s ability to dispose of Direct Investments may be severely limited.

 

10

 

 

 

Many entities compete with the Fund in pursuing Direct Investments. Furthermore, many competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on the Fund. As a result of this competition, the Fund may not be able to pursue attractive Direct Investment opportunities from time to time.

 

Direct Investing Alongside Other Parties Risks. Direct investing alongside one or more other parties in an investment (i.e., as a co-investor) involves risks that may not be present in investments made by lead or sponsoring private equity investors. As a co-investor, the Fund may have interests or objectives that are inconsistent with those of the lead private equity investors that generally have a greater degree of control over such investments. In addition, the Fund may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of its third-party co-venturers. Direct Investments made with third parties in joint ventures or other entities also may involve carried interests and/or other fees payable to such third party partners or co-venturers. There can be no assurance that appropriate minority shareholder rights will be available to the Fund or that such rights will provide sufficient protection to the Fund’s interests.

 

The Fund will be subject to additional risks associated with different investments, including its investments in Liquid Assets. For information about those risks, see “Other Investment Risks” and “Other Risks” under the “Risks” section starting on page 30 of the Prospectus.

   
Distributor

Ares Wealth Management Solutions, LLC, an affiliate of the Fund and the Adviser, acts as distributor for the Fund’s Shares (the “Distributor”) and serves in that capacity on a reasonable best efforts basis, subject to various conditions.

 

The Distributor may retain additional selling agents or other financial intermediaries to place Shares in the Fund. Such selling agents or other financial intermediaries may impose terms and conditions on Shareholder accounts and investments in the Fund that are in addition to the terms and conditions set forth in this Prospectus.

   
Share Classes; Minimum Investments

The Fund offers three separate classes of Shares designated as Class A, Class D and Class I Shares. Each class of Shares has differing characteristics, particularly in terms of the sales charges that Shareholders in that class may bear, and the Distribution and Servicing Fee (as defined herein) that each class may be charged.

 

11

 

 

 

The minimum initial investment in the Fund by any investor is $25,000 with respect to Class A Shares and Class D Shares, and $1,000,000 with respect to Class I Shares. The minimum additional investment in the Fund by any investor is $5,000, except for additional purchases pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan.

 

The stated minimum investment for Class I Shares may be reduced for certain investors as described under "Purchasing Shares." In addition, the Board reserves the right to accept lesser amounts below these minimums for Trustees of the Fund and employees of Ares Management Corporation and its affiliates ("Ares") and vehicles controlled by such employees.

   
Eligible Investors

Although the Shares will be registered under the Securities Act, the Shares will be sold only to persons or entities that are both “accredited investors,” as defined in Section 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act, and “qualified clients,” as defined in Rule 205-3 under the Advisers Act.

 

In addition, Shares are generally being offered only to investors that are U.S. persons for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although the Fund may offer Shares to non-U.S. persons on a limited basis, subject to appropriate diligence by the Adviser and in compliance with applicable law. The qualifications required to invest in the Fund will appear in subscription documents that must be completed by each prospective investor.

 

Each prospective investor in the Fund should obtain the advice of his, her or its own legal, accounting, tax and other advisers in reviewing documents pertaining to an investment in the Fund, including, but not limited to, this Prospectus, the SAI and the Declaration of Trust before deciding to invest in the Fund.

   
The Initial Closing It is anticipated that the initial closing will occur on or about [              ], 2022 (the “Initial Closing Date”).  The purchase price of each class of Shares on the Initial Closing Date will be based on the net asset value per Share of such class as of the date such Shares are purchased.
   
Purchasing Shares

Shares will generally be offered for purchase as of the first business day of each calendar month, or at such other times as determined in the discretion of the Board. The purchase price of the Shares will be based on the net asset value per Share as of the date such Shares are purchased. Fractions of Shares will be issued to one one-hundredth of a Share.

 

Class A Shares are sold subject to a sales load of up to 3.50% of the purchase amount. For some investors, the sales charge may be waived or reduced. The full amount of the sales charge may be reallowed to brokers or dealers participating in the offering. Your financial intermediary may impose additional charges when you purchase Shares of the Fund.

 

12

 

 

 

Subscriptions are generally subject to the receipt of cleared funds on or prior to the acceptance date set by the Fund and notified to prospective investors. An investor who misses the acceptance date will have the effectiveness of his, her or its investment in the Fund delayed until the following month.

 

Pending any closing, funds received from prospective investors will be placed in an account with DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., the Fund's transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent"). On the date of any closing, the balance in the account with respect to each investor whose investment is accepted will be invested in the Fund on behalf of such investor. Any interest earned with respect to such account will be paid to the Fund and allocated pro rata among investors. Prospective investors whose subscriptions to purchase Shares are accepted by the Fund will become shareholders by being admitted as Shareholders.

 

A prospective investor must submit a completed subscription document on or prior to the acceptance date set by the Fund and notified to prospective investors. An existing Shareholder generally may subscribe for additional Shares by completing an additional subscription agreement by the acceptance date and funding such amount by the deadline. The Fund reserves the right to accept or reject, in its sole discretion, any request to purchase Shares at any time. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend or terminate offerings of Shares at any time. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, any amount received in advance of a purchase ultimately rejected by the Fund will be returned promptly to the prospective investor without the deduction of any sales load, fees or expenses. Prospective investors whose purchases are rejected by the Fund will receive a pro rata share of any interest earned on the amounts placed in escrow prior to acceptance, if applicable.

 

Prospective investors who purchase Shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase Shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Prospective investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read this Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary.

   
Distributions The Fund intends to make distributions on an annual basis in aggregate amounts representing substantially all of the Fund’s investment company taxable income (including realized short-term capital gains), if any, earned during the year. Distributions may also include net capital gains, if any.

 

13

 

 

  Because the Fund intends to qualify annually as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Code, the Fund intends to distribute at least 90% of its annual net taxable income to its Shareholders.  Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay distributions to Shareholders at any particular rate.  Each year, a statement on Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 1099-DIV identifying the amount and character of the Fund’s distributions will be mailed to Shareholders.  See “Taxes, RIC Status” below and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
   
Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The Fund will operate under a dividend reinvestment plan (the “DRIP”) administered by DST Systems, Inc., an affiliate of the Transfer Agent (“DST”). Pursuant to the DRIP, the Fund’s income dividends or capital gains or other distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, are reinvested in the same class of Shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholders automatically participate in the DRIP, unless and until an election is made to withdraw from the DRIP on behalf of such participating Shareholder. A Shareholder who does not wish to have distributions automatically reinvested may terminate participation in the DRIP at any time by written instructions to that effect to DST. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the DRIP will receive all distributions in cash paid to the Shareholder of record (or, if the Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee). Such written instructions must be received by DST 30 days prior to the record date of the distribution or the Shareholder will receive such distribution in Shares through the DRIP. Under the DRIP, the Fund’s distributions to Shareholders are reinvested in full and fractional Shares.

   
No Redemption; Restrictions on Transfer No Shareholder will have the right to require the Fund to redeem Shares.  With very limited exceptions, Shares are not transferable, and liquidity for investments in Shares may be provided only through periodic offers by the Fund to repurchase Shares from Shareholders.  See “Repurchase of Shares.”
   
Repurchase of Shares

To provide a limited degree of liquidity to Shareholders, at the sole discretion of the Adviser and subject to the Board’s approval, the Fund may from time to time offer to repurchase Shares pursuant to written tenders by Shareholders.

 

The Adviser anticipates recommending to the Board that, under normal market circumstances, the Fund conduct repurchase offers of no more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets on a quarterly basis. The Adviser currently expects to recommend to the Board that the Fund conducts its first repurchase offer following the second full quarter of Fund operations (or such earlier or later date as the Board may determine).

 

14

 

 

 

Any repurchases of Shares will be made at such times and on such terms as may be determined by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion. In determining whether the Fund should offer to repurchase Shares from Shareholders of the Fund pursuant to repurchase requests, the Board may consider, among other things, the recommendation of the Adviser as well as a variety of other operational, business and economic factors. The Fund may repurchase less than the full amount that Shareholders request to be repurchased.

 

Under certain circumstances, the Board may offer to repurchase Shares at a discount to their prevailing net asset value. The Board may under certain circumstances elect to postpone, suspend or terminate an offer to repurchase Shares.

 

A Shareholder who tenders some but not all of its Shares for repurchase will be required to maintain a minimum account balance of $10,000. Such minimum ownership requirement may be waived by the Board, in its sole discretion. If such requirement is not waived by the Board, the Fund may redeem all of the Shareholder's Shares. To the extent a Shareholder seeks to tender all of the Shares they own and the Fund repurchases less than the full amount of Shares that the Shareholder requests to have repurchased, the Shareholder may maintain a balance of Shares of less than $10,000 following such Share repurchase.

 

A 2.00% early repurchase fee will be charged by the Fund with respect to any repurchase of Shares from a Shareholder at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of the Shareholder’s purchase of the Shares. Shares tendered for repurchase will be treated as having been repurchased on a “first in-first out” basis. An early repurchase fee payable by a Shareholder may be waived by the Fund in circumstances where the Board determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Fund. To the extent the Fund determines to waive, impose scheduled variations of, or eliminate an Early Repurchase Fee, it will do so consistently with the requirements of Rule 22d-1 under the Investment Company Act, and the Fund's waiver of, scheduled variation in, or elimination of, the Early Repurchase Fee will apply uniformly to all Shareholders regardless of Share class. See “Repurchase of Shares.”

   
Fees and Expenses

The Fund will bear its own operating expenses (including, without limitation, its ongoing offering expenses). A more detailed discussion of the Fund’s expenses can be found below under “Advisory Fee,” “Incentive Fee,” “Administrator” and “Distribution and Servicing Fee for Class A and Class D Shares.”

 

15

 

 

  The Fund also will bear certain of its organizational and initial offering costs in connection with this offering of approximately $[__________]. The Fund’s initial offering costs, whether borne by the Adviser or the Fund, are being capitalized and amortized over the 12-month period beginning on the Initial Closing Date.  The Fund's organizational costs are expensed as incurred.  
   
Advisory Fee

In consideration of the advisory services provided by the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser a quarterly advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.40% based on the value of the Fund’s Managed Assets (as defined below) calculated and accrued monthly as of the last business day of each month (the “Advisory Fee”). “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to any borrowings or other indebtedness or preferred shares that may be issued) minus the Fund’s liabilities other than liabilities relating to borrowings or other indebtedness.

 

For purposes of determining the Advisory Fee payable to the Adviser, the value of the Fund's Managed Assets will be calculated prior to the inclusion of the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee, if any, payable to the Adviser or to any purchases or repurchases of Shares of the Fund or any distributions by the Fund. The Advisory Fee will be payable in arrears within 5 business days after the completion of the net asset value computation for the quarter. The Advisory Fee is paid to the Adviser out of the Fund’s assets, and therefore decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund.

 

The services of all investment professionals and staff of the Adviser, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by the Adviser. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses of its operations and transactions as set forth in its investment advisory and management agreement with the Adviser (the "Investment Advisory and Management Agreement").

 

In addition to the fees and expenses to be paid by the Fund under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, the Adviser and its affiliates will be entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the Adviser's and its affiliates' cost of providing the Fund with certain non-advisory services. If persons associated with the Adviser or any of its affiliates, including persons who are officers of the Fund, provide accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative and similar oversight services to the Fund at the request of the Fund, the Fund will reimburse the Adviser and its affiliates for their costs in providing such accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative and similar oversight services to the Fund (which costs may include an allocation of overhead including rent and the allocable portion of the salaries and benefits of the relevant persons and their respective staffs, including travel expenses), using a methodology for determining costs approved by the Board. See "Investment Advisory and Management Agreement."

 

16

 

 

Incentive Fee

At the end of each calendar quarter of the Fund, the Adviser will be entitled to receive an incentive fee equal to 12.5% of the difference, if positive, between (i) the net profits of the Fund for the relevant period and (ii) the balance, if any, of the Loss Recovery Account (as defined below) at the start of the relevant period (the “Incentive Fee”). For the purposes of the Incentive Fee, the term “net profits” shall mean (i) the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period exceeds the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses) plus (ii) the aggregate distributions accrued during the period.

 

The Fund will maintain a memorandum account (the “Loss Recovery Account”), which will have an initial balance of zero and will be (i) increased upon the close of each calendar quarter of the Fund by the amount of the net losses of the Fund for the quarter, and (ii) decreased (but not below zero) upon the close of each calendar quarter by the amount of the net profits of the Fund for the quarter. Net losses are defined as the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period is less than the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses).

 

For the avoidance of doubt, any change in the net asset value of the Fund directly as a result of subscriptions or repurchases during each measurement period are not included for purposes of the "net profits" or "net losses" calculations. Shareholders of the Fund will benefit from the Loss Recovery Account in proportion to their holdings of Shares, although such benefit may vary depending on when a Shareholder purchases or redeems Shares and the balance in the Loss Recovery Account at such time.

 

The Loss Recovery Account will be reset on a trailing four-quarter measure period, with such measurement period to commence at the conclusion of the first calendar quarter of the Fund's operations (i.e., the first reset will occur at the conclusion of the fifth calendar quarter of the Fund's operations and then will reset each calendar quarter thereafter based on the trailing four-quarter period). The reset Loss Recovery Amount will be determined based on the aggregate amount of the Fund's net losses in excess of the Fund's net profits over each trailing four-quarter period and, in no event shall be below zero.

 

 

17

 

 

 

The Adviser does not return to the Fund amounts paid to it on net profits that the Fund has not yet received in cash if such amounts are not ultimately received by the Fund in cash. If the Fund does not ultimately receive amounts in cash, a loss would be recognized, which would increase the amount of the Loss Recovery Account and reduce future Incentive Fee payments.

 

Any Incentive Fee payable by the Fund that relates to an increase in value of the Fund’s investments may be computed and paid on gain or income that is unrealized, and the Adviser is not obligated to reimburse the Fund for any part of an Incentive Fee it previously received. If a Fund investment with an unrealized gain subsequently decreases in value, it is possible that such unrealized gain previously included in the calculation of an Incentive Fee will never become realized. Thus, the Fund could have paid an Incentive Fee on income or gain the Fund never received. In addition, the Loss Recovery Account, given the reset mechanism, could create incentives for the Adviser to engage in portfolio transactions to manage the Fund's gains and losses shortly before the reset occurs.

 

The Fund's Loss Recovery Account's reset mechanism could make it more likely that the Fund, and indirectly its Shareholders, would incur an Incentive Fee payment as compared to another fund that is subject to an incentive fee that has a similar loss recovery account, but with no reset mechanism. In addition, due to the Fund's Loss Recovery Account reset mechanism, depending on when a Shareholder invests in the Fund, there is a possibility that a Shareholder may indirectly bear Incentive Fee payments by the Fund without having experienced a gain in his or her investment.

   
Distribution and Servicing Fee Class A and Class D Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and shareholder servicing fee (the “Distribution and Servicing Fee”) to compensate financial industry professionals for distribution-related expenses, if applicable, and providing ongoing services in respect of Shareholders who own Class A or Class D Shares of the Fund. Under the terms of the SEC exemptive relief that the Fund relies on to offer multiple classes of Shares, the Fund is subject to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Accordingly, the Fund has adopted a distribution and servicing plan for its Class A Shares and Class D Shares (the “Distribution and Servicing Plan”) and pays the Distribution and Servicing Fee with respect to its Class A and Class D Shares. The Distribution and Servicing Plan operates in a manner consistent with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act.

 

18

 

 

 

Class A Shares and Class D Shares pay a Distribution and Servicing Fee to the Distributor at an annual rate of 0.85% and 0.25%, respectively, based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to such class. For purposes of determining the Distribution and Servicing Fee, net asset value will be calculated prior to any reduction for any fees and expenses, including, without limitation, the Distribution and Servicing Fee payable.

 

Class I Shares are not subject to a Distribution and Servicing Fee.

 

The Adviser, or its affiliates, may pay additional compensation out of its own resources (i.e., not Fund assets) to certain selling agents or financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of the Shares. The additional compensation may differ among brokers or dealers in amount or in the amount of calculation. Payments of additional compensation may be fixed dollar amounts or, based on the aggregate value of outstanding Shares held by Shareholders introduced by the broker or dealer, or determined in some other manner. The receipt of the additional compensation by a selling broker or dealer may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and its broker or dealer who is recommending the Fund over other potential investments.

   
Administrator The Fund has retained ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”) to provide it with certain administration and accounting services.  In consideration for these services, the Fund pays the Administrator tiered fees based on the average monthly value of the Fund's Managed Assets, subject to a minimum annual fee, as well as certain other fixed, per-account or transactional fees (the “Administration Fee”).  The Administration Fee is paid to the Administrator out of the assets of the Fund and therefore decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund.  The Fund also reimburses the Administrator for certain out-of-pocket expenses and pays the Administrator a fee for transfer agency services.  See “Administration and Accounting Services.”
   
Transfer Restrictions

A Shareholder may assign, transfer, sell, encumber, pledge or otherwise dispose of (each, a “transfer”) Shares only (i) by operation of law pursuant to the death, divorce, insolvency, bankruptcy, or adjudicated incompetence of the Shareholder; or (ii) under other limited circumstances, with the consent of the Board (which may be withheld in its sole discretion and is expected to be granted, if at all, only under extenuating circumstances)

 

Notice of a proposed transfer of Shares must be accompanied by properly completed transfer information documents in respect of the proposed transferee and must include evidence satisfactory to the Board that the proposed transferee, at the time of the transfer, meets any requirements imposed by the Fund with respect to investor eligibility and suitability. Each transferring Shareholder and transferee may be charged reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees, incurred by the Fund in connection with the transfer.

 

19

 

 

Taxes; RIC Status

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

 

In addition, because the Fund intends to qualify as a RIC, it is expected to have certain attributes that are not generally found in traditional unregistered private equity fund of funds. These include providing simpler tax reports to Shareholders on Form 1099-DIV and the avoidance of unrelated business taxable income for benefit plan investors and other investors that are exempt from payments of U.S. federal income tax.

 

For a discussion of certain tax risks and considerations relating to an investment in the Fund, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

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

   
Tax Reports The Fund will distribute to its Shareholders, after the end of each calendar year, IRS Forms 1099-DIV detailing the amounts includible in such Shareholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income, qualified dividend income and long-term capital gains.  Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to the Fund’s Shareholders even if they are reinvested in additional Shares pursuant to the DRIP.    
   
Reports to Shareholders

The Fund will provide Shareholders with an audited annual report and an unaudited semi-annual report within 60 days after the close of the reporting period for which the report is being made, or as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act. Shareholders will also receive quarterly commentary regarding the Fund’s operations and investments.

 

The Fund will furnish to Shareholders as soon as practicable after the end of each taxable year information on Form 1099 to assist Shareholders in preparing their tax returns.

   
Fiscal and Tax Year The Fund’s fiscal year is the 12-month period ending on March 31st.  The Fund’s taxable year is the 12-month period ending on September 30th.  

 

20

 

 

Term The Fund’s term is perpetual unless the Fund is otherwise terminated under the terms of the Declaration of Trust.  
   
Custodian and Transfer Agent UMB Bank, N.A. serves as the Fund’s custodian, and DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. serves as the Fund’s transfer agent.

 

 

21

 

 

SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The fee table below is intended to assist Shareholders in understanding the various costs and expenses that the Fund expects to incur, and that Shareholders can expect to bear, by investing in the Fund. This fee table is based on estimated expenses of the Fund for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, and assumes that the Fund has net assets of $325 million as of such date.

 

Shareholder Transaction Expenses
(fees paid directly from your investment)
  Class A Shares   Class D Shares   Class I Shares 
Maximum Sales Load (as a percentage of purchase amount)(1)   3.50%   None    None 
Maximum Early Repurchase Fee (as a percentage of repurchased amount)(2)   2.00%   2.00%   2.00%

 

Estimated Annual Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of net assets attributable to Shares)
  Class A Shares     Class D Shares     Class I Shares  
Advisory Fee(3)(7)     1.40 %     1.40 %     1.40 %
Incentive Fee(4)     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
Other Expenses(5)     0.63 %     0.63 %     0.63 %
Distribution and Servicing Fee     0.85 %     0.25 %     None  
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(6)     1.47 %     1.47 %     1.47 %
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds     0.16 %     0.16 %     0.16 %
Total Annual Expenses     4.51 %     3.91 %     3.66 %
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)(7)     (1.48 )%     (1.48 )%     (1.48 )%
Total Annual Expenses (After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement)     3.03 %     2.43 %     2.18 %

 

1.Investors purchasing Class A Shares may be subject to a sales load of up to 3.50% of the investment amount.

 

2. A 2.00% Early Repurchase Fee payable to the Fund will be charged with respect to the repurchase of Shares at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of a Shareholder’s purchase of the Shares (on a “first in - first out” basis). An Early Repurchase Fee payable by a Shareholder may be waived in circumstances where the Board determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Fund and in a manner that will not discriminate unfairly against any Shareholder. To the extent the Fund determines to waive, impose scheduled variations of, or eliminate an Early Repurchase Fee, it will do so consistently with the requirements of Rule 22d-1 under the Investment Company Act, and the Fund's waiver of, scheduled variation in, or elimination of, the Early Repurchase Fee will apply uniformly to all Shareholders regardless of Share class. The Early Repurchase Fee will be retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining Shareholders.

 

3. The Fund pays the Adviser a quarterly Advisory Fee at an annual rate of 1.40% based on value of the Fund's Managed Assets, calculated and accrued monthly as of the last business day of each month. For purposes of determining the Advisory Fee payable to the Adviser, the value of the Fund's Managed Assets will be calculated prior to the inclusion of the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee, if any, payable to the Adviser or to any purchases or repurchases of Shares of the Fund or any distributions by the Fund. The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its Advisory Fee to an annual rate of 0.25% until March 31, 2023 (the "Fee Reduction Agreement"). Unless otherwise extended by agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Advisory Fee payable by the Fund as of April 1, 2023 will be at the annual rate of 1.40%. The reduction of the Advisory Fee under the Fee Reduction Agreement is not subject to recoupment by the Adviser under the Expense Limitation Agreement, described below.

 

4. At the end of each calendar quarter, the Adviser will be entitled to receive an Incentive Fee equal to 12.5% of the difference, if positive, between (i) the net profits of the Fund for the relevant period and (ii) the then balance, if any, of the Loss Recovery Account. For the purposes of the Incentive Fee, the term “net profits” shall mean (i) the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period exceeds the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses) plus (ii) the aggregate distributions accrued during the period. For the avoidance of doubt, any change in the net asset value of the Fund directly as a result of subscriptions or repurchases during each measurement period are not included for purposes of the "net profits" or "net losses" calculations.

 

22

 

 

5. The Other Expenses include, among other things, professional fees and other expenses that the Fund will bear, including initial and ongoing offering costs and fees and expenses of the Administrator, transfer agent and custodian. The Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

 

6. The Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses include the fees and expenses of the Portfolio Funds in which the Fund intends to invest. Some or all of the Portfolio Funds in which the Fund intends to invest generally charge asset-based management fees. The managers of the Portfolio Funds may also receive performance-based compensation if the Portfolio Funds achieve certain profit levels, generally in the form of “carried interest” allocations of profits from the Portfolio Funds, which effectively will reduce the investment returns of the Portfolio Funds. The Portfolio Funds in which the Fund intends to invest generally charge a management fee of 1.00% to 2.50%, and up to 30% of net profits as a carried interest allocation, subject to a clawback. The “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” disclosed above are based on historic returns of the types of Portfolio Funds in which the Fund anticipates investing, which may change substantially over time and, therefore, significantly affect “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.” The Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

 

7. Pursuant to an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to waive fees that it would otherwise be paid, and/or to assume expenses of the Fund, if required to ensure certain annual operating expenses (excluding the Advisory Fee, Incentive Fee, any Distribution and Servicing Fee, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales and extraordinary expenses, if any) (“Other Expenses”) do not exceed 0.30% per annum of the Fund's average monthly net assets of each class of Shares. With respect to each class of Shares, the Fund agrees to repay the Adviser any fees waived under the Expense Limitation Agreement or any Other Expenses the Adviser reimburses in excess of the Expense Limitation Agreement for such class of Shares, provided the repayments do not cause the Fund’s Other Expenses for that class of Shares to exceed the expense limitation in place at the time the fees were waived and/or the expenses were reimbursed, or the expense limitation in place at the time the Fund repays the Adviser, whichever is lower. Any such repayments must be made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense. The Expense Limitation Agreement will have a term ending one-year from the date the Fund commences operations, and the Adviser may extend the term for a period of one year on an annual basis. The Adviser may not terminate the Expense Limitation Agreement during its initial one-year term.

 

The purpose of the table above and the examples below is to assist prospective investors in understanding the various costs and expenses Shareholders will bear.

 

The following examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The examples assume that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value and that the percentage amounts listed under Annual Expenses remain the same (except that the examples incorporate the fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements from the Fee Reduction Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement for only the one-year example and the first year of the three-, five- and ten-year examples). The assumption in the hypothetical example of a 5% annual return is required by regulation of the SEC and applicable to all registered investment companies. The assumed 5% annual return is not a prediction of, and does not represent, the projected or actual performance of the Fund.

 

Example 1

 

    1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     10 Years  
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Class A Shares investment, assuming a 5% annual return:   $ 65     $ 154     $ 244     $ 473  
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Class D Shares investment, assuming a 5% annual return:   $ 25     $ 106     $ 188     $ 403  
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Class I Shares investment, assuming a 5% annual return:   $ 22     $ 98     $ 177     $ 381  

 

Example 2

 

    1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     10 Years  
You would pay the following expenses on a $50,000 Class A Shares investment, assuming a 5% annual return:   $ 3,226     $ 7,684     $ 12,185     $ 23,628  
You would pay the following expenses on a $50,000 Class D Shares investment, assuming a 5% annual return:   $ 1,231     $ 5,283     $ 9,423     $ 20,166  
You would pay the following expenses on a $50,000 Class I Shares investment, assuming a 5% annual return:   $ 1,105     $ 4,918     $ 8,831     $ 19,073  

 

23

 

 

The Examples above are based on the annual fees and expenses set forth on the table above. They should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown, and the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5.0% return assumed in the examples. A greater rate of return than that used in the Examples would increase the dollar amount of the asset-based fees paid by the Fund, as well as the effect of the Incentive Fee.

 

THE FUND

 

The Fund is a recently-organized Delaware statutory trust formed on July 28, 2021 and is registered under the Investment Company Act as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company. The Fund has no operating history.

 

Investment advisory services are provided to the Fund by the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the Fund’s investment program and its management and operation is vested in the Board of Trustees.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The proceeds from the sale of Shares of the Fund, not including the amount of any sales loads and the Fund’s fees and expenses (including, without limitation, offering expenses), will be invested by the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies within three months after receipt of such proceeds, however, the Fund may be delayed up to an additional three months depending on market conditions, the timing and availability of suitable investments and capital inflows into the Fund. The Fund anticipates that it will take a longer period of time to allocate proceeds of its continuous offering, primarily after the Initial Closing Date, to certain investments, principally certain Primary Investments, Secondary Investments and Direct Investments, due to the nature of those investments. Such proceeds will be invested together with any interest earned in the Fund’s account with the Fund’s custodian prior to the closing of the applicable offering. See “Purchasing Shares.” Delays in investing the Fund’s assets may occur (i) because of the time typically required to complete private equity markets transactions (which may be considerable), (ii) because certain Portfolio Funds selected by the Adviser may provide infrequent opportunities to purchase their securities, and/or (iii) because of the time required for the managers of the Portfolio Funds (“Portfolio Fund Managers”) to invest the amounts committed by the Fund. Accordingly, during this period, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective or be able to fully pursue its investment strategies and policies.

 

Pending the investment of the proceeds pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and policies, the Fund may invest a portion of the proceeds of the offering, which may be a substantial portion, in short-term, high quality debt securities, money market securities, cash or cash equivalents. In addition, the Fund may maintain a portion of the proceeds of the continuous offering in cash to meet operational needs. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective, or otherwise fully satisfy its investment policies, during such periods in which the Fund’s assets are not able to be substantially invested in accordance with its investment strategies.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGY

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek attractive long-term capital appreciation. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund intends to invest in an actively managed portfolio of Private Assets. The Fund and the Adviser do not guarantee any level of return or risk on investments and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved or that the Fund’s investment program will be successful. The Fund’s investment objective is a non-fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed with the approval of the Board upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Fund’s Shareholders.

 

24

 

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in Private Assets. For purposes of this policy, Private Assets include Direct Investments and Primary Investments and Secondary Investments in Portfolio Funds. This policy may be changed by the Fund’s Board, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to Shareholders. This test is applied at the time of investment; later percentage changes caused by a change in the value of the Fund’s assets, including as a result in the change in the value of the Fund’s investments or due to the issuance or redemption of Shares, will not require the Fund to dispose of an investment.

 

The Fund, either directly through Direct Investments or indirectly through Portfolio Funds, may invest in companies that are organized or headquartered or have substantial sales or operations outside of the United States, its territories, and possessions, including emerging market countries. The Fund defines emerging market countries generally to include every nation in the world except developed countries, that is, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. The Fund may seek to hedge all or a portion of the Fund’s foreign currency risk. Depending on market conditions and the views of the Adviser, the Fund may or may not hedge all or a portion of its currency exposures.

 

The Adviser will manage the Fund’s asset allocation and investment decisions with a view towards managing liquidity and maintaining a high level of investment in Private Assets. The Fund’s asset allocation and amount of Private Assets may be based, in part, on anticipated future capital calls and distributions from such investments. This may result in the Fund making commitments to Private Assets in an aggregate amount that exceeds the total amounts invested by Shareholders in the Fund at the time of such commitment (i.e., to “over-commit”). The Adviser may also take other anticipated cash flows into account, such as those relating to new subscriptions into the Fund, the repurchase of Shares through periodic tenders by Shareholders and any distributions made to Shareholders. To forecast portfolio cash flows, the Adviser utilizes quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical private equity data, actual portfolio observations and qualitative forecasts by the Adviser. The Fund will maintain cash, cash equivalents, borrowings or other liquid assets in sufficient amounts, in the Adviser's judgment, to satisfy capital calls from Portfolio Funds.

 

The Fund intends to establish a credit line to borrow money for a range of purposes, including to provide liquidity for capital calls by Portfolio Funds, to satisfy tender requests, to manage timing issues in connection with the inflows of additional capital and the acquisition of Fund investments and to otherwise satisfy Fund obligations. There is no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into a credit line or that it will be able to timely repay any borrowings under such credit line, which may result in the Fund incurring leverage on its portfolio investments from time to time. Under the Investment Company Act, the Fund is not permitted to borrow for any purposes if, immediately after such borrowing, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of less than 300% with respect to indebtedness. This means that at the time the borrowing is made, the value of the Fund's borrowings may not exceed one-third the value of the Fund's total assets (including such borrowings), or 50% of the Fund's net assets. None of the foregoing Investment Company Act requirements apply to Portfolio Funds in which the Fund invests unless such Portfolio Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act. To enhance the Fund’s liquidity, particularly in times of possible net outflows through the repurchase of Shares by periodic tender offers to Shareholders, the Adviser may sell certain of the Fund’s assets.

 

The Board may modify the borrowing policies of the Fund, including the purposes for which borrowings may be made, and the length of time that the Fund may hold portfolio securities purchased with borrowed money. The rights of any lenders to the Fund to receive payments of interest or repayments of principal will be senior to those of the Shareholders and the terms of any borrowings may contain provisions that limit certain activities of the Fund. The Fund also may borrow money from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes in an amount not to exceed 5% of the Fund's assets. Such temporary borrowings are not subject to the asset coverage requirements discussed above.

 

During normal market conditions, it is generally not expected that the Fund will hold more than 20% of its net assets in Liquid Assets for extended periods of time. For temporary defensive purposes, liquidity management or in connection with implementing changes in the asset allocation, the Fund may hold a substantially higher amount of Liquid Assets.

 

The Fund may make investments directly or indirectly through one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries. The Fund may form a Subsidiary in order to pursue its investment objective and strategies in a potentially tax-efficient manner or for the purpose of facilitating its use of permitted borrowings. Except as otherwise provided, references to the Fund’s investments also will refer to any Subsidiary’s investments. In determining which investments should be bought and sold for a Subsidiary, the Adviser will treat the assets of the Subsidiary as if the assets were held directly by the Fund. The financial statements of each Subsidiary will be consolidated with those of the Fund.

 

If the Fund's Subsidiaries, currently Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D, LLC, Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D Blocker, LLC and Ares Private Markets Fund Blocker, LLC, make investments they will bear their respective organizational and operating fees, costs, expenses and liabilities and, as a result, the Fund will indirectly bear these fees, costs, expenses and liabilities. As the Subsidiaries are wholly owned, they have the same investment strategies as the Fund. In addition, the Subsidiaries are consolidated subsidiaries of the Fund and the Fund complies with the provisions of the Investment Company Act governing capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis with the Subsidiaries. The Adviser complies with the provisions of the Investment Company Act relating to investment advisory contracts as an investment adviser to the Subsidiaries under Section 2(a)(20) of the Investment Company Act. The Subsidiaries comply with the provisions relating to affiliated transactions and custody of the Investment Company Act. UMB Bank, N.A serves as the custodian to the Subsidiaries. The Fund does not intend to create or acquire primary control of any entity which engages in investment activities in securities or other assets other than entities wholly owned by the Fund.

 

25

 

 

Investment Strategies

 

The Fund is intended to provide Shareholders with asset allocation and access to Private Asset investments that are typically only available to large institutional investors. In pursuing the Fund’s investment objective, the Adviser will seek to invest in Primary Investments, Secondary Investments and Direct Investments that represent a broad spectrum of types of private equity and other private asset opportunities (e.g., buyout, venture and growth capital, special situations, credit, infrastructure, real estate and private credit) and vintage years (i.e., the year in which a Portfolio Fund begins investing).

 

Buyouts: Investments in the equity of established companies where an investor, typically a private equity firm, takes a controlling interest in the company often involving a combination of equity and debt financing to complete the acquisition.

 

Venture and Growth Capital: Venture capital is characterized by equity investments in early through late stage start-up companies with high potential growth. Growth capital is characterized by investments in companies that typically have a proven business model, but need capital to help facilitate growth.

 

Special Situations: Encompasses a broad range of investments including operational turnarounds, distressed debt, distressed financial assets, “rescue” financings and high yielding credit-oriented strategies.

 

Infrastructure: Private infrastructure investments typically include investments in equity securities of companies that focus on utilities and/or transportation infrastructure.

 

Real Estate: Real estate investments may include indirect investments through Portfolio Funds, in real estate opportunities or in operating companies with significant real estate portfolios.

 

Private Credit: Private credit investments may include direct debt and other yield-oriented investments, including Direct Investments in the debt issued by private companies, which may include loans and securities of private equity-backed companies.

 

With respect to the Fund's investments in Portfolio Funds, the Adviser will employ targeted portfolio construction to build a portfolio diversified by global geography, manager, vintage year exposure, and industry sector. The Adviser will utilize top-down due diligence processes to evaluate each Portfolio Fund and its sponsor, including, but not limited to, conversations with the sponsor, detailed historical track record evaluation, peer and investor references, and other quantitative and qualitative analyses, as available.

 

Types of Portfolio Investments

 

The Fund’s investment exposure to the strategies described above is expected to be implemented through a variety of Primary Investments and Secondary Investments in Portfolio Funds, as well as Direct Investments and investments in Liquid Assets as described below. The Fund expects to invest principally in Secondary Investments and, to a lesser degree, in Primary Investments and Direct Investments, although the allocation among those types of investments may vary from time to time. Typical Secondary Investments generally will include purchases by the Fund of interests in Portfolio Funds, typically after the end of the Portfolio Fund's fundraising period, with existing underlying portfolio companies, whereas typical Primary Investments are investments in newly established Portfolio Funds where the underlying portfolio companies are not known as of the time of the Fund's commitment.

 

Secondary Investments

 

Traditional Secondary Investments generally will include purchases by the Fund of interests in Portfolio Funds, typically after the end of the Portfolio Fund's fundraising period (generally three to seven years), with existing underlying portfolio companies. These Portfolio Funds will tend to be largely funded depending on age and investment cycle stage. Sales of these Portfolio Fund interests are often driven by an investor’s need for liquidity or active approach in managing their private equity portfolio. Traditional Secondary Investments typically will be acquired by the Fund in private negotiated transactions as there is no established market for such investments.

 

26

 

 

The Fund also may gain exposure to Portfolio Funds involving Secondary Investments structured as a preferred equity investment ("Structured Solutions"). Structured Solutions, which are self-originated transactions between the Fund and a Portfolio Fund's general partner, in which Fund will invest cash into an existing Portfolio Fund in exchange for newly-issued interests in the Portfolio Fund (i.e., the "preferred equity"). Structured Solutions are intended to provide for strong risk-adjusted return with meaningful downside protection.

 

The Fund also intends to invest in Secondary Investment transactions that are being led by a Portfolio Fund’s general partner, including end-of life transactions, which seek to partner potential buyers, such as the Fund, with Portfolio Fund Managers to provide structured and holistic liquidity solutions to all the limited partners in a Portfolio Fund. These Secondary Investments often involve existing investors in a Portfolio Fund being given the option to sell all or a portion of their Portfolio Fund interests to the Fund during a binding election period. Investors in a Portfolio Fund generally are given the option to sell their interests or roll into a newly-formed Portfolio Fund on new terms. That newly-formed Portfolio Fund may own a diversified pool of assets or it may own a concentrated or even single asset transaction(s).

 

Primary Investments

 

Primary Investments are investments in newly established Portfolio Funds where the underlying portfolio companies are not known as of the time of the Fund's commitment. Primary Investments are characterized by a gradual deployment of capital. In identifying and selecting Primary Investments, the Fund will seek to invest in Portfolio Funds run by high-quality Portfolio Fund Managers with a track record of consistent value creation and top-tier risk-adjusted rates of return.

 

Direct Investments

 

Direct Investments are investments by the Fund in the equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. private companies, debt securities and other credit instruments, including alongside Portfolio Funds and private equity firms. Direct Investments by the Fund alongside other investors (“Co-Investment Opportunities”) are sometimes structured so that the lead investor and co-investors collectively hold a controlling interest in the operating company. In some circumstances, the Fund may lead investments in Co-Investment Opportunities. In Direct Investments, unlike investments in Portfolio Funds, the Fund likely will not bear an additional layer of fees and expenses generally associated with investing directly in a Portfolio Fund, although the Fund may still bear transactional expenses.

 

Liquid Assets

 

The Fund intends to invest a portion of its assets in a portfolio of Liquid Assets, including cash and cash equivalents, liquid fixed-income securities and other credit instruments, and other investment companies, including ETFs.

 

The Fund may invest in investment grade and below investment grade fixed-income securities, including investment grade short term debt obligations, convertible securities, money market instruments, repurchase agreements and restricted securities. The Fund’s liquid fixed-income and other credit investments will primarily focus on floating rate senior secured loans issued by U.S. and foreign corporations, partnerships and other business entities, including private equity backed companies (i.e., borrowers). Floating rate loans are often at the time of investment below investment grade securities (commonly known as “junk” or “junk bonds”). The Fund considers debt securities to be below investment grade if, at the time of investment, they are rated below the four highest categories by at least one independent credit rating agency or, if unrated, are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

 

While the Fund intends to obtain its principal investment exposure to Private Assets by investing in Primary Investments, Secondary Investments and Direct Investments, it may also gain such exposure by investing in other investment companies, including ETFs.

 

27

 

 

While this Prospectus contains generalized discussions about the Adviser’s current expectations with respect to the make-up of the portfolio of the Fund, many factors may contribute to changes in emphasis in the construction of the portfolio, including changes in market or economic conditions or regulations as they affect various industries and sectors and changes in the political or social situations in particular jurisdictions. The Adviser may modify the implementation of the Fund’s investment strategies, portfolio allocations, investment processes and investment techniques based on market conditions, changes in personnel or as the Adviser otherwise deems appropriate.

 

LANDMARK PARTNERS AND ARES PLATFORM

 

In June 2021, Ares completed the acquisition of Landmark Partners, LLC (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Landmark”), which now operates in the newly-formed Secondary Solutions Group within Ares. The Secondary Solutions Group is overseen by Francisco Borges and Timothy Haviland. References to “Landmark Partners” in this Prospectus include the Landmark business and team that now operate within Ares' Secondary Solutions Group.

 

Landmark Partners History and Experience

 

Founded in 1989, Landmark Partners was one of the earliest and most active investors in the secondary private equity market. Landmark Partners believes that it has the reputation, skill and record of accomplishment in the alternative investment markets of private equity, real estate and infrastructure and real assets that make it an attractive manager for investors seeking to participate in these asset classes.

 

Landmark Partners, operating within Ares, has over 160 experienced professionals and support staff in the areas of investment origination and analysis, accounting, and administrative operations management, of which 52 professionals focused on or support the firm’s secondary private equity investing activities. Landmark Partners’ team of experienced investment professionals provides expertise in market knowledge, investment origination, underwriting and structuring, accounting, reporting and administrative operations management. This team has developed proprietary analytical models, report-generating software and private databases, which the Adviser believes provides a competitive investment advantage.

 

From 1990 through December 31, 2021, Landmark participated in the formation of secondary investment funds in private equity, real estate and infrastructure. Landmark’s secondary program has aggregate commitments of $31.2 billion and has contributed $17.0 billion to acquire over 2,400 partnership interests. Specifically, during that period, Landmark formed 18 secondary private equity funds with aggregate commitments of $20.5 billion, and contributed over $11.7 billion to make over 500 transactions involving over 1,700 partnership investments managed by over 625 different managers. Key highlights include:

 

Immediate Portfolio Diversification. Landmark Partners offers investors the ability to invest in private equity funds in a highly diversified and efficient manner, thereby potentially mitigating risk. The firm has consistently assembled portfolios of limited partner interests in partnerships across a variety of vintages, strategies, industries and geographies. Over the past 30 years, Landmark’s secondary private equity funds have acquired over 1,700 limited partner interests across more than 500 transactions, with underlying investments in over 17,500 companies.

 

Potential Rapid Deployment of Capital. Capital commitments in primary private equity funds may be tied up for considerable periods of time before being drawn down for investment. In contrast, on average, Landmark’s secondary private equity funds have been fully invested or committed within three years of the relevant fund’s final closing.

 

Potential for Higher Rates of Return Due to Early Return of Capital. Landmark’s secondary private equity funds historically have returned capital to investors relatively quickly, as the portfolios of secondary interests contain funds and investments in all stages of development, some of which are already in liquidation. As a result, Landmark’s secondary private equity funds have the potential to begin generating distributions almost immediately upon the closing of certain transactions, producing current cash flow to the investor. Investors in prior Landmark secondary private equity funds have, on average, accumulated distributions within three months of the initial investment, which decreased the impact of the “J-curve.” The J-curve refers to the tendency for private equity funds to deliver negative returns and cash flows in their early years (due to the fund’s investment-related expenses and fees) and to deliver positive returns and cash flows in later years (as the fund’s portfolio company investments mature and are sold). On an ongoing basis, these Landmark funds have collectively made distributions every quarter since 1991, thereby producing stable cash flow to investors.

 

28

 

 

Landmark PartnersInvestment Program and Processes

 

The core investment disciplines of Landmark Partners’ private equity secondary program are to seek to purchase high-quality, mature exposure to a diversified portfolio of private equity assets at a discount to intrinsic value in funds managed by alpha-generating managers.

 

Landmark Partners’ Quantitative Research Group (“QRG”) is utilized to leverage public and proprietary data, analytics and experience in an effort to give Landmark Partners an information edge in the marketplace. QRG’s objective is to act as a force multiplier for Landmark Partners’ core sourcing, risk management and underwriting activities. QRG’s tools include, but are not limited to, white papers and market commentary, cash flow forecasting and secondary valuation services, manager and investor alpha diagnostic services, and limited partner portfolio and investment strategy assessment. These activities span asset pricing, risk management, performance measurement, investor relations and business development. Importantly, they help Landmark Partners source, price and execute on various transactions.

 

Proactive Deal Sourcing. Landmark Partners has developed strong deal sourcing competencies by utilizing QRG tools to assist limited partners and general partners in identifying opportunities to improve investment performance. These value-add services help Landmark Partners establish close, differentiated relationships with investors who may be looking to address portfolio management goals. This thought-partner sourcing strategy helps establish Landmark Partners as a problem solver. Landmark Partners believes that the use of portfolio management tools to build relationships with sellers and create highly customized and value-added solutions has become a strength and provides a competitive advantage.

 

Pricing and Valuation. Landmark Partners has developed a highly analytical and thorough due diligence process for evaluating potential investments. This process starts with a comprehensive analysis of the subject portfolio and the track record of the fund manager. Landmark’s track record analysis is buttressed by QRG tools such as the GP Alpha Analysis, which assesses a sponsor’s outperformance through various economic cycles. For portfolio diligence, Landmark Partners performs a thorough return analysis of the portfolio assets utilizing a “bottom up” underwriting approach while sensitizing for multiple return scenarios. This is generally true of each portfolio, regardless of size or complexity. The QRG is also helpful in allowing Landmark Partners to utilize data and research to bolster market and asset level insights, which in turn allows it to identify asset mispricing and appropriate valuation during the underwriting process.

 

Investment Process

 

Deal Sourcing. Landmark Partners seeks to generate proprietary deal flow through its use of tools generated from the QRG to establish relationships and collaborative discussions with limited and general partners. Landmark Partners’ extensive network in the private equity community and its ability to complete specialized solutions-based transactions creates attractive deployment opportunities.

 

Due Diligence and Evaluation Procedures. As part of its initial due diligence, Landmark Partners generally performs a detailed review of the following items: (i) the sponsor’s historical investment track record; (ii) going forward franchise risk for the sponsor (if any); (iii) the sponsor’s investment return expectations compared to those specified when the fund was initially marketed; (iv) liquidity expectations at a high level by investment; (v) under-performing investments and strategies for recovery; and (vi) confirmation that there are no significant impediments to an orderly transfer of partnership interests.

 

29

 

 

As this analysis is performed, Landmark Partners generally reviews clients' secondary portfolios at weekly meetings. If Landmark Partners believes that the opportunity is sufficiently attractive to merit performing additional due diligence, the following evaluation procedures are generally conducted. First, if available, Landmark Partners reviews the sponsor’s projections of exit timing and value, by investment, within the detailed context of (i) current value; (ii) comparable public values; (iii) projected growth in cash flow; (iv) industry reports; and (v) the partnership’s prior performance. Concurrently, the sponsor’s projections for returns on unfunded commitments are evaluated, principally within the context of prior performance.

 

Landmark Partners then prepares a cash flow model which projects the internal rate of return to investors over the life of the investment being acquired. The principal components of the model are: (i) the cash required to purchase the portfolio; (ii) projected cash distributions, year by year from existing and future investments; (iii) the leverage, if any, expected to be incurred in funding future capital calls and a time table for such funding; (iv) interest on borrowed funds; and (v) partnership working capital and organizational and operational expenses. Finally, Landmark Partners pays close attention to return sensitivities and each investment’s implications on portfolio construction to gauge whether the presented opportunity has the potential to be accretive to the relevant client's return profile. Upon completion of the due diligence process, the Investment Committee, which is generally closely involved in the review process since the deal is brought to the attention of the investment team, votes to approve or reject the deal.

 

Negotiations and Closing. Upon reaching agreement on price and terms, Landmark Partners and the seller execute a letter of intent and negotiate the definitive purchase and sale agreement. Meetings to obtain consent to the transfer, to address transfer mechanics and to complete due diligence are then scheduled with the general partners of the interests being acquired.

 

Post-Acquisition Activities. Portfolio management requires significant effort and expertise in data collection and analysis. Landmark Partners performs numerous activities including monitoring fund sponsors and investments to prepare comprehensive reports that summarize the performance of underlying funds. Other activities include a review of amendments to partnership agreements to protect the interests of the relevant client as well as management of the distribution of cash and securities received by such client. Additionally, Landmark Partners’ investment professionals attend annual meetings of the sponsors in which the relevant client is invested, participate actively on selected advisory boards and maintain ongoing direct relationships with all fund sponsors.

 

RISKS

 

AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND THEREFORE SHOULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY QUALIFIED INVESTORS WHOSE FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE THEM TO ASSUME THESE RISKS AND TO BEAR THE LOSS OF ALL OR PART OF THEIR INVESTMENT. THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY, BUT ARE NOT MEANT TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LISTING OF ALL OF THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN FINANCIAL, LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND TAX ADVISORS PRIOR TO INVESTING IN THE FUND.

 

Investment in the Fund is suitable only for those persons who, either alone or together with their duly designated representative, have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that they are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of their proposed investment, who can afford to bear the economic risk of their investment, who are able to withstand a total loss of their investment and who have no need for liquidity in their investment and no need to dispose of their Shares to satisfy current financial needs and contingencies or existing or contemplated undertakings or indebtedness. Potential investors with questions as to the suitability of an investment in the Fund should consult their professional advisors to assist them in making their own legal, tax, accounting and financial evaluation of the merits and risks of investment in the Fund in light of their own circumstances and financial condition.

 

The Fund’s investment program is speculative and entails substantial risks. In considering participation in the Fund, prospective investors should be aware of certain risk factors, which include the following:

 

30

 

 

General Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

General Investment Risks

 

There is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will be profitable, that there will be proceeds from such investments available for distribution to Shareholders, or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Fund performance may be volatile and a Shareholder could incur a total or substantial loss of its investment. There can be no assurance that projected or targeted returns for the Fund will be achieved.

 

No Operating History

 

The Fund is a recently-organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with no operating history. The Fund does not have any historical financial statements or other meaningful operating or financial data on which potential investors may evaluate the Fund and its performance.

 

Management Risk

 

The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results. The Fund may be subject to a relatively high level of management risk because the Fund invests in Private Assets, which are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with investing in public equities and bonds. The Fund’s allocation of its investments across Portfolio Funds, Direct Investments and other portfolio investments representing various strategies, geographic regions, asset classes and sectors may vary significantly over time based on the Adviser’s analysis and judgment. As a result, the particular risks most relevant to an investment in the Fund, as well as the overall risk profile of the Fund’s portfolio, may vary over time. It is possible that the Fund will focus on an investment that performs poorly or underperforms other investments under various market conditions.

 

Dependence on the Adviser and Key Personnel

 

The Fund will depend on the Adviser’s ability to select, allocate and reallocate effectively the Fund’s assets. The success of the Fund is thus substantially dependent on the Adviser and its continued employment of certain key personnel. Similarly, the success of each Portfolio Fund investment in which the Fund invests is also likely to be substantially dependent on certain key personnel of a Portfolio Fund Manager. Should one or more of the key personnel of the Adviser or of a Portfolio Fund Manager become incapacitated or in some other way cease to participate in management activities, the Fund's performance could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that these key personnel will continue to be associated with or available to the Adviser or the general partners of the Portfolio Funds throughout the life of the Fund.

 

Closed-End Fund Structure; Liquidity Limited to Periodic Repurchases of Shares

 

The Fund is designed primarily for long-term investors. An investment in the Fund, unlike an investment in a traditional listed closed-end fund, should be considered illiquid. The Shares are appropriate only for investors who are comfortable with investment in less liquid or illiquid portfolio investments within an illiquid fund. An investment in the Shares is not suitable for investors who need access to the money they invest. Unlike open-end funds (commonly known as mutual funds), which generally permit redemptions on a daily basis, the Shares will not be redeemable at a Shareholder’s option. Unlike stocks of listed closed-end funds, the Shares are not listed, and are not expected to be listed, for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for the Shares in the foreseeable future. The Fund’s investments in Private Assets will be illiquid and typically cannot be transferred or redeemed for a substantial period of time. The Shares are designed for long-term investors, and the Fund should not be treated as a trading vehicle.

 

31

 

 

Repurchase of Shares Risk

 

Although the Board may, in its sole discretion, cause the Fund to offer to repurchase outstanding Shares at their net asset value and the Adviser intends to recommend that, in normal market circumstances, the Board conduct quarterly repurchase offers of no more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets. Shares are considerably less liquid than shares of funds that trade on a stock exchange, or shares of open-end registered investment companies. It is possible that the Fund may be unable to repurchase all of the Shares that a Shareholder tenders due to the illiquidity of the Fund investments or if the Shareholders request the Fund to repurchase more Shares than the Fund is then offering to repurchase. In addition, substantial requests for the Fund to repurchase Shares could require the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments more rapidly than otherwise desirable in order to raise cash to fund the repurchases and achieve a market position appropriately reflecting a smaller asset base. This could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Shares.

 

There can be no assurance that the Fund will conduct repurchase offers in any particular period and Shareholders may be unable to tender Shares for repurchase for an indefinite period of time. The Adviser currently expects to recommend to the Board that the Fund conducts its first repurchase offer following the second full quarter of Fund operations (or such earlier or later date as the Board may determine).

 

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

 

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

 

Payment In-Kind For Repurchased Shares

 

The Fund generally expects to distribute to the holder of Shares that are repurchased cash in satisfaction of such repurchase. See “Repurchases of Shares—Periodic Repurchases.” However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have sufficient cash to pay for Shares that are being repurchased or that it will be able to liquidate investments at favorable prices to pay for repurchased Shares. The Fund has the right to distribute securities as payment for repurchased Shares in unusual circumstances, including if making a cash payment would result in a material adverse effect on the Fund. For example, it is possible that the Fund may receive securities from a Portfolio Fund that are illiquid or difficult to value. In such circumstances, the Adviser would seek to dispose of these securities in a manner that is in the best interests of the Fund, which may include a distribution in-kind to Shareholders. In the event that the Fund makes such a distribution of securities, Shareholders will bear any risks of the distributed securities and may be required to pay a brokerage commission or other costs in order to dispose of such securities.

 

Restrictions on Transfers

 

Transfers of Shares may be made only with the prior written consent of the Board, which may be withheld in the Board’s sole discretion. Notice to the Fund of any proposed transfer must include evidence satisfactory to the Board that the proposed transferee, at the time of transfer, meets any requirements imposed by the Fund with respect to investor eligibility and suitability.

 

32

 

 

Non-Diversified Status

  

The Fund is a “non-diversified” investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, which means it is not subject to percentage limitations under the Investment Company Act on assets that may be invested in the securities of any one issuer. Having a larger percentage of assets in a smaller number of issuers makes a non-diversified fund, like the Fund, more susceptible to the risk that one single event or occurrence can have a significant adverse impact upon the Fund.

 

Valuation Risk

 

The Fund is subject to valuation risk, which is the risk that one or more of the securities in which the Fund invests are valued at prices that the Fund is unable to obtain upon sale due to factors such as incomplete data, market instability, human error, or, with respect to securities for which there are no readily available market quotations, the inherent difficulty in determining the fair value of certain types of investments. The Adviser may, but is not required to, use an independent pricing service or prices provided by dealers to value securities at their market value. Because the secondary markets for certain investments may be limited, such instruments may be difficult to value.

 

A substantial portion of the Fund’s assets are expected to consist of Portfolio Funds and Direct Investments for which there are no readily available market quotations. The information available in the marketplace for such companies, their securities and the status of their businesses and financial conditions is often extremely limited, outdated and difficult to confirm. Such securities are valued by the Fund at fair value as determined pursuant to policies and procedures approved by the Board. In determining fair value, the Adviser is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to value and all indicators of value available to the Fund. The determination of fair value necessarily involves judgment in evaluating this information in order to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale. The most relevant information may often be provided by the issuer of the securities. Given the nature, timeliness, amount and reliability of information provided by the issuer, fair valuations may become more difficult and uncertain as such information is unavailable or becomes outdated.

 

The value at which the Fund’s investments can be liquidated may differ, sometimes significantly, from the valuations assigned by the Fund. In addition, the timing of liquidations may also affect the values obtained on liquidation. The Fund will invest a significant amount of its assets in Private Assets for which no public market exists. There can be no guarantee that the Fund’s investments could ultimately be realized at the Fund’s valuation of such investments. In addition, the Fund’s compliance with the asset diversification tests under the Code depends on the fair market values of the Fund’s assets, and, accordingly, a challenge to the valuations ascribed by the Fund could affect its ability to comply with those tests or require it to pay penalty taxes in order to cure a violation thereof.

 

The Fund’s net asset value is a critical component in several operational matters including computation of the Advisory Fee, the Incentive Fee and the Distribution and Servicing Fee, and determination of the price at which the Shares will be offered and at which a repurchase offer will be made. Consequently, variance in the valuation of the Fund’s investments will impact, positively or negatively, the fees and expenses Shareholders will pay, the price a Shareholder will receive in connection with a repurchase offer and the number of Shares an investor will receive upon investing in the Fund. It is expected that the Fund will accept purchases of Shares as of the first business day of each month. The number of Shares a Shareholder will receive will be based on the Fund’s most recent net asset value, which will be calculated for the last business day of the preceding month (i.e., one business day prior to date on which the Fund will accept purchases). For more information regarding the Fund’s subscription process, see “Purchasing Shares.”

 

The Adviser generally expects to receive information for the Fund's investments in Private Assets, including Portfolio Funds and Direct Investments, on which it will base the Fund’s net asset value only as of each calendar quarter end and on a significant delay. The Adviser generally does not expect to receive updated information intra quarter for such investments. As a result, the Fund’s net asset value for periods other than calendar quarter end will likely be based on information from the prior quarter. The Fund may need to liquidate certain investments, including its investments in Private Assets, in order to repurchase Shares in connection with a repurchase offer. A subsequent decrease in the valuation of the Fund’s investments after a repurchase offer could potentially disadvantage remaining Shareholders to the benefit of Shareholders whose Shares were accepted for repurchase. Alternatively, a subsequent increase in the valuation of the Fund’s investments could potentially disadvantage Shareholders whose Shares were accepted for repurchase to the benefit of remaining Shareholders. Similarly, a subsequent decrease in the valuation of the Fund’s investments after a subscription could potentially disadvantage subscribing investors to the benefit of pre-existing Shareholders, and a subsequent increase in the valuation of the Fund’s investments after a subscription could potentially disadvantage pre-existing Shareholders to the benefit of subscribing investors. For more information regarding the Fund’s calculation of its net asset value, see “Net Asset Valuation.”

 

33

 

 

Amount or Frequency of Distribution

 

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

 

Risks of Investing in Private Assets

 

Risks of Private Equity Strategies

 

The Fund’s investment portfolio will include Direct Investments in private companies and investments in Portfolio Funds, which will hold securities issued primarily by private companies. Operating results for private companies in a specified period will be difficult to predict. Such investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses.

 

Buyout Investment Risks. Buyout transactions may result in new enterprises that are subject to extreme volatility, require time for maturity and may require additional capital. In addition, they frequently rely on borrowing significant amounts of capital, which can increase profit potential but at the same time increase the risk of loss. Leveraged companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants. The leverage may impair the ability of these companies to finance their future operations and capital needs. Also, their flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to business opportunities may be limited. A leveraged company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money was not used. Although these investments may offer the opportunity for significant gains, such buyout investments involve a high degree of risk that can result in substantial losses, which risks generally are greater than the risks of investing in public companies that may not be as leveraged.

 

Venture Capital Risks. Venture capital investments are in private companies that have limited operating history, are attempting to develop or commercialize unproven technologies or to implement novel business plans or are not otherwise developed sufficiently to be self-sustaining financially or to become public. Although these investments may offer the opportunity for significant gains, such investments involve a high degree of risk that can result in substantial losses, which risks generally are greater than the risks of investing in public or private companies that may be at a later stage of development.

 

Special Situations Risks. The special situations strategies invest in companies that may be in transition, out of favor, financially leveraged, stressed or distressed, or potentially troubled and may be or have recently been involved in major strategic actions, restructurings, bankruptcy, reorganization, or liquidation. These companies may be experiencing, or are expected to experience, financial difficulties that may never be able to overcome. The securities of such companies are likely to be particularly risky investments although they also may offer the potential for correspondingly high returns. Such companies’ securities may be considered speculative, and the ability of such companies to pay their debts on schedule could be affected by adverse interest rate movements, changes in the general economic climate, economic factors affecting a particular industry or specific developments within such companies. Such investments could, in certain circumstances, subject a Portfolio Fund or the Fund to certain additional potential liabilities. Numerous other risks also arise in the workout and bankruptcy contexts. In addition, there is no minimum credit standard that is a prerequisite to an investment in any instrument and a significant portion of the obligations and preferred stock acquired in special situations investments may be rated below investment grade or unrated.

 

34

 

 

Infrastructure Risks. Some Portfolio Funds may concentrate, and a Direct Investment may be made, in the infrastructure sector. Infrastructure companies may be susceptible to reduced investment in public and private infrastructure projects, and a slowdown in new infrastructure projects in developing or developed markets may constrain the abilities of infrastructure companies to grow in global markets. Other developments, such as significant changes in population levels or changes in the urbanization and industrialization of developing countries, may reduce demand for products or services provided by infrastructure companies.

 

Real Estate Risks. Portfolio Funds that invest in real estate are subject to risks associated with the ownership of real estate, including: (i) changes in interest rates and other general economic conditions; (ii) local real estate conditions, such as changes in demand for space; (iii) the quality and investment approach of management; (iv) market competition and the availability of financing; (v) specific features of properties; (vi) financial condition of tenants, buyers, and sellers of properties; (vii) quality of maintenance, insurance and management services; (viii) changes in operating costs; (ix) government regulations, including those governing usage, improvements, zoning and taxes; and (x) potential liability under environmental and other applicable laws. Some real estate-focused Portfolio Funds may invest in a limited number of properties, in a narrow geographic area, or in a single property type, which increases the risk that such Portfolio Fund could be unfavorably affected by the poor performance of a single investment or investment type. In addition, borrowers could default on or sell investments that a real estate-focused Portfolio Fund holds, which could reduce the cash flow needed to make distributions to investors, such as the Fund. In addition, real estate-focused Portfolio Funds also may be affected by tax and regulatory requirements impacting the real estate fund’s ability to qualify for preferential tax treatments or exemptions.

 

Risks Associated with Private Company Investments

 

Private companies are generally not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, the Adviser may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the private companies in which the Fund invests. There is risk that the Fund may invest on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate information, which may adversely affect the Fund’s investment performance. Private companies in which the Fund may invest may have limited financial resources, shorter operating histories, more asset concentration risk, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render such private companies more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. These companies may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity.

 

Typically, investments in private companies are in restricted securities that are not traded in public markets and subject to substantial holding periods, so that the Fund may not be able to resell some of its holdings for extended periods, which may be several years. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to realize the value of private company investments in a timely manner.

 

Competition for Access to Private Equity Investment Opportunities

 

There can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to secure interests on behalf of the Fund in all of the investment opportunities that it identifies for the Fund, or that the size of the interests available to the Fund will be as large as the Adviser would desire. Moreover, as a registered investment company, the Fund will be required to make certain public disclosures and regulatory filings regarding its operations, financial status, portfolio holdings, etc. While these filings are designed to enhance investor protections, Portfolio Fund Managers and certain private companies may view such filings as contrary to their business interests and deny access to the Fund; but may permit other, non-registered funds or accounts, managed by the Adviser or its affiliates, to invest. As a result, the Fund may not be invested in certain Direct Investments or Portfolio Funds that are held by other unregistered funds or accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates, even though those investments would be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective.

 

35

 

 

In addition, certain provisions of the Investment Company Act prohibit the Fund from engaging in transactions with the Adviser and its affiliates; however; unregistered funds also managed by the Adviser are not prohibited from the same transactions. The Investment Company Act also imposes significant limits on co-investments with affiliates of the Fund. The Adviser has received an exemptive order from the SEC, which the Fund may also rely on, that expands the Fund’s ability to co-invest alongside its affiliates in privately negotiated investments. However, the exemptive order contains certain conditions that may limit or restrict the Fund’s ability to participate in an investment or participate in an investment to a lesser extent. An inability to receive the desired allocation to potential investments may affect Fund’s ability to achieve the desired investment returns.

 

Portfolio Fund Risks

 

The Fund’s investments in Portfolio Funds are subject to a number of risks. Portfolio Fund interests are expected to be illiquid, their marketability may be restricted and the realization of investments from them may take considerable time and/or be costly. Some of the Portfolio Funds in which the Fund invests may have only limited operating histories. Although the Adviser will seek to receive detailed information from each Portfolio Fund regarding its business strategy and any performance history, in most cases the Adviser will have little or no means of independently verifying this information. In addition, Portfolio Funds may have little or no near-term cash flow available to distribute to investors, including the Fund. Due to the pattern of cash flows in Portfolio Funds and the illiquid nature of their investments, investors typically will see negative returns in the early stages of Portfolio Funds. Then as investments are able to realize liquidity events, such as a sale or initial public offering, positive returns will be realized if the Portfolio Fund’s investments are successful.

 

Portfolio Fund interests are ordinarily valued based upon valuations provided by the Portfolio Fund Managers, which may be received on a delayed basis. Certain securities in which the Portfolio Funds invest may not have a readily ascertainable market price and are fair valued by the Portfolio Fund Managers. A Portfolio Fund Manager may face a conflict of interest in valuing such securities because their values may have an impact on the Portfolio Fund Manager’s compensation. The Adviser will review and perform due diligence on the valuation procedures used by each Portfolio Fund Manager and monitor the returns provided by the Portfolio Funds. However, neither the Adviser nor the Board is able to confirm the accuracy of valuations provided by Portfolio Fund Managers. Inaccurate valuations provided by Portfolio Funds could materially adversely affect the value of Shares.

 

The Fund will pay asset-based fees, and, in most cases, will be subject to performance-based fees in respect of its interests in Portfolio Funds. Such fees and performance-based compensation are in addition to the Advisory Fee. In addition, performance-based fees charged by Portfolio Fund Managers may create incentives for the Portfolio Fund Managers to make risky investments, and may be payable by the Fund to a Portfolio Fund Manager based on a Portfolio Fund’s positive returns even if the Fund’s overall returns are negative.

 

Moreover, a Shareholder in the Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the Portfolio Funds, in addition to its proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund. Thus, a Shareholder in the Fund may be subject to higher operating expenses than if the Shareholder invested in the Portfolio Funds directly. In addition, because of the deduction of the fees payable by the Fund to the Adviser and other expenses payable directly by the Fund from amounts distributed to the Fund by the Portfolio Funds, the returns to a Shareholder in the Fund will be lower than the returns to a direct investor in the Portfolio Funds. Fees and expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio Funds will generally be paid regardless of whether the Fund or Portfolio Funds produce positive investment returns. Shareholders could avoid the additional level of fees and expenses of the Fund by investing directly with the Portfolio Funds, although access to many Portfolio Funds may be limited or unavailable, and may not be permitted for investors who do not meet the substantial minimum net worth and other criteria for direct investment in Portfolio Funds.

 

There is a risk that the Fund may be precluded from acquiring an interest in certain Portfolio Funds due to regulatory implications under the Investment Company Act or other laws, rules and regulations or may be limited in the amount it can invest in voting securities of Portfolio Funds. The Adviser also may refrain from including a Portfolio Fund in the Fund’s portfolio in order to address adverse regulatory implications that would arise under the Investment Company Act for the Fund if such an investment was made. In addition, the SEC has adopted Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, which, among other things, may impact the ability of the Fund to enter into unfunded commitment agreements, such as a capital commitment to a Portfolio Fund or as part of a Direct Investment. In addition, the Fund’s ability to invest may be affected by considerations under other laws, rules or regulations. Such regulatory restrictions, including those arising under the Investment Company Act, may cause the Fund to invest in different Portfolio Funds or Direct Investments than other clients of the Adviser.

 

36

 

 

If the Fund fails to satisfy capital calls to a Portfolio Fund in a timely manner then, generally, it will be subject to significant penalties, including the complete forfeiture of the Fund’s investment in the Portfolio Fund. Any failure by the Fund to make timely capital contributions may impair the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment program, cause the Fund to be subject to certain penalties from the Portfolio Funds or otherwise impair the value of the Fund’s investments.

 

The governing documents of a Portfolio Fund generally are expected to include provisions that would enable the general partner, the manager, or a majority in interest (or higher percentage) of its limited partners or members, under certain circumstances, to terminate the Portfolio Fund prior to the end of its stated term. Early termination of a Portfolio Fund in which the Fund is invested may result in the Fund having distributed to it a portfolio of immature and illiquid securities, or the Fund’s inability to invest all of its capital as anticipated, either of which could have a material adverse effect on the performance of the Fund.

 

Although the Fund will be an investor in a Portfolio Fund, Shareholders will not themselves be equity holders of that Portfolio Fund and will not be entitled to enforce any rights directly against the Portfolio Fund or the Portfolio Fund Manager or assert claims directly against any Portfolio Funds, the Portfolio Fund Managers or their respective affiliates. Shareholders will have no right to receive the information issued by the Portfolio Funds that may be available to the Fund as an investor in the Portfolio Funds. In addition, Portfolio Funds generally are not registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act; therefore, the Fund, as an investor in Portfolio Funds, will not have the benefit of the protections afforded by the Investment Company Act. Portfolio Fund Managers may not be registered as investment advisers under the Advisers Act, in which case the Fund, as an investor in Portfolio Funds managed by such Portfolio Fund Managers, will not have the benefit of certain of the protections afforded by the Advisers Act.

 

Commitments to Portfolio Funds generally are not immediately invested. Instead, committed amounts are drawn down by Portfolio Funds and invested over time, as underlying investments are identified—a process that may take a period of several years, with limited ability to predict with precision the timing and amount of each Portfolio Fund’s drawdowns. During this period, investments made early in a Portfolio Fund’s life are often realized (generating distributions) even before the committed capital has been fully drawn. In addition, many Portfolio Funds do not draw down 100% of committed capital, and historic trends and practices can inform the Adviser as to when it can expect to no longer need to fund capital calls for a particular Portfolio Fund. Accordingly, the Adviser may make investments and commitments based, in part, on anticipated future capital calls and distributions from Portfolio Funds. This may result in the Fund making commitments to Portfolio Funds in an aggregate amount that exceeds the total amounts invested by Shareholders in the Fund at the time of such commitment (i.e., to “over-commit”). To the extent that the Fund engages in an “over-commitment” strategy, the risk associated with the Fund defaulting on a commitment to a Portfolio Fund will increase. The Fund will maintain cash, cash equivalents, borrowings or other liquid assets in sufficient amounts, in the Adviser's judgment, to satisfy capital calls from Portfolio Funds.

 

Portfolio Funds’ Underlying Investments

 

The investments made by the Portfolio Funds will entail a high degree of risk and in most cases be highly illiquid and difficult to value. Unless and until those investments are sold or mature into marketable securities they will remain illiquid. As a general matter, companies in which the Portfolio Fund invests may face intense competition, including competition from companies with far greater financial resources; more extensive research, development, technological, marketing and other capabilities; and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel.

 

37

 

 

A Portfolio Fund Manager may focus on a particular industry or sector, which may subject the Portfolio Fund, and thus the Fund, to greater risk and volatility than if investments had been made in issuers in a broader range of industries. Likewise, a Portfolio Fund Manager may focus on a particular country or geographic region, which may subject the Portfolio Fund, and thus the Fund, to greater risk and volatility than if investments had been made in issuers in a broader range of geographic regions. In addition, Portfolio Funds may establish positions in different geographic regions or industries that, depending on market conditions, could experience offsetting returns.

 

The Fund will not obtain or seek to obtain any control over the management of any portfolio company in which any Portfolio Fund may invest. The success of each investment made by a Portfolio Fund will largely depend on the ability and success of the management of the portfolio companies in addition to economic and market factors.

 

Risks Associated with Secondary Investments

 

The Fund may make Secondary Investments in Portfolio Funds by acquiring the interests in the Portfolio Funds from existing investors in such Portfolio Funds (and not from the Portfolio Fund itself). In such instances, as the Fund will not be acquiring such interests directly from the Portfolio Fund, it is generally not expected that the Fund will have the opportunity to negotiate the terms of the interests being acquired, other than the purchase price, or other special rights or privileges. There can be no assurance as to the number of Secondary Investment opportunities that will be presented to the Fund.

 

In addition, valuation of Secondary Investments in Portfolio Funds may be difficult, as there generally will be no established market for such investments or for the privately-held portfolio companies in which such Portfolio Funds may own securities. Moreover, the purchase price of Secondary Investments in such Portfolio Funds generally will be subject to negotiation with the sellers of the interests and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to purchase interests at attractive discounts to net asset value, or at all. The overall performance of the Fund will depend in large part on the acquisition price paid by the Fund for its Secondary Investments, the structure of such acquisitions and the overall success of the Portfolio Fund.

 

There is significant competition for Secondary Investments. Many institutional investors, including fund-of- funds entities, as well as existing investors of Portfolio Funds may seek to purchase Secondary Investments of the same Portfolio Fund which the Fund may also seek to purchase. In addition, some Portfolio Fund Managers have become more selective by adopting policies or practices that exclude certain types of investors, such as fund-of-funds. These Portfolio Fund Managers also may be partial to Secondary Investments being purchased by existing investors of their Portfolio Funds. In addition, some secondary opportunities may be conducted pursuant to a specified methodology (such as a right of first refusal granted to existing investors or a so-called “Dutch auction,” where the price of the investment is lowered until a bidder bids and that first bidder purchases the investment, thereby limiting a bidder’s ability to compete for price) which can restrict the availability of those opportunities for the Fund. No assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to identify Secondary Investments that satisfy the Fund’s investment objective or, if the Fund is successful in identifying such Secondary Investments, that the Fund will be permitted to invest, or invest in the amounts desired, in such Secondary Investments.

 

At times, the Fund may have the opportunity to acquire a portfolio of Portfolio Fund interests from a seller, on an “all or nothing” basis. In some such cases, certain of the Portfolio Fund interests may be less attractive than others, and certain of the Portfolio Fund Managers may be more familiar to the Adviser than others or may be more experienced or highly regarded than others. In such cases, it may not be possible for the Fund to carve out from such purchases those Secondary Investments which the Adviser considers (for commercial, tax legal or other reasons) less attractive.

 

In the cases where the Fund acquires an interest in a Portfolio Fund through a Secondary Investment, the Fund may acquire contingent liabilities of the seller of such interest. More specifically, where the seller has received distributions from the Portfolio Fund and, subsequently, that Portfolio Fund recalls one or more of these distributions, the Fund (as the purchaser of the interest to which such distributions are attributable and not the seller) may be obligated to return the monies equivalent to such distribution to the Portfolio Fund. While the Fund may, in turn, make a claim against the seller for any such monies so paid, there can be no assurances that the Fund would prevail on such claim.

 

38

 

 

Regulatory Changes Affecting Private Equity Funds

 

The legal, tax and regulatory environment for private equity funds is evolving, and it is possible that any future changes may materially adversely affect the ability of Portfolio Funds to pursue their investment strategies. In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of the private equity industry by regulators, self-regulatory bodies and legislatures, and it is possible that in the future such groups both in the U.S. and in non-U.S. jurisdictions may consider changes to the regulations applicable to private equity funds. It is impossible to predict what, if any, changes might be made in the future to the regulations affecting: private equity funds generally; the Portfolio Funds; the Portfolio Fund Managers; the markets in which they operate and invest; and/or the counterparties with which they do business. It is also impossible to predict what the effect of any such legislative or regulatory changes might be. Any regulatory changes that adversely affect a Portfolio Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategies could have a material adverse impact on the Portfolio Fund’s performance, and thus on the Fund’s performance.

 

In-Kind Distributions from Portfolio Funds

 

The Fund may receive in-kind distributions of securities from Portfolio Funds. There can be no assurance that securities distributed in kind by Portfolio Funds to the Fund will be readily marketable or saleable, and the Fund may be required to hold such securities for an indefinite period and/or may incur additional expense in connection with any disposition of such securities.

 

Direct Investments Risks

 

The Fund’s investment portfolio will include Direct Investments, which are investments in the equity and/or debt securities of private companies, including alongside private equity funds and other private equity firms. The Fund’s ability to realize a profit on such Direct Investments will be particularly reliant on the expertise of the lead investor in the transaction. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be given Direct Investment opportunities, or that any specific Direct Investment offered to the Fund would be appropriate or attractive to the Fund in the Adviser’s judgment. The market for Direct Investment opportunities is competitive and may be limited, and the Direct Investment opportunities to which the Fund wishes to allocate assets may not be available at any given time. Due diligence will be conducted on Direct Investment opportunities; however, the Adviser may not have the ability to conduct the same level of due diligence applied to other investments. In addition, the Adviser may have little to no opportunities to negotiate the terms of such Direct Investments. The Fund generally will rely on the Portfolio Fund Manager or sponsor offering such Direct Investment opportunity to perform most of the due diligence on the relevant portfolio company and to negotiate terms of the Direct Investment.

 

Many entities compete with the Fund in pursuing Direct Investments. These competitors may have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Fund. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to the Fund. In addition, some competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of, or different structures for, private investments than the Fund. Furthermore, many competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on the Fund. As a result of this competition, the Fund may not be able to pursue attractive Direct Investment opportunities from time to time.

 

The Fund’s ability to dispose of Direct Investments may be severely limited, both by the fact that the securities are expected to be unregistered and illiquid and by contractual restrictions that may limit, preclude or require certain approvals for the Fund to sell such investment. Direct Investments may be heavily negotiated and, therefore, the Fund may incur additional legal and transaction costs in connection therewith.

 

Direct Investing Alongside Other Parties Risks

 

Direct investing alongside one or more other parties in an investment (i.e., as a co-investor) involves risks that may not be present in investments made by lead or sponsoring private equity investors. As a co-investor, the Fund may have interests or objectives that are inconsistent with those of the lead private equity investors that generally have a greater degree of control over such investments.

 

39

 

 

In addition, in order to take advantage of Direct Investment opportunities as a co-investor, the Fund generally will be required to hold a non-controlling interest, for example, by becoming a limited partner in a partnership that is controlled by the general partner or manager of the private equity fund offering the Direct Investment, on a co-investor basis, to the Fund. In this event, the Fund would have less control over the investment and may be adversely affected by actions taken by such general partner or manager with respect to the portfolio company and the Fund’s investment in it. The Fund may not have the opportunity to participate in structuring investments or to determine the terms under which such investments will be made.

 

In addition, the Fund may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of its third-party co-venturers. Direct Investments made with third parties in joint ventures or other entities also may involve carried interests and/or other fees payable to such third party partners or co-venturers. There can be no assurance that appropriate minority shareholder rights will be available to the Fund or that such rights will provide sufficient protection to the Fund’s interests.

 

Fixed-Income Securities Risks

 

Fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are generally subject to the following risks:

 

Interest Rate Risk. The market value of bonds and other fixed-income securities changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates as currently interest rates are low based on historical levels. There is a risk that interest rates will rise, which will likely drive down prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities. The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of bonds and other fixed-income securities is generally greater for those securities with longer maturities. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s investments will not affect interest income derived from instruments already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by the Adviser. Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate debt securities typically reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate debt securities.

 

The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate debt instruments, which generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer duration fixed rate instruments, but may decline in value in response to rising interest rates if, for example, the rates at which they pay interest do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate instruments generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. To the extent the Fund holds variable or floating rate instruments, a decrease in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities, which may adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund’s Shares.

 

Issuer and Spread Risk. The value of fixed-income securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage, reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services, historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of the assets of the issuer. In addition, wider credit spreads and decreasing market values typically represent a deterioration of a debt security’s credit soundness and a perceived greater likelihood of risk or default by the issuer.

 

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more fixed-income securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial status. Credit risk is increased when a portfolio security is downgraded or the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer deteriorates. To the extent the Fund invests in below investment grade securities, it will be exposed to a greater amount of credit risk than a fund that only invests in investment grade securities. In addition, to the extent the Fund uses credit derivatives, such use will expose it to additional risk in the event that the bonds underlying the derivatives default. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer’s financial condition and on the terms of the securities.

 

40

 

 

Prepayment or "Call" Risk. During periods of declining interest rates, borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled. For fixed rate securities, such payments often occur during periods of declining interest rates, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities, resulting in a possible decline in the Fund’s income and distributions to shareholders. This is known as prepayment or “call” risk. Below investment grade securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the security at dates prior to its stated maturity at a specified price (typically greater than par) only if certain prescribed conditions are met (i.e., “call protection”). For premium bonds (bonds acquired at prices that exceed their par or principal value) purchased by the Fund, prepayment risk may be increased.

 

Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed-income securities at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate.

 

Duration and Maturity Risk. The Fund has no set policy regarding the duration or maturity of the fixed-income securities it may hold. In general, the longer the duration of any fixed-income securities in the Fund’s portfolio, the more exposure the Fund will have to the interest rate risks described above. The Adviser may seek to adjust the portfolio’s duration or maturity based on its assessment of current and projected market conditions and any other factors that the Adviser deems relevant. There can be no assurance that the Adviser’s assessment of current and projected market conditions will be correct or that any strategy to adjust the portfolio’s duration or maturity will be successful at any given time.

 

Other Investment Risks

 

Non-U.S. Investments Risk

 

The Fund, either directly through Direct Investments or indirectly through Portfolio Funds, may invest in companies that are organized or headquartered or have substantial sales or operations outside of the United States, its territories, and possessions. Such investments may be subject to certain additional risk due to, among other things, potentially unsettled points of applicable governing law, the risks associated with fluctuating currency exchange rates, capital repatriation regulations (as such regulations may be given effect during the term of the Fund or client portfolio), the application of complex U.S. and non-U.S. tax rules to cross-border investments, possible imposition of non-U.S. taxes on investors with respect to the income, and possible non-U.S. tax return filing requirements. The foregoing factors may increase transaction costs and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio investments.

 

Additional risks of non-U.S. investments include but are not limited to: (a) economic dislocations in the host country; (b) less publicly available information; (c) less well-developed regulatory institutions; and (d) greater difficulty of enforcing legal rights in a non-U.S. jurisdiction. Moreover, non-U.S. portfolio investments and companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those that apply to U.S. portfolio investments and companies. In addition, laws and regulations of foreign countries may impose restrictions that would not exist in the United States and may require financing and structuring alternatives that differ significantly from those customarily used in the United States. No assurance can be given that a change in political or economic climate, or particular legal or regulatory risks, including changes in regulations regarding foreign ownership of assets or repatriation of funds or changes in taxation might not adversely affect an investment by the Fund.

 

Emerging Markets Investments Risk

 

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities of issuers in so-called "emerging markets" (or lesser developed countries, including countries that may be considered "frontier" markets). Such investments are particularly speculative and entail all of the risks of investing in Non-U.S. Securities but to a heightened degree. "Emerging market" countries generally include every nation in the world except developed countries, that is, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional risks that do not generally apply to investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of comparable issuers in more developed capital markets; (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments; (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. Governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments; (iv) national policies that may limit the Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; and (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property.

 

41

 

 

Foreign investment in certain emerging market countries may be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude foreign investment in certain emerging market issuers and increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging market countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons in a particular issuer, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer, limit the investment by foreign persons only to a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of the countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors.

 

Emerging markets are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets. Since these markets are often small, they may be more likely to suffer sharp and frequent price changes or long-term price depression because of adverse publicity, investor perceptions or the actions of a few large investors. In addition, traditional measures of investment value used in the United States, such as price to earnings ratios, may not apply to certain small markets. Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely.

 

Many emerging markets have histories of political instability and abrupt changes in policies and these countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. As a result, their governments are more likely to take actions that are hostile or detrimental to private enterprise or foreign investment than those of more developed countries, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected market. Some countries have pervasiveness of corruption and crime that may hinder investments. Certain emerging markets may also face other significant internal or external risks, including the risk of war, and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair investment and economic growth. National policies that may limit the Fund’s investment opportunities include restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurances that any or all of these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for the Fund.

 

Emerging markets may also have differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. Governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments. Sometimes, they may lack or be in the relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.

 

Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because the Fund will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being completely lost.

 

42

 

 

The Fund would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation. In addition, communications between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

Because the Fund may have exposure to securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities held by the Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. Currencies of certain countries may be volatile and therefore may affect the value of securities denominated in such currencies, which means that the Fund’s net asset value could decline as a result of changes in the exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. The Adviser may, but is not required to, elect for the Fund to seek to protect itself from changes in currency exchange rates through hedging transactions depending on market conditions. In addition, certain countries, particularly emerging market countries, may impose foreign currency exchange controls or other restrictions on the transferability, repatriation or convertibility of currency.

 

Yield and Ratings Risk

 

The yields on debt obligations are dependent on a variety of factors, including general market conditions, conditions in the particular market for the obligation, the financial condition of the issuer, the size of the offering, the maturity of the obligation and the ratings of the issue. The ratings of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, which are described in Appendix A to the SAI, represent their respective opinions as to the quality of the obligations they undertake to rate. Ratings, however, are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, obligations with the same rating, maturity and interest rate may have different market prices. Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, a rated security may cease to be rated. The Adviser will consider such an event in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

U.S. Debt Securities Risk

 

U.S. debt securities generally involve lower levels of credit risk than other types of fixed income securities of similar maturities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S. debt securities are generally lower than the yields available from such other securities. Like other fixed income securities, the values of U.S. debt securities change as interest rates fluctuate. On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on U.S. debt securities to AA+ from AAA. The downgrade by S&P and any future downgrades by other rating agencies could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase borrowing costs generally. These events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on securities issuers and the Fund. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Corporate Bonds Risk

 

The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates. The market value of intermediate and longer term corporate bonds is generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than is the market value of shorter term corporate bonds. The market value of a corporate bond also may be affected by factors directly related to the issuer, such as investors’ perceptions of the creditworthiness of the issuer, the issuer’s financial performance, perceptions of the issuer in the market place, performance of management of the issuer, the issuer’s capital structure and use of financial leverage and demand for the issuer’s goods and services. Certain risks associated with investments in corporate bonds are described elsewhere in this Prospectus in further detail, including under “—Fixed-Income Securities Risks—Credit Risk,” “—Fixed-Income Securities Risks—Interest Rate Risk,” and “—Fixed-Income Securities Risks—Prepayment Risk.” There is a risk that the issuers of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument. Corporate bonds of below investment grade quality are often high risk and have speculative characteristics and may be particularly susceptible to adverse issuer-specific developments. Corporate bonds of below investment grade quality are subject to the risks described herein under “—Below Investment Grade Securities Risk.”

 

43

 

 

 

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk

 

The Fund may invest in securities that are rated, at the time of investment, below investment grade quality (rated Ba/BB or below, or judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser), which are commonly referred to as “high yield” or “junk” bonds and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. The value of high yield, lower quality bonds is affected by the creditworthiness of the issuers of the securities and by general economic and specific industry conditions. Issuers of high yield bonds are not perceived to be as strong financially as those with higher credit ratings. These issuers are more vulnerable to financial setbacks and recession than more creditworthy issuers, which may impair their ability to make interest and principal payments. Lower grade securities may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities. In addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon and increase the incidence of default for such securities.

 

Lower grade securities, though often high yielding, are characterized by high risk. They may be subject to certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated securities. The secondary market for lower grade securities may be less liquid than that for higher rated securities. Adverse conditions could make it difficult at times for the Fund to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating the Fund’s net asset value. Because of the substantial risks associated with investments in lower grade securities, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund, both in the short-term and the long-term.

 

The prices of fixed-income securities generally are inversely related to interest rate changes; however, below investment grade securities historically have been somewhat less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher quality securities of comparable maturity because credit quality is also a significant factor in the valuation of lower grade securities. On the other hand, an increased rate environment results in increased borrowing costs generally, which may impair the credit quality of low-grade issuers and thus have a more significant effect on the value of some lower grade securities. In addition, the current low rate environment has expanded the historic universe of buyers of lower grade securities as traditional investment grade oriented investors have been forced to accept more risk in order to maintain income. As rates rise, these recent entrants to the low-grade securities market may exit the market and reduce demand for lower grade securities, potentially resulting in greater price volatility.

 

The ratings of Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and other rating agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of the obligations which they undertake to rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and, although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of such obligations. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion for selection of portfolio investments, the Adviser also will independently evaluate these securities and the ability of the issuers of such securities to pay interest and principal. To the extent that the Fund invests in lower grade securities that have not been rated by a rating agency, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective will be more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case when the Fund invests in rated securities.

 

The Fund may invest in securities rated in the lower rating categories (rated as low as D, or unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser). For these securities, the risks associated with below investment grade instruments are more pronounced.

 

Senior Loan Risk

 

The Fund may invest in senior floating rate and fixed rate loans or debt (“Senior Loans”). Senior Loans typically hold the most senior position in the capital structure of the issuing entity, are typically secured with specific collateral and typically have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the borrower that is senior to that held by subordinated debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans are typically below investment grade and are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuer. The risks associated with Senior Loans are similar to the risks of below investment grade fixed income securities, although Senior Loans are typically senior and secured in contrast to other below investment grade fixed income securities, which are often subordinated and unsecured. Senior Loans’ higher standing has historically resulted in generally higher recoveries in the event of a corporate reorganization. In addition, because their interest payments are typically adjusted for changes in short-term interest rates, investments in Senior Loans generally have less interest rate risk than other below investment grade fixed income securities, which may have fixed interest rates.

 

44

 

 

There is less readily available, reliable information about most Senior Loans than is the case for many other types of securities. In addition, there is no minimum rating or other independent evaluation of a borrower or its securities limiting the Fund’s investments, and the Adviser relies primarily on its own evaluation of a borrower’s credit quality rather than on any available independent sources. As a result, the Fund is particularly dependent on the analytical ability of the Adviser.

 

The Fund may invest in Senior Loans rated below investment grade, which are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. Such companies are more likely to default on their payments of interest and principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults could reduce the Fund’s net asset value and income distributions. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate and a Senior Loan may lose significant value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a Senior Loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the Senior Loan’s value.

 

No active trading market may exist for certain Senior Loans, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to sell a Senior Loan and may make it difficult to value Senior Loans. Adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of some actively traded Senior Loans, meaning that the Fund may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain Senior Loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. Illiquid investments are also difficult to value.

 

Although the Senior Loans in which the Fund may invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurances that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a Senior Loan. If the terms of a Senior Loan do not require the borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the already pledged collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the borrower’s obligations under the Senior Loans. To the extent that a Senior Loan is collateralized by stock in the borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of the bankruptcy of the borrower. Uncollateralized Senior Loans involve a greater risk of loss. Some Senior Loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the Senior Loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to lenders, including the Fund. Such court action could under certain circumstances include invalidation of Senior Loans.

 

Senior Loans are subject to legislative risk. If legislation or state or federal regulations impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans, the availability of Senior Loans for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such requirements or restrictions could reduce or eliminate sources of financing for certain borrowers. This would increase the risk of default. If legislation or federal or state regulations require financial institutions to increase their capital requirements this may cause financial institutions to dispose of Senior Loans that are considered highly levered transactions. Such sales could result in prices that, in the opinion of the Adviser, do not represent fair value. If the Fund attempts to sell a Senior Loan at a time when a financial institution is engaging in such a sale, the price the Fund could receive for the Senior Loan may be adversely affected.

 

The Fund may acquire Senior Loan assignments or participations. 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, the purchaser’s rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and, in any event, the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. A participation typically results in a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the borrower. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the borrower and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.

 

45

 

 

The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans may be subject to lender liability risk. Lender liability refers to a variety of legal theories generally founded on the premise that a lender has violated a duty of good faith, commercial reasonableness and fair dealing or a similar duty owed to the borrower, or has assumed an excessive degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. Because of the nature of its investments, the Fund may be subject to allegations of lender liability. In addition, under common law principles that in some cases form the basis for lender liability claims, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lender or bondholder to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors.

 

LIBOR and Other Reference Rates Risk

 

The London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks, issued extensively in the United States and globally as a reference rate in various financing and commercial transactions. Certain of the Fund’s investments, payment obligations, and financing terms may be based on floating rates, including LIBOR. In 2017, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced the FCA’s intention to cease compelling banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR after 2021. In March 2021, the FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), announced that most LIBOR settings will no longer be published after the end of 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will no longer be published after June 30, 2023.

 

Also in 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a group of large U.S. banks working with the Federal Reserve, announced its selection of a new Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”), which is a broad measure of the cost of overnight borrowings secured by U.S. Treasury securities, as an appropriate replacement for LIBOR. Bank working groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate in England.

 

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing SOFR in April 2018, with the expectation that it could be used on a voluntary basis in new instruments and for new transactions under existing instruments. However, SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR. It is a secured, nearly risk-free rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate that includes an element of bank credit risk. Also, SOFR is strictly an overnight rate, while LIBOR historically has been published for various maturities, ranging from overnight to one year. Thus, LIBOR may be expected to be higher than SOFR, and the spread between the two is likely to widen in times of market stress.

 

It is possible that the FCA may compel the IBA to publish a subset of LIBOR settings after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR, such as SOFR, in most major currencies. The transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR. In addition, the usefulness of LIBOR may deteriorate in the period leading up to its discontinuation, which could adversely affect the liquidity or market value of LIBOR-related instruments before its actual discontinuation.

 

Other Registered Investment Companies Risk

 

The Fund may invest in the securities of other registered investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and permissible under the Investment Company Act. Under Section 12(d)(1) of the Investment Company Act, unless an exemption is available, the Fund may not acquire the securities of other registered investment companies if, as a result: (i) more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of other registered investment companies; (ii) such purchase would result in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of any one registered investment company being held by the Fund; or (iii) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in any one registered investment company. Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act provides an exemption, subject to certain conditions, to permit acquiring funds to invest in the securities of other registered investment companies in excess of the limits of Section 12(d)(1). Rule 12d1-4 also modifies certain existing exemptive rules and will rescind exemptive orders previously granted by the SEC. As a result, certain registered funds and private funds may be more limited in their ability to invest in the Fund under Rule 12d1-4 than they otherwise would be. The Fund, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses will be in addition to the direct expenses incurred by the Fund.

 

46

 

 

ETF Risk

 

The risks of investment in an ETF typically reflect the risks of the types of instruments in which the ETF invests. If the Fund invests in ETFs, Shareholders will bear indirectly their proportionate share of the ETF’s fees and expenses, as well as their share of the Fund’s fees and expenses. As a result, an investment by the Fund in an ETF could cause the Fund’s total operating expenses (taking into account indirect expenses such as the fees and expenses of the ETF) to be higher and, in turn, performance to be lower than if it were to invest directly in the instruments underlying the ETF. The trading in an ETF may be halted if the trading in one or more of the ETF’s underlying securities is halted. In addition, ETFs are susceptible to market trading risks (i.e., the ETF faces market trading risks, including losses from trading in secondary markets and disruption in the creation/redemption process of the ETF).

 

Other Risks

 

Recent Markets Fluctuations and Changes

 

General fluctuations in the market prices of securities may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Instability in the securities markets also may increase the risks inherent in the Fund’s investments. Stresses associated with the 2008 financial crisis in the United States and global economies peaked approximately a decade ago, but periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or a geography, continue to recur. Some countries, including the United States, have adopted and/or are considering the adoption of more protectionist trade policies, a move away from the tighter financial industry regulations that followed the financial crisis, and/or substantially reducing corporate taxes. The exact shape of these policies is still being considered, but the equity and debt markets may react strongly to expectations of change, which could increase volatility, especially if the market’s expectations are not borne out. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health, may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic, political and/or financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by such events.

 

Outbreaks of Infectious or Contagious Diseases and Public Health Emergencies

 

Pandemics and other widespread public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such as SARS, H1N1/09 flu, avian flu, Ebola and the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, have and are resulting in market volatility and disruption, and future such emergencies have the potential to materially and adversely impact economic production and activity in ways that are impossible to predict, all of which may result in significant losses to the Fund or the Portfolio Funds and the portfolio companies in which the Fund invests directly or indirectly through Portfolio Funds.

 

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in 2020 caused a worldwide public health emergency, straining healthcare resources and resulting in extensive and growing numbers of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. In an effort to contain COVID-19, national, regional and local governments, as well as private businesses and other organizations, have taken severely restrictive measures, including instituting local and regional quarantines, restricting travel (including closing certain international borders), prohibiting public activity (including “stay-at-home” and similar orders), and ordering the closure of large numbers of offices, businesses, schools, and other public venues. As a result, COVID-19 has significantly diminished global economic production and activity of all kinds and has contributed to both volatility and, in some cases, a severe decline in financial markets. Among other things, these unprecedented developments have resulted in material reductions in demand across many categories of consumers and businesses, dislocation in the credit and capital markets, labor force and operational disruptions, slowing of certain supply chains and manufacturing activity, steep increases in unemployment levels in the U.S. and several other countries, and strain and uncertainty for businesses and households, with a particularly acute impact on industries dependent on travel and public accessibility, such as transportation, hospitality, tourism, retail, sports and entertainment.

 

47

 

 

The ultimate impact of COVID-19 – and the resulting precipitous decline in economic and commercial activity across almost all of the world’s largest economies – on global economic conditions, and on the operations, financial condition and performance of any particular industry or business, is impossible to predict. The extent of COVID-19’s impact will depend on many factors, including the ultimate duration and scope of the public health emergency and the restrictive countermeasures being undertaken, as well as the effectiveness of other governmental, legislative, financial and monetary policy interventions designed to mitigate the crisis and address its negative externalities, all of which are evolving rapidly and may have unpredictable results. Even if, and as, the spread of the COVID-19 virus itself is substantially contained and economies are able to fully “re-open,” it will be difficult to assess what the longer-term impacts of an extended period of unprecedented economic dislocation and disruption will be on future macro- and micro-economic developments, the health of certain industries and businesses, and commercial and consumer behavior.

 

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk

 

The occurrence of events similar to those in recent years, such as localized wars, instability, new and ongoing epidemics and pandemics of infectious diseases and other global health events, natural/environmental disasters, terrorist attacks in the U.S. and around the world, social and political discord, debt crises, sovereign debt downgrades, increasingly strained relations between the United States and a number of foreign countries, new and continued political unrest in various countries, the exit or potential exit of one or more countries from the European Union (“EU”), continued changes in the balance of political power among and within the branches of the U.S. government, government shutdowns and other factors, may result in market volatility, may have long term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties in the U.S. and worldwide.

 

China and the United States have each imposed tariffs on the other country’s products. These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales in China would be particularly vulnerable to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions and the potential for a trade war could cause the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the Euro. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or other escalating actions may be taken in the future.

 

The decision made in the British referendum of June 23, 2016 to leave the EU, an event widely referred to as “Brexit,” has led to volatility in the financial markets of the United Kingdom and more broadly across Europe and may also lead to weakening in consumer, corporate and financial confidence in such markets. The formal notification to the European Council required under Article 50 of the Treaty on EU was made on March 29, 2017, following which the terms of exit were negotiated. Pursuant to an agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU, the United Kingdom left the EU on January 31, 2020. Following a transition period, the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the European Union passed into law in December 2020 and went into effect on January 1, 2021. Brexit is widely expected to have consequences that are both profound and uncertain for the economic and political future of the United Kingdom and the EU, and those consequences include significant legal and business uncertainties. Due to the very recent occurrence of these events, the full scope and nature of the consequences are not at this time known and are unlikely to be known for a significant period of time. In particular, currency volatility may mean that the returns of the Fund and its investments are adversely affected by market movements and may make it more difficult, or more expensive, if the Fund elects to execute currency hedges. Potential decline in the value of the British Pound and/or the Euro against other currencies, along with the potential downgrading of the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of portfolio companies or investments located in the United Kingdom or Europe.

 

48

 

 

Investments by the Fund, as well as by the Portfolio Funds in which the Fund invests, are materially affected by conditions in the global financial markets and economic and political conditions throughout the world, such as interest rates, the availability and cost of credit, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in laws, trade policies, commodity prices, tariffs, currency exchange rates and controls and national and international political circumstances (including wars and other forms of conflict, terrorist acts, and security operations) and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and pandemics could materially affect the Fund's investments to the extent it materially affects global economies or global financial markets. The occurrence of any of these above events could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s portfolio. These factors are outside of the Fund's control and may affect the level and volatility of securities prices and the liquidity and value of the Fund's portfolio investments, and the Fund may not be able to successfully manage its exposure to these conditions, which may result in substantial losses to Shareholders.

 

Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The extent and duration of this military action, resulting sanctions and future local, regional or global market disruptions, are impossible to predict, but could be significant. Any such disruptions caused by Russian military action or other actions (including cyberattacks and espionage) or resulting actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing and financing restrictions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on Russian entities or individuals, including politicians, could have a severe adverse effect on the region, including significant negative economic impacts. How long such military action and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

Cyber Security Risk

 

Recent events have illustrated the ongoing cybersecurity risks to which companies are subject. To the extent that a Portfolio Fund or a portfolio company investment is subject to cyber-attack or other unauthorized access is gained to such Portfolio Fund or portfolio company’s systems, such Portfolio Fund or portfolio company may be subject to substantial losses in the form of stolen, lost or corrupted (i) customer data or payment information, (ii) financial information, including investor financial information, (iii) software, contact lists or other databases, (iv) proprietary information or trade secrets or (v) other items. In certain events, a Portfolio Fund or portfolio company’s failure or deemed failure to address and mitigate cybersecurity risks may be the subject of civil litigation or regulatory or other action. Any of such circumstances could subject a Portfolio Fund or portfolio company or the Fund to substantial losses. In addition, in the event that such a cyber-attack or other unauthorized access is directed at the Adviser, the Fund or one of their service providers holding financial or investor data, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund may also be at risk of loss, despite efforts to prevent and mitigate such risks.

 

While the Fund relies on established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund and issuers in which the Fund invests. As a result, the Fund or its Shareholders could be negatively impacted.

 

Tax Considerations for the Fund

 

The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund must satisfy, among other requirements, certain ongoing asset diversification, source-of-income and annual distribution requirements. If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC it will become subject to corporate-level income tax, and the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce the Fund’s net assets, the amount of income available for distributions to Shareholders, the amount of distributions and the amount of funds available for new investments. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on the Fund and the Shareholders. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Each of the aforementioned ongoing requirements for qualification of the Fund as a RIC requires that the Adviser obtain information from or about the underlying investments in which the Fund is invested. Portfolio Funds and Portfolio Fund Managers may not provide information sufficient to ensure that the Fund qualifies as a RIC under the Code. If the Fund does not receive sufficient information from Portfolio Funds or Portfolio Fund Managers, the Fund risks failing to satisfy the Subchapter M qualification tests and/or incurring an excise tax on undistributed income.

 

49

 

 

If, before the end of any quarter of its taxable year, the Fund believes that it may fail the Diversification Tests (as defined below in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company”), the Fund may seek to take certain actions to avert such a failure. However, the action frequently taken by RICs to avert such a failure, the disposition of non-diversified assets, may be difficult to pursue because of the limited liquidity of the Fund’s investments. While relevant tax provisions afford a RIC a 30-day period after the end of the relevant quarter in which to cure a diversification failure by disposing of non-diversified assets, the constraints on the Fund’s ability to effect a sale of an investment may limit the Fund’s use of this cure period. In certain cases, the Fund may be afforded a longer cure period under applicable savings provisions, but the Fund may be subject to a penalty tax in connection with its use of those savings provisions. If the Fund fails to satisfy the Diversification Tests or other RIC requirements, the Fund may fail to qualify as a RIC under the Code. If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC, it would become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes) and distributions to the Shareholders generally would be treated as corporate dividends. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Failure to Qualify as a Regulated Investment Company.” In addition, the Fund is required each December to make certain “excise tax” calculations based on income and gain information that must be obtained from the Portfolio Funds or Portfolio Fund Managers. If the Fund does not receive sufficient information from the Portfolio Funds or Portfolio Fund Managers, it risks failing to satisfy the Subchapter M qualification tests and/or incurring an excise tax on undistributed income (in addition to the corporate income tax). The Fund may, however, attempt to avoid such outcomes by paying a distribution that is or is considered to be in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits for the relevant period (i.e., a return of capital).

 

In addition, the Fund may directly or indirectly invest in Portfolio Funds located outside the United States. Such Portfolio Funds may be subject to withholding taxes and other taxes in such jurisdictions with respect to their investments. In general, a U.S. person will not be able to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction for foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Further, adverse United States tax consequences can be associated with certain foreign investments, including potential United States withholding taxes on foreign investment entities with respect to their United States investments and potential adverse tax consequences associated with investments in any foreign corporations that are characterized for U.S. federal income tax purposes as “controlled foreign corporations” or “passive foreign investment companies.”

 

The Fund may retain some income and capital gains in the future, including for purposes of providing the Fund with additional liquidity, which amounts would be subject to the 4% U.S. federal excise tax to the extent they exceed the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement (as defined below), in addition to the corporate income tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax on the amount by which the Fund does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company.”

 

Tax Laws Subject to Change

 

It is possible that the current U.S. federal, state, local, or foreign income tax treatment accorded an investment in the Fund will be modified by legislative, administrative, or judicial action in the future. The nature of additional changes in U.S. federal or non-U.S. income tax law, if any, cannot be determined prior to enactment of any new tax legislation. However, such legislation could significantly alter the tax consequences and decrease the after tax rate of return of an investment in the Fund. Potential investors therefore should seek, and must rely on, the advice of their own tax advisers with respect to the possible impact on their investments of recent legislation, as well as any future proposed tax legislation or administrative or judicial action.

 

Incentive Fee

 

The Incentive Fee payable by the Fund to the Adviser may create an incentive for the Adviser to make investments on the Fund’s behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement.

 

Any Incentive Fee payable by the Fund that relates to an increase in value of the Fund’s investments may be computed and paid on gain or income that is unrealized, and the Adviser is not obligated to reimburse the Fund for any part of an Incentive Fee it previously received. If a Fund investment with an unrealized gain subsequently decreases in value, it is possible that such unrealized gain previously included in the calculation of an Incentive Fee will never become realized. Thus, the Fund could have paid an Incentive Fee on income or gain the Fund never received. In addition, due to the Fund's Loss Recovery Account reset mechanism, depending on when a Shareholder invests in the Fund, there is a possibility that a Shareholder may indirectly bear Incentive Fee payments by the Fund without having experienced a gain in his or her investment. See "Investment Advisory and Management Agreement—Incentive Fee" and "–Incentive Fee Examples."

 

50

 

 

The Incentive Fee is computed and paid on net profits that may include interest that has been accrued but not yet received in cash, such as market discount, debt instruments with payment in kind (“PIK”) interest, preferred stock with PIK dividends and zero coupon securities, in addition to amounts related to unrealized capital appreciation. If there is a default on an investment by the obligor or such capital appreciation is not ultimately realized, it is possible that amounts previously used in the calculation of the Incentive Fee will become uncollectible, and the Adviser will have no obligation to refund any fees it received in respect of such accrued income. In addition, since in certain cases the Fund may recognize net profits before or without receiving cash representing such net profits and have a corresponding obligation to make an Incentive Fee payment, the Fund may have to sell some of its investments at times it would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investments to meet its payment obligations.

 

Indemnification Obligations and Limited Liability of Trustees and Adviser

 

None of the Trustees, the Adviser or any of their respective affiliates, principals, members, shareholders, partners, officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (each an “Indemnified Person”) shall have any liability, responsibility or accountability in damages or otherwise to any Shareholder or the Fund for, and the Fund agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify, pay, protect and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all reasonable costs and expenses of attorneys, defense, appeal and settlement of any and all suits, actions or proceedings instituted or threatened against the Indemnified Persons or the Fund) and all costs of investigation in connection therewith which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Indemnified Persons or the Fund in any way relating to or arising out of, or alleged to relate to or arise out of, any action or inaction on the part of the Fund, on the part of the Indemnified Persons when acting on behalf of the Fund or otherwise in connection with the business or affairs of the Fund, or on the part of any agents when acting on behalf of the Fund (collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”); provided that the Fund shall not be liable to any Indemnified Person for any portion of any Indemnified Liabilities which results from such Indemnified Person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of his, her or its duties or by reason of his, her or its reckless disregard of his, her or its obligations and duties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no waiver or release of personal liability of any Indemnified Person will be effective to waive any liabilities of such Indemnified Persons under the U.S. federal securities laws to the extent any such waiver or release is void under Section 14 of the Securities Act.

 

Regulatory Scrutiny and Reporting

 

The Fund and the Adviser may be subject to increased scrutiny by government regulators, investigators, auditors and law enforcement officials regarding the identities and sources of funds of investors. In that connection, in the future the Fund may become subject to additional obligations that may affect its investment program, the manner in which it operates and, reporting requirements regarding its investments and investors. Each Shareholder will be required to provide to the Fund such information as may be required to enable the Fund to comply with all applicable legal or regulatory requirements, and each Shareholder will be required to acknowledge and agree that the Fund may disclose such information to governmental and/or regulatory or self-regulatory authorities to the extent required by applicable law or regulation and may file such reports with such authorities as may be required by applicable law or regulation.

 

Best-Efforts Offering Risk

 

This offering is being made on a reasonable best efforts basis, whereby the Distributor is only required to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Shares and neither it nor any selling agent has a firm commitment or obligation to purchase any of the Shares. To the extent that less than the maximum number of Shares is subscribed for, the opportunity for the allocation of the Fund’s investments among various issuers and industries may be decreased, and the returns achieved on those investments may be reduced as a result of allocating all of the Fund’s expenses over a smaller capital base. As a result, the Fund may be unable to achieve its investment objective and a Shareholder could lose some or all of the value of his, her or its investment in the Shares. The Distributor is an affiliate of the Fund and the Adviser. As a result, the Distributor’s due diligence review and investigation of the Fund and this Prospectus cannot be considered to be an independent review.

 

51

 

 

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

The Adviser is accountable to the Fund as a fiduciary, and, consequently, must operate the Fund prudently, in good faith and in the interest of and for the benefit of the Shareholders. As discussed below, prospective investors should be aware of potential conflicts of interest before investing. By purchasing Shares, each Shareholder will be deemed to have acknowledged the existence of such actual and potential conflicts of interest and to have waived any claim with respect to the existence of such actual and potential conflicts of interest.

 

Management of Similar Accounts. Certain of the Fund’s executive officers and Trustees, and the employees of the Adviser or its affiliates, serve or may serve as officers, trustees or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as the Fund or of other Ares-advised funds (“Other Managed Funds”). As a result, they have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfilment of which might not be in the best interests of the Fund or its Shareholders. Moreover, notwithstanding the difference in principal investment objectives between the Fund and the Other Managed Funds, such other funds, including potential new pooled investment vehicles or managed accounts not yet established (whether managed or sponsored by affiliates or the Adviser), have, and may from time to time have, overlapping investment objectives with the Fund and, accordingly, invest in, whether principally or secondarily, asset classes similar to those targeted by the Fund. To the extent the Other Managed Funds have overlapping investment objectives, the scope of opportunities otherwise available to the Fund may be adversely affected and/or reduced. Additionally, certain employees of the Adviser and their management face conflicts in their time management and commitments as well as in the allocation of investment opportunities to other Ares funds.

 

Transactions with Other Managed Accounts, the Adviser and its Affiliates. The Investment Company Act imposes significant limits on co-investment with affiliates of the Fund. The Adviser has obtained an exemptive order (which the Fund may also rely on) from the SEC expanding the Fund’s ability to co-invest alongside Other Managed Funds in privately negotiated transactions. Subject to the conditions specified in the exemptive order, the Fund is permitted to co-invest with those affiliates in certain additional investment opportunities, including investments originated and directly negotiated by the Adviser. These co-investment transactions may give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest among the Fund and the participating Other Managed Funds. The exemptive order also contains certain conditions that may limit or restrict the Fund’s ability to participate in an investment or participate in an investment to a lesser extent. An inability to receive the desired allocation to potential investments may affect Fund’s ability to achieve the desired investment returns.

 

In the event investment opportunities are allocated among the Fund and Other Managed Funds, the Fund may not be able to structure its investment portfolio in the manner desired. Although the Adviser endeavours to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Fund is not generally permitted to co-invest in any issuer in which a fund managed by Ares or any of its downstream affiliates (other than the Fund and its downstream affiliates) currently has an investment. However, the Fund may co-invest with funds managed by Ares or any of its downstream affiliates, subject to compliance with existing regulatory guidance, applicable regulations and its allocation procedures.

 

The Fund may invest in Portfolio Funds in which the Adviser and/or its affiliates (including, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Other Managed Funds) has an investment, and the Adviser and/or its affiliates may invest in Portfolio Funds in which the Fund has made an investment. From time to time, the Fund and Other Managed Funds may make investments at different levels of an issuer’s capital structure or otherwise in different classes of an issuer’s securities. Such investments inherently give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest between or among the various classes of securities that may be held by such entities. The Adviser has adopted procedures governing the co-investment in securities acquired in private placements with certain clients of the Adviser.

 

52

 

 

Adviser Affiliates May Engage in Adverse Activities. The Fund may invest in Portfolio Funds or Direct Investments that have relationships with affiliates of the Adviser or other funds or clients of the Adviser. Such affiliates may take actions that are detrimental to the interests of the Fund in such Portfolio Funds or portfolio companies.

 

The Adviser, its affiliates and their clients may pursue or enforce rights with respect to an issuer in which the Fund has invested, and those activities may have an adverse effect on the Fund. As a result, prices, availability, liquidity and terms of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted by the activities of the Adviser and its affiliates or their clients, and transactions for the Fund may be impaired or effected at prices or terms that may be less favorable than would otherwise have been the case.

 

The Adviser may enter into transactions and invest in securities, instruments and currencies on behalf of the Fund in which customers of its affiliates, to the extent permitted by applicable law, serve as the counterparty, principal or issuer. In such cases, such party’s interests in the transaction would generally be adverse to the interests of the Fund, and such party would have no incentive to assure that the Fund obtains the best possible prices or terms in connection with the transaction. In addition, the purchase, holding and sale of such investments by the Fund may enhance the profitability of the Adviser or its affiliates. The Fund may, subject to applicable law, purchase investments that are the subject of an underwriting or other distribution by one or more Adviser affiliates and may also enter into transactions with other clients of an affiliate where such other clients have interests adverse to those of the Fund.

 

By reason of the various activities of the Adviser and its affiliates, the Adviser and such affiliates may acquire confidential or material non-public information or otherwise be restricted from purchasing certain potential Fund investments that otherwise might have been purchased or be restricted from selling certain Fund investments that might otherwise have been sold at the time.

 

Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee Arrangements. The Adviser is paid a fee based on a percentage of the Fund’s net assets. The participation of the Adviser’s investment professionals in the valuation process therefore results in a conflict of interest. The Adviser also has a conflict of interest in deciding whether to cause the Fund to invest in more speculative investments or financial instruments, which increase the assets or profits of the Fund and, accordingly, the Advisory Fee or Incentive Fee payable by the Fund to the Adviser. Certain Other Managed Funds pay the Adviser or its affiliates performance-based compensation, which could create an incentive for the Adviser or its affiliate to favor such investment fund or account over the Fund.

 

Conflicts Associated with Fee Arrangements with Portfolio Funds. In certain cases, the Adviser or its affiliates may enter into arrangements with a Portfolio Fund Manager under which the Portfolio Fund Manager agrees to rebate a portion of its management fee or make other fee payments in connection with an investment in the Portfolio Fund by an investment vehicle managed or sponsored by the Adviser or its affiliates. To the extent any such rebates or payments relate to the Fund’s investment in a Portfolio Fund, the Fund will receive the economic benefit of such rebate or payment. However, to the extent the Adviser, in its sole discretion, determines that such an arrangement is not permissible or appropriate for the Fund, other vehicles managed by the Adviser or its affiliates may nonetheless participate in the rebate or repayment. Affiliates of the Adviser may receive and retain these payments with respect to other investment vehicles in consideration of, or to defray the cost of, services provided by such affiliates. The receipt of such payments by affiliates of the Adviser could incentivize the Adviser to participate in Portfolio Funds whose managers agree to make such payments or could enhance the likelihood that Portfolio Fund Managers will agree to make such payments.

 

Portfolio Fund Valuation May be Affected by Compensation Arrangements. If a Portfolio Fund calculates its compensation on the value of the Portfolio Fund’s assets, the Portfolio Fund’s manager may exercise discretion in assigning values to the Portfolio Fund’s investments. These factors can create a conflict of interest because the value assigned to an investment may affect the advisory fee at the Portfolio Fund level. If there is a difference in the advisory fee required to be paid, the Portfolio Fund’s documents generally do not require the Portfolio Fund’s manager to return past advisory fees, although claw-back provisions in a Portfolio Fund’s documents may permit the recovery of excess carried interest distributions.

 

53

 

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest at the Portfolio Fund Level. Each Portfolio Fund may become involved in activities in which there is a potential conflict between the interests of Portfolio Fund investors, like the Fund, and the Portfolio Fund’s management. Typically Portfolio Funds will have an investor’s committee with some degree of supervision over potential conflicts, although there can be no assurance that such committee, or other conflict of interest provisions of a Portfolio Fund’s governing documents, will be effective.

 

Proxy Voting. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions made on behalf of advisory clients, including the Fund, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with its fiduciary obligations to clients. Nevertheless, notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions may have the effect of favoring the interests of other clients, provided that the Adviser believes such voting decisions to be in accordance with its fiduciary obligations.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Board of Trustees

 

The Role of the Board

 

The Board is responsible for the overall management of the Fund, including supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser. As is the case with virtually all investment companies (as distinguished from operating companies), service providers to the Fund, primarily the Adviser, have responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the Fund. The Board does not have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund, and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Fund’s investments or activities. The Board has appointed various individuals of the Adviser as officers of the Fund with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Fund’s operations. In conducting its oversight, the Board will receive regular reports from these officers and from other senior officers of the Adviser regarding the Fund’s operations.

 

Board Structure and Committees

 

As required by the Investment Company Act, a majority of the Fund’s Trustees are Independent Trustees and are not affiliated with the Adviser. The Board has established two standing committees: an Audit Committee and a Nominating Committee.

 

The Board has formed an Audit Committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees, the functions of which are: (i) to oversee the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as the Audit Committee may deem necessary or appropriate, the internal controls of certain of the Fund’s service providers; (ii) to oversee the quality and objectivity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit of those statements; (iii) to assist the Board in selecting the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, to directly supervise the compensation and performance of such independent registered public accountants and generally to act as a liaison between the independent registered public accountants and the Board; and (iv) to review and, as appropriate, approve in advance non-audit services provided by such independent registered public accountants to the Fund, the Adviser, and, in certain cases, other affiliates of the Fund.

 

The Board has formed a Nominating Committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees, whose function, subject to the oversight of the Board, is to select and nominate persons for elections or appointment by the Board as Trustees of the Fund. The Nominating Committee will act in accordance with the Fund’s nominating committee charter.

 

Board Oversight of Risk Management

 

As part of its oversight function, the Board will receive and review various reports relating to risk management. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many different elements (including, among other things, investment risk, valuation risk, credit risk, compliance and regulatory risk, business continuity risk and operational risk), Board oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the full Board could receive and review reports from senior personnel of the Adviser (including senior compliance, financial reporting and investment personnel) or their affiliates regarding various types of risks, such as operational, compliance and investment risk, and how they are being managed. The Audit Committee may participate in the oversight of risk management in certain areas, including meeting with the Fund’s financial officers and with the Fund’s independent public auditors to discuss, among other things, annual audits of the Fund’s financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon and the auditor’s annual report on internal control.

 

54

 

 

Board of Trustees and Officers

 

Any vacancy on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except to the extent the Investment Company Act requires the election of Trustees by Shareholders. The Fund’s officers are appointed by the Trustees and oversee the management of the day-to-day operations of the Fund under the supervision of the Board. All of the officers of the Fund are directors, officers or employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Certain of the Trustees and officers of the Fund are also directors and officers of other investment companies managed or advised by the Adviser. To the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, including the Investment Company Act, the Declaration of Trust indemnifies the Trustees and officers for all costs, liabilities and expenses that they may experience as a result of their service as such.

 

The name and business address of the Trustees and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under “Management of the Fund” in the SAI.

 

Portfolio Management

 

Adviser

 

Ares Capital Management II LLC, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is registered as investment advisers under the Advisers Act, and is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ares.

 

Primary Portfolio Managers and Investment Committee

 

The personnel of the Adviser who have primary responsibility for management of the Fund are Francisco Borges and Timothy Haviland. The Fund's primary portfolio managers, along with other members of Landmark Partners’ private equity team, serve on the Investment Committee of the Adviser responsible for overseeing the Fund, which will formulate investment guidelines for the Fund and approve all acquisitions, dispositions and financing decisions. The current members of that Investment Committee have an average of 24 years of investing and operating experience, across numerous investment cycles and have worked together for an average of 14 years.

 

Francisco Borges is a Partner and Co-Head of Secondaries at Ares. Prior to the acquisition of Landmark Partners by Ares in 2021, Mr. Borges served as Chairman and Managing Partner of Landmark Partners, where he also was a member of the private equity, infrastructure and real estate investment committees. Prior to joining Landmark in 1999, Mr. Borges was a managing director of GE Capital’s Financial Guaranty Insurance Company and capital markets subsidiaries, before which he was treasurer of the State of Connecticut, deputy mayor of the City of Hartford, and legal counsel for the Travelers Insurance Companies. Mr. Borges serves on a number of boards including The Knight Foundation, Hartford Healthcare Corporation, Millbrook School, Jefferies Financial Corp., Davis Selected Funds, and Assured Guaranty. Mr. Borges is a member of the Connecticut and New Jersey bars. He received a J.D. from the University of Connecticut - School of Law, and a B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.

 

Timothy Haviland is a Partner and Co-Head of Secondaries at Ares. Prior to the acquisition of Landmark Partners by Ares in 2021, Mr. Haviland served as President and Managing Partner of Landmark Partners, where he also was a member of the private equity, infrastructure and real estate investment committees. Mr. Haviland joined Landmark Partners in 1985, and played a key role in Landmark’s first acquisition of a private equity portfolio and the subsequent expansion into additional investment classes. Prior to joining Landmark Partners, Mr. Haviland was a senior accountant with Rusconi, Cahill & Larkin, a regional public accounting firm, where his emphasis was on financial services companies. Mr. Haviland received an M.B.A from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a B.S. from the University of Connecticut.

 

55

 

 

The SAI provides additional information about the Fund's primary portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by them and their ownership of any Shares of the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

The Adviser, subject to supervision by the Board, provides certain investment advisory, management and administrative services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser.

 

Advisory Fee

 

In consideration of the advisory services provided by the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser a quarterly Advisory Fee at an annual rate of 1.40% based on the value of the Fund's Managed Assets calculated and accrued monthly as of the last business day of each month. For purposes of determining the Advisory Fee payable to the Adviser, the value of the Fund's Managed Assets will be calculated prior to the inclusion of the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee payable to the Adviser or to any purchases or repurchases of Shares of the Fund, except as noted below, or any distributions by the Fund. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to any borrowings or other indebtedness or preferred shares that may be issued) minus the Fund’s liabilities other than liabilities relating to borrowings or other indebtedness.

 

The Advisory Fee will be payable in arrears within 5 business days after the completion of the net asset value computation for the quarter. Purchased shares are incorporated into the beginning of month net asset value and included in the computation of the Advisory Fee payable. Share repurchases are included in the computation of the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee payable through the Valuation Date as described in “Repurchase of Shares.” The Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee, if any, is paid to the Adviser out of the Fund’s assets, and therefore decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. This Advisory Fee is separate from the Incentive Fee that the Adviser receives in the event that specified investment returns are achieved by the Fund.

 

Incentive Fee

 

At the end of each calendar quarter of the Fund, the Adviser will be entitled to receive an Incentive Fee equal to 12.5% of the difference, if positive, between (i) the net profits of the Fund for the relevant period and (ii) the balance, if any, of the Loss Recovery Account at the start of the relevant period. For the purposes of the Incentive Fee, the term "net profits" shall mean (i) the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period exceeds the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses) plus (ii) the aggregate distributions accrued during the period.

 

The Fund will maintain a Loss Recovery Account, which will have an initial balance of zero and will be (i) increased upon the close of each calendar quarter of the Fund by the amount of the net losses of the Fund for the quarter, and (ii) decreased (but not below zero) upon the close of each calendar quarter by the amount of the net profits of the Fund for the quarter. Net losses are defined as the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period is less than the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses).

 

For the avoidance of doubt, any change in the net asset value of the Fund directly as a result of subscriptions or repurchases during each measurement period are not included for purposes of the "net profits" or "net losses" calculations. Shareholders of the Fund will benefit from the Loss Recovery Account in proportion to their holdings of Shares, although such benefit may vary depending on when a Shareholder purchases or redeems Shares and the balance in the Loss Recovery Account at such time.

 

The Loss Recovery Account will be reset on a trailing four-quarter measure period, with such measurement period to commence at the conclusion of the first calendar quarter of the Fund's operations (i.e., the first reset will occur at the conclusion of the fifth calendar quarter of the Fund's operations and then will reset each calendar quarter thereafter based on the trailing four-quarter period). The reset Loss Recovery Amount will be determined based on the aggregate amount of the Fund's net losses in excess of the Fund's net profits over each trailing four-quarter period and, in no event shall be below zero.

 

56

 

 

The Adviser does not return to the Fund amounts paid to it on net profits that the Fund has not yet received in cash if such amounts are not ultimately received by the Fund in cash. If the Fund does not ultimately receive amounts in cash, a loss would be recognized, which would increase the amount of the Loss Recovery Account and reduce future Incentive Fee payments.

 

Any Incentive Fee payable by the Fund that relates to an increase in value of the Fund’s investments may be computed and paid on gain or income that is unrealized, and the Adviser is not obligated to reimburse the Fund for any part of an Incentive Fee it previously received. If a Fund investment with an unrealized gain subsequently decreases in value, it is possible that such unrealized gain previously included in the calculation of an Incentive Fee will never become realized. Thus, the Fund could have paid an Incentive Fee on income or gain the Fund never received. In addition, the Loss Recovery Account, given the reset mechanism, could create incentives for the Adviser to engage in portfolio transactions to manage the Fund's gains and losses shortly before the reset occurs.

 

The Fund's Loss Recovery Account's reset mechanism could make it more likely that the Fund, and indirectly its Shareholders, would incur an Incentive Fee payment as compared to another fund that is subject to an incentive fee that has a similar loss recovery account, but with no reset mechanism. In addition, due to the Fund's Loss Recovery Account reset mechanism, depending on when a Shareholder invests in the Fund, there is a possibility that a Shareholder may indirectly bear Incentive Fee payments by the Fund without having experienced a gain in his or her investment.

 

Incentive Fee Examples

 

A high-water mark is a common mechanism used to determine whether a fund's investment adviser is eligible for performance-based fee compensation. For the Fund, this metric is tracked using the Loss Recovery Account. As the Incentive Fee is charged to the Fund, the calculation of the Loss Recovery Account may result in different Shareholder-level fee experiences for the same gross return depending on the date on which a Shareholder purchases and redeems their Shares and the Loss Recovery Account balances at those times.

 

The following are examples for a hypothetical fund of the calculation of an incentive fee with a Loss Recovery Account, with and without a reset mechanism, each with hypothetical investors purchasing shares and redeeming their shares at different times. For simplicity, it is assumed that these investors can redeem their positions in full without restrictions and that both subscriptions and redemptions occur at quarterly intervals. These examples are not a prediction of, and do not represent, the projected or actual performance of the Fund nor the Incentive Fees that the Fund (and, indirectly, Shareholders) may be subject to over time.

 

57

 

 

Example 1: Loss Recovery Account with no reset mechanism

 

In this example, the hypothetical fund follows a high-water mark measured at the fund-level with a Loss Recovery Account but with no reset mechanism. Investor A invests $100 at the inception of the fund and holds for one year before selling its entire position at the end of Quarter 4 for $80. During this time, the fund has declined in value by 20%. In this example, no incentive fees were collected due to the negative fund performance, and at the end of Year 1, the fund has a positive Loss Recovery Account balance.

 

 

 

 

At the end of Year 1 (beginning of Quarter 5), Investor B subscribes to the fund with an $80 investment (i.e., the fund's net asset value at the time Investor A redeemed). In effect, Investor B has purchased the position of Investor A and has inherited a positive Loss Recovery Account. Investor B also holds for a one-year period and redeems its position in full at the end of Year 2. During this time, the fund grows at an annual rate of 20%. Despite this positive performance, Investor B does not pay an incentive fee due to the positive Loss Recovery Account balance that was accumulated at the fund-level during the first year of operation.

 

 

 

58

 

 

At the end of Year 2 (beginning of Quarter 9), Investor C subscribes to the fund with a $96 investment (i.e., the fund's net asset value at the time Investor B redeemed). Similar to the trade between Investor A and B, Investor C has effectively purchased Investor B’s position and inherited the Loss Recovery Account balance at that time. Investor C also holds this position for one year, ultimately redeeming its stake in full at the end of Year 3. During this time, the fund grows at an identical rate of 20% as it did in Year 2. However, starting in Quarter 10, the fund has grown enough to clear its initial high-water mark and is eligible to pay an incentive fee. This means that Investor B and C, despite having identical gross returns and hold periods, indirectly bear different fee amounts due to differing Loss Recovery Account balances inherited at the time of their respective investments.

 

 

 

Example 2: Loss Recovery Account with a Reset Mechanism

 

In this example, the hypothetical fund follows a high-water mark measured at the fund-level with a Loss Recovery Account with a reset mechanism consistent with the Fund's Incentive Fee structure. This means the Loss Recovery Account is reset on a rolling four-quarter basis to equal the aggregate net losses in excess of net profits over the trailing four-quarter period (but not below zero) and excludes any net losses or profits that are older.

 

Investors A, B, and C follow the same purchase and redemption timing as in Example 1. The fund also follows the same pattern of growth as in Example 1. Example 2 illustrates the impact of the reset mechanism has on the net performance and fee experiences of Investors B and C, whose respective investments overlap with the reset cycles. The tables below compare the fund-level economics of these examples with and without the Loss Recovery Account reset. The highlighted area indicates the quarters when the Loss Recovery Account balance is based on the rolling reset (beginning in Quarter 6).

 

59

 

 

 

The experience of Investor A is unchanged by the introduction of the reset because it invests and redeems its full position before the first reset period. When Investor B assumes the ownership of the fund with an $80 investment at the beginning of Year 2, it inherits the same Loss Recovery Account balance as it did in Example 1. This time, however, the account balance is reset to the trailing four-quarter balance of aggregate net losses over net profits, which makes the fund eligible for incentive payments in Quarter 7 and partially negates the advantageous position Investor B had relative to Investor C in Example 1 for the same fund-level returns. Investor B still benefits from the negative fund performance in the year prior to its investment, but the reset aligns the incentive fees to be closer to the investor-level performance during its holding period.

 

Finally, when Investor C assumes ownership with a $96 investment at the beginning of Year 3, the fund has delivered a full year of positive growth and the reset mechanism has brought the Loss Recovery Account balance to zero. Thus, Investor C has a fee experience that exactly aligns with the performance of the fund during its full holding period.

 

 

 

Example 3: Loss Recovery Account with a Reset Mechanism: Incentive Fee with Investor Net Loss

 

This hypothetical scenario involves an investor in a fund with the same incentive fee structure and Loss Recovery Account reset mechanism as described in Example 2. However, in this example, due to the fund’s pattern of growth and the timing of the reset mechanism, Investor D indirectly bears its portion of the fund-level incentive fee despite being in a loss position. To illustrate how this is possible, Investor D makes a $100 investment at the beginning of Year 1. Over the first four quarters, the fund loses 20% of its value. In Quarter 5, fund growth is flat. During this period, the fund records a positive and increasing Loss Recovery Account balance that reflects the aggregate net losses in excess of net profits. The first reset occurs at the beginning of Quarter 6, which means the Loss Recovery Account balance is restated to be the aggregate net losses in excess of net profits over the trailing four-quarter period and excludes any net losses that are older. In this scenario, the Loss Recovery Account balance excludes the fund’s earliest losses.

 

For the next four quarters, the fund grows at a 20% annual rate. By Quarter 8, the fund has paid down the Loss Recovery Account balance in full and is eligible to pay an incentive fee. However, to this point, Investor D has not fully recouped the losses incurred during the first year. After three more quarters of flat growth, Investor D redeems its full position for $96, reflecting a net loss despite having a paid an incentive fee in both Quarters 8 and 9. The tables below describe the experience of Investor D. The highlighted areas indicate the quarters when the Loss Recovery Account balance is based on the reset mechanism.

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

 

Reimbursement Arrangements

 

The services of all investment professionals and staff of the Adviser, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by the Adviser. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses of its operations and transactions as set forth in the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.

 

In addition to the fees and expenses to be paid by the Fund under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, the Adviser and its affiliates will be entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the Adviser's and its affiliates' cost of providing the Fund with certain non-advisory services. If persons associated with the Adviser or any of its affiliates, including persons who are officers of the Fund, provide accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative and similar oversight services to the Fund at the request of the Fund, the Fund will reimburse the Adviser and its affiliates for their costs in providing such accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative and similar oversight services to the Fund (which costs may include an allocation of overhead including rent and the allocable portion of the salaries and benefits of the relevant persons and their respective staffs, including travel expenses), using a methodology for determining costs approved by the Board. If the Adviser or its affiliates seek reimbursements of such costs, such action may cause the Fund's expenses to be higher than the expenses shown herein, perhaps by a material amount. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive or not seek reimbursement for accounting, legal, clerical or administrative services to the Fund.

 

The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement was initially approved by the Board (including a majority of the Independent Trustees) at a meeting held on February 24, 2022. The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days’ prior written notice: by a majority vote of the entire Board; by vote of a majority (as defined by the Investment Company Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; or by the Adviser. After the initial term of two years, the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement may continue in effect from year to year if such continuance is approved annually by either the Board or the vote of a majority (as defined by the Investment Company Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees by vote cast in person (or as otherwise permitted by the SEC) at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement also provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as defined by the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder.

 

The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties to the Fund, the Adviser, its directors, officers or employees and its affiliates, successors or other legal representatives will not be liable to the Fund for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law or for any act or omission by such person or any sub-adviser in connection with the performance of services to the Fund. The Investment Advisory and Management Agreement also provides that the Fund will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Adviser and its directors, officers or employees and their respective affiliates, executors, heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives, against any liability or expense to which such person may be liable which arise in connection with the performance of services to the Fund, provided that the liability or expense is not incurred by reason of the person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties to the Fund.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed in the Fee Reduction Agreement to reduce its Advisory Fee to an annual rate of 0.25% until March 31, 2023. Unless otherwise extended by agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Advisory Fee payable by the Fund as of April 1, 2023 will be at the annual rate of 1.40%. The reduction of the Advisory Fee under the Fee Reduction Agreement is not subject to recoupment by the Adviser under the Expense Limitation Agreement, described below.

 

Pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to waive fees that it would otherwise be paid, and/or to assume expenses of the Fund, if required to ensure Other Expenses do not exceed 0.30% per annum of the average monthly net assets of each class of Shares. With respect to each class of Shares, the Fund agrees to repay the Adviser any fees waived under the Expense Limitation Agreement or any Other Expenses the Adviser reimburses in excess of the Expense Limitation Agreement for such class of Shares, provided the repayments do not cause the Fund’s Other Expenses for that class of Shares to exceed the expense limitation in place at the time the fees were waived and/or the expenses were reimbursed, or the expense limitation in place at the time the Fund repays the Adviser, whichever is lower. Any such repayments must be made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense. The Expense Limitation Agreement will have a term ending one-year from the date the Fund commences operations, and the Adviser may extend the term for a period of one year on an annual basis. The Adviser may not terminate the Expense Limitation Agreement during its initial one-year term.

 

61

 

 

The Fund is incurring certain organizational and initial offering costs of approximately $[_______]. The Adviser has agreed to advance those costs to the Fund. Such costs incurred by the Adviser are subject to recoupment by the Adviser in accordance with the Expense Limitation Agreement.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the approval by the Board of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement will be available in the Fund’s shareholder report for the period ending September 30, 2022.

 

NET ASSET VALUATION

 

The Fund will calculate the net asset value of each class of Shares as of the close of business on the last business day of each calendar month and in connection with the Fund’s offer to purchase Shares, on each date that Shares are to be repurchased, as of the date of any distribution and at such other times as the Board shall determine (each, a “Determination Date”). In determining its net asset value, the Fund will value its investments as of the relevant Determination Date. The net asset value of the Fund will equal, unless otherwise noted, the value of the total assets of the Fund (including the net asset value of each class of Shares, including interest accrued but not yet received), less all of its liabilities (including accrued fees and expenses, dividends payable and any borrowings of the Fund), each determined as of the relevant Determination Date. The net asset values of Class A Shares, Class D Shares and Class I Shares will be calculated separately based on the fees and expenses applicable to each class. It is expected that the net asset value of Class A Shares, Class D Shares and Class I Shares will vary over time as a result of the differing fees and expenses applicable to each class.

 

The Board has approved procedures pursuant to which the Fund will value its investments. The Board has delegated to the Adviser general responsibility for determining, in accordance with such procedures, the value of such investments. The value of the Fund’s assets will be based on information reasonably available at the time the valuation is made and that the Adviser believes to be reliable. The Adviser generally will value the Fund’s investments in accordance with Certification Topic ASC 820 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ASC 820”).

 

Private Equity Investments

 

The Adviser generally will value the Fund’s investment in Portfolio Funds and certain Direct Investments using the “practical expedient” in accordance with ASC 820. Portfolio Funds are generally valued based on the latest net asset value reported by a Portfolio Fund Manager or general partner. Similarly, many Direct Investments are generally valued based on the valuation information provided by the lead or sponsoring private investors. In general, it is anticipated that such valuation information from these Portfolio Fund Managers or from lead or sponsoring private investors will generally not be available until 60 days or more after each quarter-end, especially pending receipt of audited financial information. Therefore, the most recently provided valuation information about these Direct Investments and Portfolio Funds for purposes of calculating the Fund’s monthly net asset value will typically be adjusted by the Adviser pursuant to the Fund’s valuation procedures to estimate the fair value, on a monthly basis, of the interests in such Portfolio Funds, as described below. To the extent the Adviser is either unable to utilize the practical expedient under ASC 820, or where the Adviser determines that use of the practical expedient is not appropriate as it will not result in a price that represents the current value of an investment, the Adviser will make a fair value determination of the value of the investment.

 

62

 

 

In making a fair valuation determination, the Adviser will consider the most recent reported value by the Portfolio Fund or lead or sponsoring private investors as well as any other factors of which it has knowledge and that it believes may be relevant, which may include one or more of the following: (i) the type of investment, including the types of investments held by a Portfolio Fund, and whether there may be known factors not reflected in the valuations supplied by a Portfolio Fund or lead or sponsoring private investors, such as material changes in the business or operations of the issuer, including the discontinuance of operations or an important component of operations or the commencement of insolvency or reorganization proceedings of a portfolio company owned by the Fund, or any market for its securities; (ii)  any relevant operational or non-investment issues that may affect the investment or the Portfolio Fund; (iii) the value of publicly traded securities, if any, held by a Portfolio Fund; (iv) the valuation of the same investments held by different Portfolio Funds, different private investors or third parties independent of the Adviser; and (v) any other information, factor or set of factors that may affect the valuation of the Fund’s investment in the Direct Investment or Portfolio Fund. Other adjustments may occur from time to time. In addition, the Adviser will conduct a due diligence review of the valuation methodology used by each Portfolio Fund or lead or sponsoring private equity investors, as applicable. To keep abreast of each Portfolio Fund’s activities, the Adviser will review their periodic reports as well as the reports of the underlying portfolio companies in which the Portfolio Funds invest, to the extent which such underlying company reports are made available. The Adviser monitors the continuing appropriateness of the valuation methodology being used for the Fund’s investments.

 

Prospective investors should be aware that there can be no assurance that the valuation of interests in Portfolio Funds or Direct Investments as determined under the procedures described above will in all cases be accurate to the extent that the Fund and the Adviser do not generally have access to all necessary financial and other information relating to the Portfolio Funds or Direct Investments to determine independently the net asset value of the Fund’s interests in those Portfolio Funds or Direct Investments. The results of the Adviser’s fair valuation of securities whose market value is not readily ascertainable will be based upon the Adviser’s assessment of the fair value of such securities and their issuers on the recommendation of the Adviser and, therefore, are the result of the Board’s interpretation.

 

Investments valued at fair value by the Adviser will be subject to a new valuation determination upon the next monthly valuation of the Fund. The Adviser will periodically review its valuation determinations with the Fund’s auditor and respond to any inquiries by such auditor regarding the Adviser’s valuation methodologies.

 

Liquid Assets

 

Fund investments in Liquid Assets generally are valued according to the following procedures:

 

Senior Loans are valued by using readily available market quotations or another commercially reasonable method selected by an independent, third party pricing service that has been approved by the Board, or, if such independent, third-party valuations are not available, by using broker quotations. Corporate bonds and certain other domestic debt securities, are valued at the last reported bid prices supplied by an independent, third party pricing service that has been approved by the Board. If the last reported bid price is not readily available or is otherwise deemed to be unreliable by the Valuation Committee, then such securities are valued at fair value pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. The Adviser will monitor the reasonableness of valuations provided by third-party pricing services. Debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less will be valued on the basis of amortized cost, unless other factors indicate that amortized cost is not an accurate estimate of the security’s value.

 

If they are traded on a Determination Date, equity securities that are listed or traded on a national exchange will be valued at the last quoted sale price. Likewise, equity securities that are traded on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price if the securities are traded on the Determination Date. If securities are listed on more than one exchange, and if the securities are traded on the Determination Date, they will be valued at the last quoted sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. If there is no sale of the security on the Determination Date, the Fund will value the securities at the last reported sale price, unless the Valuation Committee believes such price no longer represents the fair market value and elects to value the security at fair value pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. If the validity of such quoted prices appears to be questionable or if such quoted prices are not readily available, then the securities will be valued at fair value pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. Market quotations may be deemed not to represent fair value in certain circumstances where the Adviser reasonably believes that facts and circumstances applicable to an issuer, seller or purchaser or to the market for a particular security cause current market quotations not to reflect the fair value of the security. Examples of these events could include situations in which material events are announced after the close of the market on which a security is primarily traded, a security trades infrequently causing a quoted purchase or sale price to become stale, or a security’s trading has been halted or suspended.

 

63

 

 

Generally, trading in U.S. Government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the Fund's net asset value are determined as of such times.

 

Private Assets and Other Fair Value Considerations

 

On a monthly basis, for Private Assets for which no market quotations are available (other than interests in Portfolio Funds and certain Direct Investments, as described above) and for which independent appraisals of current value can readily be obtained, valuations will be based on such appraisals. Otherwise, valuation of Private Assets (other than interests in Portfolio Funds and certain Direct Investments, as described above) will remain at cost except that original cost valuation will be adjusted based on a determination of such investment’s fair value.

 

In instances where there is reason to believe that the valuation of a security or other investment valued pursuant to the procedures described above does not represent the current value of such security or investment, or when a security or investment cannot be valued pursuant to the procedures described above, the fair value of the investment will be determined by the Adviser taking into account various factors, as relevant, as provided for in the Fund's valuation procedures, which may include: (i) the nature and price (if any) of the investment and the nature and expected duration of the event, if any, giving rise to the valuation issue; (ii) whether market quotations for the investment are available, pricing history of the security and trading volumes on markets, exchanges or among dealers; (iii) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (iv) volatility of the security or a related index; (v) possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the investment, including valuation by reference to other financial instruments, including trading in similar securities, depository receipts, derivative instruments, including options pricing models, closed-end or exchange-traded fund trading or exchange- traded baskets of securities; (vi) cost of the investment and, for restricted securities, any discount from the market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and the existence of a shelf registration for restricted securities; (vii) changes in interest rates; (viii) government actions or pronouncements or other news events; (ix) analyst reports; (x) fundamental analytical data and internal models; (xi) whether other portfolios managed by the Adviser or its affiliates hold the same or similar investments and the method used to value the investments in those portfolios; (xii) whether the issuer of the investment has other securities outstanding and, if so, how those securities are valued; (xiii) recent and pending corporate developments; and (xiv) the liquidity or illiquidity of the market for the investment.

 

Prospective investors should be aware that fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of an asset or liability. The fair value of one or more assets or liabilities may not, in retrospect, be the price at which those assets or liabilities could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair values were used in determining the Fund's net asset value. As a result, the Fund's issuance (including through dividend or distribution reinvestment) or repurchase of Shares through repurchase offers at net asset value at a time when it owns investments that are valued at fair value may have the effect of diluting or increasing the economic interest of existing Shareholders.

 

ELIGIBLE INVESTORS

 

Although the Shares will be registered under the Securities Act, the Shares will be sold only to persons or entities that are both “accredited investors,” as defined in Section 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act, and “qualified clients,” as defined in Rule 205-3 under the Advisers Act.

 

In addition, Shares are generally being offered only to investors that are U.S. persons for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The qualifications required to invest in the Fund will appear in subscription documents that must be completed by each prospective investor.

 

Each prospective investor in the Fund should obtain the advice of his, her or its own legal, accounting, tax and other advisers in reviewing documents pertaining to an investment in the Fund, including, but not limited to, this Prospectus and the Declaration of Trust before deciding to invest in the Fund.

 

64

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

Distributor

 

Ares Wealth Management Solutions, LLC, with its principal place of business at 518 17th Street, 17th Floor, Denver, CO 80202, acts as the distributor of the Fund’s Shares, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, on a reasonable best efforts basis, subject to various conditions. Neither the Distributor nor any other party is obligated to purchase any Shares from the Fund. There is no minimum aggregate number of Shares required to be purchased. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor shall pay its own costs and expenses connected with the offering of Shares. The Distribution Agreement also provides that the Fund will indemnify the Distributor and its affiliates and certain other persons against certain liabilities.

 

After the initial term of two years, the Distribution Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Fund for successive one-year periods, provided that each such continuance is specifically approved by a majority of the entire Board cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund and, in either case, also by a majority of the Independent Trustees.

 

The Distributor may retain additional selling agents or other financial intermediaries to place Shares. Such selling agents or other financial intermediaries may impose terms and conditions on investor accounts and investments in the Fund that are in addition to the terms and conditions set forth in this Prospectus. See "Purchasing Shares."

 

The Adviser, or its affiliates, including the Distributor, may pay additional compensation out of its own resources (i.e., not Fund assets) to certain selling agents or financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of Shares. The additional compensation may differ among selling agents or financial intermediaries in amount or in the amount of calculation. Payments of additional compensation may be fixed dollar amounts or, based on the aggregate value of outstanding Shares held by Shareholders introduced by the broker or dealer, or determined in some other manner. Payments may be one-time payments or may be ongoing payments. As a result of the various payments that financial intermediaries may receive from the Adviser or its affiliates, the amount of compensation that a financial intermediary may receive in connection with the sale of Shares may be greater than the compensation it may receive for the distribution of other investment products. The receipt of the additional compensation by a selling broker or dealer may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and its broker or dealer who is recommending the Fund over other potential investments.

 

Distribution and Servicing Plan

 

The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Servicing Plan for its Class A Shares and Class D Shares to pay to the Distributor a Distribution and Servicing Fee to compensate financial industry professionals for distribution-related expenses, if applicable, and providing ongoing services in respect of Shareholders who own such Shares. These activities include marketing and other activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares and Class D Shares and activities related to administration and servicing of Class A or Class D accounts. The Distribution and Servicing Plan operates in a manner consistent with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, which regulates the manner in which an open-end investment company may directly or indirectly bear the expenses of distributing its shares. Although the Fund is not an open-end investment company, it has undertaken to comply with the terms of Rule 12b-1, as required by its exemptive relief, permitting the Fund to, among other things, issue multiple classes of Shares.

 

Under the Distribution Plan, Class A and Class D Shares pay a Distribution and Servicing Fee to the Distributor at an annual rate of 0.85% and 0.25%, respectively, based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to such class. The Distribution and Servicing Fee is paid out of the relevant class’s assets and decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund solely with respect to such class. Because the Distribution and Servicing Fee is paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of a Shareholder's investment and may cost the Shareholder more than paying other types of sales charges, if applicable.

 

Class I Shares are not subject to any Distribution and Servicing Fee and do not bear any expenses associated therewith.

 

65

 

 

PURCHASING SHARES

 

The following section provides basic information about how to purchase Shares of the Fund. The Distributor acts as the distributor of the Shares of the Fund on a reasonable best efforts basis, subject to various conditions, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Shares of the Fund. The Shares will be continuously offered through the Distributor. Prospective investors who purchase Shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase Shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase Shares. Prospective investors purchasing Shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read this Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary.

 

General Purchase Terms

 

The minimum initial investment in the Fund by any investor is $25,000 with respect to Class A Shares and Class D Shares, and $1,000,000 with respect to Class I Shares. The minimum additional investment in the Fund by any investor is $5,000, except for additional purchases pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan.

 

The Board reserves the right to accept lesser amounts below these minimums for employees of Ares and vehicles controlled by such employees. The purchase price of the Shares is based on the net asset value as of the date such Shares are purchased.

 

Class A Shares are sold at the public offering price, which is the net asset value of a Class A Share plus an initial maximum 3.50% sales charge. Class D Shares and Class I Shares are not subject to any initial sales charge.

 

Following the initial closing, Shares will generally be offered for purchase as of the first business day of each calendar month, except that Shares may be offered more or less frequently as determined by the Board in its sole discretion. For purposes of this Prospectus, a “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which banks in New York, New York are required by law to be closed. Subscriptions are generally subject to the receipt of cleared funds on or prior to the acceptance date set by the Fund and notified to prospective investors. An investor who misses the acceptance date will have the acceptance of its investment in the Fund delayed until the following month. Except as otherwise permitted by the Board, initial and subsequent purchases of Shares will be payable in United States dollars.

 

Each initial or subsequent purchase of Shares will be payable in one installment which will generally be due 3 business days prior to the date of the proposed acceptance of the purchase set by the Fund, which is expected to be the last day of each calendar month, where funds are remitted by wire transfer.

 

A prospective investor is required to review, complete, and execute a subscription document. The subscription document is designed to provide the Fund with important information about the prospective investor. A prospective investor must submit a completed subscription document at least 5 business days before the acceptance date. The Fund reserves the right to accept or reject, in its sole discretion, any request to purchase Shares at any time. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend or terminate offerings of Shares at any time. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, any amount received in advance of a purchase ultimately rejected by the Fund will be returned promptly to the prospective investor without the deduction of any sales load, fees or expenses. Prospective investors whose purchases are rejected by the Fund will receive a pro rata share of any interest earned on the amounts placed in escrow prior to acceptance, if applicable. Although the Fund may, in its sole discretion, elect to accept a subscription prior to receipt of cleared funds, a prospective investor will not become a Shareholder until cleared funds have been received. In the event that cleared funds and/or a properly completed subscription document are not received from a prospective investor prior to the cut-off dates pertaining to a particular offering, the Fund may hold the relevant funds and subscription document for processing in the next offering.

 

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

 

66

 

 

Prospective investors whose subscriptions to purchase Shares are accepted by the Fund will become Shareholders by being admitted as Shareholders. An existing Shareholder generally may subscribe for additional Shares by completing an additional subscription agreement by the acceptance date and funding such amount by the deadline.

 

Share Class Considerations

 

When selecting a share class, you should consider the following:

 

which share classes are available to you;

 

how much you intend to invest;

 

how long you expect to own the shares; and

 

total costs and expenses associated with a particular share class.

 

Each investor’s financial considerations are different. You should speak with your financial advisor to help you decide which class of Shares of the Fund is best for you. Not all financial intermediaries offer all classes of Shares. In addition, financial intermediaries may vary the actual sale charged, if applicable, as well as impose additional fees and charges on each class of Shares. If your financial intermediary offers more than one class of Shares, you should carefully consider which class of Shares to purchase.

 

Class A Shares

 

Class A Shares are available to any eligible investor. Unless eligible for a sales load waiver, investors purchasing Class A Shares will pay a sales load based on the amount of their investment in the Fund. The sales load payable by each Shareholder may be up to 3.50%. The sales load for Class A Shares will be deducted out of the Shareholder’s purchase amount, and will not constitute part of Shareholder’s capital contribution to the Fund or part of the assets of the Fund. No sales load may be charged without the consent of the Distributor.

 

Investors may be able to buy Class A Shares without a sales load, if applicable (i.e., "load-waived"), when they are: (i) reinvesting distributions; (ii) a current or former Trustee of the Fund; or (iii) purchasing Class A Shares through a financial intermediary that has a special arrangement with the Fund. It is the investor's responsibility to determine whether a reduced sales load would apply. The Fund is not responsible for making such determination. As the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of the Prospectus, there are no financial intermediaries that have special arrangements with the Fund. To receive a reduced sales load, notification must be provided at the time of subscription. Notice should be provided to the financial intermediary through whom the subscription is made so it can notify the Fund.

 

Class D Shares

 

Class D Shares are sold at the prevailing net asset value per Class D Share and are not subject to any upfront sales charge. Class D Shares, however, are subject to a Distribution and Servicing Fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the net assets of the Fund attributable to Class D Shares.

 

Class D Shares are generally available for purchase only (i) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, that provide access to Class D Shares, (ii) through participating broker dealers that have alternative fee arrangements with their clients to provide access to Class D shares, (iii) through investment advisers that are registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or applicable state law and direct clients to trade with a broker dealer that offers Class D shares and (iv) through bank trust departments or any other organization or person authorized to act in a fiduciary capacity for its clients or customers.

 

67

 

 

Class I Shares

 

Class I Shares are sold at the prevailing net asset value per Class I Share and are not subject to any upfront sales charge. Class I Shares also are not subject to any Distribution and Servicing Fee.

 

Class I Shares are available for purchase only (i) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, that provide access to Class I Shares, (ii) by institutional accounts as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c), (iii) through bank-sponsored collective trusts and bank-sponsored common trusts, (iv) by retirement plans (including a trustee or custodian under any deferred compensation or pension or profit sharing plan or payroll deduction IRA established for the benefit of the employees of any company), foundations or endowments, (v) through certain financial intermediaries that are not otherwise registered with or as a broker dealer and that direct clients to trade with a broker dealer that offers Class I Shares, (vi) through investment advisers registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or applicable state law that are also registered with or as a broker dealer, whose broker dealer does not receive any compensation from the Fund or from the Distributor, (vii) by the Fund's officers and Trustees and their immediate family members, as well as officers and employees of Ares and their immediate family members, (viii) by participating broker dealers and their affiliates, including their officers, directors, employees, and registered representatives, as well as the immediate family members of such persons, as defined by FINRA Rule 5130, and (ix) through bank trust departments or any other organization or person authorized to act as a fiduciary for its clients or customers. Before making your investment decision, please consult with your investment advisor regarding your account type and the classes of Shares of the Fund you may be eligible to purchase.

 

If you are eligible to purchase all three classes of Shares, then you should consider that Class I Shares have no upfront sales charges and no Distribution and Servicing Fees. Such expenses are applicable to Class A and Class D Shares and will reduce the net asset value or distributions of the other share classes. If you are eligible to purchase Class A and Class D Shares but not Class I Shares, then you should consider that Class D shares have no upfront sales charges and lower annual Distribution and Servicing Fees. Investors should also inquire with their broker dealer or financial representative about what additional fees may be charged with respect to the Share class under consideration or with respect to the type of account in which the Shares will be held.

 

CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE; NO RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

 

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with no operating history. Closed-end funds differ from open-end funds in that closed-end funds do not redeem their shares at the request of an investor. No Shareholder has the right to require the Fund to redeem his, her or its Shares. No public market for the Shares exists, and none is expected to develop in the future. As a result, Shareholders may not be able to liquidate their investment other than through repurchases of Shares by the Fund, as described below. Accordingly, Shareholders should consider that they may not have access to the funds they invested in the Fund for an indefinite period of time.

 

TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

 

No person shall become a substituted Shareholder of the Fund without the consent of the Fund, which consent may be withheld in its sole discretion. Shares held by Shareholders may be transferred only: (i) by operation of law in connection with the death, divorce, bankruptcy, insolvency, or adjudicated incompetence of the Shareholder; or (ii) under other limited circumstances, with the consent of the Board (which may be withheld in its sole discretion and is expected to be granted, if at all, only under extenuating circumstances).

 

Notice to the Fund of any proposed transfer must include evidence satisfactory to the Board that the proposed transferee, at the time of transfer, meets any requirements imposed by the Fund with respect to investor eligibility and suitability. Notice of a proposed transfer of Shares must also be accompanied by a properly completed subscription document in respect of the proposed transferee. In connection with any request to transfer Shares, the Fund may require the Shareholder requesting the transfer to obtain, at the Shareholder’s expense, an opinion of counsel selected by the Fund as to such matters as the Fund may reasonably request. Each transferring Shareholder and transferee may be charged reasonable expenses, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ and accountants’ fees, incurred by the Fund in connection with the transfer.

 

68

 

 

Any transferee acquiring Shares by operation of law in connection with the death, divorce, bankruptcy, insolvency, or adjudicated incompetence of the Shareholder, will be entitled to the allocations and distributions allocable to the Shares so acquired, to transfer the Shares in accordance with the terms of the Declaration of Trust and to tender the Shares for repurchase by the Fund, but will not be entitled to the other rights of a Shareholder unless and until the transferee becomes a substituted Shareholder as specified in the Declaration of Trust. If a Shareholder transfers Shares with the approval of the Board, the Fund shall as promptly as practicable take all necessary actions so that each transferee or successor to whom the Shares are transferred is admitted to the Fund as a Shareholder.

 

By subscribing for Shares, each Shareholder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Board, the Adviser, and each other Shareholder, and any affiliate of the foregoing and any of their employees, officers or directors against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including legal or other expenses incurred in investigating or defending against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses or any judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement), joint or several, to which such persons may become subject by reason of or arising from any transfer made by that Shareholder in violation of the Declaration of Trust or any misrepresentation made by that Shareholder in connection with any such transfer.

 

REPURCHASE OF SHARES

 

At the sole discretion of the Board, the Fund may from time to time provide Shareholders with a limited degree of liquidity by offering to repurchase Shares pursuant to written tenders by Shareholders. Repurchase offers, if any, will be made to all holders of Shares.

 

The Adviser expects to recommend to the Board that, under normal market circumstances, the Fund conduct repurchase offers of no more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets on a quarterly basis. The Adviser currently expects to recommend to the Board that the Fund conducts its first repurchase offer following the second full quarter of Fund operations (or such earlier or later date as the Board may determine).

 

Subject to the considerations described above, the aggregate value of Shares to be repurchased at any time will be determined by the Board in its sole discretion, and such amount may be stated as a percentage of the value of the Fund’s outstanding Shares. Therefore, the Fund may determine not to conduct a repurchase offer at a time that the Fund normally conducts a repurchase offer. The Fund may also elect to repurchase less than the full amount that a Shareholder requests to be repurchased. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed by Shareholders, the Fund will repurchase only a pro rata portion of the Shares tendered by each Shareholder.

 

In certain circumstances the Board may determine not to conduct a repurchase offer, or to conduct a repurchase offer of less than 5% of the Fund’s net assets. In particular, during periods of financial market stress, the Board may determine that some or all of the Fund's investments cannot be liquidated at their fair value, making a determination not to conduct repurchase offers more likely.

 

There will be a substantial period of time between the date as of which Shareholders must submit a request to have their Shares repurchased and the date they can expect to receive payment for their Shares from the Fund. The Fund currently intends, under normal market conditions, to provide payment with respect to at least 95% of the repurchase offer proceeds within 65 days of the Expiration Date (as defined below) of each repurchase offer, and may hold back up to 5% of repurchase offer proceeds until after the Fund’s year-end audit. Any such proceeds that are held back will be paid no later than 5 business days after the completion of such audit. Shareholders whose Shares are accepted for repurchase bear the risk that the Fund’s net asset value may fluctuate significantly between the time that they submit their repurchase requests and the date as of which such Shares are valued for purposes of such repurchase.

 

Repurchase of Shares Process

 

The following is a summary of the process expected to be employed by the Fund in connection with the repurchase of Shares. Additional information with respect to such process will be included in the materials provided by the Fund to Shareholders in connection with each repurchase offer. If the Board determines that the Fund will offer to repurchase Shares, written notice will be provided to Shareholders that describes the commencement date of the repurchase offer, specifies the date on which repurchase requests must be received by the Fund, and contains other terms and information that Shareholders should consider in deciding whether and how to participate in such repurchase opportunity.

 

69

 

 

The Fund will repurchase Shares from Shareholders pursuant to written tenders on terms and conditions that the Board determines to be fair to the Fund and to all Shareholders. When the Board determines that the Fund will repurchase Shares, notice will be provided to Shareholders describing the terms of the offer, containing information Shareholders should consider in deciding whether to participate in the repurchase opportunity and containing information on how to participate. The amount due to any Shareholder whose Shares are repurchased will be equal to the value of the Shareholder’s Shares being repurchased, based on the Fund’s net asset value, as of the Valuation Date (as defined below), after reduction for all fees and expenses of the Fund for all periods through the Valuation Date (including, without limitation, the Advisory Fee, any Incentive Fee and any Early Repurchase Fee), any required U.S. federal tax withholding and other liabilities of the Fund to the extent accrued or otherwise attributable to the Shares being repurchased.

 

Each repurchase offer generally is expected to commence approximately 45 days prior to the last business day of each calendar quarter, or on such other day as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion (the last business day of each such calendar quarter or such other day being a "Valuation Date"). The expiration date of a repurchase offer (the "Expiration Date") will be a date set by the Board occurring no sooner than 20 business days after the commencement date of the repurchase offer, provided that such Expiration Date may be extended by the Board in its sole discretion. The Fund generally will not accept any repurchase request received by it or its designated agent after the Expiration Date. Fund Shares are expected to be repurchased within 45 days following the relevant Valuation Date (such date, the "Repurchase Date"), and will be effected as of such Valuation Date. As such, the Repurchase Date for each repurchase offer should occur within 65 calendar days after the Expiration Date of such offer.

 

The Fund generally expects to repurchase its Shares with cash, although it reserves the ability to issue payment for the repurchase of Shares through a distribution of portfolio securities. The Fund does not generally expect to distribute securities as payment for repurchased Shares except in unusual circumstances, including if making a cash payment would result in a material adverse effect on the Fund or the Shareholders, or if the Fund has received distributions and/or proceeds from its investments in the form of securities that are transferable to Shareholders. Securities which are distributed in-kind in connection with a repurchase of Shares may be illiquid. Any in-kind distribution of securities will be valued in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures and will be distributed to all tendering Shareholders on a proportional basis.

 

Each Shareholder whose Shares have been accepted for repurchase will continue to be a Shareholder of the Fund until the Repurchase Date (and thereafter if the Shareholder retains Shares following such repurchase) and may exercise its voting rights with respect to the repurchased Shares until the Repurchase Date. Moreover, the account maintained in respect of a Shareholder whose Shares have been accepted for repurchase will be adjusted for the net profits or net losses of the Fund through the Valuation Date, and such Shareholder’s account shall not be adjusted for the amount withdrawn, as a result of the repurchase, prior to the Repurchase Date.

 

Payments in cash for repurchased Shares may require the Fund to liquidate certain Fund investments earlier than the Adviser otherwise would liquidate such holdings, potentially resulting in losses, and may increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover. The Fund also may need to maintain higher levels of cash or borrow money to pay repurchase requests in cash. Such a practice could increase the Fund’s operating expenses and impact the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Following the commencement of an offer to repurchase Shares, the Fund may suspend, postpone or terminate such offer in certain circumstances upon the determination of a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, that such suspension, postponement or termination is advisable for the Fund and its Shareholders, including, without limitation, circumstances as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of its investments or to determine its net asset value, and other unusual circumstances. Shareholders have the right to withdraw their written tenders after the expiration of forty business days from the commencement of the offer, if not yet accepted by the Fund for payment.

 

70

 

 

The Board has discretion to hold back a portion of the amount due to tendering Shareholders, which shall not exceed 5% of the total amount due to such Shareholders. The second and final payment for the balance due shall be paid no later than 5 business days after the completion of the annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements for the fiscal year in which the applicable repurchase is effected, with such balance being subject to adjustment as a result of the Fund’s annual audit or as a result of any other corrections to the Fund’s net asset value as of the Valuation Date for the repurchase. If, based upon the results of the annual audit of the financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year in which the Valuation Date of such repurchase occurred, it is determined that the value at which the Shares were repurchased was incorrect, the Fund shall decrease such Shareholder’s account balance by the amount of any overpayment and redeem for no additional consideration a number of Shares having a value equal to such amount, or increase such Shareholder’s account balance by the amount of any underpayment and issue for no additional consideration a number of Shares having an aggregate value equal to such amount, as applicable, in each case as promptly as practicable following the completion of such audits.

 

A 2.00% Early Repurchase Fee will be charged by the Fund with respect to any repurchase of Shares from a Shareholder at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of the Shareholder’s purchase of the Shares. Shares tendered for repurchase will be treated as having been repurchased on a “first in - first out” basis. Therefore, Shares repurchased will be deemed to have been taken from the earliest purchase of Shares by such Shareholder (adjusted for subsequent net profits and net losses) until all such Shares have been repurchased, and then from each subsequent purchase of Shares by such Shareholder (adjusted for subsequent net profits and net losses) until such Shares are repurchased. An Early Repurchase Fee payable by a Shareholder may be waived by the Fund in circumstances where the Board determines that doing so is in the best interest of the Fund. To the extent the Fund determines to waive, impose scheduled variations of, or eliminate an Early Repurchase Fee, it will do so consistently with the requirements of Rule 22d-1 under the Investment Company Act, and the Fund's waiver of, scheduled variation in, or elimination of, the Early Repurchase Fee will apply uniformly to all Shareholders regardless of Share class.

 

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

 

A Shareholder who tenders some but not all of its Shares for repurchase will be required to maintain a minimum account balance of $10,000. Such minimum ownership requirement may be waived by the Board, in its sole discretion. If such requirement is not waived by the Board, the Fund may redeem all of the Shareholder's Shares. To the extent a Shareholder seeks to tender all of the Shares they own and the Fund repurchases less than the full amount of Shares that the Shareholder requests to have repurchased, the Shareholder may maintain a balance of Shares of less than $10,000 following such Share repurchase.

 

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

 

The repurchase of Shares is subject to regulatory requirements imposed by the SEC. The Fund’s repurchase procedures are intended to comply with such requirements. However, in the event that the Board determines that modification of the repurchase procedures described above is required or appropriate, the Board will adopt revised repurchase procedures as necessary to ensure the Fund’s compliance with applicable regulations or as the Board in its sole discretion deems appropriate.

 

71

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS

 

The Fund intends to qualify annually as a RIC under the Code and intends to distribute at least 90% of its annual net taxable income to its Shareholders. For any distribution, the Fund will calculate each Shareholder’s specific distribution amount for the period using record and declaration dates. From time to time, the Fund may also pay special interim distributions in the form of cash or Shares at the discretion of the Board.

 

The Fund may finance its cash distributions to Shareholders from any sources of funds available to the Fund, including offering proceeds, borrowings, net investment income from operations, capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets (including fund investments), non-capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets (including fund investments), dividends or other distributions paid to the Fund on account of preferred and common equity investments by the Fund in Portfolio Funds and/or Direct Investments and expense reimbursements from the Adviser. The Fund has not established limits on the amount of funds the Fund may use from available sources to make distributions.

 

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

 

Shareholders will automatically have all distributions reinvested in Shares of the Fund issued by the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan unless an election is made to receive cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

 

The Fund will operate under a DRIP administered by DST. Pursuant to the DRIP, the Fund’s distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, are reinvested in the same class of Shares of the Fund. The Fund expects to coordinate distribution payment dates so that the same net asset value that is used for the monthly closing date immediately preceding such distribution payment date will be used to calculate the purchase net asset value for purchasers under the DRIP. Shares issued pursuant to the DRIP will have the same voting rights as the Fund’s Shares acquired by subscription to the Fund.

 

Shareholders automatically participate in the DRIP, unless and until an election is made to withdraw from the plan on behalf of such participating Shareholder. A Shareholder who does not wish to have distributions automatically reinvested may terminate participation in the DRIP at any time by written instructions to that effect to DST. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the DRIP will receive all distributions in cash paid to the Shareholder of record (or, if the Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee). Such written instructions must be received by DST 30 days prior to the record date of the distribution or the Shareholder will receive such distribution in Shares through the DRIP. Under the DRIP, the Fund’s distributions to Shareholders are automatically reinvested in full and fractional Shares as described below.

 

When the Fund declares a distribution, DST, on the Shareholder’s behalf, will receive additional authorized Shares from the Fund either newly issued or repurchased from Shareholders by the Fund and held as treasury stock. The number of Shares to be received when distributions are reinvested will be determined by dividing the amount of the distribution by the Fund’s net asset value per Share for the relevant class of Shares.

 

DST will maintain all Shareholder accounts and furnish written confirmations of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by Shareholders for personal and tax records. DST will hold Shares in the account of the Shareholders in non-certificated form in the name of the participant, and each shareholder’s proxy, if any, will include those Shares purchased pursuant to the DRIP. DST will distribute all proxy solicitation materials, if any, to participating Shareholders.

 

72

 

 

In the case of Shareholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, that hold Shares for others who are beneficial owners participating under the DRIP, DST will administer the DRIP on the basis of the number of Shares certified from time to time by the record Shareholder as representing the total amount of Shares registered in the Shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners participating under the DRIP.

 

Neither DST nor the Fund shall have any responsibility or liability beyond the exercise of ordinary care for any action taken or omitted pursuant to the DRIP, nor shall they have any duties, responsibilities or liabilities except such as expressly set forth herein. Neither shall they be liable hereunder for any act done in good faith or for any good faith omissions to act, including, without limitation, failure to terminate a participant’s account prior to receipt of written notice of his or her death or with respect to prices at which Shares are purchased or sold for the participants account and the terms on which such purchases and sales are made, subject to applicable provisions of the federal securities laws.

 

The automatic reinvestment of dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividends. The Fund may elect to make non-cash distributions to Shareholders. Such distributions are not subject to the DRIP, and all Shareholders, regardless of whether or not they are participants in the DRIP, will receive such distributions in additional Shares of the Fund.

 

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the DRIP. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases under the DRIP; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the DRIP to include a service charge payable by the participants.

 

All correspondence concerning the DRIP should be directed to Ares Private Markets Fund c/o DST at 430 W 7th Street, Suite 219079, Kansas City, Missouri 64105 (direct overnight mail) or c/o DST at P.O. Box 219079, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-0979. Certain transactions can be performed by calling the toll free number 1-866-324-7348.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Fund is a recently-organized Delaware statutory trust formed on July 28, 2021. The Fund currently offers three classes of Shares: Class A Shares, Class D Shares and Class I Shares. The Fund relies on an exemptive order from the SEC that allows it to issue multiple classes of Shares and to impose asset-based distribution fees and early-withdrawal fees as applicable. An investment in any Share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same assets of the Fund. However, the minimum investment amounts, sales loads, if applicable, and ongoing fees and expenses for each Share class are expected to be different. The estimated fees and expenses for each class of Shares of the Fund are set forth in “Summary of Fees and Expenses.”

 

Shares of each class of the Fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the Fund and, generally, have identical voting, distribution, liquidation, and other rights, preferences, powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions, except that: (a) each class has a different designation; (b) each class of Shares bears any class-specific expenses; and (c) each class shall have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, and shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to that class.

 

Any additional offerings of classes of Shares will require approval by the Board. Any additional offering of classes of Shares will also be subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act, which provides that such Shares may not be issued at a price below the then-current net asset value, exclusive of the sales load, except in connection with an offering to existing holders of Shares or with the consent of a majority of the Fund’s common shareholders.

 

73

 

 

The following table shows the amounts of Shares that have been authorized and outstanding as of March 31, 2022:

 

Share Class   Amount Authorized   Amount
Outstanding
 
Class A Shares   Unlimited     0  
Class D Shares   Unlimited     0  
Class I Shares   Unlimited     4,000  

 

There is currently no market for the Shares, and the Fund does not expect that a market for the Shares will develop in the foreseeable future.

 

CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN DECLARATION OF TRUST

 

An investor in the Fund will be a Shareholder of the Fund and his or her rights in the Fund will be established and governed by the Declaration of Trust. A prospective investor and his or her advisors should carefully review the Declaration of Trust as each Shareholder will agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. The following is a summary description of additional items and of select provisions of the Declaration of Trust that may not be described elsewhere in this Prospectus. The description of such items and provisions is not definitive and reference should be made to the complete text of the Declaration of Trust.

 

Shareholders; Additional Classes of Shares

 

Persons who purchase Shares will be Shareholders of the Fund. The Adviser may invest in the Fund as a Shareholder.

 

In addition, to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act and subject to the Fund’s exemptive relief from the SEC, the Fund reserves the right to issue additional classes of shares in the future subject to fees, charges, repurchase rights, and other characteristics different from those of the Shares offered in this Prospectus.

 

Liability of Shareholders

 

Under Delaware law and the Declaration of Trust, each Shareholder will be liable for the debts and obligations of the Fund only to the extent of any contributions to the capital of the Fund (plus any accretions in value thereto prior to withdrawal) and a Shareholder, in the sole discretion of the Board, may be obligated to return to the Fund amounts distributed to the Shareholder, or the Board may reduce any amount payable by the Fund to a Shareholder in respect of a redemption of Shares, in accordance with the Declaration of Trust in certain circumstances.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

The Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of the Board. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Fund, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Fund and interfering with the normal operation of the Fund. The Trustees are elected for indefinite terms and do not stand for reelection. A Trustee may be removed from office (i) with cause only by a written instrument signed or adopted by two-thirds of the remaining Trustees; or (ii) without cause only by a written instrument signed or adopted by all of the remaining Trustees. The Declaration of Trust does not contain any other specific inhibiting provisions that would operate only with respect to an extraordinary transaction such as a merger, reorganization, tender offer, sale or transfer of substantially all of the Fund’s assets, or liquidation.

 

74

 

 

Limitation of Liability; Indemnification

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees and former Trustees of the Board and officers and former officers of the Fund shall not be liable to the Fund or any of the Shareholders for any loss or damage occasioned by any act or omission in the performance of their services as such in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their office or as otherwise required by applicable law. The Declaration of Trust also contains provisions for the indemnification, to the extent permitted by law, of the Trustees and former Trustees of the Board and officers and former officers of the Fund (as well as certain other related parties) by the Fund (but not by the Shareholders individually) against any liability and expense to which any of them may be liable that arise in connection with the performance of their activities on behalf of the Fund. None of these persons shall be personally liable to any Shareholder for the repayment of any positive balance in the Shareholder’s capital account or for contributions by the Shareholder to the capital of the Fund or by reason of any change in the federal or state income tax laws applicable to the Fund or its investors. The rights of indemnification and exculpation provided under the Declaration of Trust shall not be construed so as to limit liability or provide for indemnification of the Trustees and former Trustees of the Board, officers and former officers of the Fund, and the other persons entitled to such indemnification for any liability (including liability under applicable federal or state securities laws which, under certain circumstances, impose liability even on persons that act in good faith), to the extent (but only to the extent) that such indemnification or limitation on liability would be in violation of applicable law, but shall be construed so as to effectuate the applicable provisions of the Declaration of Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

Derivative Actions and Exclusive Jurisdiction

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that a Shareholder may not bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust unless: (a) the Shareholder makes a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action (unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed as determined under the terms of the Declaration of Trust); (b) Shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action who collectively hold Shares representing ten percent (10%) or more of the total combined net asset value of all Shares issued and outstanding join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action (the “10% Threshold”); and (c) the Trustees are afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such Shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and may require an undertaking by the Shareholders making such request to reimburse the Trust for the expense of any such advisors in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action (the “Shareholder Undertaking”). The provisions of the Declaration of Trust regarding the 10% Threshold and the Shareholder Undertaking do not apply to claims arising under the federal securities laws.

 

Under the Declaration of Trust, actions by Shareholders against the Fund asserting a claim governed by Delaware law or the Fund’s organizational documents must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction. Shareholders also waive the right to jury trial to the fullest extent permitted by law. This exclusive jurisdiction provision may make it more expensive for a Shareholder to bring a suit but does not apply to claims arising under the federal securities laws.

 

Amendment of the Declaration of Trust

 

The Declaration of Trust may generally be amended, in whole or in part, with the approval of a majority of the Board (including a majority of the Independent Trustees, if required by the Investment Company Act) and without the approval of the Shareholders unless the approval of Shareholders is required under the Investment Company Act. However, certain amendments to the Declaration of Trust involving capital accounts and allocations thereto may not be made without the written consent of each Shareholder materially adversely affected thereby or unless each Shareholder has received written notice of the amendment and any Shareholder objecting to the amendment has been allowed a reasonable opportunity (pursuant to any procedures as may be prescribed by the Board) to have all of its Shares repurchased by the Fund.

 

Term, Dissolution, and Liquidation

 

The Fund shall be dissolved: (i) upon the affirmative vote to dissolve the Fund by a majority of the Trustees of the Board; or (ii) as required by operation of law.

 

75

 

 

Upon the occurrence of any event of dissolution, one or more Trustees of the Board or the Adviser, acting as liquidator under appointment by the Board (or another liquidator, if the Board does not appoint one or more Trustees of the Board or the Adviser to act as liquidator or is unable to perform this function) is charged with winding up the affairs of the Fund and liquidating its assets. Upon the liquidation of the Fund, after establishment of appropriate reserves for contingencies in such amounts as the Board or the liquidator, as applicable, deems appropriate in its sole discretion, the Fund’s assets will be distributed: (i) first to satisfy the debts, liabilities, and obligations of the Fund (other than debts to Shareholders) including actual or anticipated liquidation expenses; (ii) next to repay debts, liabilities and obligations owing to the Shareholders; and (iii) finally to the Shareholders (including the Adviser) proportionately in accordance with the balances in their respective capital accounts. Assets may be distributed in kind on a pro rata basis if the Board or liquidator determines that such a distribution would be in the interests of the Shareholders in facilitating an orderly liquidation.

 

The Board may, in its sole discretion, and if determined to be in the best interests of the Shareholders, distribute the assets of the Fund into and through a liquidating trust to effect the liquidation of the Fund. The use of a liquidating trust would be subject to the regulatory requirements of the Investment Company Act and applicable Delaware law, and could result in additional expenses to the Shareholders.

 

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following discussion is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Fund, to its qualification and taxation as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code and to an investment in the Fund’s Shares, and to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Fund’s Shares. This discussion applies only to beneficial owners that acquire the Fund’s Shares in this initial offering at the offering price.

 

This discussion does not purport to be a complete description of the tax considerations applicable to the Fund or its Shareholders. In particular, this discussion does not address certain considerations that may be relevant to certain types of holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including Shareholders that are not U.S. Shareholders (as defined below), Shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, Shareholders that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, dealers in securities, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings, pension plans and trusts, financial institutions, a person that holds the Fund’s Shares as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), RICs, U.S. persons with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, Shareholders that are not U.S. Shareholders (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, controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”), and passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”). This discussion does not discuss any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign, state or local tax nor does it discuss the special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws that could result if the Fund invests in tax-exempt securities or certain other investment assets or realizes such income through investments in Portfolio Funds that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (other than certain publicly traded partnerships), or are otherwise treated as disregarded from the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This discussion is limited to Shareholders that hold the Fund’s Shares as capital assets (within the meaning of the Code), and does not address owners of a Shareholder. This discussion is based upon the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, published rulings and court decisions, each as of the date of this Prospectus and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. The Fund has not sought, and will not seek any ruling from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein, and this discussion is not binding on the IRS. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS would not assert, and that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences discussed herein.

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Shareholder” is a beneficial owner of the Fund’s Shares 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 or the District of Columbia;

 

76

 

 

a trust, if a court within the United States has primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations 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.

 

If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds the Fund’s Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Prospective beneficial owners of the Fund’s Shares that are partnerships or partners in such partnerships should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Fund’s Shares.

 

Tax matters are complicated and the tax consequences to a Shareholder of an investment in the Fund’s Shares will depend on the facts of such Shareholder’s particular situation. Shareholders are strongly encouraged to consult their own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition (including by reason of a repurchase) of the Fund’s Shares, as well as the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws, and the effect of any possible changes in tax laws.

 

Election to be Taxed as a Regulated Investment Company

 

The Fund intends to elect to be treated, and intends to operate in a manner so as to continuously qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under the Code. The Fund intends to make a timely election to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes in order to make a valid RIC election. As a RIC, the Fund generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that the Fund timely distributes (or is deemed to timely distribute) to its Shareholders as dividends. Instead, dividends the Fund distributes (or is deemed to timely distribute) to Shareholders generally will be taxable to Shareholders, and any net operating losses, foreign tax credits and most other tax attributes generally will not pass through to Shareholders. The Fund will be subject to U.S. federal corporate-level income tax on any undistributed income and gains. To qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, the Fund must distribute to its Shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (which generally is the Fund’s net ordinary taxable income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction) (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”) for any taxable year. The following discussion assumes that the Fund qualifies as a RIC.

 

Qualification and Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

 

If the Fund (1) qualifies as a RIC and (2) satisfies the Annual Distribution Requirement, then the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (realized net long-term capital gain in excess of realized net short term capital loss) that the Fund timely distributes (or is deemed to timely distribute) to Shareholders. The Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rate on any of its income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to its Shareholders.

 

If the Fund fails to distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of its net capital gain income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, in the preceding years (to the extent that income tax was not imposed on such amounts) less certain over-distributions in prior years (together, the “Excise Tax Distribution Requirements”), the Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on the portion of the undistributed amounts of such income that are less than the amounts required to be distributed based on the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate income tax for the tax year ending in that calendar year will be considered to have been distributed by year end (or earlier if estimated taxes are paid). In order to meet the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement for a particular year, the Fund will need to receive certain information from the Portfolio Funds, which it may not timely receive, in which case the Fund will need to estimate the amount of distributions it needs to make to meet the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement. If the Fund underestimates that amount, it will be subject to the excise tax. In addition, the Fund may choose to retain its net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, and pay the associated U.S. federal corporate income tax, including the U.S. federal excise tax, thereon. In either event described in the preceding two sentences, the Fund will only pay the excise tax on the amount by which the Fund does not meet the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements.

 

77

 

 

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

 

Elect to be treated and qualify as a registered management company under the Investment Company Act at all times during each taxable year;

 

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of stock, securities, or foreign currencies (including certain deemed inclusions) derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock, securities, foreign currencies or other income, or (b) net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (“QPTP”) (collectively, the “90% Gross Income Test”); and

 

diversify its holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

 

οat least 50% of the value of its assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities that, with respect to any issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer; and

 

οno more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of (i) one issuer, (ii) or of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under the Code, by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (iii) securities of one or more QPTPs (collectively, the “Diversification Tests”).

 

The Fund has an opt-out DRIP. The tax consequences to Shareholders of participating in the DRIP are discussed below – “Taxation of U.S. Shareholders.”

 

The Fund may have investments, either directly or through the Portfolio Funds, that require income to be included in investment company taxable income in a year prior to the year in which the Fund (or the Portfolio Funds) actually receives a corresponding amount of cash in respect of such income. For example, if the Portfolio Funds hold, directly or indirectly, corporate stock with respect to which Section 305 of the Code requires inclusion in income of amounts of deemed dividends even if no cash distribution is made, the Fund must include in its taxable income in each year the full amount of its applicable share of these deemed dividends. Additionally, if the Fund holds, directly or indirectly through the Portfolio Funds, debt obligations that are treated under applicable U.S. federal income tax rules as having original issue discount (“OID”) (such as debt instruments with “payment in kind” interest or, in certain cases, that have increasing interest rates or are issued with warrants), the Fund must include in its taxable income in each year a portion of the OID that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether the Fund receives cash representing such income in the same taxable year. The Fund may also have to include in its taxable income other amounts that it has not yet received in cash but has been allocated by the Portfolio Funds.

 

A RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of its investment company taxable income. If the Fund’s deductible expenses in a given year exceed its investment company taxable income, the Fund will have a net operating loss for that year. A RIC is not able to offset its investment company taxable income with net operating losses on either a carryforward or carryback basis, and net operating losses generally will not pass through to Shareholders. In addition, expenses may be used only to offset investment company taxable income, and may not be used to offset net capital gain. A RIC may not use any net capital losses (i.e., realized capital losses in excess of realized capital gains) to offset its investment company taxable income, but may carry forward those losses, and use them to offset future capital gains, indefinitely. Further, a RIC’s deduction of net business interest expense is limited to 30% of its “adjusted taxable income” plus “floor plan financing interest expense.” It is not expected that any portion of any underwriting or similar fee will be deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the Fund or the Shareholders. Due to these limits on the deductibility of expenses, net capital losses and business interest expenses, the Fund may, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, have aggregate taxable income for several years that the Fund is required to distribute and that is taxable to Shareholders even if this income is greater than the aggregate net income the Fund actually earned during those years.

 

78

 

 

In order to enable the Fund to make distributions to Shareholders that will be sufficient to enable the Fund to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements in the event that the circumstances described in the preceding two paragraphs apply, the Fund may need to liquidate or sell some of its assets at times or at prices that the Fund would not consider advantageous, the Fund may need to raise additional equity or debt capital, the Fund may need to take out loans, or the Fund may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to the Fund’s business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to its business). Even if the Fund is authorized to borrow and to sell assets in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements, under the Investment Company Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to make distributions to its Shareholders while its debt obligations and senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests or other financial covenants are met.

 

If the Fund is unable to obtain cash from other sources to enable the Fund to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, the Fund 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). Although the Fund expects to operate in a manner so as to qualify continuously as a RIC, the Fund may decide in the future to be taxed as a “C” corporation, even if the Fund would otherwise qualify as a RIC, if the Fund determines that such treatment as a C corporation for a particular year would be in the Fund’s best interest.

 

An entity that is properly classified as a partnership, rather than an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation, is not itself subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, each partner of the partnership must take into account its distributive share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and credits (including all such items allocable to that partnership from investments in other partnerships) for each taxable year of the partnership ending with or within the partner’s taxable year, without regard to whether such partner has received or will receive corresponding cash distributions from the partnership. For the purpose of determining whether the Fund satisfies the 90% Gross Income Test and the Diversification Tests, the character of the Fund’s distributive share of items of income, gain, losses, deductions and credits derived through any investments in companies that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (other than certain publicly traded partnerships), such as the Portfolio Funds, or are otherwise treated as disregarded from the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally will be determined as if the Fund realized these tax items directly. In order to meet the 90% Gross Income Test, the Fund may structure its investments in a way that could increase the taxes imposed thereon or in respect thereof. For example, the Fund may be required to hold such investments through a subsidiary corporation. In such a case, any income from such investments should not adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet the 90% Gross Income Test, although such income generally would be subject to U.S. corporate federal income tax (and possibly state and local taxes), which the Fund would indirectly bear through its ownership of such subsidiary corporation.

 

Further, for purposes of calculating the value of the Fund’s investment in the securities of an issuer for purposes of determining the 25% requirement of the Diversification Tests, the Fund’s proper proportion of any investment in the securities of that issuer that are held by a member of the Fund’s “controlled group” must be aggregated with the Fund’s investment in that issuer. A controlled group is one or more chains of corporations connected through stock ownership with the Fund if (a) at least 20% of the total combined voting power of all classes of voting stock of each of the corporations is owned directly by one or more of the other corporations, and (b) the Fund directly owns at least 20% or more of the combined voting stock of at least one of the other corporations.

 

Failure to Qualify as a Regulated Investment Company

 

If the Fund, otherwise qualifying as a RIC, fails to satisfy the 90% Gross Income Test for any taxable year or the Diversification Tests for any quarter of a taxable year, the Fund may continue to be taxed as a RIC for the relevant taxable year if certain relief provisions of the Code apply (which might, among other things, require the Fund to pay certain corporate-level U.S. federal taxes or to dispose of certain assets). If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for more than two consecutive taxable years and then seeks to re-qualify as a RIC, the Fund would generally be required to recognize gain to the extent of any unrealized appreciation in its assets unless the Fund elects to pay U.S. corporate income tax on any such unrealized appreciation during the succeeding 5-year period.

 

79

 

 

If the Fund fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC in any taxable year and is not eligible for relief provisions, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on all of its taxable income at the regular corporate U.S. federal income tax rate and would be subject to any applicable state and local taxes, regardless of whether the Fund makes any distributions to Shareholders. Additionally, the Fund would not be able to deduct distributions to its Shareholders, nor would distributions to Shareholders be required to be made for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any distributions the Fund makes generally would be taxable to Shareholders as ordinary dividend income and, subject to certain limitations under the Code, would be eligible for the current maximum rate applicable to qualifying dividend income of individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Shareholders, to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, U.S. Shareholders that are corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Fund’s Shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as capital gain.

 

The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund will continuously qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

 

The Fund’s Investments—General

 

Certain of the Fund’s 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 it 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% Gross Income Test. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the effects of these provisions; however, no assurance can be given that the Fund will be eligible for any such tax elections or that any elections it makes will fully mitigate the effects of these provisions.

 

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

 

A Portfolio Fund in which the Fund invests may face financial difficulties that require the Fund to work-out, modify or otherwise restructure its investment in Portfolio Fund. Any such transaction could, depending upon the specific terms of the transaction, cause the Fund to recognize taxable income without a corresponding receipt of cash, which could affect its ability to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements or result in unusable capital losses and future non-cash income. Any such transaction could also result in the Fund receiving assets that give rise to non-qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Gross Income Test.

 

Securities and other financial assets

 

Gain or loss recognized by the Fund from securities and other financial assets acquired by it, as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of options, warrants, or other financial assets taxed as options 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 the Fund held a particular security or other financial asset.

 

80

 

 

Non-U.S. Investments, including PFICs and CFCs

 

The Fund’s investment in non-U.S. securities may be subject to non-U.S. income, withholding and other taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit or deduction with respect to non-U.S. taxes paid by the Fund.

 

If the Fund purchases shares in a PFIC, the Fund 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 the Fund distributes such income as a taxable dividend to Shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest generally will be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distribution or gain. If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code (a “QEF”), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund will be required to include in gross income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed by the QEF. Any inclusions in the Fund’s gross income resulting from the QEF election will be considered qualifying income for the purposes of the 90% Gross Income Test. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year its shares in such PFIC, in which case, the Fund 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 it does not exceed prior increases included in its income. The Fund’s ability to make either election will depend on factors beyond the Fund’s control, and is subject to restrictions which may limit the availability of the benefit of these elections. Under either election, the Fund may be required to recognize in any year income in excess of its distributions from PFICs and its 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 the Fund satisfies the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements. See “—Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company” above.

 

If the Fund holds more than 10% of the shares in a foreign corporation that is treated as a CFC, the Fund may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income or, if eligible, the preferential rates that apply to “qualified dividend income”) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to its pro rata share of the foreign corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), whether or not the foreign corporation makes an actual distribution during such year. This deemed distribution is required to be included in the income of a U.S. shareholder of a CFC regardless of whether the shareholder has made a QEF election with respect to such CFC (as discussed above). In general, a foreign corporation will be classified as a CFC if more than 50% of the shares of the corporation, measured by reference to combined voting power or value, is owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by U.S. shareholders. A “U.S. shareholder,” for this purpose, is any U.S. person that possesses (actually or constructively) 10% or more of the combined value or voting power of all classes of shares of a corporation. If the Fund is treated as receiving a deemed distribution from a CFC, the Fund will be required to include such distribution in its investment company taxable income regardless of whether the Fund receives any actual distributions from such CFC, and the Fund must distribute such income to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement. Income inclusions from a foreign corporation that is a CFC are “good income” for purposes of the 90% Gross Income Test regardless of whether the Fund receives timely distributions of such income from the foreign corporation.

 

Non-U.S. Currency

 

The Fund’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues income, expenses or other liabilities denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar and the time it actually collects such income or pay such expenses or liabilities may be treated as ordinary income or loss by the Fund. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts, the disposition of debt denominated in a foreign currency and other financial transactions denominated in foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, may also be treated as ordinary income or loss.

 

81

 

 

Hedging and Derivative Transactions

 

In connection with its primary investment strategies, the Fund may choose to enter into certain hedging and derivative transactions, including through the use of certain options, futures contracts, forward contracts (including forward currency contracts), straddles and foreign currencies. Such transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Shareholders.

 

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

 

The following discussion generally describes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund’s Shares beneficially owned by U.S. Shareholders (as defined above). If you are not a U.S. Shareholder this section does not apply to you. Whether an investment in the Fund is appropriate for a U.S. Shareholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment in the Fund by a U.S. Shareholder may have adverse tax consequences. U.S. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors about the U.S. tax consequences of investing in the Fund.

 

The Fund will ordinarily declare and pay dividends from its net investment income and distribute net realized capital gains, if any, once a year. The Fund, however, may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Investment Company Act.

 

Distributions on, and Sale or Other Disposition of, the Fund’s Shares

 

Distributions by the Fund generally are taxable to U.S. Shareholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of the Fund’s investment company taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. Shareholders to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Shares. To the extent such distributions the Fund pays to non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, such distributions generally are taxable to U.S. Shareholders at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains. Distributions of the Fund’s net capital gains (which generally are the Fund’s realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) that are properly reported by the Fund as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to a U.S. Shareholder as long-term capital gains that are currently taxable at reduced rates in the case of non-corporate taxpayers, regardless of the U.S. Shareholder’s holding period for his, her or its Shares and regardless of whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Shares. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in such U.S. Shareholder’s Shares and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. Shareholder.

 

The Fund generally expects to make distributions in cash but retains the discretionary ability to make distributions of in-kind of securities. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the possibility of the Fund distributing securities in-kind, as well as the specific tax consequences of owning and disposing any securities actually distributed in-kind by the Fund.

 

82

 

 

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

 

A portion of the Fund’s ordinary income dividends paid to corporate U.S. Shareholders may, if the distributions consist of qualifying distributions received by the Fund and certain other conditions are met, qualify for the 50% dividends received deduction to the extent that the Fund has received dividends from certain corporations during the taxable year, but only to the extent these ordinary income dividends are treated as paid out of earnings and profits of the Fund. The Fund expects only a small portion of the Fund’s dividends to qualify for this deduction. A corporate U.S. Shareholder may be required to reduce its basis in its Shares with respect to certain “extraordinary dividends,” as defined in Section 1059 of the Code. Corporate U.S. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors in determining the application of these rules in their particular circumstances.

 

U.S. Shareholders who have not “opted-out” of the Fund’s DRIP will have their cash dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional Shares, rather than receiving cash dividends and distributions. Any dividends or distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless remain taxable to U.S. Shareholders. A U.S. Shareholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional Shares purchased through the DRIP equal to the dollar amount that would have been received if the U.S. Shareholder had received the dividend or distribution in cash, unless the Fund were to issue new Shares that are trading at or above net asset value, in which case, the U.S. Shareholder’s basis in the new Shares would generally be equal to their fair market value. The additional Shares will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the Shares are credited to the U.S. Shareholder’s account.

 

The Fund expects to be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company.” As a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” in addition to the Fund’s DRIP, the Fund may choose to pay a majority of a required dividend in Shares rather than cash. In order for the distribution to qualify for the Annual Distribution Requirement, the dividend must be payable at the election of each Shareholder in cash or Shares (or a combination of the two), but may have a “cash cap” that limits the total amount of cash paid to not less than 20% of the entire distribution. If Shareholders in the aggregate elect to receive an amount of cash greater than the Fund’s cash cap, then each Shareholder who elected to receive cash will receive a pro rata share of the cash and the rest of their distribution in Shares of the Fund. The value of the portion of the distribution made in Shares will be equal to the amount of cash for which the Shares is substituted, and the Fund’s U.S. Shareholders will be subject to tax on such amount as though they had received cash.

 

The Fund may elect to retain its net capital gain or a portion thereof for investment and be taxed at corporate-level tax rates on the amount retained, and therefore designate the retained amount as a “deemed dividend.” In this case, the Fund may report the retained amount as undistributed capital gains to its U.S. Shareholders, who will be treated as if each U.S. Shareholder received a distribution of its pro rata share of this gain, with the result that each U.S. Shareholder will (i) be required to report its pro rata share of this gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and (iii) increase the tax basis for its Shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, the Fund must provide written notice to its Shareholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. The Fund cannot treat any of its investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution.”

 

For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and (2) the amount of capital gains dividends paid for that year, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, 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 the Fund makes such an election, a U.S. Shareholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to Shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by the Fund’s Shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

 

83

 

 

If a U.S. Shareholder receives Shares in the Fund shortly before the record date of a distribution, the value of the Shares will include the value of the distribution and such U.S. Shareholder will be subject to tax on the distribution even though it economically represents a return of its investment.

 

A U.S. Shareholder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss if the U.S. Shareholder redeems, sells or otherwise disposes of its Shares in the Fund. The amount of gain or loss will be measured by the difference between a U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Shares sold, redeemed or otherwise disposed of and the amount of the proceeds received in exchange. Any gain or loss arising from such sale, redemption or other disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Shareholder has held his, her or its Shares for more than one year. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be classified as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any capital loss arising from the sale, redemption or other disposition of the Fund’s Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received, or undistributed capital gain deemed received, with respect to such Shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of the Fund’s Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical stock or securities are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such case, any disallowed loss is generally added to the U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis of the acquired Shares.

 

In general, U.S. Shareholders that are individuals, trusts or estates are taxed at preferential rates on their net capital gain. Such rates are lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. Corporate U.S. Shareholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain and ordinary income at the same maximum rate. A non-corporate U.S. Shareholders with net capital losses for a year (i.e., capital loss in excess of capital gain) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against its ordinary income each year; any net capital losses of a non-corporate U.S. Shareholder in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as provided in the Code. Corporate U.S. Shareholders generally may not deduct any net capital losses for a year, but may carry back such losses for three years or carry forward such losses for five years.

 

The Fund will furnish to its Shareholders as soon as practicable after the end of each taxable year information on Form 1099-DIV to assist Shareholders in preparing their tax returns. In addition, the U.S. federal tax status of each year’s distributions generally will be reported to the IRS (including the amount of dividends, if any, eligible for the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains). Distributions by the Fund out of current or accumulated earnings and profits also generally will not be eligible for the 20% pass through deduction under Section 199A of the Code, although under recently released U.S. Treasury regulations, qualified REIT dividends earned by the Fund may qualify for the Section 199A deduction. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and non-U.S. taxes depending on a U.S. Shareholder’s particular situation.

 

Income from Repurchases of Shares

 

In General. A U.S. Shareholder who participates in a repurchase of Shares will, depending on such U.S. Shareholder’s particular circumstances, and as set forth further under “Sale or Exchange Treatment” and “Distribution Treatment,” be treated either as recognizing gain or loss from the disposition of its Shares or as receiving a distribution from the Fund with respect to its Shares. Under each of these approaches, a U.S. Shareholder’s realized income and gain (if any) would be calculated differently. Under the “sale or exchange” approach, a U.S. Shareholder generally would be allowed to recognize a taxable loss (if the repurchase proceeds are less than the U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Shares tendered and repurchased).

 

Sale or Exchange Treatment. In general, the tender and repurchase of the Fund’s Shares should be treated as a sale or exchange of the Shares by a U.S. Shareholder if the receipt of cash:

 

results in a “complete termination” of such U.S. Shareholder’s ownership of Shares in the Fund;

 

84

 

 

results in a “substantially disproportionate” redemption with respect to such U.S. Shareholder; or

 

is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the U.S. Shareholder.

 

In applying each of the tests described above, a U.S. Shareholder must take account of Shares that such U.S. Shareholder constructively owns under detailed attribution rules set forth in the Code, which generally treat the U.S. Shareholder as owning Shares owned by certain related individuals and entities, and Shares that the U.S. Shareholder has the right to acquire by exercise of an option, warrant or right of conversion. U.S. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the constructive ownership rules to their particular circumstances.

 

A sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund generally will result in a “complete termination” if either (i) the U.S. Shareholder owns none of the Fund’s Shares, either actually or constructively, after the Shares are sold pursuant to a repurchase, or (ii) the U.S. Shareholder does not actually own any of the Fund’s Shares immediately after the sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase and, with respect to Shares constructively owned, is eligible to waive, and effectively waives, constructive ownership of all such Shares. U.S. Shareholders wishing to satisfy the “complete termination” test through waiver of attribution should consult their tax advisors.

 

A sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund will result in a “substantially disproportionate” redemption with respect to a U.S. Shareholder if the percentage of the then outstanding Shares actually and constructively owned by such U.S. Shareholder immediately after the sale is less than 80% of the percentage of the Shares actually and constructively owned by such U.S. Shareholder immediately before the sale. If a sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase fails to satisfy the “substantially disproportionate” test, the U.S. Shareholder may nonetheless satisfy the “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” test.

 

A sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund will satisfy the “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” test if it results in a “meaningful reduction” of the U.S. Shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund. A sale of Shares that actually reduces the percentage of the Fund’s outstanding Shares owned, including constructively, by such Shareholder would likely be treated as a “meaningful reduction” even if the percentage reduction is relatively minor, provided that the U.S. Shareholder’s relative interest in Shares of the Fund is minimal (e.g., less than 1%) and the U.S. Shareholder does not exercise any control over or participate in the management of the Fund’s corporate affairs. Any person that has an ownership position that allows some exercise of control over or participation in the management of corporate affairs will not satisfy the meaningful reduction test unless that person’s ability to exercise control over or participate in management of corporate affairs is materially reduced or eliminated.

 

Substantially contemporaneous dispositions or acquisitions of Shares by a U.S. Shareholder or a related person that are part of a plan viewed as an integrated transaction with a repurchase of Shares may be taken into account in determining whether any of the tests described above are satisfied.

 

If a U.S. Shareholder satisfies any of the tests described above, the U.S. Shareholder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received and such U.S. Shareholder’s tax basis in the repurchased Shares. Any such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period of the Shares exceeds one year as of the date of the repurchase. Specified limitations apply to the deductibility of capital losses by U.S. Shareholders. However, if a U.S. Shareholder’s tendered and repurchased Shares have previously paid a long-term capital gain distribution (including, for this purpose, amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain) and such Shares were held for six months or less, any loss realized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent that it offsets the long-term capital gain distribution.

 

Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the Shares disposed of are replaced within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the Shares. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

85

 

 

Distribution Treatment. If a U.S. Shareholder does not satisfy any of the tests described above, and therefore does not qualify for sale or exchange treatment, the U.S. Shareholder may be treated as having received, in whole or in part, a taxable dividend, a tax-free return of capital or taxable capital gain, depending on (i) whether the Fund has sufficient earnings and profits to support a dividend and (ii) the U.S. Shareholder’s tax basis in the relevant Shares. The amount of any distribution in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, if any, would be treated as a non-taxable return of investment to the extent, generally, of the U.S. Shareholder’s basis in the Shares remaining. If the portion not treated as a dividend exceeds the U.S. Shareholder’s basis in the Shares remaining, any such excess will be treated as capital gain from the sale or exchange of the remaining Shares. Any such gain will be capital gain and will be long-term capital gain if the holding period of the Shares exceeds one year as of the date of the exchange. If the tendering U.S. Shareholder’s tax basis in the Shares tendered and repurchased exceeds the total of any dividend and return of capital distribution with respect to those Shares, the excess amount of basis from the tendered and repurchased Shares will be reallocated pro rata among the bases of such U.S. Shareholder’s remaining Shares.

 

Provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied, certain non-corporate U.S. Shareholders generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum rate of 20% on amounts treated as a dividend. This reduced rate will apply to: (i) 100% of the dividend if 95% or more of the Fund’s gross income (ignoring gains attributable to the sale of stocks and securities except to the extent net short-term capital gain from such sales exceeds net long-term capital loss from such sales) in that taxable year is attributable to qualified dividend income; or (ii) the portion of the dividends paid by the Fund to an individual in a particular taxable year that is attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund this year if such qualified dividend income accounts for less than 95% of the Fund’s gross income (ignoring gains attributable to the sale of stocks and securities except to the extent net short-term capital gains from such sales exceeds net long-term capital loss from such sales) for that taxable year. Such a dividend will be taxed in its entirety, without reduction for the U.S. Shareholder’s tax basis of the repurchased Shares. To the extent that a tender and repurchase of a U.S. Shareholder’s Shares is treated as the receipt by the U.S. Shareholder of a dividend, the U.S. Shareholder’s remaining adjusted basis (reduced by the amount, if any, treated as a return of capital) in the tendered and repurchased Shares will be added to any Shares retained by the U.S. Shareholder.

 

To the extent that cash received in exchange for Shares is treated as a dividend to a corporate U.S. Shareholder, (i) it may be eligible for a dividends-received deduction to the extent attributable to dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations, and (ii) it may be subject to the “extraordinary dividend” provisions of the Code. Corporate U.S. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the availability of the dividends-received deduction and the application of the “extraordinary dividend” provisions of the Code in their particular circumstances. No portion of any dividend is expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction.

 

If the sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund is treated as a dividend to a U.S. Shareholder rather than as an exchange, the other Shareholders, including any non-tendering Shareholders, could be deemed to have received a taxable stock distribution if such Shareholder’s interest in the Fund increases as a result of the repurchase. This deemed dividend would be treated as a dividend to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits allocable to it. A proportionate increase in a U.S. Shareholder’s interest in the Fund will not be treated as a taxable distribution of Shares if the distribution qualifies as an isolated redemption of Shares as described in Treasury regulations. All Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors about the possibility of deemed distributions resulting from a repurchase of Shares by the Fund.

 

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Investors

 

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

 

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations

 

Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a U.S. Shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to Shares of the Fund in excess of $2 million or more for a non-corporate U.S. Shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate U.S. Shareholder in any single taxable year, such Shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of “portfolio securities” in many cases are excepted from this reporting requirement, but, under current guidance, equity owners of a RIC are not excepted. 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. Shareholders should consult their tax advisor to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

86

 

 

Net Investment Income Tax

 

An additional 3.8% surtax applies to the net investment income of non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (other than certain trusts) on the lesser of (i) the U.S. Shareholder’s “net investment income” for a taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. Shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of joint filers). For these purposes, “net investment income” generally includes interest and taxable distributions and deemed distributions paid with respect to Shares, and net gain attributable to the disposition of Shares (in each case, unless the Shares are held in connection with certain trades or businesses), but will be reduced by any deductions properly allocable to these distributions or this net gain.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

The Fund may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income taxes, a portion of all taxable distributions payable U.S. Shareholders (a) who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) or who otherwise fail to make required certifications or (b) with respect to whom the IRS notifies the Fund that this U.S. Shareholder is subject to backup withholding. Certain U.S. Shareholders specified in the Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder are exempt from backup withholding but may be required to provide documentation to establish their exempt status. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld will be allowed as a refund or a credit against the U.S. Shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability if the appropriate information is timely provided to the IRS. Failure by a U.S. Shareholder to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject the U.S. Shareholder to a penalty imposed by the IRS.

 

ALL SHAREHOLDERS 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 THE FUND’S SHARES.

 

CUSTODIAN

 

UMB Bank, N.A. serves as the custodian of the assets of the Fund and may maintain custody of such assets with U.S. and non-U.S. sub-custodians (which may be banks and trust companies), securities depositories and clearing agencies in accordance with the requirements of Section 17(f) of the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder. Assets of the Fund are not held by the Adviser or commingled with the assets of other accounts other than to the extent that securities are held in the name of the Custodian or U.S. or non-U.S. sub-custodians in a securities depository, clearing agency or omnibus customer account of such custodian. The Custodian’s principal business address is 928 Grand Blvd., 28th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106.

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES

 

The Fund has entered into an Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement with ALPS Fund Services, Inc. under which the Administrator performs certain administration and accounting services for the Fund, including, among other things: customary fund accounting services, including computing the Fund’s net asset values and maintaining books, records and other documents relating to the Fund’s financial and portfolio transactions, and customary fund administration services, including assisting the Fund with regulatory filings, tax compliance and other oversight activities. In consideration for these services, the Fund pays the Administrator tiered fees based on the average monthly net asset value of the Fund, subject to a minimum annual fee, as well as certain other fixed, per-account or transactional fees. The Administration Fee is paid to the Administrator out of the assets of the Fund and therefore decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. The Fund also reimburses the Administrator for certain out-of-pocket expenses and pays the Administrator a fee for transfer agency services.

 

The Administrator’s principal business address is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203.

 

87

 

 

TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT

 

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., whose principal business address is 1055 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64105, serves as the Fund’s transfer agent with respect to the Shares.

 

DST Systems, Inc. serves as the Fund’s dividend paying agent.

 

FISCAL YEAR; REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

The Fund’s fiscal year is the 12-month period ending on March 31st. The Fund’s taxable year is the 12-month period ending on September 30th.

 

The Fund will provide Shareholders with an audited annual report and an unaudited semi-annual report within 60 days after the close of the reporting period for which the report is being made, or as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act. Shareholders will also receive quarterly commentary regarding the Fund’s operations and investments.

 

The Fund will furnish to Shareholders as soon as practicable after the end of each taxable year information on Form 1099 to assist Shareholders in preparing their tax returns.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund. Its principal business address is One Manhattan West, New York, New York 10001.

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Proskauer Rose LLP, Eleven Times Square, New York, New York 10036, serves as legal counsel to the Fund. No attorney-client relationship exists, however, between Proskauer and any other person solely by reason of such other person investing in the Fund.

 

88

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Additional Investment Policies 2
   
Investment Practices, Techniques and Risks 3
   
Management of the Fund 12
   
Portfolio Transactions 19
   
ERISA Considerations 20
   
Control Persons and Principal Shareholders 22
   
Financial Statements 22
   
Privacy Policy 29
   
Appendix A—Securities Ratings Descriptions A-1
   
Appendix B—Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures B-1

 

89

 

 

cid:image001.png@01D82FA3.CC450640

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

 

Class A Shares

Class D Shares

Class I Shares

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

[             ], 2022

 

 

All dealers that effect transactions in these Shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a Prospectus.

 

 

 

The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. The Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Preliminary STATEMENT OF additional INFORMATION
Subject to Completion, dated MARCH 23, 2022

 

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

Class A Shares

Class D Shares

Class I Shares

 

[ ], 2022

 

Ares Private Markets Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with no operating history. This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") relating to the Shares does not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus relating thereto dated [ ], 2022. This SAI, which is not a prospectus, does not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before purchasing Shares, and investors should obtain and read the Prospectus prior to purchasing such Shares. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling 1-866-324-7348, by writing to the Fund at 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167 or wmsoperations@aresmgmt.com, or by visiting www.areswms.com. You may also obtain a copy of the Prospectus on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this SAI have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.

 

References to the Investment Company Act, or other applicable law, will include any rules promulgated thereunder and any guidance, interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, including court interpretations, and exemptive, no-action or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Additional Investment Policies 2
   
Investment Practices, Techniques and Risks 3
   
Management of the Fund 12
   
Portfolio Transactions 19
   
Certain ERISA Considerations 20
   
Control Persons and Principal Shareholders 22
   
Financial Statements 22
   
Privacy Policy 29
   
Appendix A—Securities Ratings Descriptions A-1
   
Appendix B—Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures B-1

 

1

 

 

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES

 

The investment objective and the principal investment strategies of the Fund, as well as the principal risks associated with such investment strategies, are set forth in the Prospectus. The following disclosure supplements the disclosure set forth under the captions "Investment Objective and Strategy" and "Risks" in the Prospectus and does not, by itself, present a complete or accurate explanation of the matters discussed. Prospective investors also should refer to "Investment Objective and Strategy" and "Risks" in the Prospectus for a complete presentation of the matters disclosed below.

 

Fundamental Policies

 

The Fund has adopted restrictions and policies relating to the investment of the Fund's assets and its activities. Certain of the restrictions are fundamental policies of the Fund and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined by the Investment Company Act). For this purpose, under the Investment Company Act, the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund" means the vote, at an annual or special meeting of the Shareholders duly called, (i) of 67% or more of the Shares represented at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding Shares are present in person or represented by proxy or (ii) of more than 50% of the outstanding Shares, whichever is less. No other policy is a fundamental policy of the Fund, except as expressly stated.

 

The Fund's fundamental investment restrictions are as follows:

 

1. The Fund will not invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities) of issuers engaged in any single industry or groups of industries. For the avoidance of doubt, this 25% limitation on investment in a single industry or groups of industries does not restrict or limit: (i) the Fund's authority to invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in Portfolio Funds; or (ii) the Fund's ability to invest in U.S. Government securities or such other securities as may be excluded for this purpose under the Investment Company Act.

 

2.The Fund will not issue senior securities or borrow money, except to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act.

 

3.The Fund will not underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in selling its own securities or portfolio securities.

 

4.The Fund will not make loans of money or securities to other persons, except that (i) the Fund will not be deemed to be making a loan to the extent that the Fund makes investments in fixed-income securities or enters into repurchase agreements in a manner consistent with its stated investment policies; (ii) the Fund may take short positions in any security or financial instrument; and (iii) the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not in excess of 33-1∕3% of its total assets, taken at market value, provided that such loans shall be made in accordance with applicable law.

 

5.The Fund will not purchase or sell physical commodities or commodity contracts, except to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or unless otherwise acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or instruments, but this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing and selling foreign currency, options, swaps, futures and forward contracts and other financial instruments and contracts, including those related to indexes, and options on indices, and may invest in commodity pools and other entities that purchase and sell commodities and commodity contracts. For purposes of the limitation on commodities, the Fund does not consider foreign currencies or forward contracts to be physical commodities.

 

6.The Fund will not purchase, hold or deal in real estate, except the Fund may purchase and hold securities or other instruments that are secured by, or linked to, real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate investment trusts, mortgage-related securities and securities of issuers engaged in the real estate business, and the Fund may purchase and hold real estate as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments (including interests in Portfolio Funds).

 

2

 

 

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (1) above, the Investment Company Act does not define what constitutes "concentration" in an industry or groups of industries. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund's total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities; tax exempt securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. Finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents. Each foreign government will be considered to be a member of a separate industry. With respect to the Fund's industry classifications, the Fund currently utilizes any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by the Adviser. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the Fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries.

 

The investment restrictions and other policies described herein do not apply to Portfolio Funds. The Fund will, however, consider the investments held by Portfolio Funds, to the extent known, in determining whether its investments are concentrated in any particular industry or groups of industries.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all limitations under the Fund's investment restrictions apply only at the time that a transaction is undertaken. Any change in the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in certain securities or other instruments resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in the Fund's total assets, including changes resulting from the Fund having a smaller base of assets after a repurchase offer, will not require the Fund to dispose of an investment until the Adviser determines that such disposition is in the Fund's best interest.

 

The fundamental investment limitations set forth above restrict the ability of the Fund to engage in certain practices and purchase securities and other instruments other than as permitted by, or consistent with, applicable law, including the Investment Company Act. These limitations are based either on the Investment Company Act itself, the rules or regulations thereunder or applicable orders of the SEC. In addition, interpretations and guidance provided by the SEC staff may be taken into account to determine if a certain practice or the purchase of securities or other instruments is permitted by the Investment Company Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or applicable orders of the SEC. As a result, the foregoing fundamental investment policies may be interpreted differently over time as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) that relate to the meaning and effect of these policies change, and no vote of Shareholders, as applicable, will be required or sought.

 

The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed with the approval of the Fund's Board upon 60 days' prior written notice to Shareholders.

 

INVESTMENT PRACTICES, TECHNIQUES AND RISKS

 

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objective, policies, techniques and risks that are described in the Prospectus. The Fund may invest in the following instruments and use the following investment techniques, subject to any limitations set forth in the Prospectus. There is no guarantee the Fund will buy all of the types of securities or use any or all of the investment techniques described herein.

 

3

 

 

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Debt Securities. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash equivalents and short-term debt securities. Short-term debt securities are defined to include, without limitation, the following:

 

·U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest that are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities include securities issued by: (a) the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration and Government National Mortgage Association, the securities of which are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Tennessee Valley Authority, the securities of which are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National Mortgage Association, the securities of which are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association, the securities of which are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities. Consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.

 

·Certificates of deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

·Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities.

 

· Commercial paper, which consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes, including variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their current operations. Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for such notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. The Adviser will consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios) and will continuously monitor the corporation's ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. Investments in commercial paper will be limited to commercial paper rated in the highest categories by a major rating agency and which mature within one year of the date of purchase or carry a variable or floating rate of interest.

 

Derivatives. A derivative is generally a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, changes in the value of one or more "reference instruments," such as underlying assets (including securities), reference rates, indices or events. Derivatives may relate to stocks, bonds, credit, interest rates, commodities, currencies or currency exchange rates, or related indices. A derivative may also contain leverage to magnify the exposure to the reference instrument. Derivatives may be traded on organized exchanges and/or through clearing organizations, or in private transactions with other parties in the over-the-counter ("OTC") market with a single dealer or a prime broker acting as an intermediary with respect to an executing dealer. Derivatives may be used for hedging purposes and non-hedging (or speculative) purposes. Some derivatives require one or more parties to post "margin," which means that a party must deposit assets with, or for the benefit of, a third party, such as a futures commission merchant, in order to initiate and maintain the derivatives position.

 

Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. Derivatives can create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline in the value of the reference instrument underlying the derivative, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. Derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses, for example, where the Fund may be called upon to deliver a security it does not own. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Derivatives may involve fees, commissions, or other costs that may reduce the Fund's gains or exacerbate losses from the derivatives. Certain aspects of the regulatory treatment of derivative instruments, including federal income tax, are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations, or other legally binding authority.

 

4

 

 

Derivatives involve counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to the derivative will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative. Counterparty risk may arise because of market activities and developments, the counterparty's financial condition (including financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), or other reasons. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Counterparty risk is generally thought to be greater with OTC derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. However, derivatives that are traded on organized exchanges and/or through clearing organizations involve the possibility that the futures commission merchant or clearing organization will default in the performance of its obligations.

 

When the Fund uses derivatives, it will likely be required to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate cash or other liquid assets; these practices are intended to satisfy contractual undertakings and regulatory requirements and will not prevent the Fund from incurring losses on derivatives. The need to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate assets could limit the Fund's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise. Segregated assets are not available to meet redemptions. The amount of assets required to be segregated will depend on the type of derivative the Fund uses and the nature of the contractual arrangement. If the Fund is required to segregate assets equal to only the current market value of its obligation under a derivative, the Fund may be able to use derivatives to a greater extent, which would increase the degree of leverage the Fund could undertake through derivatives and otherwise, than if it were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such derivative. Derivatives that have margin requirements involve the risk that if the Fund has insufficient cash or eligible margin securities to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities or other instruments from its portfolio at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund normally will remain obligated to meet margin requirements until a derivatives position is closed.

 

Ongoing changes to regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance. For instance, new Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, with which investment companies, such as the Fund, must comply beginning in August 2022, will regulate and, in some cases limit, their use of derivatives. Unless the Fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user" as defined in Rule 18f-4, the rule would, among other things, require the Fund to establish a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, to comply with certain value-at-risk based leverage limits, to appoint a derivatives risk manager and to provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. If the Fund qualifies as a limited derivatives user, Rule 18f-4 would require the Fund to have policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. These requirements could have an impact on the Fund, including a potential increase in cost to enter into derivatives transactions and may require the Fund to alter, perhaps materially, its use of derivatives. As the Fund comes into compliance, the approach to asset segregation and coverage requirements described in this SAI will be impacted.

 

Options. The Fund may purchase put and call options on currencies or securities. A put option gives the purchaser the right to compel the writer of the option to purchase from the option holder an underlying currency or security or its equivalent at a specified price at any time during the option period. In contrast, a call option gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying currency or security covered by the option or its equivalent from the writer of the option at the stated exercise price. As a holder of a put option, the Fund will have the right to sell the currencies or securities underlying the option and as the holder of a call option, the Fund will have the right to purchase the currencies or securities underlying the option, in each case at their exercise price at any time prior to the option's expiration date. The Fund may seek to terminate its option positions prior to their expiration by entering into closing transactions. The ability of the Fund to enter into a closing sale transaction depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires.

 

5

 

 

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities on which the option is based. Imperfect correlation between the options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of attempted hedging. Options transactions may result in significantly higher transaction costs and portfolio turnover for the Fund.

 

Some, but not all, of the Fund's options may be traded and listed on an exchange. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.

 

Futures Contracts. The Fund may enter into securities-related futures contracts, including security futures contracts. The Fund will not enter into futures contracts that are prohibited under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the "CEA"), and will, to the extent required by regulatory authorities, enter only into futures contracts that are traded on exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument. A security futures contract is a legally binding agreement between two parties to purchase or sell in the future a specific quantity of a security or of the component securities of a narrow-based security index, at a certain price. A person who buys a security futures contract enters into a contract to purchase an underlying security and is said to be "long" the contract. A person who sells a security futures contract enters into a contract to sell the underlying security and is said to be "short" the contract. The price at which the contract trades (the "contract price") is determined by relative buying and selling interest on a regulated exchange.

 

An open position, either a long or short position, is typically closed or liquidated by entering into an offsetting transaction (i.e., an equal and opposite transaction to the one that opened the position) prior to the contract expiration. Traditionally, most futures contracts are liquidated prior to expiration through an offsetting transaction and, thus, holders do not incur a settlement obligation. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a gain will be realized; if it is more, a loss will be realized. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a gain will be realized; if it is less, a loss will be realized. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract and the Fund may not be able to realize a gain in the value of its future position or prevent losses from mounting. This inability to liquidate could occur, for example, if trading is halted due to unusual trading activity in either the security futures contract or the underlying security; if trading is halted due to recent news events involving the issuer of the underlying security; if systems failures occur on an exchange or at the firm carrying the position; or, if the position is on an illiquid market. Even if the Fund can liquidate its position, it may be forced to do so at a price that involves a large loss. Because of the low margin deposits required, futures contracts trading involves an extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in an immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor.

 

There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when the Fund seeks to close out a futures contract position. The Fund would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly resulting in a decline in the Fund's net asset value. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

 

Security futures contracts that are not liquidated prior to expiration must be settled in accordance with the terms of the contract. Depending on the terms of the contract, some security futures contracts are settled by physical delivery of the underlying security. Settlement with physical delivery may involve additional costs. Depending on the terms of the contract, other security futures contracts are settled through cash settlement. In this case, the underlying security is not delivered. Instead, any positions in such security futures contracts that are open at the end of the last trading day are settled through a final cash payment based on a final settlement price determined by the exchange or clearing organization. Once this payment is made, neither party has any further obligations on the contract.

 

6

 

 

In addition, the value of a position in security futures contracts could be affected if trading is halted in either the security futures contract or the underlying security. In certain circumstances, regulated exchanges are required by law to halt trading in security futures contracts. The regulated exchanges may also have discretion under their rules to halt trading in other circumstances, such as when the exchange determines that the halt would be advisable in maintaining a fair and orderly market. A trading halt, either by a regulated exchange that trades security futures or an exchange trading the underlying security or instrument, could prevent the Fund from liquidating a position in security futures contracts in a timely manner, which could expose the Fund to a loss.

 

Each regulated exchange trading a security futures contract may also open and close for trading at different times than other regulated exchanges trading security futures contracts or markets trading the underlying security or securities. Trading in security futures contracts prior to the opening or after the close of the primary market for the underlying security may be less liquid than trading during regular market hours.

 

Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into swap agreements. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount earned or realized on the "notional amount" of predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Some swaps are structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as interest rates, commodity prices, non-U.S. currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates. Swap agreements may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC between two parties or, in some instances, must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Certain risks are reduced (but not eliminated) if a fund invests in cleared swaps. Certain standardized swaps, including certain credit default swaps, are subject to mandatory clearing, and more are expected to be in the future. The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared derivatives, but cleared contracts are not risk-free.

 

Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund's investments and the price of its Shares. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would likely decline, potentially resulting in losses.

 

Generally, swap agreements have fixed maturity dates that are agreed upon by the parties to the swap. The agreement can be terminated before the maturity date only under limited circumstances, such as default by or insolvency of one of the parties and can be transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. The Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party. If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy, defaults or becomes insolvent, it is possible that the Fund may not be able to recover the money it expected to receive under the contract.

 

A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund's gains or losses. To reduce the risk associated with leveraging, the Fund will segregate assets equal to the full notional value of the swap agreements, unless future SEC staff guidance permits asset segregation to a lesser extent. The use of swaps can cause the Fund to be subject to additional regulatory requirements, which may generate additional Fund expenses. The Fund monitors any swaps with a view towards ensuring that the Fund remains in compliance with all applicable regulatory, investment and tax requirements.

 

General Limitations on Certain Futures, Options and Swap Transactions. The Adviser with respect to the Fund has filed a notice of eligibility for an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") and the National Futures Association (the "NFA"), which regulate trading in the futures markets. Pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5, the Adviser and the Fund are not subject to regulation as a commodity pool or commodity pool operator under the CEA. If the Adviser or the Fund becomes subject to these requirements, as well as related NFA rules, the Fund may incur additional compliance and other expenses.

 

7

 

 

The Fund will comply with the current regulatory requirements of the SEC and the CFTC with respect to coverage of options and futures positions by registered investment companies and, if the guidelines so require, will segregate cash, U.S. government securities, high-grade liquid debt securities and/or other liquid assets permitted by the SEC and CFTC on the Fund's records in the amount prescribed. Securities segregated on the Fund's records cannot be sold while the futures or options position is outstanding, unless replaced with other permissible assets, and will be marked-to-market daily.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles its holder to receive interest that is generally paid or accrued on debt or a dividend that is paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities. The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. Convertible securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.

 

Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as "junk bonds"). Lower-rated debt securities involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. The credit rating of a company's convertible securities is generally lower than that of its non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered "junior" securities—that is, the company usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If the issuer stops paying interest or principal, convertible securities may become worthless and the Fund could lose its entire investment.

 

Zero Coupon and Paid-In-Kind ("PIK") Bonds. The Fund may invest in zero coupon or PIK bonds. Because investors in zero coupon or PIK bonds receive no cash prior to the maturity or cash payment date applicable thereto, an investment in such securities generally has a greater potential for complete loss of principal and/or return than an investment in debt securities that make periodic interest payments. Such investments are more vulnerable to the creditworthiness of the issuer and any other parties upon which performance relies.

 

Stressed and Distressed Investments. The Fund may invest in securities and other obligations of companies that involve significant financial or business distress, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. These securities may present a substantial risk of default, including the loss of the entire investment, or may be in default. Distressed securities include loans, bonds and notes, many of which are not publicly traded, and may involve a substantial degree of risk. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for distressed securities meaning that the Fund may be unable to exit its position.

 

The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on its portfolio holdings. In any investment opportunity involving any such type, there exists the risk that the contemplated transaction either will be unsuccessful, will take considerable time or will result in a distribution of cash or new securities, the value of which may be less than the purchase price paid by the Fund for the securities or other financial instruments in respect of which such distribution is received. Similarly, if an anticipated transaction does not in fact occur, the Fund may be required to sell its investment at a loss. The consummation of such transactions can be prevented or delayed by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) intervention of a regulatory agency; (ii) market conditions resulting in material changes in securities prices; (iii) compliance with any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or securities laws; and/or (iv) the inability to obtain adequate financing. Because there is substantial uncertainty concerning the outcome of transactions involving financially troubled companies in which the Fund invests, there is a potential risk of loss by the Fund of its entire investment in such companies.

 

8

 

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. This may include the equity securities of private equity sponsors. Common stocks and preferred stocks represent shares of ownership in a corporation. Preferred stocks usually have specific dividends and rank after bonds and before common stock in claims on assets of the corporation should it be dissolved. Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a corporation's stock price. Convertible securities are debt or preferred equity securities convertible into common stock. Usually, convertible securities pay dividends or interest at rates higher than common stock, but lower than other securities. Convertible securities usually participate to some extent in the appreciation or depreciation of the underlying stock into which they are convertible.

 

Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer's board and after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt securities. For this reason, the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks. Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if distributions are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer and may suffer a loss of value if distributions are not paid. Generally, preferred shareholders have no voting rights with respect to the issuer unless distributions to preferred shareholders have not been paid for a stated period, at which time the preferred shareholders may elect a number of Trustees to the issuer's board. Generally, once all the distributions have been paid to preferred shareholders, the preferred shareholders no longer have voting rights.

 

Warrants are options to buy a stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price anytime during the life of the warrants. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. The Fund could lose the value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant's or right's expiration date. The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.

 

Securities of other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest, subject to applicable regulatory limits, in the securities of other investment companies, including open-end management companies, closed-end management companies (including business development companies or "BDCs") and unit investment trusts. The Fund also may invest in ETFs, as described in additional detail under "ETFs and Other Exchange-Traded Investment Vehicles" below. Under the Investment Company Act, subject to the Fund's own more restrictive limitations, if any, the Fund's investment in securities issued by other investment companies, subject to certain exceptions, currently is limited to: (1) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company; (2) 5% of the Fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company; and (3) 10% of the Fund's total assets in the aggregate (such limits do not apply to investments in money market funds). Exemptions in the Investment Company Act or the rules thereunder may allow the Fund to invest in another investment company in excess of these limits. In particular, Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act allows the Fund to acquire the securities of another investment company, including ETFs, in excess of the limitations imposed by Section 12 of the Investment Company Act, subject to certain limitations and conditions on the Fund and the Adviser, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds' shares, evaluations and findings by the Adviser and limits on most three-tier fund structures.

 

When investing in the securities of other investment companies, the Fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of such investment companies' portfolio securities. In addition, as a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would indirectly bear its pro rata share of that investment company's advisory fees and other operating expenses. Fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investment in shares of one or more other investment companies generally are referred to as "acquired fund fees and expenses" and may appear as a separate line item in the Fund's prospectus fee table. For certain investment companies, such as BDCs, these expenses may be significant. In addition, the shares of closed-end management companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above, while the sale of such securities may be made at substantial discounts from, the value of such issuer's portfolio securities. Historically, shares of closed-end funds, including BDCs, have frequently traded at a discount to their net asset value, which discounts have, on occasion, been substantial and lasted for sustained periods of time.

 

9

 

 

Certain money market funds that operate in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act float their NAV while others seek to reserve the value of investments at a stable NAV (typically $1.00 per share). An investment in a money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable NAV per share, is not guaranteed, and it is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund's portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts the Fund redeems from the money market fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee).

 

ETFs and Other Exchange-Traded Investment Vehicles. The Fund may invest, subject to applicable regulatory limits, in the securities of ETFs and other pooled investment vehicles that are traded on an exchange and that hold a portfolio of securities or other financial instruments (collectively, "exchange-traded investment vehicles"). When investing in the securities of exchange-traded investment vehicles, the Fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of the portfolio securities or other financial instruments they hold. The performance of an exchange-traded investment vehicle will be reduced by transaction and other expenses, including fees paid by the exchange-traded investment vehicle to service providers. ETFs are investment companies that are registered as open-end management companies or unit investment trusts. The limits that apply to the Fund's investment in securities of other investment companies generally apply also to the Fund's investment in securities of ETFs.

 

Shares of exchange-traded investment vehicles are listed and traded in the secondary market. Many exchange-traded investment vehicles are passively managed and seek to provide returns that track the price and yield performance of a particular index or otherwise provide exposure to an asset class (e.g., currencies or commodities). Although such exchange-traded investment vehicles may invest in other instruments, they largely hold the securities (e.g., common stocks) of the relevant index or financial instruments that provide exposure to the relevant asset class. The share price of an exchange-traded investment vehicle may not track its specified market index, if any, and may trade below its net asset value. An active secondary market in the shares of an exchange-traded investment vehicle may not develop or be maintained and may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions, or other reasons. There can be no assurance that the shares of an exchange-traded investment vehicle will continue to be listed on an active exchange.

 

Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a contractual agreement whereby the seller of securities agrees to repurchase the same security at a specified price on a future date agreed upon by the parties. The agreed-upon repurchase price determines the yield during the Fund's holding period. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans collateralized by the underlying security that is the subject of the repurchase contract. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with registered securities dealers or domestic banks that, in the opinion of the Adviser, present minimal credit risk. The risk to the Fund is limited to the ability of the issuer to pay the agreed-upon repurchase price on the delivery date; however, although the value of the underlying collateral at the time the transaction is entered into always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price, if the value of the collateral declines there is a risk of loss of both principal and interest. In the event of default, the collateral may be sold but the Fund might incur a loss if the value of the collateral declines, and might incur disposition costs or experience delays in connection with liquidating the collateral. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization upon the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited. The Adviser will monitor the value of the collateral at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times subsequent during the term of the repurchase agreement in an effort to determine that such value always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price. In the event the value of the collateral declines below the repurchase price, the Adviser will demand additional collateral from the issuer to increase the value of the collateral to at least that of the repurchase price, including interest.

 

10

 

 

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio investments subject to its investment restrictions. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price, date and interest payment. Consistent with current SEC requirements, at the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it may designate on its books and records liquid instruments having a value not less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the Fund establishes and maintains such a segregated account, a reverse repurchase agreement will not be considered a borrowing by the Fund; however, under certain circumstances in which the Fund does not establish and maintain such a segregated account, such reverse repurchase agreement will be considered a borrowing for the purpose of the Fund's limitation on borrowings. The use by the Fund of reverse repurchase agreements involves many of the same risks of leverage since the proceeds derived from such reverse repurchase agreements may be invested in additional securities. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities acquired in connection with the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below the price of the securities the Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase. Also, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained in lieu of sale by the Fund in connection with the reverse repurchase agreement may decline in price.

 

If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision. Also, the Fund would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the securities subject to such agreement.

 

Restricted Securities and Rule 144A Securities. The Fund may invest in "restricted securities," which generally are securities that may be resold to the public only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration. Regulation S under the Securities Act is an exemption from registration that permits, under certain circumstances, the resale of restricted securities in offshore transactions, subject to certain conditions, and Rule 144A under the Securities Act is an exemption that permits the resale of certain restricted securities to qualified institutional buyers. Since its adoption by the SEC in 1990, Rule 144A has facilitated trading of restricted securities among qualified institutional investors. To the extent restricted securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund expects that it will be able to dispose of the securities without registering the resale of such securities under the Securities Act. However, to the extent that a robust market for such 144A securities does not develop, or a market develops but experiences periods of illiquidity, investments in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund's illiquidity.

 

Where an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is unavailable, or where an institutional market is limited, the Fund may, in certain circumstances, be permitted to require the issuer of restricted securities held by the Fund to file a registration statement to register the resale of such securities under the Securities Act. In such case, the Fund will typically be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to resell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, or the value of the security were to decline, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities for which no market exists are priced by a method that the Portfolio Fund Managers believe accurately reflects fair value.

 

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. The Fund may invest in stock, warrants or other securities of special purpose acquisition companies ("SPACs") or similar special purpose entities that pool funds to seek potential acquisition opportunities. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC or similar entity generally maintains assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in a trust account comprised of U.S. Government securities, money market securities, and cash. If an acquisition is not completed within a pre-established period of time, the invested funds are returned to the entity's shareholders.

 

Because SPACs and similar entities are essentially blank-check companies without an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. SPACs may allow shareholders to redeem their pro rata investment immediately after the SPAC announces a proposed acquisition, which may prevent the entity's management from completing the transaction. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. In addition, SPACs may trade in the over-the-counter market and, accordingly, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.

 

11

 

 

Private Investments in Public Equity. The Fund may invest in securities issued in private investments in public equity transactions, commonly referred to as "PIPEs." A PIPE investment involves the sale of equity securities, or securities convertible into equity securities, in a private placement transaction by an issuer that already has outstanding, publicly traded equity securities of the same class.

 

Shares acquired in PIPEs are commonly sold at a discount to the current market value per share of the issuer's publicly traded securities. Securities acquired in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain period of time from the date the private sale is completed, which may be months and perhaps longer. PIPEs may contain provisions that require the issuer to pay penalties to the holder if the securities are not registered within a specified period. Until the public registration process is completed, securities acquired in PIPEs are restricted and, like investments in other types of restricted securities, may be illiquid. Any number of factors may prevent or delay a proposed registration. Prior to or in the absence of registration, it may be possible for securities acquired in PIPEs to be resold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act. There is no guarantee, however, that an active trading market for such securities will exist at the time of disposition, and the lack of such a market could hurt the market value of the Fund's investments. Even if the securities acquired in PIPEs become registered, or the Fund is able to sell the securities through an exempt transaction, the Fund may not be able to sell all the securities it holds on short notice and the sale could impact the market price of the securities.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Further Information Regarding Management of the Fund

 

Information regarding the Trustees and Officers of the Fund, including brief biographical information, is set forth below.

 

Board of Trustees

 

The Trustees of the Fund, their ages, addresses, positions held, lengths of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Trustee and other Trusteeships, if any, held by the Trustees, are shown below. The Trustees have been divided into two groups—Interested Trustees and Independent Trustees. As set forth in the Fund's Declaration of Trust, each Trustee's term of office shall continue until his or her death, resignation or removal. The address of each Trustee is care of the Secretary of the Fund at 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167.

 

Name,
Position(s) Held
with Registrant
and Year of
Birth*
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal
Occupation
During Past
5 Years
  Number
of Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee**
  Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During
Past 5 Years
Independent Trustees                
                 
Patrick Dooley
(1962)
  Since inception   Private investor since 2012.   1   N/A
                 
Edward Lewis
(1952)
  Since inception   Senior Managing Director and Head of Alternative Investments, CIGNA Investment Management.   1   N/A
                 

 

12

 

 

Name,
Position(s) Held
with Registrant
and Year of
Birth*
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal
Occupation
During Past
5 Years
  Number
of Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee**
  Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During
Past 5 Years
Paola Sapienza
(1965)
  Since inception   Professor, Kellogg School of Management Northwestern University since 1998.   1  

TIM Group (telecommuniations);

 Assicurazioni Generali SpA (financial services) since 2021.

                 
Kent Weldon
(1967)  
  Since inception   Advisory Partner, Thomas H. Lee Partners since 2021; previously, Managing Director since 1991.   1   OmniLit Acquisition Corp. (optics and photonics focused-SPAC) since; Federal Street Acquisition Corp. (healthcare focused-SPAC) from 2017 to 2019.
                 
Interested Trustees***                
                 
Francisco Borges
(1951)
Chair of the Board; Chief Executive Officer
  Since inception   Partner, Co-Head of Secondaries Solutions at Ares Management Corporation ("Ares") since 2021; Chairman and Managing Partner of Landmark Partners from 1989 to 2021.   1   Assured Guaranty Ltd. (financial guaranty insurance business); Director, Jefferies Financial Group (holding company); Director, Selected Funds (consisting of two portfolios); Director, Hartford Healthcare (healthcare network); Trustee, Clipper Fund; Director, Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.
                 
Rajat Dhanda
(1968)
  Since inception   Partner, Ares since 2021; Chief Executive Officer at Black Creek Group from 2018 to 2021, President from 2016 to 2018.     1   N/A
                 
David Sachs
(1959)
  Since inception   Partner, Ares since 1997.   3   Terex Corporation (global manufacturing); CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund and Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc.

 

* Each of the Independent Trustees serves on the Board's Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees.

 

** "Fund Complex" comprises registered investment companies for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser.

 

*** "Interested person," as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund. Francisco Borges, Rajat Dhanda and David Sachs are interested persons of the Fund due to their affiliation with the Adviser.

 

13

 

 

Executive Officers

 

Certain biographical and other information relating to the officers of the Fund who are not Trustees, is set forth below, including their ages, addresses, positions held, lengths of time served and their principal business occupations during the past five years.

 

Name, Position(s) held with Registrant,
Year of Birth and Address*
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal
Occupation
During Past
5 Years
Timothy L. Haviland
President
(1960)
  Since inception   Partner and Co-Head of Secondaries at Ares since 2021; President and Managing Partner of Landmark Partners from 1985 to 2021.
         
Tina St. Pierre
Chief Financial Officer,
Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer
(1970)
  Since inception   Partner and Chief Administrative Officer of Secondaries in the Ares Secondary Solutions Group at Ares since 2021; Partner and the Chief Administrative Officer at Landmark Partners from 1995 to 2021.
         
Ian Fitzgerald
Chief Legal Officer,
General Counsel and Secretary
(1975)
  Since inception   Managing Director and Associate General Counsel (Credit) in the Ares Legal Group at Ares since 2010.
         
Lisa Morgan
Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer
(
1976)
  Since inception   Managing Director and Head of Regulatory Compliance in the Ares Compliance Group at Ares since 2017; Chief Compliance Officer of Ares Capital Corporation and Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation fund since 2019. Chief Compliance Officer of CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund since 2021.
         
Matthew Jill
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
(1978)
  Since inception   Partner and General Counsel, Fund Formation in the Ares Legal Group at Ares since 2014.
         
Naseem Sagati Aghili
Vice President and Assistant Secretary
(1981)
  Since inception   General Counsel and Secretary of Ares since 2020; Partner and Head of the Ares Legal Group; previously, Co-General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel of Private Equity since 2009.
         
Chad Alfeld
Vice President
(1967)
  Since inception   Partner and Head of Product Management and Investor Relations in the Ares Investor Relations Group at Ares since 2021; Partner, Landmark Partners from 1996 to 2021.

 

14

 

 

Name, Position(s) held with Registrant,
Year of Birth and Address*
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal
Occupation
During Past
5 Years
Scott Humber
Vice President
(1973)
  Since inception   Partner in the Ares Secondary Solutions Group since 2021; Partner in the Private Equity Group at Landmark Partners from 2003 to 2021.
         
Edward Keith
Vice President
(1982)
  Since inception   Partner in the Ares Secondary Solutions Group at Ares since 2021; Partner in the Private Equity Group at Landmark Partners from 2007 to 2021.
         
Miriam Krieger
Vice President
(1976)
  Since inception   Partner and Global Chief Compliance Officer, Global Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Global Anti-Corruption Officer; Joined Ares in 2010; Chief Compliance Officer of several entities affiliated with Ares or of investment funds managed by Ares and its affiliates.  
         
Antoinette Lazarus
Vice President
(1963)
  Since inception   Managing Director and Head of Secondaries Compliance in the Ares Compliance Group at Ares since 2021; Chief Compliance and Risk Officer at Landmark Partners from 2006 to 2021.
         
Barry Miller
Vice President
(1969)
  Since inception   Partner in the Ares Secondary Solutions Group at Ares since 2021; Partner in the Landmark Partners Private Equity Group from 2013 to 2021.
         
Peter Ogilvie
Vice President
(1984)
  Since inception   Partner and Head of the Ares Corporate Strategy Group since 2007; Executive Vice President for Ares Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by Ares, since 2021.
         
Kathryn Regan
Vice President
(1977)
  Since inception   Partner in the Ares Secondary Solutions Group at Ares since 2021; Partner in the Landmark Partners Private Equity Group from 2019 to 2021; previously, Managing Director from 2017 to 2018.

 

* The address of each officer is care of the Secretary of the Fund at 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167.

 

Biographical Information and Discussion of Experience and Qualifications of Trustees

 

The following is a summary of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each Trustee that support the conclusion, as of the date of this SAI, that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee of the Fund.

 

15

 

 

Independent Trustees

 

Patrick Dooley. Mr. Dooley has over two decades of experience in investment management. He previously served as Senior Portfolio Manager and Director of Research at Canyon Capital Advisors, a Los Angeles based hedge fund. Prior to joining Canyon in 1991, Mr. Dooley was an Investment Analyst at Executive Life Insurance Company. He holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University in Economics and an M.B.A from the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles.

 

Edward Lewis. Mr. Lewis is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Alternative Investments at Cigna Investment Management. Prior to joining Cigna in 1987, Mr. Lewis worked at Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company (now part of Bank of America) where he oversaw a $160 million commercial loan portfolio. Mr. Lewis has served on a number of charitable boards including the National Conference for Community and Justice, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Connecticut Forum, The Village for Families and Children and the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame. He holds a B.A. from Fordham University in Accounting and Economics and an M.B.A. from Columbia Graduate School of Business.

 

Paola Sapienza. Ms. Sapienza is the Donald C. Clark/HSBC Chair in Consumer Finance Professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She also serves as a faculty research fellow in the National Bureau of Economic Research's program on corporate finance and political economy and a research affiliate of the Center for Economic Policy Research. She is a Fellow of the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) and she was elected director of the American Finance Association in 2011 for a three year term. She served on the board of the Academic Female Finance Committee (AFFECT) of the American Finance Association from 2015 to 2019. Professor Sapienza currently serves as an independent director in TIM Group and previously was an independent board member of Assicurazioni Generali SpA. She holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Bocconi University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University.

 

Kent Weldon. Mr. Weldon has three decades of experience in finding, structuring, and acquiring companies. He is an advisory partner to Thomas H. Lee Partners, previously serving as a Managing Director, starting at the firm in 1991. Prior to joining Thomas H. Lee Partners, Mr. Weldon worked at Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated in the Financial Institutions Group, and at Wellington Management Company, an institutional money management firm. Mr. Weldon's prior directorships include Acosta Sales and Marketing, Bargain Hunt, CTI Foods, Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp., iHeartMedia, Inc., CMP Susquehanna Corp., FairPoint Communications, Inc., Fisher Scientific International Inc., Michael Foods, Nortek, Inc., Phillips Pet Food & Supplies and Progressive Moulded Products. Mr. Weldon holds a B.A., summa cum laude, in Economics and Arts and Letters Program for Administrators from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

 

Interested Trustees

 

Francisco Borges. Mr. Borges is a Partner and Co-Head of Secondary Solutions at Ares. He also serves as a member of the Landmark Private Equity, Infrastructure and Real Estate Secondaries Investment Committees. Prior to joining Ares in 2021, Mr. Borges served as Chairman and Managing Partner of Landmark Partners, where he also was a member of the private equity, infrastructure and real estate investment committees. Prior to joining Landmark in 1999, Mr. Borges was a managing director of GE Capital's Financial Guaranty Insurance Company and capital markets subsidiaries, before which he was treasurer of the State of Connecticut, deputy mayor of the City of Hartford, and legal counsel for the Travelers Insurance Companies. Mr. Borges serves on a number of boards including The Knight Foundation, Hartford Healthcare Corporation, Millbrook School, Jefferies Financial Corp., Davis Selected Funds and Assured Guaranty. Mr. Borges is a member of the Connecticut and New Jersey bars. He received a J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and a B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.

 

Rajat Dhanda. Mr. Dhanda is a Partner and the Chief Operating Officer, Global Real Estate in the Ares Real Estate Group at Ares. He also serves as Global Head of Wealth Management in the Ares Wealth Management Solutions Group, which oversees product development, distribution, marketing, and client management activities across Ares' investment offerings in the global wealth management channel. Prior to joining Ares in 2021, he was the Chief Executive Officer at Black Creek Group, which he joined in 2016 as President before being named Chief Executive Officer in 2018. Mr. Dhanda also serves on the Board of Directors for Black Creek Diversified Property Fund Inc. and as Co-President of both Black Creek Diversified Property Fund Inc. and Black Creek Industrial REIT IV Inc. Previously, Mr. Dhanda spent 26 years at Morgan Stanley, where he held a variety of leadership roles, including leading key divisions of their institutional and wealth management platforms and served on the executive and operating committees for Morgan Stanley's wealth management division. Mr. Dhanda serves on the Brown University Real Estate Group Advisory Board. He holds a B.A. from Brown University in Economics and Organizational Behavior & Management.

 

16

 

 

David Sachs. Mr. Sachs is a Partner in the Ares Strategy and Relationship Management Group at Ares, where he focuses on the Ares Credit Group's publicly traded funds, strategic growth opportunities for Ares and facilitating the sharing of credit knowledge across the Ares platform. He serves as a board member of Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc. and CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund. Additionally, Mr. Sachs serves as a member of Ares Credit Group, Private Equity Group and Real Estate Group fund investment committees and the Ares Equity Income Opportunity Strategy Portfolio Review Committee. Prior to joining Ares in 1997, Mr. Sachs was a Principal of Onyx Partners, Inc., where he focused on merchant banking and related capital raising activities in the private equity and mezzanine debt markets. Previously, he also worked with Taylor & Co., an investment manager providing investment advisory and consulting services to members of the Bass Family of Fort Worth, Texas, and Columbia Savings and Loan Association as Executive Vice President, where he was responsible for asset-liability management and running the investment management department. Mr. Sachs serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of Terex Corporation and is on the Board of Trustees and the McCormick Advisory Council at Northwestern University. He holds a B.S. from Northwestern University in Industrial Engineering and Management Science.

 

Trustee Share Ownership

 

For each Trustee, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee in the Fund and in the Family of Investment Companies Overseen by the Trustee as of December 31, 2021, is set forth in the table below.

 

Name of Trustee   Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
the Fund
  Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by
Trustee in Family of
Investment Companies
Independent Trustees:        
Patrick Dooley   None   None
Edward Lewis   None   None
Paola Sapienza   None   None
Kent Weldon   None   None
         
Interested Trustees:        
Francisco Borges   None   None
Rajat Dhanda   None   None
David Sachs   None   None

 

As the Fund is newly-offered, as of December 31, 2021, none of the Trustees or officers of the Fund, as a group, owned any Shares of the Fund.

 

As to each Independent Trustee and his or her immediate family members, no person owned beneficially or of record securities of an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund, or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund.

 

17

 

 

Trustee Compensation

 

The Independent Trustees are each paid an annual retainer of $62,000. In addition, the Fund will pay an additional annual fee of $8,000 to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and an additional annual fee of $5,000 for the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The compensation information below is estimated for the Fund's fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with providing services to the Fund. The Trustees who are "interested persons", as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund and the Fund's officers do not receive compensation from the Fund. The Fund does not have any retirement plan for the Fund's Trustees and none of the Independent Trustees serve on the boards of any other funds in the Fund Complex.

 

Name of Independent Trustee   Aggregate
Compensation from
the Fund
    Total Compensation
from the Fund
Complex
 
Patrick Dooley   $ 62,000     $ 62,000  
Edward Lewis   $ 70,000     $ 70,000  
Paola Sapienza   $ 62,000     $ 62,000  
Kent Weldon   $ 67,000     $ 67,000  

 

Compensation of the Portfolio Managers

 

The Adviser's financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The portfolio managers may receive, all or some combination of, salary, an annual bonus and interests in the carried interest in certain of Ares' funds.

 

Base compensation. Generally, when portfolio managers receive base compensation it is based on their individual seniority and their position within the firm.

 

Discretionary compensation. In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary compensation. Discretionary compensation may be based on individual seniority and contribution.

 

18

 

 

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

 

The following table lists the number and types of accounts, other than the Fund, managed by the Fund's primary portfolio managers and assets under management in those accounts, as of December 31, 2021.

 

Type of Account   Number of
Accounts
Managed
    Total Assets
Managed
    Number
of
Accounts
Managed for
which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based
    Assets
Managed
for which
Advisory Fee is
Performance-
Based
 
Francisco Borges                                
Registered Investment Companies     0     $ 0       0     $ 0  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     39     $ 24.9 B     19     $ 20.7 B
Other Accounts     36     $ 7.2 B     36     $ 7.2 B
                                 
Timothy L. Haviland                                
Registered Investment Companies     0     $ 0       0     $ 0  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles     39     $ 24.9 B     19     $ 20.7 B
Other Accounts     36     $ 7.2 B     36     $ 7.2 B

 

As the Fund has not yet commenced investment operations, none of the Fund's primary portfolio managers owned Shares as of the date of this SAI.

 

Codes of Ethics

 

The Fund, the Adviser and the Distributor, have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act that establishes procedures for personal investments and restrict certain personal securities transactions. Personnel subject to these codes may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the applicable code's requirements. The codes of ethics are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Statement of Additional Information forms a part. In addition, the codes of ethics are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Shareholders may also obtain copies of each code of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

Proxy Voting Policies

 

The Fund's investments do not typically convey traditional voting rights, and the occurrence of corporate governance or other consent or voting matters for this type of investment is substantially less than that encountered in connection with registered equity securities. On occasion, however, the Fund may receive notices or proposals from a Portfolio Fund or a portfolio company held through a Direct Investment seeking the consent of or voting by holders, and may also vote on matters relating to the other private equity investments. The Board has delegated the voting of proxies for to the securities held in the Fund's portfolio to the Adviser pursuant to the Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures. Under these policies, the Adviser will vote proxies, amendments, consents or resolutions related to Fund securities in the best interests of the Fund and its Shareholders. The Adviser's proxy voting procedures are included in Appendix B of this SAI. Information regarding how the Adviser voted proxies related to the Fund's portfolio holdings during the 12-month period ending June 30 will be available, without charge, upon request by calling collect (212) 476-8800, and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

 

The Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions and the negotiation of prices and any brokerage commissions. In effecting securities transactions, the Fund seek to obtain the best price and execution of orders. The Adviser is responsible for arranging for the execution of the Fund's portfolio transactions and will do so in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to the Fund and in accordance with the Adviser's conflicts policy. The primary consideration in all portfolio transactions is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price. In selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating prices and any brokerage commissions on such transactions, the Adviser considers the firm's reliability, integrity and financial condition and the firm's execution capability, the size and breadth of the market for the security, the size of and difficulty in executing the order, and the best net price. There may be instances when, in the judgment of the Adviser, more than one firm can offer comparable execution services. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser to the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long-term. The Advisory Fee that the Fund pays to the Adviser will not be reduced if the Adviser receives brokerage and research services. Commission rates for brokerage transactions on foreign stock exchanges are generally fixed.

 

19

 

 

With respect to other types of securities, the Fund may purchase certain money market instruments directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid, may purchase securities in the over-the-counter market from an underwriter or dealer serving as market maker for the securities, in which case the price includes a fixed amount of compensation to the underwriter or dealer, and may purchase and sell listed securities on an exchange, which are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services.

 

Purchases and sales of certain debt securities generally are transacted with issuers, underwriters, or dealers that serve as primary market-makers, who act as principals for the securities on a net basis. Most of these transactions will be principal transactions at net prices for which the Fund will generally incur little or no brokerage costs. The Fund may be required to pay fees, or forgo a portion of interest and any fees payable to the Fund, to a lender selling assignment or participations to the Fund. The Adviser will determine the lenders from whom the Fund will purchase assignments and participations by considering their professional ability, level of service, relationship with the borrower, financial condition, credit standards and quality of management. Affiliates of the Adviser may participate in the primary and secondary market for certain debt securities, including loans. Because of certain limitations imposed by the Investment Company Act, this may restrict the Fund's ability to acquire certain loans. The Advisors do not believe that this will have a material effect on the Fund's ability to acquire those loans consistent with its investment policies. Sales to dealers are effected at bid prices.

 

In most instances, the Fund will purchase interests in a Portfolio Fund directly from the Portfolio Fund, and such purchases by the Fund may be, but are generally not, subject to transaction expenses. Nevertheless, the Fund anticipates that some of its portfolio transactions (including investments in Portfolio Funds by the Fund) may be subject to expenses.

 

CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

 

Persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an employee benefit plan or other arrangements or entities subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") (an "ERISA Plan"), and persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an "individual retirement account" (an "IRA"), Keogh Plan or another arrangement or entity which is not subject to ERISA but is subject to the prohibited transaction rules of Section 4975 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") (together with ERISA Plans, "Benefit Plans") should consider, among other things, the matters described below before determining whether to invest in the Fund.

 

The following discussion of certain ERISA considerations is based on statutory authority and judicial and administrative interpretations as of the date of this SAI and is designed only to provide a general understanding of certain basic issues. Accordingly, this discussion should not be considered legal advice and the trustees and other fiduciaries of each Benefit Plan are encouraged to consult their own legal advisors on these matters.

 

ERISA imposes certain general and specific responsibilities on persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an ERISA Plan, including prudence, diversification, an obligation not to engage in a prohibited transaction and other standards. In determining whether a particular investment is appropriate for an ERISA Plan, U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") regulations provide that a fiduciary of an ERISA Plan must give appropriate consideration to, among other things, the role that the investment plays in the ERISA Plan's portfolio, taking into consideration whether the investment is designed reasonably to further the ERISA Plan's purposes, an examination of the risk and return factors, the portfolio's composition with regard to diversification, the liquidity and current return of the total portfolio relative to the anticipated cash flow needs of the ERISA Plan, the income tax consequences of the investment and the projected return of the total portfolio relative to the ERISA Plan's funding objectives. Before investing the assets of an ERISA Plan in the Fund, a fiduciary should determine whether such an investment is consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities and the foregoing regulations. For example, a fiduciary should consider whether an investment in the Fund may be too illiquid or too speculative for a particular ERISA Plan, and whether the assets of the ERISA Plan would be sufficiently diversified. Fiduciaries of such plans or arrangements also should confirm that investment in the Fund is consistent, and complies, with the governing provisions of the plan or arrangement, including any eligibility and nondiscrimination requirements that may be applicable under law with respect to any "benefit, right or feature" affecting the qualified status of the plan or arrangement, which may be of particular importance for participant-directed plans given that the Fund sells Shares only to Eligible Investors, as described herein. If a fiduciary with respect to any such ERISA Plan breaches its responsibilities with regard to selecting an investment or an investment course of action for such ERISA Plan, the fiduciary itself may be held liable for losses incurred by the ERISA Plan as a result of such breach. Fiduciaries of Benefit Plans that are not subject to Title I of ERISA but that are subject to Section 4975 of the Code (such as IRAs and Keogh Plans) should consider carefully these same factors.

 

20

 

 

 

The DOL has adopted regulations, which, along with Section 3(42) of ERISA (collectively, the "Plan Assets Rules"), treat the assets of certain pooled investment vehicles as "plan assets" for purposes of, and subject to, Title I of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code ("Plan Assets"). The Plan Assets Rules provide, however, that, in general, funds registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act are not deemed to be subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code merely because of investments made in the fund by Benefit Plans. Accordingly, the underlying assets of the Fund should not be considered to be the Plan Assets of the Benefit Plans investing in the Fund for purposes of ERISA's (or the Code's) fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction rules. Thus, the Adviser should not be considered a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA or the Code by reason of its authority with respect to the Fund.

 

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

 

Benefit Plans may be required to report certain compensation paid by the Fund (or by third parties) to the Fund's service providers as "reportable indirect compensation" on Schedule C to IRS Form 5500 ("Form 5500"). To the extent that any compensation arrangements described herein constitute reportable indirect compensation, any such descriptions are intended to satisfy the disclosure requirements for the alternative reporting option for "eligible indirect compensation," as defined for purposes of Schedule C to Form 5500.

 

The provisions of ERISA and the Code are subject to extensive and continuing administrative and judicial interpretation and review. The discussion of ERISA and the Code contained in this SAI is general, does not purport to be a thorough analysis of ERISA or the Code, may be affected by future publication of regulations and rulings and should not be considered legal advice. Potential investors that are Benefit Plans and their fiduciaries should consult their legal advisers regarding the consequences under ERISA and the Code of the acquisition and ownership of Shares. Employee benefit plans that are not subject to the requirements of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (such as governmental plans, non-U.S. plans and certain church plans) may be subject to similar rules under other applicable laws or documents, and also should consult their own advisers as to the propriety of an investment in the Fund.

 

By acquiring Shares of the Fund, a Shareholder acknowledges and agrees that: (i) any information provided by the Fund, the Adviser or any of their respective affiliates (including information set forth in the Prospectus and this SAI) is not a recommendation to invest in the Fund and that none of the Fund, the Adviser or any of their respective affiliates is undertaking to provide any investment advice to the Shareholder (impartial or otherwise), or to give advice to the Shareholder in a fiduciary capacity in connection with an investment in the Fund and, accordingly, no part of any compensation received by the Adviser or any of its affiliates is for the provision of investment advice to the Shareholder; and (ii) the Adviser and its affiliates have a financial interest in the Shareholder's investment in the Fund on account of the fees and other compensation they expects to receive from the Fund as disclosed in this SAI, the Prospectus, the Declaration of Trust and the other documents governing the Fund.

 

21

 

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

Shareholders who beneficially own 25% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund may be deemed to be a "control person" of the Fund for purposes of the Investment Company Act. As of March 31, 2022, the Fund had not commenced investment operations and the only Shares of the Fund were owned by an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of Ares Private Markets Fund:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Ares Private Markets Fund (the "Fund"), as of March 1, 2022 (Date of Capitalization), and the related statement of operations for the period from July 28, 2021 (Inception Date) to March 1, 2022 (Date of Capitalization) and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund at March 1, 2022, and the results of its operations for the period from July 28, 2021 (Inception Date) to March 1, 2022 (Date of Capitalization), in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  
   
We have served as the Fund's auditor since 2022.  
   
New York, New York  
March 17, 2022  

 

22

 

 

The financial statement of the Fund for the period indicated follows.

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

March 1, 2022 (Date of Capitalization)

 

Assets:        
Cash   $ 100,000  
Due from Adviser     349,019  
Deferred offering costs     542,911  
Total Assets     991,930  
         
Liabilities:        
Accrued organizational costs     349,019  
Accrued offering costs     542,911  
Total Liabilities     891,930  
         
Net Assets   $ 100,000  
         
Components of Net Assets:        
Paid-in capital   $ 100,000  
         
Net Assets   $ 100,000  
         
Class I Shares issued and outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)     4,000  
         
Offering price and net asset value per share   $ 25.00  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

     

 

23

 

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

Statement of Operations

For the Period from July 28, 2021 (Inception Date) to March 1, 2022 (Date of Capitalization)

 

Expenses:        
Organizational costs (see Note 3)   $ 349,019  
Less: Reimbursement from Adviser (see Note 3)     (349,019 )
Net Expenses   $  
         
Net Investment Income   $  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

24

 

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

March 1, 2022

 

Note 1—Organization and Registration

 

Ares Private Markets Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") with its shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share ("Shares") registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on July 28, 2021 and did not have any operations from that date until March 1, 2022, other than those relating to organizational matters and registration of its Shares under applicable law. The Fund's investment objective is to seek attractive long-term capital appreciation. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund intends to invest in an actively managed portfolio of private equity and other private assets (collectively, "Private Assets"). The Fund may gain access to Private Assets through a number of different approaches, including: (i) secondary purchases of interests in private equity and other private asset funds managed by unaffiliated asset managers ("Portfolio Funds"), including through privately negotiated transactions, from investors in a Portfolio Fund or directly from the Portfolio Fund ("Secondary Investments"); (ii) primary investments in Portfolio Funds ("Primary Investments"); and (iii) direct investments in the equity or debt of private companies, including investments alongside private equity firms ("Direct Investments"). The Fund expects to invest principally in Secondary Investments and, to a lesser degree, in Primary Investments and Direct Investments, although the allocation among those types of investments may vary from time to time. The Fund also intends to invest a portion of its assets in a portfolio of liquid assets, including cash and cash equivalents, liquid fixed-income securities and other credit instruments, and other investment companies, including exchange traded funds.

 

Ares Capital Management II LLC (the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's assets. Investments in the Fund may be made only by eligible investors that are both "accredited investors" as defined in Section 501(a) of Regulation D under the 1933 Act, and "qualified clients" as defined in Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

The Fund has not had any operations other than the sale and issuance of 4,000 Class I Shares at an aggregate purchase price of $100,000 to Ares Investment Holdings LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser at an initial net asset value of $25.00 per Share. A Statement of Changes in Net Assets and Financial Highlights are not disclosed within the financial statements as the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of these financial statements.

 

Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The Fund is an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946, Investment Companies.

 

Use of Estimates – The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The Fund believes that these estimates utilized in preparing the financial statements are reasonable and prudent; however, actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Income Taxes – It is the policy of the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company, by complying with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies, and by distributing substantially all of its taxable earnings to its shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary.

 

Cash – Cash consists of monies held in a non-interest bearing account at UMB Bank, N.A. Such cash, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on such accounts. There are no restrictions on the cash held by the Fund.

 

25

 

 

Valuation – The Fund will value investments monthly at fair value consistent with the principles of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements.

 

Expense Recognition – Expenses are recognized on an accrual basis.

 

Note 3—Organizational Expenses and Offering Costs

 

Organizational Expenses – Organizational costs are expensed as incurred and consist of costs incurred to establish the Fund and enable it to legally do business. For the period July 28, 2021 (Inception Date) to March 1, 2022 (Date of Capitalization), the Fund incurred organizational costs of $349,019. These costs, which have been incurred through March 1, 2022, and any additional organizational costs incurred prior to the commencement of operations, have been and will continue to be paid by the Adviser. These costs will be subject to recoupment in accordance with the Fund's Expense Limitation Agreement, as discussed in Note 4, after the Fund commences operations.

 

Offering Costs – Offering costs are deferred until the Fund commences operations and then amortized over the first 12 months of operations on a straight-line basis. Offering costs consist of costs incurred in connection with the Fund's initial public offering of Shares, such as preparation of the Fund's registration statement. For the period July 28, 2021 (Inception Date) to March 1, 2022 (Date of Capitalization), the Fund incurred offering costs of $542,911. These costs, which have been incurred through March 1, 2022, and any additional offering costs incurred prior to the commencement of operations, have been and will continue to be paid by the Adviser. These costs will be subject to recoupment in accordance with the Fund's Expense Limitation Agreement, as discussed in Note 4, after the Fund commences operations.

 

Note 4—Investment Advisory and Other Agreements

 

The Adviser serves as the Fund's investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund will pay the Adviser a quarterly advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.40% based on the value of the Fund's Managed Assets (the "Advisory Fee").

 

Managed Assets means total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to any borrowings or other indebtedness or preferred shares that may be issued) minus the Fund's liabilities other than liabilities relating to borrowings or other indebtedness. For purposes of determining the Advisory Fee payable to the Adviser, the value of the Fund's Managed Assets will be calculated prior to the inclusion of the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee (as defined below), if any, payable to the Adviser or to any purchases or repurchases of Shares of the Fund or any distributions by the Fund.

 

At the end of each calendar quarter of the Fund, the Adviser will be entitled to receive an incentive fee equal to 12.5% of the difference, if positive, between (i) the net profits of the Fund for the relevant period and (ii) the balance, if any, of the Loss Recovery Account (as defined below) at the start of the relevant period (the "Incentive Fee").

 

For the purposes of the Incentive Fee, the term "net profits" shall mean (i) the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period exceeds the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses), net of any recoupment or reimbursement of expenses, plus (ii) the aggregate distributions accrued during the period.

 

The Fund will maintain a memorandum account (the "Loss Recovery Account"), which will have an initial balance of zero and will be (i) increased upon the close of each calendar quarter of the Fund by the amount of the net losses of the Fund for the quarter, and (ii) decreased (but not below zero) upon the close of each calendar quarter by the amount of the net profits of the Fund for the quarter.  Net losses are defined as the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period is less than the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses). For the avoidance of doubt, any change in the net asset value of the Fund directly as a result of subscriptions or redemptions during each measurement period are not included for the purposes of "net profits" or "net losses" calculations.

 

26

 

 

The Loss Recovery Account will be reset on a trailing four-quarter measure period, with such measurement period to commence at the conclusion of the first calendar quarter of the Fund's operations (i.e., the first reset will occur at the conclusion of the fifth calendar quarter of the Fund's operations and then will reset each calendar quarter thereafter based on the trailing four-quarter period). The reset Loss Recovery Amount will be determined based on the aggregate amount of the Fund's net losses in excess of the Fund's net profits over each trailing four-quarter period and, in no event shall be below zero.

 

The Adviser has entered into a Fee Reduction Agreement with the Fund, whereby it agrees that for the period beginning on the commencement of operations until March 31, 2023, it will reduce the annual rate of the Advisory Fee payable under the Advisory Agreement to 0.25% (the "Fee Waiver"). The Fee Waiver shall not apply to nor have any effect on the Incentive Fee payable pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement. Any fees waived under the Fee Waiver will not be subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement discussed below.

 

The Adviser has also entered into an Expense Limitation Agreement with the Fund, whereby it agrees that for the period beginning on the commencement of operations until one year after the commencement of operations, it will waive fees and/or reimburse the Fund for certain annual operating expenses (excluding the Advisory Fee, Incentive Fee, any Distribution and Servicing Fee (as described below), interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, if any) ("Other Expenses") so that such expenses do not exceed 0.30% of the Fund's average monthly net assets of each class of the Fund's shares of beneficial interest. Any fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Adviser under the Expense Limitation Agreement are subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund, within three years provided such recoupment does not cause the Fund's Other Expenses for that class of Shares to exceed the expense limitation in place at the time the fees were waived and/or the expenses were reimbursed, or the expense limitation in place at the time the Fund repays the Adviser, whichever is lower.

 

The Fund's Board of Trustees (the "Board"), including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund or the Adviser, approved the Advisory Agreement, Management Fee Waiver Agreement, and Expense Limitation Agreement at its February 24, 2022 organizational meeting.

 

The Fund's officers are appointed by the Trustees and oversee the management of the day-to-day operations of the Fund under the supervision of the Board. All of the officers of the Fund are directors, officers or employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Certain of the Trustees and officers of the Fund are also directors and officers of other investment companies managed or advised by the Adviser.

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. ("ALPS"), serves as administrator to the Fund. Under an Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement, ALPS is responsible for calculating the net asset value of the Fund and its Managed Assets, providing additional fund accounting and tax services, and providing fund administration services to the Fund.

 

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. ("DST") serves as the Transfer Agent to the Fund. Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, DST is responsible for maintaining all shareholder records of the Fund.

 

ALPS and DST are wholly-owned subsidiaries of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. ("SS&C"), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

 

Ares Wealth Management Solutions, LLC ("AWMS"), an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as distributor to the Fund. Under a Distribution Agreement, Ares Wealth Management Solutions will pay its own costs and expenses connected with the offering of Shares. Class A and Class D Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and shareholder servicing fee (the "Distribution and Servicing Fee") to compensate financial industry professionals for distribution-related expenses, if applicable, and providing ongoing services in respect of Shareholders who own Class A or Class D Shares of the Fund. Class A Shares and Class D Shares pay a Distribution and Servicing Fee to AWMS at an annual rate of 0.85% and 0.25%, respectively, based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to such class. For purposes of determining the Distribution and Servicing Fee, net asset value will be calculated prior to any reduction for any fees and expenses, including, without limitation, the Distribution and Servicing Fee payable. Class I Shares are not subject to a Distribution and Servicing Fee.

 

27

 

 

UMB Bank, N.A. ("UMB"), serves as custodian to the Fund. Under a Custody Agreement, UMB is responsible for the holding and safekeeping of the Fund's assets.

 

Investments in Class A Shares are sold subject to a sales charge of up to 3.50% of the investment. Class D and Class I Shares are not subject to a sales charge. A 2.00% early repurchase fee may be charged by the Fund with respect to any repurchase of shares from a shareholder at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of the shareholder's purchase of the shares. The Fund will operate under an "opt-out" dividend reinvestment plan, pursuant to which the Fund's distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, are reinvested in the same class of Shares of the Fund held by the investor unless the investor elects to receive its distribution in cash.

 

Note 5—Indemnification

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 6—Subsequent Events

 

The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and has determined there have not been any events that have occurred that would require adjustments or disclosures in the financial statement or the accompany notes.

 

28

 

 

PRIVACY POLICY

 

We endeavor to maintain the privacy of our shareholders and to safeguard their non-public personal information.  The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

 

Generally, we will not receive any non-public personal information about shareholders of the common stock of the Fund, although certain of our shareholders' non-public information may become available to us.  The non-public personal information that we may receive falls into the following categories:

 

Information we receive from shareholders, whether we receive it orally, in writing or electronically.  This  includes shareholders' communications to us concerning their investment;

 

Information about shareholders' transactions and history with us; or

 

Other general information that we may obtain about shareholders, such as demographic and contact information such as an address.

 

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about shareholders, except:

 

to our affiliates (such as our investment adviser) and their employees that have a legitimate business need for the information;

 

to our service providers (such as our administrator, accountants, attorneys, custodians, transfer agent, underwriter and proxy solicitors) and their employees as is necessary to service shareholder accounts or otherwise provide the applicable service;

 

to comply with court orders, subpoenas, lawful discovery requests, or other legal or regulatory requirements; or

 

as allowed or required by applicable law or regulation.

 

When the Fund shares non-public shareholder personal information referred to above, the information is made available for limited business purposes and under controlled circumstances designed to protect our shareholders' privacy.  The Fund does not permit use of shareholder information for any non-business or marketing purpose, nor does the Fund permit third parties to rent, sell, trade or otherwise release or disclose information to any other party.

 

The Fund's service providers, such as its adviser, administrator, and transfer agent, are required to maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect shareholder non-public personal information; to prevent unauthorized access or use; and to dispose of such information when it is no longer required.

 

29

 

 

APPENDIX A – SECURITIES RATING DESCRIPTIONS

 

Long-Term and Short-Term Debt Securities Rating Descriptions

 

S&P Global Ratings — Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings*:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC.

 

AAA – An obligation rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

AA – An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

A – An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

 

BBB – An obligation rated 'BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

BB, B, CCC, CC, and C – Obligations rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. 'BB' indicates the least degree of speculation and 'C' the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

BB – An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

B – An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

CCC – An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

CC – An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

C – An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

D – An obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days, in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to "D" if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

 

A-1

 

 

NR – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

* The ratings from 'AA' to 'CCC' may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") — Global Long-Term Rating Scale:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

 

Aaa – Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal risk.

 

Aa – Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

A – Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

Baa – Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess speculative characteristics.

 

Ba – Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

B – Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

Caa – Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

Ca – Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery in principal and interest.

 

C – Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal and interest.

 

Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

 

Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") — Corporate Finance Obligations — Long-Term Rating Scale:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Fitch, Inc. and Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

 

AAA – Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

AA – Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

A – High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

BBB – Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

A-2

 

 

BB – Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

B – Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that material credit risk is present. For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with an Issuer Default Risk ("IDR") in the ranges 'BB' to 'C'. For issuers with an IDR below 'B', the overall credit risk of this obligation is moderated by the expected level of recoveries should a default occur. For issuers with an IDR above 'B', the overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur. For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, but the rated obligation is expected to have extremely high recovery rates consistent with a Recovery Rating of 'RR1'.

 

* By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

 

CCC – Substantial credit risk. 'CCC' ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with an IDR in the ranges 'B' to 'C'. For issuers with an IDR below 'CCC', the overall credit risk of this obligation is moderated by the expected level of recoveries should a default occur. For issuers with an IDR above 'CCC', the overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur. For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, but the rated obligation is expected to have a superior recovery rate consistent with a Recovery Rating of 'RR2'.

 

CC – Very high levels of credit risk. 'CC' ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk. For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with an IDR in the ranges 'B' to 'C'. For issuers with an IDR below 'CC', the overall credit risk of this obligation is moderated by the expected level of recoveries should a default occur. For issuers with an IDR above 'CC', the overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur. For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, but the rated obligation is expected to have a good recovery rate consistent with a Recovery Rating of 'RR3'.

 

C – Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. 'C' indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk. For performing obligations, default risk is commensurate with an IDR in the ranges 'B' to 'C'. The overall credit risk of this obligation is exacerbated by the expected low level of recoveries should a default occur. For non-performing obligations, the obligation or issuer is in default, or has deferred payment, and the rated obligation is expected to have an average, below-average or poor recovery rate consistent with a Recovery Rating of 'RR4', 'RR5' or 'RR6'.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned 'RD' or 'D' ratings, but are instead rated in the 'B' to 'C' rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

Note: The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below 'CCC'.

 

The subscript 'emr' is appended to a rating to denote embedded market risk which is beyond the scope of the rating. The designation is intended to make clear that the rating solely addresses the counterparty risk of the issuing bank. It is not meant to indicate any limitation in the analysis of the counterparty risk, which in all other respects follows published Fitch criteria for analyzing the issuing financial institution. Fitch does not rate these instruments where the principal is to any degree subject to market risk.

 

A-3

 

 

DBRS — Long Term Obligations Rating Scale:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Dominion Bond Rating Service.

 

AAA – Highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

AA – Superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from AAA only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

A – Good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than AA. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

BBB – Adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

BB – Speculative, non investment-grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

B – Highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

CCC, CC, C – Very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although CC and C ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the CCC to B range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the C category.

 

D – When the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur. DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a "distressed exchange."

 

All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories "(high)" and "(low)". The absence of either a "(high)" or "(low)" designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category.

 

S&P Global Ratings — Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC.

 

A-1 – A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

A-2 – A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

A-3 – A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

B – A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

A-4

 

 

C – A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

D – A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non- hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short- term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, 'AAA/A-1+' or 'A-1+/A-1'). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, 'SP-1+/A-1+').

 

Moody's — Global Short-Term Rating Scale:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

 

P-1 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-2 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-3 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short- term obligations.

 

NP – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

Fitch — Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers or Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Fitch Inc. and Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

 

F1 – Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

F2 – Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

F3 – Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

BSpeculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

C – High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

RDRestricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

DDefault. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

A-5

 

 

DBRS—Commercial Paper and Short-Term Debt Rating Scale:

 

The following descriptions have been published by Dominion Bond Rating Service.

 

R-1 (high)Highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

R-1 (middle)Superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from R-1 (high) by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

R-1 (low)Good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favourable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

R-2 (high)Upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

R-2 (middle)Adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

R-2 (low)Lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer's ability to meet such obligations.

 

R-3Lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

R-4Speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

R-5Highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

D When the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur. DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a "distressed exchange."

 

A-6

 

 

APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

Fund Proxy Voting Policy

 

It is the policy of the Fund to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund to the Adviser as a part of the Adviser's general management of the Fund's portfolio, subject to the continuing oversight of the Board. The Board has directed the Adviser to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund consistent with the duties and procedures set forth below. The Adviser may retain one or more vendors to review, monitor and recommend how to vote proxies in a manner consistent with the duties and procedures set forth below, to ensure that such proxies are voted on a timely basis and to provide reporting and/or record retention services in connection with proxy voting for the Fund.

 

The right to vote a proxy with respect to portfolio securities held by the Fund is an asset of the Fund. The Adviser, to which authority to vote on behalf of the Fund is delegated, acts as a fiduciary of the Fund and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. In discharging this fiduciary duty, the Adviser must maintain and adhere to its policies and procedures for addressing conflicts of interest and must vote proxies in a manner substantially consistent with its policies, procedures and guidelines, as presented to the Board.

 

Any actual or potential conflicts of interest between the Distributor or the Adviser and the Fund's shareholders arising from the proxy voting process will be addressed by the Adviser and the Adviser's application of its proxy voting procedures pursuant to the delegation of proxy voting responsibilities to the Adviser. In the event that the Adviser notifies the officer(s) of the Fund that a conflict of interest cannot be resolved under the Adviser's proxy voting procedures, such officer(s) are responsible for notifying the Board of such irreconcilable conflict of interest and assisting the Board with any actions it determines are necessary.

 

Adviser Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

 

Where the Adviser has been granted discretion by a client, such as the Fund ("Client") to exercise by proxy the voting rights of securities beneficially owned by such Client (the "Client Securities"), the Adviser will exercise all voting rights delegated to it by the Client with respect to Client Securities, except as provided herein.

 

In determining how to vote, investment professionals of the Adviser will consult with each other, taking into account the interests of each Client as well as any potential conflicts of interest. In general, the Adviser will vote proxies in accordance with the guidelines set out below, which are designed to maximize the value of Client Securities (the "Guidelines"), unless any of the following is true:

 

the Adviser's agreement with the Client requires it to vote proxies in a certain way;

 

the Adviser has determined otherwise due to the specific and unusual facts and circumstances with respect to a particular vote;

 

the subject matter of the vote is not covered by the Guidelines;

 

a material conflict of interest is present; or

 

the Adviser finds it necessary to vote contrary to the Guidelines to maximize the best interests of the Client.

 

In the absence of Guidelines with respect to a particular matter, the Adviser will vote proxies so as to maximize the economic value of the Client Securities and otherwise serve the best interests of the Client. Subject to the policies stated above, the Adviser will generally use the following guidelines in reviewing proxy issues:

 

B-1

 

 

Elections of Directors. In general, the Adviser will vote in favor of the management-proposed slate of directors. If there is a proxy fight for seats on the board of directors of an issuer of Client Securities (an "Issuer") or the Adviser determines that there are other compelling reasons for withholding the Client's vote, it will determine the appropriate vote on the matter. Among other reasons, the Adviser may withhold votes for directors when any of the following are true:

 

the Adviser believes a direct conflict of interest exists between the interests of a director and the stockholders;

 

the Adviser concludes that the actions of a director are unlawful, unethical, or negligent;

 

the Adviser believes a director is entrenched or dealing inadequately with performance problems or is acting with insufficient independence between the board and management; or

 

the Adviser believes that, with respect to directors of non-US Issuers, there is insufficient information about the nominees disclosed in the proxy statement.

 

Appointment of Auditors. As the Adviser believes that an Issuer remains in the best position to choose its independent auditors, the Adviser will generally support management's recommendation in this regard.

 

Changes in Capital Structure. Changes in the charter or bylaws of an Issuer may be required by state or federal regulation. In general, the Adviser will cast a Client's votes in accordance with the management on such proposals. However, the Adviser will consider carefully any proposal regarding a change in corporate structure that is not required by state or federal regulation.

 

Corporate Restructurings; Mergers and Acquisitions. As the Adviser believes that proxy votes dealing with corporate reorganizations are an extension of the investment decision, the Adviser will analyze such proposals on a case-by-case basis and vote in accordance with its perception of each Client's interests.

 

Proposals Affecting Shareholder Rights. The Adviser will generally cast a Client's votes in favor of proposals that give shareholders a greater voice in the affairs of an Issuer and oppose any measure that seeks to limit such rights. However, when analyzing such proposals, the Adviser will balance the financial impact of the proposal against any impairment of shareholder rights as well as of the client's investment in the Issuer.

 

Corporate Governance. As the Adviser recognizes the importance of good corporate governance, the Adviser will generally favor proposals that promote transparency and accountability within an Issuer.

 

Anti-Takeover Measures. The Adviser will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, any proposals regarding anti-takeover measures to determine the measure's likely effect on shareholder value dilution.

 

Stock Splits. The Adviser will generally vote with management on stock split matters.

 

Limited Liability of Directors. The Adviser will generally vote with management on matters that could adversely affect the limited liability of directors.

 

Social and Corporate Responsibility. The Adviser will review proposals related to social, political, and environmental issues to determine whether they may adversely affect shareholder value. The Adviser may abstain from voting on such proposals where they do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value.

 

Executive and Directors Compensation. The Adviser will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, any proposals regarding stock option and compensation plans. The Adviser will generally vote against any proposed plans that may result in excessive transfer of shareholder value, that permit the repricing of underwater options, or that include an option exercise price that is below the market price on the day of the grant. The Adviser will generally vote for proposals requiring top executive and director compensation for "golden parachutes" to be submitted for shareholder approval.

 

B-2

 

 

The Adviser will inform each Client of the proxy voting policies and procedures described here. The Adviser will inform each client of any changes in its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, the Adviser will promptly provide to a Client a copy of its proxy voting policies and procedures as then in effect.

 

If a potential conflict of interest exists, the Adviser may choose to resolve the conflict by following the recommendation of a disinterested third party, by seeking the direction of each affected Client or, in extreme cases, by abstaining from voting. In any event, the Adviser will not delegate its voting authority to any third party, although it may retain an outside service to provide voting recommendations and to assist in analyzing votes. Some examples of potential conflicts of interest include:

 

the Adviser or an affiliate provides investment advice to an officer or director of an Issuer and the Adviser or such affiliate receives a proxy solicitation from that Issuer, or a competitor of that Issuer;

 

an Issuer or some other third party offers the Adviser or an affiliate compensation in exchange for voting a proxy in a particular way;

 

an affiliate or an member of an affiliate's household has a personal or business relationship with an Issuer;

 

an affiliate has a beneficial interest contrary to the position held by the Adviser on behalf of its Clients;

 

the Adviser holds various classes and types of equity and debt securities of the same Issuer contemporaneously in different Client portfolios; and

 

any other circumstance where the Adviser's duty to service its Clients' interest could be compromised.

 

The Adviser will retain records pertaining to these proxy voting policies and procedures in accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

B-3

 

 

PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(1)   Financial Statements:
       
    Part A: Not applicable, as Registrant has not yet commenced operations.
       
    Part B: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Notes to Financial Statements.(1).
       
(2)   Exhibits:
       
  (a)   (1)     Certificate of Trust dated July 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 811-23727 and 333-258821) (the "Registration Statement"), filed on August 13, 2021.
       
     

(2)     Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Trust(1)

 

(3)     Declaration of Trust dated July 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) of the Registration Statement.

       
      (4)     Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust(1)
       
  (b)   Bylaws(1)
       
  (c)   Not applicable.
       
  (d)   Multiple Class Plan(1)
       
  (e)   Dividend Reinvestment Plan(1)
       
  (f)   Not applicable.
       
  (g)   Investment Advisory and Management Agreement(1)
       
  (h)  

(1)     Distribution Agreement(1)

 

(2)     Form of Financial Intermediary Agreement(1)

 

(3)     Distribution and Servicing Plan(1)

       
  (i)   Not applicable.
       
  (j)   Form of Custody Agreement(1)
       
  (k)   (1)     Form of Services Agreement(1)
       
      (2)     Expense Limitation Agreement(1)
       
      (3)     Management Fee Waiver Agreement(1)
       
  (l)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel(1)
       
  (m)   Not applicable

 

 

 

 

       
  (n)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm(1)
       
  (o)   Not applicable
       
  (p)   (1) Initial Subscription Agreement(1)
       
      (2) Form of Investor Subscription Agreement(1)
       
  (q)   Not applicable
       
  (r)   (1)     Code of Ethics of the Registrant(1)
       
      (2)     Code of Ethics of Adviser and Distributor(1)
       
  (s)   Filing Fee Table(1)
       
  (t)   Power of Attorney(1)

 

(1) Filed herewith. 

 

Item 26. Marketing Arrangements

 

See the Distribution Agreement and Financial Intermediary Agreement, forms of which are filed as Exhibit (h)(1) and (h)(2), respectively, to this Registration Statement.

 

Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant

 

Each of Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D, LLC, Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D Blocker, LLC and Ares Private Markets Fund Blocker, LLC, each a Delaware limited liability company, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant and is consolidated for financial reporting purposes. In addition, the Registrant, Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D, LLC, Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D Blocker, LLC and Ares Private Markets Fund Blocker, LLC may be deemed to be controlled by Ares Capital Management II LLC ("ACM II"), the investment adviser of the Registrant. Information regarding the ownership of ACM II is set forth in its Form ADV as filed with the SEC (File No. 801-72399), and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities

 

As of March 23, 2022:

 

Title of Class   Number of
Record Holders
 
Shares of Beneficial Ownership for Class A     0  
Shares of Beneficial Ownership for Class D     0  
Shares of Beneficial Ownership for Class I     1  

 

Item 30. Indemnification

 

Reference is made to Article V of Registrant's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust") filed as Exhibit (a)(4).

 

 

 

 

Reference is also made to:

 

Section 8 of the Registrant's Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit (g) to this Registration Statement

Section 8 of the Registrant's Distribution Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit (h)(1) to this Registration Statement

 

The Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was an independent trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant against certain liability asserted against and incurred by, or arising out of, his or her position. However, in no event will the Registrant pay that portion of the premium, if any, for insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which the Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify.

 

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

 

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

 

ACM II serves as the investment adviser to the Registrant. ACM II is engaged in the investment advisory business. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which ACM II and each of its executive officers and directors is or has been, during the last two fiscal years, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, reference is made to the information set forth in ACM's Form ADV (File No. 801-72399), as filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records

 

The Declaration of Trust, Bylaws and minute books of the Registrant and certain investment adviser records will be in the physical possession of ACM II at 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10167 . All other accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained under Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated thereunder will be in the physical possession of the Fund's custodian at 928 Grand Blvd., 10th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106 and the Fund’s administrator, ALPS Fund Services, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203, except for certain transfer agency records which are maintained by DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., 333 West 11th Street, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64105.

 

Item 33. Management Services

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 34. Undertakings

 

1.Not applicable.

 

2.Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

3.The Registrant hereby undertakes:

 

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

 

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

 

(2)to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post- effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

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

 

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

 

(c)to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

(d)that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

(1)if the Registrant is relying on Rule 430B:

 

(A)each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

(B)each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or

 

 

 

 

(2)if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

(e)that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:

 

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

 

(1)any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;

 

(2)free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned

 

Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

 

(3)the portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

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

 

4.The Registrant undertakes:

 

(a)for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

 

(b)for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

5.Not applicable.

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of New York, on the 23rd day of March, 2022.

 

  ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
   
  By: /s/ Francisco L. Borges
  Name:  Francisco L. Borges
  Title:  Trustee and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 23rd day of March, 2022.

 

/s/ Francisco L. Borges   Trustee and Chief Executive Officer
Francisco L. Borges    
     
/s/ Timothy L. Haviland   President  
Timothy L. Haviland    
     
/s/ Tina St. Pierre   Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer
Tina St. Pierre  
     
/s/ Rajat Dhanda   Trustee
Rajat Dhanda    
     
/s/ Patrick Dooley   Trustee
Patrick Dooley    
     
/s/ Edward Lewis   Trustee
Edward Lewis    
     
/s/ David Sachs   Trustee
David Sachs    
     
/s/ Paola Sapienza   Trustee
Paola Sapienza    
     
/s/ Kent Weldon   Trustee
Kent Weldon    

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT LIST

 

(a)(2) Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Trust
(a)(4) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
(b) Bylaws
(d) Multiple Class Plan
(e) Dividend Reinvestment Plan
(g) Investment Advisory and Management Agreement
(h)(1) Distribution Agreement
(h)(2)  Form of Financial Intermediary Agreement
(h)(3) Distribution and Servicing Plan
(j) Form of Custody Agreement
(k)(1) Form of Services Agreement
(k)(2) Expense Limitation Agreement
(k)(3)  Management Fee Waiver Agreement
(l) Opinion and Consent of Counsel
(n) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(p)(1) Initial Subscription Agreement
(p)(2) Form of Investor Subscription Agreement
(r)(1) Code of Ethics of the Registrant
(r)(2) Code of Ethics of Adviser and Distributor
(s) Filing Fee Table
(t) Power of Attorney

 

 

Exhibit 99.(a)(2)

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
ARES LANDMARK PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

THIS Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Trust of Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund (the “Trust”) is being duly executed and filed by the undersigned, as trustee, to amend the original Certificate of Trust (the “Certificate of Trust”) of a statutory trust formed under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 3801, et seq.) (the “Act”).

 

1.         Name. The name of the statutory trust amended hereby is Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund.

 

2.         Amendment. The Certificate of Trust of the Trust is hereby amended by changing the name of the Trust to Ares Private Markets Fund.

 

3.         Effective Date. This Certificate of Amendment shall be effective upon filing.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Amendment in accordance with Section 3811(a)(2)of the Act.

 

 

  Francisco L. Borges, not in his individual capacity, but as Trustee
     
 By: /s/ Francisco L. Borges

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.(a)(4)

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST

 

Dated as of March 23, 2022

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Article I THE TRUST 1
     
1.1. Name 1
1.2. Trust Purpose 1
1.3. Definitions 2
     
Article II TRUSTEES 3
     
2.1. Number 3
2.2. Term and Election 3
2.3. Resignation and Removal 3
2.4. Vacancies 4
2.5. Meetings 4
2.6. Trustee Action by Written Consent 5
2.7. Officers 5
2.8. Chairman 5
     
Article III POWERS AND DUTIES OF TRUSTEES 5
     
3.1. General 5
3.2. Investments 5
3.3. Issuance and Repurchase of Shares 6
3.4. Borrow Money or Utilize Leverage 6
3.5. Delegation; Committees 6
3.6. Collection and Payment 6
3.7. Expenses 6
3.8. Bylaws 7
3.9. Miscellaneous Powers 7
3.10. Further Powers 7
     
Article IV ADVISORY, MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 7
     
4.1. Advisory and Management Arrangements 7
4.2. Distribution Arrangements 7
4.3. Parties to Contract 8
     
Article V LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION 8
     
5.1. No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. 8
5.2. Mandatory Indemnification 8
5.3. No Bond Required of Trustees 10
5.4. No Duty of Investigation; No Notice in Declaration, etc. 10
5.5. Reliance on Experts, etc. 10
     
Article VI SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST 10
     
6.1. Beneficial Interest 10
6.2. Other Securities 10
6.3. Rights of Shareholders 11

 

i

 

 

6.4. Exchange Privilege 11
6.5. Trust Only 11
6.6. Issuance of Shares 11
6.7. Register of Shares 11
6.8. Transfer Agent and Registrar 11
6.9. Transfer of Shares 12
6.10. Notices 12
6.11. Derivative Actions 13
6.12. Establishment of Classes. 13
6.13. Investment in the Trust 14
6.14. BHCA Shareholders 14
     
Article VII DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE 14
     
7.1. Net Asset Value 14
7.2. Distributions to Shareholders 14
7.3. Power to Modify Foregoing Procedures 15
     
Article VIII CUSTODIANS 15
     
8.1. Appointment and Duties 15
8.2. Central Certificate System 15
     
Article IX REPURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES 16
     
9.1. Repurchase and Redemptions of Shares 16
9.2. Disclosure of Holding 17
     
Article X SHAREHOLDERS 17
     
10.1. Meetings of Shareholders 17
10.2. Voting 17
10.3. Notice of Meeting and Record Date 17
10.4. Quorum and Required Vote 18
10.5. Proxies, etc. 18
10.6. Reports 18
10.7. Inspection of Records 19
10.8. Shareholder Action by Written Consent 19
10.9. Delivery by Electronic Transmission or Otherwise 19
     
Article XI DURATION; TERMINATION OF TRUST; AMENDMENT; ETC. 19
     
11.1. Duration 19
11.2. Termination 19
11.3. Amendment Procedure 20
11.4. Subsidiaries 20
     
Article XII MISCELLANEOUS 20
     
12.1. Filing 20
12.2. Resident Agent 20
12.3. Governing Law 20
12.4. Exclusive Delaware Jurisdiction 21
12.5. Counterparts 21
12.6. Reliance by Third Parties 22
12.7. Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulation. 22

 

ii

 

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST

 

DECLARATION OF TRUST ("Declaration") made as of the 23rd day of March, 2022, by the Trustee hereunder, and by the Shareholders as hereinafter provided.

 

WHEREAS, the Trust has been formed to carry on business as set forth more particularly hereinafter;

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of its Shares all in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth;

 

WHEREAS, this Declaration amends and restates in its entirety that certain Declaration of Trust dated as of February 24, 2022 (the "First Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust”);

 

WHEREAS, the First Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust amended and restated in its entirety that certain Declaration of Trust dated as of July 28, 2021;

 

WHEREAS, the Trustee has agreed to manage all property coming into his hands as Trustee of a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth;

 

and WHEREAS, the parties hereto intend that the Trust shall constitute a statutory trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and that this Declaration and the Bylaws shall constitute the governing instrument of the Trust.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustee hereby declares that he will hold all cash, securities, and other assets which he may from time to time acquire in any manner as Trustee hereunder IN TRUST to manage and dispose of the same upon the following terms and conditions for the benefit of the Shareholders from time to time of Shares as hereinafter set forth.

 

Article I
THE TRUST

 

1.1.          Name. This Trust shall be known as the "Ares Private Markets Fund" and the Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name or any other name or names as they may from time to time determine. Any name change shall become effective upon the approval by a majority of the then Trustees and the execution by any one Trustee of an instrument setting forth the new name and the filing of a certificate of amendment pursuant to Section 3810(b) of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. Any such instrument shall not require the approval of the Shareholders, but shall have the status of an amendment to this Declaration.

 

1.2.           Trust Purpose. The purpose of the Trust is to conduct, operate and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. In furtherance of the foregoing, it shall be the purpose of the Trust to do everything necessary, suitable, convenient or proper for the conduct, promotion and attainment of any businesses and purposes which at any time may be incidental or may appear conducive or expedient for the accomplishment of the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act and which may be engaged in or carried on by a trust organized under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, and in connection therewith the Trust shall have the power and authority to engage in the foregoing and may exercise all of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware upon a Delaware statutory trust.

 

 

 

1.3.          Definitions. As used in this Declaration, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)            The "1940 Act" refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and exemptions granted therefrom, as amended from time to time.

 

(b)           The terms "Affiliated Person," "Assignment," "Interested Person" and "Principal Underwriter" shall have the meanings given them in the 1940 Act.

 

(c)            "BHC Act" means the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and its implementing regulations and published guidance thereunder.

 

(d)           "BHCA Shareholder" means any shareholder that is a bank holding company as defined in Section 2(a) of the BHC Act, a non-bank subsidiary of such a bank holding company, an entity otherwise regulated as a bank holding company for purposes of the BHC Act, or an affiliate of any such entity for purposes of the BHC Act.

 

(e)           "Bylaws" shall mean the Bylaws of the Trust, as amended from time to time by the Trustees.

 

(f)            "Class" means any division of Shares of the Trust, which Class is or has been established in accordance with the provisions of Article VI hereof.

 

(g)           "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(h)           "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(i)             "Declaration" shall mean this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended, supplemented or amended and restated from time to time.

 

(j)             "Delaware General Corporation Law" means the Delaware General Corporation Law, 8 Del. C. § 100, et. seq., as amended from time to time.

 

(k)            "Delaware Statutory Trust Act" shall mean the provisions of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. § 3801, et. seq., as such Act may be amended from time to time.

 

(l)            "Fiscal Year" means each period commencing on April 1 of each year and ending on March 31 of that year (or on the date of a final distribution made in accordance with Section 11.2 of this Declaration), unless the Trustees designate another fiscal year for the Trust.

 

(m)           "Fundamental Policies" shall mean the investment policies and restrictions as set forth from time to time in any Registration Statement of the Trust filed with the Commission and designated as fundamental policies therein, as they may be amended from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

 

(n)           "Majority Shareholder Vote" shall mean "a majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust voted on any matter to be voted on by the Shareholders with all shares entitled to vote voting together as a single class.

 

2

 

 

(o)           "Person" shall mean and include individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, limited liability companies, associations, joint ventures and other entities, whether or not legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

 

(p)           "Prospectus" shall mean the Prospectus of the Trust, if any, as in effect from time to time under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(q)           "Shareholders" shall mean as of any particular time the holders of record of outstanding Shares at such time.

 

(r)           "Shares" shall mean the transferable units of beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided from time to time and includes Classes of Shares and fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares.

 

(s)           "Trust" shall mean the statutory trust governed by this Declaration and the Bylaws, as amended from time to time, inclusive of each such amendment.

 

(t)           "Trust Property" shall mean as of any particular time any and all property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, which at such time is owned or held by or for the account of the Trust or the Trustees in such capacity.

 

(u)           "Trustees" shall mean the signatory to this Declaration, so long as he shall continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other persons who at the time in question have been duly elected or appointed and have qualified as trustees in accordance with the provisions hereof and are then in office.

 

Article II
TRUSTEES

 

2.1.           Number. As of the date hereof, the number of Trustees shall be seven (7) and such Trustees shall be the signatories hereto. Thereafter, the number of Trustees shall be determined by a written instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees then in office, provided that the number of Trustees shall be no less than one (1) and no more than fifteen (15). No reduction in the number of Trustees shall have the effect of removing any Trustee from office prior to the expiration of his or her term. Trustees need not own Shares and may succeed themselves in office.

 

2.2.           Term and Election. The term of office of a Trustee shall continue until death, resignation or removal of a Trustee. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Trustees at any time may appoint individuals to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees. Each Trustee elected shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

 

2.3.           Resignation and Removal. Any of the Trustees may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by such Trustee and delivered or mailed to the Trustees or the Chairman (if any), the President, or the Secretary and such resignation shall be effective upon such delivery, or at a later date according to the terms of the instrument. Any of the Trustees may be removed (provided the aggregate number of Trustees after such removal shall not be less than the minimum number required by Section 2.1 hereof) at any time for cause and only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Trustees votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of trustees. For the purpose of this paragraph, "cause" shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Trust through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty. Additionally, any of the Trustees may be

 

3

 

 

removed (provided the aggregate number of Trustees after such removal shall not be less than the minimum number required by Section 2.1 hereof) at any time without cause by the affirmative vote of all other Trustees votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of trustees. Upon the resignation or removal of a Trustee, each such resigning or removed Trustee shall execute and deliver such documents as the remaining Trustees shall require for the purpose of conveying to the Trust or the remaining Trustees any Trust Property held in the name of such resigning or removed Trustee. Upon the incapacity or death of any Trustee, such Trustee's legal representative shall execute and deliver on such Trustee's behalf such documents as the remaining Trustees shall require as provided in the preceding sentence.

 

2.4.           Vacancies. Whenever a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur, the remaining Trustees may fill such vacancy by appointing any individual as they may determine in their sole discretion, consistent with the limitations under the 1940 Act, by a majority of the Trustees then in office or may leave such vacancy unfilled or may reduce the number of Trustees; provided the aggregate number of Trustees after such reduction shall not be less than the minimum number required by Section 2.1 hereof. Any vacancy created by an increase in Trustees may be filled by the appointment of an individual made by a majority of the Trustees then in office. The Trustees may appoint a new Trustee as provided above in anticipation of a vacancy expected to occur because of the retirement, resignation or removal of a Trustee, or an increase in the number of Trustees, provided that such appointment shall become effective only at or after the expected vacancy occurs. No vacancy shall operate to annul this Declaration or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled as provided herein, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this Declaration.

 

2.5.           Meetings. Meetings of the Trustees shall be held from time to time upon the call of the Chairman, if any, or the President, the Secretary or any three Trustees. Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice at a time and place fixed by the Bylaws or by resolution of the Trustees. Notice of any other meeting shall be given by the Secretary and shall be delivered to the Trustees orally or via electronic transmission not less than 24 hours, or in writing not less than 72 hours, before the meeting, but may be waived in writing by any Trustee either before or after such meeting. The attendance of a Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Trustee attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting has not been properly called or convened. Any time there is more than one Trustee, a quorum for all meetings of the Trustees shall be fifty-five percent (55%) of the Trustees. Unless provided otherwise in this Declaration and except as required under the 1940 Act, any action of the Trustees may be taken at a meeting by vote of a majority of the Trustees present (a quorum being present) or without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the Trustees.

 

Any committee of the Trustees, including an executive committee, if any, may act with or without a meeting. A quorum for all meetings of any such committee shall be one-third (331/3%) of the members thereof. Unless provided otherwise in this Declaration, any action of any such committee may be taken at a meeting by vote of a majority of the members present (a quorum being present) or without a meeting by written consent of all of the members.

 

With respect to actions of the Trustees and any committee of the Trustees, Trustees who are Interested Persons in any action to be taken may be counted for quorum purposes under this Section and shall be entitled to vote to the extent not prohibited by the 1940 Act.

 

All or any one or more Trustees may participate in a meeting of the Trustees or any committee thereof by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other; participation in a meeting pursuant to any such

 

4

 

 

communications system shall constitute presence in person at such meeting except as otherwise may be provided by law.

 

2.6.           Trustee Action by Written Consent. Any action which may be taken by Trustees by vote may be taken without a meeting if that number of the Trustees, or members of a committee, as the case may be, required for approval of such action at a meeting of the Trustees or of such committee consent to the action in writing and the written consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Trustees. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Trustees.

 

2.7.           Officers. The Trustees shall elect one or more Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Chief Legal Officer, a General Counsel, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Compliance Officer and may also elect such other officers or assistant officers as may be elected or authorized by the Trustees. Officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Trustees or until their successors are elected. All officers shall owe to the Trust and its Shareholders the same fiduciary duties (and only such fiduciary duties) as owed by officers of corporations to such corporations and their stockholders under the Delaware General Corporation Law; provided, however, such fiduciary duties shall not be deemed to control to the extent that the express terms of the federal securities laws or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act conflict with or are inconsistent with such fiduciary duties in which case the express terms of the federal securities laws or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act shall control.

 

2.8.           Chairman. The Trustees may designate a Chairman and a Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees (who must be Trustees, but shall not be designated as officers of the Trust), who shall have such powers and duties as determined by the Board of Trustees from time to time.

 

Article III
POWERS AND DUTIES OF TRUSTEES

 

3.1.           General. The Trustees shall manage or direct the management of the Trust Property and the business of the Trust with such powers of delegation as may be permitted by this Declaration. The Trustees shall owe to the Trust and its Shareholders the same fiduciary duties (and only such fiduciary duties) as owed by directors of corporations to such corporations and their stockholders under the Delaware General Corporation Law; provided, however, such fiduciary duties shall not be deemed to control to the extent that the express terms of the federal securities laws or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act conflict with or are inconsistent with such fiduciary duties in which case the express terms of the federal securities laws or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act shall control. The Trustees may perform such acts as in their sole discretion are proper for conducting the business of the Trust. The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be construed as limiting the aforesaid power. Such powers of the Trustees may be exercised without order of or resort to any court.

 

3.2.           Investments. The Trustees shall have power, subject to the Fundamental Policies in effect from time to time with respect to the Trust, to manage, conduct, operate and carry on the business of an investment company; and subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute or otherwise deal in or dispose of any and all sorts of property, tangible or intangible, including but not limited to securities of any type whatsoever, whether equity or non-equity, of any issuer, evidences of indebtedness of any Person and any other rights, interests, instruments or property of any sort and to exercise any and all rights, powers and privileges of ownership or interest in respect of any and all such investments of every kind and description, including, without limitation, the right to consent and otherwise act with respect thereto, with power to designate one or more Persons to exercise any of said rights, powers and privileges in respect of any of said investments. The Trustees shall not be limited by any law limiting the investments which may be made by fiduciaries.

 

5

 

 

3.3.           Issuance and Repurchase of Shares. The Trustees shall have the power to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, transfer, and otherwise deal in, Shares, including Shares in fractional denominations, and to apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or property whether capital or surplus or otherwise. Subject to the further provisions of this Article III, any restriction set forth in the Bylaws and any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act or any applicable exemptive relief issued by the SEC, the Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole discretion, and without obtaining any authorization or vote of the Shareholders of any Class of Shares of the Trust to: (i) divide the beneficial interest in each Class into Shares as the Trustees shall determine; (ii) establish, designate, redesignate, classify, reclassify and change in any manner any Class  and fix such preferences, voting powers, rights, duties and privileges and business purpose of each Class as the Trustees may from time to time determine, which preferences, voting powers, rights, duties and privileges may be different from any existing Class; provided, however, that the Trustees may not reclassify or change outstanding Shares in a manner materially adverse to Shareholders of such Shares, without obtaining the authorization or vote of the Class of Shareholders that would be materially adversely affected; (iii) divide or combine the Shares of any Class  into a greater or lesser number without thereby materially changing the proportionate beneficial interest of the Shares of such Class  in the assets held with respect to that Class; (iv) change the name of any Class; (v) dissolve and terminate any one or more Classes; and (vi) take such other action with respect to the Classes as the Trustees may deem desirable.

 

3.4.           Borrow Money or Utilize Leverage. Subject to the Fundamental Policies in effect from time to time with respect to the Trust, the Trustees shall have the power to borrow money or otherwise obtain credit or utilize leverage to the maximum extent permitted by law or regulation as such may be needed from time to time and to secure the same by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the assets of the Trust, including the lending of portfolio securities, and to endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance of any obligation, contract or engagement of any other Person, firm, association or corporation.

 

3.5.           Delegation; Committees. The Trustees shall have the power, consistent with their continuing exclusive authority over the management of the Trust and the Trust Property, to delegate from time to time to such of their number or to officers, employees or agents of the Trust the doing of such things, including any matters set forth in this Declaration, and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Trustees or otherwise as the Trustees may deem expedient. The Trustees may designate one or more committees which shall have all or such lesser portion of the authority of the entire Board of Trustees as the Trustees shall determine from time to time except to the extent action by the entire Board of Trustees or particular Trustees is required by the 1940 Act.

 

3.6.           Collection and Payment. The Trustees shall have power to collect all property due to the Trust; to pay all claims, including taxes, against the Trust Property or the Trust, the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust; to prosecute, defend, compromise or abandon any claims relating to the Trust Property or the Trust, or the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust; to foreclose any security interest securing any obligations, by virtue of which any property is owed to the Trust; and to enter into releases, agreements and other instruments.

 

3.7.           Expenses. The Trustees shall have power to incur and pay out of the assets or income of the Trust any expenses which in the opinion of the Trustees are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration, and the business of the Trust, and to pay reasonable compensation from the funds of the Trust to themselves as Trustees. The Trustees shall fix the compensation of all officers, employees and Trustees. The Trustees may pay themselves such compensation for special services, including legal, underwriting, syndicating and brokerage services, as they in good faith may deem reasonable and reimbursement for expenses reasonably incurred by themselves on behalf of the Trust.

 

6

 

 

3.8.           Bylaws. The Trustees shall have the exclusive authority to adopt and from time to time amend or repeal Bylaws for the conduct of the business of the Trust.

 

3.9.           Miscellaneous Powers. The Trustees shall have the power to: (a) employ or contract with such Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable for the transaction of the business of the Trust; (b) enter into joint ventures, partnerships and any other combinations or associations; (c) purchase, and pay for out of Trust Property, insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, investment advisers, distributors, selected dealers or independent contractors of the Trust against all claims arising by reason of holding any such position or by reason of any action taken or omitted by any such Person in such capacity, whether or not constituting negligence, or whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability; (d) establish pension, profit-sharing, share purchase, and other retirement, incentive and benefit plans for any Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust; (e) make donations, irrespective of benefit to the Trust, for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, civic or similar purposes; (f) to the extent permitted by law, indemnify any Person with whom the Trust has dealings, including without limitation any adviser, administrator, manager, transfer agent, custodian, distributor or selected dealer, or any other Person as the Trustees may see fit to such extent as the Trustees shall determine; (g) guarantee indebtedness or contractual obligations of others; (h) determine and change the fiscal year of the Trust and the method in which its accounts shall be kept; and (i) adopt a seal for the Trust, even though the absence of such seal shall not impair the validity of any instrument executed on behalf of the Trust.

 

3.10.           Further Powers. The Trustees shall have the power to conduct the business of the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of its branches and maintain offices both within and without the State of Delaware, in any and all states of the United States of America, in the District of Columbia, and in any and all commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies, possessions, agencies or instrumentalities of the United States of America and of foreign governments, and to do all such other things and execute all such instruments as they deem necessary, proper or desirable in order to promote the interests of the Trust although such things are not herein specifically mentioned. In construing the provisions of this Declaration, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees. The Trustees will not be required to obtain any court order to deal with the Trust Property.

 

Article IV
ADVISORY, MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

 

4.1.           Advisory and Management Arrangements. Subject to the requirements of applicable law as in effect from time to time, the Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into advisory, administration or management contracts (including, in each case, one or more sub-advisory, sub-administration or sub-management contracts) whereby the other party to any such contract shall undertake to furnish such advisory, administrative and management services with respect to the Trust as the Trustees shall from time to time consider desirable and all upon such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Declaration, the Trustees may authorize any adviser, administrator or manager (subject to such general or specific instructions as the Trustees may from time to time adopt) to exercise any of the powers of the Trustees, including to effect investment transactions with respect to the assets on behalf of the Trust to the full extent of the power of the Trustees to effect such transactions or may authorize any officer, employee or Trustee to effect such transactions pursuant to recommendations of any such adviser, administrator or manager (and all without further action by the Trustees). Any such investment transaction shall be deemed to have been authorized by all of the Trustees.

 

4.2.           Distribution Arrangements. Subject to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Trustees may retain underwriters and/or selling agents to sell Shares and other securities of the Trust. The Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into one or more contracts, providing for the sale of securities of the

 

7

 

 

Trust, whereby the Trust may either agree to sell such securities to the other party to the contract or appoint such other party its sales agent for such securities. In either case, the contract shall be on such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article IV or the Bylaws; and such contract may also provide for the repurchase or sale of securities of the Trust by such other party as principal or as agent of the Trust and may provide that such other party may enter into selected dealer agreements with registered securities dealers and brokers and servicing and similar agreements with Persons who are not registered securities dealers to further the purposes of the distribution or repurchase of the securities of the Trust.

 

4.3.           Parties to Contract. Any contract of the character described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this Article IV or in Article VIII hereof may be entered into with any Person, although one or more of the Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust may be an officer, director, trustee, shareholder, or member of such other party to the contract, and no such contract shall be invalidated or rendered voidable by reason of the existence of any such relationship, nor shall any Person holding such relationship be liable merely by reason of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Trust under or by reason of said contract or accountable for any profit realized directly or indirectly therefrom, provided that the contract when entered into was reasonable and fair and not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article IV or the Bylaws. The same Person may be the other party to contracts entered into pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.2 above or Article VIII, and any individual may be financially interested or otherwise affiliated with Persons who are parties to any or all of the contracts mentioned in this Section 4.3.

 

Article V
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

5.1.           No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. No Shareholder of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. Shareholders shall have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended to stockholders of a private corporation for profit incorporated under the Delaware General Corporation Law. No Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, save only liability to the Trust or its Shareholders arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his duty to such Person; and, subject to the foregoing exception, all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee or officer, as such, of the Trust, is made a party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability, subject to the foregoing exception, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any personal liability. Any repeal or modification of this Section 5.1 shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a Trustee or officer of the Trust existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

 

5.2.           Mandatory Indemnification.

 

(a)           To the fullest extent permitted by law but subject to the limitations expressly provided in this Declaration, the Trust hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each person who at any time serves as a Trustee or officer of the Trust (each such person being an "indemnitee") against any and all, losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all threatened, pending or completed, claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal and including appeals, in which any indemnitee may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while acting in any capacity set forth in this Article V by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except however, that no indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder against any

 

8

 

 

liability to any person or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence, or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his position. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any claim, demand, action, suit or other proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by any indemnitee, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the commencement of such claim, demand, action, suit or other proceeding (or part thereof) by such indemnitee was authorized by a majority of the Trustees in their sole discretion or (2) was instituted by the indemnitee to enforce his or her rights to indemnification hereunder in a case in which the indemnitee is found to be entitled to such indemnification. The rights to indemnification set forth in this Declaration shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Trustee or officer of the Trust and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives. No amendment or restatement of this Declaration or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate any of the benefits provided to any person who at any time is or was a Trustee or officer of the Trust or otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder in respect of any act or omission that occurred prior to such amendment, restatement or repeal.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made hereunder unless there has been a determination (i) by a final decision on the merits by a court or other body of competent jurisdiction before whom the issue of entitlement to indemnification hereunder was brought that such indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder or, (ii) in the absence of such a decision, by (1) a majority vote of a quorum of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the proceeding ("Disinterested Non-Party Trustees"), that the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, or (2) if such quorum is not obtainable or even if obtainable, if such majority so directs, independent legal counsel in a written opinion concludes that the indemnitee should be entitled to indemnification hereunder. All determinations to make advance payments in connection with the expense of defending any proceeding shall be authorized and made in accordance with the immediately succeeding paragraph (c) below.

 

(c)           To the fullest extent permitted by law, and without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, the Trust shall make advance payments (which shall be unsecured and interest free) in connection with expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred by any indemnitee in appearing at, participating in or defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding with respect to which indemnification might be sought hereunder if the Trust receives a written undertaking by the indemnitee to repay the Trust such amounts if it ultimately shall be determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification as authorized by this Section 5.2. The Trust shall have no obligation to advance any amounts in connection with any claim, demand, action, suit or other proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by an indemnitee unless such commencement was (1) authorized by a majority of the Trustees in their sole discretion or (2) instituted by the indemnitee to enforce his or her rights to indemnification hereunder.

 

(d)           The rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude or restrict any other right (including any right of indemnification or advancement) which any indemnitee or any other person may have or hereafter acquire under this Declaration, the Bylaws of the Trust, any statute, agreement, or vote of Shareholders or Trustees who are not Interested Persons or any other right to which he or she may be lawfully entitled.

 

(e)           Subject to any limitations provided by the 1940 Act and this Declaration, the Trust shall have the power and authority to indemnify and provide for the advance payment of expenses to employees, agents and other Persons providing services to the Trust or serving in any capacity at the request of the Trust or provide for the advance payment of expenses for such Persons, provided that such indemnification has been approved by a majority of the Trustees.

 

9

 

 

5.3.           No Bond Required of Trustees. No Trustee shall, as such, be obligated to give any bond or other security for the performance of any of his duties hereunder.

 

5.4.           No Duty of Investigation; No Notice in Declaration, etc. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person dealing with the Trustees or with any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent. Every obligation, contract, undertaking, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of the Trust, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively taken to have been executed or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under this Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust. The Trustees may maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property, Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible tort liability and such other insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable or as is required by the 1940 Act.

 

5.5.           Reliance on Experts, etc. Each Trustee and officer or employee of the Trust shall, in the performance of its duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust, upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust by any of the Trust's officers or employees or by any adviser, administrator, manager, distributor, selected dealer, accountant, appraiser or other expert or consultant selected with reasonable care by the Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.

 

Article VI
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

 

6.1.           Beneficial Interest. The interest of the beneficiaries shall be divided into an unlimited number of transferable Shares of one or more separate and distinct Classes with a beneficial par value $0.001 per share unless otherwise determined by the Trustees in connection with the creation and establishment of a Class. All Shares issued in accordance with the terms hereof, including, without limitation, Shares issued in connection with a dividend or distribution in Shares or a split of Shares, shall be fully paid and nonassessable when the consideration determined by the Trustees (if any) therefor shall have been received by the Trust.

 

6.2.           Other Securities. The Trustees may, subject to the Fundamental Policies and the requirements of the 1940 Act, authorize and cause the Trust to issue such other securities of the Trust as they determine to be necessary, desirable or appropriate, having such terms, rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions as the Trustees see fit, including preferred shares, debt securities or other senior securities. The Trustees are also authorized to take such actions and retain such Persons as they see fit to offer and sell such securities. To the extent that the Trustees authorize and issue preferred shares, they are hereby authorized and empowered to amend or supplement this Declaration as they deem necessary or appropriate, including to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act or requirements imposed by the rating agencies or other Persons, all without the approval of Shareholders. In addition, any such supplement or amendment may set forth the rights, powers, preferences and privileges of such preferred shares and any such supplement or amendment shall operate either as additions to or modifications of the rights, powers, preferences and privileges of any such preferred shares under this Declaration. To the extent the provisions set forth in such supplement or amendment conflict with the provisions of this Declaration with respect to any such rights, powers and privileges of the preferred shares, such amendment or supplement shall control. Except as contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence, this Declaration shall control as to the Trust generally and the rights, powers, preferences and privileges of the other Shareholders of the Trust.

 

10

 

 

The Trustees are also authorized to take such actions and retain such persons as they see fit to offer and sell such securities.

 

6.3.           Rights of Shareholders. The Shares shall be personal property giving only the rights in this Declaration specifically set forth. The ownership of the Trust Property of every description and the right to conduct any business hereinbefore described are vested exclusively in the Trustees on behalf of the Trust, and the Shareholders shall have no interest therein other than the beneficial interest conferred by their Shares, and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of any property, profits, rights or interests of the Trust nor can they be called upon to share or assume any losses of the Trust or, subject to the right of the Trustees to charge certain expenses directly to Shareholders, suffer an assessment of any kind by virtue of their ownership of Shares. The Shares shall not entitle the holder to appraisal rights. Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other similar rights to subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the Trust or the Trustees, whether of the same or another Class. The Trustees shall have the authority to provide from time to time that the holders of Shares of any Class shall have the right to convert or exchange said Shares for or into Shares of one or more other Classes in accordance with such requirements and procedures as may be established from time to time by the Trustees.

 

6.4.           Exchange Privilege. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act and provisions of this Declaration, the Trustees shall have the power and authority to provide that the Shareholders of any Class shall have the right to exchange such Shares for Shares of one or more other Classes.

 

6.5.           Trust Only. It is the intention of the Trustees to create only the relationship of Trustee and beneficiary between the Trustees and each Shareholder from time to time. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment or any form of legal relationship other than a trust. Nothing in this Declaration shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association.

 

6.6.           Issuance of Shares. The Trustees, in their discretion, may from time to time without vote of the Shareholders issue Shares in addition to the then issued and outstanding Shares and Shares held in the treasury, to such party or parties and for such amount and type of consideration, including cash or property, at such time or times, and on such terms as the Trustees may determine, and may in such manner acquire other assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and in connection with the assumption of, liabilities) and businesses. The Trustees may from time to time, without a vote of the Shareholders, divide, combine or, prior to the issuance of Shares, reclassify the Shares into a greater or lesser number without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest in such Shares. Issuances and redemptions of Shares may be made in whole Shares and/or 1/1,000ths of a Share or multiples thereof as the Trustees may determine.

 

6.7.           Register of Shares. A register shall be kept at the offices of the Trust or any transfer agent duly appointed by the Trustees under the direction of the Trustees which shall contain the names and addresses of the Shareholders and the number of Shares held by them respectively and a record of all transfers thereof. Each such register shall be conclusive as to who are the holders of the Shares and who shall be entitled to receive dividends or distributions or otherwise to exercise or enjoy the rights of Shareholders. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment of any dividend or distribution, nor to have notice given to him as herein provided, until he has given his address to a transfer agent or such other officer or agent of the Trustees as shall keep the register for entry thereon. It is not contemplated that certificates will be issued for the Shares; however, the Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the issuance of share certificates and promulgate appropriate fees therefor and rules and regulations as to their use.

 

6.8.           Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Trustees shall have power to employ a transfer agent or transfer agents, and a registrar or registrars, with respect to the Shares. The transfer agent or transfer agents may

 

11

 

 

keep the applicable register and record therein, the original issues and transfers, if any, of the said Shares. Any such transfer agents and/or registrars shall perform the duties usually performed by transfer agents and registrars of certificates of stock in a corporation, as modified by the Trustees.

 

6.9.           Transfer of Shares. Except as otherwise provided by the Trustees, Shares shall be transferable on the records of the Trust only in accordance with this Section 6.9 and by the record holder thereof or by its agent thereto duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust of a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with such evidence of the genuineness of each such execution and authorization and of other matters (including compliance with any securities laws and contractual restrictions) as may reasonably be required. Upon such delivery the transfer shall be recorded on the applicable register of the Trust. Until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereof and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of the proposed transfer. Any Shares held by a Shareholder may be transferred only (1) by operation of law pursuant to the death, bankruptcy, insolvency, adjudicated incompetence, or dissolution of the Shareholder or (2) with the consent of the Trustees (which may be withheld in the Trustees' sole and absolute discretion). If a Shareholder transfers Shares with the approval of the Trustees, the Trustees will as promptly as practicable take all necessary actions so that each transferee or successor to whom or to which the Shares are transferred is admitted to the Trust as a Shareholder. The admission of any transferee as a substituted Shareholder will be effective upon the execution and delivery by, or on behalf of, the substituted Shareholder of an investor application form. Each Shareholder and transferee agrees to pay all expenses, including attorneys' and accountants' fees, incurred by the Trust in connection with any transfer. In connection with any request to transfer Shares, the Trust may require the Shareholder requesting the transfer to obtain, at the Shareholder's expense, an opinion of counsel selected by the Trustees as to such matters as the Trustees may reasonably request. If a Shareholder transfers all of its Shares, it will not cease to be a Shareholder unless and until the transferee is admitted to the Trust as a substituted Shareholder in accordance with this Section 6.9. Each Shareholder will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Trustees, each other Shareholder and any Affiliated Person of the Trust, the Trustees, the investment adviser, any sub-adviser and each of the other Shareholders against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including legal or other expenses incurred in investigating or defending against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses or any judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement), joint or several, to which these Persons may become subject by reason of or arising from (1) any transfer made by the Shareholder in violation of this Section 6.9 and (2) any misrepresentation by the transferring Shareholder or substituted Shareholder in connection with the transfer. A Shareholder transferring Shares may be charged reasonable expenses, including attorneys' and accountants' fees, incurred by the Trust in connection with the transfer, by setting off such charges due from such Shareholder from declared but unpaid dividends or distributions owed such Shareholder and/or by reducing the number of shares in the account of such Shareholder by that number of full and/or fractional Shares which represents the outstanding amount of such charges due from such Shareholder.

 

Any person becoming entitled to any Shares in consequence of operation of law pursuant to the death, bankruptcy, insolvency, adjudicated incompetence, or dissolution of the Shareholder, shall be recorded on the applicable register of Shares as the holder of such Shares upon production of the proper evidence thereof to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust, but until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such for all purposes hereof, and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of such death, bankruptcy, insolvency, adjudicated incompetence, or dissolution of the Shareholder, or other operation of law.

 

6.10.        Notices. Any and all notices to which any Shareholder hereunder may be entitled and any and all communications shall be deemed duly served or given if mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to any Shareholder of record at his last known address as recorded on the applicable register of the Trust.

 

12

 

 

6.11.        Derivative Actions.

  

(a)           No person, other than a Trustee, who is not a Shareholder shall be entitled to bring any derivative action, suit or other proceeding on behalf of the Trust. No Shareholder may maintain a derivative action on behalf of the Trust unless holders of at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Shares join in the bringing of such action.

 

(b)           In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, a Shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the following conditions are met: (i) the Shareholder or Shareholders must make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed; and a demand on the Trustees shall only be deemed not likely to succeed and therefore excused if, and only if, a majority of the Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, is composed of Trustees who are not "independent trustees" (as that term is defined in the Delaware Statutory Trust Act); and (ii) unless a demand is not required under clause (i) of this paragraph, the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such Shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim; and the Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and may require an undertaking by the Shareholders making such request to reimburse the Trust for the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action. For purposes of this Section 6.11, the Trustees may designate a committee of one or more Trustees to consider a Shareholder demand.

 

(c)           Sections 6.11(a) and 6.11(b) hereof do not apply to claims arising under the federal securities laws.

 

6.12.        Establishment of Classes.

 

(a)           The Trustees may from time to time authorize the division of Shares of the Trust into one or more Classes. Separate and distinct records shall be maintained by the Trust for each Class. The Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole discretion, and without obtaining any prior authorization or vote of Shareholders of any Class, to establish and designate and to change in any manner any initial or additional Classes and to fix such preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges of such Classes as the Trustees may from time to time determine, to divide or combine the Shares or any Classes into a greater or lesser number, to classify or reclassify any issued Shares or any Classes into one or more Classes, and to take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem desirable.

 

(b)           Unless another time is specified by the Trustees, the establishment and designation of any Class shall be effective upon the adoption of a resolution by the Trustees setting forth such establishment and designation and the preferences, powers, rights and privileges of the Shares of such Class, whether directly in such resolution or by reference to, or approval of, another document that sets forth such relative rights and preferences of such Class including, without limitation, any registration statement of the Trust, or as otherwise provided in such resolution. The Trust may issue any number of Shares of each Class and need not issue certificates for any Shares.

 

(c)           All references to Shares in this Declaration and Bylaws shall be deemed to be Shares of any or all Classes as the context may require. All provisions herein relating to the Trust shall apply equally to each Class of the Trust except as the context otherwise requires.

 

(d)           All Shares of each Class shall represent an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Trust (subject to the liabilities belonging to that Class), and each Share of any Class shall

 

13

 

 

be equal to each other Share of that Class; but the provisions of this sentence shall not restrict any distinctions permissible under this Declaration.

 

6.13.        Investment in the Trust. The Trustees shall accept investments in any Class from such persons and on such terms as they may from time to time authorize. At the Trustees' discretion, such investments, subject to applicable law, may be in the form of cash or securities in which the Trust is authorized to invest, valued as provided in Section 7.1 hereof. Unless the Trustees otherwise determine, investments shall be credited to each Shareholder's account in the form of full Shares at the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the investment is received. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustees may, in their sole discretion, (a) fix the Net Asset Value per Share of the initial capital contribution, (b) impose sales or other charges upon investments in the Trust or (c) issue fractional Shares.

 

6.14.        BHCA Shareholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, and otherwise in compliance with applicable law, a BHCA Shareholder may enter into an agreement with the Trust, which agreement shall expressly reference this Section 6.14, that restricts the rights of such BHCA Shareholder for purposes of compliance with the BHC Act, and any such agreement shall be deemed to have the same force and effect with respect to such BHCA Shareholder as though included in the Declaration. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a BHCA Shareholder that has entered into an agreement described in the preceding sentence shall not transfer any shares of the Trust to any person (other than the Trust) unless such transfer both (i) is otherwise authorized by, and complies in all respects with, the terms of the Declaration and (ii) is made in one of the circumstances described in 12 CFR 225.9(a)(3)(ii) or any similar or successor regulation under the BHC Act.

 

Article VII
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

7.1.          Net Asset Value. The net asset value of each outstanding Share shall be determined at such time or times on such days as the Trustees may determine, in accordance with the 1940 Act. The method of determination of net asset value shall be determined by the Trustees and shall be as set forth in the Registration Statement or as may otherwise be determined by the Trustees. The power and duty to make the net asset value calculations may be delegated by the Trustees and shall be as generally set forth in the Registration Statement or as may otherwise be determined by the Trustees.

 

7.2.          Distributions to Shareholders.

 

(a)           The Trustees may from time to time distribute ratably among the Shareholders of any Class in accordance with the number of outstanding full and fractional Shares of such Class, such proportion of the net profits, surplus (including paid-in surplus), capital, or assets held by the Trustees as they may deem proper or as may otherwise be determined in accordance with this Declaration. Any such distribution may be made in cash or property (including without limitation any type of obligations of the Trust or any assets thereof) or Shares of any Class or any combination thereof, and the Trustees may distribute ratably among the Shareholders of any Class of shares, in accordance with the number of outstanding full and fractional Shares of such Class, additional Shares of any Class in such manner, at such times, and on such terms as the Trustees may deem proper or as may otherwise be determined in accordance with this Declaration.

 

(b)           Distributions pursuant to this Section 7.2 may be among the Shareholders of record of the applicable Class at the time of declaring a distribution or among the Shareholders of record at such later date as the Trustees shall determine and specify.

 

14

 

 

(c)           The Trustees may always retain from the net profits such amount as they may deem necessary to pay the debts or expenses of the Trust or to meet obligations of the Trust, or as they otherwise may deem desirable to use in the conduct of its affairs or to retain for future requirements or extensions of the business.

 

(d)           Inasmuch as the computation of net income and gains for Federal income tax purposes may vary from the computation thereof on the books, the above provisions shall be interpreted to give the Trustees the power in their discretion to distribute for any fiscal year as ordinary dividends and as capital gains distributions, respectively, additional amounts sufficient to enable the Trust to avoid or reduce liability for taxes.

 

7.3.           Power to Modify Foregoing Procedures. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this Article VII, the Trustees may prescribe, in their absolute discretion except as may be required by the 1940 Act, such other bases and times for determining the net asset value of the Trust's Shares or net income, or the declaration and payment of dividends and distributions as they may deem necessary or desirable for any reason, including to enable the Trust to comply with any provision of the Code, the 1940 Act, any securities exchange or association registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any order of exemption issued by the Commission, all as in effect now or hereafter amended or modified.

 

Article VIII
CUSTODIANS

 

8.1.           Appointment and Duties. The Trustees shall at all times employ a custodian or custodians, meeting the qualifications for custodians for portfolio securities of investment companies contained in the 1940 Act, as custodian with respect to the assets of the Trust. Any custodian shall have authority as agent of the Trust as determined by the custodian agreement or agreements, but subject to such restrictions, limitations and other requirements, if any, as may be contained in the Bylaws of the Trust and the 1940 Act, including without limitation authority:

 

(1)           to hold the securities owned by the Trust and deliver the same upon written order;

 

(2)           to receive any receipt for any moneys due to the Trust and deposit the same in its own banking department (if a bank) or elsewhere as the Trustees may direct;

 

(3)           to disburse such funds upon orders or vouchers;

 

(4)           if authorized by the Trustees, to keep the books and accounts of the Trust and furnish clerical and accounting services; and

 

(5)           if authorized to do so by the Trustees, to compute the net income or net asset value of the Trust; all upon such basis of compensation as may be agreed upon between the Trustees and the custodian.

 

The Trustees may also authorize each custodian to employ one or more sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the custodian and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the custodian and such sub-custodian and approved by the Trustees, provided that in every case such sub-custodian shall meet the qualifications for custodians contained in the 1940 Act.

 

8.2.           Central Certificate System. Subject to such rules, regulations and orders as the Commission may adopt, the Trustees may direct the custodian to deposit all or any part of the securities owned by the Trust

 

15

 

 

in a system for the central handling of securities established by a national securities exchange or a national securities association registered with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or such other Person as may be permitted by the Commission, or otherwise in accordance with the 1940 Act, pursuant to which system all securities of any particular Class of any issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of such securities, provided that all such deposits shall be subject to withdrawal only upon the order of the Trust.

 

Article IX
REPURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES

 

9.1.           Repurchase and Redemptions of Shares.

 

(a)           Unless the Trustees otherwise determine with respect to a particular Class at the time of establishing and designating the same, each Shareholder of a particular Class shall have the right at such times as may be permitted by the Trustees to require the Trust to repurchase (out of the assets belonging to the applicable Class) all or any part of his Shares at the net asset value thereof (or under certain circumstances, the Trustees may offer to repurchase Shares at a discount to their prevailing net asset value) as of the repurchase pricing date established by the Trustees, less any repurchase fee established by the Trustees in their discretion, and subject to such conditions as the Trustees may determine, which may include establishing a maximum amount of Shares that may be repurchased and prorating Shares tendered for repurchase if the repurchase is oversubscribed. Payment for said Shares may be made in cash, by promissory note or wholly or partly in kind if the Trustees determine that such payment is advisable in the interest of the remaining Shareholders. Subject to the foregoing, the fair value, selection and quantity of securities or other property so paid or delivered as all or part of the repurchase price shall be determined by or under authority of the Trustees. In no case shall the Trust be liable for any delay of any corporation or other Person in transferring securities selected for delivery as all or part of any payment in kind.

 

(b)           The Trustees may declare a suspension of the right of repurchase or postpone the date of payment as permitted under the 1940 Act. Such suspension shall take effect at such time as the Trustees shall specify and thereafter there shall be no right of repurchase or payment until the Trustees shall declare the suspension at an end. In the event that the Trust is divided into Classes, the provisions of this Section 9.1, to the extent applicable as determined in the discretion of the Trustees and consistent with the 1940 Act, may be equally applied to each such Class.

 

(c)           The Trust shall have the right at its option and at any time to redeem Shares of any Shareholder at the net asset value thereof, unless otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, for any reason under the terms established by the Trustees from time to time including but not limited to: (i) if at such time such Shareholder owns Shares having an aggregate net asset value of less than an amount determined from time to time by the Trustees; (ii) to the extent that such Shareholder owns Shares equal to or in excess of a percentage of the outstanding Shares determined from time to time by the Trustees; (iii) the failure of a Shareholder to supply a tax identification number or other identification or if the Trust is unable to verify a Shareholder's identity; (iv) the failure of a Shareholder to pay when due the purchase price of Shares; (v) when the Trust is requested or compelled to do so by governmental authority; or (vi) the determination by the Trustees or pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Trustees that ownership of Shares is not in the best interest of the remaining Shareholders of the Trust or applicable Class.

 

(d)           If the Trustees shall, at any time and in good faith, be of the opinion that direct or indirect ownership of Shares has or may become concentrated in any Person to an extent that would disqualify the Trust as a regulated investment company under the Code, then the Trustees shall have the power (but not the obligation) by lot or other means deemed equitable by them (i) to call for redemption by

 

16

 

 

any such Person of a number, or principal amount, of Shares sufficient to maintain or bring the direct or indirect ownership of Shares into conformity with the requirements for such qualification and (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue Shares to any Person whose acquisition of Shares in question would result in such disqualification. The redemption shall be effected at the redemption price and in the manner provided herein. The holders of Shares shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership of Shares as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority.

 

9.2.           Disclosure of Holding. The holders of Shares or other securities of the Trust shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership of Shares or other securities of the Trust as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code, the 1940 Act or other applicable laws or regulations, or to comply with the requirements of any other taxing or regulatory authority.

 

Article X
SHAREHOLDERS

 

10.1.        Meetings of Shareholders. The Trust will not hold annual Shareholder meetings unless required by the 1940 Act, the provisions of this Declaration, the Bylaws or any other applicable law, rule or regulation. A special meeting of Shareholders may be called at any time by a majority of the Trustees or the President and shall be called by any Trustee for any proper purpose upon written request of Shareholders of the Trust holding in the aggregate at least a majority of the outstanding Shares, such request specifying the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is to be called. Any shareholder meeting, including a special meeting, shall be held within or without the State of Delaware on such day and at such time as the Trustees shall designate. Special meetings of Shareholders shall be held, notice of such meetings shall be delivered and waiver of notice shall occur according to the provisions of the Trust's Bylaws. Any action that may be taken at a meeting of Shareholders may be taken without a meeting according to the procedures set forth in the Bylaws or in this Declaration. In the event of a Shareholder meeting requested by Shareholders of the Trust, the Secretary shall inform the requesting shareholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Trust's proxy materials). The Secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon Shareholder request, and such meeting shall not be held, unless the Secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

 

10.2.        Voting. Shareholders shall have no power to vote on any matter except matters on which a vote of Shareholders is required by the 1940 Act, this Declaration or resolution of the Trustees. This Declaration expressly provides that no matter for which voting, consent or other approval is required by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act in the absence of the contrary provision in the Declaration shall require any vote. Except as otherwise provided herein, any matter required to be submitted to Shareholders and affecting one or more Classes shall require approval by the required vote of all the affected Classes voting together as a single Class; provided, however, that as to any matter with respect to which a separate vote of any Class is required by the 1940 Act, such requirement as to a separate vote by that Class shall apply in addition to a vote of all the affected Classes voting together as a single Class. Shareholders of a particular Class shall not be entitled to vote on any matter that affects only one or more other Classes. Each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election or removal of Trustees.

 

10.3.        Notice of Meeting and Record Date. Special meetings of Shareholders shall be held, notice of such meetings shall be delivered and waiver of notice shall occur according to the provisions of the Trust's Bylaws. Any action that may be taken at a meeting of Shareholders may be taken without a meeting according to the procedures set forth in the Bylaws or in this Declaration. For purposes of determining the

 

17

 

 

Shareholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting the Trustees may, without closing the transfer books, fix a date not more than 90 days prior to the date of such meeting of Shareholders as a record date for the determination of the Persons to be treated as Shareholders of record for such purposes. Any meeting of Shareholders, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned for any lawful purpose by the Chairman, the Trustees (or their designees) or a majority of the votes properly cast upon the question of adjourning a meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned one or more times without further notice not later than 120 days after the record date. For the purposes of determining the Shareholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting the Trustees may, without closing the transfer books, fix a date not more than 90 nor less than 10 days prior to the date of such meeting of Shareholders as a record date for the determination of the Persons to be treated as Shareholders of record for such purposes.

 

10.4.        Quorum and Required Vote.

 

(a)           Except as otherwise provided from time to time in the Bylaws, the presence in person or by proxy of Shares entitled to cast one-third (1/3) of the votes entitled to be cast shall constitute a quorum at such meeting of the Shareholders for purposes of conducting business on such matter. The absence from any meeting, in person or by proxy, of a quorum of Shareholders for action upon any given matter shall not prevent action at such meeting upon any other matter or matters which may properly come before the meeting, if there shall be present thereat, in person or by proxy, a quorum of Shareholders in respect of such other matters.

 

(b)           Subject to any provision of applicable law, this Declaration or a resolution of the Trustees specifying a greater or a lesser vote requirement for the transaction of any item of business at any meeting of Shareholders, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the Shareholders with respect to such matter, except that Trustees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the Shares voted at such a meeting to the extent Shareholders are entitled to vote to elect Trustees.

 

10.5.        Proxies, etc. At any meeting of Shareholders, any holder of Shares entitled to vote thereat may vote by properly executed proxy, provided that no proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the Secretary, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Secretary may direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. Pursuant to a resolution of a majority of the Trustees, proxies may be solicited in the name of one or more Trustees or one or more of the officers or employees of the Trust. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of 11 months from the date thereof, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Only Shareholders of record shall be entitled to vote. Each full Share shall be entitled to one vote and fractional Shares shall be entitled to a vote of such fraction. When any Share is held jointly by several persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Share, but if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Share. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Shareholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. If the holder of any such Share is a minor or a person of unsound mind, and subject to guardianship or to the legal control of any other person as regards the charge or management of such Share, he may vote by his guardian or such other person appointed or having such control, and such vote may be given in person or by proxy.

 

10.6.        Reports. The Trustees shall as long as the Trust continues operations cause to be prepared at least annually and more frequently to the extent and in the form required by law, regulation or any exchange on which Trust Shares are listed a report of operations containing a balance sheet and statement of income and undistributed income of the Trust prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and an opinion of an independent public accountant on such financial statements. Copies of such reports shall

 

18

 

 

be mailed to all Shareholders of record within the time required by the 1940 Act, and in any event within a reasonable period preceding the meeting of Shareholders. The Trustees shall, as long as the Trust continues operations, in addition, furnish to the Shareholders at least semi-annually to the extent required by law, interim reports containing an unaudited balance sheet of the Trust as of the end of such period and an unaudited statement of income and surplus for the period from the beginning of the current fiscal year to the end of such period.

 

10.7.        Inspection of Records. The records of the Trust shall be open to inspection by Shareholders to the same extent as is permitted stockholders of a corporation formed under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

10.8.        Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Any action which may be taken by Shareholders by vote may be taken without a meeting upon unanimous written consent of the Shareholders. Such written consents shall be filed with the records of the meetings of Shareholders. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Shareholders.

 

10.9.        Delivery by Electronic Transmission or Otherwise. Notwithstanding any provision in this Declaration to the contrary, any notice, proxy, vote, consent, report, instrument or writing of any kind or any signature referenced in, or contemplated by, this Declaration or the Bylaws may, unless the Trustees by resolution determine otherwise, be given, granted or otherwise delivered by electronic transmission (within the meaning of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act), including via the internet, or in any other manner permitted by applicable law.

 

Article XI
DURATION; TERMINATION OF TRUST; AMENDMENT; ETC.

 

11.1.        Duration . Subject to possible termination in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.2 hereof, the Trust created hereby shall have perpetual existence.

 

11.2.        Termination.

 

(a)           The Trust may be dissolved only upon approval of not less than a majority of the Trustees. Upon the dissolution of the Trust:

 

(i)           The Trust shall carry on no business except for the purpose of winding up its affairs.

 

(ii)           The Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the Trust and all of the powers of the Trustees under this Declaration shall continue until the affairs of the Trust shall have been wound up, including the power to fulfill or discharge the contracts of the Trust, collect its assets, sell, convey, assign, exchange, merge where the Trust is not the survivor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining Trust Property to one or more Persons at public or private sale for consideration which may consist in whole or in part in cash, securities or other property of any kind, discharge or pay its liabilities, and do all other acts appropriate to liquidate its business.

 

(iii)           After paying or adequately providing for the payment of all claims and obligations of the Trust in accordance with Section 3808 of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements, as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining Trust Property, in cash or in kind or partly each, among the Shareholders according to their respective rights.

 

19

 

 

(b)           After the winding up and termination of the Trust and distribution to the Shareholders as herein provided, a majority of the Trustees shall execute and lodge among the records of the Trust an instrument in writing setting forth the fact of such termination and shall execute and file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Upon termination of the Trust, the Trustees shall thereupon be discharged from all further liabilities and duties hereunder, and the rights and interests of all Shareholders shall thereupon cease.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration or any contrary provision of law, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval unless such approval is required by the 1940 Act, cause the Trust to sell all, or substantially all, of the Trust Property or convert into or merge, reorganize or consolidate with or into one or more trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations or other business entities.

 

11.3.        Amendment Procedure. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act and of the provisions of this Declaration, the Trustees reserve the right, without any vote of Shareholders, from time to time to make any amendment to this Declaration, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in this Declaration, of any outstanding Shares.

 

11.4.        Subsidiaries. Without approval by Shareholders, the Trustees may cause to be organized or assist in organizing one or more corporations, trusts, limited liability companies, partnerships, associations or other organizations to take over all of the Trust Property or to carry on any business in which the Trust shall directly or indirectly have any interest, and to sell, convey and transfer all or a portion of the Trust Property to any such corporation, trust, limited liability company, association or organization in exchange for the shares or securities thereof, or otherwise, and to lend money to, subscribe for the shares or securities of, and enter into any contracts with any such corporation, trust, limited liability company, partnership, association or organization, or any corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or organization in which the Trust holds or is about to acquire shares or any other interests.

 

Article XII
MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1.        Filing. This Declaration and any amendment or supplement hereto shall be filed in such places as may be required or as the Trustees deem appropriate. Each amendment or supplement shall be accompanied by a certificate signed and acknowledged by a Trustee or Secretary of the Trust stating that such action was duly taken in a manner provided herein and shall, upon insertion in the Trust's minute book, be conclusive evidence of all amendments contained therein. A restated Declaration, containing the original Declaration and all amendments and supplements theretofore made, may be executed from time to time by a majority of the Trustees and shall, upon insertion in the Trust's minute book, be conclusive evidence of all amendments and supplements contained therein and may thereafter be referred to in lieu of the original Declaration and the various amendments and supplements thereto.

 

12.2.        Resident Agent. The Trust shall maintain a resident agent in the State of Delaware, which agent shall initially be United Agent Group Inc. The Trustees may designate a successor resident agent, provided, however, that such appointment shall not become effective until written notice thereof and any required filing is delivered to the office of the Secretary of the State.

 

12.3.        Governing Law. The trust set forth in this instrument is made in the State of Delaware, and the Trust and this Declaration, and the rights and obligations of the Trustees and Shareholders hereunder, are to be governed by and construed and administered according to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and the laws of said State; provided, however, that there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees or this Declaration (a) the provisions of Sections 3540 and 3561 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code or (b) any

 

20

 

 

provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Statutory Trust Act) pertaining to trusts which relate to or regulate: (i) the filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges, (ii) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (iii) the necessity for obtaining court or other governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property, (iv) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal or (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a "statutory trust", and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a trust under Delaware law. The Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the powers or privileges afforded to trusts or actions that may be engaged in by trusts under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, and the absence of a specific reference herein to any such power, privilege or action shall not imply that the Trust may not exercise such power or privilege or take such actions.

 

12.4.        Exclusive Delaware Jurisdiction. Each Trustee, each officer and each Person legally or beneficially owning a Share or an interest in a Share (whether through a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing or otherwise), to the fullest extent permitted by law, including Section 3804(e) of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, (i) irrevocably agrees that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs (or similar) doctrine or arising out of or relating in any way to the Trust, the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, this Declaration or the Bylaws (including, without limitation, any claims, suits, actions or proceedings to interpret, apply or enforce (A) the provisions of this Declaration or the Bylaws, or (B) the duties (including fiduciary duties), obligations or liabilities of the Trust to the Shareholders or the Trustees, or of officers or the Trustees to the Trust, to the Shareholders or each other, or (C) the rights or powers of, or restrictions on, the Trust, the officers, the Trustees or the Shareholders, or (D) any provision of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act or other laws of the State of Delaware pertaining to trusts made applicable to the Trust pursuant to Section 3809 of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, or (E) any other instrument, document, agreement or certificate contemplated by any provision of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the Declaration or the Bylaws relating in any way to the Trust (regardless, in each case, of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings (x) sound in contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, (y) are based on common law, statutory, equitable, legal or other grounds, or (z) are derivative or direct claims)), shall be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction, (ii) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in connection with any such claim, suit, action or proceeding, (iii) irrevocably agrees not to, and waives any right to, assert in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding that (A) it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such courts or any other court to which proceedings in such courts may be appealed, (B) such claim, suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, or (C) the venue of such claim, suit, action or proceeding is improper, (iv) consents to process being served in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding by mailing, certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy thereof to such party at the address in effect for notices hereunder, and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof; provided, nothing in clause (iv) hereof shall affect or limit any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law, and (v) irrevocably waives any and all right to trial by jury in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding. This Section 12.4 does not apply to claims arising under the federal securities laws.

 

12.5.        Counterparts. This Declaration may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts, together, shall constitute one and the same instrument, which shall be sufficiently evidenced by any such original counterpart.

 

21

 

 

12.6.        Reliance by Third Parties. Any certificate executed by an individual who, according to the records of the Trust, or of any recording office in which this Declaration may be recorded, appears to be a Trustee hereunder, certifying to: (a) the number or identity of Trustees or Shareholders, (b) the name of the Trust, (c) the due authorization of the execution of any instrument or writing, (d) the form of any vote passed at a meeting of Trustees or Shareholders, (e) the fact that the number of Trustees or Shareholders present at any meeting or executing any written instrument satisfies the requirements of this Declaration, (f) the form of any Bylaws adopted by or the identity of any officers elected by the Trustees, or (g) the existence of any fact or facts which in any manner relate to the affairs of the Trust, shall be conclusive evidence as to the matters so certified in favor of any person dealing with the Trustees and their successors.

 

12.7.        Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulation.

 

(a)           The provisions of this Declaration are severable, and if the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with the federal securities laws, if applicable, with the regulated investment company provisions of the Code (if applicable) or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this Declaration; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Declaration or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.

 

(b)           If any provision of this Declaration shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Declaration in any jurisdiction.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

22

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these presents to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  By:  
    Francisco Borges
    Trustee
     
     
  By:  
    Patrick Dooley
    Trustee
     
     
  By:  
    Edward Lewis
    Trustee
     
     
  By:  
    David A. Sachs
    Trustee
     
     
  By:  
    Paola Sapienza
    Trustee
     
     
  By:  
    Kent Weldon
    Trustee
     
     
  By:  
    Rajat Dhanda
    Trustee

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.(b)

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

BYLAWS

 

Dated as of February 24, 2022

 

Table of Contents

 

Page
  
Article I SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS1

 

1.1.Chairman 1

 

1.2.Proxies; Voting 1

 

1.3.Notice of Meeting and Fixing Record Dates 1

 

1.4.Inspectors of Election 1

 

1.5.Records at Shareholder Meetings 2

 

1.6.Adjournment 2

 

Article II TRUSTEES       2

 

2.1.Annual and Regular Meetings 2
     
2.2.Chairman; Records 2

 

Article III OFFICERS       2

 

3.1.Officers of the Trust 2
     
3.2.Election and Tenure 2
     
3.3.Removal and Resignation of Officers 3
     
3.4.Bonds and Surety 3
     
3.5.President and Vice Presidents 3
     
3.6.Secretary 3
     
3.7.Treasurer 4
     
3.8.Chief Compliance Officer 4
     
3.9.Other Officers and Duties 4

 

Article IV MISCELLANEOUS       4

 

4.1.Depositories 4
     
4.2.Signatures 4
     
4.3.Seal 4

 

Article V SHARE TRANSFERS       5

 

5.1.Transfer Agents, Registrars and the Like 5
     
5.2.Transfer of Shares 5

 

i 

 

 

     
5.3.Registered Shareholders 5

 

Article VI AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS       5

 

6.1.Amendment and Repeal of Bylaws 5

 

ii 

 

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

BYLAWS

 

These Bylaws are made and adopted pursuant to Section 3.8 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Ares Private Markets Fund, dated as of February 24, 2022, as from time to time amended (the "Declaration"). All words and terms capitalized in these Bylaws shall have the meaning or meanings set forth for such words or terms in the Declaration.

 

Article I
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS

 

1.1.            Chairman. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, if any, shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Shareholders; in the Chairman's absence, the Trustee or Trustees present at each meeting may elect a temporary chairman for the meeting, who may be one of themselves.

 

1.2.            Proxies; Voting. Shareholders may vote either in person or by duly executed proxy and each full Share represented at the meeting shall have one vote and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a vote of such fraction, all as provided in Article X of the Declaration.

 

1.3.            Notice of Meeting and Fixing Record Dates. Notice of all meetings of Shareholders, stating the time, place and purposes of the meeting, shall be sent or otherwise given to each Shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat at its registered address, not less than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90) days before the date of the meeting. Any such Shareholder meeting may be conducted virtually as well as in person, as so determined by the Trustees. For the purpose of determining the Shareholders who are entitled to notice of or to vote or act at any meeting, including any adjournment thereof, or who are entitled to participate in any dividends, or for any other proper purpose, the Trustees may from time to time, without closing the transfer books, fix a record date in the manner provided in Section 10.3 of the Declaration. If the Trustees do not prior to any meeting of Shareholders so fix a record date or close the transfer books, then the date of mailing of notice of the meeting or the date upon which the dividend resolution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date. Notice of any meeting of Shareholders shall be deemed waived by any Shareholder who attends the meeting in person or by proxy or who before or after the meeting submits a signed waiver of notice that is filed with the records of the meeting.

 

1.4.            Inspectors of Election. In advance of any meeting of Shareholders, the Trustees may appoint Inspectors of Election to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If Inspectors of Election are not so appointed, the person acting as chairman at any meeting of Shareholders may, and on the request of any Shareholder or Shareholder proxy shall, appoint Inspectors of Election of the meeting. The number of Inspectors of Election shall be either one or three. If appointed at the meeting on the request of one or more Shareholders or proxies, a majority of Shares present shall determine whether one or three Inspectors of Election are to be appointed, but failure to allow such determination by the Shareholders shall not affect the validity of the appointment of Inspectors of Election. In case any person appointed as Inspector of Election fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Trustees in advance of the convening of the meeting or at the meeting by the person acting as chairman. The Inspectors of Election shall determine the number of Shares outstanding, the Shares represented at the meeting and the voting power of each Share, the existence of a quorum, the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies, shall receive votes, ballots or consents, shall hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote, shall count and tabulate all votes or consents, determine the results, and do such other acts as may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all Shareholders. If there are three Inspectors of Election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all. On request of the person acting as chairman of the meeting, or of any Shareholder or Shareholder proxy, the Inspectors of Election shall make a report in writing of any challenge or question or matter determined by them and shall execute a certificate of any facts found by them.

 

 

 

 

1.5.            Records at Shareholder Meetings. At each meeting of the Shareholders, there shall be made available for inspection at a convenient time and place during normal business hours, if requested by Shareholders, the minutes of the last previous meeting of Shareholders of the Trust and a list of the Shareholders of the Trust, as of the record date of the meeting or the date of closing of transfer books, as the case may be. Such list of Shareholders shall contain the name and the address of each Shareholder in alphabetical order and the number of Shares owned by such Shareholder. Shareholders shall have such other rights and procedures of inspection of the books and records of the Trust as are granted to stockholders of a Delaware business corporation.

 

1.6.            Adjournment. Any meeting of Shareholders, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned for any lawful purpose by the Chairman, the Trustees (or their designees) or a majority of the votes properly cast upon the question of adjourning a meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned one or more times without further notice not later than 120 days after the original record date (with proxies being voted for or against adjournment consistent with the votes for and against the proposal for which the required vote has not been obtained).

 

Article II
TRUSTEES

 

2.1.            Annual and Regular Meetings. Meetings of the Trustees shall be held from time to time upon the call of the Chairman, if any, the President, the Secretary or any three Trustees. Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice and shall generally be held quarterly. Except as may be required by applicable law, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Board of Trustees need be stated in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting, and no notice need be given of action proposed to be taken by unanimous written consent.

 

2.2.            Chairman; Records. The Chairman, if any, shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Trustees; in the absence of a Chairman, the Trustees present shall elect one Trustee to act as chairman of the meeting. The results of all actions taken at a meeting of the Trustees, or by unanimous written consent of the Trustees, shall be recorded by the Secretary or such other person as the Board or Secretary may from time to time designate.

 

Article III
OFFICERS

 

3.1.            Officers of the Trust. The officers of the Trust shall consist of one or more Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Chief Legal Officer, a General Counsel, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Compliance Officer and may also include such other officers or assistant officers as may be elected or authorized by the Trustees. Any two or more of the offices may be held by the same person, except that the same person may not be both President and Secretary. No officer of the Trust need be a Trustee.

 

3.2.            Election and Tenure. At the initial organization meeting, the Trustees shall elect the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and such other officers as the Trustees shall deem necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the business of the Trust. Such officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Trustees or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. The Trustees may fill any vacancy in office or add any additional officers at any time.

 

2 

 

 

3.3.            Removal and Resignation of Officers. Any officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by action of a majority of the Trustees. This provision shall not prevent the making of a contract of employment for a definite term with any officer and shall have no effect upon any cause of action which any officer may have as a result of removal in breach of a contract of employment. Any officer may resign at any time by notice in writing signed by such officer and delivered or mailed to the Chairman, if any, President or Secretary, and such resignation shall take effect immediately upon receipt by the Chairman, if any, President or Secretary, or at a later date according to the terms of such notice in writing.

 

3.4.            Bonds and Surety. Any officer may be required by the Trustees to be bonded for the faithful performance of such officer's duties in such amount and with such sureties as the Trustees may determine.

 

3.5.            President and Vice Presidents. The President and Chief Executive Officer shall be a principal executive officer of the Trust and, subject to the control of the Trustees, shall have general supervision, direction and control of the business of the Trust and of its employees and shall exercise such general powers of management as are usually vested in the office of President of a corporation. Subject to direction of the Trustees, any President or Chief Executive Officer shall have power in the name and on behalf of the Trust to execute any and all loans, documents, contracts, agreements, deeds, mortgages, registration statements, applications, requests, filings and other instruments in writing, and to employ and discharge employees and agents of the Trust. Unless otherwise directed by the Trustees, the President or Chief Executive Officer shall have full authority and power, on behalf of all of the Trustees, to attend and to act and to vote, on behalf of the Trust at any meetings of business organizations in which the Trust holds an interest, or to confer such powers upon any other persons, by executing any proxies duly authorizing such persons. The President or Chief Executive Officer shall have such further authorities and duties as the Trustees shall from time to time determine. In the absence or disability of the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Vice-Presidents in order of their rank as fixed by the Trustees or, if more than one and not ranked, the Vice-President designated by the Trustees, shall perform all of the duties of the President and Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all of the restrictions upon the President and Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the direction of the Trustees, and of the President and Chief Executive Officer, each Vice-President shall have the power in the name and on behalf of the Trust to execute any and all instruments in writing, and, in addition, shall have such other duties and powers as shall be designated from time to time by the Trustees or by the President or Chief Executive Officer.

 

3.6.            Secretary. The Secretary shall maintain the minutes of all meetings of, and record all votes of, Shareholders, Trustees and any committee of the Trustees. The Secretary shall be custodian of the seal of the Trust, if any, and the Secretary (and any other person so authorized by the Trustees) shall affix the seal, or if permitted, facsimile thereof, to any instrument executed by the Trust which would be sealed by a Delaware business corporation executing the same or a similar instrument and shall attest the seal and the signature or signatures of the officer or officers executing such instrument on behalf of the Trust. The Secretary shall also perform any other duties commonly incident to such office in a Delaware business corporation, and shall have such other authorities and duties as the Trustees shall from time to time determine.

 

3 

 

 

3.7.            Treasurer. Except as otherwise directed by the Trustees, the Treasurer shall be responsible for the general supervision of the monies, funds, securities, notes receivable and other valuable papers and documents of the Trust, and shall have and exercise, under the supervision of the Trustees, the President and Chief Executive Officer, all powers and duties normally incident to the office in a Delaware business corporation. The Treasurer may endorse for deposit or collection all notes, checks and other instruments payable to the Trust or to its order. The Treasurer shall deposit all funds of the Trust in such depositories as the Trustees shall designate. The Treasurer shall be responsible for such disbursement of the funds of the Trust as may be ordered by the Trustees or the President and Chief Executive Officer. The Treasurer shall keep accurate account of the books of the Trust's transactions which shall be the property of the Trust, and which together with all other property of the Trust in the Treasurer's possession, shall be subject at all times to the inspection and control of the Trustees. The Treasurer shall have such other duties and authorities as the Trustees shall from time to time determine. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, the Trustees may authorize any adviser, administrator, manager or transfer agent to maintain bank accounts and deposit and disburse funds of any class of securities of the Trust on behalf of such class.

 

3.8.            Chief Compliance Officer. The Trustees shall designate a Chief Compliance Officer to the extent required by, and consistent with the requirements of, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Chief Compliance Officer, subject to the direction of and reporting to the Board, shall be responsible for the oversight of the Trust's compliance with the Federal securities laws and other applicable regulatory requirements. The designation, compensation and removal of the Chief Compliance Officer must be approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust. The Chief Compliance Officer shall perform such executive, supervisory and management functions and duties as the Trustees may assign to him or her from time to time.

 

3.9.            Other Officers and Duties. The Trustees may elect such other officers and assistant officers as they shall from time to time determine to be necessary or desirable in order to conduct the business of the Trust. Assistant officers shall act generally in the absence of the officer whom they assist and shall assist that officer in the duties of the office. Each officer, employee and agent of the Trust shall have such other duties and authority as may be conferred upon such person by the Trustees or delegated to such person by the President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Article IV
MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1.            Depositories. In accordance with Section 8.1 of the Declaration, the funds of the Trust shall be deposited in such custodians as the Trustees shall designate and shall be drawn out on checks, drafts or other orders signed by such officer, officers, agent or agents (including the adviser, administrator or manager), as the Trustees may from time to time authorize.

 

4.2.            Signatures. All contracts and other instruments shall be executed on behalf of the Trust by its properly authorized officers, agent or agents, as provided in the Declaration or these Bylaws or as the Trustees may provide from time to time by resolution.

 

4.3.            Seal. The Trust is not required to have any seal, and the adoption or use of a seal shall be purely ornamental and be of no legal effect. The seal, if any, of the Trust may be affixed to any instrument, and the seal and its attestation may be lithographed, engraved or otherwise printed on any document with the same force and effect as if it had been imprinted and affixed manually in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if done by a Delaware business corporation. The presence or absence of a seal shall have no effect on the validity, enforceability or binding nature of any document or instrument that is otherwise duly authorized, executed and delivered.

 

4 

 

 

Article V
SHARE TRANSFERS

 

5.1.            Transfer Agents, Registrars and the Like. As provided in Section 6.8 of the Declaration, the Trustees shall have authority to employ and compensate such transfer agents and registrars with respect to the Shares as the Trustees shall deem necessary or desirable. In addition, the Trustees shall have power to employ and compensate such dividend disbursing agents, warrant agents and agents for the reinvestment of dividends as they shall deem necessary or desirable. Any of such agents shall have such power and authority as is delegated to any of them by the Trustees.

 

5.2.            Transfer of Shares. The Shares shall be subject to the limitations on transfer as provided in Section 6.9 of the Declaration. The Trust, or its transfer agents, shall be authorized to refuse any transfer unless and until presentation of proper evidence as may be reasonably required to show that the requested transfer is proper.

 

5.3.            Registered Shareholders. The Trust may deem and treat the holder of record of any Shares as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes and shall not be required to take any notice of any right or claim of right of any other person.

 

Article VI
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

 

6.1.            Amendment and Repeal of Bylaws. In accordance with Section 3.8 of the Declaration, the Trustees shall have the exclusive power to amend or repeal these Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws at any time. Action by the Trustees with respect to the Bylaws shall be taken by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees. The Trustees shall in no event adopt Bylaws which are in conflict with the Declaration, and any apparent inconsistency shall be construed in favor of the related provisions in the Declaration.

 

5 

 

 

Exhibit 99.(d)

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN

 

WHEREAS, Ares Private Markets Fund (the "Fund") is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and

 

WHEREAS, the Fund is permitted to rely on an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to offer multiple classes of shares (the "Order");

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Order, the Fund must comply with the provisions of Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act as if it were an open-end management investment company; and

 

WHEREAS, Rule 18f-3 requires that a board of directors of an investment company desiring to offer multiple classes of shares pursuant to said Rule adopt a plan setting forth the differences among the classes with respect to shareholder services, distribution arrangements, expense allocations and any related conversion features or exchange privileges.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund hereby voluntarily adopts this multiple class plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 (the "Plan").

 

The provisions of the Plan are:

 

A.Class Designation; General Description of Classes

 

As of the effective date of the Plan as set forth below, the Fund may offer three (3) classes of shares of beneficial interests: Class A Shares, Class D Shares and Class I Shares. In general, shares of each class shall be identical except for different expense variables (which will result in different yields or total returns for each class), certain related rights and certain shareholder services.

 

In addition, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a Distribution and Servicing Plan (the "12b-1 Plan") under which Class A Shares and Class D Shares are subject to a distribution and servicing fee. A general description of the fees applicable to each class of shares is set forth below.

 

1.           Class A. Class A Shares are subject to a sales load of up to 3.50% of the investment amount. Under the 12b-1 Plan, Class A Shares are subject to a distribution and servicing fee at the annual rate of 0.85% based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to Class A Shares, to be calculated, accrued and paid monthly. Class A Shares require a minimum initial investment of $25,000 and a minimum subsequent investment of $5,000, except as otherwise approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Board").

 

2.           Class D. Class D Shares are not subject to a sales load. Under the 12b-1 Plan, Class D Shares are subject to a distribution and servicing fee at the annual rate of 0.25% based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to Class D Shares, to be calculated, accrued and paid monthly. Class D Shares require a minimum initial investment of $25,000 and a minimum subsequent investment of $5,000, except as otherwise approved by the Board.

 

 

 

3.           Class I Shares. Class I Shares are not subject to a sales load. Class I Shares are not subject to a distribution and servicing fee under the 12b-1 Plan. Class I Shares require a minimum initial investment of $1,000,000 and a minimum subsequent investment of $5,000, except as otherwise approved by the Board.

 

A 2.00% early repurchase fee will be charged by the Fund with respect to any repurchase of shares from a shareholder at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the one-year anniversary of the shareholder’s purchase of the shares. Shares tendered for repurchase will be treated as having been repurchased on a “first in-first out” basis. An early repurchase fee payable by a shareholder may be waived by the Fund in circumstances where the Board determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Fund. To the extent the Fund determines to waive, impose scheduled variations of, or eliminate an early repurchase fee, it will do so consistently with the requirements of Rule 22d-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Fund's waiver of, scheduled variation in, or elimination of, the early repurchase fee will apply uniformly to all shareholders regardless of share class.

 

B.Expense Allocation of Each Class

 

Class-specific expenses of the Fund shall be allocated to the specific class of shares of the Fund. Non-class specific expenses shall be allocated in accordance with Rule 18f-3 and any related guidance from the SEC or its staff. All expenses incurred by the Fund will be allocated, as provided for herein, among its classes of shares based on the respective net assets of the Fund attributable to each such class. The value of the Fund's net assets attributable to each class of shares shall be computed in the manner specified in the Fund's then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for the computation of the Fund's net asset value.

 

In addition to different expenses associated with the 12b-1 Plan, each class of shares may pay a different amount of the following expenses:

 

1.administrative and/or accounting or similar fees incurred by a specific class;

 

2.legal, printing and postage expenses related to preparing and distributing to current shareholders of a specific class materials such as shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxies;

 

3.Blue Sky fees incurred by a specific class;

 

4.SEC registration fees incurred by a specific class;

 

5.expenses of administrative personnel and services required to support the shareholders of a specific class;

 

6.trustees' fees incurred as a result of issues relating to a specific class;

 

7.auditor's fees, litigation expenses, and other legal fees and expenses relating to a specific class;

 

2

 

 

8.transfer agent fees and shareholder servicing expenses identified as being attributable to a specific class;

 

9.account expenses relating solely to a specific class;

 

10.expenses incurred in connection with any shareholder meetings as a result of issues relating to a specific class; and

 

11.any such other expenses (not including advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Fund's assets) actually incurred in a different amount by a class or related to a class' receipt of services of a different kind or to a different degree than another class, including reimbursement for any expense support provided to such class.

 

C.Waivers and Reimbursements

 

Fees and expenses may be waived or reimbursed by Ares Capital Management II LLC, the Fund's investment adviser, or its affiliates, or any other service provider to the Fund. Such waiver or reimbursement may be applicable to some or all of the classes and may be in different amounts for one or more classes.

 

D.Income, Gains and Losses

 

Income, realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation shall be allocated to each class on the basis of the net asset value of that class in relation to the net asset value of the Fund, in each case in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

 

E.Class Designation

 

Subject to approval by the Board, the Fund may alter the nomenclature for the designations of one or more of its classes of shares.

 

F.Conversion Features; Exchange Privileges

 

No class shall be subject to any automatic conversion feature nor shall any class be subject to an exchange privilege.

 

G.Additional Information

 

This Plan is qualified by and subject to the terms of the then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for the applicable classes; provided, however, that none of the terms set forth in any such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information shall be inconsistent with the terms of the classes contained in this Plan.

 

3

 

 

H.Effective Date; Amendments

 

This Plan shall become effective at such time as specified by the Board. This Plan may be terminated or amended at any time with respect to the Fund or a class of shares thereof by a vote of a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund.

 

4

 

Exhibit 99.(e)

 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

OF

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

Ares Private Markets Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Fund"), hereby adopts the following Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan") with respect to distributions declared by its Board of Trustees (the "Board") on its shares of beneficial interest (the "Shares"):

 

1.Participation; Agent. The Fund's Plan is available to shareholders of record of the Shares. DST Systems, Inc. ("DST") acting as agent for each participant in the Plan, will apply income dividends or capital gains or other distributions (each, a "Distribution" and collectively, "Distributions"), net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, that become payable to such participant on Shares (including shares held in the participant's name and shares accumulated under the Plan), to the purchase of additional whole and fractional Shares for such participant.

 

2.Eligibility and Election to Participate. Participation in the Plan is limited to registered owners of Shares. The Fund's Board reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. Shareholders automatically participate in the Plan, unless and until an election is made to withdraw from the Plan on behalf of such participating shareholder. If participating in the Plan, a shareholder is required to include all of the Shares owned by such shareholder in the Plan.

 

3.Share Purchases. When the Fund declares a Distribution, DST, on the shareholder's behalf, will receive additional authorized shares from the Fund either newly issued or repurchased from shareholders by the Fund and held as treasury stock. The number of shares to be received when Distributions are reinvested will be determined by dividing the amount of the Distribution by the Fund's net asset value per share. There will be no sales load charged on Shares issued to a shareholder under the Plan. All shares purchased under the Plan will be held in the name of each participant. In the case of shareholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners participating under the Plan, DST will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder as representing the total amount of shares registered in the shareholder's name and held for the account of beneficial owners participating under the Plan.

 

4.Timing of Purchases. The Fund expects to issue Shares pursuant to the Plan, immediately following each Distribution payment date and DST will make every reasonable effort to reinvest all Distributions on the day the Distribution is paid (except where necessary to comply with applicable securities laws) by the Fund. If, for any reason beyond the control of DST, reinvestment of the Distributions cannot be completed within 30 days after the applicable Distribution payment date, funds held by DST on behalf of a participant will be distributed to that participant.

 

5.Account Statements. DST will maintain all shareholder accounts and furnish written confirmations of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. DST will hold shares in the account of the shareholders in non-certificated form in the name of the participant, and each shareholder's proxy, if any, will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan. DST will confirm to each participant each acquisition made pursuant to the Plan as soon as practicable but not later than 10 business days after the date thereof. No less frequently than quarterly, DST will provide to each participant an account statement showing the Distribution, the number of shares purchased with the Distribution, and the year-to-date and cumulative Distributions paid.

 

6.Expenses. There will be no direct expenses to participants for the administration of the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases under the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. All fees associated with the Plan will be paid by the Fund.

 

1

 

 

7.Taxation of Distributions. The reinvestment of Distributions does not relieve the participant of any taxes which may be payable on such Distributions.

 

8.Voting of Shares. Shares issued pursuant to the Plan will have the same voting rights as the Shares issued pursuant to the Fund's public offering.

 

9.Absence of Liability. Neither the Fund nor DST shall have any responsibility or liability beyond the exercise of ordinary care for any action taken or omitted pursuant to the Plan, nor shall they have any duties, responsibilities or liabilities except such as expressly set forth herein. Neither the Fund nor DST shall be liable for any act done in good faith or for any good faith omission to act, including, without limitation, any claims of liability: (a) arising out of the failure to terminate a participant's account prior to receipt of written notice of such participant's death, or (b) with respect to prices at which shares are purchased or sold for the participant's account and the terms on which such purchases and sales are made. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, LIABILITY UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS CANNOT BE WAIVED.

 

10.Termination of Participation. A shareholder who does not wish to have Distributions automatically reinvested may terminate participation in the Plan at any time by written instructions to that effect to DST. Such written instructions must be received by DST three (3) days prior to the record date of the Distribution or the shareholder will receive such Distribution in Shares through the Plan.

 

11.Amendment, Supplement, Termination, and Suspension of Plan. This Plan may be amended, supplemented, or terminated by the Fund at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. The amendment or supplement shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to a subsequent appropriate filing made by the Fund and shall be deemed to be accepted by each participant unless, prior to its effective date thereof, DST receives written notice of termination of the participant's account. Amendment may include an appointment by the Fund or DST with the approval of the Fund of a successor agent, in which event such successor shall have all of the rights and obligations of DST under this Plan. The Fund may suspend the Plan at any time without notice to the participants.

 

12.Governing Law. This Plan and the authorization form signed by the participant (which is deemed a part of this Plan) and the participant's account shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

2

 

Exhibit 99.g

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT is made as of February 24, 2022, by and between Ares Private Markets Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Fund”) and Ares Capital Management II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”).

 

WHEREAS, the Fund intends to engage in business as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company, and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser has the power to provide management and investment advisory services and is an investment adviser registered as such under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”);

 

WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Adviser to provide management services and act as its investment adviser pursuant to this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to be retained to provide such services and act as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed, by and between the parties, as follows:

 

1.              Appointment; Duties of the Adviser

 

(a)            The Fund hereby employs the Adviser to act as the investment adviser to the Fund and to furnish, or arrange for its affiliates to furnish, the management and investment advisory services described below, for the period and upon the terms herein set forth,

 

(i)            in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions that are determined by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board,” and each member of the Board, a “Trustee”) from time to time and disclosed to the Adviser, which objectives, policies and restrictions shall initially be those set forth in the Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as it may be periodically amended or supplemented (the “Registration Statement”);

 

(ii)           in accordance with the 1940 Act; and

 

(iii)          during the term of this Agreement in accordance with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and the Fund’s agreement and declaration of trust and bylaws, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

 

 

 

(b)            Administration Services.  The Adviser shall perform, or arrange for its affiliates to perform, the management services necessary for the operation of the Fund, including providing the Fund necessary personnel and such other services as the Adviser, subject to review by the Board, from time to time shall determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser, also on behalf of the Fund, shall conduct relations with custodians, depositories, transfer agents, pricing agents, investor support service providers, investor relations providers, dividend disbursing agents, other shareholder servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable in connection with its duties hereunder.

 

(c)            Investment Advisory Services.  Subject to the supervision, direction and approval of the Board, the Adviser will conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation, sale, and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets.  The Adviser is authorized, in its sole discretion, to: (i) obtain and evaluate pertinent economic, financial, and other information affecting the economy generally and certain investment assets as such information relates to securities, loans or other financial instruments that are purchased for or considered for purchase by the Fund; (ii) make investment decisions for the Fund (including the exercise or disposition of rights accompanying portfolio securities, loans or other financial instruments (such as tender offers, exchanges, amendments, consents, waivers or forbearances) and other attendant rights thereto); (iii) place purchase and sale orders for portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund and manage otherwise uninvested cash assets of the Fund; (iv) arrange for the pricing of Fund securities, loans or other financial instruments; (v) execute account documentation, agreements, contracts and other documents as may be requested by brokers, dealers, assignors, assignees, participants, counterparties and other persons in connection with the Adviser’s management of the assets of the Fund (in such respect, the Adviser will act as the Fund’s agent and attorney-in-fact); (vi) employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research services to the Fund; (vii) engage certain third party professionals, consultants, experts or specialists in connection with the Adviser’s management of the assets of the Fund (in such respect, the Adviser will act as the Fund’s agent and attorney-in-fact); (viii) make decisions with respect to the use by the Fund of borrowing for leverage or other investment purposes; (ix) invest discrete portions of the Fund’s assets (which may constitute, in the aggregate, all of the Fund’s assets) in unregistered investment funds or other investment vehicles which are managed by investment managers (“Portfolio Funds”), and in equity or debt securities of portfolio companies alongside Portfolio Funds and other private equity firms; and (x) take such further action, including the voting of securities on behalf of the Fund, as the Adviser shall deem necessary or appropriate. The Adviser will in general take such action as is appropriate to effectively manage the Fund’s investment practices.  In addition:

 

(i)            The Adviser will maintain and preserve the records specified in Section 10 of this Agreement and any other records related to the Fund’s transactions as are required under any applicable state or federal securities law or regulation, including the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Advisers Act.

 

(ii)            The Adviser will comply with procedures of the Fund (“Fund Procedures”) provided to the Adviser by the Fund. The Adviser will notify the Fund as soon as reasonably practicable upon detection of any material breach of such Fund Procedures.

 

2

 

 

(iii)            The Adviser will maintain a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”), a copy of which will be provided to the Fund, and will adhere to such Code of Ethics in performing its services under this Agreement.

 

(iv)            The Adviser, as directed by the Board, will manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, subject to the best interests of the Fund.

 

(d)            The Adviser shall for all purposes herein provided be deemed to be an independent contractor and, except as expressly provided or authorized herein, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund.

 

(e)            Provided that the Adviser shall not be entitled to any compensation for services other than as provided by the terms of this Agreement or such other agreements as may be entered into from time to time between the Fund and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized: (i) to obtain investment information, research or assistance from any other person, firm or corporation to supplement, update or otherwise improve its investment management and advisory services; and (ii) to the extent authorized by the Board and permitted in accordance with the 1940 Act, to enter into investment sub-advisory agreements with any affiliated registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act, delegating any or all of the investment advisory services required to be provided by the Adviser under Section 1(a) hereof, subject to the supervision of the Adviser.

 

2.               Adviser’s Duties Regarding Fund Transactions

 

(a)            Placement of Orders. The Adviser will take all actions that it considers necessary to implement the investment policies of the Fund, and, in particular, to place all orders for the purchase or sale of securities or other investments for the Fund with brokers or dealers the Adviser, in its sole discretion, selects. To that end, the Adviser is authorized as the Fund’s agent to give instructions to the Fund’s custodian as to deliveries of securities or other investments and payments of cash for the Fund’s account. In connection with the selection of brokers or dealers and the placement of purchase and sale orders, the Adviser is subject to the supervision of the Board and is directed at all times to seek to obtain best execution, subject to provisions (b) and (c) of this Section 2.

 

(b)            Selection of Brokers and Dealers. In the selection of brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions, the Adviser is authorized to consider not only the available prices and rates of brokerage commissions, but also other relevant factors, which may include, without limitation: the execution capabilities of the brokers and dealers; the research and other services provided by the brokers and dealers that the Adviser believes will enhance its general portfolio management capabilities; the size of the transaction; the difficulty of execution; the operational facilities of these brokers and dealers; the risk to a broker or dealer of positioning a block of securities; and the overall quality of brokerage and research services provided by the brokers and dealers. In connection with the foregoing, the Adviser is specifically authorized to pay those brokers and dealers who provide brokerage and research services to the Adviser a higher commission than that charged by other brokers and dealers if the Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the services in terms of either the particular transaction or in terms of the Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and to any other client accounts or portfolios that the Adviser may advise. The execution of such transactions will not be considered to represent an unlawful breach of any duty created by this Agreement or otherwise. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Adviser may selected affiliated brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions.

 

3

 

 

(c)            Aggregated Transactions. On occasions when the Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security or other financial instrument to be in the best interest of the Fund, as well as other funds or accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates (“Ares-advised funds”), the Adviser is authorized, but not required, to aggregate purchase and sale orders for securities or other financial instruments held (or to be held) by the Fund with similar orders being made on the same day for other Ares-advised funds to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. When an order is so aggregated, the Adviser may allocate the recommendations or transactions among all accounts and portfolios for whom the recommendation is made or transaction is effected. The Adviser will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a manner that, over a period of time, is fair and equitable, and in any event consistent with any fiduciary duties owed to the Fund and in an effort to avoid favoring one client over another and taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances, including (without limitation): (i) differences with respect to available capital, (ii) differences with respect to investment objectives or current investment strategies, (iii) differences in risk profile at the time the opportunity becomes available, (iv) the potential transaction and other costs of allocating an opportunity among the Ares-advised funds, (v) potential conflicts of interests, (vi) the nature of the investment or transaction, (vii) current and anticipated market and general economic conditions and (viii) existing and prior positions in such investment opportunity. The Adviser and the Fund recognize that in some cases this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position obtainable for the Fund.

 

3.             Compensation

 

(a)            In consideration of the services provided by the Adviser under this Agreement, the Fund will pay the Adviser an advisory fee (the “Advisory Fee”) as indicated on Exhibit A.

 

(b)            In addition, the Adviser shall be entitled to an incentive fee if certain returns are achieved (the “Incentive Fee”) as described on Exhibit A.

 

(c)            Each of the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee, if any, is payable quarterly in arrears within five (5) business days after the completion of the net asset value computation for the quarter. For purposes of determining the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee payable to the Adviser, the Fund’s net asset value will be calculated prior to the inclusion of the amounts of the Advisory Fee and any Incentive Fee payable to the Adviser or to any purchases or repurchases of Shares of the Fund or any distributions by the Fund.

 

(d)            The Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee, if any, for the period from the effective date of this Agreement to the end of the quarter during which such effective date occurs will be prorated according to the proportion that such period bears to the full quarterly period. Upon any termination of this Agreement before the end of a quarter, the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee, if any, for such part of that quarter will be prorated according to the proportion that such period bears to the full quarterly period and will be payable upon the date of termination of this Agreement.

 

4

 

 

(e)            For the purpose of determining fees payable to the Adviser under this Section 3, the value of the Fund’s assets will be computed at the times and in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, and on days on which the value of Fund assets are not so determined, the asset value computation to be used will be as determined on the immediately preceding day on which the assets were determined. Furthermore, fees payable to the Adviser under this Section 3 will be earned and attributed to each class of the Fund's Shares (defined herein) based on the net asset value and net profits of the Fund attributable to each such class of Shares and in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles applicable to the Fund.

 

4.            Expenses

 

(a)            The Adviser. The services of all investment professionals and staff of the Adviser, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory services hereunder, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, will be provided and paid for by the Adviser and not by the Fund.

 

(b)            The Fund. The Fund will bear all other costs, fees and expenses of its operations and transactions, including those relating to:

 

(i)              corporate, organizational and offering costs relating to offerings of the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”);

 

(ii)             the cost of calculating the net asset value of Shares, including the cost of any third-party pricing or valuation services;

 

(iii)            the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of Shares and other securities;

 

(iv)            the Advisory Fee and Incentive Fee;

 

(v)             the Distribution and Servicing Fee (as defined in the Registration Statement);

 

(vi)            investment related expenses (e.g., expenses that, in the Investment Adviser’s discretion, are related to the investment of the Fund’s assets, whether or not such investments are consummated), including, as applicable, brokerage commissions, borrowing charges on securities sold short, clearing and settlement charges, recordkeeping, interest expense, dividends on securities sold but not yet purchased, margin fees, investment related travel and lodging expenses and research-related expenses;

 

(vii)           professional fees relating to investments, including expenses of consultants, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and other experts;

 

(viii)           fees and expenses relating to software tools, programs or other technology (including risk management software, fees to risk management services providers, third-party software licensing, implementation, data management and recovery services and custom development costs);

 

5

 

 

(ix)             research and market data (including news and quotation equipment and services, and any computer hardware and connectivity hardware (e.g., telephone and fiber optic lines) incorporated into the cost of obtaining such research and market data);

 

(x)             all costs and charges for equipment or services used in communicating information regarding the Fund’s transactions among the Adviser and any custodian or other agent engaged by the Fund;

 

(xi)             transfer agent and custodial fees;

 

(xii)            fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;

 

(xiii)           federal and any state registration or notification fees;

 

(xiv)           federal, state and local taxes;

 

(xv)            fees and expenses of Trustees not also serving in an executive officer capacity for the Fund or the Adviser;

 

(xvi)           the costs of preparing, printing and mailing reports and other communications, including tender offer correspondence or similar materials, to shareholders;

 

(xvii)          fidelity bond, trustees and officers errors and omissions liability insurance and other insurance premiums;

 

(xviii)        direct costs such as printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;

 

(xix)           overhead costs, including rent, office supplies, utilities and capital equipment;

 

(xx)            legal expenses (including those expenses associated with preparing the Fund’s public filings, attending and preparing for Board meetings, as applicable, and generally serving as counsel to the Fund);

 

(xxi)            external accounting expenses (including fees and disbursements and expenses related to the annual audit of the Fund and the preparation of the Fund’s tax information);

 

(xxii)            any costs and expenses associated with or related to due diligence performed with respect to the Fund’s offering of its Shares, including but not limited to costs associated with or related to due diligence activities performed by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and third-party due diligence providers;

 

(xxiii)            costs associated with reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws, including compliance with The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

 

6

 

 

(xxiv)         all other expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with administering the Fund’s business (including the reimbursements contemplated by the last paragraph of this Section 4); and

 

(xxv)          any expenses incurred outside of the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, costs incurred in connection with any claim, litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigation or similar proceeding and indemnification expenses as provided for in the Fund’s organizational documents.

 

It also is understood and agreed that if persons associated with the Adviser or any of its affiliates, including persons who are officers of the Fund, provide accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative services to the Fund at the request of the Fund, the Fund will reimburse the Adviser and its affiliates for their costs in providing such accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative services to the Fund (which costs may include an allocation of overhead including rent and the allocable portion of the salaries and benefits of the relevant persons and their respective staffs, including travel expenses), using a methodology for determining costs approved by the Board. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to restrict the Fund’s right to hire its own employees or to contract for services to be performed by third parties.

 

5.             Information and Reports

 

(a)            The Adviser will keep the Fund informed of developments relating to its duties as investment adviser of which the Adviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Fund. In this regard, the Adviser will provide the Fund and its officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Fund may from time to time reasonably request.

 

(b)            The Adviser also will provide the Fund with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Fund required for any shareholder report, Registration Statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Fund with the SEC. The Adviser will promptly inform the Fund if any information in the Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, is (or will become) inaccurate or incomplete.

 

(c)            The Fund will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make available to the Adviser such financial reports, proxy statements, policies and procedures and other information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund as the Adviser may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations hereunder.

 

7

 

 

6.             Services to Other Companies or Accounts

 

The Fund understands that the Adviser and its affiliates now act, will continue to act and may act in the future as investment manager or adviser to fiduciary and other managed accounts, and as an investment manager or adviser to other investment companies that have the same, similar or different investment objectives and strategies as the Fund, including any offshore entities or private accounts (including any Ares-advised funds). The Fund understands that the persons employed by the Adviser to assist in the performance of the Adviser’s duties under this Agreement may not devote their full time to such service, and that nothing contained in this Agreement will be deemed to limit or restrict the right of the Adviser to engage in and devote time and attention to other businesses or to render services of whatever kind or nature. This Agreement will not in any way limit or restrict the Adviser or any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents from buying, selling or trading any securities or other investment instruments for its or their own account or for the account of others for whom it or they may be acting, provided that such activities will not adversely affect or otherwise impair the performance by the Adviser of its duties and obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser and the Fund understand that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of the Fund are or may become interested in the Adviser and its affiliates, as directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members, managers or otherwise, and that the Adviser and directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders, members and managers of the Adviser and its affiliates are or may become similarly interested in the Fund as shareholders or otherwise. If any person who is a member, manager, partner, officer or employee of the Advisor is or becomes a trustee, officer and/or employee of the Fund and acts as such in any business of the Fund, then such member, manager, partner, officer and/or employee of the Adviser shall be deemed to be acting in such capacity solely for the Fund, and not as a manager, partner, officer or employee of the Adviser or under the control or direction of the Adviser, even if paid by the Adviser.

 

7.             Standard of Care

 

The Adviser will exercise its reasonable judgment and will act in good faith and use reasonable care and in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws and regulations in rendering the services it agrees to provide under this Agreement. The Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the management of the Fund, except for its willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Section 7, the term “Adviser” shall include any affiliates of the Adviser performing services for the Fund contemplated hereby, and managers, officers and employees of the Adviser and of such affiliates. The Adviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services agreed to hereunder.

 

8.             Indemnification

 

Subject to Section 7 hereof, the Adviser, its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person affiliated with any of them (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”), shall not be liable to the Fund for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Adviser in connection with the performance of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Fund, except to the extent specified in Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act concerning loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty (as the same is finally determined by judicial proceedings) with respect to the receipt of compensation for services. The Fund shall indemnify, defend and protect the Indemnified Parties (each of whom shall be deemed a third party beneficiary hereof) and hold them harmless from and against all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by the Indemnified Parties in or by reason of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including an action or suit by or in the right of the Fund or its security holders) arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of the Adviser’s duties or obligations under this Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 8 to the contrary, nothing contained herein shall protect or be deemed to protect the Indemnified Parties against or entitle or be deemed to entitle the Indemnified Parties to indemnification in respect of, any liability to the Fund or its security holders to which the Indemnified Parties would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of any Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of the Adviser’s duties and obligations under this Agreement (as the same shall be determined in accordance with the 1940 Act and any interpretations or guidance by the SEC or its staff thereunder).

 

8

 

 

9.             Term of Agreement; Termination of Agreement; Amendment of Agreement

 

(a)            This Agreement, unless terminated in accordance with its terms, will remain in effect for two years from the date hereof and will renew for successive annual periods thereafter if approved at least annually by the Board or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, including, in either case, a majority vote of those trustees of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement cast in a manner consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act, as such requirements may be modified by rule, regulation, order or guidance of the SEC or its staff.

 

(b)            This Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, (i) by the Board or by vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Advisor, and (ii) by the Advisor upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Fund. This Agreement also will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment by the Adviser. The provisions of Section 9 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and the Adviser shall remain entitled to the benefits thereof, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement. Further, notwithstanding the termination or expiration of this Agreement as aforesaid, the Adviser shall be entitled to any amounts owed under Section 3 or reimbursable under Section 4 through the date of termination or expiration and Section 8 shall continue in full force and effect and apply to the Adviser and the Indemnified Parties as and to the extent applicable.

 

(c)            This Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by all the parties hereto only if the amendment is specifically approved by: (i) a majority vote of those trustees of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement cast in a manner consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act, as such requirements may be modified by rule, regulation, order or guidance of the SEC or its staff; and (ii) if required by applicable law, the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

10.           Records

 

(a)            Maintenance of Records. The Adviser hereby undertakes and agrees to maintain for the Fund, in the form and for the period required by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act, all records relating to the Fund’s investments that are required to be maintained by the Fund pursuant to the 1940 Act with respect to the Adviser’s responsibilities under this Agreement (the “Fund’s Books and Records”).

 

9

 

 

(b)            Ownership of Records. The Adviser agrees that the Fund’s Books and Records are the Fund’s property and further agrees to surrender them promptly to the Fund upon the request of the Fund; provided, however, that the Adviser may retain copies of the Fund’s Books and Records at its own cost. The Fund’s Books and Records will be made available, within two (2) business days of a written request, to the Fund’s accountants or auditors during regular business hours at the Adviser’s offices. The Fund or its authorized representatives will have the right to copy any records in the Adviser’s possession that pertain to the Fund. These books, records, information, or reports will be made available to properly authorized government representatives consistent with state and federal law and/or regulations. In the event of the termination of this Agreement, the Fund’s Books and Records will be returned to the Fund.

 

11.           Governing Law

 

This Agreement will be governed by, construed under and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws of any jurisdiction to the contrary and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, if any. The parties unconditionally and irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the State of New York and waive any objection with respect thereto, for the purpose of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

12.           No Waiver

 

The failure of either party to enforce at any time for any period the provisions of or any rights deriving from this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such provisions or rights or the right of such party thereafter to enforce such provisions, and no waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by all parties hereto.

 

13.           Severability

 

If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

 

14.           Headings

 

The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

15.           Definitions

 

The terms “assignment” and “interested person,” when used in this Agreement, will have the respective meanings specified in Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act. The term “majority of the outstanding shares” means the lesser of (a) sixty-seven percent (67%) or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares.

 

10

 

 

16.           Notices

 

All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service (with signature required), by facsimile, e-mail, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at their respective principal executive office addresses.

 

17.           Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

18.           Successors and Assigns

 

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each party hereto, each indemnified party and their respective successors and permitted assigns. The parties to this Agreement agree that the obligations of the Fund under this Agreement shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, any shareholders of the Fund or their affiliates, any officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, of the Fund, individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

11

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
  
By:/s/ Ian Fitzgerald
  
 Name: Ian Fitzgerald
 Title: Secretary
  
ARES CAPITAL MANAGEMENT II LLC
  
By:/s/ Matthew Jill
  
 Name: Matthew Jill
 Title: Authorized Signatory

 

12

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Effective as of February 24, 2022

 

Advisory Fee

 

In consideration of the advisory services provided by the Adviser, the Fund will pay the Adviser a Advisory Fee at an annual rate of 1.40% based on the value of the Fund’s Managed Assets (as defined below) calculated and accrued monthly as of the last business day of each month, and payable quarterly in arrears within five (5) business days after the completion of the net asset value computation for the quarter.

 

Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to any borrowings or other indebtedness or preferred shares that may be issued) minus the Fund’s liabilities other than liabilities relating to borrowings or other indebtedness.

 

Incentive Fee

 

At the end of each calendar quarter of the Fund, the Adviser will be entitled to receive an Incentive Fee equal to 12.5% of the difference, if positive, between (i) the net profits of the Fund for the relevant period and (ii) the then balance, if any, of the Loss Recovery Account (as defined below) at the start of the relevant period (the “Incentive Fee”).

 

For the purposes of the Incentive Fee, the term “net profits” shall mean (i) the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period exceeds the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses) plus (ii) the aggregate distributions accrued during the period.

 

The Fund will maintain a memorandum account (the “Loss Recovery Account”), which will have an initial balance of zero and will be (i) increased upon the close of each calendar quarter of the Fund by the amount of the net losses of the Fund for the quarter, and (ii) decreased (but not below zero) upon the close of each calendar quarter by the amount of the net profits of the Fund for the quarter. Net losses are defined as the amount by which the net asset value of the Fund on the last day of the relevant period is less than the net asset value of the Fund as of the commencement of the same period, including any net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and realized income and gains or losses and expenses (including offering and organizational expenses).

 

The Loss Recovery Account will be reset on a trailing four-quarter measure period, with such measurement period to commence at the conclusion of the first calendar quarter of the Fund's operations (i.e., the first reset will occur at the conclusion of the fifth calendar quarter of the Fund's operations and then will reset each calendar quarter thereafter based on the trailing four-quarter period). The reset Loss Recovery Amount will be determined based on the aggregate amount of the Fund's net losses in excess of the Fund's net profits over each trailing four-quarter period and, in no event shall be below zero.

 

13

 

Exhibit 99.(h)(1)

 

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement is made as of February 24, 2022, between Ares Private Markets Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Fund"), and Ares Wealth Management Solutions, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (the "Distributor").

 

WHEREAS, the Fund is a closed end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") that continuously offers its shares of beneficial interest (the "Shares");

 

WHEREAS, the Fund intends to rely on an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") that permits the Fund to offer multiple classes of its Shares (the "Order");

 

WHEREAS, in order to comply with the conditions of the Order, the Fund's Board of Trustees (the "Board"), has approved a Distribution and Servicing Plan voluntarily adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan") with respect to certain classes of Shares of the Fund;

 

WHEREAS, the Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA");

 

WHEREAS, the Distributor is permitted to engage in the business of selling shares of registered investment companies either directly to purchasers or through financial intermediaries, including, without limitation, brokers, dealers, financial consultants and registered investment advisers (collectively, "Financial Intermediaries").

 

WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Distributor as principal underwriter for the sale and distribution of each class of Shares of the Fund, and the Distributor is willing to act as principal underwriter for the sale and distribution of such Shares.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.Appointment of the Distributor; Offering.

 

(a)     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Fund hereby appoints the Distributor as its principal underwriter in connection with the continuous offering of the Shares, and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment.

 

(b)     The Distributor agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell, as agent for the Fund, from time to time during the term of this Agreement, Shares to investors upon the terms described in the Prospectus, and use its reasonable best efforts to assist the Fund in obtaining performance by each prospective investor who submits a Subscription Agreement for the subscription for and purchase of Shares (the "Subscription Agreement"), if required. As used herein, the term "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus included as part of the Fund's Registration Statement, as such prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time and currently in effect, and the term "Registration Statement" shall mean the Registration Statement most recently filed from time to time by the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and effective under the Securities Act of 1933 Act, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the 1940 Act, as such Registration Statement is amended by any amendments thereto at the time in effect.

 

(c)     Unless otherwise agreed by the parties hereto, Ares Capital Management II LLC, the Fund's investment advisor (the "Adviser") or the Fund's administrator and transfer agent (the "TA/Administrator"), shall be responsible for reviewing each Subscription Agreement, if required, to confirm that it has been completed in accordance with the instructions thereto; provided, however, that the Adviser, the TA/Administrator, the Distributor and the Fund may rely on the information provided by Financial Intermediaries concerning their customers. The Fund, the Adviser and/or the TA/Administrator, in its or their sole discretion, may return to the Distributor any Subscription Agreement, if required, that is not completed to its or their satisfaction, and the Fund shall be under no obligation to accept any Subscription Agreement.

 

 

 

(d)    The Distributor acknowledges that Shares are to be offered and sold to investors only on the terms, including with respect to pricing of Shares, subscription dates, handling of investor funds, payment of sales commissions and servicing and other fees and investor eligibility standards, if any, set forth in the Prospectus. The Distributor may re-allow a portion of any applicable front-end sales charge to dealers or cause payment (which may exceed the front-end sales charge, if any) of commissions to brokers through which sales are made, as it may determine, and it may pay such amounts to dealers and brokers on sales of shares from its own resources (such dealers and brokers shall collectively include all domestic or foreign institutions eligible to offer and sell the Shares), and in the event the Fund has more than one class of Shares outstanding, then it may impose a front-end sales charge and/or a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") on Shares of one class that is different from the charges imposed on Shares of the Fund's other class(es), in each case as set forth in the Prospectus, provided that such imposition is consistent with the terms of the Order.

 

(e)     The Fund may suspend or terminate the offering of its Shares at any time, including as to specific classes of Shares, as to specific jurisdictions or otherwise. Upon notice to the Distributor of the terms of such suspension or termination, the Distributor shall suspend the solicitation of subscriptions for Shares in accordance with such terms until the Fund notifies the Distributor that such solicitation may be resumed. The Distributor, in consultation with the Adviser, may suspend sales of the Shares of any one or more classes at any time, may grandfather continuing sales to any group or category of existing shareholders, and may resume sales at any later time, subject in each case to a requirement that the Distributor promptly notify the Board of the decision and subject to the authority of the Board to override such decision.

 

(f)      It is acknowledged and agreed that the Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific number of Shares or to purchase any Shares for its own account. All sales by the Distributor shall be expressly subject to acceptance by the Fund.

 

(g)     The Fund, or any agent of the Fund designated in writing by the Fund, shall be advised of indications of interest and purchase orders for Shares received by the Distributor. Any order may be rejected by the Fund. The Distributor (directly or through the Financial Intermediaries) will confirm orders upon the completion of the offering, issuance of the Shares and payment therefor. The Distributor agrees to cause such payment and such instructions to be delivered promptly to the Fund (or its agent).

 

(h)     The Distributor and the Fund have established the following investor eligibility procedures in connection with the offer and sale of Shares and agree that neither party will make offers or sales of any Shares except in compliance with such procedures: (i) offers and sales of Shares will be made only to investors that are reasonably believed to qualify as "accredited investors," as defined in Rule 501(a) under the 1933 Act and as "qualified clients," as defined in Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; (ii) no sale of Shares to any one investor will be for less than the minimum denominations as may be specified in the Prospectus or as the Fund shall advise.

 

(i)      Shares of any class of the Fund offered for sale by the Distributor shall be offered for sale at a price per share (the "offering price") approximately equal to (a) their net asset value (determined in the manner set forth in the Prospectus) plus (b) a sales charge, if any and except to those persons set forth in the Prospectus, which shall be the percentage of the offering price of such Shares as set forth in the Prospectus. The offering price, if not an exact multiple of one cent, shall be adjusted to the nearest cent. In addition, Shares of any class of the Fund offered for sale by the Distributor may be subject to a CDSC as set forth in the Prospectus or a separate placement fee to be determined as between a Financial Intermediary and its customer and not charged by either the Fund or the Distributor.

 

2.      Agency. In connection with the continuous sale of Shares, and any tender offer for the Shares and repurchase thereof by the Fund, in each case upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus, the Distributor shall act solely as an agent of the Fund and not as principal.

 

2

 

 

3.      Duties of the Fund.

 

(a)     The Fund shall take, from time to time, but subject always to any necessary approval of the Board or of the Fund's shareholders, all necessary action to fix the number of authorized Shares and such steps as may be necessary to register the same under the 1933 Act, to the end that there will be available for sale such number of Shares as the Distributor reasonably may be expected to sell.

 

(b)     The Fund will furnish to the Distributor copies of its most recent amendment to its Registration Statement, its most recent Prospectus and all amendments and supplements thereto, and the Subscription Agreement, if any, and other documentation the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the continuous offering of Shares. The Distributor is authorized to furnish to prospective investors only such information concerning the Fund and the offering as may be contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Fund's formation documents, or any other documents (including sales material) approved in writing by the Fund expressly for use with prospective investors.

 

(c)     The Fund shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all financial statements of the Fund which the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with its duties hereunder, and this shall include, upon request by the Distributor, one certified copy of all financial statements prepared for the Fund by independent public accountants. The Fund also will furnish, in reasonable quantities upon request by the Distributor, copies of its annual and interim reports. In addition, the Fund will furnish the Distributor with such other documents as it may reasonably require, from time to time, for the purpose of enabling it to perform its duties as contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(d)     The Fund shall use its best efforts to qualify and maintain the qualification of an appropriate number of its Shares for sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Distributor and the Fund may approve; provided that the Fund shall not be required to amend its formation documents to comply with the laws of any state, to maintain an office in any state, to change the terms of the offering of the Shares in any state from the terms set forth in its Registration Statement and Prospectus, to qualify as a foreign corporation in any state or to consent to service of process in any state other than with respect to claims arising out of the offering of the Shares. Any such qualification may be withheld, terminated or withdrawn by the Fund at any time in its discretion. The expense of qualification and maintenance of qualification shall be borne by the Fund. The Distributor shall furnish such information and other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by the Fund in connection with such qualification.

 

(e)     The Fund agrees to supply to the Distributor, promptly after the time or times at which the Fund's NAV is determined, a statement of the NAV of each class of Shares, determined in the manner set forth in the Fund's Prospectus.

 

(f)      The Fund authorizes the Distributor, in connection with the sale or arranging for the sale of Shares, to provide only such information and to make only such statements or representations as are contained in the Fund's Prospectus or in such financial and other statements furnished to the Distributor hereunder or as may properly be included in sales literature or advertisements in accordance with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and applicable rules of self-regulatory organizations. The Fund shall not be responsible in any way for any information provided or statements or representations made by the Distributor or its representatives or agents other than the information, statements and representations described in the preceding sentence. All sales literature and advertisements used by the Distributor in connection with sales of Shares shall be subject to approval by the Fund.

 

4.Duties of the Distributor.

 

(a)     The Distributor shall devote reasonable time and effort to its duties hereunder. The services of the Distributor to the Fund hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and nothing herein contained shall prevent the Distributor from entering into like arrangements with other investment companies so long as the performance of its obligations with respect to the Fund hereunder is not impaired thereby.

 

3

 

 

(b)     In performing its duties hereunder, the Distributor shall use its best efforts in all respects to duly conform with the requirements of all applicable laws relating to the sale of securities. Neither the Distributor nor any Financial Intermediary having an agreement to offer and sell Shares pursuant to Section 5 hereof nor any other person is authorized by the Fund to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in its Registration Statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, if any, and any advertising materials and sales literature specifically approved by the Fund for use with prospective investors.

 

(c)     The Distributor agrees to review all proposed advertising materials and sales literature of the Fund for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and shall file with appropriate regulators those advertising materials and sales literature it believes are in compliance with such laws and regulations. The Distributor agrees to retain any comments provided by regulators with respect to such materials and further agrees to provide the Fund with any such comments that would be considered to be material to the Fund in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

 

(d)     The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures, as approved by the officers of the Fund, for the confirmation of sales to investors and Financial Intermediaries, the collection of amounts payable by investors and Financial Intermediaries on such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) applicable to sales of Shares, as such requirements may from time to time exist.

 

(e)     The Distributor agrees to appoint Financial Intermediaries to provide distribution services with respect to the Shares ("Distribution Services") and personal investor services and account maintenance services ("Investor Services") to shareholders of the Fund that are customers of such Financial Intermediaries and to assist the Financial Intermediaries in the provision of such services and for the Distributor to provide such services to shareholders that are its customers. The Distribution Services and Investor Services shall not be inconsistent with the services stated in the Plan or any Rule 18f-3 Plan adopted by the Fund pursuant to the Order.

 

(f)      The Distributor represents and warrants to the Fund that it has all necessary licenses to perform the services contemplated hereunder and will perform such services in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and it shall obtain adequate assurances from the Financial Intermediaries with respect to their licensing and performance of services contemplated by this Agreement, including without limitation applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations of the United States and any jurisdiction in which investors are solicited.

 

(g)     For so long as this Agreement is in effect, the Distributor shall provide or cause to be provided to the Board, at least quarterly and at such other times as requested by the Board, a written report of (i) the amounts expended pursuant to this Agreement in respect of Distribution Services and Investor Services and the purposes for which those expenditures were made, (ii) the use of payments received by the Distributor under the Plan and (iii) such other information relating to this Agreement as may be requested by the Board from time to time. The Distributor can use any of the officers and employees of the Adviser or its affiliates to provide any of the services or reports required under this Agreement.

 

5.     Agreements with Financial Intermediaries.

 

(a)     The Distributor is authorized to enter into agreements with Financial Intermediaries of its choice for the sale of Shares and the provision of Investor Services; provided that the Distributor shall periodically inform the Board of the nature and substance of such agreements and that the Fund shall approve the forms of agreements with such Financial Intermediaries.

 

(b)     Within the United States, the Distributor shall enter into agreements for the sale of Shares only with Financial Intermediaries who are acting as brokers or dealers, who are members in good standing of FINRA and who agree to abide by the Conduct Rules of FINRA. For Financial Intermediaries who are not registered as brokers or dealers, the Distributor may act as an introducing broker and may offer and sell Shares directly to clients of those Financial Intermediaries, although such Financial Intermediaries may provide Investor Services to their clients. The Distributor shall obtain adequate assurance from any Financial Intermediary that sells Shares of the Fund of compliance by such Financial Intermediary with applicable federal and state securities laws and the Conduct Rules of FINRA, as appropriate.

 

4

 

 

6.     Compensation.

 

(a)     The Distributor and the Financial Intermediaries shall be entitled to charge sales compensation to investors on the purchase price of Shares of the Fund and receive other sales and service compensation from investors in the Fund or from other sources, including without limitation the Fund and affiliates of the Distributor, if, and only to the extent, specified in the Prospectus upon the Fund's acceptance of the investor's subscription for Shares; provided that the Distributor shall have the authority to adjust or waive such sales compensation and services fees, if any, in particular cases, at its sole discretion, in consultation with the Fund and as generally described in the Prospectus. The Distributor may pay or allow such portion of any sales compensation and service fees to Financial Intermediaries that sold the Shares as may be agreed to from time to time by the Fund and the Distributor and disclosed in the Prospectus. In particular, the Distributor may compensate Financial Intermediaries for services they provide with (i) any applicable sales charge described in the Fund's Prospectus, (ii) any payments made pursuant to the Plan, or (iii) other payment from the Distributor's or its affiliates' own resources as the Distributor or its affiliates may determine from time to time. Payment of any such sales charge or other payment shall be the sole obligation of the Distributor, provided that the Distributor shall not be obligated to make any payment pursuant to the Plan unless the Distributor has received a corresponding payment from the Plan. The form of any agreement in which payments are made pursuant to the Plan, and the compensation to be paid thereunder, shall be approved by the Board.

 

(b)     The Distributor may pay amounts pursuant to this Section 6 to any affiliated person of the Distributor that sells Shares or provides Investor Services.

 

7.     Payment of Expenses.

 

(a)     The Fund shall bear all of its own costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of its counsel and auditors, in connection with the preparation of its Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, if any, the preparation and filing of any required registration statements under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and in connection with any fees and expenses incurred with respect to any filings with FINRA, preparing and mailing annual and interim reports, proxy materials and tender offer materials to shareholders (including but not limited to the expense of setting in type any such Registration Statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, annual or interim reports, proxy materials or tender offer materials).

 

(b)     The Fund shall bear any cost and expenses of qualification of Shares for sale under the securities laws of such states or other jurisdictions as shall be selected by the Fund and the Distributor pursuant to this Agreement and the cost and expenses payable to each such state for continuing qualification therein.

 

(c)     The Distributor shall bear (i) any expenses of advertising incurred by the Distributor in connection with such distribution of the Shares and (ii) the expenses of registration or qualification of the Distributor as a dealer or broker under federal or state laws and the expenses of continuing such registration or qualification.

 

5

 

 

8.     Indemnification.

 

(a)     The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor, its several officers and directors, and any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Distributor, its officers and directors, or any such controlling person, may incur under the Securities Act or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading; provided, however, that the Fund's agreement to indemnify the Distributor, its officers or directors, and any such controlling person shall not be deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Fund by the Distributor specifically for use in the preparation thereof. The Fund's agreement to indemnify the Distributor, its officers and directors, and any such controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon the Fund being notified of any action brought against the Distributor, its officers or directors, or any such controlling person, such notification to be delivered to the Fund within ten days after the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The failure so to notify the Fund of any such action shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which the Fund may have to the person against whom such action is brought by reason of any such untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission, otherwise than on account of the Fund's indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8(a). The Fund will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such claim, demand or liability, but, in such case, such defense shall be conducted by counsel of good standing chosen by the Fund and approved by the Distributor. In the event the Fund elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain counsel of good standing approved by the Distributor, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case the Fund does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, or in case the Distributor does not approve of counsel chosen by the Fund, the Fund will reimburse the Distributor, its officers and directors, or the controlling person or persons named as defendant or defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the Distributor or them. The Fund's indemnification agreement contained in this Section 8(a) and the Fund's representations and warranties in this agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Distributor, its officers and directors, or any controlling person, and shall survive the delivery of any Shares. This agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the Distributor's benefit, to the benefit of its several officers and directors, and their respective estates, and to the benefit of any controlling persons and their successors. The Fund agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Fund or any of its officers or Board members in connection with the issue and sale of Shares.

 

(b)     The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Fund, its several officers and Board members, and any person who controls the Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Fund, its officers or Board members, or any such controlling person, may incur under the Securities Act or under common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense incurred by the Fund, its officers or Board members, or such controlling person resulting from such claims or demands, shall arise out of or be based upon any untrue, or alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in information furnished in writing by you to the Fund specifically for use in any Registration Statement or Prospectus and used in the answers to any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding statements made in the Prospectus, or shall arise out of or be based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with such information furnished in writing by the Distributor to the Fund and required to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not misleading. The Distributor's agreement to indemnify the Fund, its officers and Board members, and any such controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor being notified of any action brought against the Fund, its officers or Board members, or any such controlling person, such notification to be delivered to the Distributor within ten days after the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The Distributor shall have the right to control the defense of such action, with counsel of its own choosing, satisfactory to the Fund, if such action is based solely upon such alleged misstatement or omission on its part, and in any other event the Fund, its officers or Board members, or such controlling person shall each have the right to participate in the defense or preparation of the defense of any such action. The failure so to notify the Distributor of any such action shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which the Distributor may have to the Fund, its officers or Board members, or to such controlling person by reason of any such untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission, otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8(b). This agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the Fund's benefit, to the benefit of the Fund's officers and Board members, and their respective estates, and to the benefit of any controlling persons and their successors. The Distributor agrees promptly to notify the Fund of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against its or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issue and sale of Shares.

 

9.      Duration and Termination of this Agreement.

 

(a)     This Agreement shall become effective on the date first written above and shall remain in full force and effect for two years from that day, and may be continued from year to year thereafter; provided, that such continuance shall be specifically approved each year by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and in either case, also by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of the Fund or the Distributor (the "Independent Trustees").

 

6

 

 

(b)     This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, (i) by the Fund, either by the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, or (ii) by the Distributor, in each case on sixty days’ written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The provisions of Section 8, 11 and 12 of this Agreement shall survive its termination. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Fund, the Distributor shall be entitled to be paid any CDSC on the repurchase proceeds of Shares sold prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

10.     Amendments of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if such amendment is specifically approved (i) by the Board or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of those Board members of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

11.     Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York as at the time in effect and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

 

12.     Proprietary and Confidential Information. The Distributor agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund all records and other information relative to the Fund and prior, present or potential shareholders, and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, records and information shall not be subject to the foregoing obligations set forth in this Section 12 if they are required to be disclosed by the Distributor pursuant to a requirement of a court order, subpoena, governmental or regulatory agency or law (provided by the Distributor will provide the Fund written notice of such requirement, to the extent such notice is permitted).

 

14.     Anti-Money Laundering Compliance. The Distributor represent and warrant that, to the extent required by applicable law, it has adopted policies and procedures to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering, customer identification, suspicious activity, currency transaction reporting and similar laws and regulations including the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, and the regulations thereunder, and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Rule 3310. The Distributor also represents and warrants that, if purchasing Shares in securities brokerage accounts for which it acts as introducing broker, it will not purchase Shares on behalf of any person on the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"), or other similar governmental lists, or in contravention of any OFAC maintained sanctions program. The Distributor agrees (i) to share information with the Fund for purposes of ascertaining whether a suspicious activity report ("SAR") is warranted with respect to any suspicious transaction involving Shares, provided that neither the Distributor nor the Fund is the subject of the SAR and (ii) to include in agreements with Financial Intermediaries contractual provisions regarding the anti-money laundering compliance obligations of such Financial Intermediary.

 

15.     Interpretation of Agreement Terms. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. Specifically, the terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," "affiliated person" and "interested person," when used in this Agreement, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act. In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order. The Fund and the Distributor may from time to time agree on such provisions interpreting or clarifying the provisions of this Agreement as, in their joint opinion, are consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement and with the specific provisions of this Section 13. Any such interpretations or clarifications shall be in writing signed by the parties and annexed hereto, but no such interpretation or clarification shall be effective if in contravention of any applicable federal or state law or regulations, and no such interpretation or clarification shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.

 

7

 

 

15.            Miscellaneous.

 

(a) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(b) This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof, and neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

8

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

     
  ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
   
By: /s/ Ian Fitzgerald
     
    Name: Ian Fitzgerald
     
    Title: Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
 
  ARES WEALTH MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC
   
By: /s/ Casey Galligan
     
    Name: Casey Galligan
     
    Title: Co-CEO of Ares Wealth Management Solutions

 

[Signature Page to Distribution Agreement]

 

9

 

 

Exhibit 99.(h)(2)

 

FORM OF

BROKER DEALER

SELLING AGREEMENT

 

THIS BROKER DEALER SELLING AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) made and entered into between ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“Distributor”), a Colorado corporation having its principal place of business at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203, and________________________________________, a _______________________________ company having its principal place of business ____________________________________________ (hereinafter “Broker/Dealer”).

 

WHEREAS, Broker/Dealer desires to enter in this Agreement with the Distributor to sell shares of the____________________________Fund (“Company”), a registered closed-end management investment company that is operated as an interval fund, Broker/Dealer will provide distribution related, continuing personal services to shareholder and/or administration of shareholder accounts in, to the fund(s) currently offered by the Company. The Distributor is the principal underwriter and agent for the Company.

 

WHEREAS, Broker/Dealer understands that pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the closed-end interval fund(s) offered and such other closed-end interval fund(s) subsequently established by the Company and distributed by the Distributor as set forth in the Agreement Fee Schedule (each individually a “Fund” and collectively “Funds”) may have adopted Shareholder Servicing Plans (each individually a “Plan” and collectively “Plans”) to enable payments to certain entities for shareholder servicing. The parties agree that the payments by the Fund or the Distributor to Broker/Dealer are solely for non-distribution related administrative or recordkeeping services provided by Broker/Dealer and do not constitute payment in any manner for investment advisory services or for costs of distribution.

 

WHEREAS, the term “Prospectus” means the prospectus and, unless the context otherwise requires, the related statement of additional information (“SAI”) incorporated therein by reference, as the same are amended and supplemented (“Supplements”) from time to time by the Fund(s).

 

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.Purchases of Company Shares for Sale to Customers.

 

(a)Broker/Dealer is hereby appointed as a non-exclusive agent of the Company during the term herein specified for the purpose of providing shareholder services to investors acquiring Company’s shares as described herein. Subject to the performance by the Distributor of its obligations to be performed hereunder and to the completeness and accuracy in all material respects of all the representations and warranties of the Distributor contained herein, Broker/Dealer hereby accepts such agency and agrees on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in each Fund’s then-current Prospectus to use reasonable efforts during the term hereof to provide ongoing services to shareholders for the duration of their investments. It is understood that the Broker/Dealer has no commitment with regard to the sale of the Company’s shares other than to use reasonable efforts and shall not prevent Broker/Dealer from acting as an agent or underwriter for the securities of other issuers that may be offered or sold during the term hereof. Broker/Dealer’s agency relationship with the Distributor hereunder shall continue until the termination of this Agreement. Any sales of a Fund’s shares made prior to the date hereof by Broker/Dealer shall be deemed made pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(b)In offering and selling Company’s shares to Broker/Dealer’s customers, Broker/Dealer agrees to act as dealer for Broker/Dealer’s own account and in no transaction shall the Broker/Dealer have any authority to act or hold itself out as agent for the Distributor or the Company, except for the limited purposes set forth under this Agreement. The Distributor acknowledges that customers of Broker/Dealer who purchase Fund shares are the Broker/Dealer’s customers. Broker/Dealer shall be responsible for opening, approving, and monitoring customer accounts and for the review and supervision of these accounts, all in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

 

(c)Broker/Dealer agrees to offer and sell each Fund’s shares to Broker/Dealer’s customers only at the applicable public offering price plus any applicable sales load and in accordance with all applicable repurchase offers issued by the Fund, giving effect to any cumulative or quantity discounts or other purchase programs, plans, or services described in the then-current Prospectus, to the extent applicable. Broker/Dealer agrees to deliver, or cause to be delivered, to each customer, at or prior to the time of any purchase of shares, a copy of the then current Prospectus (including any Supplements thereto), and to each customer who so requests, a copy of the then-current SAI (including any Supplements thereto).

 

 

 

(d)Broker/Dealer agrees to purchase Fund’s shares from the Distributor or from Broker/Dealer’s customers. If Broker/Dealer purchases from the Distributor, Broker/Dealer agrees that all such purchases shall be made only: (a) to cover orders already received by Broker/Dealer from its customers; (b) for shares being acquired by Broker/Dealer’s customers pursuant to either the exchange privilege or the reinvestment privilege, as described in the then-current Prospectus of a Fund; (c) for Broker/Dealer’s own bona fide investment; or (d) for investments by any Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) qualified plan or other trust established for the benefit of Broker/Dealer’s employees or for investments in Individual Retirement Accounts established by Broker/Dealer’s employees, and if Broker/Dealer so advises the Distributor in writing prior to any sale of shares pursuant to this subparagraph (d), Broker/Dealer agrees to waive all Broker/Dealer concessions, if any, to all sales of shares. If Broker/Dealer purchases shares from Broker/Dealer’s customers, Broker/Dealer agrees not to purchase shares from Broker/Dealer’s customers at a price lower than the applicable redemption price, determined in the manner described in the then-current Prospectus. Broker/Dealer shall not withhold placing customers’ orders for shares so as to profit the Broker/Dealer as a result of such withholding (e.g., to include, but not limited to, a change in a Fund’s net asset value from that used in determining the offering price or repurchase offer price to Broker/Dealer’s customers).

 

(e)The Distributor will accept Broker/Dealer’s purchase orders only at the public offering price applicable to each order plus any applicable sales load, as determined in accordance with the then-current Prospectus. The Distributor will not accept from Broker/Dealer a conditional order. Broker/Dealer acknowledges that the Fund will adopt fundamental policies (which may not be changed without shareholder approval) to make periodic offers to purchase shares (“repurchase offers”) in accordance with Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act and as described in the Fund’s then current Prospectus. Repurchases of shares of the Fund will be made at the net asset value of such shares in accordance with the applicable repurchase offer and then current Prospectus, less any applicable charges and expenses for which the Fund has determined to charge shareholders as permitted by Rule 23c-3 of the 1940 Act. Broker/Dealer agrees to transmit to its customers any repurchase offer notification received from Distributor within the time period specified in the applicable Prospectus and in such notification, and to use its reasonable best efforts to transmit repurchase requests from its customers to the Fund or its transfer agent or other designee by the applicable repurchase request deadline as specified in the applicable Prospectus and such repurchase offer notification.

 

(f)All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by the Distributor in its sole discretion. The Distributor reserves the right, at its discretion and without notice to the Broker/Dealer, to suspend sales or to withdraw the offering of a Fund’s shares, in whole or in part, or to make a limited offering of any Fund’s shares. The minimum and maximum dollar amounts for purchase of a Fund’s shares for any shareholder shall be the applicable minimum or maximum amount described in such Fund’s then-current Prospectus and no order for less or more than, as the case may be, such amount will be accepted hereunder.

 

(g)Broker/Dealer acknowledges and agrees that: (i) shares of the Fund will not be repurchased by the Fund (other than in accordance with Rule 23c-3 of the 1940 Act); (ii) no secondary market for the shares of the Fund exists currently or is anticipated to develop; therefore, the shares of the Fund have very limited liquidity; (iii) in the event one or more of Broker/Dealer’s customers cancel their order for shares of the Fund after confirmation, such shares may not be repurchased, remarketed or otherwise disposed of by or through Distributor; and (iv) any representations regarding a repurchase offer or other tender offer by the Fund, other than that which is specifically set forth in the Fund’s then-current Prospectus or repurchase offer notification issued by the Fund is prohibited.

 

 

 

(h)In connection with Broker/Dealer’s recommendations to its customers regarding investment in a Fund, Broker/Dealer agrees to make appropriate disclosures to such customers regarding the risks associated with investing in the Fund, including, but not limited to: (i) shares of the Fund will not be listed on a public exchange; (ii) no secondary market is expected to develop for the Fund’s shares; (iii) liquidity for the Fund’s shares will be provided only through quarterly repurchase offers; (iv) there is no guarantee that an investor will be able to sell all the shares that the investor desires to sell in the repurchase offer; (v) an investor should consider an investment in the Fund to be of limited liquidity; (vi) investing in the Fund’s shares may be speculative and involves a high degree of risk; and (vii) an investor should carefully read the Fund’s Prospectus prior to investing in the Fund, including the risks associated with leverage.

 

(i)The transmission of orders will be governed by instructions that the Distributor will periodically issue to Broker/Dealer. Broker/Dealer must pay for Fund’s shares in ‘Federal Funds,’ and the Distributor must receive Broker/Dealer’s payment on or before the settlement date established in accordance with Rule 15c6-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. If the Distributor does not receive Broker/Dealer’s payment on or before such settlement date, the Distributor may, without notice, cancel the sale. The Distributor will hold Broker/Dealer responsible for any loss suffered by the Distributor or the issuing Fund as a result of Broker/Dealer’s failure to make payment as required.

 

(j)Broker/Dealer agrees to use the account application provided with the Prospectus as the means of placing a customer’s order except for accounts opened or maintained pursuant to the networking system of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”), to the extent applicable. The account application will be reviewed by the Distributor or the Company to determine that all information necessary to issue a Fund’s shares has been entered. Broker/Dealer hereby certifies that all of Broker/Dealer’s customers taxpayer identification numbers (“TIN”) or social security numbers (“SSN”) furnished to the Distributor or the Company by Broker/Dealer are correct and that the Distributor or the Company will not open an account without Broker/Dealer providing the Company’s transfer agent (“Transfer Agent”) with the customer’s TIN or SSN.

 

(k)Broker/Dealer will comply with all applicable Federal and state laws and with the rules and regulations of applicable regulatory agencies thereunder. Broker/Dealer will not offer shares of any Fund for sale unless such shares are duly registered under all the applicable securities laws, rules and regulations.

 

 

 

(l)Any transaction in shares of a Fund shall be effected and evidenced by book-entry on the records maintained by the Transfer Agent. A confirmation statement evidencing transactions in a Fund’s shares will be transmitted to Broker/Dealer by the Transfer Agent.

 

2.Account Options.

 

(a)Broker/Dealer may appoint the Transfer Agent as Broker/Dealer’s agent to execute customers' transactions in a Fund’s shares sold to Broker/Dealer by the Distributor in accordance with the terms and provisions of any account, program, plan, or service established or used by Broker/Dealer’s customers and to confirm each such transaction to Broker/Dealer’s customers on Broker/Dealer’s behalf, and at the time of the transaction, Broker/Dealer guarantees the legal capacity of its customers so transacting in such Fund shares and any co-owners of such Fund shares.

 

(b)Unless otherwise instructed by the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, Broker/Dealer may instruct the Transfer Agent to register shares purchased in Broker/Dealer’s name and account as nominee for Broker/Dealer’s customers, in which event all Prospectuses, proxy statements, periodic reports, and other printed material will be sent to Broker/Dealer, and all confirmations and other communications to shareholders, including, but not limited to, repurchase offer notifications, will be transmitted to Broker/Dealer. Broker/Dealer shall be responsible for forwarding such printed material, confirmations, notifications and communications, or the information contained therein, to all customers for whom Broker/Dealer holds such shares as nominee. However, the Transfer Agent or the Company shall be responsible for the reasonable costs associated with Broker/Dealer forwarding such printed material, confirmations, notifications and communications and shall reimburse Broker/Dealer in full for such costs. Broker/Dealer shall also be responsible for complying with all reporting and tax withholding requirements with respect to the customers for whose account Broker/Dealer is holding such shares. With respect to customers not held in Broker/Dealer’s name and account as nominee, Broker/Dealer shall provide the Distributor with all information (including, without limitation, certification of TINs and/or SSNs and back-up withholding instructions) necessary or appropriate for the Distributor to comply with any legal and regulatory reporting requirements.

 

(c)To the extent applicable, accounts opened or maintained pursuant to the networking system of NSCC will be governed by applicable NSCC rules and procedures, and any agreement or other arrangement with the Distributor relating to networking.

 

3.Broker/Dealer Compensation.

 

(a)Broker/Dealer concession, if any, on Broker/Dealer’s sales of shares of a Fund will be offered as described in the then-current Prospectus or in the applicable schedule of concessions issued by the Distributor and in effect at the time of the Distributor sale to Broker/Dealer. Upon written notice to Broker/Dealer, the Distributor or a Fund, may change or discontinue any schedule of concessions or issue a new schedule. Broker/Dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with sales by Broker/Dealer of shares of a Fund where Broker/Dealer receives all or substantially all of the sales charge as set forth in the then-current Prospectus and, therefore, Broker/Dealer may be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Compensation paid, if any, pursuant to a Plan is described in this Agreement in the Fee Schedule (“Fee Schedule”) attached hereto and in such Fund’s then-current Prospectus.

 

(b)The Distributor is entitled to, if any, a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on redemptions of certain shares of a Fund redeemed during the time period specified in the then-current Prospectus, subject to the purchase dollar amount threshold and other conditions described in the then-current Prospectus.

 

(c)In the case of a Fund or class which has adopted a Plan, the Distributor may elect from time to time to make payments to Broker/Dealer as provided under such Plan for such services, and without limitation, some or all of the following: (i) responding to customer inquiries of a general nature regarding the Fund; crediting distributions from the Fund to customer accounts; arranging for bank wire transfer of funds to or from a customer's account; responding to customer inquiries and requests regarding Statements of Additional information, shareholder reports, notices, proxies and proxy statements, and other Fund documents; forwarding Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information, tax notices and annual and semi-annual reports to beneficial owners of Fund shares; assisting the Fund in establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts and records; assisting customers in changing account options, account designations and account addresses; and (ii) services that the Distributor reasonably may request, to the extent permitted by applicable statute, rule, or regulation to provide administrative or marketing services in the promotion of a Fund’s shares. Any such payments shall be made in the amount and manner set forth in the applicable Fee Schedule or in the then-current Prospectus. The Fee Schedule may be discontinued or changed by the Distributor from time to time and shall be in effect with respect to a Fund which has a Plan and so long as such Fund(s)’ Plan remains in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Broker/Dealer acknowledges that any compensation to be paid to the Broker/Dealer by the Distributor is paid from proceeds paid to the Distributor by a Fund pursuant to its Plan, and to the extent the Distributor does not receive such proceeds, for any reason, the amounts payable to Broker/Dealer will be reduced accordingly. In the case of a Fund that has no currently effective Plan, the Distributor or Company may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, elect to make payments to Broker/Dealer from either’s own resources.

 

(d)Broker/Dealer shall furnish to the Distributor or the Company, on behalf of a Fund, such information in writing as shall reasonably be requested by the Company’s Board of Trustees (“Company’s Board”) with respect to the fees paid to Broker/Dealer pursuant to this Agreement.

 

 

 

(e)In the event that Rule 2830 of the FINRA’s Conduct Rules precludes a Fund from imposing, or the Distributor from receiving, a sales charge (as defined in Rule 2830) or any portion thereof, Broker/Dealer shall not be entitled to any payments from the Distributor hereunder from the date that a Fund discontinues or is required to discontinue imposition of some or all of its sales charges. If a Fund resumes imposition of some or all of its sales charge, Broker/Dealer will be entitled to payments hereunder or as modified by the Distributor, if applicable.

 

(f)The Distributor may discontinue paying compensation to Broker/Dealer if, at any time, (i)   Broker/Dealer is not appropriately registered in all capacities necessary to receive such compensation or (ii) Broker/Dealer breaches any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement, as determined by the Distributor in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Broker/Dealer shall not be entitled to any compensation in respect of a sale to any investor if the Distributor determines that another authorized selling agent of the Distributor is primarily responsible for or should otherwise be credited with such sale. In making this determination, the Distributor will endeavor to act fairly. Any dispute regarding compensation shall be conclusively resolved by the Distributor.

 

(g)If, within seven business days after confirmation by the Distributor of Broker/Dealer’s original purchase order for shares of a Fund, such shares are repurchased by the issuing Fund or by the Distributor for the account of such Fund or are tendered for redemption by the customer in accordance with a repurchase offer, Broker/Dealer shall promptly refund to the Distributor the full discount retained by Broker/Dealer on the original sale and any distribution and service payments made to Broker/Dealer. Broker/Dealer shall refund to the Transfer Agent immediately upon receipt the amount of any dividends or distributions paid to Broker/Dealer as nominee for Broker/Dealer’s customers with respect to redeemed or repurchased Fund’s shares to the extent that the proceeds of such redemption or repurchase may include the dividends or distributions payable on such shares. Broker/Dealer shall be notified by the Distributor of such repurchase or redemption within ten business days of such repurchase or redemption.

 

(h)The provisions of the Distribution Agreement between the Company and the Distributor, insofar as they relate to a Plan, are incorporated herein by reference. The provisions under this Agreement, relating to a Plan, shall continue in full force and effect only so long as the continuance of a Plan and the provisions of this Agreement are approved at least annually by a vote of the Company’s Board, including a majority of the Company’s Board who are not interested persons of the Company and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements related to a Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting thereon.

 

 

 

(i)The provisions regarding Broker/Dealer compensation may be terminated by the vote of a majority of the Company’s Board who are not interested persons of the Company and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of a Plan or in any agreements related to a Plan, or by a vote of a majority of a Fund’s outstanding shares, on sixty (60) days’ written notice, without payment of any penalty. Such provisions will be terminated also by any act that terminates this Agreement and shall terminate automatically in the event of the assignment (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement unless agreed to in writing by the parties in accordance with terms of Section 8 herein.

 

After the effective date of any change in or discontinuance of any schedule of concessions, or service payments, or the termination of a Plan, such concessions or service payments will be allowable or payable to Broker/Dealer only in accordance with such change, discontinuance, or termination. Broker/Dealer agrees that Broker/Dealer will have no claim against the Distributor, the Company, or a Fund by virtue of any such change, discontinuance, or termination. In the event of any overpayment by the Distributor of any concession, distribution payment, or service payment, Broker/Dealer will promptly remit such overpayment.

 

4.Status as Financial Intermediaries.

 

(a)Broker/Dealer represents and warrants that Broker/Dealer is and will remain a member in good standing of the FINRA, and agrees to abide by all of its rules and regulations including its Rules of Conduct. Broker/Dealer further agrees to comply with all applicable Federal and state laws and rules and regulations of regulatory agencies having jurisdiction. Reference is hereby specifically made to Rule 2830 of the FINRA’s Conduct Rules, which is incorporated herein by reference. The termination of Broker/Dealer’s membership in the FINRA or any breach of said Rule 2830 will immediately and automatically terminate this Agreement. Broker/Dealer further represents that Broker/Dealer is qualified to act as a broker/dealer in the states where Broker/Dealer transacts business. Broker/Dealer further agrees that, in making any sales to purchasers within the United States of securities acquired from the Distributor or the Company, Broker/Dealer will conform to the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 2420 of the FINRA’s Conduct Rules.

 

(b)Broker/Dealer represents that Broker/Dealer is qualified to sell shares in the various jurisdictions where it transacts business. Broker/Dealer represents that it and all of its personnel involved in the activities contemplated hereunder have all governmental, regulatory, and self-regulatory registrations, approvals, memberships, and licenses required to perform Broker/Dealer’s obligations under this Agreement and to receive compensation, if any, therefore, and Broker/Dealer will maintain all relevant registrations, approvals, memberships, and licenses during the term of this Agreement.

 

 

 

(c)Nothing in this Agreement shall cause Broker/Dealer to be the Distributor’s partner, employee, or agent, or give Broker/Dealer any authority to act for the Distributor, the Company or a Fund. Neither the Distributor nor the Company shall be liable for any of Broker/Dealer’s acts or obligations under this Agreement.

 

5.Information Relating to the Fund.

 

(a)No person is authorized to make any representations concerning a Fund’s shares except those contained in such Fund’s then-current Prospectus, and in buying shares from the Distributor or redeeming shares pursuant to any repurchase offer, Broker/Dealer shall rely solely on the representations contained in the then-current Prospectus and any applicable repurchase offer notification. Upon Broker/Dealer’s request, the Distributor will furnish Broker/Dealer with a reasonable number of copies of a Fund’s then-current Prospectus(es) and/or SAIs (including any Supplements thereto).

 

(b)Broker/Dealer may not use any sales literature or advertising material (including material disseminated through radio, television, or other electronic media) concerning a Fund’s shares, other than a Fund’s then-current Prospectus or such printed information that is given to Broker/Dealer by the Distributor, without first obtaining the Distributor’s written approval. Broker/Dealer shall not distribute or make available to the general public any printed information furnished by the Distributor which is marked “FOR INVESTMENT ADVISER USE ONLY” or “FOR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY” or which otherwise indicates that it is confidential or not intended to be distributed to the general public. Broker/Dealer further agrees that it shall not distribute or make available to any retail investor (as defined under applicable FINRA Rules) any printed information or other communication furnished to it by the Distributor which is marked “FOR INSTITUTIONAL USE ONLY.”

 

6.Indemnification. The Distributor and Broker/Dealer (each an “Indemnifying Party”) will indemnify and hold the other party and its directors/trustees, officers, employees, and agents harmless from any claim, demand, loss, expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees), or cause of action resulting from the willful misconduct or negligence, as measured by industry standards, of the Indemnifying Party, its agents, and employees, in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement. This provision will survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

7.Duration. This Agreement, with respect to each Plan, will continue in effect for one year from its effective date, and thereafter will continue automatically for successive annual periods; provided, however, that such continuance is subject to termination at any time without penalty if a majority of the Company’s Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act), or a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund, vote to terminate or not to continue a Plan. This Agreement, other than with respect to a terminated Plan, will continue in effect from year to year after its effective date, unless terminated as provided herein.

 

 

 

8.Amendment and Termination of Agreement. Either party to this Agreement may terminate the Agreement without cause by giving the other party at least thirty (30) days’ written notice of its intention to terminate. This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); provided, however, that either party to this Agreement may assign this Agreement and its respective rights and obligations hereunder upon providing the other party with written notification of the assignment and such other party does not provide written objection of the assignment within thirty (30) days of receipt of such written notification. The Distributor may change or amend any provision of this Agreement by giving Broker/Dealer written notice of the change or amendment.

 

9.Arbitration. In the event of a material dispute under this Agreement, such dispute shall be settled by arbitration before arbitrators sitting in Denver, Colorado, in accordance with the FINRA’s Code of Arbitration Procedures in effect at the time of the dispute. The arbitrators shall act by majority decision, and their award may allocate attorneys’ fees and arbitration costs between the Distributor and Broker/Dealer. The arbitrators’ award shall be final and binding between the parties, and such award may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

10.Notices. All notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery, by postage prepaid mail, or by facsimile or a similar means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail). All notices to the Distributor shall be given or sent to the Distributor at the Distributor offices located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203, Attn: General Counsel. All notices to Broker/Dealer shall be given or sent to Broker/Dealer at the address specified by Broker/Dealer herein. Each party may change the address to which notices shall be sent by giving notice to the other party in accordance with this paragraph.

 

11.Client Information

 

a.           Agreement to Provide Information. Broker/Dealer agrees to provide the Fund or its designee, upon written request, the TIN, the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”), or other government-issued identifier (“GII”), if known, of any or all Shareholder(s) of the account and the amount, date, name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Shareholder(s) or account (if known), and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of Shares held through an account maintained by the Broker/Dealer during the period covered by the request.

 

 

 

(i)            Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, not to exceed 180 calendar days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Fund may request transaction information older than 180 calendar days from the date of the request as it deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established by the Fund for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding Shares issued by the Fund.

 

(ii)Form and Timing of Response.

 

(a)  Broker/Dealer agrees to provide, promptly upon request of the Fund or its designee, the requested information specified in Section 11(a). If requested by the Fund or its designee, Broker/Dealer agrees to use best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom it has received the identification and transaction information specified in Section 11(a) is itself a financial intermediary (“Indirect Intermediary”) and, upon further request of the Fund or its designee, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information set forth in Section 11(a) for those Shareholders who hold an account with an Indirect Intermediary or (ii) restrict or prohibit the Indirect Intermediary from purchasing, in nominee name on behalf of other persons, securities issued by the Fund. Broker/Dealer additionally agrees to inform the Fund whether it plans to perform (i) or (ii).

 

(b)  Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

(c)   To the extent practicable, the format for any transaction information provided to the Fund should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.

 

(iii)          Limitations on Use of Information. The Fund agrees not to use the information received for marketing or any other similar purpose without the prior written consent of the Broker/Dealer.

 

b.           Agreement to Restrict Trading. Broker/Dealer agrees to execute written instructions from the Fund to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Shares by a Shareholder that has been identified by the Fund as having engaged in transactions of the Fund’s Shares (directly or indirectly through the Broker/Dealer’s account) that violate policies established or utilized by the Fund for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding Shares issued by the Fund.

 

 

 

(i)            Form of Instructions. Instructions between the parties to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Fund Shares must include the TIN, ITIN, or GII, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, or GII is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Shareholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates.

 

(ii)           Timing of Response. Broker/Dealer agrees to execute instructions as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five business days after receipt of the instructions by the Broker/Dealer.

 

(iii)          Confirmation by Broker/Dealer. Broker/Dealer must provide written confirmation to the Fund that instructions have been executed. Broker/Dealer agrees to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than ten business days after the instructions have been executed.

 

c.Definitions. For purposes of Section 11 of this Agreement:

 

(i)            The term “Fund” also includes the Fund’s principal underwriter and transfer agent. The term does not include any “excepted funds” as defined in SEC Rule 22c-2(b) under the 1940 Act.

 

(ii)           The term “Shares” means the interest of Shareholders corresponding to the redeemable securities of record issued by the Fund under the 1940 Act that are held by the Broker/Dealer.

 

(iii)          The term “Shareholder” means the beneficial owner of Shares, whether the Shares are held directly or by the Broker/Dealer in nominee name.

 

(iv)The term “written” includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.

 

(v)The term “Broker/Dealer” shall mean a “financial intermediary” as defined in SEC Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act.

 

(vi)The term “purchase” does not include automatic reinvestment of dividends.

 

 

 

(vii)          The term “promptly” as used in Section 11(a)(ii) shall mean as soon as practicable but in no event later than 5 business days from the Broker/Dealer’s receipt of the request for information from the Fund or its designee.

 

12.Anti-Money Laundering Program. Broker/Dealer hereby certifies that: (i) it understands that pursuant to various U.S. regulations, it is required to establish an anti-money laundering program, which satisfies the requirements of Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”); (ii) Broker/Dealer has developed, implemented, and will maintain such an anti-money laundering program, including a customer identification program consistent with the rules under Section 326 of the USA Patriot Act, and will comply with all applicable laws and regulations designed to guard against money laundering activities set out in such program; (iii) Broker/Dealer will cooperate with the Distributor and deliver information reasonably requested by the Distributor concerning shareholders that purchased a Fund’s shares sold by Broker/Dealer necessary for the Distributor or the Company to comply with the USA Patriot Act; and (iv) Broker/Dealer will notify the Distributor, in writing, if it is found, by its Compliance Officer, independent anti-money laundering auditor, or any Federal, state, or self-regulatory agencies, to be in violation of the USA Patriot Act, any regulation implementing the USA Patriot Act, or its anti-money laundering program.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if Broker/Dealer is exempt from the requirement to develop, implement, and maintain anti-money laundering policies that comply with USA Patriot Act in which case Broker/Dealer agrees to cooperate with the Distributor or the Company and deliver information reasonably requested by the Distributor or the Company concerning shareholders that purchased shares sold by Broker/Dealer necessary for the Distributor and the Company to comply with either’s internal policies, the USA Patriot Act and relevant rules and regulations.

 

Broker/Dealer acknowledges that the Distributor or the Company may reject or refuse orders for the sale of shares with respect to customers for which Broker/Dealer serves as nominee if Broker/Dealer has not adopted and does not implement anti-money laundering policies and procedures as required by the USA Patriot Act.

 

13.Regulation S-P. In accordance with Regulation S-P, if non-public personal information regarding customers/shareholders is disclosed to either party in connection with this Agreement, the party receiving such information will not disclose or use that information other than as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement. Any privacy notice that Broker/Dealer delivers to customers/shareholders will comply with Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Regulations S-P, as each may be amended, and will notify customers that non-public personal information may be provided to financial service providers such as security broker-dealers or investment companies and as permitted by law. This provision will survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

 

 

14.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether oral or written, relating to the sale of shares or any other subject covered by this Agreement.

 

15.Partial Invalidity. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby. Furthermore, in the event of any inconsistency between the Agreement and the then-current Prospectus, the terms of the then-current Prospectus shall control.

 

16.Waiver. Failure of the Distributor or the Company to terminate this Agreement upon the occurrence of any event set forth in this Agreement as a cause for termination shall not constitute a waiver of the right to terminate this Agreement at a later time on account of such occurrence or any succeeding breach of the same.

 

17.Heading. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

18.Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

19.Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date when it is accepted and dated below by the Distributor.

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties’ authorized representatives have executed this Agreement and represent that they have read and understood the obligations herein and agree to be bound by the Agreement’s terms and conditions.

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

 

BROKER/DEALER

 

Signature:    
Name:    
Title:    
Address:    
     

 

Phone Number:   

Fax Number:   

Email Address:   

 

ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

 

By:    

 

Name:    

 

Title:    

 

Effective Date:    

 

 

 

AGREEMENT FEE SCHEDULE

 

In consideration of sales of shares of the Fund listed below, under the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the then-current Prospectus, the following fee/payment schedule shall apply:

 

 

         
         
       
       
       

 

In accordance with the Fund’s then-current prospectus, all fees, if any, shall be paid based on the average daily net asset value of outstanding shares held by shareholders receiving services described in the Agreement. Such payments shall be computed and paid quarterly. The determination of average daily net assets shall be made as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4 p.m. EST).

 

 

 

Exhibit B - Jurisdictions

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.(h)(3)

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICING PLAN
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1

 

WHEREAS, Ares Private Markets Fund (the "Fund") is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act");

 

WHEREAS, the Fund is permitted to rely on an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to offer multiple classes of shares with, among other things, asset-based distribution and/or service fees (the "Order");

 

WHEREAS, reliance on the Order requires the Fund to comply with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act as if it were an open-end management investment company;

 

WHEREAS, the Fund desires to adopt a distribution and servicing plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the classes set forth on Exhibit A hereto, as such Exhibit may be amended from time to time (each, a "Class"); and

 

WHEREAS, the Fund has employed Ares Wealth Management Solutions, LLC ("AWMS") as distributor of the Shares of each Class of the Fund;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund, with respect to each Class, hereby voluntarily adopts this Distribution and Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act on the following terms and conditions:

 

1.          Each Class shall pay to AWMS, to compensate financial industry professionals for distribution-related expenses, if applicable, and providing ongoing services in respect of shareholders who own such Class, a fee at the annual rate set forth in Exhibit A hereto, based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to each such Class, respectively, to be calculated, accrued and paid monthly. For purposes of calculating such fee, net asset value will be calculated prior to any reduction for any fees and expenses of the Fund, including, without limitation, the fees payable hereunder. In addition, the value of the Fund's net assets attributable to each Class shall be computed in the manner specified in the Fund's then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for the computation of the Fund's net asset value.

 

2.          As distributor of the Fund's Shares, AWMS may spend such amounts hereunder as it deems appropriate on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of each Class, including, but not limited to: compensation to employees of AWMS; compensation to AWMS and other qualifying financial intermediaries that engage in or support the distribution of Shares; expenses of AWMS and such other financial intermediaries and entities, including overhead and telephone and other communication expenses; the printing and distribution of prospectuses and shareholder reports other than for existing members of the Fund; and the preparation and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. This section does not preclude AWMS or its affiliates from making additional payments outside of the Plan.

 

 

 

3.          AWMS may spend such amounts hereunder as it deems appropriate on the administration and servicing of each Class’s shareholder accounts, including, but not limited to: responding to inquiries from shareholders or their representatives requesting information regarding matters such as shareholder account or transaction status, net asset value of shares, performance, services, plans and options, investment policies, portfolio holdings, and distributions and taxation thereof; and dealing with complaints and correspondence of shareholders; compensating financial intermediaries and their employees who service each Class’s shareholder accounts; and paying expenses of such financial intermediaries, including overhead and telephone and other communications expenses. This section does not preclude AWMS or its affiliates from making additional payments outside of the Plan.

 

4.          This Plan and any related agreements shall become effective at such time as is specified by the Fund's Board and shall continue in effect for successive periods of one year for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by votes of a majority of both (a) the Board of Trustees of the Fund and (b) those Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it (the "Rule 12b-1 Trustees"), cast in person or as otherwise permitted by the SEC at a meeting or meetings called for the purpose of voting on this Plan and such related agreements; and only if the Trustees who approve the implementation or continuation of the Plan have reached the conclusion required by Rule 12b-1(e) under the 1940 Act.

 

5.          Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Fund pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Fund's Board of Trustees, and the Board shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

 

6.          As to each Class, this Plan may be terminated at any time without penalty by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Class.

 

7.          As to each Class, this Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of fees to be paid by the Fund hereunder unless such amendment is approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such Class, and no material amendment to the Plan shall be made unless such amendment is approved in the manner provided in Paragraph 4 hereof for annual approval.

 

8.          While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of Trustees who are themselves not interested persons.

 

9.          The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements for a period of not less than six years from the date of expiration of the Plan or agreement, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place; and shall preserve copies of each report made pursuant to Paragraph 5 hereof for a period of not less than six years from the date of such report, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

 

2

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Plan as of the day and year set forth below.

 

Dated: February 24, 2022

 

  ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
     
  By: /s/ Ian Fitzgerald
     
  Name: Ian Fitzgerald
     
  Title: Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary

 

Agreed and assented to:

 

ARES WEALTH MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC  
    
By:/s/ Casey Galligan
    
Name:Casey Galligan  
    
Title:Co-CEO of Ares Wealth Management Solutions  

 

3

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Name of Class  Fee Rate 
Class A Shares   0.85%
Class D Shares   0.25%

 

4

 

 

Exhibit 99.(j)

 

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

 


Dated as of __________, 2022
as revised, __________, 2022

 


Between

 


UMB BANK, N.A.

 


and

 


ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
and the
FUNDS LISTED ON APPENDIX A

 

 

 

 

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

 

This agreement made as of the date first set forth above between UMB Bank, n.a., a national banking association with its principal place of business located in Kansas City, Missouri (hereinafter “Custodian”), and each of the Funds listed on Appendix A hereof, together with such additional Funds which shall be made parties to this Agreement by the execution of Appendix A hereto (individually, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, Ares Private Markets Fund ("APMF") is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“the 1940 Act”);

 

WHEREAS, the other Funds are wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiaries of APMF and are not investment companies required to be registered under the 1940 Act;

 

WHEREAS, each Fund desires to appoint Custodian as its custodian for the custody of Assets (as hereinafter defined) owned or held by such Fund, which Assets are to be held in such accounts as such Fund may establish from time to time; and

 

WHEREAS, Custodian is willing to accept such appointment on the terms and conditions hereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, mutually covenant and agree as follows:

 

1.            APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN.

 

Each Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian as custodian of Assets belonging to each such Fund which have been or may be from time to time delivered to and accepted by the Custodian. Custodian accepts such appointment as a custodian and agrees to perform the duties and responsibilities of Custodian as set forth herein on the conditions set forth herein. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Assets” shall include Securities, Underlying Shares, monies, and other property held by the Custodian for the benefit of a Fund. “Security” or “Securities” shall mean stocks, bonds, rights, warrants, certificates, instruments, obligations and all other negotiable or non-negotiable paper commonly known as Securities, including, but not limited to, those included within the definition of “security” in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act, which have been or may from time to time be delivered to and accepted by the Custodian. The term “Securities”, as used in this Agreement, shall not include Underlying Shares. “Underlying Share” or “Underlying Shares” shall mean uncertificated shares of, or other interests in, other investment funds, accounts or vehicles, including, but not limited to, private investment vehicles and investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

 

Each party hereto represents and warrants that: (a) it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization; (b) it has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (c) it will comply with all applicable laws in connection with its performance of this Agreement; and (d) the individual executing this Agreement on its behalf has the requisite authority to bind such party to this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

2.            INSTRUCTIONS.

 

(a)            An “Instruction,” as used herein, shall mean a request, direction, instruction or certification initiated by a Fund and conforming to the terms of this paragraph. An Instruction may be transmitted to the Custodian by any of the following means:

 

(i)             a writing manually signed on behalf of a Fund by an Authorized Person (as hereinafter defined);

 

(ii)            a telephonic or other oral communication from a person the Custodian reasonably believes to be an Authorized Person;

 

(iii)           a facsimile transmission that the Custodian reasonably believes has been signed or otherwise originated by an Authorized Person;

 

(iv)           a communication effected through the internet or web-based functionality (including without limitation, emails, data files and other communications) on behalf of a Fund (“Electronic Communication”); or

 

(v)            other means reasonably acceptable to both parties.

 

Instructions in the form of oral communications shall be confirmed by the appropriate Fund by either a writing (as set forth in (i) above), a facsimile (as set forth in (iii) above), or an Electronic Communication (as set forth in (iv) above), but the lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such oral Instructions prior to the Custodian’s receipt of such confirmation. Each Fund authorizes the Custodian to record any and all telephonic or other oral Instructions communicated to the Custodian. The parties acknowledge and agree that, with respect to Instructions transmitted by facsimile, the Custodian cannot verify that the signature of an Authorized Person has been properly affixed and, with respect to Instructions transmitted by an Electronic Communication, the Custodian cannot verify that the Electronic Communication has been initiated by an Authorized Person; accordingly, the Custodian shall have no liability as a result of actions taken in reliance on unauthorized facsimile or Electronic Communication Instructions. The Custodian recommends that any Instructions transmitted by a Fund via email be done so through a secure system or process.

 

(b)            “Special Instructions,” as used herein, shall mean Instructions countersigned or confirmed in writing by the Treasurer or any other officer or Authorized Person of a Fund, which countersignature or confirmation shall be on the same instrument containing the Instructions or on a separate instrument relating thereto.

 

(c)            Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian at the address and/or telephone, facsimile transmission or email address agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and each Fund.

 

(d)            Where appropriate, Instructions and Special Instructions shall be continuing Instructions.

 

(e)            An Authorized Person shall be responsible for assuring the accuracy and completeness of Instructions. If the Custodian reasonably determines that an Instruction is unclear or incomplete, the Custodian may notify a Fund of such determination, in which case the Fund shall be responsible for delivering to the Custodian an amended Instruction. The Custodian shall have no obligation to take any action until the Fund re-delivers to the Custodian an Instruction that is clear and complete.

 

 

 

 

(f)            The Fund shall be responsible for delivering to the Custodian Instructions or Special Instructions in a timely manner, after considering such factors as the involvement of subcustodians, brokers or agents in a transaction, time zone differences, reasonable industry standards, etc. The Custodian shall have no liability if a Fund delivers Instructions or Special Instructions to the Custodian after any deadline reasonably established by the Custodian and previously communicated to the Fund.

 

(g)           By providing Instructions to acquire or hold Foreign Assets (as defined under Rule 17f-5(a)(2) under the 1940 Act), a Fund shall be deemed to have confirmed to the Custodian that the Fund has (i) considered and accepted responsibility for all Sovereign Risks and Country Risks (as hereinafter defined) associated with investing in a particular country or jurisdiction, and (ii) made all determinations and provided to shareholders and other investors all disclosures required of registered investment companies by the 1940 Act.

 

(h)           Each Fund acknowledges that where Instructions or Special Instructions require the Custodian to prepare and submit forms, letters or other writings to third parties on behalf of the Fund, including but not limited to subscription agreements (or any document, however titled, that performs the same function as a subscription agreement, which shall be defined herein as a “Subscription Agreement”), tender offer or redemption requests, stock transfers and exchanges of cash for Underlying Shares (“Writings”), the Custodian will prepare but not submit such Writings unless and until all required information necessary to complete a Writing has been submitted by an Authorized Person. Each Fund agrees to make available Authorized Persons during normal business hours to work with the Custodian and its affiliates to complete such Writings. Each Fund acknowledges that the Custodian shall not be liable for its obligations with respect to Writings if such failure results from any delay, error, unavailability or inaccuracy in an Instruction or Special Instruction provided by the Fund or an Authorized Person.

 

Without limiting the foregoing, the parties agree that the accuracy and completeness of all information provided in a Subscription Agreement, investor questionnaire or other similar document for an Underlying Share is the sole responsibility of each Fund, and not the Custodian or its affiliates, regardless of whether the Custodian or its affiliates assist in the completion of the Subscription Agreement, investor questionnaire or similar document. In the event that the investment fund rejects a Subscription Agreement, the Fund will be solely responsible for completing a new Subscription Agreement for the Underlying Share.

 

By providing an Instruction or Special Instruction to complete a Subscription Agreement or other such Writing, each Fund certifies that it has read and approved the relevant offering documents and the Subscription Agreement or other Writing required to be submitted to invest in the foregoing investment. Each Fund takes full responsibility for any representations in Subscription Agreements or to any other person or entity regarding the Fund’s qualifications to invest in Underlying Shares, the Fund’s status under any anti-money laundering or similar statutes, the Fund’s financial status or condition, or any other information relating to the Fund and hereby represents that any such representations are accurate and complete. Representations regarding such matters in any Subscription Agreement or similar document are representations of the Fund and not of the Custodian.

 

3.            DELIVERY OF CORPORATE DOCUMENTS.

 

Each Fund agrees to provide the Custodian, upon reasonable request, documentation regarding the Fund necessary for the Custodian’s performance of the services provided hereunder, including, by way of example (acknowledging that not all of these examples will be applicable to each Fund): the Fund’s organizational documents, resolutions, registration statements, W-9s and other tax-related documentation, compliance policies and procedures and other compliance documents, etc.

 

 

 

 

In addition, APMF, on behalf of itself and the other Funds, has delivered or will promptly deliver to the Custodian, copies of the resolution(s) of its Board Trustees and all amendments or supplements thereto, properly certified or authenticated, designating certain officers of each such Fund who will have continuing authority to certify to the Custodian: (a) the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of each Fund, and (b) the names, titles and signatures of those persons authorized to countersign or confirm Special Instructions on behalf of each Fund (in both cases collectively, the “Authorized Persons” and individually, an “Authorized Person”). Such resolutions and certificates may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until delivery to the Custodian of a similar resolution or certificate to the contrary; provided, however, that the Custodian may rely upon any written designation furnished by the Treasurer or other officer of the Fund designating persons authorized to countersign or confirm Special Instructions (as provided in Section 2(b)). Upon delivery of a certificate which deletes or does not include the name(s) of a person previously authorized to give Instructions or to countersign or confirm Special Instructions, such person shall no longer be considered an Authorized Person authorized to give Instructions or to countersign or confirm Special Instructions. Unless the certificate specifically requires that the approval of anyone else will first have been obtained, the Custodian will be under no obligation to inquire into the right of the person giving such Instructions or Special Instructions to do so. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, no Instructions or Special Instructions received by the Custodian from a Fund will be deemed to authorize or permit any Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of such Fund to withdraw any of the Assets of such Fund upon the mere receipt of such authorization, Special Instructions or Instructions from such Trustee, officer, employee or agent.

 

4.            POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN AND DOMESTIC SUBCUSTODIAN.

 

Except for Assets held by any Foreign Subcustodian, Special Subcustodian or Eligible Securities Depository (each as hereinafter defined) appointed pursuant to Sections 5(b), (c), or (f) of this Agreement, the Custodian shall have and perform the powers and duties hereinafter set forth in this Section 4. For purposes of this Section 4 all references to powers and duties of the “Custodian” shall also refer to any Domestic Subcustodian appointed pursuant to Section 5(a).

 

(a)           Safekeeping.

 

The Custodian will keep safely the Assets of each Fund which are delivered to and accepted by it from time to time. The Custodian shall promptly notify a Fund if it is unwilling or unable to accept custody of any asset of each Fund. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Fund held by a Fund and not delivered to the Custodian or for any pre-existing faults or defects in Assets that are delivered to the Custodian.

 

(b)           Manner of Holding Securities.

 

(i)             The Custodian shall at all times hold Securities of each Fund either: (i) by physical possession of the share certificates or other instruments representing such Securities (such as, in the case of Underlying Shares, documents evidencing the Fund’s interest in such Underlying Shares), in registered or bearer form; in the vault of the Custodian, Domestic Subcustodian, a Special Custodian, depository or agent of the Custodian; or in an account maintained by the Custodian or agent at a Securities System (as hereinafter defined); or (ii) in book-entry form by a Securities System in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (3) below.

 

 

 

 

(ii)            The Custodian may hold registrable portfolio Securities which have been delivered to it in physical form or Underlying Shares, by registering the same in the name of the appropriate Fund or its nominee, or in the name of the Custodian or its nominee, for whose actions the Fund and Custodian, respectively, shall be fully responsible. Upon the receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall hold such Securities in street certificate form, so called, with or without any indication of representative capacity. However, unless it receives Instructions to the contrary, the Custodian will register all such portfolio Securities in the name of the Custodian’s authorized nominee. All such Securities shall be held in a segregated account of the Custodian containing only assets of the appropriate Fund or only assets held by the Custodian for the benefit of customers, provided that the records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Fund or other customer for which such Securities are held in such accounts and the respective interests therein.

 

(iii)           The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic Securities owned by a Fund in, and each Fund hereby approves use of: (a) The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation; (b) any other clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository; and (c) a Federal Reserve Bank or other entity authorized to operate the federal book-entry system described in the regulations of the Department of the Treasury or book-entry systems operated pursuant to comparable regulations of other federal agencies. Upon the receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic Securities owned by a Fund in any other domestic clearing agency that may otherwise be authorized by the SEC to serve in the capacity of depository or clearing agent for the Securities or other assets of investment companies and that acts as a Securities depository. Each of the foregoing shall be referred to in this Agreement as a “Securities System”, and all such Securities Systems shall be listed on the attached Appendix B. Use of a Securities System shall be in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and regulations, including without limitation Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, if any, and subject to the following provisions:

 

(A)            The Custodian may deposit the Securities directly or through one or more agents or Subcustodians which are also qualified to act as custodians for investment companies.

 

(B)            Securities held in a Securities System shall be subject to any agreements or rules effective between the Securities System and the Custodian or a Subcustodian, as the case may be.

 

(C)            Any Securities deposited or maintained in a Securities System shall be held in an account (“Account”) of the Custodian or a Subcustodian in the Securities System that includes only assets held by the Custodian or a Subcustodian as a custodian or otherwise for customers.

 

(D)            The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times identify those Securities belonging to any one or more Funds which are maintained in a Securities System.

 

(E)            The Custodian shall pay for Securities purchased for the account of a Fund only upon (a) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such Securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian in accordance with the rules of the Securities System, and (b) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account of such Fund. The Custodian shall transfer Securities sold for the account of a Fund only upon (a) receipt of advice from the Securities System that payment for such Securities has been transferred to the Account of the Custodian in accordance with the rules of the Securities System, and (b) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of such Fund. Copies of all advices from the Securities System relating to transfers of Securities for the account of a Fund shall be maintained for such Fund by the Custodian. Such copies may be maintained by the Custodian in electronic form. The Custodian shall make available to the Fund or its agent on the next business day, by Electronic Communication, facsimile, or other means reasonably acceptable to both parties, daily transaction activity that shall include each day’s transactions for the account of such Fund.

 

 

 

 

(F)            The Custodian shall provide APMF with reports required to be furnished to the Fund pursuant to Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act and such other reports as from time to time may be agreed upon by the Custodian and the Fund. Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall provide to each Fund: (a) sub-certifications in connection with Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certification requirements; and (b) periodic reports in such form reasonably agreed to by the parties with respect to the services hereunder and the Custodian’s compliance with its operating policies and procedures.

 

(G)            The Custodian shall, if requested by a Fund pursuant to Instructions, provide such Fund with reports obtained by the Custodian or any Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System’s accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in the Securities System.

 

(c)            Underlying Shares.

 

(i)            The provisions of this Section 4(c) shall govern the custody of the Underlying Shares and, to the extent there is a conflict between such provisions and the provisions of any other section of this Agreement with respect to Underlying Shares, the terms of this Section 4(c) shall control.

 

(ii)            The Underlying Shares are beneficially owned by a Fund and not the Custodian and shall be deposited and/or held in an account or accounts maintained by a transfer agent, registrar, recordkeeper, general partner, corporate secretary or other relevant third party (each a “Transfer Agent”) pursuant to Instructions to the Custodian. The Custodian has no liability for the payment for any obligations or liabilities related to the Underlying Shares. Each Fund and the Custodian agree that the Custodian’s only responsibilities in connection with Underlying Shares shall be limited to the following:

 

(A)            upon receipt of a confirmation or statement from a Transfer Agent that such Transfer Agent is holding or maintaining Underlying Shares in the name of the Custodian (or a nominee of the Custodian) for the benefit of the Fund, the Custodian shall (A) mark such holdings on its books and records and (B) identify by book-entry that the relevant Underlying Shares are being held by the Custodian as custodian for the benefit of the Fund;

 

(B)            in accordance with Instructions, the Custodian shall (A) pay out monies from Fund Assets for the purchase of Underlying Shares for the account of the Fund and (B) record such purchase on the books and records of the Custodian;

 

(C)            in accordance with Instructions, the Custodian shall (A) transfer Underlying Shares redeemed for the account of the Fund in accordance with such Instructions and (B) record such transfer on the books and records of the Custodian and, upon receipt of related proceeds, record the related payment for the account of the Fund on said books and records; and

 

 

 

 

(D)            the Custodian will not be deemed to have received any distribution or other asset of the Fund until that distribution or other Asset of the Fund has in fact been received by the Custodian at the address and in the manner directed in the applicable Subscription Agreement.

 

(d)            Free Delivery of Assets.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and except as provided in Section 3 hereof, the Custodian, upon receipt of Special Instructions, will undertake to make free delivery of Assets, provided such Assets are on hand and available, in connection with a Fund’s transactions and to transfer such Assets to such broker, dealer, Subcustodian, bank, agent, Securities System or otherwise as specified in such Special Instructions.

 

(e)            Exchange of Securities.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian will exchange Securities held by it for a Fund for other Securities or cash paid in connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, conversion, or similar event, and will deposit any such Securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan.

 

Unless otherwise directed by Instructions, the Custodian is authorized to exchange Securities held by it in temporary form for Securities in definitive form, to surrender Securities for transfer into a name or nominee name as permitted in Section 4(b)(2), to effect an exchange of shares in a stock split or when the par value of the stock is changed, to sell any fractional shares, and, upon receiving payment therefor, to surrender bonds or other Securities held by it at maturity or call.

 

(f)            Purchases of Assets.

 

(i)             Securities Purchases. In accordance with Instructions, the Custodian shall, with respect to a purchase of Securities, pay for such Securities out of monies held for a Fund’s account for which the purchase was made, but only insofar as monies are available therein for such purpose, and receive the Securities so purchased. Unless the Custodian has received Special Instructions to the contrary, such payment will be made only upon delivery of such Securities to the Custodian, a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member, or a Securities System in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b)(3) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) in connection with a repurchase agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a Securities System prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System that the Securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by book-entry into the Account maintained with such Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the Custodian’s instructions to the Securities System require that the Securities System may make payment of such funds to the other party to the repurchase agreement only upon transfer by book-entry of the Securities underlying the repurchase agreement into such Account; (ii) in the case of options, Interest Bearing Deposits, currency deposits and other deposits, and foreign exchange transactions, pursuant to Sections 4(h), 4(l), and 4(m) hereof, the Custodian may make payment therefor before receipt of an advice of transaction; and (iii) the Custodian may make payment for Securities or other Assets prior to delivery thereof in accordance with Instructions, applicable laws, generally accepted trade practices, or the terms of the instrument representing such Security or other Asset, including, but not limited to, Securities and other Assets as to which payment for the Security and receipt of the instrument evidencing the Security are under generally accepted trade practices or the terms of the instrument representing the Security expected to take place in different locations or through separate parties.

 

 

 

 

(ii)            Other Assets Purchased. Upon receipt of Instructions and except as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall pay for and receive other Assets for the account of a Fund as provided in Instructions.

 

(g)            Sales of Assets.

 

(i)             Securities Sold. In accordance with Instructions, the Custodian shall, with respect to a sale, deliver or cause to be delivered the Securities thus designated as sold to the broker or other person specified in the Instructions relating to such sale. Unless the Custodian has received Special Instructions to the contrary, such delivery shall be made only upon receipt of payment therefor in the form of: (a) cash, certified check, bank cashier’s check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (b) credit to the account of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit to the Account of the Custodian with a Securities System, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b)(3) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian may deliver Securities and other Assets prior to receipt of payment for such Securities in accordance with Instructions, applicable laws, generally accepted trade practices, or the terms of the instrument representing such Security or other Asset. For example, Securities held in physical form may be delivered and paid for in accordance with “street delivery custom” to a broker or its clearing agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such Securities, provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps to ensure prompt collection of the payment for, or return of, such Securities by the broker or its clearing agent, and provided further that the Custodian shall not be responsible for the selection of or the failure or inability to perform of such broker or its clearing agent or for any related loss arising from delivery or custody of such Securities prior to receiving payment therefor.

 

(ii)            Other Assets Sold. Upon receipt of Instructions and except as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall receive payment for and deliver other Assets for the account of a Fund as provided in Instructions.

 

(h)            Options.

 

(i)            Upon receipt of Instructions relating to the purchase of an option or sale of a covered call option, the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain Instructions or other documents, to the extent they are provided to the Custodian, evidencing the purchase or writing of the option by a Fund; (b) if the transaction involves the sale of a covered call option, deposit and maintain in a segregated account the Securities (either physically or by book-entry in a Securities System) subject to the covered call option written on behalf of such Fund; and (c) pay, release and/or transfer such Securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any notices or other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or exercise of such options which are furnished to the Custodian by the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”), the securities or options exchanges on which such options were traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for handling such option transactions.

 

(ii)            Upon receipt of Instructions relating to the sale of a naked option (including stock index and commodity options), the Custodian, the appropriate Fund and the broker-dealer shall enter into an agreement to comply with the rules of the OCC or of any registered national securities exchange or similar organizations(s). Pursuant to that agreement and such Fund’s Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain Instructions or other documents, if any, evidencing the writing of the option; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account, Securities (either physically or by book-entry in a Securities System), cash and/or other Assets; and (c) pay, release and/or transfer such Securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any such agreement and with any notices or other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or exercise of such option which are furnished to the Custodian by the OCC, the securities or options exchanges on which such options were traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for handling such option transactions. The appropriate Fund and the broker-dealer shall be responsible for determining the quality and quantity of assets held in any segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the performance of other terms of any option contract.

 

 

 

 

(i)            Segregated Accounts.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain on its books a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred Assets of such Fund, including Securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System pursuant to Paragraph (b)(3) of this Section 4, said account or accounts to be maintained (i) for the purposes set forth in Sections 4(h) and 4(n) and (ii) for the purpose of compliance by such Fund with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and any rules adopted thereunder, as well as, any applicable guidance or releases from the Commission or its staff relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies, pending compliance with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, or (iii) for such other purposes as may be set forth, from time to time, in Special Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the determination of the type or amount of Assets to be held in any segregated account referred to in this paragraph, or for compliance by the Fund with required procedures noted in (ii) above.

 

(j)            Depositary Receipts.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender or cause to be surrendered Securities to the depository used for such Securities by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International Depositary Receipts (hereinafter referred to, collectively, as “ADRs”), against a written receipt therefor adequately describing such Securities and written evidence satisfactory to the organization surrendering the same that the depository has acknowledged receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such Securities in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for delivery in accordance with such instructions.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender or cause to be surrendered ADRs to the issuer thereof, against a written receipt therefor adequately describing the ADRs surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the organization surrendering the same that the issuer of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depository to deliver the Securities underlying such ADRs in accordance with such instructions.

 

(k)            Corporate Actions, Put Bonds, Called Bonds, Etc.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar Securities to the issuer or trustee thereof (or to the agent of such issuer or trustee) for the purpose of exercise or sale, provided that the new Securities, cash or other Assets, if any, acquired as a result of such actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b) deposit Securities upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the consideration for such Securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian, or the tendered Securities are to be returned to the Custodian.

 

Unless otherwise directed to the contrary in Instructions, the Custodian shall comply with the terms of all mandatory or compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions, or similar rights of security ownership of which the Custodian receives notice through data services or publications to which it normally subscribes, and shall promptly notify the appropriate Fund of such action.

 

 

 

 

Each Fund agrees that if it gives an Instruction for the performance of an act on the last permissible date of a period established by the Custodian or any optional offer or on the last permissible date for the performance of such act, the Fund shall hold the Custodian harmless from any adverse consequences in connection with acting upon or failing to act upon such Instructions; provided the Custodian uses commercially reasonable efforts to duly act on such Instructions and acted in accordance with the general standard of care set forth in Section 6(a) hereof.

 

If a Fund wishes to receive periodic corporate action notices of exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions and other similar notices pertaining to Securities and to provide Instructions with respect to such Securities via the internet, the Custodian and such Fund may enter into a Supplement to this Agreement whereby such Fund will be able to participate in the Custodian’s Electronic Corporate Action Notification Service.

 

(l)            Interest Bearing Deposits.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase interest bearing fixed-term certificates of deposit or call deposits (hereinafter referred to, collectively, as “Interest Bearing Deposits”) for the account of a Fund, the Custodian shall purchase such Interest Bearing Deposits with such banks or trust companies, including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Custodian (hereinafter referred to as “Banking Institutions”), and in such amounts as such Fund may direct pursuant to Instructions. Such Interest Bearing Deposits shall be denominated in U.S. dollars. Interest Bearing Deposits issued by the Custodian shall be in the name of a Fund. Interest Bearing Deposits issued by another Banking Institution may be in the name of the Fund or the Custodian or in the name of the Custodian for its customers generally. The responsibilities of the Custodian to a Fund for Interest Bearing Deposits issued by the Custodian shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing Deposits issued by any other Banking Institution, (a) the Custodian shall be responsible for the collection of income and the transmission of cash to and from such accounts; and (b) the Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the Banking Institution or for the failure of such Banking Institution to pay upon demand.

 

(m)           Foreign Exchange Transactions.

 

(i)             Each Fund may appoint the Custodian as its agent in the execution of all currency exchange transactions. If requested, the Custodian agrees to provide exchange rate and U.S. Dollar information, in writing, or by other means agreeable to both parties, to the Funds.

 

(ii)            Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on behalf of and for the account of a Fund with such currency brokers or Banking Institutions as such Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Instructions. If, in its Instructions, a Fund does not direct the Custodian to utilize a particular currency broker or Banking Institution, the Custodian is authorized to select such currency broker or Banking Institution as it deems appropriate to execute the Fund’s foreign currency transaction. It is understood that all such transactions shall be undertaken by the Custodian as agent for the Funds.

 

(iii)           Each Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of third party foreign exchange brokers and for execution of said foreign exchange contracts and understands that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all costs and interest charges which may be incurred as a result of the failure or delay of its third party broker to deliver foreign exchange. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to the selection of the currency brokers or Banking Institutions with which a Fund deals or the performance or non-performance of such brokers or Banking Institutions.

 

 

 

 

(iv)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon receipt of Instructions the Custodian may, in connection with a foreign exchange contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the form of U.S. Dollars or foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of such foreign exchange contract or confirmation that the countervalue currency completing such contract has been delivered or received.

 

(n)            Pledges or Loans of Securities.

 

(i)             Upon receipt of Instructions from a Fund, the Custodian will release or cause to be released Securities held in custody to the pledgees designated in such Instructions by way of pledge or hypothecation to secure loans incurred by such Fund with various lenders including but not limited to UMB Bank, n.a.; provided, however, that the Securities shall be released only upon payment to the Custodian of the monies borrowed, except that in cases where additional collateral is required to secure existing borrowings, further Securities may be released or delivered, or caused to be released or delivered for that purpose upon receipt of Instructions. Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian will pay, but only from funds available for such purpose, any such loan upon re-delivery to it of the Securities pledged or hypothecated therefor and upon surrender of the note or notes evidencing such loan. In lieu of delivering collateral to a pledgee, the Custodian, on the receipt of Instructions, shall transfer the pledged Securities to a segregated account for the benefit of the pledgee.

 

(ii)            Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian will release securities to a securities lending agent appointed by the Fund and designated in such Instructions. The Custodian shall act upon Instructions from the Fund and/or such agent in order to effect securities lending transactions on behalf of the Fund. For its services in facilitating a Fund’s securities lending activities through such agent, the Custodian may receive from the agent a portion of the agent’s securities lending revenue or a fee directly from the Fund. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any losses arising in connection with the agent’s actions or omissions, including but not limited to the delivery of Securities prior to the receipt of collateral, in the absence of negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian.

 

(o)            Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc.

 

The Custodian shall receive and collect all stock dividends, rights, and other items of like nature and, upon receipt of Instructions, take action with respect to the same as directed in such Instructions.

 

(p)            Routine Dealings.

 

The Custodian will, in general, attend to all routine and operational matters in accordance with industry standards in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer, or other dealings with Securities or other property of each Fund, except as may be otherwise provided in this Agreement or directed from time to time by Instructions from any particular Fund. The Custodian may also make payments to itself or others from the Assets for disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses incidental to handling Securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Agreement, provided that all such payments shall be accounted for in writing with sufficient detail for identification purposes to the appropriate Fund.

 

(q)            Collections.

 

The Custodian shall (a) collect amounts due and payable to each Fund with respect to Securities and other Assets; (b) promptly credit to the account of each Fund all income and other payments relating to Securities and other Assets held by the Custodian hereunder upon Custodian’s receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise agreed in writing by the Custodian and any particular Fund; (c) promptly endorse and deliver any instruments required to effect such collection; and (d) promptly execute ownership and other certificates, affidavits and other documents for all federal, state, local and foreign tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to Securities and other Assets, or in connection with the transfer of such Securities or other Assets; provided, however, that with respect to Securities registered in so-called street name, or physical Securities with variable interest rates, the Custodian shall use its best efforts to collect amounts due and payable to any such Fund. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to Securities or other Assets that are in default.

 

 

 

 

Any advance credit of cash or Securities or other Assets expected to be received shall be subject to actual collection and may, when the Custodian determines collection unlikely, be reversed by the Custodian.

 

(r)            Dividends, Distributions, Repurchases and Redemptions.

 

To enable each Fund to pay dividends or other distributions to shareholders of each such Fund and to make payment to shareholders who have requested repurchase or redemption of their shares of each such Fund (collectively, the “Shares”), the Custodian shall release cash or Securities insofar as available. In the case of cash, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Instructions, transfer such funds by check or wire transfer to any account at any bank or trust company designated by each such Fund in such Instructions. In the case of Securities, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Special Instructions, make such transfer to any entity or account designated by each such Fund in such Special Instructions.

 

(s)            Proceeds from Shares Issued or Sold.

 

The Custodian shall receive funds representing cash payments received for Shares issued or sold from time to time by each Fund, and shall credit such funds to the account of the appropriate Fund. The Custodian shall notify the appropriate Fund of Custodian’s receipt of cash in payment for Shares issued by such Fund by Electronic Communication or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian shall agree. Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver all federal funds received by the Custodian in payment for Shares as may be set forth in such Instructions and at a time agreed upon between the Custodian and such Fund; and (b) make federal funds available to a Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by such Fund and the Custodian, in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares which are deposited to the accounts of such Fund.

 

(t)            Proxies and Notices; Compliance with the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985.

 

The Custodian shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the appropriate Fund, or its designated agent or proxy service provider, all forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or announcements affecting or relating to Securities or Underlying Shares owned by such Fund that are received by the Custodian and, upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and deliver, or cause a Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver such proxies or other authorizations as may be required. Except as directed pursuant to Instructions, the Custodian shall not vote upon any such Securities or Underlying Shares, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or give any consent or take any other action with respect thereto.

 

The Custodian will not release the identity of any Fund to an issuer which requests such information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 for the specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and any such Fund unless a particular Fund directs the Custodian otherwise pursuant to Instructions.

 

 

 

 

(u)            Books and Records.

 

The Custodian shall maintain such records relating to its activities under this Agreement as are required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and to preserve them for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. These records shall be open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents (including independent public accountants) of the appropriate Fund during normal business hours of the Custodian.

 

The Custodian shall provide accountings relating to its activities under this Agreement as shall be agreed upon by each Fund and the Custodian.

 

The Custodian agrees to provide duly authorized officers, employees or agents (including independent public accountants) of each Fund with reasonable access to its compliance personnel, including on-site visits, for the Fund’s compliance program. The Custodian agrees to respond to any requests from each Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer within a reasonable period of time.

 

(v)            Opinion of Fund's Independent Registered Public Accountants.

 

The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as each Fund may request to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from each such Fund’s independent registered public accountants with respect to the Custodian’s activities hereunder and in connection with the preparation of each such Fund’s periodic reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements of the SEC.

 

(w)            Reports by Independent Registered Public Accountants.

 

At the request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a written report, which may be in electronic form, prepared by the Custodian’s independent registered public accountants with respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Custodian’s accounting system, internal accounting control, financial strength and procedures for safeguarding cash, Securities and other Assets, including cash, Securities and other Assets deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian. Such report shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be required by such Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Custodian.

 

(x)            Bills and Other Disbursements.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall pay, or cause to be paid, all bills, statements, or other obligations of a Fund.

 

(y)            (y) Sweep or Automated Cash Management.

 

Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall invest any otherwise uninvested cash of any Fund held by the Custodian in a money market mutual fund, a cash deposit product, or other cash investment vehicle made available by the Custodian from time to time, in accordance with the directions contained in such Instructions. A fee may be charged or a spread may be received by the Custodian for investing the Fund’s otherwise uninvested cash in the available cash investment vehicles or products.

 

 

 

 

The Custodian shall have no responsibility to determine whether any purchases of money market mutual fund shares or any other cash investment vehicle or cash deposit product by or on behalf of the Funds under the terms of this section will cause any Fund to exceed the limitations contained in the 1940 Act on ownership of shares of another registered investment company or any other asset or portfolio restrictions or limitations contained in applicable laws or regulations or the Fund’s prospectus. Provided the Custodian acted in accordance with the general standard of care set forth in Section 6(a) hereof in the execution of such Instructions, each Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian from all losses, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) suffered or incurred by the Custodian as a result of a violation by such Fund of the limitations on ownership of shares of another registered investment company or any other cash investment vehicle or cash deposit product.

 

5.            SUBCUSTODIANS.

 

From time to time, in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Agreement, (i) the Custodian may appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians or Interim Subcustodians to act on behalf of the Fund; and (ii) the Custodian may be directed, pursuant to an agreement between a Fund and the Custodian (“Delegation Agreement”), to appoint a Domestic Subcustodian to perform the duties of the Foreign Custody Manager (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act) (“Approved Foreign Custody Manager”) for such Fund so long as such Domestic Subcustodian is so eligible under the 1940 Act. Such Delegation Agreement shall provide that the appointment of any Domestic Subcustodian as the Approved Foreign Custody Manager must be governed by a written agreement between the Custodian and the Domestic Subcustodian, which provides for compliance with Rule 17f-5. The Approved Foreign Custody Manager may then appoint a Foreign Subcustodian or Interim Subcustodian in accordance with this Section 5. For purposes of this Agreement, all Domestic Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians shall be referred to collectively as “Subcustodians.”

 

(a)            Domestic Subcustodians.

 

The Custodian may, at any time and from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act or any trust company or other entity, any of which meets the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, to act for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund as a subcustodian for purposes of holding Assets of such Fund(s) and performing other functions of the Custodian within the United States (a “Domestic Subcustodian”). The Fund shall approve in writing the appointment of the proposed Domestic Subcustodian; and the Custodian’s appointment of any such Domestic Subcustodian shall not be effective without such prior written approval of the Fund or as otherwise provided under the 1940 Act. Each such duly approved Domestic Subcustodian shall be reflected on Appendix B hereto.

 

(b)            Foreign Subcustodians.

 

(i)            The Approved Foreign Custody Manager may appoint any entity meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian, as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5(a)(1) under the 1940 Act, and which term shall also include a bank that qualifies to serve as a custodian of assets of investment companies under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act or by SEC order is exempt therefrom (each a “Foreign Subcustodian” in the context of either a subcustodian or a sub-subcustodian), provided that the Approved Foreign Custody Manager’s appointments of such Foreign Subcustodians shall at all times be governed by an agreement that complies with Rule 17f-5.

 

 

 

 

(ii)            Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Approved Foreign Custody Manager determines that it will not provide delegation services (i) in a country in which a Fund has directed that the Fund invest in a security or other Asset or (ii) with respect to a specific Foreign Subcustodian which the Fund has directed be used, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the Approved Foreign Custody Manager to, promptly notify the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission, Electronic Communication, or otherwise of the unavailability of the approved Foreign Custody Manager’s delegation services in such country. The Custodian and the Approved Foreign Custody Manager (or Domestic Subcustodian) as applicable, shall be entitled to rely on and shall have no liability or responsibility for following such direction from the Fund as a Special Instruction and shall have no duties or liabilities under this Agreement save those that it may undertake specifically in writing with respect to each particular instance. Upon the receipt of such Special Instructions, the Custodian may, in its absolute discretion, designate, or cause the Approved Foreign Custody Manager to designate, an entity (defined herein as “Interim Subcustodian”) designated by the Fund in such Special Instructions, to hold such security or other Asset. In such event, the Fund represents and warrants that it has made a determination that the arrangement with such Interim Subcustodian satisfies the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (including Rule 17f-5, if applicable). It is further understood that where the Approved Foreign Custody Manager and the Custodian do not agree to provide fully to the Fund the services under this Agreement and the Delegation Agreement with respect to a particular country or specific Foreign Subcustodian, the Fund may delegate such services to another delegate pursuant to Rule 17f-5.

 

(c)            Special Subcustodians.

 

Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall, on behalf of a Fund, appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities designated in such Special Instructions to act for the Custodian on behalf of such Fund as a subcustodian for purposes of: (i) effecting third-party repurchase transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities through the use of a common custodian or subcustodian; (ii) providing depository and clearing agency services with respect to certain variable rate demand note Securities, (iii) providing depository and clearing agency services with respect to dollar denominated Securities; and (iv) effecting any other transactions designated by such Fund in such Special Instructions. Each such designated subcustodian (hereinafter referred to as a “Special Subcustodian”) shall be listed on Appendix B attached hereto, as it may be amended from time to time. In connection with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian may enter into a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian.

 

(d)            Termination of a Subcustodian.

 

The Custodian may, at any time in its discretion upon notification to the appropriate Fund(s), terminate any Subcustodian of such Fund(s) in accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian agreement, and upon the receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall terminate any Subcustodian in accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian agreement.

 

(e)            Information Regarding Foreign Subcustodians.

 

Upon request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver, or cause any Approved Foreign Custody Manager to deliver, to the Fund a letter or list stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Subcustodian then acting on behalf of the Custodian; (ii) the Eligible Securities Depositories (as defined in Section 5(f)) in each foreign market through which each Foreign Subcustodian is then holding cash, securities and other Assets of the Fund; and (iii) such other information as may be requested by the Fund to ensure compliance with rules and regulations under the 1940 Act.

 

(f)            Eligible Securities Depositories.

 

(i)            The Custodian or the Domestic Subcustodian may place and maintain a Fund’s Foreign Assets with an Eligible Securities Depository (as defined in Rule 17f-7, which term shall include any other securities depository for which the SEC by exemptive order has permitted registered investment companies to maintain their assets).

 

 

 

 

(ii)            Upon the request of a Fund, the Custodian shall direct the Domestic Subcustodian to provide to the Fund (including the Fund’s Board of Trustees) and/or the Fund’s adviser or other agent an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining the Fund’s Foreign Assets with such Eligible Securities Depository utilized directly or indirectly by the Custodian or the Domestic Subcustodian as of the date hereof (or, in the case of an Eligible Securities Depository not so utilized as of the date hereof, prior to the placement of the Fund’s Foreign Assets at such depository) and at which any Foreign Assets of the Fund are held or are expected to be held. The Custodian shall direct the Domestic Subcustodian to monitor the custody risks associated with maintaining the Fund’s Foreign Assets at each such Eligible Securities Depository on a continuing basis and shall promptly notify the Fund or its adviser of any material changes in such risks through the Approved Foreign Custody Manager’s letter, market alerts or other periodic correspondence.

 

(iii)           The Custodian shall direct the Domestic Subcustodian to determine the eligibility under Rule 17f-7 of each foreign securities depository before maintaining the Fund’s Foreign Assets therewith and shall promptly advise the Fund if any Eligible Securities Depository ceases to be so eligible. Notwithstanding Subsection 17(c) hereof, Eligible Securities Depositories may, subject to Rule 17f-7, be added to or deleted from such list from time to time.

 

(iv)           Withdrawal of Assets. If an arrangement with an Eligible Securities Depository no longer meets the requirements of Rule 17f-7, the Custodian shall direct the Domestic Subcustodian to withdraw the Fund’s Foreign Assets from such depository as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

(v)            Standard of Care. In fulfilling its responsibilities under this Section 5(f), the Custodian will exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence.

 

6.            STANDARD OF CARE.

 

(a)            General Standard of Care.

 

The Custodian shall exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duties hereunder. The Custodian shall be liable to a Fund for all losses, damages and reasonable costs and expenses suffered or incurred by such Fund resulting from a material breach of this Agreement, or the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian; provided, however, in no event shall the Custodian be liable for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

(b)            Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Etc.

 

In no event shall the Custodian incur liability hereunder if the Custodian or any Subcustodian or Securities System, or any Subcustodian, Eligible Securities Depository utilized by any such Subcustodian, or any nominee of the Custodian or any Subcustodian (individually, a “Person”) is prevented, forbidden or delayed from performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of: (i) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction (and neither the Custodian nor any other Person shall be obligated to take any action contrary thereto); or (ii) any “Force Majeure,” which for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean any circumstance or event which is beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian, a Subcustodian or any agent of the Custodian or a Subcustodian and which adversely affects the performance by the Custodian of its obligations hereunder, by the Subcustodian of its obligations under its subcustodian agreement or by any other agent of the Custodian or the Subcustodian, unless in each case, such delay or nonperformance is caused by the material breach of this Agreement, fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian. Such Force Majeure events may include any event caused by, arising out of or involving (a) an act of God, (b) accident, fire, water damage or explosion, (c) any computer, system outage or downtime or other equipment failure or malfunction caused by any computer virus or any other reason or the malfunction or failure of any communications medium, (d) any interruption of the power supply or other utility service, (e) any strike or other work stoppage, whether partial or total, except in respect of one’s own personnel, (f) any delay or disruption resulting from or reflecting the occurrence of any Sovereign Risk (as defined below), (g) any disruption of, or suspension of trading in, the securities, commodities or foreign exchange markets, whether or not resulting from or reflecting the occurrence of any Sovereign Risk, (h) any encumbrance on the transferability of cash, currency or a currency position on the actual settlement date of a foreign exchange transaction, whether or not resulting from or reflecting the occurrence of any Sovereign Risk, or (i) any other cause similarly beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian.

 

 

 

 

Subject to the Custodian’s general standard of care set forth in Subsection 6(a) hereof and the requirements of Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and Rules 17f-5 and 17f-7 thereunder, the Custodian shall not incur liability hereunder if any Person is prevented, forbidden or delayed from performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides shall be performed or omitted to be performed by reason of any (i) “Sovereign Risk,” which for the purpose of this Agreement shall mean, in respect of any jurisdiction, including but not limited to the United States of America, where investments are acquired or held under this Agreement, (a) any act of war, terrorism, riot, insurrection or civil commotion, (b) the imposition of any investment, repatriation or exchange control restrictions by any governmental authority, (c) the confiscation, expropriation or nationalization of any investments by any governmental authority, whether de facto or de jure, (d) any devaluation or revaluation of the currency, (e) the imposition of taxes, levies or other charges affecting investments, (f) any change in the applicable law, or (g) any other economic, systemic or political risk incurred or experienced that is not directly related to the economic or financial conditions of the Eligible Foreign Custodian, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Delegation Agreement, or (ii) “Country Risk,” which for the purpose of this Agreement shall mean, with respect to the acquisition, ownership, settlement or custody of investments in a jurisdiction, all risks relating to, or arising in consequence of, systemic and market factors affecting the acquisition, payment for or ownership of investments, including (a) the prevalence of crime and corruption in such jurisdiction, (b) the inaccuracy or unreliability of business and financial information (unrelated to the Approved Foreign Custody Manager’s duties imposed by Rule 17f-5(c) under the 1940 Act or to the duties imposed on the Custodian by Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act), (c) the instability or volatility of banking and financial systems, or the absence or inadequacy of an infrastructure to support such systems, (d) custody and settlement infrastructure of the market in which such investments are transacted and held, (e) the acts, omissions and operation of any Eligible Securities Depository, it being understood that this provision shall not excuse the Custodian’s performance under the express terms of this Agreement, (f) the risk of the bankruptcy or insolvency of banking agents, counterparties to cash and securities transactions, registrars or transfer agents, (g) the existence of market conditions which prevent the orderly execution or settlement of transactions or which affect the value of assets, and (h) the laws relating to the safekeeping and recovery of a Fund’s Foreign Assets held in custody pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that, in compliance with Rule 17f-5, neither Sovereign Risk nor Country Risk shall include the custody risk of a particular Eligible Foreign Custodian of a Fund’s Foreign Assets.

 

 

 

 

(c)            Liability for Past Records.

 

Neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall have any liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by a Fund, insofar as such loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the Custodian or any Domestic Subcustodian in reliance upon records that were maintained for such Fund by entities other than the Custodian or any Domestic Subcustodian prior to the Custodian’s employment hereunder.

 

(d)            Advice of Counsel.

 

The Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be entitled to receive and act upon advice of counsel of its own choosing on all matters. The Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be without liability for any actions taken or omitted in good faith pursuant to the advice of counsel.

 

(e)            Advice of the Fund and Others.

 

The Custodian and any Domestic Subcustodian may rely upon the advice of any Fund and upon statements of such Fund’s accountants and other persons believed by it in good faith to be expert in matters upon which they are consulted, and neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall be liable for any actions taken or omitted, in good faith, pursuant to such advice or statements.

 

(f)            Information Services.

 

The Custodian may rely upon information received from issuers of Securities or other Assets or agents of such issuers, information received from Subcustodians or depositories, information from data reporting services that provide detail on corporate actions and other securities information, and other commercially reasonable industry sources; and, provided the Custodian has acted in accordance with the standard of care set forth in Section 6 (a), the Custodian shall have no liability as a result of relying upon such information sources, including but not limited to errors in any such information.

 

(g)           Instructions Appearing to be Genuine.

 

The Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be fully protected and indemnified in acting as a custodian hereunder upon any resolutions of the Board of Trustees, Instructions, Special Instructions, advice, notice, request, consent, certificate, instrument or paper appearing to it to be genuine and to have been properly executed and shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, be entitled to receive as conclusive proof of any fact or matter required to be ascertained from any Fund hereunder a certificate signed by any officer of such Fund authorized to countersign or confirm Special Instructions. The Custodian shall have no liability for any losses, damages or expenses incurred by a Fund arising from the use of a non-secure form of email or other non-secure electronic system or process.

 

(h)           No Investment Advice.

 

The Custodian shall have no duty to assess the risks inherent in Securities or other Assets or to provide investment advice, accounting or other valuation services regarding any such Securities or other Assets.

 

(i)             Exceptions from Liability.

 

Without limiting the generality of any other provisions hereof, neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall be under any duty or obligation to inquire into, nor be liable for:

 

(i)            the validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by or for any Fund, the legality of the purchase thereof or evidence of ownership required to be received by any such Fund, or the propriety of the decision to purchase or amount paid therefor;

 

 

 

 

(ii)            the legality of the sale, transfer or movement of any Securities by or for any Fund, or the propriety of the amount for which the same were sold; or

 

(iii)            any other expenditures, encumbrances of Securities, borrowings or similar actions with respect to any Fund’s Assets;

 

and may, until notified to the contrary, presume that all Instructions or Special Instructions received by it are not in conflict with or in any way contrary to any provisions of any such Fund’s organizational documents or votes or proceedings of the shareholders, Trustees or officers of any such Fund, or any such Fund’s currently effective Registration Statement on file with the SEC.

 

7.            LIABILITY OF THE CUSTODIAN FOR ACTIONS OF OTHERS.

 

(a)            Domestic Subcustodians.

 

Except as provided in Section 7(d), the Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian to the same extent as if such actions or omissions were performed by the Custodian itself.

 

(b)            Liability for Acts and Omissions of Foreign Subcustodians.

 

The Custodian shall be liable to a Fund for any loss or damage to such Fund caused by or resulting from the acts or omissions of any Foreign Subcustodian to the extent that, under the terms set forth in the subcustodian agreement between the Custodian or a Domestic Subcustodian and such Foreign Subcustodian, the Foreign Subcustodian has failed to perform in accordance with the standard of care imposed under such subcustodian agreement, which standard of care shall be substantially similar to the standard of care imposed on the Custodian by this Agreement, and the Custodian or Domestic Subcustodian recovers from the Foreign Subcustodian under the applicable subcustodian agreement.

 

(c)            Securities Systems, Interim Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, Eligible Securities Depositories.

 

The Custodian shall not be liable to any Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund resulting from or occasioned by the actions or omissions of a Securities System, Interim Subcustodian, Special Subcustodian, or Eligible Securities Depository unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian.

 

(d)            Failure of Third Parties.

 

The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by any Fund resulting from or occasioned by the actions, omissions, neglects, defaults, insolvency or other failure of any (i) issuer of any Securities or Underlying Shares, or of any agent of such issuer; (ii) any counterparty with respect to any Security or other Asset, including any issuer of any option, futures, derivatives or commodities contract; (iii) investment adviser or other agent of a Fund; or (iv) any broker, bank, trust company or any other person with whom the Custodian may deal (other than any of such entities acting as a Subcustodian, Securities System or Eligible Securities Depository, for whose actions the liability of the Custodian is set out elsewhere in this Agreement); or (v) any agent or depository (including but not limited to a securities lending agent or precious metals depository) with whom the Custodian may deal at the direction of, and behalf of, a Fund; unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian or the Custodian’s breach of the terms of any contract between the Fund and the Custodian.

 

 

 

 

(e)            Transfer Agents.

 

The Custodian shall not be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from the maintenance of Underlying Shares with a Transfer Agent except for losses resulting directly from the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian.

 

8.            INDEMNIFICATION.

 

(a)            Indemnification by Fund.

 

Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, each Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees from all losses, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) suffered or incurred by the Custodian or its nominee caused by or arising from actions taken by the Custodian, its employees or agents in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any indemnification obligations undertaken by the Custodian under any relevant subcustodian agreement; provided, however, that (i) such indemnity shall not apply to the extent the Custodian is liable under Sections 6 or 7 hereof and (ii) any indemnification obligation undertaken by the Custodian with respect to a Subcustodian shall not indemnify the Subcustodian for its negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct.

 

If any Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to Securities, Underlying Shares or other Assets, which action involves the payment of money or which may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to such Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, such Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to it.

 

The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian for any action the Custodian takes or does not take in reliance upon Instructions or Special Instructions, including but not limited to Instructions or Special Instructions to prepare, sign and submit Subscription Agreements or other Writings on behalf of the Manager or the Fund, except for such action or inaction resulting from the Custodian’s negligence or willful misconduct or if the Custodian follows an Instruction or Written Instruction expressly forbidden by this Agreement. The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian for any claim against the Custodian arising out of the investment by the Fund in Underlying Shares for which Subscription Agreements are prepared, signed or submitted by Custodian or any agent of the Custodian or Subcustodian engaged by the Custodian in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b)            Indemnification by Custodian.

 

Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Custodian agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Fund from all losses, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees but with the exception of those damages and expenses referenced in Section 6(a)) suffered or incurred by each such Fund caused by a material breach of this Agreement or the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian.

 

 

 

 

9.            ADVANCES.

 

In the event that the Custodian or any Subcustodian, Securities System, or Eligible Securities Depository acting either directly or indirectly under agreement with the Custodian (each of which for purposes of this Section 9 shall be referred to as “Custodian”), makes any payment or transfer of funds on behalf of any Fund as to which there would be, at the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer, insufficient funds held by the Custodian on behalf of any such Fund, the Custodian may, in its discretion without further Instructions, provide an advance (“Advance”) to any such Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the completion of the transaction by reason of which such payment or transfer of funds is to be made. In addition, in the event the Custodian is directed by Instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on behalf of any Fund as to which it is subsequently determined that such Fund has overdrawn its cash account with the Custodian as of the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer, said overdraft shall constitute an Advance. Any Advance shall be payable by the Fund on behalf of which the Advance was made on demand by Custodian, unless otherwise agreed by such Fund and the Custodian, and shall accrue interest from the date of the Advance to the date of payment by such Fund to the Custodian at a rate determined from time to time by the Custodian and charged to similarly situated customers of the Custodian. It is understood that any transaction in respect of which the Custodian shall have made an Advance, including but not limited to a foreign exchange contract or transaction in respect of which the Custodian is not acting as a principal, is for the account of and at the risk of the Fund on behalf of which the Advance was made, and not, by reason of such Advance, deemed to be a transaction undertaken by the Custodian for its own account and risk. The Custodian and each of the Funds which are parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the purpose of Advances is to finance temporarily the purchase or sale of Securities for prompt delivery in accordance with the settlement terms of such transactions or to meet emergency expenses not reasonably foreseeable by a Fund. The Custodian shall promptly notify the appropriate Fund of any Advance. Such notification may be communicated by telephone, Electronic Communication or facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Custodian may choose. Nothing herein shall be deemed to create an obligation on the part of the Custodian to advance monies to a Fund.

 

10.            SECURITY INTEREST.

 

To secure the due and prompt payment of all Advances, together with any taxes, charges, fees, expenses, assessments, obligations, claims or liabilities incurred by the Custodian in connection with its performance of any duties under this Agreement (collectively, “Liabilities”), except for any Liabilities arising from the Custodian’s negligence or willful misconduct, each Fund grants to the Custodian a security interest in all of the Fund’s Securities and other Assets now or hereafter in the possession of the Custodian and all proceeds thereof (collectively, the “Collateral”). A Fund shall promptly reimburse the Custodian for any and all such Liabilities. In the event that a Fund fails to satisfy any of the Liabilities as and when due and payable, the Custodian shall have in respect of the Collateral, in addition to all other rights and remedies arising hereunder or under local law, the rights and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code. Without prejudice to the Custodian’s rights under applicable law, the Custodian shall be entitled, upon prior written notice to the Fund, to withhold delivery of any Collateral, sell, set-off, or otherwise realize upon or dispose of any such Collateral and to apply the money or other proceeds and any other monies credited to the Fund in satisfaction of the Liabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, any interest on any such unpaid Liability as the Custodian deems reasonable, and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) incurred by the Custodian in connection with the sale, set-off or other disposition of such Collateral. If a Fund borrows money from any bank (including the Custodian or any affiliate thereof if the borrowing is pursuant to a separate agreement) for investment or for temporary or emergency purposes using Securities or other Assets held by the Custodian hereunder as collateral for such borrowings, the Custodian may keep the collateral in its possession, but such collateral shall be subject to the terms of such collateral control, or similar agreement, entered into by such Fund, the Custodian and such lending bank.

 

 

 

 

11.            COMPENSATION.

 

Each Fund will pay to the Custodian such compensation as is set forth on Schedule A hereto, or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Custodian and each such Fund from time to time. In addition, each Fund shall reimburse the Custodian for all documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Custodian in connection with this Agreement, but excluding salaries and usual overhead expenses. Custodian shall notify a Fund if out-of-pocket expenses exceed $1,000 in any calendar month. Such compensation and expenses shall be billed to each such Fund and paid in cash to the Custodian.

 

12.            POWERS OF ATTORNEY.

 

Upon request, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with the performance by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of their respective obligations under this Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement.

 

13.            TAX LAWS.

 

The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now or hereafter imposed on a Fund or on the Custodian as custodian for such Fund by the tax law of any country or of any state or political subdivision thereof. Each Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian for and against any such obligations including taxes, tax reclaims, withholding and reporting requirements, claims for exemption or refund, additions for late payment, interest, penalties and other expenses (including legal expenses) that may be assessed against the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of a Fund.

 

14.            TERM AND ASSIGNMENT.

 

This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to each Fund for a two-year period beginning on the date of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”). Thereafter, if not terminated as provided herein, the Agreement shall continue automatically in effect as to each Fund for successive annual periods (each a “Renewal Term”). Furthermore, either party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon (i) the breach by the other party of any material term of this Agreement (if such breach is not cured within forty-five (45) days of notice of such breach to the breaching party) or (ii) the commencement of any proceeding or investigation determining any material breach of law by the other party. Additionally, each Fund may terminate the Agreement in the event of its liquidation.

 

In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Fund prior to the end of the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term (except due to an uncured material breach by the Custodian or upon a Fund’s liquidation), the Fund shall be obligated to pay the Custodian the remaining balance of the fees payable to the Custodian under this Agreement through the end of the Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Either party may terminate this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term or at the end of any successive Renewal Term (the “Termination Date”) by giving the other party a written notice not less than ninety (90) days’ prior to the end of the respective term. Upon termination of this Agreement, the appropriate Fund shall pay to the Custodian such fees as may be due the Custodian hereunder as well as its reimbursable disbursements, costs and expenses paid or incurred. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Custodian shall deliver, at the terminating party’s expense, all Assets held by it hereunder to a successor custodian designated by the Fund or, if a successor custodian is not designated, then to the appropriate Fund or as otherwise designated by such Fund by Special Instructions. Upon such delivery, the Custodian shall have no further obligations or liabilities under this Agreement except as to the final resolution of matters relating to activity occurring prior to the effective date of termination. In the event that for any reason Securities or other Assets remain in the possession of the Custodian after the date such termination shall take effect, the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation at the same rates as agreed to by the Custodian and the Funds during the term of this Agreement as set forth in Section 11.

 

 

 

 

This Agreement may not be assigned by the Custodian or any Fund without the respective consent of the other and any such assignment shall be void ab initio.

 

15.            ADDITIONAL FUNDS.

 

An additional Fund or Funds may become a party to this Agreement after the date hereof by an instrument in writing to such effect signed by such Fund or Funds and the Custodian. If this Agreement is terminated as to one or more of the Funds (but less than all of the Funds) or if an additional Fund or Funds shall become a party to this Agreement, there shall be delivered to each party an Appendix A or an amended Appendix A, signed by each of the additional Funds (if any) and each of the remaining Funds as well as the Custodian, deleting or adding such Fund or Funds, as the case may be. The termination of this Agreement as to less than all of the Funds shall not affect the obligations of the Custodian and the remaining Funds hereunder as set forth on the signature page hereto and in Appendix A as revised from time to time.

 

16.            NOTICES.

 

As to each Fund, notices, requests, instructions and other writings delivered to: the applicable Fund(s), c/o Ares Capital Management II LLC, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10167, Attn: Ian Fitzgerald, postage prepaid, or to such other address as the any particular Fund may have designated to the Custodian in writing, shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given to a Fund.

 

Notices, requests, instructions and other writings delivered to the Custodian at its office at 928 Grand Blvd., 10th Floor, Attn: Amy Small, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, postage prepaid, or to such other addresses as the Custodian may have designated to each Fund in writing, shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given to the Custodian hereunder; provided, however, that procedures for the delivery of Instructions and Special Instructions shall be governed by Section 2(c) hereof.

 

17.            CONFIDENTIALITY; CYBERSECURITY; BUSINESS CONTINUITY.

 

The parties agree that all Information, books and records provided by the Custodian or the Funds to each other in connection with this Agreement, and all information provided by either party pertaining to its business or operations, is “Confidential Information.” For clarity, any and all information regarding a Fund’s portfolio holdings and transactions is Confidential Information. All Confidential Information shall be used by the party receiving such information only for the purpose of providing or obtaining services under this Agreement and, except as may be required to carry out the terms of this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any other party without the express consent of the party providing such Confidential Information. The foregoing limitations shall not apply to any information that is available to the general public other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement, or that is required to be disclosed by or to any entity having regulatory authority over a party hereto or any auditor of a party hereto or that is required to be disclosed as a result of a subpoena or other judicial process, or otherwise by applicable laws.

 

 

 

 

The Custodian shall implement and maintain (and require any of its sub-processors, agents and affiliates that have access to Fund Confidential Information to maintain) commercially reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, physical, and organizational safeguards designed to: (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of the Fund Confidential Information; (ii) protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of the Fund Confidential Information; (iii) protect against unauthorized or unlawful access to or use of the Fund Confidential Information and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, the Fund Confidential Information; and (iv) ensure that the Fund Confidential Information and any associated hardware, system, or software are housed in physically secure premises with adequate fire protection and facility access controls. Custodian will review and test such safeguards on no less than an annual basis. Custodian shall promptly notify the Funds of any unauthorized access to any Fund Confidential Information and of any other material breaches of security. Custodian shall reasonably cooperate with the Funds to ensure that the Funds are not negatively affected by any such occurrences or to promptly mitigate the effects of same on the Funds. In addition, Custodian shall cause a SSAE 16, SOC 1, Type II (or any successor standard adopted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) to be performed once each calendar year with respect to the systems and facilities used in connection with the services provided hereunder, and will provide the Funds, at their request, with a copy of the resulting reports Custodian receives.

 

The Custodian shall maintain commercially reasonable business continuity plans that are reasonably designed to minimize the impact of service disruptions, and to enable the Custodian’s business operations to be promptly restored following such disruptions. Such business continuity plans will, at a minimum: (a) address all critical functions and operations of the services provided hereunder; (b) specify recovery time frames for each critical function and operation of the services hereunder; (c) be thoroughly tested at least annually; and (d) be regularly updated to the extent necessary. Upon reasonable advance written request by a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a copy of such business continuity plan. Upon request by a Fund, the Custodian shall provide the Fund a copy of the most-recent report on the testing of the business continuity plans, along with a summary of any changes thereto, or any corrective actions or improvements made.

 

18.            ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE.

 

Each Fund represents and warrants that, to the extent applicable, it has established and maintain policies and procedures designed to meet the requirements imposed by the USA PATRIOT Act, including policies and procedures designed to detect and prevent money laundering, including those required by the USA PATRIOT Act. The Funds agree to provide to the Custodian, from time to time upon the request of the Custodian, certifications regarding its compliance with applicable requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and other anti-money laundering laws. APMF acknowledges that, because the Custodian will not have information regarding the shareholders of the Fund, the Fund will assume responsibility for customer identification and verification and other CIP requirements in regard to such shareholders.

 

19.            MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a)            This Agreement is executed and delivered in the State of Missouri and shall be governed by the laws of such state.

 

(b)            All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

(c)            No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived in any manner except in writing, properly executed by both parties hereto; provided, however, Appendix B may be amended from time to time as Domestic Subcustodians, Securities Systems, and Special Subcustodians are approved or terminated according to the terms of this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

(d)            The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only, and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.

 

(e)            This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of execution hereof.

 

(f)            This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(g)            If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if this Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid.

 

(h)            Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Delegation Agreement (if applicable), as amended from time to time, constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the parties thereto with respect to the subject matter therein and accordingly, supersedes as of the effective date of this Agreement any custodian agreement heretofore in effect between the Funds and the Custodian.

 

(i)             The rights and obligations contained in Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 17 of this Agreement shall continue, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement, in order to fulfill the intention of the parties as described in such Sections.

 

[Signature page to follow.]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Custody Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers.

 

  ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
   
Attest: By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  
    Date:  
   
   
  ARES LANDMARK PRIVATE MARKETS FUND-D, LLC
   
Attest: By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  
    Date:  
   
   
  ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND BLOCKER, LLC
   
Attest: By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  
    Date:  
   
   
  ARES LANDMARK PRIVATE MARKETS FUND-D BLOCKER, LLC
   
Attest: By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  
    Date:  
   
   
  UMB BANK, N.A.
   
Attest: By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  
    Date:  

 

 

 

 

Schedule A

 

Fees

 

[Information Omitted].

 

 Schedule A-1 

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

 

The following Funds are parties to this Agreement and agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement:

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D, LLC (not registered under the 1940 Act)

Ares Private Markets Fund Blocker, LLC (not registered under the 1940 Act)

Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D Blocker, LLC (not registered under the 1940 Act)

 

As of                , 2022

 

 Appendix A-1 

 

 

APPENDIX B

 

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

 

The following Subcustodians and Securities Systems are approved for use in connection with the Custody Agreement dated __________, 2022, as revised __________, 2022.

 

SECURITIES SYSTEMS:

 

Depository Trust Company
Federal Book Entry

 

SPECIAL SUBCUSTODIANS:

 

DOMESTIC SUBCUSTODIANS:

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (Foreign Securities Only)

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND   UMB BANK, N.A.
     
By:     By:  
  Name:       Name:  
  Title:       Title:  
  Date:       Date:  

 

ARES LANDMARK PRIVATE MARKETS FUND-D, LLC   ARES LANDMARK PRIVATE MARKETS FUND-D BLOCKER, LLC
     
By:     By:  
  Name:       Name:  
  Title:       Title:  
  Date:       Date:  

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND BLOCKER, LLC    
     
By:      
  Name:      
  Title:      
  Date:      

 

 Appendix B-1 

 

Exhibit 99.k1

 

Services Agreement

 

This Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of [        ], 2022 (the “Effective Date”) by and among:

 

1.ALPS Fund Services, Inc., a corporation incorporated in the State of Colorado (“SS&C ALPS”);

 

2.DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., a company incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“SS&C DST,” and collectively with SS&C ALPS, “SS&C”); and

 

3.Ares Private Markets Fund, a Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company (collectively with its wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiaries as shown in Schedule B hereto, as such may be amended from time to time, the “Fund”).

 

Fund, SS&C ALPS, SS&C DST and SS&C each may be referred to individually as a “Party” or collectively as “Parties.”

 

1.Definitions; Interpretation

 

1.1.          As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

(a)            “Action” means any civil, criminal, regulatory or administrative lawsuit, allegation, demand, claim, counterclaim, action, dispute, sanction, suit, request, inquiry, investigation, arbitration or proceeding, in each case, made, asserted, commenced or threatened by any Person (including any Government Authority).

 

(b)            “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with such Person and “control” of a Person means: (i) ownership of, or possession of the right to vote, more than 25% of the outstanding voting equity of that Person or (ii) the (x) right to control the appointment of the board of directors or analogous governing body, management or executive officers of that Person or (y) the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person by contract or otherwise.

 

(c)            “Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.

 

(d)            “Claim” means any Action arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this Agreement, its formation or the Services.

 

(e)            “Client Data” means all data of Fund (or, if Management receives Services on behalf of Fund, Management), including data related to securities trades and other transaction data, investment returns, issue descriptions, and Market Data provided by Fund or Management and all output and derivatives thereof, necessary to enable SS&C to perform the Services, but excluding SS&C Property.

 

(f)            “Confidential Information” means any information about Fund, Management or SS&C, including this Agreement, except for information that (i) is or becomes part of the public domain without breach of this Agreement by the receiving Party, (ii) was rightfully acquired from a third party, or is developed independently, by the receiving Party, or (iii) is generally known by Persons in the technology, securities, or financial services industries.

 

(g)            “Data Supplier” means a supplier of Market Data.

 

(h)            “Governing Documents” means the constitutional documents of an entity and, with respect to Fund, all minutes of meetings of the board of directors or analogous governing body and of shareholders meetings, and any registration statements, offering memorandum, subscription materials, board or committee charters, policies and procedures, investment advisory agreements, other material agreements, and other disclosure or operational documents utilized by Fund in connection with its operations, the offering of any of its securities or interests to investors, all as amended from time to time.

 

(i)            “Government Authority” means any relevant administrative, judicial, executive, legislative or other governmental or intergovernmental entity, department, agency, commission, board, bureau or court, and any other regulatory or self-regulatory organizations, in any country or jurisdiction.

 

(j)            “Law” means statutes, rules, regulations, interpretations and orders of any Government Authority.

 

 

 

 

(k)            “Losses” means any and all compensatory, direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary, enhanced or other damages, settlement payments, attorneys’ fees, costs, damages, charges, expenses, interest, applicable taxes or other losses of any kind.

 

(l)             “Management” means Fund’s officers, trustees, employees, and then current investment adviser and sub-advisor(s) (if any), including any officers, directors, employees or agents of the then current investment adviser and sub-advisor(s) (if applicable) who are responsible for the day to day operations and management of Fund.

 

(m)           “Market Data” means third party market and reference data, including pricing, valuation, security master, corporate action and related data.

 

(n)            “Person” means any natural person or corporate or unincorporated entity or organization and that person’s personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

 

(o)            “Services” means the services listed in Schedule A.

 

(p)            “SS&C Associates” means SS&C and each of its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, successors or assigns.

 

(q)            “SS&C Property” means all hardware, software, source code, data, report designs, spreadsheet formulas, information gathering or reporting techniques, know-how, technology and all other property commonly referred to as intellectual property used by SS&C in connection with its performance of the Services.

 

(r)            “Third Party Claim” means a Claim (i) brought by any Person other than the indemnifying Party or (ii) brought by a Party on behalf of or that could otherwise be asserted by a third party.

 

1.2.          Other capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined in this Section 1 shall have the meanings ascribed thereto.

 

1.3.          Section and Schedule headings shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement includes the schedules and appendices hereto. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and such schedules or appendices, the former shall control.

 

1.4.          Words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular. The words “including,” “includes,” “included” and “include”, when used, are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of analogous import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

 

1.5.          The Parties’ duties and obligations are governed by and limited to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement, and shall not be modified, supplemented, amended or interpreted in accordance with, any industry custom or practice, or any internal policies or procedures of any Party. The Parties have mutually negotiated the terms hereof and there shall be no presumption of law relating to the interpretation of contracts against the drafter.

 

2.Services and Fees

 

2.1.          Subject to the terms of this Agreement, SS&C will perform the Services set forth in Schedule A for Fund. SS&C shall be under no duty or obligation to perform any service except as specifically listed in Schedule A or take any other action except as specifically listed in Schedule A or this Agreement, and no other duties or obligations, including, valuation related, fiduciary or analogous duties or obligations, shall be implied. Fund requests to change the Services, including those necessitated by a change to the Governing Documents of Fund or a changes in applicable Law, will only be binding on SS&C when they are reflected in an amendment to Schedule A.

 

2.2.          Fund agrees to pay, the fees, charges and expenses in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the fee letter (the “Fee Letter”), which may be amended from time to time. The Fee Letter is incorporated by reference into this Agreement and subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

2.3.          In carrying out its duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement, some or all Services may be delegated by SS&C to (i) one or more of its Affiliates or (ii) with the prior written consent of Fund (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or revoked), other Persons, provided that such Persons are selected in good faith and with reasonable care and are monitored by SS&C. If SS&C delegates any Services, (i) such delegation shall not relieve SS&C of its duties and obligations hereunder, (ii) in respect of Client Data, such delegation shall be subject to a written agreement obliging the delegate to comply with the relevant delegated duties and obligations of SS&C, and (iii) if required by applicable Law, SS&C will identify such agents and the Services delegated and will update Fund when making any material changes in sufficient detail to enable Fund to object to a particular arrangement.

 

2 of 25

 

 

2.4.          [Reserved]

 

3.Responsibilities

 

3.1.          The management and control of Fund are vested exclusively in Fund’s board of trustees (“Board”) and, as delegated by the Board, certain Management entities, subject to the terms and provisions of Fund’s Governing Documents. Fund and its Management is responsible for and will make all decisions, perform all management functions relating to the operation of Fund, and shall authorize and are responsible for all transactions. Without limiting the foregoing, Fund shall:

 

(a)            Designate properly qualified individuals to oversee the Services and establish and maintain internal controls, including monitoring the ongoing activities of Fund.

 

(b)            Evaluate the accuracy and accept responsibility for the results of the Services, review and approve all reports, analyses and records resulting from the Services and promptly inform SS&C of any errors it is in a position to identify.

 

(c)            Provide, or cause to be provided, and accept responsibility for, valuations of Fund’s assets and liabilities in accordance with Fund’s written valuation policies.

 

(d)            Provide SS&C with timely and accurate information including trading and Fund investor records, valuations and any other items required by SS&C in order to perform the Services and its duties and obligations hereunder.

 

3.2.          The Services, including any services that involve price comparison to vendors and other sources, model or analytical pricing or any other pricing functions, are provided by SS&C as a support function to Fund and do not limit or modify Fund’s responsibility for determining the value of Fund’s assets and liabilities.

 

3.3.          Fund is solely and exclusively responsible for ensuring that it complies with applicable Law and its Governing Documents. It is Fund’s responsibility to provide all final Governing Documents as of the Effective Date. Fund will notify SS&C in writing of any changes to its Governing Documents that may materially impact the Services and/or that affect Fund’s investment strategy, liquidity or risk profile in any material respect. Except as otherwise set forth herein, SS&C is not responsible for monitoring compliance by Fund or Management with (i) Law, (ii) Fund's Governing Documents or (iii) any investment restrictions.

 

3.4.          In the event that Market Data is supplied to or through SS&C Associates in connection with the Services, the Market Data is proprietary to Data Suppliers and is provided on a limited internal-use license basis. Market Data may: (i) only be used by Fund and Management in connection with the Services and (ii) not be disseminated by Fund or Management or used to populate internal systems in lieu of obtaining a data license. Access to and delivery of Market Data is dependent on the Data Suppliers and may be interrupted or discontinued with or without notice. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither SS&C nor any Data Supplier shall be liable to Fund or any other Person for any Losses with respect to Market Data, reliance by SS&C Associates or Fund on Market Data provided by a Data Provider or the provision of Market Data in connection with this Agreement.

 

3.5.          Fund shall deliver, and make reasonable best efforts to ensure that its agents, prime brokers, counterparties, brokers, counsel, advisors, auditors, clearing agents, and any other Persons acting on its behalf promptly deliver, to SS&C, all Client Data and the then most current version of all Fund Governing Documents and any other material agreements relating to Fund. Fund shall deliver or arrange with each such Person to deliver such information and materials on a timely basis.

 

3.6.          Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, so long as they act in good faith, SS&C Associates shall be entitled to rely on the authenticity, completeness and accuracy of any and all information and communications of whatever nature received by SS&C Associates in connection with the performance of the Services and SS&C’s duties and obligations hereunder, without further enquiry or liability.

 

3 of 25

 

 

3.7.          Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if SS&C is in doubt as to any action it should or should not take in its provision of Services, SS&C Associates may request directions, advice or instructions from Fund, or Management. If SS&C is in doubt as to any question of law pertaining to any action it should or should not take, Fund will make available to and SS&C Associates may request advice from counsel for any of Fund, Fund’s independent board members or Management (including its investment adviser or sub-adviser), each at Fund’s reasonable expense.

 

4.Term

 

4.1.          The initial term of this Agreement will be from the Effective Date through the date ending August 3, 2023 (“Initial Term”). Thereafter, this Agreement will automatically renew for successive terms of one (1) year each unless either SS&C or Fund provides the other with a written notice of termination at least 90 calendar days prior to the commencement of any successive term (such periods, in the aggregate, the “Term”).

 

5.Termination

 

5.1.          SS&C or Fund also may, by written notice to the other, terminate this Agreement if any of the following events occur:

 

(a)            The other Party breaches any material term, condition or provision of this Agreement, which breach, if capable of being cured, is not cured within 30 calendar days after the non-breaching Party gives the other Party written notice of such breach.

 

(b)            The other Party (i) liquidates, terminates or suspends its business, (ii) becomes insolvent, admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or becomes subject to direct control of a trustee, receiver or analogous authority, (iii) becomes subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency or analogous proceeding, (iv) where the other Party is Fund, it becomes subject to a material Action or an Action that SS&C reasonably determines could cause SS&C reputational harm, or (v) where the other Party is Fund, material changes in Fund’s Governing Documents or the assumptions set forth in Section 1 of the Fee Letter are determined by SS&C, in its reasonable discretion, to materially affect the Services or to be materially adverse to SS&C.

 

If any such event occurs, the termination will become effective on the date stated in the written notice of termination, which date shall not be less than 90 calendar days from the date of such notice of termination.

 

5.2.          [RESERVED]

 

5.3.          Upon delivery of a termination notice, subject to the receipt by SS&C of all then-due fees, charges and expenses, SS&C shall continue to provide the Services up to the effective date of the termination notice; thereafter, SS&C shall have no obligation to perform any services of any type unless and to the extent set forth in an amendment to Schedule A executed by SS&C. In the event of the termination of this Agreement, SS&C shall provide exit assistance by promptly supplying requested Client Data to Fund, or any other Person(s) designated by such entities, in formats already prepared in the course of providing the Services; provided that all fees, charges and expenses have been paid, including any minimum fees set forth in the Fee Letter for the balance of the unexpired portion of the Term. In the event that Fund wishes to retain SS&C to perform additional transition or related post-termination services, including providing data and reports in new formats, Fund and SS&C shall agree in writing to the additional services and related fees and expenses in an amendment to Schedule A and/or the Fee Letter, as appropriate.

 

5.4.            Termination of this Agreement shall not affect: (i) any liabilities or obligations of any Party arising before such termination (including payment of fees and expenses) or (ii) any damages or other remedies to which a Party may be entitled for breach of this Agreement or otherwise. Sections 2.2., 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement. To the extent any services that are Services are performed by SS&C for Fund after the termination of this Agreement all of the provisions of this Agreement except Schedule A shall survive the termination of this Agreement for so long as those services are performed.

 

4 of 25

 

 

6.Limitation of Liability and Indemnification

 

6.1.          Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, SS&C Associates shall not be liable to Fund for any action or inaction of any SS&C Associate except to the extent of direct Losses finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of SS&C in the performance of SS&C’s duties or obligations under this Agreement. Under no circumstances shall SS&C Associates be liable to Fund for Losses that are indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary or enhanced or that represent lost profits, opportunity costs or diminution of value. Fund shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless SS&C Associates from and against Losses (including legal fees and costs to enforce this provision) that SS&C Associates suffer, incur, or pay as a result of any Third Party Claim or Claim among the Parties, except to the extent it is finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that such Losses resulted solely from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of SS&C Associates in the performance of SS&C’s duties or obligations under this Agreement. Any expenses (including legal fees and costs) incurred by SS&C Associates in defending or responding to any Claims (or in enforcing this provision) shall be paid by Fund on a quarterly basis prior to the final disposition of such matter upon receipt by Fund of an undertaking by SS&C to repay such amount if it shall be determined that an SS&C Associate is not entitled to be indemnified. The maximum amount of cumulative liability of SS&C Associates to Fund for Losses arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this Agreement shall not exceed 3 times the fees paid by that Fund to SS&C under this Agreement for the most recent 12 months immediately preceding the date of the event giving rise to the Claim.

 

6.2.          With the exception of Market Data, SS&C shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Fund and its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners and employees from and against Losses (including reasonable legal fees and costs to enforce this provision) that Fund or its Affiliates suffer, incur, or pay as a result of any Claim brought by a third party that the Services infringe, or cause the infringement of, the intellectual property rights of a third party, except to extent such infringement is a result of or arises out of (i) improper use of the Services or any SS&C Property by Fund or its Affiliates, (ii) modifications to the Services or SS&C Property made by Fund or its Affiliates not previously authorized in writing by SS&C, (iii) Fund or its Affiliates not complying with instructions or designs required by SS&C, (iv) use of the Services or SS&C Property by Fund or its Affiliates in breach of this Agreement, or (v) the combination of the Services or SS&C Property by Fund or its Affiliates with products or systems other than those provided for use with the Services by, or authorized in writing by, SS&C. SS&C may discharge its indemnity obligation by, at its sole option and expense (a) procuring any right to allow Fund to continue to receive the infringing part of the Services, (b) modifying, amending or replacing the infringing part of the Services with other services that deliver substantially the same capabilities, or (c) terminating the infringing part of the Services, provided that SS&C shall in such case refund any fees paid in advance by the Fund with respect thereto.

 

6.3.          Further, and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with respect to "as of" adjustments, ALPS will not assume one hundred percent (100%) responsibility for losses resulting from "as ofs" due to clerical errors or misinterpretations of securityholder instructions, but ALPS will discuss with the Fund ALPS's accepting liability for an "as of" on a case-by-case basis and may accept financial responsibility for a particular situation resulting in a financial loss to the Fund where such loss is “material”, as hereinafter defined, and, under the particular facts at issue, and subject to the applicable standard of care and liability limits in the Agreement, ALPS in its discretion believes ALPS’s conduct was culpable and ALPS’s conduct is the sole cause of the loss.  A loss is “material” for purposes of this Section  when it results in a pricing error on a given day which is (i) greater than a negligible amount per securityholder, (ii) equals or exceeds one ($.01) full cent per share times the number of shares outstanding or (iii) equals or exceeds the product of one-half of one percent (1%) times Fund’s Net Asset Value per share times the number of shares outstanding (or, in case of (ii) or (iii), such other amounts as may be adopted by applicable accounting or regulatory authorities from time to time).  When ALPS concludes that it should contribute to the settlement of a loss, ALPS’s responsibility will commence with that portion of the loss over $0.01 per share calculated on the basis of the total value of all shares owned by the affected portfolio (i.e., on the basis of the value of the shares of the total portfolio, including all classes of that portfolio, not just those of the affected class).

 

7.Representations and Warranties

 

7.1.          Each Party represents and warrants to each other Party that:

 

(a)            It is a legal entity duly created, validly existing and in good standing under the Law of the jurisdiction in which it is created, and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be in good standing would have a material adverse effect on its business or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

(b)            Save for access to and delivery of Market Data that is dependent on Data Suppliers and may be interrupted or discontinued with or without notice, it has all necessary legal power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and as it will be conducted pursuant to this Agreement and will comply in all material respects with all Law to which it may be subject, and to the best of its knowledge and belief, it is not subject to any Action that would prevent it from performing its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

5 of 25

 

 

(c)            It has all necessary legal power and authority to enter into this Agreement, the execution of which has been duly authorized and will not violate the terms of any other agreement.

 

(d)            The Person signing on its behalf has the authority to contractually bind it to the terms and conditions in this Agreement and that this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

7.2.          Fund represents and warrants to SS&C that: (i) it has actual authority to provide instructions and directions and that all such instructions and directions are consistent with the Governing Documents of Fund and other corporate actions thereof; (ii) it is a statutory trust duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware and is registered with the SEC as a closed-end management investment company; (iii) it is empowered under applicable laws and by its Governing Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement; (iv) the Board has duly authorized it to enter into and perform this Agreement; and (v) it will promptly notify SS&C of (1) any Action against it and (2) changes (or pending changes) in applicable Law with respect to Fund that are relevant to the Services.

 

7.3.          SS&C represents and warrants to Fund that:

 

(a)            To the best of its knowledge, no legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would impair SS&C's ability to perform the Services under this Agreement.

 

(b)            It has and will continue to have and maintain the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations as provided in this Agreement.

 

(c)            It has implemented and maintains commercially reasonable business continuity policies and procedures with respect to the Services, will provide Fund with a summary of its business continuity policies, will test its business continuity procedures at least annually.

 

(d)            SS&C DST represents that it is registered, and at all times during the term of this Agreement shall be registered, as a transfer agent as required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), including Section 17(A)(c) of the 1934 Act.

 

8.Client Data

 

8.1.          Fund or Management (i) will provide or ensure that other Persons provide all Client Data to SS&C in an electronic format that is acceptable to SS&C (or as otherwise agreed in writing) and (ii) confirm that each has the right to so share such Client Data. As between SS&C and Fund, all Client Data shall remain the property of Fund to which such Client Data relate. Client Data shall not be used or disclosed by SS&C other than in connection with providing the Services and as permitted under Section 11.2. SS&C shall be permitted to act upon instructions from Management with respect to the disclosure or disposition of Client Data related to Fund, but may refuse to act upon such instructions where it doubts, in good faith, the authenticity or authority of such instructions.

 

8.2.          SS&C shall maintain and store material Client Data used in the official books and records of Fund for a rolling period of 7 years starting from the Effective Date, or such longer period as required by applicable Law (including Rules 31a-2 and 31a-3 of the 1940 Act) or its internal policies.

 

8.3.          SS&C agrees that all Client Data that it maintains for Fund (excluding SS&C Property) is the property of Fund and, subject to Section 5.3, agrees to deliver such records to Fund (or Management on Fund’s behalf) upon request.

 

8.4.          SS&C will only dispose of Client Data at the request of Fund (or Management on Fund’s behalf) and in compliance with applicable Law.

 

8.5.          Upon at least 30 days’ written notice from Fund to SS&C, Fund, through Management or its other agents (other than any Person that is a competitor of SS&C), and Government Authorities with jurisdiction over Fund (each, a “Reviewer”) may conduct a reasonable, on-site review of the operational and technology infrastructure controls used by SS&C to provide the Services and meet SS&C’s confidentiality and information security obligations under this Agreement (a “Review”). Fund shall to the best of its ability accommodate SS&C requests to reschedule any Review based on the availability of required resources. With respect to any Review, Fund shall:

 

(a) Ensure that the Review is conducted in a manner that does not disrupt SS&C’s business operations.

 

(b) Pay SS&C’s reasonable costs, including staff time at standard rates for up to 200 hours; provided that any such costs in excess of those incurred for up to 200 hours of staff time at standard rates must be pre-approved by Fund.

 

6 of 25

 

 

(c) Comply, and ensure that Reviewers comply, with SS&C’s policies and procedures relating to physical, computer and network security, business continuity, safety and security.

 

(d) Ensure that all Reviewers agree in writing to confidentiality obligations substantially similar to, and no less protective than, those set forth in this Agreement (which Fund shall provide to SS&C upon request).

 

(e) Except for mandatory Reviews by Government Authorities, be limited to 1 Review per calendar year.

 

9.Data Protection

 

9.1.            From time to time and in connection with the Services SS&C may obtain access to certain personal data from Fund or from Fund investors and prospective investors. Personal data relating to Fund and its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees and agents and of Fund investors or prospective investors will be processed by and on behalf of SS&C in accordance with applicable Law. Fund consents to the transmission and processing of such data outside the jurisdiction governing this Agreement in accordance with applicable Law.

 

9.2.            Without prejudice to SS&C’s obligations under Section 9.1, SS&C will:

 

(a) Implement and maintain policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to protect against unauthorized access to or use of Fund and Management personal information and Confidential Information maintained by SS&C or any SS&C Associate that could result in material harm or inconvenience to Fund and Management, or Fund investors; and

 

(b)  Have its policies and procedures that materially relate to the measures described in this paragraph tested or evaluated by a third party at least annually.

 

9.3.          Without prejudice to SS&C’s obligations under Section 9.1, SS&C will promptly investigate material incidents of unauthorized access to or loss of Fund and Management personal information and Confidential Information maintained by SS&C or any SS&C Associate (a “Data Breach”) and, unless prohibited by applicable Law or if it would compromise SS&C’s investigation, promptly notify Fund after becoming aware of any Data Breach. SS&C acknowledges that Fund is responsible for making notifications related to a Data Breach that are required by applicable Law, and SS&C will work with Fund in good faith to effect such notifications. SS&C will seek to implement corrective action to respond to Data Breaches and prevent future occurrences, and will report to Fund (or Management on behalf of Fund) the corrective actions. SS&C will reasonably cooperate with Fund (or Management on behalf of Fund) in the event of any Government Authority inquiry related to or arising out of a Data Breach.

 

9.4.          At the request of Fund, on an annual basis and subject to a written disclaimer and indemnity, SS&C will provide Fund (or Management on behalf of Fund) with a copy of its reports prepared under Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No.18., Service Organization Controls 1 (SOC1), and any requested bridge letter upon request, as applicable to the Services.

 

10.SS&C Property

 

10.1.            SS&C Property is and shall remain the property of SS&C or, when applicable, its Affiliates or suppliers. Neither Fund nor any other Person shall acquire any license or right to use, sell, disclose, or otherwise exploit or benefit in any manner from, any SS&C Property, except as specifically set forth herein. Fund shall not (unless required by Law) either before or after the termination of this Agreement, disclose to any Person not authorized by SS&C to receive the same, any information concerning the SS&C Property and shall use reasonable efforts to prevent any such disclosure.

 

11.Confidentiality

 

11.1.        Each Party shall not at any time disclose to any Person any Confidential Information concerning the business, affairs, customers, clients or suppliers of the other Party or its Affiliates, except as permitted by this Section 11.

 

11.2.        Each Party may disclose the other Party’s Confidential Information:

 

(a)In the case of Fund, to each of its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees, counsel and agents (“Fund Representative”) who need to know such information for the purpose of carrying out its duties under, or receiving the benefits of or enforcing, this Agreement. Fund shall ensure compliance by Fund Representatives with Section 11.1.

 

7 of 25

 

 

(b)In the case of SS&C, to Fund and each SS&C Associate, Fund Representative, investor, bank or broker, Fund or Management counterparty or agent thereof, or payment infrastructure provider who needs to know such information for the purpose of carrying out SS&C’s duties under or enforcing this Agreement. SS&C shall ensure compliance by SS&C Associates with Section 11.1 but shall not be responsible for such compliance by any other Person.

 

(c)As may be required by Law or pursuant to legal process; provided that the disclosing Party (i) where reasonably practicable and to the extent legally permissible, provides the other Party with prompt written notice of the required disclosure so that the other Party may seek a protective order or take other analogous action, (ii) discloses no more of the other Party’s Confidential Information than reasonably necessary and (iii) reasonably cooperates with actions of the other Party in seeking to protect its Confidential Information at that Party’s expense.

 

11.3.        Neither Party shall use the other Party’s Confidential Information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Each Party may retain a record of the other Party’s Confidential Information for the longer of (i) 7 years or (ii) as required by Law or its internal policies.

 

11.4.        SS&C’s ultimate parent company is subject to U.S. federal and state securities Law and may make disclosures as it deems necessary to comply with such Law. SS&C shall have no obligation to use Confidential Information of, or data obtained with respect to, any other client of SS&C in connection with the Services.

 

11.5.        Upon the prior written consent of the Management or Fund, SS&C shall have the right to identify Fund or Management in connection with its marketing-related activities and in its marketing materials as a client of SS&C. Upon the prior written consent of SS&C, which shall not be unreasonably delayed, withheld or conditioned, Fund or Management shall have the right to identify SS&C and to describe the Services and the material terms of this Agreement in the offering documents of Fund. This Agreement shall not prohibit SS&C from using any Fund or Management data (including Client Data) in tracking and reporting on SS&C’s clients generally or making public statements about such subjects as its business or industry; provided that neither Fund nor Management is named in such public statements without its prior written consent. If the Services include the distribution by SS&C of notices or statements to investors, SS&C may, upon advance notice to Fund, include reasonable notices describing those terms of this Agreement relating to SS&C and its liability and the limitations thereon; if investor notices are not sent by SS&C but rather by Fund or some other Person, Fund will reasonably cooperate with any request by SS&C to include such notices. Fund shall not, in any communications with any Person, whether oral or written, make any representations stating or implying that SS&C is (i) providing valuations with respect to the securities, products or services of Fund or Management, or verifying any valuations, (ii) verifying the existence of any assets in connection with the investments, products or services of Fund or Management, or (iii) acting as a fiduciary, investment advisor, tax preparer or advisor, custodian or bailee with respect to Fund, Management or any of their respective assets, investors or customers.

 

12.Notices

 

12.1.        Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices required or permitted under this Agreement or required by Law shall be effective only if in writing and delivered: (i) personally, (ii) by registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (iii) by receipted prepaid courier; (v) by any electronic mail, to the relevant address or number listed below (or to such other address or number as a Party shall hereafter provide by notice to the other Parties). Notices shall be deemed effective when received by the Party to whom notice is required to be given.

 

If to SS&C:

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc.

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, CO 80203

Attention: General Counsel

E-mail:   notices@sscinc.com

 

8 of 25

 

 

If to Fund:

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

Ares Capital Management II LLC

245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor

New York, NY 10167

Attention:   [______________]

E-mail:    [________________]

 

13.Miscellaneous

 

13.1.        Amendment; Modification. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in writing signed by an authorized representative of each Party. No SS&C Associate has authority to bind SS&C in any way to any oral covenant, promise, representation or warranty concerning this Agreement, the Services or otherwise.

 

13.2.        Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any rights under this Agreement may be assigned or otherwise transferred by Fund or SS&C, in whole or in part, whether directly or by operation of Law, without the prior written consent of SS&C or Fund, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. SS&C may assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement: (i) to a successor in the event of a change in control of SS&C, (ii) to an Affiliate or (iii) in connection with an assignment or other transfer of a material part of SS&C’s business. Any attempted delegation, transfer or assignment prohibited by this Agreement shall be null and void. If SS&C assigns or otherwise transfers this Agreement to a third-party other than an Affiliate without Fund consent, Fund may terminate this Agreement by written notice to SS&C within 90 days of receiving notice of such assignment or transfer.

 

13.3.        Choice of Law; Choice of Forum. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the Law of the State of New York. The courts of the State of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Claim. Each Party submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives to the fullest extent permitted by Law all rights to a trial by jury.

 

13.4.        Counterparts; Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed will be deemed to be an original. Such counterparts together will constitute one agreement. Signatures may be exchanged via facsimile or electronic mail and shall be binding to the same extent as if original signatures were exchanged.

 

13.5.        Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including any schedules, attachments, amendments and addenda hereto) contains the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings and agreements, either oral or written, between the Parties with respect thereto.

 

This Agreement sets out the entire liability of SS&C Associates related to the Services and the subject matter of this Agreement, and no SS&C Associate shall have any liability to Fund or any other Person for, and Fund hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law recourse under, tort, misrepresentation or any other legal theory.

 

13.6.        Force Majeure. SS&C will not be responsible for any Losses of property in SS&C Associates’ possession or for any failure to fulfill its duties or obligations hereunder if such Loss or failure is caused, directly or indirectly, by war, terrorist or analogous action, the act of any Government Authority or other authority, riot, civil commotion, rebellion, storm, accident, fire, lockout, strike, power failure, computer error or failure, delay or breakdown in communications or electronic transmission systems, or other analogous events. SS&C shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the effects on the Services of any such event.

 

13.7.        Non-Exclusivity. The duties and obligations of SS&C hereunder shall not preclude SS&C from providing services of a comparable or different nature to any other Person. Fund understands that SS&C may have relationships with Data Suppliers and providers of technology, data or other services to Fund and SS&C may receive economic or other benefits in connection with the Services provided hereunder.

 

13.8.        No Partnership. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or shall be deemed to, constitute a partnership or joint venture of any kind between or among any of the Parties.

 

9 of 25

 

 

13.9.        No Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of 12 months thereafter, neither Fund nor Management will directly or indirectly solicit the services of, or otherwise attempt to employ or engage any employee of SS&C or its Affiliates who has been materially involved in the provision of the Services without the consent of SS&C; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent Fund or Management from soliciting employees through general advertising not targeted specifically at any or all SS&C Associates. If Fund or Management employs or engages any SS&C Associate who has been materially involved in the provision of the Services during the term of this Agreement or the period of 12 months thereafter, such entity shall pay for any fees and expenses (including recruiters’ fees) incurred by SS&C or its Affiliates in hiring replacement personnel as well as any other remedies available to SS&C, however, the foregoing shall not apply where Management solicited employees through general advertising not targeted specifically at any or all SS&C Associates.

 

13.10.      No Warranties. Except as expressly listed herein, SS&C and each Data Supplier make no warranties, whether express, implied, contractual or statutory with respect to the Services or Market Data. SS&C disclaims all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Services. All warranties, conditions and other terms implied by Law are, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, excluded from this Agreement.

 

13.11.      Severance. If any provision (or part thereof) of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not practical, the relevant provision shall be deemed deleted. Any such modification or deletion of a provision shall not affect the validity, legality and enforceability of the rest of this Agreement. If a Party gives notice to another Party of the possibility that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate to amend such provision so that, as amended, it is valid, legal and enforceable and achieves the intended commercial result of the original provision.

 

13.12.      Testimony. If SS&C is required by a third party subpoena or otherwise, to produce documents, testify or provide other evidence regarding the Services, this Agreement or the operations of Fund in any Action to which Fund is a party or otherwise related to Fund, Fund shall reimburse SS&C for all costs and expenses, including the time of its professional staff at SS&C’s standard rates and the cost of legal representation, that SS&C reasonably incurs in connection therewith.

 

13.13.      Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is entered into for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties and will not be interpreted in such a manner as to give rise to or create any rights or benefits of or for any other Person except as set forth with respect to SS&C Associates and Data Suppliers.

 

13.14.      Waiver. No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any right or remedy provided under this Agreement or by Law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No exercise (or partial exercise) of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.

 

13.15.      Certain Third Party Vendors. Nothing herein shall impose any duty upon SS&C in connection with or make SS&C liable for the actions or omissions to act of the following types of unaffiliated third parties: (a) courier and mail services including but not limited to Airborne Services, Federal Express, UPS and the U.S. Mails, (b) telecommunications companies including but not limited to AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and other delivery, telecommunications and other such companies not under the Party’s reasonable control, and (c) third parties not under the Party’s reasonable control or subcontract relationship providing services to the financial industry generally, such as, by way of example and not limitation, the Depository Trust Clearing Corporation (processing and settlement services), Broadridge Financial Services (investor communications), Fund custodian banks (custody and fund accounting services) and administrators (blue sky and Fund administration services), Data Suppliers, and national database providers such as Choice Point, Acxiom, TransUnion or Lexis/Nexis and any replacements thereof or similar entities, provided, if SS&C selected such company, SS&C shall have exercised due care in selecting the same. Such third party vendors shall not be deemed, and are not, subcontractors for purposes of this Agreement.

 

*         *         *

 

10 of 25

 

 

This Agreement has been entered into by the Parties as of the Effective Date.

 

ALPS FUND SERVICES, INC., DST ASSET MANAGER SOLUTIONS, INC. ARES PRIVATE MARKET FUND
By:   By:  
       
Name:   Name:  
       
Title:   Title:  
       

 

       

 

11 of 25

 

 

Schedule A

 

A.ServicesGeneral

 

1.As used in this Schedule A, the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them below:

 

(i)ACH” shall mean the Automated Clearing House;

 

(ii)AML” means anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.

 

(iii)Bank” shall mean a nationally or regionally known banking institution;

 

(iv)Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

 

(v)DTCC” shall mean the Depository Trust Clearing Corporation;

 

(vi)investor” or “securityholder” means an equity owner in Fund, whether a shareholder in a company, a partner in a partnership, a unitholder in a trust or otherwise. A “prospective investor” means an applicant to become an investor.

 

(vii)IRA” shall mean Individual Retirement Account;

 

(viii)NAV” means net asset value.

 

(ix)Procedures” shall collectively mean SS&C DST’s transfer agency procedures manual, third party check procedures, checkwriting draft procedures, Compliance + and identity theft programs and signature guarantee procedures;

 

(x)Program” shall mean Networking, Fund Serv or other DTCC program;

 

(xi)Sales Feed” shall mean a data file in industry standard format sent by a third party; and

 

(xii)"TA2000 System" shall mean SS&C DST’s TA2000TM computerized data processing system for shareholder accounting.

 

2.Any references to Law shall be construed to the Law as amended to the date of the effectiveness of the applicable provision referencing the Law.

 

3.Fund acknowledges that SS&C’s ability to perform the Services is subject to the following dependencies (in addition to any others described in the Agreement):

 

(i)Fund, Management and other Persons that are not employees or agents of SS&C whose cooperation is reasonably required for the SS&C to provide the Services providing cooperation, information and, as applicable, instructions to SS&C promptly, in agreed formats, by agreed media and within agreed timeframes as required to provide the Services.

 

(ii)The communications systems operated by Fund and other Persons that are not employees or agents of SS&C remaining fully operational.

 

(iii)The accuracy and completeness of any Client Data or other information provided to SS&C Associates in connection with the Services by any Person.

 

(iv)Fund and Management informing SS&C on a timely basis of any modification to, or replacement of, any agreement to which it is a party that is relevant to the provision of the Services.

 

(v)Any warranty, representation, covenant or undertaking expressly made by Fund or Management under or in connection with this Agreement being and remaining true, correct and discharged at all relevant times.

 

(vi)SS&C’s timely receipt of the then most current version of Fund Governing Documents and required implementation documentation, including authority certificate, profile questionnaire and accounting preferences, and SS&C Web Portal and other application User information.

 

4.Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, SS&C ALPS is responsible for providing the Services listed under Section B “SS&C Fund Administration and Accounting Services” while SS&C DST is responsible for providing all other Services.

 

12 of 25

 

 

B.SS&C Fund Administration and Accounting Services and Terms

 

The following Services will be performed by SS&C under this Agreement and, as applicable, are contingent on the performance by Fund of its duties and obligations otherwise contained in this Agreement.

 

Registered Fund Administration Service

 

(i)Prepare annual and semi-annual financial statements, utilizing templates for standard layout and printing.

 

(ii)Prepare Form N-CEN

 

(iii)Coordinate filing of Form N-CEN with the SEC.

 

(iv)Host annual audits.

 

(v)Prepare required reports for quarterly Board meetings.

 

(vi)Monitor expense ratios.

 

(vii)Maintain budget vs. actual expenses.

 

(viii)Manage Fund invoice approval and bill payment process.

 

(ix)Assist with placement of Fidelity Bond and D&O/E&O insurance.

 

Tax Administration

 

(i)Calculate dividend and capital gain distribution rates.

 

(ii)Assist with quarterly Subchapter M compliance monitoring and reporting as requested.

 

(iii)Provide tax re-allocation data for shareholder 1099 reporting.

 

(iv)Prepare and distribute 19a-1 statements as required.

 

(v)Prepare ROCSOP and required tax designations for Annual Report.

 

(vi)Prepare and coordinate filing of income and excise tax returns (with audit firm to sign all returns as paid preparer).

 

(vii)Calculate / monitor book-to-tax differences.

 

Legal Administration

 

(i)Coordinate the preparation and filing of tender offers (preparation of notices and circulation of draft notices to Fund, Management, Fund counsel, internal personnel, and Fund’s transfer agent (including drafts).

 

(ii)Coordinate annual updates to one Prospectus for Fund and the statement of additional information.

 

(iii)Coordinate standard layout and printing of a Prospectus for each Fund.

 

(iv)Coordinate the filing of Form N-CSR and N-PX.

 

(v)Coordinate EDGARization and filing of above-referenced SEC documents.

 

(vi)Prepare, compile and distribute quarterly Board meeting materials.

 

(vii)Participate telephonically in quarterly Board meetings and prepare initial drafts of quarterly Board meeting minutes.

 

Compliance Administration

 

(i)Perform daily prospectus & SAI, SEC investment restriction monitoring.

 

(ii)Provide warning / Alert notification with supporting documentation.

 

(iii)Provide quarterly compliance testing certification to the Board

 

13 of 25

 

 

Fund Accounting

 

(i)Calculate periodic (no more frequent than monthly) net asset values (“NAVs”) (as applicable) as required by Fund and in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), SEC Regulation S-X (or any successor regulation) and the Internal Revenue Code.

 

(ii)Transmit NAVs to Management and other third parties.

 

(iii)Reconcile cash and investment balances with the custodian.

 

(iv)Provide data and reports to support preparation of financial statements and filings.

 

(v)Prepare required Fund Accounting records in accordance with the 1940 Act.

 

(vi)Obtain and apply security valuations as directed and determined by Fund consistent with Fund’s pricing and valuation policies.

 

(vii)Participate, when requested, in Valuation Committee meetings as a non-voting member.

 

(viii)Prepare and file Form N-PORT.

 

(ix)Coordinate reporting to outside agencies including Morningstar, etc.

 

(x)Calculate monthly SEC standardized total return performance figures.

 

Portfolio Administration

 

(i)Independently capture investment documents including purchase agreements, capital call and distribution notices, financial statements, capital account statements and K-1s.

 

(ii)Prepare and review Fund bank account reconciliations on a monthly basis, with respect to Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

(iii)Record the following transactions / items:

 

a.Investment purchase and follow-on transactions

 

b.Investment distributions and in-kind sale proceeds based on client adopted realized gain/loss methodology

 

c.Investment income / expense (annually capture management fees, carry, and other expenses)

 

d.Capture valuations (e.g. capital accounts statements independently received by Management and valuation adjustments provided by Fund)

 

(iv)Manage investment-related cash processing for follow-ons capital calls inclusive of wire initiation and first level review and monitoring income expected cash distributions from the investments.

 

(v)Track commitments and remaining commitments for Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

(vi)Provide investment level reporting including cost and value roll forwards.

 

(vii)Support the annual Fund audit, including establishing timelines for SS&C deliverables, and answering investment specific questions as appropriate. Fund to maintain information regarding 5% look through disclosure.

 

Subsidiary Services – SPV

 

Fund Administration (SPV)

 

(i)Preparation of consolidated financial statements

 

(ii)Auditor coordination

 

Fund Accounting (SPV)

 

(i)Calculate NAVs monthly for the SPV

 

(ii)Apply monthly NAVs and distributions to the SPV from the Master Fund

 

(iii)Apply monthly capital stock transactions and/or cash flows as directed by the advisor Account for investments in the Master Fund as directed by the advisor

 

14 of 25

 

 

(iv)Accrue SPV expenses as directed by the advisor

 

(v)Account for estimated or actual tax liability (if applicable) as directed by the advisor and/or tax agent

 

(vi)Reconcile cash, investment balances, and shares outstanding with the custodian

 

(vii)Transmit net asset values to the advisor

 

(viii)Provide data and reports to support preparation of financial statements

 

Notes and Terms to SS&C ALPS Services

 

1.SS&C ALPS agrees to maintain at all times a program reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) with respect to the services provided hereunder, and shall provide to Fund a certification to such effect no less frequently than annually or as otherwise reasonably requested by Fund or Management. SS&C ALPS shall make available its compliance personnel and shall provide at its own expense summaries and other relevant materials relating to such program as reasonably requested by Fund or Management.

 

2.SS&C ALPS agrees to provided portfolio compliance with: (i) the investment objective and certain policies and restrictions as disclosed in Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, as applicable; and (ii) certain SEC rules and regulations (collectively, “Portfolio Compliance”) is required daily and is the responsibility of Fund or its Management, as applicable. SS&C ALPS will perform Portfolio Compliance testing (post-trade, daily on a T+2 basis) to test Fund’s Portfolio Compliance (the “Portfolio Compliance Testing”). The frequency and nature of the Portfolio Compliance Testing and the methodology and process in accordance with which the Portfolio Compliance Testing are conducted, are mutually agreed to between SS&C ALPS and Management. SS&C ALPS will report violations, if any, to Management and Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer promptly following discovery.

 

3.SS&C ALPS independently tests Portfolio Compliance based upon information contained in the source reports received by SS&C ALPS’ fund accounting department and supplemental data from certain third-party sources. As such, Portfolio Compliance Testing performed by SS&C ALPS is limited by the information contained in the fund accounting source reports and supplemental data from third-party sources. Fund agrees and acknowledges that SS&C ALPS’ performance of the Portfolio Compliance Testing shall not relieve Fund or its Management of their primary day-to-day responsibility for assuring such Portfolio Compliance, including on a pre-trade basis, and SS&C ALPS shall not be held liable for any act or omission of Fund or its Management (or any other Party) as applicable, with respect to Portfolio Compliance.

 

C.SS&C DST Transfer Agency Services and Terms

 

Transfer Agency

 

1.SS&C DST, utilizing TA2000TM, its computerized data processing system for security holder accounting (the "TA2000 System"), will perform the following services:

 

(i)Issue, transfer and redeem book entry shares or cancel share certificates as applicable.

 

(ii)Maintain security holder accounts on the records of Fund on the TA2000 System in accordance with the instructions and information received by SS&C DST from Fund, Management, Fund's distributor, Fund’s custodian or any other person whom Fund names in writing to SS&C DST (each an “Authorized Person”), broker-dealers or security holders.

 

(iii)When and if Fund participates in the Depository Trust Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”), and to the extent SS&C DST supports the functionality of the applicable DTCC program (i.e., AIP, Networking, Fund Serv, each, the “Program”), SS&C DST will:

 

(a)Accept and effectuate the registration and maintenance of accounts through the Program and the purchase, redemption, exchange and transfer of Fund shares in such accounts through systems or applications offered via the Program in accordance with instructions transmitted to and received by SS&C DST by transmission from DTCC on behalf of broker-dealers and banks which have been established by, or in accordance with the instructions of, an Authorized Person, on the dealer file maintained by SS&C DST.

 

15 of 25

 

 

(b)Issue instructions to Fund’s banks for the settlement of transactions between Fund and DTCC (acting on behalf of its broker-dealer and bank participants).

 

(iv)Provide account and transaction information from Fund’s records on TA2000 in accordance with the applicable Program’s rules.

 

(v)Maintain security holder accounts on TA2000 through the Programs.

 

(vi)Provide transaction journals.

 

(vii)Prepare security holder meeting lists for use in connection with the security holder meetings and certify a copy of such list.

 

(viii)Withhold, as required by federal law, taxes on security holder accounts, perform and pay backup withholding as required for all security holders, and prepare, file and provide, in electronic format, the applicable U.S. Treasury Department information returns or 1099 data file, as applicable, to Fund’s vendor of choice.

 

(ix)Disburse income dividends and capital gains distributions to security holders and record reinvestment of dividends and distributions in shares of Fund.

 

(x)Provide or make available on-line daily and monthly reports as provided by the TA2000 System and as requested by Fund or Management.

 

(xi)Maintain those records necessary to carry out SS&C DST's duties hereunder, including all information reasonably required by Fund to account for all transactions on TA2000 in Fund shares.

 

(xii)Calculate the appropriate sales charge, if applicable and supported by TA2000, with respect to each purchase of Fund shares as instructed by an Authorized Person, determine the portion of each sales charge payable to the dealer participating in a sale in accordance with schedules and instructions delivered to SS&C DST by Fund's distributor or any other Authorized Person from time to time, disburse dealer commissions collected to such dealers, determine the portion of each sales charge payable to such managing dealer and disbursing such commissions to the managing dealer.

 

(xiii)Receive correspondence pertaining to any former, existing or new security holder account, process such correspondence for proper recordkeeping, and respond promptly to security holder correspondence.

 

(xv)Process, generally on the date of receipt, purchases, or instructions, as applicable, to settle any mail or wire order purchases received in proper order. Process requests received in proper order for repurchase or tender events in the frequency as set forth in the offering documents or filing, and reject promptly any requests not received in proper order (as defined by an Authorized Person).

 

(xvi)Provide to the person designated by an Authorized Person the daily Blue Sky reports generated by the Blue Sky module of TA2000 with respect to purchases of shares of Fund on TA2000. For clarification, with respect to obligations, Fund is responsible for any registration or filing with a Governmental Authority or obtaining approval from such body required for the sale of shares of Fund in each jurisdiction in which it is sold. SS&C DST’s sole obligation is to provide Fund access to the Blue Sky module of TA2000 with respect to purchases of shares of Fund on TA2000. It is Fund’s responsibility to validate that the Blue Sky module settings are accurate and complete and to validate the output produced thereby and other applicable reports provided by SS&C DST, to ensure accuracy. SS&C DST is not responsible in any way for Claims that the sale of shares of Fund violated any such requirement (unless such violation results from a failure of the SS&C DST Blue Sky module to notify Fund that such sales do not comply with the parameters set by Fund for sales to residents of a given state).

 

(xvii)Provide to Fund escheatment reports as requested by an Authorized Person with respect to the status of accounts and outstanding checks on TA2000.

 

16 of 25

 

 

2.At the request of an Authorized Person, SS&C DST shall use reasonable efforts to provide the Services set forth in Section C of this Schedule A in connection with transactions (i) the processing of which transactions require SS&C DST to use methods and procedures other than those usually employed by SS&C DST to perform shareholder servicing agent services, (ii) involving the provision of information to SS&C DST after the commencement of the nightly processing cycle of the TA2000 System or (iii) which require more manual intervention by SS&C DST, either in the entry of data or in the modification or amendment of reports generated by the TA2000 System than is usually required by normal transactions.

 

3.SS&C DST shall use reasonable efforts to provide the same services with respect to any new, additional functions or features or any changes or improvements to existing functions or features as provided for in Fund's instructions, prospectus or application as amended from time to time, for Fund, provided SS&C DST is advised in advance by Fund of any changes therein and the TA2000 System and the mode of operations utilized by SS&C DST as then constituted supports such additional functions and features. If any new, additional function or feature or change or improvement to existing functions or features or new service or mode of operation measurably increases SS&C DST's cost of performing the services required hereunder at the current level of service, SS&C DST shall advise Fund of the amount of such increase and if Fund elects to utilize such function, feature or service, SS&C DST shall be entitled to increase its fees by the amount of the increase in costs.

 

4.The Fund acknowledges that SS&C DST is currently using, and will continue to use, SS&C Affiliates to assist with software development and support projects for SS&C DST and/or for the Fund. As part of such support, the Fund acknowledges that such SS&C Affiliates may access the Fund Confidential Information including, but not limited to, personally identifiable shareholder information (shareholder name, address, social security number, account number, etc.). SS&C DST, on behalf of SS&C Affiliates, agrees that such SS&C Affiliates shall not share such Fund Confidential Information for any purposes except to provide services under this Agreement.

 

5.The parties agree that to the extent that SS&C DST provides any Services under the Agreement that relate to compliance by Fund with the Code (or any other applicable tax law), it is the parties’ mutual intent that SS&C DST will provide only printing, reproducing, and other mechanical assistance to Fund and that SS&C DST will not make any judgments or exercise any discretion of any kind. Fund agrees that it will provide express and comprehensive instructions to SS&C DST in connection with all of the Services that are to be provided by SS&C DST under the Agreement that relate to compliance by Fund with the Code (or any other applicable tax law), including providing responses to requests for direction that may be made from time to time by SS&C DST of Fund in this regard.

 

6.Fund instructs and authorizes SS&C DST to provide the Services as set forth in the Agreement in connection with transactions on behalf of certain IRAs featuring Fund. Fund acknowledges and agrees that as part of such Services, SS&C DST will act as service provider to the custodian for such IRAs.

 

7.Upon receipt of Fund’s written request, SS&C DST shall provide transmissions of shareholder activity to the print vendor selected by Fund.

 

8.Shares of stock will be transferred in accordance with the instructions of the shareholders and, upon receipt of the Fund’s instructions that shares of stock be redeemed and funds remitted therefor, such redemptions will be accomplished and payments dispatched provided the shareholder instructions are deemed by SS&C DST to be duly authorized. SS&C DST reserves the right to refuse to transfer, exchange, sell or redeem shares as applicable, until it is satisfied that the request is authorized, or instructed by the Fund.

 

9.Changes and Modifications.

 

(i)SS&C DST shall have the right, at any time, to modify any systems, programs, procedures or facilities used in performing its obligations hereunder; provided that Fund will be notified as promptly as possible prior to implementation of such modifications and that no such modification or deletion shall materially adversely change or affect the operations and procedures of Fund in using the TA2000 System hereunder, the Services or the quality thereof, or the reports to be generated by such system and facilities hereunder, unless Fund is given ninety (90) days’ prior notice to allow Fund to change its procedures and SS&C DST provides Fund with revised operating procedures and controls.

 

17 of 25

 

 

(ii)All enhancements, improvements, changes, modifications or new features added to the TA2000 System however developed or paid for, including, without limitation, Client Requested Software (collectively, “Deliverables”), shall be, and shall remain, the confidential and exclusive property of, and proprietary to, SS&C DST. The parties recognize that during the Term of this Agreement Fund will disclose to SS&C DST Confidential Information and SS&C DST may partly rely on such Confidential Information to design, structure or develop one or more Deliverables. Provided that, as developed, such Deliverable(s) contain no Confidential Information, Fund hereby consents to SS&C DST’s use of such Confidential Information to design, to structure or to determine the scope of such Deliverable(s) or to incorporate into such Deliverable(s) and that any such Deliverable(s), regardless of who paid for it, shall be, and shall remain, the sole and exclusive property of SS&C DST and (ii) the Fund hereby grants SS&C DST a perpetual, nonexclusive license for the sole purpose to incorporate and retain in such Deliverable(s) Confidential Information of the Fund. All Confidential Information of Fund shall be and shall remain the property of Fund.

 

10.Fund Obligations.

 

(i)Fund agrees to use its reasonable efforts to deliver to SS&C DST in Kansas City, Missouri, as soon as they are available, all of its shareholder account records.

 

(ii)Fund will provide SS&C DST written notice of any change in Authorized Personnel as set forth on Schedule B.

 

(iii)Fund will notify SS&C DST of material changes to its Governing Documents (e.g. in the case of recapitalization) that impacts the services provided by SS&C DST under the Agreement.

 

(iv)If at any time Fund receives notice or becomes aware of any stop order or other proceeding in any such state affecting such registration or the sale of Fund's shares, or of any stop order or other proceeding under the federal securities laws affecting the sale of Fund shares, Fund or Management will give prompt notice thereof to SS&C DST.

 

(v)Fund shall not enter into one or more omnibus, third-party sub-agency or sub accounting agreements with (i) unaffiliated third-party broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries who have a distribution agreement with Fund or (ii) third party administrators of group retirement or annuity plans, unless Fund either (1) provides SS&C DST with a minimum of three (3) months’ notice before the accounts are deconverted from SS&C DST, or (2), if 12 months’ notice is not possible, Fund shall compensate SS&C DST by paying a one-time termination fee equal to $0.10 per deconverted account per month for every month short of the 12 months’ notice in connection with each such deconversion.

 

11.Compliance.

 

(i)SS&C DST shall perform the Services under this Schedule A in conformance with SS&C DST's present procedures as set forth in its Procedures with such changes or deviations therefrom as may be from time to time required or approved by Fund, its investment adviser or managing dealer, or its or SS&C DST's counsel and the rejection of orders or instructions not in good order in accordance with the applicable prospectus or the Procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, SS&C DST’s obligations shall be solely as are set forth in this Schedule and any of other obligations of Fund under applicable Law that SS&C DST has not agreed to perform on Fund’s behalf under this Schedule or the Agreement shall remain Fund’s sole obligation.

 

12.Bank Accounts.

 

(i)SS&C DST, acting as agent for Fund, is authorized (1) to establish in the name of, and to maintain on behalf of, Fund, on the usual terms and conditions prevalent in the industry, including limits or caps (based on fees paid over some period of time or a flat amount, as required by the affected Bank on the maximum liability of such Banks into which SS&C DST shall deposit the funds SS&C DST receives for payment of dividends, distributions, purchases of Fund shares, redemptions of Fund shares, commissions, corporate re-organizations (including recapitalizations or liquidations) or any other disbursements made by SS&C DST on behalf of Fund provided for in this Schedule A, (2) to draw checks upon such accounts, to issue orders or instructions to the Bank for the payment out of such accounts as necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes for which such funds were provided to SS&C DST, and (3) to establish, to implement and to transact Fund business through ACH, draft processing, wire transfer and any other banking relationships, arrangements and agreements with such Bank as are necessary or appropriate to fulfill SS&C DST’s obligations under the Agreement. SS&C DST, acting as agent for Fund, is also hereby authorized to execute on behalf and in the name of Fund, on the usual terms and conditions prevalent in the industry, including limits or caps (based on fees paid over some period of time or a flat amount, as required by the affected Bank) on the maximum liability of such Banks, agreements with banks for ACH, wire transfer, draft processing services, as well as any other services which are necessary or appropriate for SS&C DST to utilize to accomplish the purposes of this Schedule. In each of the foregoing situations Fund shall be liable on such agreements with the Bank as if it itself had executed the agreement.

 

18 of 25

 

 

(ii)SS&C DST is authorized and directed to stop payment of checks theretofore issued hereunder, but not presented for payment, when the payees thereof allege either that they have not received the checks or that such checks have been mislaid, lost, stolen, destroyed or through no fault of theirs, are otherwise beyond their control, and cannot be produced by them for presentation and collection, and, to issue and deliver duplicate checks in replacement thereof.

 

13.Records. SS&C DST will maintain customary transfer agent records in connection with its agency in accordance with the transfer agent recordkeeping requirements under the 1934 Act, and particularly will maintain those records required to be maintained pursuant to subparagraph (2) (iv) of paragraph (b) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, if any. Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement to the contrary, the records to be maintained and preserved by SS&C DST on the TA2000 System under the Agreement shall be maintained and preserved in accordance with the following:

 

(i)Annual purges by August 31: SS&C DST and Fund shall mutually agree upon a date for the annual purge of the appropriate history transactions from the Transaction History (A88) file for accounts (both regular and tax advantaged accounts) that were open as of January 1 of the current year, such purge to be complete no later than August 31. Purges completed after this date will subject Fund to the Aged History Retention fees set forth in the Fee Letter.

 

(ii)Purge criteria: In order to avoid the Aged History Retention fees, history data for regular or ordinary accounts (that is, non-tax advantaged accounts) must be purged if the confirmation date of the history transaction is prior to January 1 of the current year and history data for tax advantaged accounts (retirement and educational savings accounts) must be purged if the confirmation date of the history transaction is prior to January 1 of the prior year. All purged history information shall be retained on magnetic tape for seven (7) years.

 

(iii)Purged history retention options (entail an additional fee): For the additional fees set forth in the Fee Letter, or as otherwise mutually agreed, then Fund may choose (i) to place purged history information on the Purged Transaction History (A19) table or (ii) to retain history information on the Transaction History (A88) file beyond the timeframes defined above. Retaining information on the A19 table allows for viewing of this data through online facilities and E-Commerce applications. This database does not support those histories being printed on statements and reports and is not available for on request job executions.

 

14.Disposition of Books, Records and Canceled Certificates. SS&C DST may send periodically to Fund, or to where designated by Fund, all books, documents, and all records no longer deemed needed for current purposes, upon the understanding that such books, documents, and records will be maintained by Fund under and in accordance with the requirements of applicable federal securities laws. Such materials will not be destroyed by Fund without the consent of SS&C DST (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), but will be safely stored for possible future reference.

 

Transfer Agency Compliance

 

1.In connection with performing the Services under the Agreement, SS&C DST is responsible for the requiring of proper forms of instructions, signatures and signature guarantees and any necessary documents supporting the opening of security holder accounts, transfers, redemptions and other security holder account transactions, all in conformance with SS&C DST's present procedures as set forth in its Legal Manual, Third Party Check Procedures, Check writing Draft Procedures, Compliance + and Identity Theft Programs and Signature Guarantee Procedures (collectively the "Procedures") with such changes or deviations therefrom as may be from time to time required or approved by Fund, its investment adviser or managing dealer, or its or SS&C DST's counsel and the rejection of orders or instructions not in good order in accordance with the applicable offering documents or the Procedures.

 

19 of 25

 

 

2.SS&C DST shall assist Fund to fulfill certain of its responsibilities under certain provisions of USA PATRIOT Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Title V of Gramm Leach Bliley Act, the Red Flags Regulations promulgated jointly by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Treasury; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Office of Thrift Supervision, Treasury; National Credit Union Administration; and Federal Trade Commission implementing Section 114 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (“FACT Act”) and final rules implementing Section 315 of the FACT Act, and the applicable federal securities laws (collectively the “Reform Regulations”), by complying with Compliance +™, a compliance program that focuses on certain business processes that represent key activities of the transfer agent/service provider function (the “Compliance + Program”), a copy of which has hitherto been made available to each Fund. These business processes are anti-money laundering, identity theft, red flag reporting, certificate processing, correspondence processing, fingerprinting, lost security holder processing, reconciliation and control, transaction processing, transfer agent administration and safeguarding fund assets and securities. SS&C DST reserves the right to make changes thereto as experience suggests alternative and better ways to perform the affected function. SS&C DST shall provide you with written notice of any such changes.

 

3.SS&C DST shall (i) perform the procedures set forth in the Compliance + Program, as amended by SS&C DST from time to time, which pertain to SS&C DST’s performance of those transfer agency services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, (ii) implement and maintain internal controls and procedures reasonably necessary to insure that SS&C DST’s employees act in accordance with the Compliance + Program, and (iii) provide Fund with written notice of any material changes made to the Program as attached hereto.

 

4.Notwithstanding the foregoing, SS&C DST’s obligations shall be solely as are set forth in this Section and in the Compliance + Program, as amended, and any of obligations under the Reform Regulations that SS&C DST has not agreed to perform on Fund’s behalf under the Compliance + Program or under the Agreement shall remain Fund’s sole obligation.

 

5.SS&C ALPS agrees to maintain at all times a program reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) with respect to the services provided hereunder, and shall provide to Fund a certification to such effect no less frequently than annually or as otherwise reasonably requested by Fund or Management. SS&C ALPS shall make available its compliance personnel and shall provide at its own expense summaries and other relevant materials relating to such program as reasonably requested by Fund or Management.

 

D.Blue Sky Services (applicable to Closed End RIC Fund only)

 

1.Management Responsibilities. In connection with the provision of the Services by SS&C DST, Management shall:

 

(i)Identify the states and territories where the Fund’s shares will be offered for sale;

 

(ii)Determine the availability of any exemptions under a jurisdiction’s Blue Sky laws with the assistance of SS&C DST;

 

(iii)Work with SS&C DST to identify what systematic exemptions will be taken by the Fund and coded on the Fund’s Transfer Agent’s system;

 

(iv)Provide written instructions in SS&C DST’ standard format to implement systematic exemptions and exclusions from reporting where practicable on the Fund’s Transfer Agent system or the SS&C DST Blue Sky software system;

 

(v)Provide written instructions to SS&C DST to remove current permit period sales from SS&C DST’ Blue Sky software database upon determination that such sales qualify for exemptions or exclusion from reporting to the applicable states where registration fees are based on sales;

 

20 of 25

 

 

(vi)Facilitate the issuance of a limited power of attorney in favor of SS&C DST in the form set forth in Appendix I to Schedule A to this Agreement in order that SS&C DST may submit Notice Filings and other filings required by the states and territories and payments with respect thereto on behalf of the Fund;

 

(vii)To the extent Management is notified by an intermediary of new sales data feeds, notify SS&C DST in writing of any changes to or additions of Blue Sky sales data feeds and work with SS&C DST to facilitate the necessary updates;

 

(viii)Serve as liaison with the Fund to facilitate the transmission of wire transfers for payment by the Fund for invoiced state fees as needed; and

 

(ix)Provide written instruction detailing action to be taken upon receipt of written notification from SS&C DST that a direct broker Blue Sky sales feed is available for activation.

 

2.SS&C DST Responsibilities. Upon request and with at least 60 days’ prior written notice by Management, with respect to a particular Fund, SS&C DST will provide Management with Blue Sky services, which will include the following:

 

(i)File Initial Notice Filings, as applicable, in all states and territories in which the Fund’s shares will be offered, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

(ii)File the Fund’s renewals and amendments to reflect name changes, terminations, domicile changes, issuer address changes, fiscal year end changes, distributor changes, as applicable, in all states and territories in which the Fund’s shares will be offered, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

(iii)File the Fund’s sales reports to the extent required by applicable law, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

(iv)Invoice the Fund for fees owed to each state in accordance with procedures agreed upon in writing by Fund and SS&C DST;

 

(v)At the direction of Management, make payments, at the expense of the Fund, of Notice Filing fees;

 

(vi)File the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and any amendments and supplements thereto to the extent required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

(vii)File annual reports to the extent required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

(viii)File all necessary notices to permit the Fund (or class of the Fund, as applicable) that is eligible for reduced fees applicable to money market funds or otherwise to qualify for reduced fees in a state or territory;

 

(ix)File all correspondence and related documentation so as to provide notice of the Fund’s intent to take exemptions if such notice is required by the state or territory in order to permit the Fund to utilize such exemptions;

 

(x)Advise Management prior to communicating with the states and territories regarding any sales in excess of the registered amount for a permit so the Fund can advise in writing the action to be taken;

 

(xi)Provide Management information regarding the Sales to Existing Shareholders Exemptions and the Institutional Investor Exemptions available in the states and territories;

 

(xii)Include in sales report filings, all sales reported to SS&C DST via (i) transfer agency Blue Sky sales feed and; (ii) broker Blue Sky sales feeds, including, without limitation, feeds that (a) were transferred as part of the conversion from the Fund’s prior Blue Sky vendor, or (b) confirmed in writing by Management to be activated, less any exempt sales that the Fund has directed SS&C DST in writing to remove prior to such filing.

 

(xiii)At the direction of the Fund, serve as liaison between the Fund and the applicable Blue Sky jurisdiction:

 

(xiv)Provide information concerning Blue Sky reporting requirements and mutual fund industry Blue Sky reporting practices including utilization of exemptions and intermediary data feeds;

 

21 of 25

 

 

(xv)Conduct annual due diligence reviews;

 

(xvi)In the event that SS&C DST becomes aware of the sale of the Fund’s shares in a jurisdiction in which no Notice Filing has been made, SS&C DST shall report such information to Management and Management shall instruct SS&C DST with respect to the corrective action to be taken;

 

(xvii)File all additional amendments to increase registered amounts in accordance with agreed upon procedures in all states and territories in which the Fund’s shares will be offered, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories; and

 

(xviii)Perform such additional services as SS&C DST and Management may agree upon in writing and added to this Agreement by amendment.

 

E.Additional Terms Applicable to Services

 

1.Fund acknowledges that SS&C may rely on and shall have no responsibility to validate the existence of assets reported by Fund, its Management, Fund’s custodian or other Fund service provider, other than SS&C’ completion of a reconciliation of the assets reported by the parties. Fund acknowledges that it is the sole responsibility of Fund to validate the existence of assets reported to SS&C. SS&C may rely, and has no duty to investigate the representations of Fund, its Management, Fund’s custodian or other Fund service provider.

 

SS&C shall utilize one or more pricing services, as directed by Fund or Management. Fund or Management shall identify in writing to SS&C the pricing service(s) to be utilized on behalf of Fund. For those securities where prices are not provided by the pricing service(s), Fund shall approve the method for determining the fair value of such securities and shall determine or obtain the valuation of the securities in accordance with such method and shall deliver to SS&C the resulting price(s). In the event Fund desires to provide a price that varies from the price provided by the pricing service(s), Fund shall promptly notify and supply SS&C with the valuation of any such security on each valuation date. All pricing changes made by Fund will be provided to SS&C in writing or e-mail and must specifically identify the securities to be changed by security identifier, name of security, new price or rate to be applied, and, if applicable, the time period for which the new price(s) is/are effective.

 

2.In addition to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the below terms and conditions apply to the provision of the following Services (the listed Services known as “Report Mod Data Services”):

 

·Preparation and Filing of Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN

 

(i)In connection with completion of the Modern Data Services, Market Data may be supplied to Fund through an SS&C Associate(s) or directly by a Data Supplier (for the purposes of this appendix, Data Supplier shall include the Data Supplier’s third party suppliers). Any Market Data being provided to a Fund by SS&C or a Data Supplier is being supplied for the sole purpose of assisting the completion of the Modern Data Services. Accordingly, Fund acknowledges that Market Data is proprietary to SS&C Associates and/or the Data Suppliers and is provided on a limited internal-use license basis. Market Data may not be disseminated by Fund to any other affiliated or non-affiliated entity, used to populate internal systems or to create a historical database, or for any other purpose in lieu of Fund obtaining a data license from SS&C Associates or Data Supplier, as applicable.  Fund accepts responsibility for, and acknowledges it exercises its own independent judgment in, the selection of the Data Supplier(s) to provide the Market Data, its selection of the use or intended use of such, and any results obtained. Access to and delivery of Market Data is dependent on the Data Suppliers and may be interrupted or discontinued with or without notice to Fund.

 

(ii)Fund acknowledges that (i) the Market Data is intended for use as an aid to institutional investors, registered brokers or professionals of similar sophistication in making informed judgments concerning characteristics of certain securities; and (ii) the Data Supplier and/or SS&C Associate(s), as applicable, holds all title, license, copyright or similar intellectual property rights in the Market Data.

 

22 of 25

 

 

(iii)No SS&C Associate or Data Supplier will have any liability for errors, omissions or malfunctions in the Market Data, except that SS&C will endeavor, upon receipt of notice from Fund, to correct a malfunction, error, or omission in the Market Data utilized in the Modern Data Services that is identified by Fund.

 

(iv)Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no SS&C Associate nor Data Supplier shall be liable to Fund or any other Person for any Losses related, directly or indirectly, to the Market Data, the provision of (or failure to provide) the Market Data, and/or the reliance by an SS&C Associate(s), Fund or any other Person on such Market Data.  Further, Fund shall indemnify all SS&C Associates and applicable Data Suppliers against, and hold such SS&C Associates and Data Suppliers harmless from, any and all Losses (including legal fees and costs to enforce this provision), that any SS&C Associate(s) or Data Provider suffer, incur, or pay as a result of any Third Party Claim or Claim among the Parties arising out of or related to the Market Data or any data, information, service, report, analysis or publication derived therefrom.

 

(v)Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, as it relates to the provision of the Modern Data Services, no SS&C Associate nor Data Supplier shall be liable for (i) any special, indirect or consequential damages (even if advised of the possibility of such), (ii) any delay by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdown, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of transportation or power supply, or (iii) any claim that arose more than one year prior to the institution of suit therefor.

 

(vi)FUND ACCEPTS THE MARKET DATA AS IS AND NO SS&C ASSOCIATE OR ANY DATA SUPPLIER MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS OR ANY OTHER MATTER RELATED TO THE MARKET DATA.

 

F.Miscellaneous

 

1.Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, SS&C:

 

(i)Does not maintain custody of any cash or securities.

 

(ii)Does not have the ability to authorize transactions.

 

(iii)Does not have the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of Fund.

 

(iv)Is not responsible for determining the valuation of Fund’s assets and liabilities.

 

(v)Does not perform any management functions or make any management decisions with regard to the operation of Fund.

 

(vi)Is not Fund’s tax or legal advisor and does not provide any tax or legal advice.

 

(vii)Is not obligated to perform any additional or materially different services due to changes in law or audit guidance.

 

2.If SS&C allows Fund, Management, investors or their respective agents and representatives (“Users”) to (i) receive information and reports from SS&C and/or (ii) issue instructions to SS&C via web portals or other similar electronic mechanisms hosted or maintained by SS&C or its agents (“Web Portals”):

 

(i)Access to and use of Web Portals by Users shall be subject to the proper use by Users of usernames, passwords and other credentials issued by SS&C (“User Credentials”) and to the additional terms of use that are noticed to Users on such Web Portals. Fund shall be solely responsible for the results of any unauthorized use, misuse or loss of User Credentials by their authorized Users and for compliance by such Users with the terms of use noticed to Users with respect to Web Portals, and shall notify SS&C promptly upon discovering any such unauthorized use, misuse or loss of User Credentials or breach by Fund or Management or their authorized Users of such terms of use. Any change in the status or authority of an authorized User communicated by Fund shall not be effective until SS&C has confirmed receipt and execution of such change.

 

23 of 25

 

 

(ii)SS&C grants to Fund a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicenseable right during the term of this Agreement to access Web Portals solely for the purpose of accessing Client Data and, if applicable, issue instructions. Fund will ensure that any use of access to any Web Portal is in accordance with SS&C’s terms of use, as noticed to the Users from time to time. This license does not include: (i) any right to access any data other than Client Data; or (ii) any license to any software.

 

(iii)Fund will not (A) permit any third party to access or use the Web Portals through any time-sharing service, service bureau, network, consortium, or other means; (B) rent, lease, sell, sublicense, assign, or otherwise transfer its rights under the limited license granted above to any third party, whether by operation of law or otherwise; (C) decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, or attempt to reconstruct or discover any source code or underlying ideas or algorithms associated with the Web Portals by any means; (D) attempt to modify or alter the Web Portal in any manner; or (E) create derivative works based on the web portal. Fund will not remove (or allow to be removed) any proprietary rights notices or disclaimers from the Web Portal or any reports derived therefrom.

 

(iv)SS&C reserves all rights in SS&C systems and in the software that are not expressly granted to Fund hereunder.

 

(v)SS&C may discontinue or suspend the availability of any Web Portals at any time without prior notice; SS&C will endeavor to notify Fund as soon as reasonably practicable of such action.

 

3.Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Fund has ultimate authority over and responsibility for its tax matters and financial statement tax disclosures. All memoranda, schedules, tax forms and other work product produced by SS&C are the responsibility of Fund and are subject to review and approval by Fund and Fund’s auditors, or tax preparers, as applicable and SS&C bears no responsibility for reliance on tax calculations and memoranda prepared by SS&C.

 

4.SS&C shall provide reasonable assistance to responding to due diligence and analogous requests for information from investors and prospective investors (or others representing them); provided, that SS&C may elect to provide these services only upon Fund agreement in writing to separate fees in the event responding to such requests becomes, in SS&C’s sole discretion, excessive.

 

5.Reports and information shall be deemed provided to Fund if they are made available to Fund online through SS&C’s Web Portal.

 

24 of 25

 

 

Schedule B

 

The following are parties to this Agreement and agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement:

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

 

Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D, LLC (not registered under the 1940 Act)

 

Ares Private Markets Fund Blocker, LLC (not registered under the 1940 Act)

 

Ares Landmark Private Markets Fund-D Blocker, LLC (not registered under the 1940 Act)

 

25 of 25

 

 

Exhibit 99.(k)(2)

 

EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
245 Park Avenue 44th Floor
New York, NY 10167

 

February 24, 2022

 

Ares Capital Management II LLC

245 Park Avenue 44th Floor

New York, NY 10167

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Ares Capital Management II LLC (the "Adviser") hereby agrees, until one year from the commencement of operations of Ares Private Markets Fund (the "Fund") (the "Limitation Period"), to waive fees that it would otherwise be paid, and/or to assume expenses of the Fund, if required to ensure certain annual operating expenses (excluding the Advisory Fee, Incentive Fee, any Distribution and Servicing Fee, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales and extraordinary expenses, if any) ("Other Expenses") do not exceed 0.30% per annum of the Fund's average monthly net assets of each class of the Fund's shares of beneficial interest ("Shares") (the "Expense Limitation").

 

With respect to each class of Shares, the Fund agrees to repay the Adviser any fees waived under the Expense Limitation Agreement or any Other Expenses the Adviser reimburses in excess of the Expense Limitation for such class of Shares, provided the repayments do not cause the Fund’s Other Expenses for that class of Shares to exceed the Expense Limitation in place at the time the fees were waived and/or the expenses were reimbursed, or the Expense Limitation in place at the time the Fund repays the Adviser, whichever is lower. Any such repayments must be made within three years after the year in which the Adviser incurred the expense.

 

This Agreement will be governed by, construed under and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws of any jurisdiction to the contrary and the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), if any. The parties unconditionally and irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the State of New York and waive any objection with respect thereto, for the purpose of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto, and requires the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Board"), including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund (the "Independent Trustees"). This Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to the expiration of the Limitation Period. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

The Adviser may extend the Limitation Period for a period of one year on an annual basis, subject to approval of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, after the initial term of this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of acceptance on the enclosed counterpart hereof and return the same to us.

 

    Very truly yours,
    ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
     
       
    By: /s/ Ian Fitzgerald
    Name: Ian Fitzgerald
    Title: Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
The foregoing Agreement is hereby accepted as of February 24, 2022
ARES CAPITAL MANAGEMENT II LLC    
       
By: /s/ Matthew Jill    
Name: Matthew Jill    
Title: Authorized Signatory    

 

[Signature Page to Expense Limitation Agreement]

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.k3

 

MANAGEMENT FEE WAIVER AGREEMENT

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor

New York, New York 10167

 

February 24, 2022

 

Ares Capital Management II LLC

245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor

New York, New York 10167

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Ares Capital Management II LLC (the "Adviser") hereby agrees, that for the period beginning on the commencement of operations ("Commencement Date") of Ares Private Markets Fund (the "Fund") until March 31, 2023 ("Limitation Period"), to reduce the annual rate of its Advisory Fee payable under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, dated February 24, 2022, between the Adviser and the Fund (the "Advisory Agreement") from 1.40% to 0.25% (the "Fee Waiver"). The Fee Waiver shall not apply to nor have any effect on the Incentive Fee payable pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

This Agreement will be governed by, construed under and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws of any jurisdiction to the contrary and the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), if any. The parties unconditionally and irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the State of New York and waive any objection with respect thereto, for the purpose of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto, and requires the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Board"), including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund (the "Independent Trustees"). This Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to the expiration of the Limitation Period. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

The Adviser may extend or otherwise amend the terms of this Agreement, subject to approval of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, after the initial term of this Agreement.

 

 

 

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of acceptance on the enclosed counterpart hereof and return the same to us.

 

    Very truly yours,
     
    ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND
     
       
    By: /s/ Ian Fitzgerald
       
    Name: Ian Fitzgerald
       
    Title: Secretary
       
       
       
       
ARES CAPITAL MANAGEMENT II LLC    
     
       
By: /s/ Matthew Jill    
       
Name: Matthew Jill    
       
Title: Authorized Signatory    
       

 

 

Exhibit 99.l

 

 

March 1, 2022

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

c/o Ares Capital Management II LLC

245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor

New York, New York 10167 Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Re: Ares Private Markets Fund

 

We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Ares Private Markets Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), in connection with the matters set forth herein. At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement (as defined below), except that reference herein to any document shall mean such document as in effect on the date hereof.

 

We have examined originals or copies of the following documents:

 

(a)A certified copy of the Certificate of Trust of the Trust which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary of State”) on July 28, 2021, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Trust of the Trust which was filed with the Secretary of State on February 28, 2022 (as amended, the “Certificate of Trust”);

 

(b)The Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of July 28, 2021, by the trustee named therein, as amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of February 24, 2022, by the trustees named therein (the “Trust Agreement”);

 

(c)The By-laws of the Trust (the “By-laws”), as in effect on the date hereof as approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”);

 

(d)The Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (the “Registration Statement”), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2021 with respect to the issuance of shares (the “Shares”) of beneficial interest in the Trust;

 

 

 

 

To Ares Private Markets Fund

March 1, 2022

Page 2

 

(e)A certificate of the Secretary of the Trust with respect to certain matters including with respect to the Board’s approval of the issuance of the Shares, dated on or about the date hereof; and

 

(f)A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated March 1, 2022, obtained from the Secretary of State.

 

We have not reviewed any documents other than the foregoing documents for purposes of rendering our opinions as expressed herein. In particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the foregoing documents) that is referred to in or incorporated by reference into any document reviewed by us. We have assumed that there exists no provision of any such other document that bears upon or is inconsistent with our opinions as expressed herein. We have conducted no independent factual investigation of our own but have relied solely upon the foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects.

 

With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii) the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.

 

For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that the Trust Agreement and the By- laws constitute the entire agreement among the parties thereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the creation, operation and termination of the Trust, and that the Trust Agreement, the By-laws and the Certificate of Trust are in full force and effect and will not be amended in a manner material to the opinions expressed herein, (ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due organization, due establishment or due formation, as the case may be, and valid existence in good standing of the Trust and of each party to the documents examined by us under the laws of the jurisdiction governing its organization, establishment or formation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are parties to the documents examined by us, (iv) that each of the parties to the documents examined by us has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) the due authorization, execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents examined by us, (vi) the payment by each person to whom a Share has been or is to be issued by the Trust (collectively, the “Shareholders”) for such Share, in accordance with the Trust Agreement and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, (vii) that the Shares are issued and sold to the Shareholders in accordance with the Trust Agreement and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, and (viii) that any amendment or restatement of any document reviewed by us has been accomplished in accordance with, and was permitted by, the relevant provisions of said document prior to its amendment or restatement from time to time. We have not participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and assume no responsibility for its contents.

 

 

 

To Ares Private Markets Fund

March 1, 2022

Page 3

 

This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction, including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our opinions are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules, regulations and orders thereunder which are currently in effect.

 

Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

1.            The Trust is validly existing in good standing as a statutory trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. § 3801, et. seq.

 

2.            The Shares of the Trust have been duly authorized and, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable beneficial interests in the Trust.

 

This opinion may be relied upon by you in connection with the matters set forth herein, including in connection with the delivery of your legal opinion relating to the Shares.

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,
 
/s/ Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.

 

JWP/MMK

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.n

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the references to our firm under the captions “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Prospectus and “Financial Statements” in the Statement of Additional Information, dated March 23, 2022, and included in this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 on the Registration Statement (Form N-2, File No. 333-258821) of Ares Private Markets Fund (the “Registration Statement”).

 

We also consent to the use of our report dated March 17, 2022, with respect to the financial statements of Ares Private Markets Fund as of March 1, 2022, included in this Registration Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

New York, New York

March 23, 2022

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.p1

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

INITIAL SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This Subscription Agreement is entered into this 24th day of February, 2022 by and between Ares Private Markets Fund, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Fund"), and Ares Investments Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Subscriber").

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Fund has been formed for the purposes of carrying on business as a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and

 

WHEREAS, the Subscriber wishes to subscribe for and purchase, and the Fund wishes to sell to the Subscriber, 4,000 Class I Shares of the Fund's beneficial interests, par value $0.001 per share (the "Shares") for a purchase price of $25.00 per Share; and

 

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

 

1.The Subscriber subscribes for, and agrees to purchase from, the Fund 4,000 Shares for a purchase price of $25.00 per Share. The Subscriber agrees to make payment for these Shares at such time as demand for payment may be made by an officer of the Fund.

 

2.The Fund agrees to issue and sell said Shares to Subscriber promptly upon its receipt of the aggregate purchase price of $100,000.

 

3.To induce the Fund to accept its subscription and issue the Shares subscribed for, the Subscriber acknowledges that:

 

a.the Shares being subscribed for have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), or registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state;

 

b.the Shares will be sold by the Fund in reliance on the exemption from registration set forth in Regulation D under the Securities Act;

 

c.the Fund's reliance upon such exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is predicated, in part, on the representations and agreements contained in this Subscription Agreement;

 

d.the Shares are "restricted securities" as defined in paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 144 under the Securities Act ("Rule 144") and cannot be sold or transferred by the Subscriber unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available; and

 

e.the Fund makes no representation or warranty as to the availability to the Subscriber of any exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act pursuant to which the Subscriber may resell the Shares.

 

4.To further induce the Fund to accept its subscription for the Shares, the Subscriber:

 

a.represents and warrants that the Shares are being acquired for investment purposes for its own account and not on behalf of any other person or persons and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any public distribution thereof;

 

b.acknowledges that it is an "accredited investor" as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act and a "qualified client" as defined in Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and

 

 

 

c.acknowledges that it has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters (and particularly in the business in which the Fund intends to operate) as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Shares.

  

5.This Subscription Agreement and all of its provisions shall be binding upon the legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. This Subscription Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original.

 

6.This Agreement is executed on behalf of the Fund by the Fund’s officers as officers and not individually and the obligations imposed upon the Fund by this Subscription Agreement are not binding upon any of the Fund’s Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Subscription Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto as of the day and date first above written.

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND  
   
By: /s/ Matthew Jill  
Name: Matthew Jill  
Title: Authorized Signatory  
   
ARES INVESTMENTS HOLDINGS LLC  
   
By: /s/ Matthew Jill  
Name: Matthew Jill  
Title: Authorized Signatory  

 

[Signature Page to Initial Subscription Agreement of Ares Private Markets Fund]

 

 

Exhibit 99.(p)(2)

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 1 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund This Investor Application is utilized for the offering of shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share (the “Shares”) of Ares Private Markets Fund (the “Fund”). This Investor Application may be used only by investors that are both (i) “accredited investors” within the meaning given to such term in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and (ii) “qualified clients” within the meaning given to such term in Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The Fund will offer Shares on a continuous basis. Shares will generally be offered for purchase as of the first business day of each calendar month, or at such other times as determined in the discretion of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The purchase price of the Shares will be based on the net asset value per Share as of the date such Shares are purchased. Prior to a Closing Date, and to the receipt and acceptance of this Investor Application, your funds will be held in an escrow account at the Fund’s transfer agent, in accordance with Rule 15c2-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). You will not become a shareholder in the Fund, and have no rights (including, without limitation, any voting or redemption rights, or any rights with respect to standing), until the relevant Closing Date. The Fund, in its discretion, may suspend the offering of its Shares at any time. • All Investor Applications must be received FIVE BUSINESS DAYS before the end of the month for a subscription to be accepted. • ALL WIRED AMOUNTS must be received THREE BUSINESS days before the end of the month for a subscription to be accepted and effective as of the beginning of the month immediately following such receipt. • ALL PURCHASE CHECKS must be received in time for such checks to clear at least THREE BUSINESS days before the end of the month for a subscription to be accepted and effective as of the beginning of the month immediately following such receipt. Therefore, it is recommended that all checks be received TEN BUSINESS days before the end of the month. • NOTE: subscriptions by individual retirement accounts (IRAs) require the signature of the qualified IRA custodian or trustee of the IRA. Please note that all information must be completed and executed in order for your subscription to be reviewed. If the Fund decides to accept the subscription, you will be admitted as a shareholder in the Fund (except as otherwise determined by the Fund in its sole discretion). You must immediately notify the Fund in the event that any of the representations or warranties or other information provided herein is or becomes inaccurate or incomplete in any respect. For more information, please contact the Fund at: Phone Number: 866-324-7348 Fax Number: 816-374-7420 Email: wmsoperations@aresmgmt.com Overnight Address: Ares Private Markets Fund c/o SS&C Technologies, Inc. 430 W 7th St Suite 219079 Kansas City, MO 64105 U.S. Mailing Address: Ares Private Markets Fund c/o SS&C Technologies, Inc. P.O. Box 219079 Kansas City, MO 64121-0979 Wiring Instructions: UMB Bank, N.A., Kansas City MO 64106 ABA: 101000695 Account Number: 9871976114 Account Name: Ares Private Market Fund FBO: (Insert Investor Name) PRIOR TO INVESTING, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FUND’S PROSPECTUS. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES RISKS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROSPECTUS. YOU MAY NOT SELL OR TRANSFER YOUR SHARES OR WITHDRAW FROM THE FUND EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE PROSPECTUS AND THE FUND’S ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS. Acknowledgments 1. I agree to become a shareholder of the Fund and in connection therewith subscribe for and agree to purchase Shares of the Fund on the terms provided for herein, in the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws (as each may be amended from time to time, collectively, the “Fund Agreements”) and in the Privacy Policy of the Fund and agree to be bound by their terms and conditions. I certify that I have the authority and legal capacity to make this purchase and that I am of legal age in my state of residence. 2. I authorize the Fund and its agents to act upon instructions (by phone, in writing or other means) believed to be genuine and in accordance with the procedures described in the Prospectus for this account. I agree that neither the Fund nor the Fund’s transfer agent will be liable for any loss, cost or expense for acting on such instructions. 3. I am aware that an investment in the Fund involves substantial risks and have determined that a subscription is a suitable investment for me and that, at this time, I can bear a complete loss of my entire investment therein. 4. I understand that under the Fund Agreements, shareholders cannot withdraw from the Fund and Shares cannot be transferred, except as provided in the Fund Agreements. I understand that liquidity will generally only be available through periodic tender offers by the Fund, that the Fund is under no legal obligation to conduct any such tender offers. Consequently, I acknowledge that I am aware that I may have to bear the economic risk of investment in the Fund indefinitely. 5. I will acquire Shares of the Fund for my own account for investment purposes only, and not with a view to or for the re-sale, distribution or fractionalization thereof, in whole or in part. I agree not to offer, sell, transfer, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, all or any number of the Shares or any interest therein, except in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Fund Agreements and applicable law. 6. I certify that I am not a Foreign Financial Institution as defined in the U.S.A. Patriot Act. 7. If I am, or am acting on behalf of, (i) an “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), (ii) a “plan” within the meaning of Section 4975(e)(1) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or (iii) any other entity or account that is deemed under applicable law to hold the assets of such an “employee benefit plan” or a “plan” described in (i) or (ii) above, then I hereby represent and warrant to and agree with the Fund and Ares Capital Management II LLC (the “Investment Manager”) that: • The decision to invest my assets in the Fund was made by fiduciaries independent of the Fund, the Investment Manager and their affiliates, which parties are duly authorized to make such investment decisions and who have concluded, after consideration of their fiduciary duties under applicable law, that the investment of my assets in the Fund is prudent and made in accordance with the governing documents of the applicable employee benefit plan or plan and such documents do not prohibit the investment contemplated herein, and such parties and I have not relied on any advice or recommendation of the Fund, the Investment Manager or any of their respective partners, members, employees, stockholders, officers, directors, agents, representatives or affiliates;

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 2 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund • None of the Fund, the Investment Manager or any of their respective partners, members, employees, stockholders, officers, directors, agents, representatives or affiliates have exercised any discretionary authority or control with respect to my investment in the Fund, nor have the Fund, the Investment Manager or any of their respective partners, members, employees, stockholders, officers, directors, agents, representatives or affiliates rendered investment advice to me based upon my investment policies or strategy, overall portfolio composition or diversification; • (a) I have been informed of and understand the investment objectives and policies of the Fund; (b) I am aware of the provisions of Section 404 of ERISA or any similar provisions of applicable law governing me (“Similar Law”) relating to fiduciary duties, including any applicable requirement for diversifying the investments of an employee benefit plan; (c) I have given appropriate consideration to the facts and circumstances relevant to the investment by me in the Fund and have determined that such investment is reasonably designed, as part of my portfolio of investments, to further the purposes of the relevant plan(s); and (d) my investment in the Fund is permissible under the documents governing the investment of my plan assets and under ERISA or Similar Law; • The terms of the Fund Agreements comply with my governing instruments and applicable laws governing me; and • My investment in the Fund will not result in a non-exempt “prohibited transaction” under Section 406 of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Law. 8. If I am, or am acting on behalf of, a “benefit plan investor” (as defined in Section 3(42) of ERISA), then I hereby represent that the person acting on my behalf in exercising discretion in authorizing the investment in the Fund and executing, or directing another party to execute, this Subscription Agreement and the person acting on my behalf in exercising discretion to authorize the continued investment in the Fund (the “Fiduciary”) is: • Capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to particular transactions and investment strategies (both in general and specifically to be undertaken by the Fund), including the decision on my behalf to invest in the Fund or to continue the investment in the Fund or (if applicable) to withdraw or redeem therefrom and has made an independent determination that the terms of the Fund Agreements and the investments contemplated thereunder (including, without limitation, the payments of compensation to the Investment Manager and/or any of its affiliates) are prudent and in my best interests; • Aware of and acknowledges and agrees that (a) none of the Fund, the Investment Manager or any of their respective affiliates is undertaking to provide impartial investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with my initial investment or continued investment in the Fund or (if applicable) any decision to withdraw or redeem therefrom, and (b) the Investment Manager and its affiliates have a financial interest in my investment in the Fund on account of the fees and other compensation they expect to receive from the Fund and their other relationships with the Fund, as disclosed in the Fund Agreements; • A fiduciary under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or both, with respect to my investment in the Fund and is responsible for exercising independent judgment in evaluating such investment transaction; and • Aware of and acknowledges and agrees that (a) the Fund, the Investment Manager and their respective affiliates have not provided and will not provide “investment advice” (within the meaning of ERISA) to me or the Fiduciary with respect to any communications made to me or the Fiduciary concerning my initial and continued investment in the Fund or (if applicable) my withdrawal or redemption therefrom, and (2) none of the Fund, the Investment Manager or any of their respective affiliates is receiving a fee or other compensation directly from me or the Fiduciary for the provision of investment advice (as opposed to other services) in connection with my initial or continued investment in the Fund or (if applicable) my withdrawal or redemption therefrom. 9. In connection with the Fund’s efforts to comply with applicable laws concerning money laundering and related activities, I represent, warrant and agree that to the best of my knowledge based upon reasonable diligence and investigation: • I am not (nor is any person or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with me, or any of my beneficial owners) any of the following: (a) A person or entity listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13224 (2001) issued by the President of the United States, which is posted on the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov). (b) Named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is posted on the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov) under “OFAC/SDN List.” (c) A person or entity resident in, or whose subscription funds are transferred from or through an account in, a foreign country or territory that has been designated as a “Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction” by the Financial Action Task Force. (d) A person or entity resident in, or in the case of an entity organized or chartered under the laws of, a jurisdiction that has been designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury under Sections 311 or 312 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder as warranting special measures due to money laundering concerns. For updates, see the website of the U.S. Department of Treasury (http://www.treas.gov). (e) A foreign shell bank (See U.S.A. Patriot Act and related regulations for definition). (f) A senior foreign political figure. This restriction on senior foreign political figures also applies to any immediate family member of such Figure or close associate of such Figure (See U.S.A. Patriot Act and related regulations for definition). • No consideration that I have contributed or will contribute to the Fund: (a) Shall originate from, nor will it be routed through, a foreign shell bank or a bank organized or chartered under the laws of a Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction. (b) Has been or shall be derived from, or Related to, any activity that is deemed criminal under U.S. law. (c) Shall cause the Fund or the Investment Manager to be in violation of the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act and all other federal anti-money laundering regulations. • I understand and agree that if at any time it is discovered that any of the representations in this Section 9 are incorrect, or if otherwise required by applicable law related to money laundering and similar activities, the Investment Manager, in its sole discretion and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Fund Agreements, may undertake appropriate actions to ensure compliance with applicable law, including but not limited to freezing, segregating or redeeming my investment in the Fund. • I further understand that the Fund or the Investment Manager may release confidential information about me and, if applicable, any underlying beneficial ownership, to proper authorities if the Fund or the Investment Manager, in its sole discretion, determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund in light of applicable law concerning money laundering and similar activities. • I agree to provide to the Fund any additional information that the Fund deems necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance with all applicable laws concerning money laundering and similar activities. I shall promptly notify the Fund if any of the representations in this Section 9 cease to be true and accurate. I agree to call the Fund if I need more information about Section 9 or if I am unsure whether any of the categories apply to me.

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 3 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund 10. I understand that the Fund and its affiliates are relying on the certification and agreements made herein in determining my qualification and suitability as an investor in the Fund. I understand that an investment in the Fund is not appropriate for, and may not be acquired by, any person who cannot make this certification, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, agree to indemnify the Fund, the Investment Manager and its affiliates, and their respective directors, trustees, managers, members, shareholders, partners, officers, and employees and hold each of them harmless from any liability that they may incur as a result of this certification being untrue in any respect. 11. The representations, warranties, agreements, undertakings and acknowledgments made by me in this Investor Application are made with the intent that they be relied upon by the Fund in determining my suitability as an investor in the Fund, and shall survive my investment. I agree to provide, if requested, any additional information that may reasonably be required to determine eligibility to invest in the Fund or to enable the Fund to determine the Fund’s compliance with applicable regulatory requirements or tax status. In addition, I undertake to notify the Fund immediately of any change with respect to any of the information or representations made herein and to provide the Fund with such further information as the Fund may reasonably require. 12. I acknowledge that this Investor Application shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware with all rights being governed by Delaware law without regard to any applicable rules relating to conflicts of laws.  

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 4 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund Ares Private Markets Fund Subscription Document The Fund accepts investments from individuals or entities with a U.S. Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. Please note that the value of your account may be transferred to the appropriate state if no activity occurs in the account within the time period specified by state law. 1. Investment — See payment instructions on first page Please check the appropriate box: o Initial Investment — Please see account minimum in section 2. o Subsequent Investment — (Please complete Sections 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 13 only unless changes to other Sections are needed) Account # State of Sale Total $ Invested 2. Investment Instructions Initial investment minimum is $25,000 for Class A Shares and Class D Shares. Initial investment minimum is $1,000,000 for Class I Shares. The minimum additional investment in the Fund by any investor is $5,000, except for additional purchases pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan. o Purchase by Check — Make check payable to Ares Private Markets Fund. o Purchase by Wire — Wire instructions are on cover page. o Class I Shares o Class D Shares o Class A Shares Sales Charge: o YES o NO Amount $ or % The Investor acknowledges that a sales charge of up to 3.5% of the Subscription Amount specified above may be charged by an eligible financial intermediary in connection with this investment and that only the net amount, after deduction of the sales charge, will be invested in the Fund.

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 5 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund 3. Account Registration (check only one type below; may not be a minor) Non-Custodial Ownership Brokerage Account Number o Individual Ownership o Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship o Transfer on Death Fill out Transfer on Death Form to effect designation. (Available through your financial professional) o Tenants in Common o Community Property o Plan Additional documentation required in section 4C. o Trust Additional documentation required in section 4C. o Corporation/Partnership Additional documentation required in section 4C. o Other (Specify) Custodial Ownership Custodian Account Number o Traditional IRA o Roth IRA o Decedent IRA Name of Deceased o Simplified Employee Pension/Trust (SEP) o Other (Specify) (Required for custodial ownership accounts.) Custodian Information To be completed by Custodian listed above. Name of Custodian Custodian Tax ID # Custodian Telephone # 4. Subscriber Information A. Investor Information (Investor/Trustee/Executor/Authorized Signatory information) First Name Last Name Social Security/Taxpayer ID # Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY) Telephone # E-mail Address Residential Address (no P.O. Box) Street Address City State Zip Mailing Address (if different from above) Street Address City State Zip Please Indicate Citizenship Status o U.S. Citizen o Resident Alien o Non-Resident Alien

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 6 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund B. Co-Investor Information (Co-Investor/Co-Trustee/Co-Authorized Signatory Information, if applicable) First Name Last Name Social Security/Taxpayer ID # Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY) Telephone # Residential Address (no P.O. Box) Street Address City State Zip Mailing Address (if different from above) Street Address City State Zip Please Indicate Citizenship Status o U.S. Citizen o Resident Alien o Non-Resident Alien C. Entity Information — Retirement Plan/Trust/Corporation/Partnership/Other (Trustee(s) and/or Authorized Signatory(s) information MUST be provided in sections 4A and 4B) Entity Name Entity Tax ID # Date of Trust Entity Type (Select one — required) o Retirement Plan o Taxable Trust (First and last pages of the trust document required) o Tax-exempt Trust (First and last pages of the trust document required) o S-Corp (Corporate Resolution required) o C-Corp (Corporate Resolution required) o LLC (Plan documentation required) o Partnership (Plan documentation required) o Estate (Letter of Testamentary required) o Other (Specify) Check if appropriate: o I am an exempt recipient as defined under U.S. federal income tax regulations (e.g., C-Corporation, financial institution, registered broker-dealer, or tax-exempt organization). Exempt Payee Code (see IRS Form W-9 for a list of exempt payee codes): 5. E-consent Please note that by providing an e-mail address, you are consenting to electronic delivery of Fund documentation if and when it becomes available. Your selection applies to any periodic reports and all other account-related documents that the Fund will send to you. Many of the documents will contain confidential information that is specific to your private financial matters. Regardless of the delivery method you select, the Fund will take reasonable precautions to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and security of the documents, but will not be liable for any interception. Please note that you will first receive a hard copy trade confirmation with your account number which you will need to register your account online for electronic delivery. Once you register, the Fund will deliver a document to you by sending you an e-mail that contains a link to the document. Such selection will remain in effect as long as you maintain an investment with the Fund or until you notify the Fund of a change. The Fund does not impose any additional charge for electronic delivery, but you may incur charges from your Internet service provider and your telephone company or other Internet access provider. In addition, there are risks, such as systems outages, that are associated with electronic delivery. o I consent to electronic delivery E-mail Address If blank, the e-mail address provided in Section 4 will be used.

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 7 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund 6. Broker/Dealer or Financial Advisor Information* (must be completed) Investor Account Number at Firm Broker/Dealer or Other Advisory Firm or Financial Institution Name Mailing Address (Branch) City State ZIP Phone Number Firm CRD#/IARD# Rep Name Rep Phone Number Rep # Rep Address City State ZIP Rep Email Address * Prospective investors are advised and hereby acknowledge that the Investment Manager and/or its respective affiliates may pay ongoing consideration to intermediaries in connection with the offering and sale of Shares and/or ongoing services provided by such parties in connection therewith. 7. Distribution Instructions (Reinvestment required for IRAs) All distributions will be reinvested unless one of the following is checked: o Send all distributions to the custodian listed in Section 3. o Send all distributions to the bank or brokerage listed in Section 7. o Send all distributions via CHECK to the addess listed in Section 4. 8. Bank or Brokerage Account Information Complete this section ONLY if you do NOT wish to enroll in the Distribution Reinvestment Plan and you instead elect to receive cash distributions. Name of Financial Institution Street Address City State ZIP Name(s) on Account ABA Numbers/Bank Account Number Account Number o Checking (Attach a voided check.) o Savings (Attach a voided deposit slip.) o Brokerage

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 8 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund 9. Cost Basis Election The Fund has elected the first in first out (FIFO) cost method as the default cost basis method for purposes of this requirement. If an investor wishes to accept the FIFO cost method as its default cost basis calculation method in respect of Shares in its account, the investor does not need to take any additional action. If, however, an investor wishes to affirmatively elect an alternative cost basis calculation method other than FIFO cost in respect of its Shares, please select one of the following: o ACST – AVERAGE COST o HIFO – HIGH COST o LIFO – LAST IN FIRST OUT o LOFO – LOW COST o LGUT – LOSS/GAIN UTILIZATION o SAAC – SINGLE ACCOUNT AVERAGE COST o SLID – SPECIFIC LOT IDENTIFICATION 10. Accredited Investor Status (must be completed) The following relates to an investor’s status as an “accredited investor.” If you are unsure in any respect as to your status, please contact your financial intermediary. The subscriber is: (write corresponding number(s) in box provided) A po tential investor qualifies as an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act if: 1. The investor is a natural person who had an income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year. 2. The investor is a natural person who, with his or her spouse or spousal equivalent, had a joint income in excess of $300,000 in each of the two most recent years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year. Note: For purposes of calculating joint net worth, joint net worth can be the aggregate net worth of the investor and spouse or spousal equivalent; assets need not be held jointly to be included in the calculation. Reliance on this joint net worth standard does not require that Shares to be purchased jointly. 3. The investor is a natural person who has a net worth (or joint net worth with his or her spouse or spousal equivalent) in excess of $1,000,000, excluding the value of the investor’s primary residence as well as the related amount of indebtedness secured by such primary residence (up to its estimated fair market value at the time of the sale of the Shares) (except that if the amount of such indebtedness outstanding at the time of the sale of the Shares exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days before such time, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability, and indebtedness that is secured by the investor’s primary residence in excess of the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the sale of Shares shall be included as a liability). 4. The investor is a revocable grantor trust (such as a living trust) in which each grantor (a) has the power to revoke the trust at any time and regain title to the trust assets, (b) may amend the trust at any time and (c) is a natural person who is an accredited investor. 5. The investor is a trust (e.g., a personal trust) that has total assets in excess of $5,000,000, was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares, and whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such person is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investing in the Fund, and is not affiliated with the Investment Manager. 6. The investor (i) is either a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or a Massachusetts or similar business trust, (ii) has not been formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares, and (iii) has total assets in excess of $5,000,000. 7. The investor is a plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, and such plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000. 8. The investor is an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of ERISA, and (i) the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA, which is either a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or registered investment adviser, (ii) the employee benefit plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 or (iii) if a self-directed plan, the investment decisions are made solely by persons that are accredited investors. 9. The investor is a bank as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or a savings and loan association or other institution as defined in Section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity. 10. The investor is an insurance company as defined in Section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act; 11. The investor is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) or a business development company as defined in Section 2(a)(48) of the 1940 Act. 12. The investor is a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under Section 301(c) or (d) of the U.S. Small Business Investment Act of 1958. 13. The investor is a private business development company as defined in Section 202(a)(22) of the Adviser Act. 14. The investor is a broker or dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act, as amended. 15. The investor is an entity (other than a trust) in which all of the equity owners are accredited investors. Note: It is permissible to look through various forms of equity ownership to natural persons in determining the accredited investor status of entities under this paragraph (15). If those natural persons are themselves accredited investors, and if all other equity owners of the entity seeking accredited investor status are accredited investors, then this paragraph (15) may be available.

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 9 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund 16. The investor is an investment adviser registered pursuant to Section 203 of the Advisers Act or registered pursuant to the laws of any U.S. state. 17. The investor is an investment adviser relying on the exemption from registering with the SEC under Section 203(l) or 203(m) of the Advisers Act. 18. The investor is a Rural Business Investment Company as defined in section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. 19. The investor is an entity that (i) was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares, (ii) owns investments in excess of $5,000,000, and (iii) is of a type not listed in paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), or (18) above. 20. The investor is a natural person holding in good standing one or more professional certifications or designations or credentials from an accredited educational institution that the SEC has designated as qualifying an individual for accredited investor status (currently, a Series 7, Series 82 or Series 65 license). 21. The investor is a “family office,” as defined in Rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act, and (i) has assets under management in excess of $5,000,000, (ii) is not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares; and (iii) its prospective investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment. 22. The investor is a “family client,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act, of a family office meeting the requirements in paragraph (21) above and whose prospective investment in the Fund is directed by such family office pursuant to paragraph (21)(iii) above. 11. Qualified Client Status (must be completed) The following relates to an investor’s status as a “qualified client.” If you are unsure in any respect as to your status, please contact your financial intermediary. The subscriber is: (write corresponding number(s) in box provided) A potential investor qualifies as “qualified client” within the meaning of Rule 205-3 under the Advisers Act if: 1. The investor is a natural person who, or a company that, the Investment Manager reasonably believes, immediately prior to purchasing Shares, either (a) has a net worth (together, in the case of a natural person, with assets held jointly with a spouse) of more than $2,200,000. 2. The investor is a natural person who is making an investment in Shares of the Fund of at least $1,100,000 or after the purchase of Shares has at least $1,100,000 under the management of the Investment Manager. 3. The investor is a qualified purchaser as defined in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the 1940 Act, at the time of the investment into the Fund; or 4. The investor is a natural person who immediately prior to purchasing Shares is: (1) an executive officer, director, trustee, general partner, advisory board member or person serving in a similar capacity, of the Investment Manager; or (2) an employee of the Investment Manager who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, participates in investment activities of the Investment Manager and has done so for at least 12 months. 5. The investor is an entity which would be defined as an investment company under Section 3(a) of the 1940 Act, but solely for the exception from that definition provided by Section 3(c)(1) thereof (e.g., certain limited partnership and limited liability companies organized to make investments). 6. The investor is an investment company registered, or required to be registered, under the 1940 Act or is a business development company as defined in Section 202(a)(22) of the Advisers Act. 12. Acknowledgement and Signature (All account owners/trustees must sign on the following page) By signing below: • I certify that I have received and read the current Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information and Privacy Policy of the Fund in which I am investing and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. I certify that I have the authority and legal capacity to make this purchase and that I am of legal age in my state of residence. • I authorize the Fund and its agents to act upon instructions (by phone, in writing or other means) believed to be genuine and in accordance with the procedures described in the Prospectus for this account. I agree that neither the Fund nor the Fund’s transfer agent will be liable for any loss, cost or expense for acting on such instructions. • I certify that I am not a Foreign Financial Institution as defined in the USA Patriot Act. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS SPECULATIVE WITH A SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF LOSS. THE FUND DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY LEVEL OF RETURN OR RISK ON INVESTMENTS AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE WILL BE ACHIEVED. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND ENTAILS SUBSTANTIAL RISKS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: • LOSS OF CAPITAL, UP TO THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF A SHAREHOLDER’S INVESTMENT. • THE FUND’S SHARES ARE ILLIQUID SECURITIES AND AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS APPROPRIATE ONLY FOR THOSE INVESTORS WHO DO NOT REQUIRE A LIQUID INVESTMENT. • SHARES WILL NOT BE LISTED ON ANY NATIONAL OR OTHER SECURITIES EXCHANGE AND NO SECONDARY MARKET IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP FOR SHARES OF THE FUND. • SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY, AND LIQUIDITY, IF ANY, MAY BE PROVIDED BY THE FUND ONLY THROUGH REPURCHASE OFFERS, WHICH MAY, BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO, BE MADE FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE FUND AS DETERMINED BY THE FUND’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. • AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS APPROPRIATE ONLY FOR THOSE INVESTORS WHO CAN TOLERATE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND DO NOT REQUIRE A LIQUID INVESTMENT AND FOR WHOM AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM. YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THESE RISKS TOGETHER WITH ALL OF THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS BEFORE MAKING A DECISION TO INVEST IN THE FUND.

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 10 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund Under penalty of perjury, I certify that: 1. The Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number shown on this application is correct. 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding; or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends; or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding. 3. I am a U.S citizen or other U.S. Person (including resident alien). 4. I am exempt from FATCA reporting. Note: Cross out number 2 if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding. The Internal Revenue Service does not require your consent to any provision of this document other than the certifications required to avoid back-up withholding. If this is an individual retirement account, the custodian or trustee of the account is also required to execute this Application below: Signature of Owner, Trustee or Custodian Date Signature of Joint Owner, Trustee or Custodian (if applicable) Date Printed name(s) of Authorized Signer(s) (for verification purposes) If the subscriber(s) is purchasing Shares through a registered dealer or registered investment adviser that has full discretionary authority for the subscriber(s), then the broker, financial advisor or other investor representative is required to execute this Agreement below AND attach a complete copy of the documentation evidencing such discretionary authority to this Application. Name of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative Date Signature of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative 13. FINRA-registered Brokers/Representatives must complete Section 13A. SEC-registered Investment Adviser Representatives must complete Section 13B. A. Broker/Financial Advisor Information & Signatures By signing below: • I certify that I am a broker, financial advisor or other investor representative duly licensed or exempt from licensing and lawfully able to sell Shares in the jurisdiction of the legal residence of the subscriber. • I have reasonable grounds to believe that the information and representations concerning the subscriber contained herein are true, correct and complete in all respects. • I have verified that the form of ownership selected is accurate, secured all identifying and supporting documents, including, without limitation, copies of trust agreements, where applicable, and if other than individual ownership, verified that the individual executing on behalf of the subscriber is properly authorized and identified. • My firm has, acting in its capacity as agent, broker, financial advisor or other investor representative, performed functions required by U.S. federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to Know Your Customer, Patriot Act (AML and Customer Identification) as required by its relationship with the subscriber identified in this Subscription Agreement. Name of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative Date Signature of Broker/Financial Advisor/Other Investor Representative Name of Registered Supervisory Principal Date Signature of Registered Supervisory Principal

GRAPHIC

Subscription Agreement CLASS A SHARES, CLASS D SHARES AND CLASS I SHARES Effective as of April 2022 Investor Name 11 of 11 Ares Private Markets Fund APMF-5857-0322 Ares Private Market Fund Contact Information: Phone: 866.324.7348 Website: www.areswms.com Email: wmsoperations@aresmgmt.com B. Registered Investor Adviser/Investment Adviser Representative Information & Signatures By signing below: • I certify that my firm is a SEC-registered investment adviser duly licensed and lawfully able to transact business in Shares in the jurisdiction of the legal residence of the subscriber. • I have made every reasonable effort to determine the eligibility, including Accredited Investor and Qualified Client status, of subscriber for this purchase of Shares and the information and representations concerning the subscriber contained herein are true, correct and complete in all respects. • I have verified that the form of ownership selected is accurate, secured all identifying and supporting documents, including, without limitation, copies of trust agreements, where applicable, and if other than individual ownership, verified that the individual executing on behalf of the subscriber is properly authorized and identified. In addition, I have taken reasonable steps to verify and document that the purpose and nature of the account is legitimate and that the client’s wealth and source of funds for this investment is not from criminal proceeds. • I represent and warrant that I have not made and will not make any representations concerning the Fund except as contained in the Prospectus or in sales materials provided by the Fund or Ares Wealth Management Solutions, LLC (the “Distributor”), and that I have not and will not distribute any other sales material relating to the Fund without the prior written approval of the Distributor. I further represent that I will retain such documents and records as required under applicable law and will make such documents and records available to (a) the Distributor or the Fund upon request; and (b) representatives of the SEC, FINRA and applicable state securities administrators upon the Distributor’s or the Fund’s receipt of an appropriate document subpoena or other appropriate request for documents from any such agency. • I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Distributor, and their respective officers, directors, trustees, employees, affiliates or agents from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) claimed to have resulted from (a) my negligence or violation of any applicable law or regulation; or (b) any breach of the representations and warranties set forth herein by me or any of my officers, directors, employees or agents. • My firm has, acting in its capacity as agent, broker, financial adviser or other investor representative, performed functions required by U.S. federal and state securities laws, including, as required by its relationship with the subscriber identified in this Subscription Agreement. Name of Investment Adviser/Other Investor Representative Date Signature of Investment Adviser/Other Investor Representative Name of Registered Supervisory Principal (If Applicable) Date Signature of Registered Supervisory Principal

Exhibit 99.(r)(1)

 

Ares Private Markets Fund

 

A.Code of Ethics (Rules 17j-1 Personal Securities Transactions)

 

The Fund is regulated as a closed end management investment company under the 1940 Act, as amended, and subject to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 17j-1”). Rule 17j-1 makes it unlawful for any Affiliated Person (as defined below) of the Fund or its investment adviser, Ares Capital Management II LLC (the “Adviser”), in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such Affiliated Person of any Security Held (as defined below) or to be acquired by the Fund:

 

(1)To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Fund;

 

(2)To make any untrue statement of a material fact to the Fund or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to the Fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

 

(3)To engage in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on the Fund; or

 

(4)To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Fund.

 

In accordance with Rule 17j-1, the Fund has adopted this Code of Ethics containing provisions it deems reasonably necessary to prevent those of its Affiliated Persons who are Access Persons (as defined below) from engaging in any of such prohibited acts.

 

In addition, the Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires a registered investment adviser to establish, maintain and enforce a code of ethics that includes certain specified provisions. The Advisers have each adopted a separate code of ethics designed to meet the requirements of Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The provisions of the Adviser’s code of ethics may contain additional provisions relating to the obligations of Access Persons. Access Persons of the Adviser are subject to this Code of Ethics as well as the code of ethics of any adviser for which he or she is an Access Person.

 

Definitions

 

(A)           “Access Person” means any director, trustee, officer, general partner, member or Advisory Person of the Fund or the Adviser.

 

 

 

 

(B)“Advisory Person of the Fund or the Adviser” means:

 

(i)             any director, trustee, officer, general partner, member or employee of the Fund or the Adviser (or of any Fund in a Control relationship to the Fund or the Adviser), who in connection with his or her regular functions or duties makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendation with respect to such purchases or sales; and

(ii)            any natural person in a Control relationship to the Fund or the Adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of any Covered Security by the Fund.

 

(C)“Affiliated Person” of another person means:

 

(i)             any person directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote, 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of such other person;

(ii)           any person 5% or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or held with power to vote, by such other person;

(iii)          any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person;

(iv)          any officer, director, trustee, partner, copartner, or employee of such other person;

(v)            if such other person is an investment company, any investment adviser thereof or any member of an advisory board thereof; and

(vi)           if such other person is an unincorporated investment company not having a board of directors/trustees, the depositor thereof.

 

(D)            “Beneficial Interest” means beneficial ownership determined pursuant to Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act. This means that an Access Person should generally consider himself to have a Beneficial Interest in any Securities in which he has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest, which include Securities held by any Covered Family Member. In addition, an Access Person should consider himself to have a Beneficial Interest in any Securities held by other persons where, by reason of any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship, such Access Person has sole or shared voting or investment power.

 

(E)            “Control” means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company. Any person who owns beneficially, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, more than 25% of the voting securities of a company shall be presumed to control such company. Any person who does not so own more than 25% of the voting securities of any company shall be presumed not to control such company. A natural person shall be presumed not to be a controlled person. Any such presumption may be rebutted by evidence in accordance with Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act.

 

(F)            “Covered Account” means an account maintained with any broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution that holds any Securities in which an Access Person has a Beneficial Interest. A Covered Account includes any account of a Covered Family Member.

 

(G)            “Covered Family Member” means a member of an Access Person’s immediate family who is living in such Access Person’s household. A person is considered a member of an Access Person’s immediate family if such person is a spouse, registered domestic partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, or person with whom the Access Person has an adoptive or “in-law” relationship.

 

 

 

 

(H)           “Covered Security” means a Security, except that such term does not include:

 

(i)            direct obligations of the Government of the United States;

(ii)           bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; or

(iii)          shares issued by open-end investment companies registered under the 1940 Act or under a comparable regulatory regime other than those, if any, that are not money market funds and for which the Advisers (or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Advisers) serves as investment adviser or principal underwriter;

(iv)          shares issued by money market funds; and

(v)           investments in qualified tuition programs established pursuant to Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

(I)             “Designated Officer” means the person designated from time to time by the Fund to be its CCO in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act; provided, that the Fund may from time to time designate another person to act on behalf of the Designated Officer during periods when the Designated Officer is absent or disabled, and during such periods the term “Designated Officer” shall mean such other officer.

 

(J)             “Disinterested Director/Trustee” means a director/trustee of the Fund who is not an “interested person” of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

(K)           “Employee of the Fund or the Adviser” means any employee of the Fund or the Adviser.

 

(L)            “Federal Securities Laws” means, in addition to the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the 1934 Act, Title V of the Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act, all rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the foregoing statutes, those provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act that apply to investment companies and investment advisers, and any rules adopted under such provisions by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury.

 

(M)          “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the 1933 Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act.

 

(N)           “Investment Personnel” means:

 

(i)            any employee of the Fund or the Advisers (or of any company in a Control relationship to the Fund or the Advisers), who in connection with his or her regular functions or duties makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund; and

 

(ii)           any natural person who Controls the Fund or the Adviser and obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund.

 

(O)            “Limited Offering” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the 1933 Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) or Section 4(a)(5) thereof or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 thereunder.

 

 

 

 

(P)            “Purchase or sale of a Covered Security” includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Covered Security.

 

(Q)            “Security” means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security”, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing, and includes, without limitation:

 

(i)equity securities;

 

(ii)shares of or interests in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and unit investment trusts;

 

(iii)derivative instruments or other structured products;

 

(iv)securities issued in private placements;

 

(v)debt/fixed income securities; and

 

(vi)limited partnership and limited liability company interests.

 

(R)“Security Held or to be Acquired by the Fund” means:

 

(i)            any Covered Security which, within the most recent 15 days: (A) is or has been held by the Fund, one of its subsidiaries or an entity for which the Fund acts as adviser; or (B) is being or has been considered by the Fund, one of its subsidiaries or the Advisers for purchase by the Fund, one of its subsidiaries or an entity for which the Fund acts as adviser; and

 

(ii)            any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Covered Security described in clause (i) above.

 

(S)            “Third Party Account” means an account in which a Covered Security is held for the benefit of any individual or entity other than the Fund with respect to which an Access Person exercises investment discretion or provides investment advice.

 

 

 

 

Standards of Conduct

 

(A)General Standards.

 

(1)            No Access Person may, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of a Security Held or to be Acquired by the Fund:

 

i.)             engage, directly or indirectly, in any business investment in a manner detrimental to the Fund; or

 

ii.)            use confidential information gained by reason of his or her employment by or affiliation with the Fund in a manner detrimental to the Fund.

 

(2)            Before, or at the time that, an Access Person recommends or authorizes the purchase or sale of a Covered Security by the Fund, or becomes aware that the Fund is considering the purchase or sale of a Covered Security, he or she must promptly disclose to the Designated Officer:

 

i.)             any Beneficial Interest in such Covered Security that he or she has or proposes to acquire;

 

ii.)            any interest he or she has or proposes to acquire in any Third Party Account in which such Covered Security is held;

 

iii.)           any Beneficial interest in any other security that may benefit from the proposed purchase, sale or other action; and

 

iv.)           any interest in or relationship with the issuer of such Covered Security that he or she has or proposes to acquire.

 

(3)            Each Access Person must conduct his or her personal securities transactions in a manner that is consistent with this Code of Ethics and that will avoid an abuse of his or her position of trust and responsibility within the Fund.

 

(4)            No Access Person may engage in any act, practice, or course of business that is in breach of the fiduciary duty of care, loyalty, honesty and good faith that he or she, and the Advisers, owe to the Fund.

 

(5)            No Access Person may, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of any Security Held or to be Acquired by the Fund, engage in any act, practice or course of business in violation of the Federal Securities Laws.

 

(B)Pre-Approval Requirements.

 

Access Persons (other than the Disinterested Directors/Trustees) must have written clearance before directly or indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering or Limited Offering.

 

Access Persons of the Advisers are not required to obtain prior approval from the Designated Officer for any transaction if such approval was obtained pursuant to the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s code of ethics, as applicable.

 

 

 

 

(C)            The following reporting, review and record keeping procedures have been established in accordance with Rule 17j-1 and to assist the Fund in preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions for violations of this Code of Ethics. Questions regarding these procedures should be directed to the Designated Officer.

 

(1)Reports to be Completed by Access Persons

 

(1)            Except as set forth in Item (2) below, each Access Person of the Fund must submit the following reports by completing certifications through Star Compliance or as otherwise required by the Designated Officer, in all cases in such form as is specified by the Designated Officer and containing such information as is required by Rule 17j-1:

 

(a)            Initial Holdings Report. No later than 10 calendar days after becoming an Access Person, the Access Person must complete an Initial Covered Account Certification and an Initial Covered Securities Certification with respect to Covered Accounts and Covered Securities, including the title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the date the person became an Access Person and the name of any broker dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person. The information reported in the certifications must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the Access Person’s employment start date. Securities acquired in Limited Offerings and other holdings not commonly held in a brokerage account also must be included. An Access Person who fails to submit the certification within 10 calendar days of the date he or she became an Access Person will be prohibited from engaging in any personal securities transactions that require pre-clearance under this Code of Ethics until such certifications are submitted and may be subject to other sanctions.

 

(b)            Quarterly Transaction Report. Within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter, each Access Person must complete a Quarterly Transaction Certification and a Quarterly Covered Account Certification with respect to Covered Securities transactions during the previous quarter and Covered Accounts, including the date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each Covered Security involved, the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition), the price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected, and the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected. Compliance may require additional certifications.

 

(c)            Annual Holdings Report. Within thirty (45) days of the end of each calendar year, each Access Person must complete an Annual Covered Securities Certification with respect to holdings of Covered Securities, including the title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Access person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership and the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person.

 

 

 

 

(2)Exceptions from Reporting Requirements

 

(a)            A person need not make a report under Item (A) with respect to a Covered Security held in, or transactions effected for, any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.

 

(b)            A Disinterested Director/Trustee who would be required to make a report solely by reason of being a director/trustee of the Fund need not make:

 

(i)            an initial holding report pursuant to Item (A)(1)(a) or any annual holdings report pursuant to Item (A)(1)(c); and

(ii)           a quarterly transaction report pursuant to Item(A)(1)(b) unless he or she knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her duties as a director/trustee, should have known that during the 15-day period immediately before or after the director’s/trustee’s transaction in a Covered Security, the Fund purchased or sold, or the Fund or the Advisers considered purchasing or selling, the Covered Security.

 

(c)            An Access Person who would otherwise be required to submit reports to the Fund under Item (A) will not be required to submit such reports where such Access Person is required to file reports pursuant to the Advisers’ codes of ethics.

 

(3)            Obligation to Report Violations. Every Access Person who becomes aware of a violation of this Code of Ethics must report it to the Designated Officer, who may report it to management personnel of the Fund as appropriate. The Designated Officer and any management personnel to whom a violation is reported shall promptly investigate the matter and take such disciplinary action as they consider appropriate under the circumstances. Any form of retaliation against a person who reports a violation is prohibited and constitutes a violation of this Code of Ethics. The Board must be notified, in a timely manner, of remedial action taken with respect to violations of the Code of Ethics.

 

(4)            Fund Reports. No less often than annually, the Fund and the Advisers must furnish to the Board, and the Board must consider, a written report that:

 

(a)            describes any issues arising under this Code of Ethics, the Adviser’s code of ethics or the related procedures since the last report to the Board, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of either code of ethics or related procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and

(b)            certifies that the Fund and the Adviser have each adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating its code of ethics.

 

 

 

 

(5)            Records. The Fund shall maintain records with respect to this Code of Ethics in the manner and to the extent set forth below shall be available for examination by the SEC or any representative of the SEC at any time and from time to time for reasonable periodic, special, or other examination:

 

A copy of this Code of Ethics and any other code of ethics of the Fund that is, or at any time within the past five years has been, in effect shall be maintained in an easily accessible place;
A record of any violation of this Code of Ethics, and of any action taken as a result of such violation, shall be preserved in an easily accessible place for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs;
A copy of all written acknowledgements as required by this Code of Ethics for each person who is, or within the past five years was, an Access Person;
A copy of each report submitted by an Access Person as required by the Rule or pursuant to this Code of Ethics shall be maintained for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which it is made or the information is provided, the first two years in an easily accessible place;
A record of all persons within the past five years who are or were required to make reports pursuant to paragraph (d) of Rule 17j-1 or this Code of Ethics, or who are or were responsible for reviewing those reports, shall be maintained in an easily accessible place;
A record of the approval by the Board, including a majority of the Disinterested Directors/Trustees of the Code of Ethics and any material changes to the Code of Ethics, including the certifications from the Fund and the Adviser that each has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Fund’s or the Adviser’s code of ethics; and
A record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve the acquisition by Investment Personnel of securities in an Initial Public Offering or in a Limited Offering shall be maintained for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which such acquisition is approved.

 

(6)            Confidentiality. All reports, duplicate account statements and other information filed or delivered to the Designated Officer or furnished to any other person pursuant to this Code of Ethics shall be treated as confidential, but are subject to review as provided herein and by representatives of the SEC.

 

Acknowledgement of Receipt

Upon becoming an Access Person, whenever this Code of Ethics is amended and at least annually, each Access Person must certify to the Designated Officer receipt of this Code of Ethics and any amendments thereto and continued compliance with this Code of Ethics.

 

B.Code of Conduct

 

This Code of Conduct (the “Code”) embodies the commitment of the Fund to conduct its business in accordance with all applicable governmental rules and regulations and to promote honest and ethical conduct. This Code applies to:

 

the Fund’s Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (collectively, the “Senior Financial Officers”),
All other officers and employees of the Fund and members of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (such persons, together with the Senior Financial Officers, the “Covered Persons”), each of whom is expected to adhere to the principles and procedures set forth in this Code that apply to them.

 

 

 

 

Failure to comply with this Code, or to report a violation, may result in disciplinary actions, including warnings, suspensions, termination of employment or such other actions as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

 

Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations

 

Covered Persons are required to comply with the laws, rules and regulations that govern the conduct of the Company’s business and to report any suspected violations in accordance with the section below entitled “Compliance With the Code.”

 

If you have any questions regarding proper conduct, you should consult with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer before taking any action.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

A “conflict of interest” occurs when a Covered Person’s private interest improperly interferes with the interests of the Fund. Personal conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of Fund policy, unless they have been approved by the Fund.

 

Some of the Covered Persons may also be employees or officers of

The Fund’s investment adviser or one of its affiliates (collectively, the “Adviser”); or
The company providing administrative services to the Fund or one of its affiliates (collectively, the “Administrator”).

 

Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts may arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the Fund and the Adviser and/or Covered Persons that are officers, employees and/or directors of more than one of such entities. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Persons will, in the normal course of their duties (whether for the Fund or for the Adviser, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the Adviser and the Fund. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the relationship between the Fund and the Adviser and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Persons of their duties as officers and/or trustees of the Fund. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the 1940 Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically and to not constitute a “conflict of interest” for purposes of this Code. In addition, it is recognized by the Board that the Covered Officers may, from time to time, also be officers or employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this Code or other codes.

 

Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the 1940 Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of the Fund.

 

 

 

 

Each Covered Officer must:

 

not use his personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by the Fund whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally to the detriment of the Fund;
not cause the Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than for the benefit of the Fund; and
not use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for the Fund to trade personally or cause others to trade personally in contemplation of the market effect of such transactions.

 

There are some relationships that should always be disclosed to the CCO of the Fund, including:

 

A.Any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any entities doing business with the Fund, other than an affiliated service provider or an affiliate of an affiliated service provider. This disclosure requirement shall not apply to or otherwise limit the ownership of publicly traded securities so long as the Covered Officer’s ownership does not exceed more than 1% of the outstanding securities of the relevant class.

 

B.A direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the Fund for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer’s employment with an affiliated service provider or its affiliates. This disclosure requirement shall not apply to or otherwise limit (i) the ownership of publicly traded securities so long as the Covered Officer’s ownership does not exceed more than 1% of a particular class of security outstanding or (ii) the receipt by an affiliated service provider or its affiliates of research or other benefits in exchange for “soft dollars”.

 

As a registered investment company, it is of critical importance that the Fund’s public communications, reports, and SEC filings contain full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure. Accordingly, each Covered Officer is expected to consider it central to his or her duties and responsibilities to the Fund to promote full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in the Fund’s public communications and reports, and in the documents that the Fund files with, or submits to, the SEC. In this regard, the Fund has adopted Disclosure Controls and Procedures that, “under the supervision and oversight” of the Covered Officers, are designed to ensure that all information the Fund is required to disclose in its annual and semi-annual reports filed with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC under its rules and regulations.

 

In addition to adhering to the specific requirements set forth in the Fund’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures and all applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, each Covered Officer shall exercise a high standard of care in complying with the Fund’s Internal Controls, and in preparing and providing all necessary information to make the Fund’s public reports, communications, and SEC filings and submissions complete, fair, and understandable.

 

 

 

 

Accordingly, each Covered Officer must not knowingly misrepresent or cause others to misrepresent facts about the Fund. In addition, each Covered Officer must seek to ensure that all of the Fund’s books, records, accounts and financial information, as well as reports produced from those materials:

 

1.Are supported by accurate documentation maintained in reasonable detail;
2.Are recorded in the proper account and in the proper accounting period;
3.Do not contain any false or intentionally misleading entries;
4.Fairly and accurately reflect the transactions or occurrences to which they relate; and
5.Conform to the Fund’s Internal Controls, Disclosure Controls and Procedures, and to all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.(r)(2)

 

Code of Conduct

 

I.       Code of Ethics

 

This Code of Ethics is designed not only to fulfill technical compliance with applicable regulatory Code of Ethics Rules, but also to eliminate conflicts of interest (actual or apparent) between the personal trading activities of Covered Persons and their Covered Family Members and the interests of Ares and its Clients, including Investors and prospective Investors in our Funds. The reporting and preclearance requirements covered in this Code of Ethics Policy also apply to the accounts and activities of your Covered Family Members. “Covered Family Member” includes any member of your immediate family who is living in your household, such as a spouse, registered domestic partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, or person with whom you have an adoptive or “in-law” relationship.

 

General Standards

 

All employees are generally designated Covered Persons effective their first date of employment. Non-employee officers, consultants and other temporary workers are evaluated with regard to designation as Covered Persons at the discretion of the CCO. As a Covered Person, you must certify in writing that you have read, understand, and will comply with this Code of Ethics Policy upon such designation and must, at least annually thereafter, acknowledge being subject to the Code of Ethics (as amended) and attest to continued compliance. You owe our clients a fiduciary duty, which prohibits you from:

 

·engaging, directly or indirectly, in any business investment in a manner detrimental to any Client

 

·taking any actions or making any decisions that are inconsistent with loyalty, honesty, and good faith toward Ares and its Clients, or that violate federal securities laws or any other applicable law, rule, or regulation

 

·using confidential information gained through your connection to Ares in a manner detrimental to any Client

 

Before, or at the same time as, you and your Covered Family Members recommend or authorize the purchase, sale, or any other action, in relation to a Covered Security by or for a Client, you must disclose to the CCO:

 

·you or your Covered Family Member’s Beneficial Interest in the Covered Security

 

·any interest you or your Covered Family Member have, or intend to acquire, in any third-party account in which the Covered Security is held

 

·any Beneficial Interest in any other security that may benefit you or your Covered Family Member from the proposed purchase, sale or other action

 

·any interest in, or business relationship with, the issuer of the Covered Security by you or a Covered Family Member

 

You must keep your and any Covered Family Member’s personal securities transactions consistent with this Code of Ethics and ensure that you or any Covered Family Member do not abuse your position of trust and responsibility with Ares.

 

Limits and Prohibitions on Securities Trades

 

Investing in IPOs

 

You and your Covered Family Members are prohibited from taking a long or short position in an IPO of any US public company registered under the 1934 Act. You may, however, request approval from the CCO to invest personally in an IPO of an Ares-Related Security through the pre-clearance process described below.

 

30-Day Minimum Holding Period

 

You and your Covered Family Members are prohibited from selling a Covered Security within 30 days of purchasing that Security, or “buying to cover” a Covered Security within 30 days of selling short such Covered Security, unless the transaction is a type that does not require pre-clearance or the CCO has waived the minimum holding period requirement.

 

Blackout Period

 

You and your Covered Family Members are generally prohibited from transacting in any Covered Security of an issuer within 5 trading days after any trade has been placed or cancelled on behalf of any Client account involving a security of that issuer or if there is a pending order in a security of that issuer. Thus, you and your Covered Family Members would not be permitted to transact until the sixth business day after a Client transaction or cancellation thereof. This restriction is subject to the following exceptions.

 

·There is no blackout period applied to Securities for which pre-clearance is not required.

 

·The blackout period may be shortened to 2 trading days after any trade has been placed or cancelled on behalf of any Client account for transactions in certain large issuers that meet a certain market capitalization requirement as determined from time to time by the CCO.

 

Ares-Related Securities

 

All transactions in Ares-Related Securities must always receive pre-clearance approval (as described below) and are subject to the applicable Insider Trading Policy (or similar Policy) of each entity.

 

Pre-Clearing Securities Transactions

 

Pre-Clearance Procedures

 

Before undertaking any transactions in a Covered Security, you must submit a pre-clearance request and obtain written or electronic approval. Pre-clearance requests should be submitted through the Compliance Portal or as otherwise directed by Compliance.

 

Ares Global Ethics and Compliance Manual — September 6, 2016 — Page 11

 

Pre-clearance approval for a transaction is generally valid for 2 trading days, meaning it expires at the end of the second trading day after the day it was approved. If your personal transaction request is approved Monday, the approval expires at the close of business on Wednesday. The only exceptions are private offerings (for which approvals are valid for 120 days) and any other exceptions specified by the CCO.

 

If you place “limit,” “stop-loss,” “good-until-cancelled,” or “standing buy/sell” orders are cautioned that transactions receiving preclearance approval must be executed before the preclearance approval expires. At the end of the preclearance approval period, any unexecuted order must be canceled, and a new preclearance request must be submitted and approved if you wish to transact in the security.

 

If pre-clearance approval expires before your desired transaction is made, you must re-submit and receive written pre-clearance approval. Only the CCO may approve exceptions to this Policy, and must do so on a case-by-case basis.

 

The CCO may deny or revoke approval for any proposed transaction at any time for any reason. The CCO has full discretion over the approval process, and in certain circumstances (often related to protecting Ares and preserving confidential information, such as the nature or its trading or restricted issues), the reason for denial of pre-clearance request or revocation of approval may not be disclosed to you. Generally, the CCO may deny a pre-clearance request or revoke approval for your requested personal securities transaction if it has the potential to do any of the following:

 

·appear as improper conduct

 

·conflict with a transaction for a Client

 

·violate a confidentiality agreement or informational wall/barrier(s)

 

·involve an issuer on our Restricted List

 

·compromise Ares’ high ethical standards

 

Pre-Clearance Exceptions

 

Pre-clearance is not required for any of the following transactions:

 

·purchases or sales of Covered Securities over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control (such as transactions in a Managed Account by an unaffiliated and strictly autonomous investment manager) Note that financial advisers of Managed accounts must obtain pre-clearance approval from the CCO for any purchase or sale of Ares-Related Securities.

 

·purchases or sales under an automatic investment plan, automatic rebalancing plan, dividend reinvestment plan, or other program with a predetermined schedule and allocation, provided either that the program is generally available to shareholders or investors in the issuer or that the initial investment in a Covered Security through the plan is approved in advance by Compliance

 

·acquisitions of Securities through stock dividends, dividend reinvestments, stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, consolidations, spin-offs, and other similar corporate reorganizations or distributions generally applicable to all holders of the same class of Securities

 

·other non-volitional events, such as exercise or assignment of an option contract at expiration (as opposed to the exercise or closing of an option contract prior to expiration, which requires pre-clearance)

 

·automatic acquisition or disposition of an employer’s Securities through the employer’s 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, or other similar program

 

·purchases resulting from an exercise of rights issued pro rata to all holders of a class of Securities, to the extent these rights were acquired from the issuer, and the sales of such rights

 

·the exercise of a conversion or redemption right, or similar transactions with the issuer of a Security under the terms of the Security

 

·purchases or sales of shares in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), exchange traded notes (“ETNs”), options in them, or structured products for which the underlying performance is based on a particular market index or a portfolio of assets (“Index ETFs”), and in publicly traded closed-end funds (“CEFs”), except for any CEF that is a business development company (“BDC”) or any fund or trust advised by, sub-advised by, or otherwise affiliated with Ares. In addition, this preclearance exception does not apply to trading desk personnel and Investment Committee members in the Credit and the Income Strategy business groups. Note such members or those deemed as such by Compliance must pre-clear any purchase or sale of ETFs, ETNs and CEFs and options in them.

 

·purchases or sales of municipal securities or auction rate preferred Securities (ARPS)

 

·purchases or sales of currencies or commodities

 

·purchases or sales of sovereign debt Securities

 

·additional contributions to a private offering whose initial investment received pre-clearance approval or was reported as an initial holding (note: this exception does not apply to successive private funds managed by the same adviser) and where your ownership in such investment remains under 5% of the issuers securities or otherwise does not constitute a controlling interest in the issuer. Note that any change to your existing investment (regardless of your ownership percentage) from that of a passive nature to one of an active nature, which may include, acquiring a control position as a result of additional funding or through services as a director, manager, partner, employee or otherwise, must be pre-cleared and reported immediately.

 

·purchases or sales of options and futures on currencies, indexes, ETFs, ETNs, commodities, options on futures, or on a Security that does not require pre-clearance. This preclearance exception for the purchase or sale of options in ETFs, ETNs and CEFs does not apply to trading desk personnel and Investment Committee members in the Credit and the Income Strategy business groups.

 

·charitable donations or other gifts of Securities to anyone other than those at the request of a Business Partner, any government official or their intermediaries

 

·sales conducted in a brokerage account specifically designated for charitable giving (i.e. where proceeds from sales of securities transferred to the account are donated to various charitable organizations)

 

Ares Global Ethics and Compliance Manual — September 6, 2016 — Page 12

 

Reporting and Review

 

Your Reporting Obligations

 

You must submit the following certifications and reports through Compliance Portal or as otherwise directed by Compliance, as required by the Code of Ethics Rules:

 

a.Initial Certifications. No later than 10 calendar days after becoming a Covered Person, you must complete an Initial Covered Account Certification, an Initial Covered Securities Certification and an Initial Disclosure Form. The Covered Accounts and Covered Securities-related information reported in these certifications must be dated within 45 days prior to your employment start date. If you fail to submit these certifications by the stated deadline, you will be prohibited from engaging in any personal securities transactions that require pre-clearance until the certifications are submitted. You may be subject to other sanctions as well.

 

b.Quarterly Certifications. Within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter, unless on a leave of absence of other exception granted by the CCO, you are required to submit and complete a Quarterly Covered Securities Transaction Certification and a Quarterly Covered Account Certification. These certifications must include all reportable Securities transactions made by you or your Covered Family Members that were effected during the quarter and any active reportable accounts. Compliance may require additional certifications.

 

c.Annual Holdings Report. Within 30 days of each calendar year end, you must complete an Annual Covered Securities Certification for all Covered Securities held by you or your Covered Family Members in a Covered Account, except for those held in Managed accounts, as of each December 31

 

Account Reporting

 

a.New Accounts. You must promptly report any newly established Covered Accounts for which you and your Covered Family Members have Beneficial Interest, including those that are managed by an independent third-party. If a broker requires authorization from you to provide Ares with duplicate account information, you must provide this authorization promptly upon request by Compliance. You are prohibited from making any transactions that require pre-clearance approval in that account unless the account has been reported in the Compliance Portal. You must report any new accounts not already reported before completing the Quarterly Covered Account Certification.

 

U.S.-based employees must maintain their Covered Securities holdings with an approved electronic broker. New employees must transfer any Covered Securities holdings not held with an approved electronic broker to an account with an approved electronic broker within 90 days from their start date.

 

b.Duplicate Account Information and Electronic Monitoring. You must provide Compliance with copies of trade confirmations and account statements for your Covered Accounts that hold Covered Securities. These may be forwarded directly to Compliance by the financial institutions where the accounts are maintained. If the financial institution does not or cannot directly provide transaction activity and holdings information on a regular basis, you are responsible for promptly providing such trade confirmations and statements to Compliance.

 

Exceptions from Reporting Requirements

 

You do not need to report Covered Securities holdings or transactions made in Managed Accounts. A Managed Account is an account managed by an unaffiliated and strictly autonomous investment manager or third-party and over which you or your Covered Family Member have no direct or indirect influence or control.

 

To qualify for these reporting exceptions, you must provide Compliance with a copy of the agreement used in establishing the Managed Account. This agreement must indicate that you cannot directly or indirectly influence the trading or timing of transactions in the account(s).

 

At the discretion of Compliance, you may be required to complete periodic certifications to represent that you do not have the ability to influence or control trading and that you will not attempt to do so. You may also be required to inform your investment manager of restricted securities and provide copies of statements when requested.

 

Review of Reports and Information; Sanctions

 

The CCO, or another person under the CCO’s direction and supervision, will oversee the review of all employee reports of Covered Accounts, Covered Securities and transactions for any potential Code of Ethics Policy violations. If an actual or potential violation is detected, the employee will first be offered an opportunity to supply additional explanatory information or material. If Compliance determines that a violation of the Code has occurred, the Company may impose appropriate sanction(s), such as the issuance of a warning or violation memorandum, mandatory training, a ban on personal trading, disgorgement of profits, a suspension (with or without pay), or termination of employment.

 

Confidentiality

 

All reports, duplicate account statements, and other information submitted as required by this Code of Ethics will be treated as confidential and intended solely for internal use unless Ares is required to disclose it to a regulatory or governmental agency.

 

Disclaimer of Beneficial Interest

 

For any personal securities holdings information you are required to report in relation to any Covered Family Members’ securities holdings, you may at any time deliver to the CCO a statement that your submission of any such personal securities information does not constitute an acknowledgment that you have any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest in any securities about which information has been provided.

 

Ares Global Ethics and Compliance Manual — September 6, 2016 — Page 13

 

 

Exhibit (s)

 

EX-FILING FEES

 

Calculation of Filing Fee Tables 

Form N-2
(Form Type)

 

Ares Private Markets Fund
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Table 1: Newly Registered Securities

 

   Security
Type
  Security
Class
Title
  Fee
Calculation
or Carry
Forward
Rule
  

Amount

Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering
Price Per
Security

 

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering
Price

(1)

   Fee
Rate
  

Amount of

Registration

Fee

(2)

Fees to Be Paid  Equity  Common shares of beneficial interest  457(o)     $  $499,000,000    .0000927   $ 46,257.30
Fees Previously Paid  Equity  Common shares of beneficial interest  457(o)     $  $1,000,000    .0001091   $ 109.10
             Total Offering Amount     $500,000,000        $ 46,366.40
             Total Fees Previously Paid               $ 109.10
             Total Fee Offsets              
             Net Fee Due               $ 46,257.30

 

  (1) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee.
  (2) The registrant previously paid $109.10 in connection with the registrant’s registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-258821) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2021. The registrant paid the remaining $46,257.30 in connection with the filing hereof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.(t)

 

ARES PRIVATE MARKETS FUND

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Timothy L. Haviland, Tina St. Pierre, Lisa Morgan, Matt Jill, Miriam Krieger, Ian Fitzgerald and Naseem Sagati Aghili associated with Ares Management LLC or its affiliates and Nicole M. Runyan, David J. Marcinkus, Kim E. Kaufman and Devin J. Kasinki of Proskauer Rose LLP, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities (until revoked in writing), to:

 

a)sign any and all amendments, including pre- and post-effective amendments to the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-2;

 

b)sign Forms 3, 4 and/or 5, and amendments thereto, and any successor forms adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC");

 

c)do and perform any and all acts that may be necessary or desirable to complete and execute any such Form 3, 4 or 5, or amendment thereto, and any successor forms adopted by the SEC, and the filing of such form with the SEC and any other authority, including preparing, executing and filing Form ID with the SEC;

 

d)take any other action of any type whatsoever in connection with the foregoing that, in the opinion of such attorney-in-fact, may be of benefit to, in the best interest of, or legally required by, the undersigned, it being understood that the documents executed by such attorney-in-fact on behalf of the undersigned pursuant to this Power of Attorney shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as such attorney-in-fact may approve in such attorney-in-fact's discretion; and

 

e)file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, this Power of Attorney shall not in any manner revoke in whole or in part any power of attorney that the persons whose signatures appear below previously executed. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney that the persons whose signatures appear below may execute, unless such subsequent power specifically provides that it revokes this Power of Attorney by referring to the date of execution of this document or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.

 

 

 

 

/s/ Francisco Borges   February 24, 2022
Francisco Borges    
     
/s/ Raj Dhanda   February 24, 2022
Raj Dhanda    
     
/s/ Patrick Dooley   February 24, 2022
Patrick Dooley    
     
/s/ Edward Lewis   February 24, 2022
Edward Lewis    
     
/s/ David Sachs   February 24, 2022
David Sachs    
     
/s/ Paola Sapienza   February 24, 2022
Paola Sapienza    
     
/s/ Kent Weldon   February 24, 2022
Kent Weldon    

 

 2