As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2012

Securities Act File No. 333-183228

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



 

FORM N-2



 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 x

(Check appropriate box or boxes)
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 x
Post-Effective Amendment No.



 

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255
Greenwich, CT 06830

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code: (203) 983-5275

Jonathan H. Cohen
Chief Executive Officer
Oxford Lane Capital Corp.
8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255
Greenwich, CT 06830

(Name and address of agent for service)



 

COPIES TO:

Steven B. Boehm
John J. Mahon
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 383-0100



 

Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

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

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

o when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c).

 

 


 
 

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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

   
Title of Securities Being Registered   Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price (1)
  Amount of
Registration Fee (1)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (2) (3)                  
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (2)                  
Subscription Rights (2)                  
Debt Securities (4)               
Total (5)   $ 100,000,000 (5)     $ 11,460 (6)  

(1) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee. The proposed maximum offering price per security will be determined, from time to time, by the Registrant in connection with the sale by the Registrant of the securities registered under this Registration Statement.
(2) Subject to Note 5 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, or subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock as may be sold, from time to time.
(3) Includes such indeterminate number of shares of common stock as may, from time to time, be issued upon conversion or exchange of other securities registered hereunder, to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible or exchangeable for common stock.
(4) Subject to Note 5 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of debt securities as may be sold, from time to time. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price shall be in such greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate price to investors not to exceed $100,000,000.
(5) In no event will the aggregate offering price of all securities issued from time to time pursuant to this Registration Statement exceed $100,000,000.
(6) Previously paid.


 

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 this 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 Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.


 
 

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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 jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED     , 2012

$100,000,000

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Subscription Rights
Debt Securities



 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the “1940 Act.” Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (“Senior Loans”), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

Oxford Lane Management, LLC manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, up to $100,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock or debt securities, which we refer to, collectively, as our “securities.” The preferred stock and subscription rights offered hereby may be convertible or exchangeable into shares of our common stock. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

In the event we offer common stock, the offering price per share of our common stock less any underwriting discounts or commissions will generally not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering. However, we may issue shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus at a price per share that is less than our net asset value per share (i) in connection with a rights offering to our existing stockholders, (ii) with the prior approval of the majority of our common stockholders or (iii) under such other circumstances as the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) may permit.

Our securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, or through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. Each prospectus supplement relating to an offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, discount or commissions arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution.” We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OXLC.” On October 4, 2012, the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our common stock was $15.84 per share. We are required to determine the net asset value per share of our common stock on a quarterly basis. Our net asset value per share of our common stock as of June 30, 2012 was $14.60.

This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement contains important information about us that a prospective investor should know before investing in our securities. Please read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement before investing and keep it for future reference. We are required to file annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC.” This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, by telephone at (203) 983-5275 or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com . The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus.



 

An investment in our securities is subject to risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. In addition, the CLO securities in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 16 to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our securities.

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.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus is           , 2012.


 
 

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You should rely on the information contained in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not, and the dealer managers have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information or to make representations as to matters not stated in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on their respective cover pages. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will be amended to reflect material changes to the information contained herein and therein.



 

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
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  Page
Summary     1  
Offerings     9  
Fees and Expenses     12  
Financial Highlights     15  
Risk Factors     16  
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements     33  
Use of Proceeds     34  
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions     35  
Business     37  
Management     45  
Portfolio Management     53  
Investment Advisory Agreement     56  
Administration Agreement     61  
Certain Relationships and Transactions     62  
Control Persons and Principal Stockholders     63  
Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company     64  
Determination of Net Asset Value     69  
Dividend Reinvestment Plan     71  
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations     72  
Description of Securities     80  
Description of Our Capital Stock     81  
Description of Our Preferred Stock     88  
Description of Our Subscription Rights     89  
Description of Our Debt Securities     90  
Plan of Distribution     103  
Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar     105  
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices     105  
Legal Matters     105  
Experts     105  
Available Information     105  
Index to Financial Statements     F-1  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC, using the “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings up to $100,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock or debt securities, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between information in this prospectus and any accompanying

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prospectus supplement, you should rely only on the information contained in the prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus and the prospectus supplement together with any exhibits and the additional information described under the headings “Available Information” and “Risk Factors” before you make an investment decision.

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SUMMARY

The following summary contains basic information about this offering. It may not contain all the information that is important to an investor. For a more complete understanding of this offering, you should read this entire document and the documents to which we have referred.

Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms “Oxford Lane Capital,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Oxford Lane Capital Corp.; “Oxford Lane Management” and “investment adviser” refer to Oxford Lane Management, LLC; and “BDC Partners” refers to BDC Partners, LLC.

Overview

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (“Senior Loans”), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We believe that recent dislocations in the credit market have created opportunities to purchase our targeted investments at attractive risk adjusted returns.

We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. Substantially all of the CLO vehicles in which we may invest would be deemed to be investment companies under the 1940 Act but for the exceptions set forth in section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7). Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit. A CLO vehicle is formed by raising various classes or “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. The CLO vehicles which we focus on are collateralized primarily by Senior Loans, and generally have very little or no exposure to real estate, mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may also invest, on an opportunistic basis, in other corporate credits of a variety of types. We expect that each of our investments will range in size from $1 million to $12 million, although the investment size may vary consistent with the size of our overall portfolio.

Oxford Lane Management manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

Distributions

In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, or “RIC,” and to avoid corporate level tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Code,” to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and short-term capital gains to our stockholders on an annual basis.

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The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

     
Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount
Fiscal 2013
                          
July 31, 2012     September 14, 2012       September 28, 2012     $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012     June 15, 2012       June 29, 2012       0.55  
Total (2013)                 1.10  
Fiscal 2012
                          
January 25, 2012     March 16, 2012       March 30, 2012       0.55  
October 24, 2011     December 16, 2011       December 30, 2011       0.50  
July 22, 2011     September 16, 2011       September 30, 2011       0.50  
April 6, 2011     June 16, 2011       June 30, 2011       0.50  
Total (2012)                 2.05  
Fiscal 2011
                          
March 7, 2011     March 21, 2011       April 1, 2011       0.25  
Total (2011)                 0.25  
                 $ 3.40  

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

Use of Proceeds From Prior Offerings

Since the closing of our initial public offering on January 25, 2011 and including two subsequent rights offerings on August 26, 2011 and April 27, 2012, through October 4, 2012 we have invested approximately $72.6 million of the cumulative net proceeds we received from our initial public offering (including the proceeds received from the underwriters' partial exercise of the over-allotment option) and subsequent rights offerings, representing approximately 97% of those cumulative proceeds. Consistent with our investment objective, these investments were made in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs.

Oxford Lane Management

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management, which is an investment adviser that has registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the “Advisers Act.” Under our investment advisory agreement with Oxford Lane Management, which we refer to as our “Investment Advisory Agreement,” we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets, as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

We expect to benefit from the proven ability of our investment adviser’s team to identify attractive opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate terms where appropriate, and manage and monitor a diversified portfolio although we do not intend to operate as a “diversified” investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Our investment adviser’s senior investment team members have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment banks, commercial banks, unregistered investment funds and other financial services companies, and have collectively developed a broad network of contacts to provide us with our principal source of investment opportunities.

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Our investment adviser is led by Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are assisted by Darryl M. Monasebian and Hari Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management. We consider Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal, Monasebian and Srinivasan to be Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team.

Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, together with the other members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team, have developed an infrastructure that we believe provides Oxford Lane Capital with a competitive advantage in locating and acquiring attractive Senior Loans and CLO investments.

Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Mr. Royce has served as President since 1972, and a member of the Board of Managers since 2001, of Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce & Associates”). He also serves as Royce & Associates’ Co-Chief Investment Officer and manages or co-manages twelve of Royce & Associates’ open- and closed-end registered funds. Mr. Royce currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Royce Funds and TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce is also a non-managing member of TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

In addition, we will pay BDC Partners, an affiliate of Oxford Lane Management, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under an administration agreement by and among us and BDC Partners (the “Administration Agreement”), including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any administrative support staff. These arrangements will create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor.

Investment Focus

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in Senior Loans, with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by investing principally in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles, which are collateralized primarily by a diverse portfolio of leveraged corporate loans, and which generally have very little or no exposure to real estate or mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including foreign CLO vehicles.

The CLO investments we have initially targeted generally represent either a residual economic interest, in the case of an equity tranche, or a debt investment collateralized by a portfolio of Senior Loans. The value of our CLO investments generally depend on both the quality and nature of the underlying portfolio it references and also on the specific structural characteristics of the CLO itself, both of which are described below.

CLO Structural Elements

Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

A CLO vehicle is formed by raising multiple “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. As interest payments are received the CLO vehicle makes contractual interest payments to each tranche of debt based on their seniority. If there are funds remaining after each tranche of debt receives its contractual interest rate and the CLO vehicle meets or exceeds required collateral coverage levels (or other similar covenants) the remaining funds may be paid to the equity tranche. The contractual provisions setting out this order of payments are set out in detail in the CLO vehicle’s indenture. These provisions are referred to as the “priority of payments” or the “waterfall” and determine any other obligations that may be required to be paid ahead of payments of interest

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and principal on the securities issued by a CLO vehicle. In addition, for payments to be made to each tranche, after the most senior tranche of debt, there are various tests which must be complied with, which are different for each CLO vehicle.

CLO indentures typically provide for adjustments to the priority of payments in the event that certain cashflow or collateral requirements are not maintained. The collateral quality tests that may divert cashflows in the priority of payments are predominantly determined by reference to the par values of the underlying loans, rather than their current market values. Accordingly, we believe that CLO equity and junior debt investments allow investors to gain diversified exposure to the Senior Loan market on a levered basis without being structurally subject to mark-to-market price fluctuations of the underlying loans. As such, although the current valuations of CLO equity and junior debt tranches are expected to fluctuate based on price changes within the loan market, interest rate movements and other macroeconomic factors, those tranches will generally be expected to continue to receive distributions from the CLO vehicle periodically so long as the underlying portfolio does not suffer defaults, realized losses or other covenant violations sufficient to trigger changes in the waterfall allocations. We therefore believe that an investment portfolio consisting of CLO equity and junior debt investments of this type has the ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted rates of return.

The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is only a hypothetical structure and structures among CLO vehicles in which we may invest may vary substantially from the hypothetical example set forth below.

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

The Syndicated Senior Loan Market

We believe that while the syndicated leveraged corporate loan market is relatively large, with Standard and Poor’s estimating the total par value outstanding at approximately $518 billion as of February 8, 2012, this market remains largely inaccessible to a significant portion of investors that are not lenders or approved institutions. The CLO market permits wider exposure to syndicated Senior Loans, but this market is almost exclusively private and predominantly institutional.

The Senior Loan market is characterized by various factors, including:

Seniority.   A Senior Loan typically ranks senior in a company’s capital structure to all other forms of debt or equity. As such, that loan maintains the senior-most claim on the company’s assets and cash flow, and, we believe should, all other things being equal, offer the prospect of a relatively more stable and lower-risk holding.

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Floating rate instruments.   A Senior Loan typically contains a floating versus a fixed interest rate, which we believe provides some measure of protection against the risk of interest rate fluctuation.
Frequency of interest payments.   A Senior Loan typically provides for scheduled interest payments no less frequently than quarterly.

In the current environment, we believe the above attributes seem particularly desirable.

Investment Opportunity

We believe that the Senior Loan market has and continues to represent an attractive area for investment. We believe that the CLO equity and junior debt investments we intend to seek currently represent, as a class, an opportunity to obtain attractive risk-adjusted investment returns. We believe that a number of factors support this conclusion, including:

We believe that the long-term and relatively low-cost capital that many CLO vehicles have secured, compared with the increasing asset spreads and the introduction of more LIBOR floors have created opportunities to purchase certain CLO equity and junior debt instruments that may produce attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We believe that CLO equity and junior debt have generally become more liquid since mid-2009. From late 2007 through mid-2009, these assets traded only very infrequently. We believe that greater recent liquidity in this market has created an opportunity to better analyze and compare various equity and debt instruments from among a large number of different structures.
We believe that although Senior Loan asset prices have risen since mid-2010, CLO equity and junior debt instruments still offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We believe that larger institutional investors with sufficient resources to source, analyze and negotiate the purchase of these assets may refrain from purchasing assets of the size that we are targeting, thereby potentially reducing the competition for our target investments.
We believe that investing in CLO securities and CLO equity instruments in particular, requires a high level of research and analysis. We believe that typically this analysis can only be adequately conducted by knowledgeable market participants, as the nature of that analysis tends to be highly specialized.
We believe that a stronger credit market for Senior Loans has substantially reduced the risk of collateral coverage test violations across many CLO structures, thereby reducing the risk that current cash distributions otherwise payable to junior debt tranches and/or equity will be diverted under the priority of payments to pay down the more senior obligations in various CLO structures.
We believe that the US CLO market is relatively large with a total par value of approximately $250 billion invested in over 500 different CLO vehicles. We estimate the size of the junior-most debt tranches (specifically the tranches originally rated “BB”) is approximately $9.0 billion (of which “turbo BB” tranches are an attractive sub-segment), and the size of the equity tranches is approximately $20 billion.

Risk Factors

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our securities, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Oxford Lane Capital involves other risks, including the following:

We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment company;
We are dependent upon Oxford Lane Management’s key personnel for our future success;
Our incentive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee payable to Oxford Lane Management may incentivize Oxford Lane Management to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so;
A general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings due to the “catch up” feature of the incentive fee;

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CLO vehicles are very highly levered (typically 10-14 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity instruments in which we invest are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss;
Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO vehicles which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO vehicles experiences a high level of defaults on its underlying Senior Loans;
The Senior Loan portfolios of the CLO vehicles in which we will invest may be concentrated in a limited number of industries, which may subject those vehicles, and in turn us, to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of our CLO vehicles’ investments are concentrated;
Our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in such CLO vehicles defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect;
Investing in CLO vehicles and other high-yield corporate credits involves a variety of risks, any of which may adversely impact our performance;
A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business;
We may borrow money to leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;
Our investment portfolio will be recorded at fair value, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;
We will become subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code;
Shares of closed-end management investment companies, including Oxford Lane Capital, have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline below our net asset value per share;
Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;
There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow or may be reduced over time, including on a per share basis as a result of the dilutive effects of this offering;
Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
If we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common stock may become more volatile.
Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of our Board of Directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 16 , and the other information included in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, for additional discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in our securities.

Operating and Regulatory Structure

Oxford Lane Capital is a Maryland corporation that is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end fund, we are required to meet regulatory tests. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Investment Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management and supervised by our Board of Directors. Oxford Lane Management is an investment adviser that is registered under the Advisers Act. Under

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our Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.” We have also entered into an administration agreement with BDC Partners, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse BDC Partners for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement.”

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BDC Partners also serves as the managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, in turn, serve as the managing member and non-managing member, respectively, of BDC Partners.

Our Corporate Information

Our offices are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, and our telephone number is (203) 983-5275.

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OFFERINGS

We may offer, from time to time, up to $100,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock or debt securities, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. We will offer our securities at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The offering price per share of our securities, less any underwriting commissions or discounts, generally will not be less than the net asset value per share of our securities at the time of an offering. However, we may issue shares of our securities pursuant to this prospectus at a price per share that is less than our net asset value per share (i) in connection with a rights offering to our existing stockholders, (ii) with the prior approval of the majority of our common stockholders or (iii) under such other circumstances as the SEC may permit. Any such issuance of shares of our common stock below net asset value may be dilutive to the net asset value of our common stock. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to an Investment in our Common Stock.”

Our securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, or through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution.” We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

Set forth below is additional information regarding offerings of our securities:

Use of Proceeds    
    We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes. Each supplement to this prospectus relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of the proceeds from such offering. See “Use of Proceeds.”
NASDAQ Global Select Market symbol    
    “OXLC”
Distributions    
    To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to our stockholders, beginning with our first full quarter after the completion of this offering. The amount of our dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The specific tax characteristics of our dividends will be reported to shareholders after the end of each calendar year.
Taxation    
    We have elected to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally do not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. See “Distributions” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
Investment Advisory Fees    
    We pay Oxford Lane Management a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management

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    fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross assets, which includes any borrowings for investment purposes. The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 20.0% of our “pre-incentive fee net investment income” for the immediately preceding quarter, subject to a preferred return, or “hurdle,” and a “catch up” feature. No incentive fees are payable to our investment adviser on any realized capital gains. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”
Administration Agreement    
    We reimburse BDC Partners for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses it incurs in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. In addition, we reimburse BDC Partners for the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any administrative support staff. See “Administration Agreement.”
Leverage    
    We do not currently anticipate incurring indebtedness on our portfolio or paying any interest during the twelve months following completion of this offering. Although we have no current intention to do so, we may borrow funds to make investments. As a result, we may be exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. In addition, the CLO vehicles in which we invest will be leveraged, which will indirectly expose us to the risks of leverage. The use of leverage magnifies the potential gain and loss on amounts invested and therefore increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition, the costs associated with our borrowings, including any increase in the management fee payable to our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, will be borne by our common stockholders. Under the 1940 Act, we are only permitted to incur additional indebtedness to the extent our asset coverage, as defined under the 1940 Act, is at least 300% immediately after each such borrowing. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Investment Company.”
Trading    
    Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. The risk that our shares may trade at a discount to our net asset value is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade above, at or below net asset value.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan    
    We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan. If your shares of common stock are registered in your own name, your distributions will automatically be reinvested under our dividend reinvestment plan in additional whole and fractional shares of common stock, unless you “opt out” of our dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash dividends by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent. If your shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, you should contact the broker or nominee for details regarding opting out of our dividend reinvestment plan. Stockholders who receive distributions in the

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    form of stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
Certain Anti-Takeover Measures    
    Our charter and bylaws, as well as certain statutory and regulatory requirements, contain certain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us. These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price for our common stock. See “Description of Securities.”
Available Information    
    After the completion of this offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. This information will be available at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov . The public may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. This information will also be available free of charge by contacting us at Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com .

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FEES AND EXPENSES

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “Oxford Lane Capital,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 
Stockholder transaction expenses:
        
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)     % (1)  
Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)     % (2)  
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses     None (3)  
Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)     %  
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):
        
Base management fee     2.68 % (4)  
Incentive fees payable under our investment advisory agreement     1.45 % (5)  
Interest payments on borrowed funds     0.00 % (6)  
Preferred stock dividend payment     2.74 % (7)  
Other expenses (estimated)     2.11 % (8)  
Acquired fund fees and expenses     3.47 % (9)  
Total annual expenses (estimated)     12.45 %  

Example

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above. See Note 6 below for additional information regarding certain assumptions regarding our level of leverage subsequent to this offering.

In the event that shares to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will restate this example to reflect the applicable sales load.

       
  1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return   $ 120     $ 333     $ 516     $ 867  

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5.0% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5.0% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. Also, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

(1) In the event that the securities to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load and the “Example” will be updated accordingly.
(2) The prospectus supplement corresponding to each offering will disclose the applicable offering expenses and total stockholder transaction expenses as a percentage of the offering price.
(3) The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”

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(4) Assumes gross assets of $98.0 million and $25.0 million of leverage (including an assumed $25.0 million of preferred stock with a preferred rate of 8.0% per annum), and assumes net assets of $73.0 million, which reflects our net assets as of June 30, 2012. The above calculation reflects our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. Our base management fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, however, is based on our gross assets, which is defined as all the assets of Oxford Lane Capital, including those acquired using borrowings for investment purposes. As a result, to the extent we use leverage, it would have the effect of increasing our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”
(5) Amount reflects the estimated annual incentive fees payable to our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, during the fiscal year following this offering. The estimate assumes that the incentive fee earned will be proportional to the fee earned during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012. Based on our current business plan, we anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus will be invested within three months depending on the availability of investment opportunities that are consistent with our investment objective and other market conditions. We expect that it will take approximately one to three months to invest all of the proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus, in part because equity and junior debt investments in CLO vehicles require substantial due diligence prior to investment.

The incentive fee, which is payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20.0% of the excess, if any, of our “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” that exceeds a 1.75% quarterly (7.0% annualized) hurdle rate, which we refer to as the Hurdle, subject to a “catch-up” provision measured at the end of each calendar quarter. The incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. The operation of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:

no incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle of 1.75%;
100% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser. We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20.0% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as if a Hurdle did not apply when our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and
20.0% of the amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser (once the Hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20.0% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Investment Income thereafter is allocated to our investment adviser).

No incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser on realized capital gains. For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

(6) Assumes that we maintain our current level of no outstanding borrowings as of June 30, 2012. We may also issue preferred stock, which may be considered a form of leverage, pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In the event we were to issue preferred stock, our borrowing costs, and correspondingly our total annual expenses, including our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets, would increase.
(7) Assumes that we issue $25.0 million of preferred stock with a preferred rate equal to 8.0% per annum.
(8) “Other expenses” ($1.5 million) assumes that other expenses for the year will be proportional to other expenses incurred during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012.
(9) Reflects the estimated annual collateral manager fees that will be indirectly incurred by us in connection with our investments in CLO equity tranches during the twelve months following the date of this prospectus, assuming the CLO equity investments held as of June 30, 2012 and net assets of $73.0 million. Collateral manager fees are charged on the total assets of the CLO vehicle, including the assets acquired with borrowed funds, but are assumed to be paid from the residual cash flows after interest payments to the senior debt tranches. Therefore, these collateral manager fees (which are generally 0.50% to 0.55% of total assets) are effectively much higher when allocated only to the equity tranches. The debt tranches that we hold generally are not deemed to pay any such collateral manager fees. The calculation

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does not include any other operating expense ratios of the CLO vehicles, as these amounts are not routinely reported to shareholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however, it is estimated that additional operating expenses of approximately 0.5% to 1.0% could be incurred. As a result of our investments in such CLO equity investments, our stockholders will be required to pay two levels of fees and expenses in connection with their investment in our common stock, including fees payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement and fees and expenses charged to us on the CLO equity tranches in which we are invested.

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand our financial performance. Information is shown since the commencement of our operations on January 25, 2011. The financial data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 is derived from our financial statements which have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. The data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto included in this prospectus.

   
  Year Ended
March 31, 2012
  January 25, 2011
(Commencement of Operations)
to March 31, 2011
Per Share Data
                 
Net asset value at beginning of period (1)   $ 18.19     $ 16.80  
Net investment income (2)     1.19       0.07  
Net realized and unrealized capital gains (3)     0.83       (0.03 )  
Total from investment operations     2.02       0.04  
Less distributions per share from net investment income     (2.05 )       (0.25 )  
Less distributions per share based on weighted average share impact     (0.10 )        
Total distributions (4)     (2.15 )       (0.25 )  
Effect of shares issued, net of underwriting expense (8)     (0.77 )       1.79  
Effect of offering costs (8)     (0.24 )       (0.19 )  
Effect of shares issued, net (8)     (1.01 )       1.60  
Net asset value at end of period   $ 17.05     $ 18.19  
Per share market value at beginning of period   $ 18.75     $ 20.00  
Per share market value at end of period   $ 14.60     $ 18.75  
Total return (5) (7)     (10.75 %)       (5.0 %)  
Shares outstanding at end of period     2,456,511       1,861,250  
Ratios/Supplemental Data
                 
Net assets at end of period (000’s)     41,879       33,863  
Ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets     7.18 %       3.51 % (6)  
Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets     6.50 %       4.79 % (6)  
Portfolio turnover rate     0.22 %       0.05 %  

(1) For period January 25, 2011 through March 31, 2011, represents the net asset value per share prior to commencement of operations.
(2) Represents per share net investment income for the period, based upon average shares outstanding.
(3) Net realized and unrealized capital gains include rounding adjustments, if necessary, to reconcile change in net asset value per share.
(4) Management monitors available taxable earnings, including net investment income and realized capital gains, to determine if a tax return of capital may occur for the year. To the extent the Fund's taxable earnings fall below the total amount of the Fund's distributions for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a tax return of capital to the Fund's stockholders.
(5) Total return based on market value is calculated assuming that shares of the Fund's common stock were purchased at the market price as of the beginning of the period, dividends, capital gains and other distributions were reinvested as provided for in the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan and then sold at the closing market price per share on the last day of the period. The computation does not reflect any sales commission investors may incur in purchasing or selling shares of the Fund.
(6) Annualized, after adjusting for certain periodic expenses recorded during the period January 25, 2011 through March 31, 2011.
(7) Total return for the period January 25, 2011 through March 31, 2011 was not annualized.
(8) Based upon actual shares outstanding upon share issuance.

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, you should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us might also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure

We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment company.

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with a limited operating history of only one year. As a result, we do not have significant financial information on which you can evaluate an investment in our company or our prior performance. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective and that the value of your investment could decline substantially or become worthless. We anticipate that it may take approximately one to three months to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering in our targeted investments. During this period, we will invest in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which we expect will earn yields substantially lower than the interest or other income that we anticipate receiving in respect of investments in CLO vehicles or other debt securities. As a result, our dividends may be substantially lower than the dividends that we expect to pay when the proceeds of this offering have been fully invested in accordance with our investment objective.

Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.

Under the 1940 Act, we are required to carry our portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by us in accordance with our written valuation policy with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, our estimate of fair value. Typically, there will not be a public market for the type of investments we target. As a result, we will value these securities quarterly at fair value based on relevant information compiled by our investment adviser, third-party pricing services (when available) and our Valuation Committee and with the oversight, review and approval of our Board of Directors.

The determination of fair value and, consequently, the amount of unrealized gains and losses in our portfolio, are to a certain degree subjective and dependent on a valuation process approved by our Board of Directors. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include available indicative bids or quotations, as well as external events, such as private mergers, sales and acquisitions involving comparable companies. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities, are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. Our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if an active public market for these securities existed. Our determinations of the fair value of our investments have a material impact on our net earnings through the recording of unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and may cause our net asset value on a given date to materially understate or overstate the value that we may ultimately realize on one or more of our investments. Investors purchasing our securities based on an overstated net asset value may pay a higher price than the value of our investments might warrant. Conversely, investors selling shares during a period in which the net asset value understates the value of our investments may receive a lower price for their shares than the value of our investments might warrant.

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Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our ability to effectively manage and deploy capital.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to effectively manage and deploy capital, which depends, in turn, on our investment adviser’s ability to identify, evaluate and monitor, and our ability to acquire, investments that meet our investment criteria.

Accomplishing our investment objective on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our investment adviser’s handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms, either in the primary or secondary markets. Even if we are able to grow and build upon our investment operations, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The results of our operations will depend on many factors, including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short and long-term funding alternatives in the financial markets and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and strategies as described herein, it could negatively impact our ability to pay dividends.

We may face increasing competition for investment opportunities.

We may compete for investments with other investment funds (potentially including private equity funds, mezzanine funds and business development companies), as well as traditional financial services companies, which could include commercial banks, investment banks, finance companies and other sources of funding. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of capital and access to funding sources that may not be available to us, including from federal government agencies through federal rescue programs such as the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Stability Plan (formerly known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program). In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we have. These characteristics could allow our competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and offer higher pricing than we are willing to offer to potential sellers. We may lose investment opportunities if our competitors are willing to pay more for the types of investments that we intend to target. If we are forced to pay more for our investments, we may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on our investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. An increase in the number and/or the size of our competitors in our target markets could force us to accept less attractive investments. Furthermore, many of our competitors have greater experience operating under, or are not be subject to, the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a closed-end management investment company.

We are dependent upon Oxford Lane Management’s key personnel for our future success.

We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, who serve as the investment committee of Oxford Lane Management, and who lead Oxford Lane Management’s investment team. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, together with the other senior investment professionals available to Oxford Lane Management, evaluate, acquire and monitor our investments. Our future success depends on the continued service of Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal and the other members of Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team. We cannot assure you that unforeseen business, medical, personal or other circumstances would not lead any such individual to terminate his relationship with us. The loss of Mr. Cohen or Mr. Rosenthal, or any of the other senior investment professionals who serve on Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective as well as on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we can offer no assurance that Oxford Lane Management will continue indefinitely as our investment adviser.

The members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team are and may in the future become affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us, and may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time. In particular, the members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team, including Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, are currently actively involved in the management of the portfolios of TICC Capital Corp., a publicly-traded business development company that invests principally in the debt of U.S.-based companies, TICC CLO LLC, a CLO structured finance vehicle that

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invests in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of TICC Capital Corp., Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in Senior Loans, and T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO structured finance vehicle that invests in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. Neither Messrs. Cohen or Rosenthal, or the investment team, is required to dedicate any specific portion of their time to the activities of Oxford Lane Capital; moreover, they are engaged in other business activities which divert their time and attention.

Our success depends on the ability of Oxford Lane Management to retain qualified personnel in a competitive environment.

Our success requires that Oxford Lane Management retain investment and administrative personnel in a competitive market. Its ability to attract and retain personnel with the requisite credentials, experience and skills depends on several factors including, but not limited to, its ability to offer competitive wages, benefits and professional growth opportunities. Many of the entities, including investment funds (such as private equity funds, mezzanine funds and business development companies) and traditional financial services companies, with which we compete for experienced personnel have greater resources than we have.

There are significant potential conflicts of interest which could impact our investment returns.

Oxford Lane Management’s investment team presently manages the portfolios of TICC Capital Corp., a publicly-traded business development company that invests principally in the debt of U.S.-based companies, TICC CLO LLC, a CLO structured finance vehicle that invests in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of TICC Capital Corp., Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in Senior Loans, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO structured finance vehicle that invests in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, and Oxford Gate Capital, LLC, a private partnership that invests in a broad range of assets, including the equity and debt of CLOs. In addition, our executive officers and directors, as well as the current and future members of our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. Each of TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. and Oxford Gate Capital, LLC, as well as any affiliated investment vehicle formed in the future and managed by our investment adviser or its affiliates may, notwithstanding different stated investment objectives, have overlapping investment objectives with our own and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, Oxford Lane Management’s investment team may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and such other entities. Although Oxford Lane Management’s investment team will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, it is possible that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by investment funds, including TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. and Oxford Gate Capital, LLC, managed by our investment adviser or an investment manager affiliated with our investment adviser. In any such case, when Oxford Lane Management’s investment team identifies an investment, it will be required to choose which investment fund should make the investment, although BDC Partners maintains an allocation policy to ensure the equitable distribution of such investment opportunities, consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

In certain instances, we may co-invest on a concurrent basis with affiliates of our investment adviser, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and our written allocation procedures. Such co-investment may require exemptive relief from the SEC. If we elect to seek such relief, there can be no assurance when, or if, such relief may be obtained.

In addition, we will pay BDC Partners, an affiliate of Oxford Lane Management, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any

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administrative support staff. These arrangements may create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor. Oxford Lane Management will not be reimbursed for any performance-related compensation of its employees.

Our incentive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee payable to Oxford Lane Management may incentivize Oxford Lane Management to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so.

The incentive fee payable by us to Oxford Lane Management may create an incentive for Oxford Lane Management to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The incentive fee payable to our investment adviser is based on our pre-incentive net investment income, as calculated in accordance with our Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, our base management fee is calculated on the basis of our gross assets, including assets acquired through the use of leverage. This may encourage our investment adviser to use leverage to increase the aggregate amount of and the return on our investments, even when it may not be appropriate to do so, and to refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our securities.

We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the securities and other instruments of other investment companies, including private funds, and, to the extent we so invest, will bear our ratable share of any such investment company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We will also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to Oxford Lane Management with respect to the assets invested in the securities and other instruments of other investment companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our stockholders will bear his or her share of the management and incentive fee of Oxford Lane Management as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.

In the course of our investing activities, we will pay management and incentive fees to Oxford Lane Management and reimburse Oxford Lane Management for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors in our common stock will invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments.

A general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings.

Given the structure of our Investment Advisory Agreement with Oxford Lane Management, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for Oxford Lane Management to meet the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance on the part of our investment adviser. In addition, in view of the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our investment adviser could potentially receive a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were to occur, our increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in our investment adviser’s income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.

Our investment adviser has the right to resign on 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

Our investment adviser has the right, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, to resign at any time upon 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our investment adviser resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected and the

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market price of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by our investment adviser and its affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

Our investment adviser may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns as those achieved by Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal while managing other portfolios.

Although Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal have experience managing other investment portfolios, including those of TICC Capital Corp., a publicly traded business development company that invests principally in the debt of U.S.-based companies, TICC CLO LLC, a CLO structured finance vehicle that invests in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of TICC Capital Corp., Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in leveraged corporate loans, and T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO structured finance vehicle that invests in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, their track record and prior achievements are not necessarily indicative of future results that will be achieved by our investment adviser. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve the results realized by other vehicles managed by Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, including TICC Capital Corp., Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited and T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd.

Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

Although we have no current intention to do so, we may in the future issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we will be permitted, as a registered closed-end management investment company, to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, defined under the 1940 Act as the ratio of our gross assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to our outstanding senior securities, of at least 300% after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders, and the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in your best interest.

We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share, other than in connection with a rights offering to our existing stockholders. We may, however, sell our common stock at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our Board of Directors determines that such sale is in the best interests of Oxford Lane Capital and our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board of Directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease, and you may experience dilution.

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We may borrow money and/or issue preferred stock to leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and will increase the risk of investing in us.

The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. Although we have no current intention to do so, we may borrow from and issue senior debt securities, including preferred stock, to banks, insurance companies and other lenders in the future. Holders of these senior securities will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could also negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that we incur will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. Moreover, as the management fee payable to our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, will be payable based on our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage, Oxford Lane Management will have a financial incentive to incur leverage which may not be consistent with our stockholders’ interests. In addition, our common stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of leverage, including any increase in the management fee payable to Oxford Lane Management.

As a registered closed-end management investment company, we will generally be required to meet an asset coverage ratio, defined under the 1940 Act as the ratio of our gross assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to our outstanding senior securities, of at least 300% after each issuance of senior securities. If this ratio declines below 300%, we may not be able to incur additional debt and could be required by law to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is disadvantageous to do so, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our investment adviser’s and our Board of Directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.

In addition, any debt facility into which we may enter would likely impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability or inability to make investments that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the level of portfolio dividend and fee income, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.

Our Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify any unissued shares of common stock into one or more classes of preferred stock, which could convey special rights and privileges to its owners.

Under Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter, our Board of Directors will be authorized to classify and reclassify any authorized but unissued shares of stock into one or more classes of stock, including preferred stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the Board of Directors will be required by Maryland law and our charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, the Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. The cost of any such reclassification would be borne by our common

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stockholders. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a registered closed-end management investment company. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote separately from holders of common stock to elect two preferred stock directors. We currently have no plans to issue preferred stock. These effects, among others, could have an adverse effect on your investment in our common stock.

Our Board of Directors may change our operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.

Our Board of Directors will have the authority to modify or waive our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies, other than those that we have deemed to be fundamental, without prior notice and without stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies would have on our business, net asset value, operating results and value of our stock. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to pay you dividends and cause you to lose all or part of your investment. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company — Fundamental Investment Policies.”

We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

Although we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for 2011 and succeeding tax years, no assurance can be given that we will be able to qualify for and maintain RIC status. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following annual distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements.

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

The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities or similar sources.

The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments will be in CLO vehicles for which there will likely be no active public market, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.

If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for any reason and remain or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions.

There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow or may be reduced over time, including on a per share basis as a result of the dilutive effects of this offering.

We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a registered closed-end management investment company, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company.”

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We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

For federal income tax purposes, we will include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount or market discount, which may arise if we acquire a debt security at a significant discount to par. Such discounts will be included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash.

Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. In addition, since our incentive fee is payable on our income recognized, rather than cash received, we may be required to pay advisory fees on income before or without receiving cash representing such income. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, please see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company.”

We may in the future choose to pay dividends in our own stock, in which case you may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash you receive.

We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under certain applicable provision of the Code and the Treasury regulations, distributions payable in cash or in shares of stock at the election of stockholders are treated as taxable dividends. The Internal Revenue Service has issued private rulings indicating that this rule will apply even where the total amount of cash that may be distributed is limited to no more than 20% of the total distribution. Under these rulings, if too many stockholders elect to receive their distributions in cash, each such stockholder would receive a pro rata share of the total cash to be distributed and would receive the remainder of their distribution in shares of stock. If we decide to make any distributions consistent with these rulings that are payable in part in our stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend (whether received in cash, our stock, or combination thereof) as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our stock.

Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business or cause us to alter our business strategy.

We, the CLO vehicles in which we intend to invest, and the portfolio companies whose securities are held by such CLO vehicles will be subject to applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, including, without limitation, federal immigration laws and regulations. New legislation may be enacted or new interpretations, rulings or regulations could be adopted, including those governing the types of investments we are permitted to make, any of which could harm us and our stockholders, potentially with retroactive effect. Additionally, any changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations may cause us to alter our investment strategy in order to avail ourselves of new or different opportunities. Such changes could result in material differences to the strategies and plans set forth herein and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of our investment adviser’s senior investment team to

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other types of investments in which the investment team may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.

We incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly traded company.

As a publicly traded company, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and other rules implemented by the SEC.

A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business.

We are a registered closed-end management investment company and we rely on our ability to raise additional capital for investment purposes. Without sufficient access to the capital markets or credit markets, our business operations may be limited or we may not be able to pursue new business opportunities. Since the middle of 2007, the capital markets and the credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption and, accordingly, there has been and may continue to be uncertainty in the financial markets in general. Ongoing disruptive conditions in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation in response to those conditions could restrict our business operations and could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Further, a prolonged period of market illiquidity may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If the fair value of our assets declines substantially, we may fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios imposed upon us by the 1940 Act. Any such failure would affect our ability to issue senior securities, including borrowings, and pay dividends, which could materially impair our business operations. Our liquidity could be impaired further by an inability to access the capital markets or to obtain debt financing. For example, we cannot be certain that we would be able to obtain borrowing facilities on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally.

If we are unable to access the capital markets or obtain debt financing on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity will be lower than it would have been with the benefit of those activities. If we are unable to repay amounts outstanding under any borrowing facility we may in the future obtain, and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance any such facility, we would not be able to initiate significant originations or to operate our business in the normal course. These situations may arise due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as inaccessibility to the credit markets, a severe decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, a further economic downturn or an operational problem that affects third parties or us, and could materially damage our business. Moreover, we are unable to predict when economic and market conditions may become more favorable. Even if such conditions improve broadly and significantly over the long term, adverse conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could adversely impact our business.

We may be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory occurrence.

We are classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. As a result, we can invest a greater portion of our assets in obligations of a single issuer than a “diversified” fund. We may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory occurrence. We intend to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, and thus we intend to satisfy the diversification requirements of Subchapter M, including its less stringent diversification requirements that apply to the percentage of our total assets that are represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and certain other securities.

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Terrorist attacks, acts of war or natural disasters may affect any market for our common stock, impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Terrorist acts, acts of war or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we intend to invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. Future terrorist activities, military or security operations, or natural disasters could further weaken the domestic/global economies and create additional uncertainties, which may negatively impact the businesses in which we invest either directly or indirectly and, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Losses from terrorist attacks and natural disasters are generally uninsurable.

Risks Related to Our Investments

Our investments in CLO vehicles may be riskier and less transparent to us and our stockholders than direct investments in the underlying companies.

We have initially invested principally in equity and junior debt tranches issued by CLO vehicles. Generally, there may be less information available to us regarding the underlying debt investments held by such CLO vehicles than if we had invested directly in the debt of the underlying companies. As a result, our stockholders will not know the details of the underlying securities of the CLO vehicles in which we will invest. Our CLO investments will also be subject to the risk of leverage associated with the debt issued by such CLOs and the repayment priority of senior debt holders in such CLO vehicles.

The accounting and tax implications of such investments are complicated. In particular, reported earnings from the equity tranche investments of these CLO vehicles are recorded under generally accepted accounting principles based upon a constant yield calculation. Current taxable earnings on these investments, however, will generally not be determinable until after the end of the fiscal year of each individual CLO vehicle that ends within the Company’s fiscal year, even though the investments are generating cash flow. In general, the tax treatment of these investments may result in higher distributable earnings in the early years and a capital loss at maturity, while for reporting purposes the totality of cash flows are reflected in a constant yield to maturity.

Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO vehicles which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO vehicles experience a high level of defaults on its underlying Senior Loans.

Our portfolio may hold investments in a limited number of CLO vehicles. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under the Code, we will not have fixed guidelines for diversification, we will not have any limitations on the ability to invest in any one CLO vehicle, and our investments may be concentrated in relatively few CLO vehicles. As our portfolio is less diversified than the portfolios of some larger funds, we are more susceptible to failure if one or more of the CLO vehicles in which we are invested experiences a high level of defaults on its underlying Senior Loans. Similarly, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment.

The Senior Loan portfolios of the CLO vehicles in which we invest may be concentrated in a limited number of industries or borrowers, which may subject those vehicles, and in turn us, to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of a CLO vehicle’s investments are concentrated.

The CLO vehicles in which we invest may have Senior Loan portfolios that are concentrated in a limited number of industries or borrowers. A downturn in any particular industry or borrower in which a CLO vehicle is heavily invested may subject that vehicle, and in turn us, to a risk of significant loss and could significantly impact the aggregate returns we realize. If an industry in which a CLO vehicle is heavily invested suffers from adverse business or economic conditions, a material portion of our investment in that CLO vehicle could be affected adversely, which, in turn, could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

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The CLO vehicles in which we invest will incur, or will have already incurred, debt that ranks senior to our investment.

We intend to invest primarily in equity and junior debt tranches issued by CLO vehicles. As a result, the CLO vehicles in which we invest will issue and sell or have already issued and sold debt tranches that will rank senior to the tranches in which we invest. By their terms, such tranches may entitle the holders to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments with respect to the tranches in which we invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a CLO vehicle, holders of senior debt instruments would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution. After repaying such senior creditors, such CLO vehicle may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of tranches ranking equally with the tranches in which we invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such securities in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant CLO vehicle. Therefore, we may not receive back the full amount of our investment in a CLO vehicle.

Failure by a CLO vehicle in which we are invested to satisfy certain tests will harm our operating results.

The failure by a CLO vehicle in which we invest to satisfy financial covenants, including with respect to adequate collateralization and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in its payments to us. In the event that a CLO vehicle fails certain tests, senior debt holders may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn, reduce the payments we would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, we may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting CLO vehicle or any other investment we may make. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

Our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in such CLO vehicles defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect.

Our portfolio will consist primarily of equity and junior debt investments in CLO vehicles, which involves a number of significant risks. CLO vehicles are typically very highly levered (10-14 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity tranches that we will invest in are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss. In particular, investors in CLO vehicles indirectly bear risks of the underlying debt investments held by such CLO vehicles. We will generally have the right to receive payments only from the CLO vehicles, and will generally not have direct rights against the underlying borrowers or the entity that sponsored the CLO vehicle. While the CLO vehicles we have initially targeted generally enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of Senior Loans without the expenses associated with directly holding the same investments, we will generally pay a proportionate share of the CLO vehicles’ administrative and other expenses. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of indices and securities underlying CLO vehicles will rise or fall, these prices (and, therefore, the prices of the CLO vehicles) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally.

The interests we intend to acquire in CLO vehicles will likely be thinly traded or have only a limited trading market. CLO vehicles are typically privately offered and sold, even in the secondary market. As a result, investments in CLO vehicles may be characterized as illiquid securities. In addition to the general risks associated with investing in debt securities, CLO vehicles carry additional risks, including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the fact that our investments in CLO tranches will likely be subordinate to other senior classes of note tranches thereof; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the CLO vehicle or unexpected investment results.

Investments in structured vehicles, including equity and junior debt instruments issued by CLO vehicles, involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Changes in interest rates and credit quality may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the underlying Senior Loans held by a CLO vehicle may cause payments on the instruments we hold to be reduced, either temporarily or permanently. Structured investments, particularly the subordinated interests in which we invest, are less liquid than many other types of securities and may be more volatile than the Senior Loans underlying the CLO vehicles we target.

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Investing in CLO vehicles, Senior Loans and other high-yield corporate credits involves a variety of risks, any of which may adversely impact our performance.

Investment Risk .  An investment in our securities is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. An investment in our securities represents an indirect investment in the portfolio of equity and junior tranches issued by CLO vehicles and other securities owned by us, and the value of these securities may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. At any point in time an investment in our securities may be worth less than the original amount invested, even after taking into account distributions paid by us and the ability of shareholders to reinvest dividends. Because of their security features, we believe that certain Senior Loans that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience financial difficulty may represent attractive investment opportunities. We may invest in certain Senior Loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Because of the security provided in certain Senior Loans, we believe that we may be able to recover more of our investment in certain defaulted Senior Loans than would be the case for some other types of defaulted debt securities. Nevertheless, there is no assurance that the sale of collateral (which was pledged against the Senior Loan) would raise enough cash to satisfy the borrower’s obligation or that the collateral can or will be liquidated.

Market Risk .  Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices and includes interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and “other price risks”, such as index price risk. We may use derivative instruments to hedge the investment portfolio against currency risks. Our investments in CLO vehicles typically have no significant assets other than the collateral. Accordingly, payments on the equity and junior debt instruments we intend to initially target are payable solely from the cash flows from the collateral, net of all management fees and other expenses. Quarterly distributions or interest payments to us as a holder of equity or junior debt instruments, respectively, will only be made after payments due on any outstanding senior debt tranches have been made in full for such quarter.

Rating Risk .  Rating agencies, including Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s, have and may continue to downgrade the tranches of CLO vehicles that we are targeting and, therefore, these investments may be seen as riskier than they were previously thought to be. We cannot assure you that the CLO vehicles in which we invest, or the tranches of those CLO vehicles that we hold, will not experience downgrades. To the extent our portfolio experiences such downgrades, the value of our investments, and our ability to liquidate such investments, would likely be impaired. A significant impairment of any of our investments may have a material adverse effect on our financial results and operations.

Interest Rate Risk .  Our investments have initially been focused on investments in equity and junior debt tranches issued by CLO vehicles. Our investments have some exposure to interest rate risk and our investments in equity tranches of CLO vehicles have dollar-for-dollar interest rate risk on the equity portion. We expect to have less significant interest rate-related fluctuations in our net asset value per share than investment companies investing primarily in fixed income securities. When interest rates decline, the value of a fixed income portfolio can normally be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a fixed income portfolio can normally be expected to decline. Currently, LIBOR rates are at historic lows. Although the income available to us will vary, we expect that our acquisition of interests in CLO vehicles may minimize fluctuations in our net asset value resulting from changes in market interest rates.

However, because floating or variable rates only reset periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates can be expected to cause some fluctuations in our net asset value. Similarly, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may cause a decline in our net asset value. In addition, any debt instruments that allow the borrower to opt between LIBOR-based interest rates and interest rates based on bank prime rates may have an impact on our net asset value. A material decline in our net asset value may impair our ability to maintain required levels of asset coverage, to the extent we elect to use debt to finance investments.

Credit Risk .  Credit risk is the risk that one or more investments in a 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 condition. While a senior position in the capital structure of a corporate borrower may provide some protection to the CLO vehicles in which we invest, losses or other reductions in collateral may still occur in the portfolios of such CLO vehicles because the market value of such loans is affected by the creditworthiness

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of borrowers and by general economic and specific industry conditions. As we invest in equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles, we are exposed to a greater amount of credit risk than a fund which invests in senior debt or investment grade securities. The prices of primarily non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in a CLO vehicle’s collateral or cash flows or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of more senior debt securities. Securities of below investment grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default. We will typically be in a first loss or subordinated position with respect to realized losses on the collateral of each investment we make in a CLO vehicle. The leveraged nature of the CLO vehicle, in particular, magnifies the adverse impact of collateral defaults. In addition, we may purchase participations in leveraged corporate loans. Such participations have rights that are more limited than the rights provided under assignments. In a participation the contractual relationship is typically with the lender selling the participation, but not with the borrower. As a result, a participant assumes the credit risk of the lender selling the participation in addition to the credit risk of the borrower. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the participation, a participant may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not have a senior claim to the lender’s interest in the Senior Loan.

Liquidity Risk .  Liquidity risk is defined as the risk that we may not be able to settle or meet our obligations on time or at a reasonable price. We may invest up to 100% of our portfolio in securities that are considered illiquid. “Illiquid securities” are securities which cannot be sold within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the value used by us in determining our net asset value. We may not be able to readily dispose of such securities at prices that approximate those at which we could sell such securities if they were more widely-traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, we may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions to raise cash to meet our obligations. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of securities, thereby adversely affecting our net asset value and ability to make dividend distributions. Some instruments issued by CLO vehicles may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. Securities issued by CLO vehicles are generally not listed on any U.S. national securities exchange and no active trading market may exist for the securities in which we invest. Although a secondary market may exist for our investments, the market for our investments may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. As a result, these types of investments may be more difficult to value. In addition, we believe that ownership of CLO equity and junior debt instruments has generally been distributed across a wide range of holders, some of whom we believe may continue to face near- to intermediate-term liquidity issues. Further, we believe that larger institutional investors with sufficient resources to source, analyze and negotiate the purchase of these assets may refrain from purchases of the size that we are targeting, thereby reducing the prospective investor population, which would limit our ability to sell our position in a CLO vehicle if we choose to or need to do so. We have no limitation on the amount of our assets which may be invested in securities that are not readily marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale. Further, Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no active trading market exists for many Senior Loans. As a result, many Senior Loans are illiquid, meaning that we may not be able to sell them quickly at a fair price. The market for illiquid securities is more volatile than the market for liquid securities.

Investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.

Our investment strategy involves investments in securities issued by foreign entities, including foreign CLO vehicles. Investing in foreign entities may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issues. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. Further, we, and the CLO vehicles in which we invest, may have difficulty enforcing creditor’s rights in foreign jurisdictions. In addition, the underlying companies of the CLO vehicles in which we invest may be foreign, which may create greater exposure for us to foreign economic developments.

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Although we expect that most of our investments will be U.S. dollar-denominated, any investments denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we can offer no assurance that we will, in fact, hedge currency risk, or that if we do, such strategies will be effective.

We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.

If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.

Any unrealized losses we experience on our portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution.

As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments will be recorded as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized losses in our portfolio could be an indication of an issuer’s inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income available for distribution in future periods.

Our investments in CLO vehicles may be subject to special anti-deferral provisions that could result in us incurring tax or recognizing income prior to receiving cash distributions related to such income.

We anticipate that the CLO vehicles in which we invest may constitute “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). Because we acquire shares in PFICs (including equity tranche investments in CLO vehicles that are PFICs), we may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) will generally require us to recognize our share of the PFIC’s income for each year regardless of whether we receive any distributions from such PFIC. We must nonetheless distribute such income to maintain our status as a RIC.

If we hold more than 10% of the shares in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) (including equity tranche investments in a CLO vehicle treated as a CFC), we may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to our pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains). If we are required to include such deemed distributions from a CFC in our income, we will be required to distribute such income to maintain our RIC status regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such year.

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If we are required to include amounts in income prior to receiving distributions representing such income, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company.”

If a CLO vehicle in which invest fails to comply with certain U.S. tax disclosure requirements, such CLO may be subject to withholding requirements that could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

Legislation enacted in 2010 imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments of U.S. source interest and dividends paid after December 31, 2013, or gross proceeds from the disposition of a instrument that produces U.S. source interest or dividends paid after December 31, 2014, to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain reporting requirements regarding its United States account holders and its United States owners. Most CLO vehicles in which we invest will be treated as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the 30% withholding. If a CLO vehicle in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amounts available to distribute to equity and junior debt holders in such CLO vehicle, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

Risks Relating to an Investment in our Securities

Shares of closed-end management investment companies have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline below our net asset value per share.

Shares of closed-end management investment companies have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values and our stock may also be discounted in the market. This characteristic of closed-end management investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade above, at or below our net asset value. The risk of loss associated with this characteristic of closed-end management investment companies may be greater for investors expecting to sell shares of common stock purchased in the offering soon after the offering. In addition, if our common stock trades below its net asset value, we will generally not be able to sell additional shares of our common stock to the public at its market price without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders (including our unaffiliated stockholders) and our independent directors for such issuance.

Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially.

The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially. The price of our common stock that will prevail in the market after this offering may be higher or lower than the price you pay, depending on many factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
investor demand for our shares;
significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of registered closed-end management investment companies or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;
changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines with respect to RICs or registered closed-end management investment companies;
failure to qualify as a RIC, or the loss of RIC status;
any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;

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changes, or perceived changes, in the value of our portfolio investments;
departures of any members of Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team;
operating performance of companies comparable to us; or
general economic conditions and trends and other external factors.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Due to the potential volatility of our stock price, we may become the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully deploy the proceeds of any offering conducted pursuant to this prospectus within the timeframe we have contemplated.

We currently anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of any offering conducted pursuant to this prospectus will be invested in accordance with our investment objective within approximately one to three months after the consummation of such offering. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to locate a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities to allow us to successfully deploy substantially all of the net proceeds of any such offering in that timeframe. To the extent we are unable to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of any such offering within our contemplated timeframe after the completion of such offering, our investment income, and in turn our results of operations, will likely be materially adversely affected.

We will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds of any offering conducted pursuant to this prospectus and will use proceeds in part to satisfy operating expenses.

We will have significant flexibility in applying the proceeds of any offering conducted pursuant to this prospectus and may use the net proceeds from any such offering in ways with which you may not agree, or for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of such offering. We will also pay operating expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from net proceeds. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may be limited to the extent that net proceeds of any such offering, pending full investment, are used to pay operating expenses.

Your interest in us may be diluted if you do not fully exercise your subscription rights in any rights offering.

In the event we issue subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock, stockholders who do not fully exercise their rights should expect that they will, at the completion of the offer, own a smaller proportional interest in us than would otherwise be the case if they fully exercised their rights. We cannot state precisely the amount of any such dilution in share ownership because we do not know at this time what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of the offer.

In addition, if the subscription price is less than our net asset value per share, then our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of their shares as a result of the offer. The amount of any decrease in net asset value is not predictable because it is not known at this time what the subscription price and net asset value per share will be on the expiration date of the rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of the offer. Such dilution could be substantial.

If we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common stock will likely become more volatile.

We cannot assure you that the issuance of preferred stock would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock would likely cause the net asset value and market value of the common stock to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the common stock would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common stock than if we had not issued preferred stock. Any decline in the net asset value of our investments would be

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borne entirely by the holders of common stock. Therefore, if the market value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of common stock than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of preferred stock. This greater net asset value decrease would also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the common stock. We might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of the preferred stock or of losing our ratings, if any, on the preferred stock or, in an extreme case, our current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the preferred stock. In order to counteract such an event, we might need to liquidate investments in order to fund a redemption of some or all of the preferred stock. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of common stock would bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred stock, including higher advisory fees if our total return exceeds the dividend rate on the preferred stock. Holders of preferred stock may have different interests than holders of common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of our Board of Directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of our Board of Directors at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right to elect a majority of the directors until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, if any, or the terms of our credit facilities, if any, might impair our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.

Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Oxford Lane Capital or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our Board of Directors, including approval by a majority of our independent Directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our Board of Directors does not approve a business combination, the Business Combination Act may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act, the Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such a transaction.

We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our charter classifying our Board of Directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and authorizing our Board of Directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, to amend our charter without stockholder approval and to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

You may not receive dividends or our dividends may decline or may not grow over time.

We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results or maintain a tax status that will allow or require any specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In particular, our future dividends are dependent upon the investment income we receive on our portfolio investments. To the extent such investment income declines, our ability to pay future dividends may be harmed.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Oxford Lane Capital Corp., our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

our future operating results;
our business prospects and the prospects of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies;
the impact of investments that we expect to make;
our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;
the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
our expected financings and investments;
the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
the timing of cash flows, if any, from our investments.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

an economic downturn could impair the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investment in such CLO vehicle;
a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our investment activities;
interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;
currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and
the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus. However, we will update this prospectus to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act.”

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We plan to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes. We may also pay operating expenses, including advisory and administrative fees and expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds of any offering conducted pursuant to this prospectus. We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of any such offering will be used for the above purposes within approximately one to three months from the consummation of such offering, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market conditions. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted investment pace.

Pending such investments, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. The management fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities. See “Regulation as a Closed-End Investment Company — Temporary Investments” for additional information about temporary investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our investment objective. The supplement to this prospectus relating to an offering conducted pursuant to this prospectus will more fully identify the use of the proceeds from such offering.

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OXLC.” The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter since our initial public offering, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of our common stock, the high and low intraday sales prices for our common stock, such sales prices as a percentage of NAV per share and quarterly distributions per share.

           
    Price Range
     NAV (1)   High   Low   Premium/Discount
of
High Sales Price to NAV (2)
  Premium/Discount
of
Low Sales Price to NAV (2)
  Cash Distributions Per Share (3)
Fiscal 2013                                                   
Third Quarter (through October 4, 2012)     *     $ 15.95     $ 15.49       *       *       *  
Second Quarter     *     $ 16.79     $ 14.00       *       *     $ 0.55  
First Quarter   $ 14.60     $ 15.00     $ 13.49       3 %       (8 %)     $ 0.55  
Fiscal 2012                                                      
Fourth Quarter   $ 17.05     $ 16.50     $ 13.30       (3 %)       (22 %)     $ 0.55  
Third Quarter   $ 15.08     $ 14.98     $ 12.06       (1 %)       (20 %)     $ 0.50  
Second Quarter   $ 15.14     $ 18.74     $ 13.05       24 %       (14 %)     $ 0.50  
First Quarter   $ 17.44     $ 20.00     $ 17.61       15 %       1 %     $ 0.50  
Fiscal 2011                                                      
Fourth Quarter (from January 20, 2011 through March 31, 2011)   $ 18.19     $ 20.50     $ 17.11       13 %       (6 %)     $ 0.25  

(1) Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.
(2) Calculated as the respective high or low intraday sales price divided by NAV.
(3) Represents the cash distribution declared in the specified quarter.
* Not determinable at the time of filing.

On October 4, 2012, the last reported sales price of our common stock was $15.84 per share. As of October 4, 2012, we had 61 shareholders of record.

Shares of closed-end management investment companies may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from net asset value or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. Since our initial public offering, shares of our common stock have traded at a discount and at a premium to the net assets attributable to those shares. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered hereby will trade at, above, or below net asset value.

To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to our stockholders. Our quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

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Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount
Fiscal 2013
                          
July 31, 2012     September 14, 2012       September 28, 2012     $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012     June 15, 2012       June 29, 2012       0.55  
Total (2013)                 1.10  
Fiscal 2012
                          
January 25, 2012     March 16, 2012       March 30, 2012       0.55  
October 24, 2011     December 16, 2011       December 30, 2011       0.50  
July 22, 2011     September 16, 2011       September 30, 2011       0.50  
April 6, 2011     June 16, 2011       June 30, 2011       0.50  
Total (2012)                 2.05  
Fiscal 2011
                          
March 7, 2011     March 21, 2011       April 1, 2011       0.25  
Total (2011)                 0.25  
                 $ 3.40  

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with our 2011 taxable year. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment, we must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we currently intend to distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of: (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year; (2) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year; and, (3) any ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no federal income tax. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net long term capital gains in excess of short term capital losses), if any, at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to you. If this happens, you will be treated as if you had received an actual distribution of the capital gains we retain and reinvested the net after tax proceeds in us. In this situation, you would be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain circumstances, a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to you. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, to the extent that we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

Our current intention is to make any distributions in additional shares of our common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan out of assets legally available therefore, unless you elect to receive your dividends and/or long-term capital gains distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” If you hold shares in the name of a broker or financial intermediary, you should contact the broker or financial intermediary regarding your election to receive distributions in cash. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

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BUSINESS

Overview

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in Senior Loans, with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We believe that recent dislocations in the credit markets have created opportunities to purchase our targeted investments at attractive risk adjusted returns.

We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles. Substantially all of the CLO vehicles in which we may invest would be deemed to be investment companies under the 1940 Act but for the exceptions set forth in section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7). Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit. A CLO vehicle is formed by raising various classes or “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. The CLO vehicles which we focus on are collateralized primarily by Senior Loans, and generally have very little or no exposure to real estate, mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may also invest, on an opportunistic basis, in other corporate credits of a variety of types. We expect that each of our investments will range in size from $1 million to $12 million, although the investment size may vary consistent with the size of our overall portfolio.

Oxford Lane Management manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

Distributions

The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

     
Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount
Fiscal 2013
                          
July 31, 2012     September 14, 2012       September 28, 2012     $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012     June 15, 2012       June 29, 2012       0.55  
Total (2013)                 1.10  
Fiscal 2012
                          
January 25, 2012     March 16, 2012       March 30, 2012       0.55  
October 24, 2011     December 16, 2011       December 30, 2011       0.50  
July 22, 2011     September 16, 2011       September 30, 2011       0.50  
April 6, 2011     June 16, 2011       June 30, 2011       0.50  
Total (2012)                 2.05  
Fiscal 2011
                          
March 7, 2011     March 21, 2011       April 1, 2011       0.25  
Total (2011)                 0.25  
                 $ 3.40  

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for 2012 and fiscal 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no

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assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

Use of Proceeds From Prior Offerings

Since the closing of our initial public offering on January 25, 2011 and including two subsequent rights offerings on August 26, 2011 and April 27, 2012, through October 4, 2012 we have invested approximately $72.6 million of the cumulative net proceeds we received from our initial public offering (including the proceeds received from the underwriters' partial exercise of the over-allotment option) and subsequent rights offerings, representing approximately 97% of those cumulative proceeds. Consistent with our investment objective, these investments were made in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs.

Oxford Lane Management

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management, which is an investment adviser that has registered under the Advisers Act. Under our Investment Advisory Agreement with Oxford Lane Management, we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets, as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

We expect to benefit from the proven ability of our investment adviser’s team to identify attractive opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate terms where appropriate, and manage and monitor a diversified portfolio although we do not intend to operate as a “diversified” investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Our investment adviser’s senior investment team members have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment banks, commercial banks, unregistered investment funds and other financial services companies, and have collectively developed a broad network of contacts to provide us with our principal source of investment opportunities.

Our investment adviser is led by Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are assisted by Darryl M. Monasebian and Hari Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management. We consider Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal, Monasebian and Srinivasan to be Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team.

Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, together with the other members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team, have developed an infrastructure that we believe provides Oxford Lane Capital with a competitive advantage in locating and acquiring attractive Senior Loans and CLO investments. In particular, in addition to our portfolio, the members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team currently manage the portfolios of:

TICC Capital Corp. , a NASDAQ Global Select Market-listed business development company, which completed its initial public offering in 2003, with approximately $470 million in gross assets as of June 30, 2012, which is managed by TICC Management, LLC;
TICC CLO LLC , a $225 million CLO structured finance vehicle completed in 2011 investing in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of TICC Capital Corp.;
Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited , a Guernsey-based, AIM and CISX listed closed-end debt-focused investment fund, which completed its initial public offering in 2005, with approximately $327 million of gross assets as of June 30, 2012, which is managed by T2 Advisers, LLC; and
T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. , a twelve year, $309 million CLO structured finance vehicle completed in 2007 investing in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. is in full compliance with all applicable covenant tests as of June 30, 2012 and has been distributing cash to all of its note and equity holders uninterrupted since inception, other than in two quarters in which equity holders received partial distributions in accordance with the terms of this CLO vehicle.

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Since 2004, in the course of managing those existing portfolios, the members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team have historically evaluated and invested primarily in a combination of bilateral and syndicated Senior Loans and structured finance vehicles, with the objective of producing high risk-adjusted returns primarily in the form of current income. Since June 2009, the members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team have sourced and analyzed in excess of 200 secondary CLO investments, and have invested an aggregate of approximately $136.5 million in 63 such transactions with an aggregate par value of approximately $211.1 million. In total, as of June 30, 2012, Oxford Lane Management’s investment team has reviewed over 1,000 transactions, has invested in more than 150 companies representing over $1.1 billion in invested capital and currently has approximately $784 million under management.

Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Mr. Royce has served as President since 1972, and a member of the Board of Managers since 2001, of Royce & Associates. He also serves as Royce & Associates’ Co-Chief Investment Officer and manages or co-manages twelve of Royce & Associates’ open- and closed-end registered funds. Mr. Royce currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Royce Funds and TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce is a non-managing member of TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

In addition, our executive officers and directors, as well as the current and future members of our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. Each of TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC, Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited and T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., as well as any affiliated investment vehicle formed in the future and managed by our investment adviser or its affiliates may, notwithstanding different stated investment objectives, have overlapping investment objectives with our own and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, Oxford Lane Management may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and such other entities. Although Oxford Lane Management endeavors to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, it is possible that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by investment funds, including TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC, Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. and Oxford Gate Capital (a private partnership that invests in a broad range of assets, including the equity and debt tranches of CLO vehicles), managed by our investment adviser or an investment manager affiliated with our investment adviser. In any such case, when Oxford Lane Management’s investment team identifies an investment, it will be required to choose which investment fund should make the investment.

In certain instances, we may co-invest on a concurrent basis with affiliates of our investment adviser, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and our written allocation procedures. Such co-investment may require exemptive relief from the SEC. If we elect to seek such relief, there can be no assurance when, or if, such relief may be obtained.

In addition, we will pay BDC Partners, an affiliate of Oxford Lane Management, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any administrative support staff. These arrangements will create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor.

Investment Focus

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in Senior Loans, with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially

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implemented our investment objective by investing principally in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles, which are collateralized primarily by a diverse portfolio of leveraged corporate loans, and which generally have very little or no exposure to real estate or mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including foreign CLO vehicles.

The CLO investments we have initially targeted will generally represent either a residual economic interest, in the case of an equity tranche, or a debt investment collateralized by a portfolio of Senior Loans. The value of our CLO investments generally depend on both the quality and nature of the underlying portfolio it references and also on the specific structural characteristics of the CLO itself, both of which are described below.

CLO Structural Elements

Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

A CLO vehicle is formed by raising multiple “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. As interest payments are received the CLO vehicle makes contractual interest payments to each tranche of debt based on their seniority. If there are funds remaining after each tranche of debt receives its contractual interest rate and the CLO vehicle meets or exceeds required collateral coverage levels (or other similar covenants) the remaining funds may be paid to the equity tranche. The contractual provisions setting out this order of payments are set out in detail in the CLO vehicle’s indenture. These provisions are referred to as the “priority of payments” or the “waterfall” and determine any other obligations that may be required to be paid ahead of payments of interest and principal on the securities issued by a CLO vehicle. In addition, for payments to be made to each tranche, after the most senior tranche of debt, there are various tests which must be complied with, which are different for each CLO vehicle.

CLO indentures typically provide for adjustments to the priority of payments in the event that certain cashflow or collateral requirements are not maintained. The collateral quality tests that may divert cashflows in the priority of payments are predominantly determined by reference to the par values of the underlying loans, rather than their current market values. Accordingly, we believe that CLO equity and junior debt investments allow investors to gain diversified exposure to the Senior Loan market on a levered basis without being structurally subject to mark-to-market price fluctuations of the underlying loans. As such, although the current valuations of CLO equity and junior debt tranches are expected to fluctuate based on price changes within the loan market, interest rate movements and other macroeconomic factors, those tranches will generally be expected to continue to receive distributions from the CLO vehicle periodically so long as the underlying portfolio does not suffer defaults, realized losses or other covenant violations sufficient to trigger changes in the waterfall allocations. We therefore believe that an investment portfolio consisting of CLO equity and junior debt investments of this type has the ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted rates of return.

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The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is only a hypothetical structure and structures among CLO vehicles in which we may invest may vary substantially from the hypothetical example set forth below.

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

The Syndicated Senior Loan Market

We believe that while the syndicated leveraged corporate loan market is relatively large, with Standard and Poor’s estimating the total par value outstanding at approximately $518 billion as of February 8, 2012, this market remains largely inaccessible to a significant portion of investors that are not lenders or approved institutions. The CLO market permits wider exposure to syndicated Senior Loans, but this market is almost exclusively private and predominantly institutional.

The Senior Loan market is characterized by various factors, including:

Seniority.   A Senior Loan typically ranks senior in a company’s capital structure to all other forms of debt or equity. As such, that loan maintains the senior-most claim on the company’s assets and cash flow, and, we believe should, all other things being equal, offer the prospect of a relatively more stable and lower-risk holding.
Floating rate instruments.   A Senior Loan typically contains a floating versus a fixed interest rate, which we believe provides some measure of protection against the risk of interest rate fluctuation.
Frequency of interest payments.   A Senior Loan typically provides for scheduled interest payments no less frequently than quarterly.

In the current environment, we believe the above attributes seem particularly desirable.

Investment Opportunity

We believe that the Senior Loan market has and continues to represent an attractive area for investment. We believe that the CLO equity and junior debt investments we intend to seek currently represent, as a class, an opportunity to obtain attractive risk-adjusted investment returns. We believe that a number of factors support this conclusion, including:

We believe that the long-term and relatively low-cost capital that many CLO vehicles have secured, compared with the increasing asset spreads and the introduction of more LIBOR floors have created opportunities to purchase certain CLO equity and junior debt instruments that may produce attractive risk-adjusted returns.

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We believe that CLO equity and junior debt have generally become more liquid since mid-2009. From late 2007 through mid-2009, these assets traded only very infrequently. We believe that greater recent liquidity in this market has created an opportunity to better analyze and compare various equity and debt instruments from among a large number of different structures.
We believe that although Senior Loan asset prices have risen since mid-2010, CLO equity and junior debt instruments still offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We believe that larger institutional investors with sufficient resources to source, analyze and negotiate the purchase of these assets may refrain from purchasing assets of the size that we are targeting, thereby potentially reducing the competition for our target investments.
We believe that investing in CLO securities and CLO equity instruments in particular, requires a high level of research and analysis. We believe that typically this analysis can only be adequately conducted by knowledgeable market participants, as the nature of that analysis tends to be highly specialized.
We believe that a stronger credit market for Senior Loans has substantially reduced the risk of collateral coverage test violations across many CLO structures, thereby reducing the risk that current cash distributions otherwise payable to junior debt tranches and/or equity will be diverted under the priority of payments to pay down the more senior obligations in various CLO structures.
We believe that the US CLO market is relatively large with a total par value of approximately $250 billion invested in over 500 different CLO vehicles. We estimate the size of the junior-most debt tranches (specifically the tranches originally rated “BB”) is approximately $9.0 billion (of which “turbo BB” tranches are an attractive sub-segment), and the size of the equity tranches is approximately $20 billion.

Investment Selection

Our investment adviser’s investment team is responsible for all aspects of our investment process. Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team currently consists of Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, who serve as members of the investment committee of Oxford Lane Management, and Messrs. Monasebian and Srinivasan. While the investment strategy involves a team approach, whereby potential transactions are screened by various members of the senior investment team, both Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal must approve of all investments in order for them to proceed. See “Portfolio Management.” The stages of our investment selection process are as follows:

Deal Sourcing

Deal sourcing is generally conducted through brokers and bankers, and may also be sourced through industry contacts, CLO vehicle sponsors and investors. We believe that we currently have an active pipeline of deal flow, particularly through multiple CLO trading desks.

Screening

In screening potential investments in CLO vehicles, our investment adviser’s investment team utilizes the same value-oriented investment philosophy they employ in their work managing other investment portfolios, including TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC, Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. and Oxford Gate Capital.

CLO Vehicle Characteristics

We have identified several criteria that we believe are important in identifying and investing in prospective CLO vehicles. These criteria provide general guidelines for our investment adviser’s decisions; however, not all of these criteria will be met by each prospective CLO vehicle in which they choose to invest. Generally, our investment adviser seeks to utilize its access to information generated by its investment team to identify attractive investment opportunities.

Stable Portfolio.   We generally seek to invest in CLO vehicles that we believe are collateralized by a relatively stable portfolio of Senior Loans. We believe focusing on stable CLO vehicles will provide us with a greater opportunity for consistent current cashflows from our investment.

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Diverse Portfolio Base.   We generally seek to invest in CLO vehicles that have a relatively diverse portfolio of corporate borrowers. We generally seek to avoid investments in CLO vehicles that are heavily weighted towards a small number of borrowers, or that have a majority of borrowers that operate in a particularly industry. We believe focusing on CLO vehicles with a diverse borrower base will help limit our exposure to borrower or industry-specific downturns.

Attractive Discount to Par.   We generally seek to invest in CLO vehicles where we can acquire either an equity or junior debt instrument at a relatively attractive discount to par value, although in certain cases we may invest at or near par where we believe the opportunity is particularly attractive on a risk-adjusted basis. We believe investing at a significant discount to par generally provides us with a more attractive risk-adjusted return on our investment, while minimizing our downside risk in the event of a default with respect to our investment.

Due Diligence

Our investment adviser’s senior investment team conducts due diligence on prospective investments, consistent with the approach its members have developed over the course of managing other investment vehicles, including TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC, Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. and Oxford Gate Capital. In conducting due diligence, our investment adviser uses publicly available information as well as information otherwise available to it, including through its relationships with CLO vehicle sponsors and bankers.

Our investment adviser’s due diligence typically includes:

review of financial information regarding prospective investments;
research relating to Senior Loans; and
review of the prospective investment’s capital structure and the terms and conditions of the investment.

Upon the completion of due diligence, the investment professionals present the opportunity to our investment adviser’s investment committee, which then determines whether to proceed with the potential investment. Additional due diligence with respect to any investment may be conducted on our behalf by outside third-party advisers, as appropriate. Any fees and expenses incurred by Oxford Lane Management in connection with due diligence investigations undertaken by third parties will be subject to reimbursement by Oxford Lane Capital, which reimbursements will be in addition to any management or incentive fees payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement to Oxford Lane Management. While the investment strategy involves a team approach, Oxford Lane Capital may not enter into a transaction without the prior approval of both Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal.

Ongoing Relationships

Monitoring

Our investment adviser monitors our investments on an ongoing basis. Our investment adviser has several methods of monitoring the performance and value of our investments, which include the following:

review of pricing data and indicative bids for recent transactions in our investments;
comparisons to other Senior Loans and CLO vehicles; and
review of available financial reports for our investments.

Valuation Procedures

The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of our financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. There is no single method for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. We are required to specifically fair value each individual investment on a quarterly basis.

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Our Board of Directors determines the value of our investment portfolio each quarter, after consideration of our Valuation Committee’s recommendation of fair value. Oxford Lane Management compiles the relevant information, including a financial summary, covenant compliance review and recent trading activity in the security, if known. All available information, including non-binding indicative bids which may not be considered reliable, are presented to the Valuation Committee to consider in making its recommendation of fair value to the Board of Directors. In some instances, there may be limited trading activity in a security even though the market for the security is considered not active. In such cases the Valuation Committee considers the number of trades, the size and timing of each trade, and other circumstances around such trades, to the extent such information is available, in making its recommendation of fair value to the Board of Directors. We may elect to engage third-party valuation firms to provide assistance to our Valuation Committee and Board of Directors in valuing certain of our investments. The Valuation Committee evaluates the impact of such additional information, and factors it into its consideration of fair value.

Competition

We compete for investments with other investment funds (including private equity funds, mezzanine funds and business development companies), as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks, investment banks, finance companies and other sources of funding. Additionally, because competition for investment opportunities generally has increased among alternative investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, those entities have begun to invest in areas they have not traditionally invested in, including CLO vehicles. As a result of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities in CLO vehicles may intensify. Many of these entities have greater financial and managerial resources than we do. We believe we are able to compete with these entities primarily on the basis of the experience and contacts of our investment adviser, and our responsive and efficient investment analysis and decision-making processes.

Staffing

We do not currently have any employees. Our day-to-day investment operations are managed by Oxford Lane Management. Oxford Lane Management’s investment team currently consists of the members of its investment committee, Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, and Messrs. Monasebian and Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management, and four additional experienced investment professionals. Oxford Lane Management may retain additional investment professionals, based upon its needs, subsequent to the completion of this offering. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

In addition, we will reimburse BDC Partners for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and the compensation of our chief financial officer, chief compliance officer, treasurer and any administrative support staff. See “Administration Agreement.”

Properties

Our executive offices are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, and are provided by BDC Partners in accordance with the terms of the Administration Agreement. We believe that our office facilities are suitable and adequate for our business as it is contemplated to be conducted.

Legal Proceedings

None of us, our investment adviser or administrator, is currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us, or against our investment adviser or administrator. From time to time, we, our investment adviser or administrator, may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial statements.

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MANAGEMENT

Our Board of Directors oversees our management. The Board of Directors currently consists of five members, three of whom are not “interested persons” of Oxford Lane Capital as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. We refer to these individuals as our independent directors. Our Board of Directors elects our officers, who serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The responsibilities of each director will include, among other things, the oversight of our investment activity, the quarterly valuation of our assets, and oversight of our financing arrangements. The Board of Directors has also established an Audit Committee and a Valuation Committee, and may establish additional committees in the future.

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

Directors

Information regarding the Board of Directors is as follows:

       
Name   Age   Position   Director
Since
  Expiration
of Term
Interested Directors                    
Jonathan H. Cohen   47   Chief Executive Officer and Director   2010   2013
Saul B. Rosenthal   44   President and Director   2010   2012
Independent Directors                    
Mark J. Ashenfelter   52   Chairman of the Board of Directors   2010   2013
John Reardon   45   Director   2010   2014
David S. Shin   43   Director   2010   2012

The address for each of our directors is c/o Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

   
Name   Age   Position
Patrick F. Conroy   55   Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and
Corporate Secretary

Biographical Information

Directors

Our directors have been divided into two groups — interested directors and independent directors. An interested director is an “interested person” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

Interested Directors

Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are “interested persons” of Oxford Lane Capital as defined in the 1940 Act. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are interested persons of Oxford Lane Capital due to their positions as Chief Executive Officer and President, respectively, of Oxford Lane Capital and Oxford Lane Management, Oxford Lane Capital’s investment adviser, and as the managing member and non-managing member, respectively, of BDC Partners, the administrator for Oxford Lane Capital.

Jonathan H. Cohen has served as Chief Executive Officer of both Oxford Lane Capital Corp. and Oxford Lane Management since 2010. Mr. Cohen has also served since 2003 as Chief Executive Officer of both TICC Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: TICC), a publicly traded business development company, and TICC Management, LLC, TICC Capital Corp.’s investment adviser, and as the managing member of BDC Partners. Mr. Cohen is also a member of the Board of Directors of TICC Capital Corp. In addition, Mr. Cohen has served since 2005 as the Chief Executive Officer of T2 Advisers, LLC, which serves as the investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited (LSE AIM: GLIF), a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in leveraged corporate loans across a variety of industries globally, and which also serves as collateral manager of T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO vehicle sponsored by Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited.

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Mr. Cohen was previously the managing member, and a principal of JHC Capital Management, a registered investment adviser, and was previously a managing member and principal of Privet Financial Securities, LLC, a registered investment adviser that served as the sub-adviser to the Royce Technology Value Fund, a technology-focused mutual fund. Prior to that, Mr. Cohen managed technology equity research groups at Wit Capital, Merrill Lynch, UBS and Smith Barney. Mr. Cohen serves on the board of Algorithmic Implementations, Inc. (d/b/a Ai Squared) and is member of the Board of Trustees of Connecticut College. Mr. Cohen received a B.A. in Economics from Connecticut College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University. Mr. Cohen’s depth of experience in managerial positions in investment management, securities research and financial services, as well as his intimate knowledge of our business and operations, gives our Board of Directors valuable industry-specific knowledge and expertise on these and other matters.

Saul B. Rosenthal has served as President of both Oxford Lane Capital Corp. and Oxford Lane Management since 2010. Mr. Rosenthal has also served as Chief Operating Officer since 2003 and President since 2004 of TICC Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: TICC), a publicly traded business development company, and TICC Management, LLC, TICC Capital Corp.’s investment adviser, and is a member of BDC Partners. In addition, Mr. Rosenthal has also served since 2005 as the President of T2 Advisers, LLC, which serves as investment adviser for Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited (LSE AIM: GLIF), a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in leveraged corporate loans across a variety of industries globally, and which also serves as collateral manager of T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO vehicle sponsored by Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. Mr. Rosenthal was previously a Vice President and co-founder of the Private Equity Group at Wit Capital. Prior to joining Wit Capital, Mr. Rosenthal was an attorney at the law firm of Shearman & Sterling LLP. Mr. Rosenthal serves on the board of Algorithmic Implementations, Inc. (d/b/a Ai Squared) and is member of the board of the National Museum of Mathematics and the New York City chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Mr. Rosenthal received a B.S., magna cum laude, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a J.D. from Columbia University Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, and a LL.M. (Taxation) from New York University School of Law. Mr. Rosenthal’s depth of experience in managerial positions in investment management, as well as his intimate knowledge of our business and operations, gives the Board of Directors the valuable perspective of a knowledgeable corporate leader.

Independent Directors

The following directors are not “interested persons” of Oxford Lane Capital, as defined in the 1940 Act.

Mark J. Ashenfelter presently serves as a Senior Vice President and the General Counsel of Haebler Capital, a private investment company located in Greenwich, CT. Prior to joining Haebler Capital in 1994, Mr. Ashenfelter was an associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore from 1985 to 1992 and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft from 1992 to 1994. Mr. Ashenfelter received a B.A., cum laude, from Harvard University, a J.D., magna cum laude, from New York Law School, where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review, and a LL.M. (Taxation) from New York University School of Law. Mr. Ashenfelter’s extensive corporate legal experience, particularly in connection with investment companies, provides our Board of Directors with valuable insight and perspective.

John Reardon is the principal of Reardon Consulting, LLP, which specializes in providing management consulting services to technology companies in the telecom, software, and cyber security industries. Mr. Reardon also serves as the General Manager of Maritime Communications/Land Mobile, LLC. Previously, Mr. Reardon managed telecommunications companies in the mobile voice, data and engineering services markets as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Mobex Communications, Inc. from 2001 to 2005. From 1997 – 2001, he served as General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Mobex Communications, Inc. Mr. Reardon began his career in telecom law at the boutique Washington, DC firm of Keller and Heckman, LLP. Mr. Reardon received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston University, summa cum laude, and earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School. He is admitted to the New York State Bar and the Washington, DC Bar, and is the current president of the Columbia Law School Alumni Association of Washington, DC. Mr. Reardon’s extensive experience as a senior corporate executive provides our Board of Directors the perspective of a knowledgeable corporate leader.

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David S. Shin presently serves as an asset management professional at Perella Weinberg Partners, a financial services firm. From 2010 to 2011, Mr. Shin served as a Managing Director at Bentley Associates, an investment banking firm. Prior to joining Bentley Associates, Mr. Shin worked in the Global Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Deutsche Bank Securities from 2005 to 2008, and in the Real Estate & Lodging Group of Citigroup Global Markets from 2004 to 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Shin worked for William Street Advisors, LLC, a boutique financial advisory firm affiliated with Saratoga Management Company, from 2002 to 2004. After receiving his J.D. in 1995, Mr. Shin was a member of the Healthcare Group of Dean Witter Reynolds from 1995 to 1996, and was subsequently a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions Group of Merrill Lynch & Co. from 1996 to 2002. Mr. Shin started his career as a CPA in the Corporate Tax Department of KPMG Peat Marwick’s Financial Institutions Group, where he served from 1990 to 1992, before attending law school. Mr. Shin received a B.S. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. Mr. Shin’s extensive experience in investment banking provides the Board of Directors with valuable insights of an experienced and diligent financial professional, as well as a diverse perspective.

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

Patrick F. Conroy has served as our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary since 2010. Mr. Conroy has also served as the Chief Financial Officer since 2003, and the Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary since 2004, of TICC Capital Corp., a publicly traded business development company. Mr. Conroy also currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer of Oxford Lane Management, TICC Management, LLC and BDC Partners. Mr. Conroy has also served since 2005 as the Chief Financial Officer of T2 Advisers, LLC and the Chief Financial Officer of Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in senior loans, for which T2 Advisers, LLC serves as investment adviser. Prior to joining TICC Capital Corp. in December 2003, Mr. Conroy was a consultant on financial reporting and compliance matters, as well as an adjunct professor of accounting and finance at St. Thomas Aquinas College. He is a certified public accountant. Mr. Conroy received a B.S. in Accounting, summa cum laude, from St. John’s University and did graduate work at Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York.

Director Independence

In accordance with rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, our Board of Directors will annually determine each director’s independence. We do not consider a director independent unless the Board of Directors has determined that he or she has no material relationship with us. We will monitor the relationships of our directors and officers through a questionnaire each director completes no less frequently than annually and updates periodically as information provided in the most recent questionnaire changes.

In order to evaluate the materiality of any such relationship, the Board of Directors uses the definition of director independence set forth in the rules promulgated by the NASDAQ Stock Market. Rule 5605(a)(2) provides that a director of an investment company shall be considered to be independent if he or she is not an “interested person” of Oxford Lane Capital, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

The Board of Directors has determined that each of the directors is independent and has no relationship with us, except as a director and stockholder, with the exception of Jonathan H. Cohen and Saul B. Rosenthal, as a result of their respective positions as Chief Executive Officer and President of Oxford Lane Capital and Oxford Lane Management, Oxford Lane Capital’s investment adviser, and as the managing member and non-managing member, respectively, of BDC Partners, the administrator for Oxford Lane Capital.

Board Leadership Structure

Our Board of Directors monitors and performs an oversight role with respect to the business and affairs of Oxford Lane Capital, including with respect to investment practices and performance, compliance with regulatory requirements and the services, expenses and performance of service providers to Oxford Lane Capital. Among other things, our Board of Directors approves the appointment of our investment adviser and officers, reviews and monitors the services and activities performed by our investment adviser and executive officers and approves the engagement, and reviews the performance of, our independent registered public accounting firm.

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Under our bylaws, our Board of Directors may designate a Chairman to preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the stockholders and to perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors. We do not have a fixed policy as to whether the Chairman of the Board of Directors should be an independent director and believe that we should maintain the flexibility to select the Chairman and reorganize the leadership structure, from time to time, based on the criteria that is in the best interests of Oxford Lane Capital and its stockholders at such times.

Presently, Mr. Ashenfelter serves as the Chairman of our Board of Directors. Mr. Ashenfelter is not an “interested person” of Oxford Lane Capital as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. We believe that Mr. Ashenfelter’s extensive corporate legal experience, particularly in connection with investment companies, qualify him to serve as the Chairman of our Board of Directors. We believe that we are best served through this existing leadership structure, as Mr. Ashenfelter’s independence from our investment adviser eliminates any perceived conflicts of interest and ensures that our management team acts in the best interests of our stockholders.

Our corporate governance policies include regular meetings of the independent directors in executive session with independent legal counsel and without the presence of interested directors and management, the establishment of Audit and Valuation Committees comprised solely of independent directors and the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer, with whom the independent directors meet regularly without the presence of interested directors and other members of management, for administering our compliance policies and procedures.

We recognize that different board leadership structures are appropriate for companies in different situations. We intend to re-examine our corporate governance policies on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet our needs.

Board’s Role In Risk Oversight

Our Board of Directors performs its risk oversight function primarily through (i) its two standing committees, which report to the entire Board of Directors and are comprised solely of independent directors, and (ii) active monitoring of our Chief Compliance Officer and our compliance policies and procedures.

As described below in more detail under “Committees of the Board of Directors,” the Audit Committee and the Valuation Committee assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its risk oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee’s risk oversight responsibilities include overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes, our systems of internal controls regarding finance and accounting, and audits of our financial statements. The Valuation Committee’s risk oversight responsibilities include establishing guidelines and making recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the valuation of our loans and investments. Moreover, the independent directors of our Board of Directors are responsible for selecting, researching and nominating directors for election by our stockholders, developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the Board of Directors and our management.

Our Board of Directors also performs its risk oversight responsibilities with the assistance of our Chief Compliance Officer. The Board of Directors annually reviews a written report from the Chief Compliance Officer discussing the adequacy and effectiveness of the compliance policies and procedures of Oxford Lane Capital and its service providers. The Chief Compliance Officer’s annual report will address at a minimum (i) the operation of the compliance policies and procedures of Oxford Lane Capital and its service providers since the last report; (ii) any material changes to such policies and procedures since the last report; (iii) any recommendations for material changes to such policies and procedures as a result of the Chief Compliance Officer’s annual review; and (iv) any compliance matter that has occurred since the date of the last report about which the Board of Directors would reasonably need to know to oversee our compliance activities and risks. In addition, the Chief Compliance Officer meets separately in executive session with the independent directors at least quarterly.

We believe that our Board of Directors’ role in risk oversight is effective and appropriate given the extensive regulation to which we are already subject as an investment company. As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements that control

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the levels of risk in our business and operations. For example, our ability to incur indebtedness is limited such that our asset coverage must equal at least 300% immediately after each time we incur indebtedness and we are limited in our ability to invest in any CLO vehicle in which one of our affiliates currently has an investment.

We recognize that different board roles in risk oversight are appropriate for companies in different situations. We re-examine the manner in which the Board of Directors administers its oversight function on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet our needs.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a Valuation Committee. We require each director to make a diligent effort to attend all Board and committee meetings, as well as each annual meeting of stockholders.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by our Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com . The charter sets forth the responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include recommending the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing with such independent registered public accounting firm the planning, scope and results of their audit of our financial statements, pre-approving the fees for services performed, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of internal control systems, reviewing our annual financial statements and periodic filings, and receiving the audit reports covering our financial statements. The Audit Committee is presently composed of three persons: Messrs. Shin, Ashenfelter and Reardon, all of whom are considered independent under the rules promulgated by the NASDAQ Stock Market. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Shin is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined under Item 407 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Mr. Shin meets the current independence and experience requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and, in addition, is not an “interested person” of Oxford Lane Capital as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. Mr. Shin currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met on four occasions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Valuation Committee

The Valuation Committee establishes guidelines and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the valuation of investments. Our portfolio investments will generally not be publicly traded securities. As a result, there will not be a readily determinable market value for these securities. Thus, as required by the 1940 Act for such securities, we will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors based upon the recommendation of the Valuation Committee.

Our Board of Directors will determine the value of our investment portfolio each quarter, after consideration of our Valuation Committee’s recommendation of fair value. Oxford Lane Management will compile relevant information, including a financial summary, covenant compliance review and recent trading activity in the security, if known. All available information, including non-binding indicative bids which may not be considered reliable, will be presented to the Valuation Committee to consider in making its recommendation of fair value to the Board of Directors. In some instances, there may be limited trading activity in a security even though the market for the security is considered not active. In such cases the Valuation Committee will consider the number of trades, the size and timing of each trade, and other circumstances around such trades, to the extent such information is available, in making its recommendation of fair value to the Board of Directors. We may elect to engage third-party valuation firms to provide assistance to our Valuation Committee and Board of Directors in valuing certain of our investments. The Valuation Committee will evaluate the impact of such additional information, and factor it into its consideration of fair value.

The Valuation Committee is presently composed of Messrs. Shin, Ashenfelter and Reardon. Mr. Ashenfelter currently serves as Chairman of the Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee met on four occasions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Procedures

We do not have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. A majority of the independent directors of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the NASDAQ Global Select Market listing standards, recommends candidates for election as directors. We do not currently have a charter or written policy with regard to the nomination process or stockholder recommendations. The absence of such a policy does not mean, however, that a stockholder recommendation would not be considered if one is received.

Our independent directors will consider qualified director nominees recommended by stockholders when such recommendations are submitted in accordance with our bylaws and any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding director nominations. When submitting a nomination for consideration, a stockholder must provide certain information that would be required under applicable SEC rules, including the following minimum information for each director nominee: full name, age and address; principal occupation during the past five years; current directorships on publicly held companies and investment companies; number of shares of our common stock owned, if any; and, a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by our Board of Directors and to serve if elected by the stockholders.

In evaluating director nominees, our independence directors consider the following factors:

the appropriate size and composition of our Board of Directors;
whether or not the person is an “interested person” of Oxford Lane Capital as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act;
the needs of Oxford Lane Capital with respect to the particular talents and experience of its directors;
the knowledge, skills and experience of nominees in light of prevailing business conditions and the knowledge, skills and experience already possessed by other members of the Board of Directors;
high character and integrity;
familiarity with national and international business matters;
experience with accounting rules and practices;
appreciation of the relationship of our business to the changing needs of society;
the desire to balance the considerable benefit of continuity with the periodic injection of the fresh perspective provided by new members; and
all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and listing standards.

The Board of Directors’ goal is to assemble a Board of Directors that brings to Oxford Lane Capital a variety of perspectives and skills derived from high quality business and professional experience.

Other than the foregoing there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although our independent directors may also consider such other factors as they may deem are in the best interests of Oxford Lane Capital and its stockholders. The Board of Directors also believes it appropriate for certain key members of our management to participate as members of the Board of Directors.

The independent members of the Board of Directors identify nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board of Directors with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board of Directors with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board of Directors does not wish to continue in service or if the Board of Directors decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, the independent members of the Board of Directors identify the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above. The entire Board of Directors is polled for suggestions as to individuals meeting the aforementioned criteria. Research may also be performed to identify qualified individuals. To date, we have not engaged third parties to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying potential nominees although each reserves the right in the future to retain a third party search firm, if necessary.

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considers and discusses diversity, among other factors, with a view toward the needs of the board of directors as a whole. The Board of Directors generally conceptualizes diversity expansively to include, without limitation, concepts such as race, gender, national origin, differences of viewpoint, professional experience, education, skill and other qualities that contribute to the Board of Directors, when identifying and recommending director nominees. The Board of Directors believes that the inclusion of diversity as one of many factors considered in selecting director nominees is consistent with the Board of Directors’ goal of creating a Board of Directors that best serves the needs of Oxford Lane Capital and the interests of its shareholders.

Communication with the Board of Directors

Stockholders with questions about Oxford Lane Capital are encouraged to contact Oxford Lane Capital Corp.’s Investor Relations Department. However, if stockholders believe that their questions have not been addressed, they may communicate with our Board of Directors by sending their communications to Oxford Lane Capital Corp., c/o Patrick F. Conroy, Corporate Secretary, 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830. All stockholder communications received in this manner will be delivered to one or more members of the Board of Directors, as appropriate.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics which applies to, among others, our senior officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as every officer, director and employee of Oxford Lane Capital. Our code of ethics can be accessed via its website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com .

Compensation of Directors

The following table sets forth compensation of our directors for the year ended March 31, 2012.

     
Name   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash (1)
  All Other
Compensation (2)
  Total
Interested Directors
                          
Jonathan H. Cohen                  
Saul B. Rosenthal                  
Independent Directors
                          
Mark J. Ashenfelter   $ 55,000           $ 55,000  
John Reardon   $ 55,000           $ 55,000  
David S. Shin   $ 60,000           $ 60,000  

(1) For a discussion of the independent directors’ compensation, see below.
(2) We do not maintain a stock or option plan, non-equity incentive plan or pension plan for our directors.

The independent directors receive an annual fee of $35,000. In addition, the independent directors receive $2,000 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each Board of Directors meeting, $1,500 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each Valuation Committee meeting and $1,000 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each Audit Committee meeting. The Chairman of the Audit Committee also receives an additional annual fee of $5,000. No compensation is paid to directors who are interested persons of Oxford Lane Capital as defined in the 1940 Act.

Compensation of Chief Executive Officer and Other Executive Officers

We do not have a compensation committee because our executive officers do not receive any direct compensation from Oxford Lane Capital. Mr. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Rosenthal, our President, through their ownership interest in BDC Partners, the managing member of Oxford Lane Management, are entitled to a portion of any profits earned by Oxford Lane Management, which includes any fees payable to Oxford Lane Management under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, less expenses incurred by Oxford Lane Management in performing its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal do not receive any additional compensation from Oxford Lane Management in connection with the management of our portfolio.

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The compensation of Mr. Conroy, our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, is paid by our administrator, BDC Partners, subject to reimbursement by us of an allocable portion of such compensation for services rendered by Mr. Conroy to Oxford Lane Capital.

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PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

The management of our investment portfolio is the responsibility of Oxford Lane Management, and its investment committee, which currently consists of Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Our investment adviser’s investment committee must approve each new investment that we make. The members of our investment adviser’s investment committee are not employed by us, and receive no compensation from us in connection with their portfolio management activities. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, through their ownership of BDC Partners, the managing member of Oxford Lane Management, are entitled to a portion of any investment advisory fees paid by Oxford Lane Capital to Oxford Lane Management.

Because Oxford Lane Management currently provides portfolio management services only to us, we do not believe there are any conflicts of interests with respect to Oxford Lane Management’s management of our portfolio on the one hand, and the management of other accounts or investment vehicles by Oxford Lane Management on the other. However, Mr. Cohen currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Rosenthal currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of TICC Capital Corp., a publicly-traded business development company that invests principally in the debt of U.S.-based companies and is the collateral manager of TICC CLO LLC, and TICC Capital Corp.’s investment adviser, TICC Management. In addition, Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal currently serve as Chief Executive Officer and President, respectively, for T2 Advisers, LLC, an investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in Senior Loans. T2 Advisers, LLC also manages T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO vehicle established by Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. BDC Partners is the managing member, and Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member, of TICC Management, LLC. As a result, Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal may be subject to certain conflicts of interests with respect to their management of our portfolio on the one hand, and their respective obligations to manage TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC, Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited and T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. on the other hand.

Set forth below is additional information regarding the additional entities currently managed by Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal:

     
Name   Entity   Investment Focus   Gross Assets (1)
TICC Capital Corp. (2)   Business development company   Principally debt investments in U.S.-based companies   $470 million
Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited (3)   Guernsey-based fund   Principally debt investments   $327 million

(1) Gross assets are calculated as of June 30, 2012, and are rounded to the nearest million.
(2) Includes the gross assets held by TICC CLO LLC.
(3) Includes the gross assets held by T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd.

Investment Personnel

Our investment adviser is led by Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are assisted by Darryl M. Monasebian and Hari Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management. We consider Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal, Monasebian and Srinivasan to be Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team. We consider Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, who are the members of our investment adviser’s investment committee, to be our portfolio managers.

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The table below shows the dollar range of shares of our common stock owned by each of our portfolio managers as of October 4, 2012.

 
Name of Portfolio Manager   Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in Oxford
Lane Capital (1)
Jonathan H. Cohen   Over $1,000,000
Saul B. Rosenthal   $500,001 – $1,000,000

(1) Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 – $10,000, $10,001 – $50,000, $50,001 – $100,000, $100,001 – $500,000; $500,001 – $1,000,000 or Over $1,000,000.
(2) The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in us is based on the closing price of our common stock of $15.84 on October 4, 2012 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

The following information pertains to the members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team who are not executive officers of Oxford Lane Capital:

Darryl M. Monasebian.   Mr. Monasebian is the Senior Managing Director and head of portfolio management of Oxford Lane Management, and also holds those same positions at TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser to TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Monasebian has also served since 2005 as the senior managing director and head of portfolio management of T2 Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in leveraged corporate loans across a variety of industries globally. Prior to joining TICC Management, LLC, Mr. Monasebian was a director in the Merchant Banking Group at BNP Paribas, and prior to that was a director at Swiss Bank Corporation and a senior account officer at Citibank. He began his business career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as an investment analyst in the Corporate Investments Department. Mr. Monasebian received a B.S. in Management Science/Operations Research from Case Western Reserve University and a Masters of Business Administration from Boston University’s Graduate School of Management.

Hari Srinivasan.   Mr. Srinivasan is a Managing Director and portfolio manager of Oxford Lane Management, and also holds those same positions at TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser to TICC Capital Corp., and at T2 Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in leveraged corporate loans across a variety of industries globally. Previously, Mr. Srinivasan was a credit manager at Lucent Technologies from 2002 to 2005, focusing on restructuring and monetization of distressed assets in Lucent’s vendor finance portfolio, and credit analysis of Lucent’s telecom customers. Prior to that, Mr. Srinivasan was an analyst in the fixed income group at Lehman Brothers from 1998 to 2002. Mr. Srinivasan received a B.S. in Computer Science from Poona University, India and a Masters of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Kevin P. Yonon.   Mr. Yonon is a Senior Vice President of Oxford Lane Management, and also holds the same position at TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser to TICC Capital Corp., and T2 Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. Previously, Mr. Yonon was an Associate at Deutsche Bank Securities and prior to that he was an Analyst at Blackstone Mezzanine Partners. Before joining Blackstone, he worked as an Analyst at Merrill Lynch in the Mergers & Acquisitions group. Mr. Yonon received a B.S. in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Accounting from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated magna cum laude, and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.

Debdeep Maji.   Mr. Maji is a Vice President of Oxford Lane Management, TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser to TICC Capital Corp., and T2 Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. Mr. Maji graduated from the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology at the University of Pennsylvania where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Wharton School (and was designated a Joseph Wharton Scholar) and a Bachelor of Applied Science from the School of Engineering.

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Joseph Kupka.   Mr. Kupka is a Senior Associate of Oxford Lane Management, TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser to TICC Capital Corp. and T2 Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. Previously, he worked as a risk analyst for First Equity Card Corporation. Mr. Kupka received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Erica Davis.   Ms. Davis is an Analyst of Oxford Lane Management, TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser to TICC Capital Corp. and T2 Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. Previously, she worked as a fixed income analyst at Goldman Sachs and an investment banking analyst at Barclays Capital. Ms. Davis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated cum laude.

Compensation

None of Oxford Lane Management’s investment personnel receive any direct compensation from us in connection with the management of our portfolio. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, through their ownership interest in BDC Partners, the managing member of Oxford Lane Management, are entitled to a portion of any profits earned by Oxford Lane Management, which includes any fees payable to Oxford Lane Management under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, less expenses incurred by Oxford Lane Management in performing its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal do not receive any additional compensation from Oxford Lane Management in connection with the management of our portfolio. The compensation paid by Oxford Lane Management to its other investment personnel includes: (i) annual base salary and (ii) portfolio-based performance award.

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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Management Services

Oxford Lane Management serves as our investment adviser. Oxford Lane Management is an investment adviser that is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act prior to pricing of this offering. Subject to the overall supervision of our Board of Directors, our investment adviser manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory and management services to, Oxford Lane Capital. Under the terms of our Investment Advisory Agreement, Oxford Lane Management:

determines the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes;
identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments we make (including performing due diligence on our prospective investments);
closes and monitors the investments we make; and
provides us with other investment advisory, research and related services as we may from time to time require.

Oxford Lane Management’s services under the Investment Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and both it and its members, officers and employees are free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its services to us are not impaired.

Management Fee

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee.

The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross assets. For services rendered under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee is calculated based on the average value of our gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.

The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from an investment) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement to BDC Partners, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes accrued income that we have not yet received in cash, such as the amount of any market discount we may accrue on debt instruments we purchase below par value. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains. Pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a hurdle of 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized). For such purposes, our quarterly rate of return is determined by dividing our pre-incentive net investment income by our reported net assets as of the prior period end. Our net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 2.00% base management fee. We pay Oxford Lane Management an incentive fee with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:

no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle of 1.75%;
100% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle but is less than 2.1875% in

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any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized). We refer to this portion of our pre-incentive fee net investment income (which exceeds the hurdle but is less than 2.1875%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle did not apply if this net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and
20% of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to Oxford Lane Management (once the hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20% of all pre-incentive fee investment income thereafter is allocated to Oxford Lane Management).

The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the income-related portion of the incentive fee:

Quarterly Incentive Fee Based on Net Investment Income
  
Pre-incentive fee net investment income
(expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets)

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

Percentage of pre-incentive fee net investment income allocated to the Oxford Lane Management

These calculations are appropriately pro-rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the relevant quarter. You should be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee hurdle rate and may result in a substantial increase of the amount of incentive fees payable to our investment adviser with respect to pre-incentive fee net investment income.

No incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser on realized capital gains. In addition, the amount of the incentive fee is not affected by any realized or unrealized losses that we may suffer.

Examples of Quarterly Incentive Fee Calculation (amounts expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets, and are not annualized)

Alternative 1:

Assumptions

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 1.25%

Hurdle rate (1) = 1.75%

Management fee (2) = 0.5%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.20%

Pre-incentive fee net investment income

(investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 0.55%

Pre-incentive net investment income does not exceed hurdle rate, therefore there is no incentive fee.

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Alternative 2:

Assumptions

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 2.70%

Hurdle rate (1) = 1.75%

Management fee (2) = 0.5%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.20%

Pre-incentive fee net investment income

(investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 2.00%

Incentive fee = 100% × pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the hurdle but less than 2.1875% (i.e. the “catch-up” (4) )

= 100% × (2.0% – 1.75%)

= 0.25%

Alternative 3:

Assumptions

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 3.00%

Hurdle rate (1) = 1.75%

Management fee (2) = 0.5%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.) (3) = 0.20%

Pre-incentive fee net investment income

(investment income – (management fee + other expenses)) = 2.3%

Incentive fee = 20% × pre-incentive fee net investment income, subject to “catch-up” (4)

Incentive fee = 100% × “catch-up” + (20% × (pre-incentive fee net investment income – 2.1875%))

Catch-up = 2.1875% – 1.75%

= 0.4375%

Incentive fee = (100% × 0.4375%) + (20% × (2.3% – 2.1875%))

= 0.4375% + (20% × 0.1125%)

= 0.4375% + 0.0225%

= 0.46%

(1) Represents 7% annualized hurdle rate.
(2) Represents 2.00% annualized management fee.
(3) Excludes organizational and offering expenses.
(4) The “catch-up” provision is intended to provide the investment adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of Oxford Lane Capital’s pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply when its net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter.

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Payment of Our Expenses

The investment team of our investment adviser and their respective staffs, 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 Oxford Lane Management. We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including (without limitation):

the cost of our organization and this offering;
the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;
the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of our shares and other securities;
interest payable on debt, if any, to finance our investments;
fees payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making investments, including legal fees and expenses and fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments and advisory fees as well as expenses associated with such activities;
the costs associated with protecting our interests in our investments, including legal fees;
transfer agent and custodial fees;
fees and expenses associated with marketing and investor relations efforts;
federal and state registration fees, any stock exchange listing fees;
federal, state and local taxes;
independent directors’ fees and expenses;
brokerage commissions;
fidelity bond, directors and officers errors and omissions liability insurance and other insurance premiums;
direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;
fees and expenses associated with independent audits and outside legal costs;
costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws; and
all other expenses incurred by either BDC Partners or us in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement that will be based upon our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the costs of compensation and related expenses of our Chief Compliance Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and any administrative support staff.

Duration and Termination

Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect if approved annually by our Board of Directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, including, in either case, approval by a majority of our directors who are not parties to such agreement or who are not “interested persons” of any such party, as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Investment Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by either party without penalty upon not more than 60 days’ written notice to the other party. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — Our investment adviser can resign on 60 days’ notice.”

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Indemnification

The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, Oxford Lane Management and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from Oxford Lane Capital for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of Oxford Lane Management’s services under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of Oxford Lane Capital.

Organization of the Investment Adviser

Oxford Lane Management is a Connecticut limited liability company that is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act prior to pricing of this offering. BDC Partners, a Delaware limited liability company, is its managing member and provides Oxford Lane Management with all personnel necessary to manage our day-to-day operations and provide the services under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The principal address of Oxford Lane Management and of BDC Partners is 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.

Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Mr. Royce has served as President since 1972, and a member of the Board of Managers since 2001, of Royce & Associates. He also serves as Royce & Associates’ Co-Chief Investment Officer and manages or co-manages twelve of Royce & Associates’ open-and closed-end registered funds. Mr. Royce serves on the Board of Directors of The Royce Funds. Mr. Royce has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of TICC Capital Corp. since 2003. Mr. Royce is a non-managing member of TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

Board Approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement

A discussion regarding the basis for our board of director’s approval of our Investment Advisory Agreement will be included in our first annual or semi-annual report filed subsequent to completion of any such board action pertaining thereto.

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ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

BDC Partners, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as our administrator. The principal executive offices of BDC Partners are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830. Pursuant to an Administration Agreement, BDC Partners furnishes us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities. Under the Administration Agreement, BDC Partners also performs, or oversees the performance of, our required administrative services, which include, among other things, being responsible for the financial records which we are required to maintain and preparing reports to our stockholders. In addition, BDC Partners assists us in determining and publishing our net asset value, oversees the preparation and filing of our tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to our stockholders, and generally oversees the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others. Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of BDC Partners’ overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and our allocable portion of the compensation of any administrative support staff. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party.

BDC Partners also provides administrative services to our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management. As a result, Oxford Lane Management will also reimburse BDC Partners for its allocable portion of BDC Partners’ overhead, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions for Oxford Lane Management, and its allocable portion of the compensation of any administrative support staff.

The Administration Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, BDC Partners and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from Oxford Lane Capital for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of BDC Partners’ services under the Administration Agreement or otherwise as administrator for Oxford Lane Capital.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS

We have entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with Oxford Lane Management. Oxford Lane Management is controlled by BDC Partners, its managing member. In addition to BDC Partners, Oxford Lane Management is expected to be owned in part by Charles M. Royce as a non-managing member. BDC Partners, as the managing member of Oxford Lane Management, manages the business and internal affairs of Oxford Lane Management. In addition, BDC Partners provides us with office facilities and administrative services pursuant to the Administration Agreement. Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, as well as a director, is the managing member of and controls BDC Partners. Saul B. Rosenthal, our President, is also the President and Chief Operating Officer of TICC Management and a member of BDC Partners. BDC Partners is also the managing member of Oxford Gate Capital, LLC, a private fund in which Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal and Conroy, along with certain investment and administrative personnel of TICC Management, are invested.

Charles M. Royce is President and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Royce & Associates. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

In addition, Mr. Cohen currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Rosenthal currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of TICC Capital Corp., a publicly-traded business development company that invests principally in the debt of U.S.-based companies and is the collateral manager of TICC CLO LLC, and TICC Capital Corp.’s investment adviser, TICC Management. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal also currently serve as Chief Executive Officer, and President, respectively, for T2 Advisers, LLC, an investment adviser to Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a Guernsey fund that invests primarily in Senior Loans. T2 Advisers, LLC also manages T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO vehicle established by Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited. BDC Partners is the managing member of TICC Management, LLC and T2 Advisers, LLC, respectively. As a result, Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal may be subject to certain conflicts of interests with respect to their management of our portfolio on the one hand, and their respective obligations to manage TICC Capital Corp., TICC CLO LLC, Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd. and Oxford Gate Capital, LLC on the other hand. In addition, Patrick F. Conroy, our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, currently serves in similar capacities for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Conroy also currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited and as the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer of T2 Advisers, LLC, TICC Management and BDC Partners.

BDC Partners has adopted a written policy with respect to the allocation of investment opportunities among us, TICC Capital Corp., Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited and Oxford Gate Capital, LLC in view of the potential conflicts of interest raised by the relationships described above.

In the ordinary course of business, we may enter into transactions with portfolio companies that may be considered related party transactions. In order to ensure that we do not engage in any prohibited transactions with any persons affiliated with us, we have implemented certain policies and procedures whereby our executive officers screen each of our transactions for any possible affiliations between the proposed portfolio investment, us, companies controlled by us and our employees and directors. We will not enter into any agreements unless and until we are satisfied that doing so will not raise concerns under the 1940 Act or, if such concerns exist, we have taken appropriate actions to seek board review and approval or exemptive relief for such transaction. Our Board of Directors reviews these procedures on an annual basis.

We have also adopted a Code of Ethics which applies to, among others, our senior officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as every officer, director and employee of Oxford Lane Capital. Our Code of Ethics requires that all employees and directors avoid any conflict, or the appearance of a conflict, between an individual’s personal interests and the interests of Oxford Lane Capital. Pursuant to our Code of Ethics, each employee and director must disclose any conflicts of interest, or actions or relationships that might give rise to a conflict, to our Chief Compliance Officer. Our Audit Committee is charged with approving any waivers under our Code of Ethics. As required by the NASDAQ Stock Market corporate governance listing standards, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is also required to review and approve any transactions with related parties (as such term is defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K).

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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth, as of October 4, 2012, the beneficial ownership of each of our directors, executive officers, each person known to us to beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and the executive officers and directors as a group.

Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that each beneficial owner set forth in the table has sole voting and investment power and has the same address as Oxford Lane Capital. Our address is 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.

   
Name of Beneficial Owner   Number of Shares Beneficially Owned (1)   Percentage of
Class (2)
Interested Directors
                 
Jonathan H. Cohen     100,000       2.0 %  
Saul B. Rosenthal     62,000       1.2 %  
Independent Directors
                 
Mark J. Ashenfelter     6,000       *  
John Reardon            
David S. Shin            
Executive Officers
                 
Patrick F. Conroy     14,000       *  
Executive Officers and Directors as a Group
    182,000       3.6 %  
Selz Capital LLC (3)     908,200       18.0 %  

* Represents less than one percent
(1) Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Assumes no other purchases or sales of our common stock since the most recently available SEC filings. This assumption has been made under the rules and regulations of the SEC and does not reflect any knowledge that we have with regard to the present intent of the beneficial owners of our common stock listed in this table.
(2) Based on a total of 5,040,197 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding on October 4, 2012.
(3) Based upon information contained in the Schedule 13G filed May 7, 2012 by Selz Capital LLC. The address of Selz Capital LLC is 1370 Avenue of the Americas (24 th Floor), New York, NY 10019.

Set forth below is the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each of our directors as of October 4, 2012.

 
Name of Portfolio Manager   Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially Owned (1) (2)
Interested Directors
        
Jonathan H. Cohen     Over $100,000  
Saul B. Rosenthal     Over $100,000  
Independent Directors
        
Mark J. Ashenfelter     $50,001 — $100,000  
John Reardon     None  
David S. Shin     None  
(1) Dollar ranges are as follows: None, $1 — $10,000, $10,001 — $50,000, $50,001 — $100,000, or Over $100,000.
(2) The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in us is based on the closing price for our common stock of $15.84 on October 4, 2012 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Exchange Act.

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REGULATION AS A REGISTERED CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

General

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end investment company, we are subject to regulation under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, unless authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, we may not:

change our classification to an open-end management investment company;
except in each case in accordance with our policies with respect thereto set forth in this prospectus, borrow money, issue senior securities, underwrite securities issued by other persons, purchase or sell real estate or commodities or make loans to other persons;
deviate from any policy in respect of concentration of investments in any particular industry or group of industries as recited in this prospectus, deviate from any investment policy which is changeable only if authorized by shareholder vote under the 1940 Act, or deviate from any fundamental policy recited in its registration statement in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act; or
change the nature of our business so as to cease to be an investment company.

A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of such company’s voting securities present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company.

As with other companies regulated by the 1940 Act, a registered closed-end management investment company must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our directors must be persons who are not interested persons, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Additionally, we are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect the closed-end management investment company. Furthermore, as a registered closed-end management investment company, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office. We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC.

As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are generally required to meet an asset coverage ratio, defined under the 1940 Act as the ratio of our gross assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to our outstanding senior securities, of at least 300% after each issuance of senior securities. We are also prohibited from issuing or selling any senior security if, immediately after such issuance, we would have outstanding more than (i) one class of senior security representing indebtedness, exclusive of any promissory notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in consideration of any loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed, or (ii) one class of senior security which is stock, except that in each case any such class of indebtedness or stock may be issued in one or more series.

We are generally not able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — Regulations governing our operation as a closed-end investment company affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital.” We may, however, sell our common stock, or at a price below the then-current net asset value of our common stock if our Board of Directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In addition, we may generally issue new shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends and in certain other limited circumstances.

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As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are generally limited in our ability to invest in any portfolio company in which our investment adviser or any of its affiliates currently has an investment or to make any co-investments with our investment adviser or its affiliates without an exemptive order from the SEC, subject to certain exceptions.

Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds up to an amount not to exceed the limitations of the 1940 Act to make investments. We may also borrow funds, consistent with the foregoing limitations of the 1940 Act, in order to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

We will be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.

As a registered closed-end management investment company, we are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure.”

Temporary Investments

Pending investment in portfolio securities consistent with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as temporary investments. Typically, we will invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our gross assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.

Senior Securities

We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue one class of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 300% immediately after each such issuance. We are also permitted to issue promissory notes or other evidences of indebtedness in consideration of a loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed, provided that our asset coverage is at least equal to 300% immediately thereafter. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our gross assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — We may borrow money, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.”

Code of Ethics

We and Oxford Lane Management have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions by our personnel. Our codes of ethics generally do not permit investments by our employees in securities that may be purchased or held by us. You may read and copy these codes of ethics at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. In addition, each code of ethics is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov . You may also obtain

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copies of the codes of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following Email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.

Compliance Policies and Procedures

We and our investment adviser have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws and are required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and designate a Chief Compliance Officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures. Patrick F. Conroy currently serves as our Chief Compliance Officer.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly-held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:

pursuant to Rule 30a-2 of the 1940 Act, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer must certify the accuracy of the financial statements contained in our periodic reports;
pursuant to Item 11 of Form N-CSR and Item 2 of Form N-Q, our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures; and
pursuant to Item 11 of Form N-CSR and Item 2 of Form N-Q, our periodic reports must disclose whether there were significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.

Fundamental Investment Policies

The restrictions identified as fundamental below, along with our investment objective, are our only fundamental policies. Fundamental policies may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act. The percentage restrictions set forth below, apply at the time a transaction is effected, and a subsequent change in a percentage resulting from market fluctuations or any cause will not require us to dispose of portfolio securities or to take other action to satisfy the percentage restriction.

As a matter of fundamental policy, we will not: (1) act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers (except to the extent that we may be deemed an “underwriter” of securities we purchase that must be registered under the Securities Act before they may be offered or sold to the public); (2) purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate or real estate investment trusts (except that we may (A) purchase and sell real estate or interests in real estate in connection with the orderly liquidation of investments, or in connection with foreclosure on collateral, or (B) own the securities of companies that are in the business of buying, selling or developing real estate); (3) sell securities short (except with regard to managing the risks associated with publicly-traded securities we may hold in our portfolio); (4) purchase securities on margin (except to the extent that we may purchase securities with borrowed money); or (5) engage in the purchase or sale of commodities or commodity contracts, including futures contracts (except where necessary in working out distressed investment situations or in hedging the risks associated with interest rate fluctuations), and, in such cases, only after all necessary registrations (or exemptions from registration) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have been obtained.

We may invest up to 100% of our assets in securities issued by CLO vehicles and in corporate debt instruments, which may be acquired directly in privately negotiated transactions or in secondary market purchases. With respect to securities we acquired directly in privately negotiated transactions, we may, for the purpose of public resale, be deemed an “underwriter” as that term is defined in the Securities Act. Our

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intention is to not write (sell) or buy put or call options to manage risks associated with any publicly-traded securities we may hold, except that we may enter into hedging transactions to manage the risks associated with interest rate fluctuations, and, in such cases, only after all necessary registrations (or exemptions from registration) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have been obtained. We also do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under these limits, unless otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, we currently cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any registered investment company, invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company or invest, in the aggregate, in excess of 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one or more investment companies. With regard to that portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such investments might subject our stockholders to additional expenses.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to Oxford Lane Management. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of Oxford Lane Management are set forth below. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically by Oxford Lane Management and our non-interested directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change. For purposes of these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures described below, “we,” “our” and “us” refers to Oxford Lane Management.

Introduction

An investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, we recognize that we must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of our clients.

These policies and procedures for voting proxies for our investment advisory clients are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.

Proxy Policies

We will vote proxies relating to our portfolio securities in what we perceive to be the best interest of our clients’ stockholders. We will review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine its impact on the portfolio securities held by our clients. Although we will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on our clients’ portfolio securities, we may vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term reasons to do so.

Our proxy voting decisions will be made by the senior officers who are responsible for monitoring each of our clients’ investments. To ensure that our vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, we will require that: (1) anyone involved in the decision making process disclose to our managing members any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (2) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how we intend to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.

Proxy Voting Records

You may obtain information about how we voted proxies by making a written request for proxy voting information to: Oxford Lane Management, LLC, 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy notice, which is required by federal law, explains privacy policies of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. and its affiliated companies. This notice supersedes any other privacy notice you may have received from Oxford Lane Capital Corp., and its terms apply both to our current stockholders and to former stockholders as well.

We will safeguard, according to strict standards of security and confidentiality, all information we receive about you. With regard to this information, we maintain procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards.

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Our goal is to limit the collection and use of information about you. When you purchase shares of our common stock, our transfer agent collects personal information about you, such as your name, address, social security number or tax identification number.

This information is used only so that we can send you annual reports, proxy statements and other information required by law, and to send you information we believe may be of interest to you.

We do not share such information with any non-affiliated third party except as described below:

It is our policy that only authorized employees of our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, LLC, who need to know your personal information will have access to it.
We may disclose stockholder-related information to companies that provide services on our behalf, such as record keeping, processing your trades, and mailing you information. These companies are required to protect your information and use it solely for the purpose for which they received it.
If required by law, we may disclose stockholder-related information in accordance with a court order or at the request of government regulators. Only that information required by law, subpoena, or court order will be disclosed.

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DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

We determine the net asset value per share of our common stock by dividing the value of our portfolio investments, cash and other assets (including interest accrued but not collected) less all its liabilities (including accrued expenses, borrowings and interest payables) by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding on a quarterly basis. The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of our financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. There is no single method for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. We are required to specifically fair value each individual investment on a quarterly basis.

Our Board of Directors determines the value of our investment portfolio each quarter, after consideration of our Valuation Committee's recommendation of fair value. Oxford Lane Management compiles relevant information, including a financial summary, covenant compliance review and recent trading activity in the security, if known. All available information, including non-binding indicative bids which may not be considered reliable, will be presented to the Valuation Committee to consider in making its recommendation of fair value to the Board of Directors. In some instances, there may be limited trading activity in a security even though the market for the security is considered not active. In such cases the Valuation Committee will consider the number of trades, the size and timing of each trade, and other circumstances around such trades, to the extent such information is available, in making its recommendation of fair value to the Board of Directors. We may elect to engage third-party valuation firms to provide assistance to our Valuation Committee and Board of Directors in valuing certain of our investments. The Valuation Committee will evaluate the impact of such additional information, and factor it into its consideration of fair value.

Determinations in Connection with Offerings

In connection with any offering of shares of our common stock, our Board of Directors or a committee thereof will be required to make the determination that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made. Our Board of Directors will consider the following factors, among others, in making such determination:

the net asset value of our common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report that we filed with the SEC;
our management’s assessment of whether any material change in the net asset value of our common stock has occurred (including through the realization of gains on the sale of our portfolio securities) during the period beginning on the date of the most recently disclosed net asset value of our common stock and ending two days prior to the date of the sale of our common stock; and
the magnitude of the difference between (i) the net asset value of our common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report that we filed with the SEC and our management’s assessment of any material change in the net asset value of our common stock since the date of the most recently disclosed net asset value of our common stock, and (ii) the offering price of the shares of our common stock in the proposed offering.

Importantly, this determination will not require that we calculate the net asset value of our common stock in connection with each offering of shares of our common stock, but instead it will involve the determination by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made.

Moreover, to the extent that there is even a remote possibility that we may (i) issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made or (ii) trigger the undertaking (which we provide in certain registration statements we file with the SEC) to suspend the offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus if the net asset value of our common stock fluctuates by certain amounts in certain circumstances until the prospectus is amended, our Board of Directors will elect, in the case of clause (i) above, either to postpone the offering until such time that there is no longer the possibility of the occurrence of such event or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock within two days prior to any such sale to ensure that such

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sale will not be below our then current net asset value, and, in the case of clause (ii) above, to comply with such undertaking or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock to ensure that such undertaking has not been triggered.

These processes and procedures are part of our compliance policies and procedures. Records will be made contemporaneously with all determinations described in this section and these records will be maintained with other records that we are required to maintain under the 1940 Act.

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DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of our dividends and other distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash as provided below. As a result, if our Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash distribution, our stockholders who have not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distributions.

No action will be required on the part of a registered stockholder to have his cash distribution reinvested in shares of our common stock. A registered stockholder may elect to receive an entire distribution in cash by notifying Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the plan administrator and our transfer agent and registrar, in writing so that such notice is received by the plan administrator no later than the record date for distributions to stockholders. The plan administrator will set up an account for shares acquired through the plan for each stockholder who has not elected to receive distributions in cash and hold such shares in non-certificated form. Upon request by a stockholder participating in the plan, received in writing not less than 10 days prior to the record date, the plan administrator will, instead of crediting shares to the participant’s account, issue a certificate registered in the participant’s name for the number of whole shares of our common stock and a check for any fractional share.

Those stockholders whose shares are held by a broker or other financial intermediary may receive distributions in cash by notifying their broker or other financial intermediary of their election.

We intend to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the plan, whether our shares are trading at a premium or at a discount to net asset value. However, we reserve the right to purchase shares in the open market in connection with our implementation of the plan. If we declare a distribution to stockholders, the plan administrator may be instructed not to credit accounts with newly-issued shares and instead to buy shares in the market if (i) the price at which newly-issued shares are to be credited does not exceed 110% of the last determined net asset value of the shares; or (ii) we have advised the plan administrator that since such net asset value was last determined, we have become aware of events that indicate the possibility of a material change in per share net asset value as a result of which the net asset value of the shares on the payment date might be higher than the price at which the plan administrator would credit newly-issued shares to stockholders. The number of shares to be issued to a stockholder is determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to such stockholder by an amount equal to ninety-five (95%) percent of the market price per share of our common stock at the close of regular trading on the valuation date for such distribution. Market price per share on that date will be the closing price for such shares on the national securities exchange on which our shares are then listed or, if no sale is reported for such day, at the average of their reported bid and asked prices. The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after giving effect to payment of the distribution cannot be established until the value per share at which additional shares will be issued has been determined and elections of our stockholders have been tabulated.

There will be no brokerage charges or other charges to stockholders who participate in the plan. The plan administrator’s fees under the plan will be paid by us. If a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a transaction fee of $2.50 plus a per share brokerage commissions from the proceeds.

Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock are subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as are stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. A stockholder’s basis for determining gain or loss upon the sale of stock received in a distribution from us will be equal to the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to the stockholder. Any stock received in a distribution will have a new holding period for tax purposes commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the stockholder’s account.

The plan may be terminated by us upon notice in writing mailed to each participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the payment of any distribution by us. All correspondence concerning the plan should be directed to the plan administrator by mail at 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021 or by phone at (781) 575-2973.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and to an investment in our shares of common stock. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the income tax considerations applicable to such an investment. For example, we have not described tax consequences that may be relevant to certain types of holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including stockholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, dealers in securities, a trader in securities that elects to use a market-to-market method of accounting for its securities holdings, pension plans and trusts, and financial institutions. This summary assumes that investors hold our common stock as capital assets (within the meaning of the Code). The discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations, each as of the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. We have not sought and will not seek any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding this offering. This summary does not discuss any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign, state or local tax. It does not discuss the special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws that could result if we invested in tax-exempt securities or certain other investment assets.

This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in shares of our preferred stock, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock or debt securities. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.

A “U.S. stockholder” generally is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock who is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

A citizen or individual resident of the United States;
A corporation or other entity treated as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof (and an entity organized outside of the United States that is treated as a U.S. corporation under specialized sections of the Code);
A trust if a court within the United States is asked to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantive decisions of the trust (or a trust that has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. trust); or
An estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

A “Non-U.S. stockholder” generally is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock who is not a U.S. stockholder.

If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective stockholder that is a partner of a partnership holding shares of our common stock should consult his, her or its tax advisers with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

Tax matters are complicated and the tax consequences to an investor of an investment in our shares will depend on the facts of his, her or its particular situation. We encourage investors to consult their own tax advisers regarding the specific consequences of such an investment, including tax reporting requirements, the applicability of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws, eligibility for the benefits of any applicable tax treaty and the effect of any possible changes in the tax laws.

Election to be Taxed as a RIC

We intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any income that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, in order to be eligible for pass-through tax

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treatment as a RIC, we must distribute to our stockholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of our “investment company taxable income,” which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”).

Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

If we:

qualify as a RIC; and
satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement,

then we will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of our income we distribute (or are deemed to distribute) to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). We generally will endeavor in each year to make sufficient distributions to our stockholders to avoid any U.S. federal excise tax on our earnings.

In order to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, gains from the sale of stock or other securities, net income from certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities (the “90% Income Test”); and
diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:
at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and
no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses, or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (the “Diversification Tests”).

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (which may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as contractual payment-in-kind, or PIK, interest (which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term) and deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.

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Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company — Senior Securities.” Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to meet our distribution requirements may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.

Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things: (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions; (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gain into higher taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income; (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited); (iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash; (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of securities is deemed to occur; (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions; and (vii) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above. We will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions.

Our investment in foreign securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes. In that case, our yield on those securities would be decreased. Stockholders will generally not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to non-U.S. taxes paid by us.

We anticipate that the CLO vehicles in which we invest may constitute “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). Because we acquire shares in PFICs (including equity tranche investments in CLO vehicles that are PFICs), we may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on us in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distributions or gains. If we invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code (a “QEF”), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, we will be required to include in income each year a our proportionate share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed to us. Alternatively, we can elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year our shares in a PFIC; in this case, we will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares, and as ordinary loss any decrease in such value to the extent it does not exceed prior increases included in our income. Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a year income in excess of our distributions from PFICs and our proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and we must distribute such income to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement.

If we hold more than 10% of the shares in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) (including equity tranche investments in a CLO vehicle treated as CFC), we may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to our pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains), whether or not the 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. 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 voting power of all classes of shares of a corporation. If we are treated as receiving a deemed distribution from a CFC, we will be required to include such distribution in our investment company taxable income regardless of whether we receive any actual distributions from such CFC, and we must distribute such income to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement.

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Legislation enacted in 2010 imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments of U.S. source interest and dividends paid after December 31, 2013, or gross proceeds from the disposition of a instrument that produces U.S. source interest or dividends paid after December 31, 2014, to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain reporting requirements regarding its United States account holders and its United States owners. Most CLO vehicles in which we invest will be treated as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the 30% withholding. If a CLO vehicle in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amounts available to distribute to equity and junior debt holders in such CLO vehicle, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time we accrue income, expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time we actually collect such income or pay such expenses or liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts and the disposition of debt obligations denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss.

Gain or loss realized by us from the sale or exchange of warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. The treatment of such gain or loss as long-term or short-term will depend on how long we held a particular warrant. Upon the exercise of a warrant acquired by us, our tax basis in the stock purchased under the warrant will equal the sum of the amount paid for the warrant plus the strike price paid on the exercise of the warrant.

The remainder of this discussion assumes that we qualify as a RIC and have satisfied the Annual Distribution Requirement.

Taxation of U.S. Stockholders

Distributions by us generally are taxable to U.S. stockholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, our net ordinary income plus realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses) will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. stockholders to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional common stock. To the extent such distributions paid by us in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, to non-corporate stockholders (including individuals) are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, such distributions (“Qualifying Dividends”) may be eligible for a maximum tax rate of 15%. In this regard, it is anticipated that distributions paid by us will generally not be attributable to dividends and, therefore, generally will not qualify for the 15% maximum rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends. Distributions of our net capital gains (which are generally our realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) made in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, and properly reported by us as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to a U.S. stockholder as long-term capital gains that are currently taxable at a maximum rate of 15% (20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012) in the case of individuals, trusts or estates, regardless of the U.S. stockholder’s holding period for his, her or its common stock and regardless of whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional common stock. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in such stockholder’s common stock and, after the adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. stockholder.

Under the dividend reinvestment plan, our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distributions. Any distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless remain taxable to U.S. stockholders. A U.S. stockholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares purchased through the plan equal to the amount of the reinvested distribution. 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. stockholder’s account.

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We may retain some or all of our realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses, but designate the retained net capital gain as a “deemed distribution.” In that case, among other consequences, we will pay tax on the retained amount, each U.S. stockholder will be required to include his, her or its share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been actually distributed to the U.S. stockholder, and the U.S. stockholder will be entitled to claim a credit equal to his, her or its allocable share of the tax paid thereon by us. Because we expect to pay tax on any retained capital gains at our regular corporate tax rate, and because that rate is in excess of the maximum rate currently payable by individuals on long-term capital gains, the amount of tax that individual U.S. stockholders will be treated as having paid will exceed the tax they owe on the capital gain distribution and such excess generally may be refunded or claimed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s other U.S. federal income tax obligations. The amount of the deemed distribution net of the tax paid by us on the retained capital gains will be added to the U.S. stockholder’s cost basis for his, her or its common stock. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, we must provide written notice to our stockholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. We cannot treat any of our investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution.”

As a RIC, we will be subject to the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”), but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between us and our stockholders and this may affect our stockholders’ AMT liabilities. Although regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have not yet been issued by the Internal Revenue Service, we intend in general to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each stockholder bear to our taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), unless we determines that a different method for a particular item is warranted under the circumstances.

For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and (2) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, we 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 we make such an election, the U.S. stockholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by our U.S. stockholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

If an investor purchases shares of our common stock shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the shares will include the value of the distribution and the investor will be subject to tax on the distribution even though economically it may represent a return of his, her or its investment.

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

The maximum rate on long-term capital gains for non-corporate taxpayers is scheduled to return to 20% (from the current 15% maximum rate) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2012. In addition, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, individuals with income in excess of $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly) and certain estates and trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% tax on their “net investment income,” which generally includes net income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents, and net capital gains (other than certain amounts earned from trades or businesses). Corporate U.S. stockholders currently are subject to federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 35% rate also applied to ordinary income. Non-corporate stockholders with net capital losses for a year (i.e.,

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capital losses in excess of capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against their ordinary income each year; any net capital losses of a non-corporate stockholder in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as provided in the Code. Corporate stockholders generally may not deduct any net capital losses for a year, but may carry back such losses for three years or carry forward such losses for five years.

We will report to each of our U.S. stockholders, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, the amounts includible in such U.S. stockholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the federal tax status of each year’s distributions generally will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (including the amount of dividends, if any, eligible for the 15% maximum rate). Dividends paid by us generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction or the preferential tax rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends because our income generally will not consist of dividends. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. stockholder’s particular situation.

We may be required to withhold federal income tax (“backup withholding”) from all distributions to any U.S. stockholder (other than a corporation, a financial institution, or a stockholder that otherwise qualifies for an exemption) (1) who fails to furnish us with a correct taxpayer identification number or a certificate that such stockholder is exempt from backup withholding or (2) with respect to whom the Internal Revenue Service notifies us that such stockholder has failed to properly report certain interest and dividend income to the Internal Revenue Service and to respond to notices to that effect. An individual’s taxpayer identification number is his or her social security number. Any amount withheld under backup withholding is allowed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s federal income tax liability, provided that proper information is provided to the Internal Revenue Service.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders

Whether an investment in the shares is appropriate for a Non-U.S. stockholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment in the shares by a Non-U.S. stockholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisers before investing in our common stock.

Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” to Non-U.S. stockholders (including interest income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized long-term capital losses, which generally would be free of withholding if paid to Non-U.S. stockholders directly) will be subject to withholding of federal tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits unless an applicable exception applies. If the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. stockholder, we will not be required to withhold federal tax if the Non-U.S. stockholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, although the distributions will be subject to federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. persons. (Special certification requirements apply to a Non-U.S. stockholder that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such entities are urged to consult their own tax advisers.)

In addition, for taxable years prior to December 31, 2011, U.S. source withholding taxes was not imposed on dividends paid by RICs to the extent the dividends are reported as “interest-related dividends” or “short-term capital gain dividends.” Under this exemption, interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends generally represented distributions of interest or short-term capital gains that would not have been subject to U.S. withholding tax at the source if they had been received directly by a foreign person, and that satisfied certain other requirements. The exemption applied to dividends with respect to taxable years of RICs beginning before January 1, 2012. No assurance can be given as to whether this extension of the exemption will be extended for taxable years after 2011. In addition, no assurance can be given whether any of our distributions will be reported as eligible for this exemption from withholding tax (if extended).

Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gains to a stockholder that is a Non-U.S. stockholder, and gains realized by a Non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale or redemption of our common stock, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. stockholder (and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. stockholder in the United States,) or, in

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the case of an individual, the Non-U.S. stockholder was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met.

If we distribute our net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a stockholder that is a Non-U.S. stockholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the stockholder’s allocable share of the corporate-level tax we pay on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed; however, in order to obtain the refund, the Non-U.S. stockholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return even if the Non-U.S. stockholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.

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

Under the dividend reinvestment plan, our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distributions. If the distribution is a distribution of our investment company taxable income, is not properly reported by us as a short-term capital gains dividend or interest-related dividend (assuming extension of the exemption discussed above), and is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. stockholder (and, if a treaty applies, is not attributable to a permanent establishment), the amount distributed (to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) and only the net after-tax amount will be reinvested in common shares. If the distribution is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. stockholder (and no withholding applies because applicable certifications are provided by the Non-U.S. stockholder), generally the full amount of the distribution will be reinvested in the plan and will nevertheless be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the ordinary income rates applicable to U.S. persons. The Non-U.S. stockholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares purchased through the plan equal to the amount reinvested. The additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the Non-U.S. stockholder’s account.

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

Recently enacted legislation that generally imposes a 30% withholding tax on payments of certain types of income to foreign financial institutions that fail to enter into an agreement with the United States Treasury to report certain required information with respect to accounts held by United States persons (or held by foreign entities that have United States persons as substantial owners). The types of income subject to the tax include U.S. source interest and dividends paid after December 31, 2013, and the gross proceeds from the sale of any property that could produce U.S.-source interest or dividends received after December 31, 2014. The information required to be reported includes the identity and taxpayer identification number of each account holder that is a U.S. person and transaction activity within the holder’s account. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, this legislation also imposes a 30% withholding on payments to foreign entities that are not financial institutions unless the foreign entity certifies that it does not have a greater than 10% U.S. owner or provides the withholding agent with identifying information on each greater than 10% U.S. owner. When these provisions become effective, depending on the status of a Non-U.S. stockholder and the status of the intermediaries through which it holds its units, a Non-U.S. stockholder could be subject to this 30% withholding tax with respect to distributions on our stock and proceeds from the sale of our stock. Under certain circumstances, a Non-U.S. stockholder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

Non-U.S. persons should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in the shares.

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Failure to Qualify as a Regulated Investment Company

If we were unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC, we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate rates, regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. Distributions would not be required, and any distributions made in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, would be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary dividend income, and provided that certain holding periods and other requirements are met, could be eligible for the 15% maximum rate to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate distributees would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, we would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which we failed to qualify as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, we could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which it failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless we made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of its requalification as a RIC.

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

This prospectus contains a summary of the common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights and debt securities. These summaries are not meant to be a complete description of each security. However, this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement will contain the material terms and conditions for each security.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description is based on relevant portions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and on our charter and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.

Stock

The authorized stock of Oxford Lane Capital consists of 100,000,000 shares of stock, par value $0.01 per share, all of which are initially designated as common stock. Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “OXLC.” There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.

The following are our outstanding classes of securities as of October 4, 2012:

     
(1)
Title of Class
  (2)
Amount
Authorized
  (3)
Amount Held by Us or for Our Account
  (4)
Amount
Outstanding Exclusive of Amounts Shown Under (3)
Common stock     100,000,000             5,040,197  

Under our charter our Board of Directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other classes or series of stock without obtaining stockholder approval. As permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter provides that the Board of Directors, without any action by our stockholders, may amend the charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue.

Common Stock

All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, voting, and dividends and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us out of assets legally available therefor. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or redemption rights and are freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders of our preferred stock, if any preferred stock is outstanding at such time. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of our directors, and holders of less than a majority of such shares will be unable to elect any director.

Preferred Stock

Our charter authorizes our Board of Directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into other classes or series of stock, including preferred stock. The cost of any such reclassification would be borne by our existing common stockholders. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the Board of Directors is required by Maryland law and by our charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, the Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. You should note, however, that any issuance of preferred stock must comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution is made with respect to our

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common stock and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our gross assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred stock are in arrears by two full years or more. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. We believe that the availability for issuance of preferred stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring future financings and acquisitions. However, we do not currently have any plans to issue preferred stock.

Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers; Indemnification and Advance of Expenses

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act.

Our charter authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made, or threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of us in any of the capacities described above and any of our employees or agents or any employees or agents of our predecessor. In accordance with the 1940 Act, we will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received unless, in either, case a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that

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he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors. The indemnification agreements provide our directors the maximum indemnification permitted under Maryland law and the 1940 Act.

Our insurance policy does not currently provide coverage for claims, liabilities and expenses that may arise out of activities that our present or former directors or officers have performed for another entity at our request. There is no assurance that such entities will in fact carry such insurance. However, we note that we do not expect to request our present or former directors or officers to serve another entity as a director, officer, partner or trustee unless we can obtain insurance providing coverage for such persons for any claims, liabilities or expenses that may arise out of their activities while serving in such capacities.

Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and Our Charter and Bylaws

The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our Board of Directors. We believe that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms.

Classified Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. The terms of the classes expire in 2012, 2013, and 2014, and in each case, those directors will serve until their successors are elected and qualify. Upon expiration of their current terms, directors of each class will be elected to serve for three-year terms and until their successors are duly elected and qualify and each year one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders. A classified board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified Board of Directors will help to ensure the continuity and stability of our management and policies.

Election of Directors

Our charter and bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present will be required to elect a director. Pursuant to our charter our Board of Directors may amend the bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.

Number of Directors; Vacancies; Removal

Our charter provides that the number of directors will be set only by the Board of Directors in accordance with our bylaws. Our bylaws provide that a majority of our entire Board of Directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors. However, unless our bylaws are amended, the number of directors may never be less than one nor more than nine. Our charter provides that, at such time as we have at least three independent directors and our common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we elect to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the Maryland General Corporation Law regarding the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors. Accordingly, at such time, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.

Our charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause, as defined in our charter, and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

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Action by Stockholders

Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or (unless the charter provides for stockholder action by less than unanimous written consent, which our charter does not) by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. These provisions, combined with the requirements of our bylaws regarding the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders discussed below, may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.

Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by the Board of Directors or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of our bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by the Board of Directors or (3) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.

The purpose of requiring stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our Board of Directors a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by our Board of Directors, to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our Board of Directors any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.

Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by our Board of Directors and certain of our officers. Additionally, our bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational requirements by the stockholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of stockholders will be called by the secretary of the corporation upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.

Approval of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws

Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter generally provides for approval of charter amendments and extraordinary transactions by the stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter also provides that certain charter amendments, any proposal for our conversion, whether by charter amendment, merger or otherwise, from a closed-end company to an open-end company and any proposal for our liquidation or dissolution requires the approval of the stockholders entitled to cast at least 80% of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter. However, if such amendment or proposal is approved by a majority of our continuing directors (in addition to approval by our Board of Directors), such amendment or proposal may be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on such a matter. In either event, in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, any such amendment or proposal that would have the effect of changing the nature of our business so as to cause us to cease to be a registered

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management investment company would be required to be approved by a majority of our outstanding voting securities, as defined under the 1940 Act. The “continuing directors” are defined in our charter as (1) our current directors, (2) those directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of our current directors then on the Board of Directors or (3) any successor directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of continuing directors or the successor continuing directors then in office.

Our charter and bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal any provision of our bylaws.

No Appraisal Rights

Except with respect to appraisal rights arising in connection with the Control Share Act discussed below, as permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter provides that stockholders will not be entitled to exercise appraisal rights unless a majority of the Board of Directors shall determine such rights apply.

Control Share Acquisitions

The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter (the “Control Share Act”). Shares owned by the acquirer, by officers or by directors who are employees of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquirer or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

one-tenth or more but less than one-third;
one-third or more but less than a majority; or
a majority or more of all voting power.

The requisite stockholder approval must be obtained each time an acquirer crosses one of the thresholds of voting power set forth above. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the Board of Directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations, including, as provided in our bylaws compliance with the 1940 Act. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.

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The Control Share Act does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation. Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the Control Share Act any and all acquisitions by any person of our shares of stock. There can be no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future. However, we will amend our bylaws to be subject to the Control Share Act only if the Board of Directors determines that it would be in our best interests and if the SEC staff does not object to our determination that our being subject to the Control Share Act does not conflict with the 1940 Act.

Business Combinations

Under Maryland law, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder (the “Business Combination Act”). These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:

any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock; or
an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

A person is not an interested stockholder under this statute if the Board of Directors approved in advance the transaction by which the stockholder otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.

After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.

These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.

The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution that any business combination between us and any other person is exempted from the provisions of the Business Combination Act, provided that the business combination is first approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not interested persons as defined in the 1940 Act. This resolution may be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time; however, our Board of Directors will adopt resolutions so as to make us subject to the provisions of the Business Combination Act only if the Board of Directors determines that it would be in our best interests and if the SEC staff does not object to our determination that our being subject to the Business Combination Act does not conflict with the 1940 Act. If this resolution is repealed, or the Board of Directors does not otherwise approve a business combination, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.

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Conflict with 1940 Act

Our bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the Maryland General Corporation Law, including the Control Share Act (if we amend our bylaws to be subject to such Act) and the Business Combination Act, or any provision of our charter or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable provision of the 1940 Act will control.

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK

In addition to shares of common stock, our charter authorizes the issuance of preferred stock. If we offer preferred stock under this prospectus, we will issue an appropriate prospectus supplement. We may issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more classes or series, without stockholder approval. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our Board of Directors is required by Maryland law and by our charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Any such an issuance must adhere to the requirements of the 1940 Act, Maryland law and any other limitations imposed by law.

The 1940 Act currently requires, among other things, that (a) immediately after issuance and before any distribution is made with respect to common stock, the liquidation preference of the preferred stock, together with all other senior securities, must not exceed an amount equal to one-third of our total assets (taking into account such distribution), (b) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears by two years or more and (c) such class of stock have complete priority over any other class of stock as to distribution of assets and payment of dividends, which dividends shall be cumulative.

For any series of preferred stock that we may issue, our board of directors will determine and the articles supplementary and the prospectus supplement relating to such series will describe:

the designation and number of shares of such series;
the rate and time at which, and the preferences and conditions under which, any dividends will be paid on shares of such series, as well as whether such dividends are participating or non-participating;
any provisions relating to convertibility or exchangeability of the shares of such series, including adjustments to the conversion price of such series;
the rights and preferences, if any, of holders of shares of such series upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;
the voting powers, if any, of the holders of shares of such series;
any provisions relating to the redemption of the shares of such series;
any limitations on our ability to pay dividends or make distributions on, or acquire or redeem, other securities while shares of such series are outstanding;
any conditions or restrictions on our ability to issue additional shares of such series or other securities;
if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations; and
any other relative powers, preferences and participating, optional or special rights of shares of such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.

All shares of preferred stock that we may issue will be identical and of equal rank except as to the particular terms thereof that may be fixed by our board of directors, and all shares of each series of preferred stock will be identical and of equal rank except as to the dates from which dividends, if any, thereon will be cumulative.

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

General

We may issue subscription rights to our stockholders to purchase common stock. Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with a subscription rights offering to our stockholders, we would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a prospectus supplement to our stockholders on the record date that we set for receiving subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.

The applicable prospectus supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

the period of time the offering would remain open (which shall be open a minimum number of days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and shall not be open longer than 120 days);
the title of such subscription rights;
the exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof);
the ratio of the offering (which, in the case of transferable rights, will require a minimum of three shares to be held of record before a person is entitled to purchase an additional share);
the number of such subscription rights issued to each stockholder;
the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they may be traded if they are transferable;
if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights;
the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which such right shall expire (subject to any extension);
the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege;
any termination right we may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; and
any other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures and limitations relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights.

Exercise Of Subscription Rights

Each subscription right would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such amount of shares of common stock at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.

Subscription rights may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement we will forward, as soon as practicable, the shares of common stock purchasable upon such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, we may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES

We may issue debt securities in one or more series. The specific terms of each series of debt securities will be described in the particular prospectus supplement relating to that series. The prospectus supplement may or may not modify the general terms found in this prospectus and will be filed with the SEC. For a complete description of the terms of a particular series of debt securities, you should read both this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to that particular series.

As required by federal law for all bonds and notes of companies that are publicly offered, the debt securities are governed by a document called an “indenture.” An indenture is a contract between us and the financial institution acting as trustee on your behalf, and is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, described in the second paragraph under “ — Events of Default — Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us with respect to our debt securities.

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of debt securities. A copy of the form of indenture is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will file a supplemental indenture with the SEC prior to the commencement of any debt offering, at which time the supplemental indenture would be publicly available. See “Available Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the indenture.

The prospectus supplement, which will accompany this prospectus, will describe the particular series of debt securities being offered by including:

the designation or title of the series of debt securities;
the total principal amount of the series of debt securities;
the percentage of the principal amount at which the series of debt securities will be offered;
the date or dates on which principal will be payable;
the rate or rates (which may be either fixed or variable) and/or the method of determining such rate or rates of interest, if any;
the date or dates from which any interest will accrue, or the method of determining such date or dates, and the date or dates on which any interest will be payable;
whether any interest may be paid by issuing additional securities of the same series in lieu of cash (and the terms upon which any such interest may be paid by issuing additional securities);
the terms for redemption, extension or early repayment, if any;
the currencies in which the series of debt securities are issued and payable;
whether the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on a series of debt securities will be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which could be based on one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices) and how these amounts will be determined;
the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, of payment, transfer, conversion and/or exchange of the debt securities;
the denominations in which the offered debt securities will be issued (if other than $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof);
the provision for any sinking fund;
any restrictive covenants;
any Events of Default (as defined in “Events of Default” below);

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whether the series of debt securities are issuable in certificated form;
any provisions for defeasance or covenant defeasance;
any special federal income tax implications, including, if applicable, federal income tax considerations relating to original issue discount;
whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the additional amounts (and the terms of this option);
any provisions for convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities into or for any other securities;
whether the debt securities are subject to subordination and the terms of such subordination;
whether the debt securities are secured and the terms of any security interest;
the listing, if any, on a securities exchange; and
any other terms.

The debt securities may be secured or unsecured obligations. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, will be paid by us in immediately available funds.

We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 300% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any indebtedness and senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit the distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure-Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.”

General

The indenture provides that any debt securities proposed to be sold under this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement (“offered debt securities”) and any debt securities issuable upon the exercise of warrants or upon conversion or exchange of other offered securities (“underlying debt securities”) and any debt securities issuable upon the exercise of warrants or upon conversion or exchange of other offered securities (“underlying debt securities”) may be issued under the indenture in one or more series.

For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to the payment of principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on, debt securities will include additional amounts if required by the terms of the debt securities.

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder from time to time. Debt securities issued under the indenture, when a single trustee is acting for all debt securities issued under the indenture, are called the “indenture securities.” The indenture also provides that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one or more different series of indenture securities. See “ — Resignation of Trustee” below. At a time when two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, each with respect to only certain series, the term “indenture securities” means the one or more series of debt securities with respect to which each respective trustee is acting. In the event that there is more than one trustee under the indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each trustee described in this prospectus will extend only to the one or more series of indenture securities for which it is trustee. If two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, then the indenture securities for which each trustee is acting would be treated as if issued under separate indentures.

The indenture does not contain any provisions that give you protection in the event we issue a large amount of debt or we are acquired by another entity.

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We refer you to the prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or our covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk protection or similar protection.

We have the ability to issue indenture securities with terms different from those of indenture securities previously issued and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen a previous issue of a series of indenture securities and issue additional indenture securities of that series unless the reopening was restricted when that series was created.

Conversion and Exchange

If any debt securities are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, the prospectus supplement will explain the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the calculation method), the conversion or exchange period (or how the period will be determined), if conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us, provisions for adjusting the conversion price or the exchange ratio and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the underlying debt securities. These terms may also include provisions under which the number or amount of other securities to be received by the holders of the debt securities upon conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of the other securities as of a time stated in the prospectus supplement.

Issuance of Securities in Registered Form

We may issue the debt securities in registered form, in which case we may issue them either in book-entry form only or in “certificated” form. Debt securities issued in book-entry form will be represented by global securities. We expect that we will usually issue debt securities in book-entry only form represented by global securities.

Book-Entry Holders

We will issue registered debt securities in book-entry form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. This means debt securities will be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary that will hold them on behalf of financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the debt securities held by the depositary or its nominee. These institutions may hold these interests on behalf of themselves or customers.

Under the indenture, only the person in whose name a debt security is registered is recognized as the holder of that debt security. Consequently, for debt securities issued in book-entry form, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the debt securities and we will make all payments on the debt securities to the depositary. The depositary will then pass along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn will pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the debt securities.

As a result, investors will not own debt securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the debt securities are represented by one or more global securities, investors will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the debt securities.

Street Name Holders

In the future, we may issue debt securities in certificated form or terminate a global security. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their debt securities in their own names or in “street name.” Debt securities held in street name are registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution chosen by the investor, and the investor would hold a beneficial interest in those debt securities through the account he or she maintains at that institution.

For debt securities held in street name, we will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the debt securities are registered as the holders of those debt securities,

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and we will make all payments on those debt securities to them. These institutions will pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold debt securities in street name will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the debt securities.

Legal Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of the applicable trustee and those of any third parties employed by us or the applicable trustee, run only to the legal holders of the debt securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a debt security or has no choice because we are issuing the debt securities only in book-entry form.

For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, if we want to obtain the approval of the holders for any purpose (for example, to amend an indenture or to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of an indenture), we would seek the approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of the debt securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the holders.

When we refer to you in this Description of Debt Securities, we mean those who invest in the debt securities being offered by this prospectus, whether they are the holders or only indirect holders of those debt securities. When we refer to your debt securities, we mean the debt securities in which you hold a direct or indirect interest.

Special Considerations for Indirect Holders

If you hold debt securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, we urge you to check with that institution to find out:

how it handles securities payments and notices;
whether it imposes fees or charges;
how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required;
whether and how you can instruct it to send you debt securities registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is permitted in the future for a particular series of debt securities;
how it would exercise rights under the debt securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests; and
if the debt securities are in book-entry form, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.

Global Securities

As noted above, we usually will issue debt securities as registered securities in book-entry form only. A global security represents one or any other number of individual debt securities. Generally, all debt securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.

Each debt security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, will be the depositary for all debt securities issued in book-entry form.

A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary or its nominee, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under “ — Special Situations when a Global Security Will Be Terminated.” As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all debt securities represented by a

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global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that has an account with the depositary. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the debt security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.

Special Considerations for Global Securities

As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. The depositary that holds the global security will be considered the holder of the debt securities represented by the global security.

If debt securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:

an investor cannot cause the debt securities to be registered in his or her name and cannot obtain certificates for his or her interest in the debt securities, except in the special situations we describe below;
an investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the debt securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the debt securities, as we describe under “ — Issuance of Securities in Registered Form” above;
an investor may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities to some insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form;
an investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a global security in circumstances where certificates representing the debt securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective;
the depositary’s policies, which may change from time to time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in a global security. We and the trustee have no responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in a global security. We and the trustee also do not supervise the depositary in any way;
if we redeem less than all the debt securities of a particular series being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount to be redeemed from each of its participants holding that series;
an investor is required to give notice of exercise of any option to elect repayment of its debt securities, through its participant, to the applicable trustee and to deliver the related debt securities by causing its participant to transfer its interest in those debt securities, on DTC’s records, to the applicable trustee;
DTC requires that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security deposited in its book-entry system use immediately available funds, your broker or bank may also require you to use immediately available funds when purchasing or selling interests in a global security;
financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its interest in a global security, may also have their own policies affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the debt securities; there may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor, we do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.

Termination of a Global Security

If a global security is terminated for any reason, interests in it will be exchanged for certificates in non-book-entry form (certificated securities). After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold the certificated debt securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in a global security transferred on termination to

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their own names, so that they will be holders. We have described the rights of legal holders and street name investors under “ — Issuance of Securities in Registered Form” above.

The prospectus supplement may list situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities covered by the prospectus supplement. If a global security is terminated, only the depositary, and not we or the applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the investors in whose names the debt securities represented by the global security will be registered and, therefore, who will be the holders of those debt securities.

Payment and Paying Agents

We will pay interest to the person listed in the applicable trustee’s records as the owner of the debt security at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if that person no longer owns the debt security on the interest due date. That day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the “record date.” Because we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders on the record date, holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period. This prorated interest amount is called “accrued interest.”

Payments on Global Securities

We will make payments on a global security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will make payments directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect holders who own beneficial interests in the global security. An indirect holder’s right to those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants, as described under “ — Special Considerations for Global Securities.”

Payments on Certificated Securities

We will make payments on a certificated debt security as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date to the holder of debt securities as shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date at our office in New York, NY and/or at other offices that may be specified in the prospectus supplement. We will make all payments of principal and premium, if any, by check at the office of the applicable trustee in New York, New York and/or at other offices that may be specified in the prospectus supplement or in a notice to holders against surrender of the debt security.

Alternatively, at our option, we may pay any cash interest that becomes due on the debt security by mailing a check to the holder at his, her or its address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date or by transfer to an account at a bank in the United States, in either case, on the due date.

Payment When Offices Are Closed

If any payment is due on a debt security on a day that is not a business day, we will make the payment on the next day that is a business day. Payments made on the next business day in this situation will be treated under the indenture as if they were made on the original due date, except as otherwise indicated in the attached prospectus supplement. Such payment will not result in a default under any debt security or the indenture, and no interest will accrue on the payment amount from the original due date to the next day that is a business day.

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on their debt securities.

Events of Default

You will have rights if an Event of Default occurs in respect of the debt securities of your series and is not cured, as described later in this subsection.

The term “Event of Default” in respect of the debt securities of your series means any of the following:

we do not pay the principal of, or any premium on, a debt security of the series on its due date;

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we do not pay interest on a debt security of the series within 30 days of its due date;
we do not deposit any sinking fund payment in respect of debt securities of the series within 2 business days of its due date;
we remain in breach of a covenant in respect of debt securities of the series for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach (the notice must be sent by either the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of debt securities of the series);
we file for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur and remain undischarged or unstayed for a period of 90 days; or
Any class of debt securities has an asset coverage, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, of less than 100 per centum on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months; or
any other Event of Default in respect of debt securities of the series described in the prospectus supplement occurs.

An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities issued under the same or any other indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default, except in the payment of principal, premium, interest, or sinking or purchase fund installment, if it in good faith considers the withholding of notice to be in the interest of the holders.

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may (and the trustee shall at the request of such holders) declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. A declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series if (1) we have deposited with the trustee all amounts due and owing with respect to the securities (other than principal that has become due solely by reason of such acceleration) and certain other amounts, and (2) any other Events of Default have been cured or waived.

Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special duties, the trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability (called an “indemnity”). If reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in certain circumstances. No delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy will be treated as a waiver of that right, remedy or Event of Default.

Before you are allowed to bypass your trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:

you must give the trustee written notice that an Event of Default with respect to the relevant series of debt securities has occurred and remains uncured;
the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action;
the trustee must not have taken action for 60 days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity; and
the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series must not have given the trustee a direction inconsistent with the above notice during that 60-day period.

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However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt securities on or after the due date.

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of maturity.

Each year, we will furnish to each trustee a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture and the debt securities, or else specifying any default.

Waiver of Default

Holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may waive any past defaults other than

the payment of principal, any premium or interest; or
in respect of a covenant that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder.

Merger or Consolidation

Under the terms of the indenture, we are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We are also permitted to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. However, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:

where we merge out of existence or convey or transfer our assets substantially as an entirety, the resulting entity must agree to be legally responsible for our obligations under the debt securities;
the merger or sale of assets must not cause a default on the debt securities and we must not already be in default (unless the merger or sale would cure the default). For purposes of this no-default test, a default would include an Event of Default that has occurred and has not been cured, as described under “Events of Default” above. A default for this purpose would also include any event that would be an Event of Default if the requirements for giving us a notice of default or our default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded.
we must deliver certain certificates and documents to the trustee; and
we must satisfy any other requirements specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities.

Modification or Waiver

There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder.

Changes Requiring Your Approval

First, there are changes that we cannot make to your debt securities without your specific approval. The following is a list of those types of changes:

change the stated maturity of the principal of or interest on a debt security or the terms of any sinking fund with respect to any security;
reduce any amounts due on a debt security;
reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the maturity of an original issue discount or indexed security following a default or upon the redemption thereof or the amount thereof provable in a bankruptcy proceeding;
adversely affect any right of repayment at the holder’s option;
change the place or currency of payment on a debt security (except as otherwise described in the prospectus or prospectus supplement);
impair your right to sue for payment;

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adversely affect any right to convert or exchange a debt security in accordance with its terms;
modify the subordination provisions in the indenture in a manner that is adverse to outstanding holders of the debt securities;
reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to modify or amend the indenture;
reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to waive certain defaults;
modify any other aspect of the provisions of the indenture dealing with supplemental indentures with the consent of holders, waiver of past defaults, changes to the quorum or voting requirements or the waiver of certain covenants; and
change any obligation we have to pay additional amounts.

Changes Not Requiring Approval

The second type of change does not require any vote by the holders of the debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications, establishment of the form or terms of new securities of any series as permitted by the indenture and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the outstanding debt securities in any material respect. We also do not need any approval to make any change that affects only debt securities to be issued under the indenture after the change takes effect.

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

Any other change to the indenture and the debt securities would require the following approval:

if the change affects only one series of debt securities, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of that series; and
if the change affects more than one series of debt securities issued under the same indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series affected by the change, with all affected series voting together as one class for this purpose.

In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of debt securities issued under the indenture, voting together as one class for this purpose, may waive our compliance with some of our covenants applicable to that series of debt securities. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or of any of the matters covered by the bullet points included above under “ — Changes Requiring Your Approval.”

Further Details Concerning Voting

When taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how much principal to attribute to a debt security:

for original issue discount securities, we will use the principal amount that would be due and payable on the voting date if the maturity of these debt securities were accelerated to that date because of a default;
for debt securities whose principal amount is not known (for example, because it is based on an index), we will use the principal face amount at original issuance or a special rule for that debt security described in the prospectus supplement; and
for debt securities denominated in one or more foreign currencies, we will use the U.S. dollar equivalent.

Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and therefore not eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust money for their payment or redemption or if we, any other obligor, or any affiliate of us or any obligor own such debt securities. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote if they have been fully defeased as described later under “ — Defeasance — Full Defeasance.”

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We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding indenture securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture. However, the record date may not be more than 30 days before the date of the first solicitation of holders to vote on or take such action. If we set a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by holders of one or more series, that vote or action may be taken only by persons who are holders of outstanding indenture securities of those series on the record date and must be taken within eleven months following the record date.

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or the debt securities or request a waiver.

Defeasance

The following provisions will be applicable to each series of debt securities unless we state in the applicable prospectus supplement that the provisions of covenant defeasance and full defeasance will not be applicable to that series.

Covenant Defeasance

Under current U.S. federal tax law and the indenture, we can make the deposit described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the indenture under which the particular series was issued. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay your debt securities. If applicable, you also would be released from the subordination provisions described under “ — Indenture Provisions — Subordination” below. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of a series of debt securities a combination of cash (in such currency in which such securities are then specified as payable at stated maturity) or government obligations applicable to such securities (determined on the basis of the currency in which such securities are then specified as payable at stated maturity) that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates and any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments; and
we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that, under current U.S. federal income tax law, we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit.
we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to covenant defeasance have been complied with.
defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or result in a default under, of the indenture or any of our other material agreements or instruments.
no default or event of default with respect to such debt securities shall have occurred and be continuing and no defaults or events of default related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur during the next 90 days.
satisfy the conditions for covenant defeasance contained in any supplemental indentures.

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit or the trustee is prevented from making payment. In fact, if one of the remaining Events of Default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities became immediately due and payable, there might be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

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Full Defeasance

If there is a change in U.S. federal tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the debt securities of a particular series (called “full defeasance”) if we put in place the following other arrangements for you to be repaid:

we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of a series of debt securities a combination of cash (in such currency in which such securities are then specified as payable at stated maturity) or government obligations applicable to such securities (determined on the basis of the currency in which such securities are then specified as payable at stated maturity) that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates and any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments.;
we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion confirming that there has been a change in current U.S. federal tax law or an IRS ruling that allows us to make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit. Under current U.S. federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we paid you your share of the cash and notes or bonds at the time the cash and notes or bonds were deposited in trust in exchange for your debt securities and you would recognize gain or loss on the debt securities at the time of the deposit.
we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to defeasance have been complied with.
defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, of the indenture or any of our other material agreements or instruments.
no default or event of default with respect to such debt securities shall have occurred and be continuing and no defaults or events of default related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur during the next 90 days.
satisfy the conditions for full defeasance contained in any supplemental indentures.

If we ever did accomplish full defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. If applicable, you would also be released from the subordination provisions described later under “ — Indenture Provisions — Subordination.”

Form, Exchange and Transfer of Certificated Registered Securities

If registered debt securities cease to be issued in book-entry form, they will be issued:

only in fully registered certificated form;
without interest coupons; and
unless we indicate otherwise in the prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and amounts that are multiples of $1,000.

Holders may exchange their certificated securities for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed and as long as the denomination is greater than the minimum denomination for such securities.

Holders may exchange or transfer their certificated securities at the office of the trustee. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders transferring debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.

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Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their certificated securities, but they may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership.

If we have designated additional transfer agents for your debt security, they will be named in the prospectus supplement. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

If any certificated securities of a particular series are redeemable and we redeem less than all the debt securities of that series, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of any certificated securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security that will be partially redeemed.

If a registered debt security is issued in book-entry form, only the depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection, since it will be the sole holder of the debt security.

Resignation of Trustee

Each trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of indenture securities provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to these series and has accepted such appointment. In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of indenture securities under the indenture, each of the trustees will be a trustee of a trust separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee.

Indenture Provisions — Subordination

Upon any distribution of our assets upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities is to be subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Designated Senior Indebtedness (as defined below), but our obligation to you to make payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected. In addition, no payment on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking fund or interest, if any, may be made on such subordinated debt securities at any time unless full payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal (and premium, if any), sinking fund and interest on Designated Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.

In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment by us is received by the trustee in respect of subordinated debt securities or by the holders of any of such subordinated debt securities, upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization before all Designated Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, the payment or distribution must be paid over to the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness or on their behalf for application to the payment of all the Designated Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all the Designated Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness. Subject to the payment in full of all Designated Senior Indebtedness upon this distribution by us, the holders of such subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness to the extent of payments made to the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness out of the distributive share of such subordinated debt securities.

By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, certain of our senior creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of any subordinated debt securities or the holders of any indenture securities that are not Designated Senior Indebtedness. The indenture provides that these subordination provisions will not apply to money and securities held in trust under the defeasance provisions of the indenture.

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Designated Senior Indebtedness is defined in the indenture as the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on:

our indebtedness (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by us), whenever created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, that we have designated as “Designated Senior Indebtedness” for purposes of the indenture and in accordance with the terms of the indenture (including any indenture securities designated as Designated Senior Indebtedness), and
renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any of this indebtedness.

If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement will set forth the approximate amount of our Designated Senior Indebtedness and of our other Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.

Secured Indebtedness

Certain of our indebtedness, including certain series of indenture securities, may be secured. The prospectus supplement for each series of indenture securities will describe the terms of any security interest for such series and will indicate the approximate amount of our secured indebtedness as of a recent date. In the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, the holders of unsecured indenture securities may recover less, ratably, than holders of any of our secured indebtedness.

The Trustee under the Indenture

We intend to use a nationally recognized financial institution to serve as the trustee under the indenture.

Certain Considerations Relating to Foreign Currencies

Debt securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets, the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls and potential illiquidity in the secondary market. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved and will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may offer, from time to time, in more than one offering or series, up to $100,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock or debt securities, in one or more underwritten public offerings, at-the-market offerings to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market for the securities, on an exchange or otherwise, negotiated transactions, block trades, best efforts or a combination of these methods. We may sell securities through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, including existing stockholders in a rights offering, through agents or through a combination of any such methods of sale. In the case of a rights offering, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering. Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. A prospectus supplement or supplements will also describe the terms of the offering of securities, including: the purchase price of securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale; any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us; any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation; the public offering price; any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed. Only underwriters or agents named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters or agents of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices, provided, however, that the offering price per share of our common stock, less any underwriting commissions or discounts, must equal or exceed the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time of the offering except (a) in connection with a rights offering to our existing stockholders, (b) with the consent of the majority of our common stockholders or (c) under such other circumstances as the SEC may permit. The price at which the securities may be distributed may represent a discount from prevailing market prices.

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions they receive from us and any profit realized by them on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any such underwriter or agent will be identified and any such compensation received from us will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The maximum aggregate compensation to be received by any member of FINRA or independent broker-dealer, including any reimbursements to underwriters or agents for certain fees and legal expenses incurred by them, will not be greater than 10% of the gross proceeds of the sale of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

Any underwriters that are qualified market makers on the NASDAQ Global Select Market may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the

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offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of our common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

We may sell the securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of the securities and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no trading market, other than our common stock, which is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any exchanges, but we are not obligated to do so. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

Under agreements that we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of shares of our securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase our securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of our securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, our securities offered hereby will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

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CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DISTRIBUTION PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Our securities are held under a custody agreement by State Street Bank and Trust Company. The address of the custodian is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. will act as our transfer agent, distribution paying agent and registrar. The principal business address of our transfer agent is 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021.

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

Since we generally acquire and dispose of our investments in privately negotiated transactions, we infrequently use brokers in the normal course of our business. Subject to policies established by our Board of Directors, our investment adviser is primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions. Our investment adviser does not expect to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but will seek to obtain the best net results for Oxford Lane Capital, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While our investment adviser generally will seek reasonably competitive trade execution costs, Oxford Lane Capital will not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, our investment adviser may select a broker based partly upon brokerage or research services provided to the investment adviser and Oxford Lane Capital and any other clients. In return for such services, we may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if the investment adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering of the securities will be passed upon for the underwriters, if any, by the counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and for the year ended March 31, 2012 included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus.

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us at Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com .

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Oxford Lane Capital Corp.:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations, of changes in net assets and of cash flows and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (the “Fund”) at March 31, 2012, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended and the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the year ended March 31, 2012 and for the period January 25, 2011 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit, which included confirmation of securities at March 31, 2012 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
May 25, 2012

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OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 
  March 31, 2012
ASSETS
        
Investments, at fair value (identified cost: $38,779,952)   $ 40,524,367  
Cash and cash equivalents     1,615,609  
Deferred offering costs     149,039  
Interest receivable, including accrued interest purchased     258,555  
Prepaid expenses     48,602  
Total assets     42,596,172  
LIABILITIES
        
Investment advisory fee payable to affiliate     187,562  
Incentive fees payable     204,788  
Directors' fees payable     41,000  
Administrator expense payable     6,388  
Accrued offering costs     107,981  
Accrued expenses     169,252  
Total liabilities     716,971  
NET ASSETS applicable to 2,456,511 shares of $0.01 par value common stock outstanding   $ 41,879,201  
NET ASSETS consist of:
        
Paid in capital     42,560,991  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments      
Net unrealized appreciation on investments     1,744,415  
Distribution in excess of net investment income     (2,426,205 )  
Total net assets   $ 41,879,201  
Net asset value per common share   $ 17.05  
Market price per share   $ 14.60  
Market price discount to net asset value per share     (14.37 %)  

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

           
COMPANY (1)   INDUSTRY   INVESTMENT   PRINCIPAL AMOUNT   COST   FAIR VALUE (2)   % of Net Assets
Collateralized Loan Obligation – Debt Investments                                             
Bridgeport CLO II     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(4.72%, due June 18, 2021)
    $ 1,130,500     $ 894,974     $ 746,130           
Canaras Summit
CLO 2007-1A
    structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(4.82%, due June 19, 2021)
      750,000       514,632       532,500           
Cent CDO 15     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(4.62%, due March 11, 2021)
      1,625,000       1,239,835       1,088,750           
CIFC Funding 2006-1X     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class B2L (3) (4) (5)
(4.56%, due October 20, 2020)
      5,730,501       4,118,365       4,053,470           
Emporia III, Ltd. 2007-3A     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(4.26%, due April 23, 2021)
      3,594,000       2,775,736       2,425,950           
GSC VIII     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(3.97%, due April 18, 2021)
      2,112,137       1,357,533       1,394,011           
Hewett's Island CLO III     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(6.27%, due August 09, 2017)
      3,516,068       2,816,362       2,890,828           
Hewett's Island CLO IV     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(5.07%, due May 09, 2018)
      1,500,000       1,315,364       1,154,250           
Kingsland V, Ltd. 2007-5X     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(4.82%, due July 14, 2021)
      2,250,000       1,659,652       1,507,500           
Mountain Capital CLO IV, Ltd 2005-4X     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class B2L (3) (4) (5)
(5.22%, due March 15, 2018)
      2,820,248       2,023,690       2,143,389           
PPM Grayhawk CLO 2007     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(4.16%, due April 18, 2021)
      1,869,138       1,395,787       1,214,939           
Waterfront CLO 2007     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(5.32%, due August 2, 2020)
      5,750,000       4,317,267       4,197,500           
Total Collateralized Loan Obligation – Debt Investments         $ 24,429,197     $ 23,349,217       55.75 %  
Collateralized Loan Obligation – Equity Investments                                             
Canaras Summit
CLO 2007-1X
    structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 30.55%,
maturity June 19, 2021)
      1,500,000       1,067,315       1,425,000           
Gale Force 4 CLO 2007-4A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 25.72%,
maturity August 20, 2021)
      1,500,000       930,915       1,230,000           
Harbourview CLO 2006-1     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 26.16%,
maturity December 27, 2019)
      4,380,000       2,751,158       3,460,200           
Hillmark Funding Ltd. 2006-1A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 16.22%,
maturity May 21, 2021)
      2,000,000       1,445,407       1,460,000           
Jersey Street CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 23.05%,
maturity October 20, 2018)
      3,185,000       2,243,449       2,452,450           
Kingsland IV, Ltd. 2007-4A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 25.56%,
maturity April 16, 2021)
      2,350,000       1,831,224       2,232,500           
Lightpoint CLO VII, Ltd. 2007-7X     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 28.71%,
maturity May 15, 2021)
      2,000,000       1,280,081       1,630,000           
Octagon XI CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 25.04%,
maturity August 25, 2021)
      2,025,000       1,609,337       2,025,000           
Rampart CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 17.88%,
maturity October 25, 2021)
      1,500,000       1,191,869       1,260,000           
Total Collateralized Loan Obligation – Equity Investments         $ 14,350,755     $ 17,175,150       41.01 %  
Total Investments                     $ 38,779,952     $ 40,524,367       96.76%  

(1) We do not “control” and are not an “affiliate” of any of our portfolio companies, each as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). In general, under the 1940 Act, we would be presumed to “control” a portfolio company if we owned 25% or more of its voting securities and would be an “affiliate” of a portfolio company if we owned 5% or more of its voting securities.

(Continued on next page)

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS – (continued)
MARCH 31, 2012

(2) Fair value is determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.
(3) Notes bear interest at variable rates.
(4) Cost value reflects accretion of original issue discount or market discount, and amortization of premium.
(5) The CLO secured notes generally bear interest at a rate determined by reference to LIBOR which resets quarterly. For each CLO debt investment, the rate provided is as of March 31, 2012.
(6) The CLO subordinated notes and income notes are considered equity positions. Equity investments are entitled to recurring distributions which are generally equal to the remaining cash flow of the payments made by the underlying fund's securities less contractual payments to debt holders and fund expenses. The estimated yield indicated is based upon a current projection of the amount and timing of these recurring distributions and the estimated amount of repayment of principal upon termination. Such projections are periodically reviewed and adjusted, and the estimated yield may not ultimately be realized.

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 
  Year Ended
March 31, 2012
INVESTMENT INCOME
        
Interest income   $ 5,012,160  
EXPENSES
        
Investment advisory fees     729,059  
Incentive fees     451,105  
Professional fees     328,930  
Administrator expense     427,553  
Directors' fees     170,000  
General and administrative     203,093  
Insurance expense     37,515  
Transfer agent and custodian fees     34,077  
Total expenses     2,381,332  
Net investment income     2,630,828  
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments     1,786,915  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments      
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     1,786,915  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 4,417,743  

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
  Year Ended
March 31, 2012
  January 25, 2011
(Commencement of
Operations) to
March 31, 2011
Increase in net assets from operations:
                 
Net investment income   $ 2,630,828     $ 124,150  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments            
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments     1,786,915       (42,500 )  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     4,417,743       81,650  
Distributions from net investment income     (4,736,315 )       (465,313 )  
Capital share transaction:
                 
Issuance of common stock (net of underwriting fees and offering costs)     8,283,284       34,141,459  
Reinvestment of dividends     51,693        
Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions     8,334,977       34,141,459  
Total increase in net assets     8,016,405       33,757,796  
Net assets at beginning of period     33,862,796       105,000  
Net assets at end of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of $2,426,205 and $361,163)   $ 41,879,201     $ 33,862,796  

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Year Ended
March 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
        
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 4,417,743  
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash used in operating activities:
        
Amortization of discounts and premiums     (3,650,164 )  
Purchases of investments     (13,001,374 )  
Repayments of principal and reductions to investment cost value     6,039,415  
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments     (1,786,915 )  
Increase in deferred offering costs     (149,039 )  
Decrease in interest receivable     255,043  
Increase in prepaid expenses     (17,416 )  
Increase in investment advisory fee payable     60,713  
Increase in incentive fee payable     204,788  
Increase in directors' fees payable     10,500  
Decrease in administrator expense payable     (22,735 )  
Increase in accrued offering costs     107,981  
Decrease in accrued expenses     (51,262 )  
Net cash used in operating activities     (7,582,722 )  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
        
Distributions paid (net of stock issued under dividend reinvestment plan of $51,693)     (5,149,935 )  
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock     8,879,070  
Underwriting fees and offering costs for the issuance of common stock     (595,786 )  
Net cash provided by financing activities     3,133,349  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (4,449,373 )  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     6,064,982  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 1,615,609  

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (“OXLC”, “we” or the “Fund”) was incorporated under the General Corporation Laws of the State of Maryland on June 9, 2010 as a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the “1940 Act”. In addition, the Fund has elected to be treated for tax purposes as a regulated investment company, or “RIC” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize its portfolio’s total return and seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans and the equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles.

On January 25, 2011, the Fund closed its initial public offering and sold 1,825,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $20.00 per share, less an underwriting discount of $1.40 per share and offering expenses of $361,541. Certain of OXLC's directors and officers purchased shares at the public offering price. On February 24, 2011, the Fund issued an additional 30,000 shares of its common stock at the same price pursuant to the underwriters' overallotment. The total net proceeds to the Fund from the initial public offering, including the exercise of the overallotment, were $34,141,459.

OXLC’s investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management LLC, (“OXLC Management”), a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended. BDC Partners LLC (“BDC Partners”) is the managing member of OXLC Management and serves as the administrator of OXLC.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

USE OF ESTIMATES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and provide 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, based upon experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Fund considers all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

INVESTMENT VALUATION

The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of the Fund’s financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. There is no single method for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments OXLC makes. The Fund is required to specifically fair value each individual investment on a quarterly basis.

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (TOPIC 820) — Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS” (“ASU 2011-04”). The amendments are of two types: (i) those that clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and (ii) those that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments that

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements relate to (i) measuring the fair value of the financial instruments that are managed within a portfolio; (ii) application of premium and discount in a fair value measurement; and (iii) additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption prohibited. OXLC does not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on its financial statements, other than to enhance the disclosures in OXLC’s financial statements.

The Fund complies with ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure , which establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 clarified the definition of fair value and requires companies to expand their disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities in interim and annual periods subsequent to initial recognition. ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820-10 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, which includes inputs such as quoted prices for similar securities in active markets and quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The Fund has determined that due to the general illiquidity of the market for the Fund’s investment portfolio, whereby little or no market data exists, all of the Fund’s investments are valued based upon Level 3 inputs as of March 31, 2012. The Fund’s Board of Directors determines the value of OXLC’s investment portfolio each quarter. The prices used by the Fund to value securities may differ from the value that would be realized if the securities were sold, and these differences could be material to the Fund’s financial statements.

The Fund has acquired a number of debt and equity positions in collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) investment vehicles, which are special purpose financing vehicles. In valuing such investments, the Fund considers the indicative prices provided by brokers who arrange transactions in such investment vehicles, as well as any available information on other relevant transactions in the market. In addition, the Fund considers the operating metrics of the specific investment vehicle, including compliance with collateralization tests, defaulted and restructured securities, and payment defaults, if any. Members of OXLC Management’s portfolio management team also prepare portfolio company valuations using the most recent trustee reports and note valuation reports, and consider the collateral position of the vehicle a significant input. OXLC Management or the Valuation Committee of the Board of Directors may request an additional analysis by a third-party firm to assist in the valuation process of CLO investment vehicles. All information is presented to the Board for its determination of fair value of these investments.

The Fund may also invest directly in senior secured loans (either in the primary or secondary markets). In valuing such investments, OXLC Management will prepare an analysis of each loan, including a financial summary, covenant compliance review, recent trading activity in the security, if known, and other business developments related to the portfolio company. All available information, including non-binding indicative bids obtained from large agent banks which may not be considered reliable, will be presented to the Valuation Committee of the Board to consider in its determination of fair value. In some instances, there may be limited trading activity in a security even though the market for the security is considered not active. In such cases the Board will consider the number of trades, the size and timing of each trade and other circumstances around such trades, to the extent such information is available, in its determination of fair value. At March 31, 2012, the Fund did not have any direct investments in senior secured loans.

ASC 820-10-35, “ Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly ,” provides guidance on factors that should be considered in determining when a previously active market becomes inactive and whether a transaction is orderly. In accordance with ASC 820-10-35, the Fund’s valuation procedures

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

specifically provide for the review of indicative quotes supplied by the brokers or large agent banks that make a market for each CLO investment or senior secured loan, respectively.

The Fund’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC 820-10-35 at March 31, 2012, were as follows:

       
($ in millions)   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   Total
Assets   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
CLO Debt   $     $     $ 23.3     $ 23.3  
CLO Equity             —               —             17.2           17.2  
Total   $     $     $ 40.5     $ 40.5  

A reconciliation of the fair value of investments for the year ended March 31, 2012, utilizing significant unobservable inputs, is as follows:

     
($ in millions)   Collateralized Loan Obligation Debt Investments   Collateralized Loan Obligation Equity Investments   Total
Balance at March 31, 2011   $ 15.8     $ 14.9     $ 30.7  
Realized gains included in earnings     0.0       0.0       0.0  
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings     (1.3 )       3.1       1.8  
Amortization of discounts and premiums     0.5       3.1       3.6  
Purchases     8.4       2.0       10.4  
Repayments, sales of principal and reductions to investment cost value     (0.1 )       (5.9 )       (6.0 )  
Transfers in and/or out of level 3         0.0           0.0           0.0  
Balance at March 31, 2012   $ 23.3     $ 17.2     $ 40.5  
The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses related to our Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date and reported within the net change in unrealized gains or losses on investments in our Statement of Operations     ($1.3 )     $ 3.1     $ 1.8  

The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out of valuation levels as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no significant transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the year ended March 31, 2012.

PREPAID EXPENSES

Prepaid expenses consist primarily of insurance costs.

INVESTMENT INCOME RECOGNITION

Interest income, including the amortization of premium or accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected.

Interest income from investments in the “equity” class of security of CLO Funds (typically income notes or subordinated notes) is recorded based upon an estimation of an effective yield to maturity utilizing assumed

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

cash flows. The Fund monitors the expected cash inflows from its CLO equity investments, including the expected residual payments and the effective yield is determined and updated periodically.

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The Fund intends to operate so as to qualify to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and, as such, to not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of its taxable income and gains distributed to stockholders. To qualify for RIC tax treatment, OXLC is required to distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code.

Because federal income tax regulations differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, distributions in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statement to reflect their tax character. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for tax purposes.

The Fund declared a dividend of $0.25 per share or approximately $465,000 for the period ended March 31, 2011, payable April 1, 2012. For tax purposes, that dividend is considered to have occurred in fiscal 2012. For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Fund also declared and paid dividends of $2.05 per share or approximately $4.7 million. For tax purposes, the Fund distributed a total of $5.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2012. The tax character of distributions paid in 2012 represented entirely ordinary income, with no return of capital.

As of March 31, 2012, the estimated components of distributable earnings, on a tax basis, were as follows:

 
Distributable ordinary income   $ 1,608,020  
Distributable long-term capital gains     173,758  
Unrealized depreciation on investments     (2,451,024 )  

The tax basis components of distributable earnings differ from the amounts reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities due to temporary book/tax differences primarily arising from investments in equity CLOs and permanent book/tax differences attributable to non-deductible excise taxes. These amounts will be finalized before filing the federal tax return.

Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for tax purposes is $248,511; aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for tax purposes is $2,699,535. For tax purposes, the cost basis of the portfolio investments at March 31, 2012 was approximately $42,975,391.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends from net investment income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which differ from GAAP. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are expected to be declared and paid quarterly. Net realized capital gains, unless offset by any available capital loss carryforward, are typically distributed to shareholders annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan unless the shareholder has elected to have them paid in cash.

Amounts required to be distributed reflect estimates made by the Fund. Dividends paid by the Fund are subject to re-characterization for tax purposes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

At March 31, 2012, the Fund maintained a cash balance with State Street Bank and Trust Co. The Fund is subject to credit risk arising should State Street Bank and Trust Co. be unable to fulfill its obligations. In addition, the Fund’s portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of investments in CLO vehicles, which will subject the Fund to a risk of significant loss if that sector experiences a market downturn.

SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

Securities transactions are recorded on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are recorded on the basis of specific identification.

DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS

Deferred offering costs consist principally of legal, accounting, filing and underwriting fees incurred through the balance sheet date that are related to an offering proposed by the Fund. The deferred offering costs will be charged to capital upon the completion of an offering or charged to expense if the offering is unsuccessful.

NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Effective September 9, 2010, the Fund entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with OXLC Management, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. BDC Partners is the managing member of OXLC Management and serves as the administrator of OXLC. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay OXLC Management a fee for advisory and management services consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base-management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of the Fund’s gross assets. For services rendered under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears.

The base management fee is calculated based on the average value of the Fund’s gross assets, which means all assets of any type, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.

The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that are received from an investment) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement to BDC Partners, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes accrued income that the Fund has not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized or unrealized capital gains or losses, and the Fund could incur incentive fees in periods when there is a net decrease in net assets from operations. Pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Fund’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a hurdle of 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized). Our undistributed net investment income used to calculate the incentive fee is also included in the amount of the Fund’s gross assets used to calculate the 2.00% base management fee. The incentive fee with respect to the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter is calculated as follows:

no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle of 1.75%;

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS  – (continued)

100% of pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized). The Fund refers to this portion of the pre-incentive fee net investment income (which exceeds the hurdle but is less than 2.1875%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide the investment adviser with 20% of the pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle did not apply if the net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and
20% of the amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to OXLC Management (once the hurdle is reached and the “catch-up” is achieved, 20% of all pre-incentive fee net investment income thereafter is allocated to OXLC Management).

There is no offset in subsequent quarters for any quarter in which an incentive fee is not earned. For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Fund accrued incentive fee expenses of approximately $451.000. At March 31, 2012, the Fund has an incentive fee payable of approximately $205,000.

Effective September 9, 2010 the Fund entered into an administration agreement with BDC Partners to serve as its administrator. Under the administration agreement, BDC Partners performs, or oversees the performance of, the Fund’s required administrative services, which include, among other things, being responsible for the financial records which the Fund is required to maintain and preparing reports to the Fund’s stockholders. In addition, BDC Partners assists the Fund in determining and publishing the Fund’s net asset value, oversees the preparation and filing of the Fund’s tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to the Fund’s stockholders, and generally oversees the payment of the Fund’s expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Fund by others. Payments under the administration agreement are equal to an amount based upon the Fund’s allocable portion of BDC Partners’ overhead in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions and the Fund’s allocable portion of the compensation of the Fund’s chief financial officer, chief compliance officer, controller and treasurer, and any administrative support staff. The administration agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party.

The independent directors receive an annual fee of $35,000. In addition, the independent directors receive $2,000 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each Board meeting, $1,500 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each Valuation Committee meeting and $1,000 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each Audit Committee meeting. The Chairman of the Audit Committee also receives an additional annual fee of $5,000. No compensation will be paid to directors who are interested persons of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act.

Certain directors, officers and other related parties, including members of OXLC Management, own 10.9% of the Fund at March 31, 2012.

NOTE 4. OTHER INCOME

Other income includes closing fees, or origination fees, associated with investments in portfolio companies. Such fees are normally paid at closing of the Fund’s investments, are fully earned and non-refundable, and are generally non-recurring. The Fund had no such income for the year ended March 31, 2012.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 5. RIGHTS OFFERING

On August 3, 2011 (the “Record Date”) the Fund issued transferable rights to purchase common stock to its stockholders of record (“Record Date Stockholders”). Record Date Stockholders received one right for each outstanding share of common stock owned on the Record Date. The rights entitle the holders to purchase one new share of common stock for every three rights held. On August 26, 2011, the Fund closed its rights offering and sold 591,938 shares of its common stock at a price of $15.00 per share, less underwriting fees and offering costs of approximately $596,000. The total net proceeds to the Fund from the issuance of transferable rights of common stock to Record Date Stockholders were approximately $8.3 million.

NOTE 6. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term investments and prepayments, for the year ended March 31, 2012, totaled approximately $10.4 million and $0, respectively.

NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into a variety of undertakings containing warranties and indemnifications that may expose the Fund to some risk of loss. The risk of future loss arising from such undertakings, while not quantifiable, is expected to be remote.

As of March 31, 2012, the Fund had not issued any commitments to purchase additional debt investments and/or warrants from any portfolio companies.

NOTE 8. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, 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 agreements cannot be known; however, the Fund expects any risk of loss to be remote.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 9. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Financial highlights for the year ended March 31, 2012 and for the period January 25, 2011 (Commencement of Operations) to March 31, 2011 are as follows:

   
  Year Ended
March 31, 2012
  January 25, 2011
(Commencement of Operations)
to March 31, 2011
Per Share Data
                 
Net asset value at beginning of period (1)   $ 18.19     $ 16.80  
Net investment income (2)     1.19       0.07  
Net realized and unrealized capital gains (3)     0.83       (0.03 )  
Total from investment operations     2.02       0.04  
Less distributions per share from net investment income     (2.05 )       (0.25 )  
Less distributions per share based on weighted average share impact     (0.10 )        
Total distributions (4)     (2.15 )       (0.25 )  
Effect of shares issued, net of underwriting expense (8)     (0.77 )       1.79  
Effect of offering costs (8)     (0.24 )       (0.19 )  
Effect of shares issued, net (8)     (1.01 )       1.60  
Net asset value at end of period   $ 17.05     $ 18.19  
Per share market value at beginning of period   $ 18.75     $ 20.00  
Per share market value at end of period   $ 14.60     $ 18.75  
Total return (5) (7)     (10.75 %)       (5.0 %)  
Shares outstanding at end of period     2,456,511       1,861,250  
Ratios/Supplemental Data
                 
Net assets at end of period (000’s)     41,879       33,863  
Ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets     7.18 %       3.51 % (6)  
Ratio of expenses to average daily net assets     6.50 %       4.79 % (6)  
Portfolio turnover rate     0.22 %       0.05 %  

(1) For period January 25, 2011 through March 31, 2011, represents the net asset value per share prior to commencement of operations.
(2) Represents per share net investment income for the period, based upon average shares outstanding.
(3) Net realized and unrealized capital gains include rounding adjustments, if necessary, to reconcile change in net asset value per share.
(4) Management monitors available taxable earnings, including net investment income and realized capital gains, to determine if a tax return of capital may occur for the year. To the extent the Fund's taxable earnings fall below the total amount of the Fund's distributions for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a tax return of capital to the Fund's stockholders.
(5) Total return based on market value is calculated assuming that shares of the Fund's common stock were purchased at the market price as of the beginning of the period, dividends, capital gains and other distributions were reinvested as provided for in the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan and then sold at the closing market price per share on the last day of the period. The computation does not reflect any sales commission investors may incur in purchasing or selling shares of the Fund.
(6) Annualized, after adjusting for certain periodic expenses recorded during the period January 25, 2011 through March 31, 2011.
(7) Total return for the period January 25, 2011 through March 31, 2011 was not annualized.
(8) Based upon actual shares outstanding upon share issuance.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 10. RISK DISCLOSURES

The U.S. capital markets have experienced periods of extreme volatility and disruption over the past three years. Disruptions in the capital markets tend to increase the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. The Fund believes these conditions may reoccur in the future. A prolonged period of market illiquidity may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Adverse economic conditions could also limit the Fund’s access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to the Fund. These events could limit the Fund’s investment purchases, limit the Fund’s ability to grow and negatively impact the Fund’s operating results.

OXLC Management’s investment team also presently manages the portfolios of TICC Capital Corp., a publicly-traded business development company that invests principally in the debt of U.S.-based companies, TICC CLO LLC, a subsidiary of TICC Capital Corp. 2011-1 Holdings, LLC, a direct subsidiary of TICC Capital Corp., the assets of which are included in the gross assets of TICC Capital Corp., Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, a publicly-traded Guernsey fund that invests primarily in senior loans across a variety of industries globally, T2 Income Fund CLO I Ltd., a CLO structured finance vehicle that invests in a diversified portfolio of Senior Loans, the assets of which are included in the gross assets of Greenwich Loan Income Fund Limited, and Oxford Gate Capital, LLC, a private partnership that invests in a broad range of assets, including the equity and debt of CLOs. In certain instances, the Fund may co-invest on a concurrent basis with affiliates of its investment adviser, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance and our written allocation procedures. Such co-investment may require exemptive relief from the SEC. If relief is sought, there can be no assurance when, or if, such relief may be obtained. No co-investments that would require exemptive relief were made. The affiliated entities of the Fund are subject to a written policy with respect to the allocation of investment opportunities.

Given the structure of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement with OXLC Management, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for OXLC Management to meet the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance on the part of the Fund’s investment adviser. In addition, in view of the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the investment adviser could potentially receive a significant portion of the increase in the Fund’s investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were to occur, the Fund’s increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in the investment adviser’s income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.

The Fund’s portfolio consists of equity and junior debt investments in CLO vehicles, which involves a number of significant risks. CLO vehicles are typically very highly levered (10-14 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity tranches that the Fund invests in are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss. In particular, investors in CLO vehicles indirectly bear risks of the underlying debt investments held by such CLO vehicles. The Fund generally has the right to receive payments only from the CLO vehicles, and generally does not have direct rights against the underlying borrowers or the entity that sponsored the CLO vehicle. While the CLO vehicles the Fund targets generally enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of senior loans without the expenses associated with directly holding the same investments, the Fund generally pays a proportionate share of the CLO vehicles’ administrative and other expenses. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of indices and securities underlying CLO vehicles will rise or fall, these prices (and, therefore, the prices of the CLO vehicles) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. The failure by a CLO vehicle in which we invest to satisfy financial covenants, including with respect to adequate collateralization and/or interest coverage tests, could lead to a reduction in its payments to us. In the event that a CLO vehicle fails certain tests, holders of debt senior to us may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn, reduce the payments we would otherwise be entitled to receive. Separately, we may incur expenses to the extent

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 10. RISK DISCLOSURES  – (continued)

necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, with a defaulting CLO vehicle or any other investment we may make. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

The interests the Fund has acquired in CLO vehicles are generally thinly traded or have only a limited trading market. CLO vehicles are typically privately offered and sold, even in the secondary market. As a result, investments in CLO vehicles may be characterized as illiquid securities. In addition to the general risks associated with investing in debt securities, CLO vehicles carry additional risks, including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the fact that the Fund’s investments in CLO tranches will likely be subordinate to other senior classes of note tranches thereof; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the CLO vehicle or unexpected investment results. The Fund’s net asset value may also decline over time if the Fund’s principal recovery with respect to CLO equity investments is less than the price that the Fund paid for those investments. Further, to the extent income from the Fund’s CLO equity investments (which the Fund expects to decline as those vehicles deleverage after the end of their respective reinvestment periods) declines or if the Fund transitions its portfolio into lower yielding investments, the Fund’s ability to pay future dividends may be harmed.

OXLC Management anticipates that the CLO vehicles in which the Fund invests may constitute “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). If the Fund acquires shares in a PFIC (including equity tranche investments in CLO vehicles that are PFICs), the Fund may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its stockholders. Certain elections may be available to mitigate or eliminate such tax on excess distributions, but such elections (if available) will generally require the Fund to recognize its share of the PFICs income for each year regardless of whether the Fund receives any distributions from such PFICs. The Fund must nonetheless distribute such income to maintain its status as a RIC.

If the Fund holds more than 10% of the shares in a foreign corporation that is treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) (including equity tranche investments in a CLO vehicle treated as a CFC), the Fund may be treated as receiving a deemed distribution (taxable as ordinary income) each year from such foreign corporation in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the corporation’s income for the tax year (including both ordinary earnings and capital gains). If the Fund is required to include such deemed distributions from a CFC in the Fund’s income, it will be required to distribute such income to maintain its RIC status regardless of whether or not the CFC makes an actual distribution during such year.

Legislation enacted in 2010 imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments of U.S. source interest and dividends paid after December 31, 2013, or gross proceeds from the disposition of a instrument that produces U.S. source interest or dividends paid after December 31, 2014, to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain non-U.S. financial institutions and investment funds, unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain reporting requirements regarding its United States account holders and its United States owners. Most CLO vehicles in which we invest will be treated as non-U.S. financial entities for this purpose, and therefore will be required to comply with these reporting requirements to avoid the 30% withholding. If a CLO vehicle in which we invest fails to properly comply with these reporting requirements, it could reduce the amounts available to distribute to equity and junior debt holders in such CLO vehicle, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

If the Fund is required to include amounts in income prior to receiving distributions representing such income, the Fund may have to sell some of its investments at times and/or at prices management would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If the Fund is not able to obtain cash from other sources, it may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 10. RISK DISCLOSURES  – (continued)

and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Federal Income Taxes.”

NOTE 11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Fund has evaluated events and transactions that occurred after March 31, 2012 and through the date that the financial statements were issued.

On April 11, 2012 (the “Record Date”) the Fund issued non-transferable rights to purchase common stock to its stockholders of record (“Record Date Stockholders”). Record Date Stockholders received four rights for each outstanding share of common stock owned on the record date. The rights entitled the holders to purchase one new share of common stock for every one right held. On April 27, 2012, the Fund closed its rights offering and sold 2,508,270 shares of its common stock at a price of $13.75 per share, less underwriting fees and offering costs of approximately $1.4 million. The total net proceeds to the Fund from the issuance of non-transferable rights to common stock to Record Date Stockholders were approximately $33.1 million.

On May 22, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a distribution of $0.55 per share for the fiscal first quarter, payable on June 29, 2012 to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2012.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 2012
(unaudited)

           
COMPANY (1)   INDUSTRY   INVESTMENT   PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
  COST   FAIR VALUE (2)   % of Net
Assets
Collateralized Loan Obligation – Debt Investments                                                      
ACA CLO 2007-1A, Limited     structured finance
      CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(5.22%, due June 15, 2022)
    $ 5,090,786     $ 3,628,181     $ 3,306,465           
Bridgeport CLO II     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(4.72%, due June 18, 2021)
      3,391,502       2,444,382       2,222,112           
Canaras Summit CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(4.82%, due June 19, 2021)
      750,000       518,595       511,500           
Cent CDO 15     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(4.62%, due March 11, 2021)
      1,625,000       1,247,172       1,157,325           
CIFC Funding 2006-1X     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class B2L (3) (4) (5)
(4.47%, due October 20, 2020)
      5,730,501       4,149,320       3,795,884           
Colts 2007-1X     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(4.12%, due March 20, 2021)
      3,000,000       1,943,199       1,950,000           
Emporia III, Ltd. 2007-3A     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(4.17%, due April 23, 2021)
      3,594,000       2,791,459       2,316,692           
GSC VIII     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(3.87%, due April 18, 2021)
      2,112,137       1,370,752       1,203,918           
Hewett's Island CLO III     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(6.22%, due August 09, 2017)
      3,499,927       2,824,180       2,891,290           
Hewett's Island CLO IV     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(5.02%, due May 09, 2018)
      1,500,000       1,321,357       1,127,100           
Kingsland V, Ltd. 2007-5X     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class E (3) (4) (5)
(4.72%, due July 14, 2021)
      4,000,000       2,852,382       2,459,600           
Mountain Capital CLO IV, Ltd 2005-4X     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class B2L (3) (4) (5)
(5.22%, due March 15, 2018)
      4,230,373       3,111,063       3,203,661           
PPM Grayhawk CLO 2007     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(4.07%, due April 18, 2021)
      1,869,138       1,404,734       1,161,482           
Sargas CLO I Ltd     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(4.47%, due August 27, 2020)
      4,500,000       3,232,050       2,984,850           
Waterfront CLO 2007     structured finance       CLO secured notes – Class D (3) (4) (5)
(5.22%, due August 02, 2020)
      7,500,000       5,649,976       5,450,250             
Total Collateralized Loan Obligation – Debt Investments         $ 38,488,802     $ 35,742,129       48.93 %  
Collateralized Loan Obligation – Equity Investments
                                                     
ACA CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO subordinated notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 15.50%,
maturity June 15, 2022)
      12,212,500       9,832,754       10,258,500           
Canaras Summit CLO 2007-1X     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 22.95%,
maturity June 19, 2021)
      1,500,000       989,442       1,350,000           
Carlyle Global Market Strategies
CLO 2011-1X
    structured finance       CLO subordinated notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 15.30%,
maturity August 10, 2021)
      6,000,000       5,467,589       5,340,000           
Gale Force 4 CLO 2007-4A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 16.30%,
maturity August 20, 2021)
      1,500,000       882,616       1,125,000           
Harbourview CLO 2006-1     structured finance       CLO subordinated notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 22.30%,
maturity December 27, 2019)
      4,380,000       2,591,461       3,635,400           
Hillmark Funding Ltd. 2006-1A     structured finance       CLO subordinated notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 18.90%,
maturity May 21, 2021)
      2,000,000       1,338,605       1,680,000           
Jersey Street CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 20.00%,
maturity October 20, 2018)
      3,185,000       2,128,188       2,388,750           
Kingsland IV, Ltd. 2007-4A     structured finance       CLO subordinated notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 16.70%,
maturity April 16, 2021)
      2,350,000       1,800,630       2,303,000           
Lightpoint CLO VII, Ltd. 2007-7X     structured finance       CLO subordinated notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 22.38%,
maturity May 15, 2021)
      2,000,000       1,194,830       1,650,000           
Octagon XI CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO income notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 19.76%,
maturity August 25, 2021)
      2,025,000       1,511,691       1,873,125           

(Continued on next page)

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS – (continued)
JUNE 30, 2012
(unaudited)

           
COMPANY (1)   INDUSTRY   INVESTMENT   PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
  COST   FAIR VALUE (2)   % of Net
Assets
Rampart CLO 2007-1A     structured finance       CLO subordinated notes (4) (6)
(Estimated yield 15.30%,
maturity October 25, 2021)
      1,500,000       1,098,778       1,260,000             
Total Collateralized Loan Obligation – Equity Investments         $ 28,836,584     $ 32,863,775       44.99 %  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS                     $ 67,325,386     $ 68,605,904       93.92 %  
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES                       4,437,892        
NET ASSETS (Equivalent to $14.60 per share based on 5,002,289 shares of common stock outstanding)         $ 73,043,796        

(1) We do not “control” and are not an “affiliate” of any of our portfolio companies, each as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”).
In general, under the 1940 Act, we would be presumed to “control” a portfolio company if we owned 25% or more of its voting securities and would be an “affiliate” of a portfolio company if we owned 5% or more of its voting securities.
(2) Fair value is determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.
(3) Notes bear interest at variable rates.
(4) Cost value reflects accretion of original issue discount or market discount, and amortization of premium.
(5) The CLO secured notes generally bear interest at a rate determined by reference to LIBOR which resets quarterly. For each CLO debt investment, the rate provided is as of June 30, 2012.
(6) The CLO subordinated notes and income notes are considered equity positions. Equity investments are entitled to recurring distributions which are generally equal to the remaining cash flow of the payments made by the underlying fund's securities less contractual payments to debt holders and fund expenses. The estimated yield indicated is based upon a current projection of the amount and timing of these recurring distributions and the estimated amount of repayment of principal upon termination. Such projections are periodically reviewed and adjusted, and the estimated yield may not ultimately be realized.

 
 
See Accompanying Notes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 2012
(unaudited)

NOTE 1. INVESTMENT VALUATION

The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (“OXLC”, “we” or the “Fund”) financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. There is no single method for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments OXLC makes. The Fund is required to specifically fair value each individual investment on a quarterly basis.

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (TOPIC 820) — Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS” (“ASU 2011-04”). The amendmentsare of two types: (i) those that clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and (ii) those that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements relate to (i) measuring the fair value of the financial instruments that are managed within a portfolio; (ii) application of premium and discount in a fair value measurement; and (iii) additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and as such OXLC has adopted this ASU beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2012. OXLC has increased its disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurement, in addition to other required disclosures. There were no related impacts on OXLC’s financial position or results of operations.

The Fund complies with ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure , which establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 clarified the definition of fair value and requires companies to expand their disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities in interim and annual periods subsequent to initial recognition. ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820-10 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, which includes inputs such as quoted prices for similar securities in active markets and quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The Fund has determined that due to the general illiquidity of the market for the Fund’s investment portfolio, whereby little or no market data exists, all of the Fund’s investments are valued based upon “Level 3” inputs as of June 30, 2012. The Fund’s Board of Directors determines the value of OXLC’s investment portfolio each quarter. The prices used by the Fund to value securities may differ from the value that would be realized if the securities were sold, and these differences could be material to the Fund’s financial statements.

OXLC has acquired a number of debt and equity positions in collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) investment vehicles. These investments are special purpose financing vehicles. In valuing such investments, OXLC considers the operating metrics of the specific investment vehicle, including compliance with collateralization tests, defaulted and restructured securities, and payment defaults, if any. In addition, OXLC considers the indicative prices provided by a recognized industry pricing service as well as the indicative prices provided by the broker who arranges transactions in such investment vehicles, as well as any available information on other relevant transactions including firm bids and offers in the market. OXLC Management or the Valuation Committee may request an additional analysis by a third-party firm to assist in the valuation process of CLO investment vehicles. All information is presented to OXLC’s Board of Directors for its determination of fair value of these investments.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 2012
(unaudited)

NOTE 1. INVESTMENT VALUATION  – (continued)

The Fund may also invest directly in senior secured loans (either in the primary or secondary markets). In valuing such investments, OXLC Management will prepare an analysis of each loan, including a financial summary, covenant compliance review, recent trading activity in the security, if known, and other business developments related to the portfolio company. All available information, including non-binding indicative bids obtained from large agent banks which may not be considered reliable, will be presented to the Valuation Committee of the Board to consider in its determination of fair value. In some instances, there may be limited trading activity in a security even though the market for the security is considered not active. In such cases the Board will consider the number of trades, the size and timing of each trade and other circumstances around such trades, to the extent such information is available, in its determination of fair value. At June 30, 2012, the Fund did not have any direct investments in senior secured loans.

ASC 820-10-35, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly,” provides guidance on factors that should be considered in determining when a previously active market becomes inactive and whether a transaction is orderly. In accordance with ASC 820-10-35, the Fund’s valuation procedures specifically provide for the review of indicative quotes supplied by the brokers or large agent banks that make a market for each CLO investment or senior secured loan, respectively.

The Fund’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC 820-10-35 at June 30, 2012, were as follows:

       
($ in millions)   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Assets   Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total
CLO debt   $     $     $ 35.7     $ 35.7  
CLO equity             —               —             32.9           32.9  
Total   $     $     $ 68.6     $ 68.6  

The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out of valuation levels as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no significant transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the period ended June 30, 2012.

Significant Unobservable Inputs for Level 3 Investments

In accordance with ASU 2011-04, the following table provides quantitative information about the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements as of June 30, 2012. The Company’s valuation policy, as described above, establishes parameters for the sources and types of valuation analysis, as well as the methodologies and inputs that the Company uses in determining fair value. If the Valuation Committee or OXLC Management determines that additional techniques, sources or inputs are appropriate or necessary in a given situation, such additional work will be undertaken. The table, therefore, is not all-inclusive, but provides information on the significant Level 3 inputs that are pertinent to the Company’s fair value measurements. The weighted average calculations in the table below are based on principal balances for all investments.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
  
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 2012
(unaudited)

NOTE 1. INVESTMENT VALUATION  – (continued)

       
($ in millions)   Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Assets   Fair Value as of June 30, 2012   Valuation Techniques/ Methodologies   Unobservable Input   Range/Weighted Average
CLO debt   $ 35.7       market quotes       NBIB (1)       57.00% – 82.61%/68.22 %  
CLO equity     32.9       market quotes       NBIB (1)       75.00% – 98.00%/85.02 %  
Total Fair Value for Level 3 Investments   $ 68.6                    
(1) The Company generally uses prices provided by an independent pricing service, or broker or agent bank non-binding indicative bid prices (NBIB) on or near the valuation date as the primary basis for the fair value determinations for CLO debt and equity investments. These bid prices are non-binding, and may not be determinative of fair value. Each bid price is evaluated by the Valuation Committee in conjunction with additional information compiled by OXLC Management, including performance and covenant compliance information as provided by the independent trustee.

Significant increases or decreases in the any of the unobservable inputs in isolation may result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

NOTE 2. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The Fund intends to operate so as to qualify to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and, as such, to not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of its taxable income and gains distributed to stockholders. To qualify for RIC tax treatment, OXLC is required to distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code.

Because federal income tax regulations differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, distributions in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statement to reflect their tax character. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for tax purposes.

As of June 30, 2012, the federal tax cost and net unrealized depreciation on securities were as follows:

 
Cost for federal income tax purposes   $ 68,773,903  
Gross unrealized appreciation   $ 3,081,027  
Gross unrealized depreciation     (3,249,026 )  
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (167,999 )  

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  
  
  
  
  
  

$100,000,000
  
  

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.
  
  

  

[GRAPHIC MISSING]
  
  
  

Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Subscription Rights
Debt Securities



 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
  
          , 2012
  
  
  
  
  
  
  



 


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART C — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 25. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

1. Financial Statements

The following financial statements of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (the “Registrant” or the “Company”) are included in Part A “Information Required to be in the Prospectus” of the Registration Statement.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C-1


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2. Exhibits

 
Exhibit
Number
  Description
a.   Articles of Amendment and Restatement*
b.   Amended and Restated Bylaws*
d.1   Form of Common Stock Certificate*
d.2   Form of Indenture
e.   Amended and Restated Distribution Reinvestment Plan
g.   Form of Investment Advisory Agreement by and between Registrant and Oxford Lane Management, LLC*
h.   Form of Underwriting Agreement
j.   Form of Custodian Agreement*
k.   Form of Administration Agreement by and between Registrant and BDC Partners, LLC*
l.   Opinion of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
n.1   Consent of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP (Incorporated by reference to exhibit l hereto)
n.2   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
r.   Code of Ethics*
99.1   Form of Prospectus Supplement for Common Stock Offerings
99.2   Form of Prospectus Supplement for Preferred Stock Offerings
99.3   Form of Prospectus Supplement for Rights Offerings
99.4   Form of Prospectus Supplement for Debt Offerings

* Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-167803) filed on November 30, 2010.

ITEM 26. MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS

The information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” on this Registration Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 27. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

 
SEC registration fee   $ 11,460  
FINRA filing fee     15,500  
NASDAQ Global Select Market     5,000  
Printing and postage     100,000  
Legal fees and expenses     250,000  
Accounting fees and expenses     100,000  
Miscellaneous     10,000  
Total   $ 491,960  

Note: Except the SEC registration fee and the FINRA filing fee, all listed amounts are estimates.

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ITEM 28. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL

See “Management,” “Certain Relationships and Transactions” and “Control Persons and Principal Stockholders” in the Prospectus contained herein.

ITEM 29. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

The following table sets forth the number of record holders of the Registrant’s common stock at October 4, 2012:

 
Title of Class   Number of
Record Holders
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share     61  

ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION

Directors and Officers

Reference is made to Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, Article VII of the Registrant’s charter and Article XI of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Bylaws.

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Registrant’s charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

The Registrant’s charter authorizes the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as the Registrant’s director or officer and at the Registrant’s request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The Registrant’s bylaws obligate the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while serving as the Registrant’s director or officer and at the Registrant’s request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made, or threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The charter and bylaws also permit the Registrant to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of the Registrant in any of the capacities described above and any of the Registrant’s employees or agents or any employees or agents of the Registrant’s predecessor. In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Registrant will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the Registrant’s charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was

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the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received unless, in either case, a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

Adviser and Administrator

The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, Oxford Lane Management, LLC (the “investment adviser”) and its officers, managers, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from the Registrant for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of the investment adviser’s services under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Registrant.

The Administration Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, BDC Partners, LLC and its officers, managers, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from the Registrant for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of BDC Partners, LLC’s services under the Administration Agreement or otherwise as administrator for the Registrant.

The law also provides for comparable indemnification for corporate officers and agents. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (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 Securities and Exchange Commission 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 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors. The indemnification agreements are intended to provide the Registrant’s directors the maximum indemnification permitted under Maryland law and the 1940 Act. Each indemnification agreement provides that the Registrant shall indemnify the director who is a party to the agreement (an “Indemnitee”), including the advancement of legal expenses, if, by reason of his or her corporate status, the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be, made a party to or a witness in any threatened, pending, or completed proceeding, other than a proceeding by or in the right of the Registrant.

ITEM 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER

A description of any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which the investment adviser, and each managing director, director or executive officer of the investment adviser, is or has been during the past two fiscal years, engaged in for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in Part A of this Registration Statement in the sections entitled “Management — Board of Directors and Executive Officers,” “Investment Advisory

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Agreement” and “Portfolio Management — Investment Personnel.” Additional information regarding the investment adviser and its officers and directors is set forth in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC File No. 801-71654), under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 32. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

All accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of:

(1) the Registrant, Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830;
(2) the Transfer Agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021;
(3) the Custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110; and
(4) the Investment Adviser, Oxford Lane Management, LLC, 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830.

ITEM 33. MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Not applicable.

ITEM 34. UNDERTAKINGS

(1) Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of the shares of common stock covered hereby until it amends its prospectus contained herein if (a) subsequent to the effective date of this Registration Statement, its net asset value per share of common stock declines more than 10% from its net asset value per share of common stock as of the effective date of this Registration Statement, or (b) its net asset value per share of common stock increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus contained herein.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Registrant undertakes in the event that the securities being registered are to be offered to existing stockholders pursuant to warrants or rights, and any securities not taken by shareholders are to be reoffered to the public, to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent underwriting thereof. Registrant further undertakes that if any public offering by the underwriters of the securities being registered is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, the Registrant shall file a post-effective amendment to set forth the terms of such offering.
(4) Registrant undertakes:
(a) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and
(iii) 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.

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(b) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, 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 the 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 of 1933 to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C [17 CFR 230.430C]: Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the Securities Act of 1933 [17 CFR 230.497(b), (c), (d) or (e)] as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the Securities Act of 1933 [17 CFR 230.430A], 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; and
(e) that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 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:
(i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act of 1933 [17 CFR 230.497];
(ii) the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act of 1933 [17 CFR 230.482] relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and
(iii) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.
(f) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement, and to suspend any offers or sales pursuant the registration statement until such post-effective amendment has been declared effective under the 1933 Act, in the event the shares of Registrant are trading below its net asset value and either (i) Registrant receives, or has been advised by its independent registered accounting firm that it will receive, an audit report reflecting substantial doubt regarding the Registrant’s ability to continue as a going concern or (ii) Registrant has concluded that a material adverse change has occurred in its financial position or results of operations that has caused the financial statements and other disclosures on the basis of which the offering would be made to be materially misleading.

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(5) Registrant undertakes that:
(a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(b) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to a new registration statement relating to the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(6) Not applicable.
(7) The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with any rights offering off of the registration statement.
(8) The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement during any period in which offers or sales of the Registrant’s securities are being made at a price below the net asset value per share of the Registrant’s common stock as of the date of the commencement of such offering and such offering will result in greater than 15% dilution to the net asset value per share of the Registrant’s common stock.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of Greenwich, in the State of Connecticut, on the 5 th day of October, 2012.

 
  OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
    

By:

/s/ Jonathan H. Cohen

Jonathan H. Cohen
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, and in the capacities indicated, on the 5 th day of October, 2012.

 
Signature   Title
/s/ Jonathan H. Cohen

Jonathan H. Cohen
  Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
              *

Mark J. Ashenfelter
  Chairman of the Board and Director
              *

John Reardon
  Director
              *

Saul B. Rosenthal
  President and Director
              *

David S. Shin
  Director
/s/ Patrick F. Conroy

Patrick F. Conroy
  Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
* Signed by Jonathan H. Cohen pursuant to a power of attorney signed by each individual and filed with this Registration Statement on August 10, 2012.


 

Exhibit d.2

 

[Form of Indenture]

 

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

Issuer

and

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Trustee

Indenture

Dated as of [____________], 2012

 

Providing for the Issuance

 

Of

 

Debt Securities

 

 

 
 

 

Exhibit d.2

 

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939
and Indenture, dated as of [___________], 2012

 

Trust Indenture
Act Section
  Indenture
Section
§ 310 (a)(1) 607
  (a)(2) 607
  (b) 609
§ 312 (c) 701
§ 314 (a) 704
  (a)(4) 1005
  (c)(1) 102
  (c)(2) 102
  (e) 102
§ 315 (b) 601
§ 316 (a) (last sentence) 101 (“Outstanding”)
  (a)(1)(A) 502,512
  (a)(1)(B) 513
  (b) 508
§ 317 (a)(1) 503
  (a)(2) 504
§ 318 (a) 111
  (c) 111
       

 

 

NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Page
     
Article One
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
     
SECTION 101. Definitions 1
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions 10
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee 11
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders 11
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company 12
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver 13
SECTION 107. Conflict with TIA 13
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents 14
SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns 14
SECTION 110. Separability Clause 14
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture 14
SECTION 112. Governing Law 14
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays 14
SECTION 114. Submission to Jurisdiction 15
     
Article Two
SECURITIES FORMS
     
SECTION 201. Forms of Securities 15
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication 15
SECTION 203. Securities Issuable in Global Form 16
     
Article Three
THE SECURITIES
     
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series 17
SECTION 302. Denominations 20
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating 20
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities 22
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange 23
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities 25
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved; Optional Interest Reset 26
SECTION 308. Optional Extension of Maturity 28
SECTION 309. Persons Deemed Owners 29
SECTION 310. Cancellation 29
SECTION 311. Computation of Interest 30
SECTION 312. Currency and Manner of Payments in Respect of Securities 30
SECTION 313. Appointment and Resignation of Successor Exchange Rate Agent 33
SECTION 314. CUSIP Numbers 34

 

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Article Four
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
     
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture 34
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Funds 35
     
Article Five
REMEDIES
     
SECTION 501. Events of Default 35
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment 37
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee 38
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim 39
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities 40
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected 40
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits 40
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest 41
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies 41
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative 41
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver 42
SECTION 512. Control by Holders of Securities 42
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults 42
SECTION 514. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws 43
     
Article Six
THE TRUSTEE
     
SECTION 601. Notice of Defaults 43
SECTION 602. Certain Rights of Trustee 43
SECTION 603. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities 46
SECTION 604. May Hold Securities 46
SECTION 605. Money Held in Trust 46
SECTION 606. Compensation and Reimbursement and Indemnification of Trustee 46
SECTION 607. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility 47
SECTION 608. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests 48
SECTION 609. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor 48
SECTION 610. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor 49
SECTION 611. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business 50
SECTION 612. Appointment of Authenticating Agent 51
     
Article Seven
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
     
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders 53
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders 53
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee 53

 

ii
 

 

SECTION 704. Reports by Company 54
SECTION 705. Calculation of Original Issue Discount 54
     
Article Eight
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER
     
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms 54
SECTION 802. Successor Person Substituted 55
     
Article Nine
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
     
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders 55
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders 56
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures 58
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures 58
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act 58
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures 58
     
Article Ten
COVENANTS
     
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest 58
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency 59
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust 59
SECTION 1004. Additional Amounts 60
SECTION 1005. Statement as to Compliance 61
SECTION 1006. Waiver of Certain Covenants 62
     
Article Eleven
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
     
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article 62
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee 62
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed 62
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption 63
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price 64
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date 64
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part 65
     
Article Twelve
SINKING FUNDS
     
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article 65
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities 65
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund 66

 

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Article Thirteen
REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
     
SECTION 1301. Applicability of Article 66
SECTION 1302. Repayment of Securities 66
SECTION 1303. Exercise of Option 67
SECTION 1304. When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and Payable 67
SECTION 1305. Securities Repaid in Part 68
     
Article Fourteen
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
     
SECTION 1401. Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance 68
SECTION 1402. Defeasance and Discharge 68
SECTION 1403. Covenant Defeasance 69
SECTION 1404. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance 69
SECTION 1405. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions 71
     
Article Fifteen
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
     
SECTION 1501. Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called 72
SECTION 1502. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings 72
SECTION 1503. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings 72
SECTION 1504. Quorum; Action 73
SECTION 1505. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings 74
SECTION 1506. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings 74
     
Article Sixteen
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
     
SECTION 1601. Agreement to Subordinate 75
SECTION 1602. Distribution on Dissolution, Liquidation and Reorganization; Subrogation of Subordinated Securities 75
SECTION 1603. No Payment on Subordinated Securities in Event of Default on Senior Indebtedness 77
SECTION 1604. Payments on Subordinated Securities Permitted 77
SECTION 1605. Authorization of Holders to Trustee to Effect Subordination 77
SECTION 1606. Notices to Trustee 78
SECTION 1607. Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness 78
SECTION 1608. Modifications of Terms of Senior Indebtedness 78
SECTION 1609. Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent 79

 

iv
 

 

INDENTURE, dated as of [____________], 2012, between OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Company”), having its principal office at [____________________], and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as Trustee (hereinafter called the “Trustee”), having its [____________________________].

 

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

 

The Company deems it necessary to issue from time to time for its lawful purposes debt securities (hereinafter called the “Securities”) evidencing its secured or unsecured indebtedness, which may or may not be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the Company), and has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Securities, to be issued in one or more series, unlimited as to principal amount, to bear such rates of interest, to mature at such times and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed as hereinafter provided.

 

This Indenture (as defined herein) is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, that are required to be part of this Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

 

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

 

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders (as defined herein) thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, or of a series thereof, as follows:

 

Article One

 

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

 

SECTION 101.         Definitions.

 

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(1)         the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the singular and, pursuant to Section 301, any such item may, with respect to any particular series of Securities, be amended or modified or specified as being inapplicable;

 

(2)         all other terms used herein that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act (as defined herein), either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein, and the terms “cash transaction” and “self-liquidating paper”, as used in Section 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the rules of the Commission (as defined herein) adopted under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

1
 

 

(3)         all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America; and

 

(4)         the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

 

Certain terms, used in other Articles herein, are defined in those Articles.

 

Act ”, when used with respect to any Holder of a Security, has the meaning specified in Section 104.

 

Additional Amounts ” means any additional amounts that are required by a Security or by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, under circumstances specified therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain taxes imposed on certain Holders and that are owing to such Holders.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

Authenticating Agent ” means any authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 612 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

 

Authorized Newspaper ” means a newspaper, in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in each place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Where successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different newspapers in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day.

 

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company, the executive committee or any committee of that board duly authorized to act hereunder.

 

Board Resolution ” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Business Day ”, when used with respect to any Place of Payment or any other particular location referred to in this Indenture or in the Securities, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment or particular location are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

 

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Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or, if at any time after execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties on such date.

 

Company ” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor corporation.

 

Company Request ” and “ Company Order ” mean, respectively, a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by the Chief Executive Officer, President or a Vice President of the Company, and by the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Conversion Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 312(d).

 

Conversion Event ” means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign Currency both by the government of the country which issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community, (ii) the Euro within Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union or (iii) any currency unit (or composite currency) other than the Euro for the purposes for which it was established.

 

Corporate Trust Office ” means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date hereof is located at 101 Barclay Street, 8W, New York, New York 10286, Attn: Corporate Trust Administration or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).

 

Corporation ” includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts.

 

Currency ” means any currency or currencies, composite currency or currency unit or currency units issued by the government of one or more countries or by any reorganized confederation or association of such governments.

 

Default ” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

Defaulted Interest ” has the meaning specified in Section 307.

 

Depository ” means the clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as the Depository for global Securities. DTC shall be the initial Depository, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter, “Depository” shall mean or include such successor.

 

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Dollar ” or “ $” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

 

DTC ” means The Depository Trust Company.

 

Euro ” means the euro or other equivalent unit in such official coin or currency of the European Union.

 

Election Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 312(h).

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Article Five.

 

Exchange Rate Agent ”, with respect to Securities of or within any series, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, a bank that is a member of the New York Clearing House Association, designated pursuant to Section 301 or Section 313.

 

Exchange Rate Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate setting forth (i) the applicable Market Exchange Rate or the applicable bid quotation and (ii) the Dollar or Foreign Currency amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any (on an aggregate basis and on the basis of a Security having the lowest denomination principal amount determined in accordance with Section 302 in the relevant Currency), payable with respect to a Security of any series on the basis of such Market Exchange Rate or the applicable bid quotation signed by the Chief Financial Officer or any Vice President of the Company.

 

Foreign Currency ” means any Currency, including, without limitation, the Euro issued by the government of one or more countries other than the United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association of such governments.

 

Government Obligations ” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America or the government that issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or such government that issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable, the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

 

Holder ” means the Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.

 

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Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301; provided , however , that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument, “Indenture” shall mean, with respect to any one or more series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of the or those particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms that relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.

 

Indexed Security ” means a Security as to which all or certain interest payments and/or the principal amount payable at Maturity are determined by reference to prices, changes in prices, or differences between prices, of securities, Currencies, intangibles, goods, articles or commodities or by such other objective price, economic or other measures as are specified in or pursuant to Section 301 hereof.

 

Interest ”, when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity, and, when used with respect to a Security which provides for the payment of Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1004, includes such Additional Amounts.

 

Interest Payment Date ”, when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

 

Market Exchange Rate ” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, (i) for any conversion involving a currency unit on the one hand and Dollars or any Foreign Currency on the other, the exchange rate between the relevant currency unit and Dollars or such Foreign Currency calculated by the method specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of the relevant series, (ii) for any conversion of Dollars into any Foreign Currency, the noon buying rate for such Foreign Currency for cable transfers quoted in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and (iii) for any conversion of one Foreign Currency into Dollars or another Foreign Currency, the spot rate at noon local time in the relevant market at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Dollars or Foreign Currency into which conversion is being made could be purchased with the Foreign Currency from which conversion is being made from major banks located in either New York City, London or any other principal market for Dollars or such purchased Foreign Currency, in each case determined by the Exchange Rate Agent. Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, in the event of the unavailability of any of the exchange rates provided for in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), the Exchange Rate Agent shall use, in its sole discretion and without liability on its part, such quotation of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of the most recent available date, or quotations from one or more major banks in New York City, London or other principal market for such currency or currency unit in question, or such other quotations as the Exchange Rate Agent shall deem appropriate. Unless otherwise specified by the Exchange Rate Agent, if there is more than one market for dealing in any currency or currency unit by reason of foreign exchange regulations or otherwise, the market to be used in respect of such currency or currency unit shall be that upon which a nonresident issuer of securities designated in such currency or currency unit would purchase such currency or currency unit in order to make payments in respect of such securities as determined by the Exchange Rate Agent, in its sole discretion.

 

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Maturity ”, when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption, notice of option to elect repayment, notice of exchange or conversion or otherwise.

 

Notice of Default ” has the meaning provided in Section 501.

 

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, President or a Vice President of the Company, and by the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company or who may be an employee of or other counsel for the Company and who shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee.

 

Original Issue Discount Security ” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.

 

Outstanding ”, when used with respect to Securities or any series of Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities or all Securities of such series, as the case may be, theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

 

(i)          Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

 

(ii)         Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities, provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

 

(iii)        Securities, except to the extent provided in Sections 1402 and 1403, with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance and/or covenant defeasance as provided in Article Fourteen;

 

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(iv)        Securities that have been changed into any other securities of the Company or any other Person in accordance with this Indenture if the terms of such Securities provide for convertibility or exchangeability pursuant to Section 301; and

 

(v)         Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a protected purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

 

provided , however , that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or are present at a meeting of Holders for quorum purposes, and for the purpose of making the calculations required by TIA Section 313, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the amount of principal thereof that would be (or shall have been declared to be) due and payable, at the time of such determination, upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of any Security denominated in a Foreign Currency that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the Dollar equivalent, determined as of the date such Security is originally issued by the Company as set forth in an Exchange Rate Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security or Indexed Security, the Dollar equivalent as of such date of original issuance of the amount determined as provided in clause (i) above or (iii) below, respectively) of such Security, (iii) the principal amount of any Indexed Security that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the principal face amount of such Indexed Security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided with respect to such Security pursuant to Section 301, and (iv) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making such calculation or in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver or upon any such determination as to the presence of a quorum, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

 

Paying Agent ” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

 

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity.

 

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Place of Payment ”, when used with respect to the Securities of or within any series, means the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities are payable as specified and as contemplated by Sections 301 and 1002.

 

Predecessor Security ” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

 

Redemption Date ”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, in whole or in part, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Redemption Price ”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Registered Security ” means any Security that is registered in the Security Register.

 

Regular Record Date ” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Registered Securities of or within any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301, whether or not a Business Day.

 

Repayment Date ” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, means the date fixed for such repayment by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Repayment Price ” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, means the price at which it is to be repaid by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Responsible Officer ”, when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

 

Security ” or “ Securities ” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and, more particularly, means any Security or Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided , however , that, if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, “Securities” with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.

 

Security Register ” and “ Security Registrar ” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.

 

Senior Indebtedness ” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on (a) indebtedness of the Company (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by the Company), whether outstanding on the date hereof or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, that has been designated by the Company as “Senior Indebtedness” for purposes of this Indenture by a Company Order delivered to the Trustee, (b) Senior Securities, and (c) renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any such indebtedness.

 

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Senior Security ” or “ Senior Securities ” means any Security or Securities designated pursuant to Section 301 as a Senior Security.

 

Special Record Date ” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Registered Securities of or within any series means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

 

Stated Maturity ”, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable, as such date may be extended pursuant to the provisions of Section 308.

 

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on (a) indebtedness of the Company (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by the Company), whether outstanding on the date hereof or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, which in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such indebtedness ranks junior in right of payment to the Company’s Senior Indebtedness, equally and pari passu in right of payment with all other Subordinated Indebtedness, (b) Subordinated Securities, and (c) renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any such Subordinated Indebtedness.

 

Subordinated Security ” or “ Subordinated Securities ” means any Security or Securities designated pursuant to Section 301 as a Subordinated Security.

 

Subsidiary ” means (1) any corporation a majority of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company, (2) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof has a majority ownership interest, or (3) a partnership in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the time, a general partner and in which such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof has a majority ownership interest. For the purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock having voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

 

Trust Indenture Act ” or “ TIA ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was executed, except as provided in Section 905.

 

Trustee ” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder; provided , however , that if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean only the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

 

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United States ” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, the United States of America (including the states and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.

 

United States person ” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, any individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia (other than a partnership that is not treated as a United States person under any applicable Treasury regulations), any estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or any trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, to the extent provided in the Treasury regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as United States persons prior to such date that elect to continue to be treated as United States persons, will also be United States persons.

 

Valuation Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 312(c).

 

Yield to Maturity ” means the yield to maturity, computed at the time of issuance of a Security (or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such Security) and as set forth in such Security in accordance with generally accepted United States bond yield computation principles.

 

SECTION 102.         Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

 

Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

 

Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than pursuant to Section 1005) shall include:

 

(1)         a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such condition or covenant and the definitions herein relating thereto;

 

(2)         a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(3)         a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable such individual to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such condition or covenant has been complied with; and

 

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(4)         a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

 

SECTION 103.         Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

 

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion as to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

 

Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, or a certificate or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the opinion, certificate or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such Opinion of Counsel or certificate or representations may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information as to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations as to such matters are erroneous.

 

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

 

SECTION 104.         Acts of Holders.

 

(a)          Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of the Outstanding Securities of all series or one or more series, as the case may be, may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series may, alternatively, be embodied in and evidenced by the record of Holders of Securities of such series voting in favor thereof, either in person or by proxies duly appointed in writing, at any meeting of Holders of Securities of such series duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Article Fifteen, or a combination of such instruments and any such record. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments and any such record (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments or so voting at any such meeting. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Security, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company and any agent of the Trustee or the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The record of any meeting of Holders of Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 1506.

 

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(b)          The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him or her the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing or the authority of the Person executing the same may also be proved in any other reasonable manner that the Trustee deems sufficient.

 

(c)          The ownership of Registered Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.

 

(d)          If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of Registered Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.

 

(e)          Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

 

SECTION 105.         Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.

 

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

 

(1)         the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished, filed or mailed, first-class postage prepaid in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attn: Corporate Trust Administration. ([          ], [           ]), or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Company by the Trustee, or

 

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(2)         the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture, to the attention of its Secretary or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

 

SECTION 106.         Notice to Holders; Waiver.

 

Where this Indenture provides for notice of any event to Holders of Registered Securities by the Company or the Trustee, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each such Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders of Registered Securities is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Registered Securities. Any notice mailed to a Holder in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such Holder, whether or not such Holder actually receives such notice.

 

If by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification to Holders of Registered Securities as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification to such Holders for every purpose hereunder.

 

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.

 

Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

 

SECTION 107.         Conflict with TIA.

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the TIA that is required under the TIA to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the provision of the TIA shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the TIA that may be so modified or excluded, the provision of the TIA shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or only to the extent not so excluded, as the case may be.

 

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SECTION 108.         Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

 

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

SECTION 109.         Successors and Assigns.

 

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

 

SECTION 110.         Separability Clause.

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or in any Security shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

SECTION 111.         Benefits of Indenture.

 

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent and their successors hereunder and the Holders any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

 

SECTION 112.         Governing Law.

 

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. This Indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

 

SECTION 113.         Legal Holidays.

 

In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Security other than a provision in the Securities of any series which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section), payment of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date or sinking fund payment date, or at the Stated Maturity or Maturity; provided that no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity, as the case may be.

 

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SECTION 114.         Submission to Jurisdiction.

 

The Company hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York state or federal court sitting in The City of New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Indenture and the Securities of any series, and the Company hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York state or federal court. The Company hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding.

 

Article Two

 

SECURITIES FORMS

 

SECTION 201.         Forms of Securities.

 

The Registered Securities of each series, the temporary global Securities of each series, if any, and the permanent global Securities of each series, if any, shall be in substantially the forms as shall be established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto or approved from time to time by or pursuant to a Board Resolution in accordance with Section 301, shall have such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.

 

The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

 

SECTION 202.         Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.

 

Subject to Section 611, the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

    U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
     
  By  
    Authorized Officer

 

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SECTION 203.         Securities Issuable in Global Form.

 

If Securities of or within a series are issuable in global form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding clause (8) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, any such Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Security in global form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Security Registrar in such manner and upon instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or 304. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee or the Security Registrar shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 303 or 304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement, delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.

 

The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Security in global form if such Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee or the Security Registrar the Security in global form together with written instructions (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of Section 303.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Security in permanent global form shall be made to the Person or Persons specified therein.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 309 and except as provided in the preceding paragraph, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company and the Trustee shall treat as the Holder of such principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a permanent global Security, the Holder of such permanent global Security.

 

Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

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Article Three

 

THE SECURITIES

 

SECTION 301.         Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

 

The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

 

The Securities may be issued in one or more series as Registered Securities and shall be designated as Senior Securities or Subordinated Securities. Senior Securities are unsubordinated, shall rank equally and pari passu with all of the Company’s other Senior Indebtedness and senior to all of the Company’s Subordinated Indebtedness. Subordinated Securities shall rank junior to the Company’s Senior Indebtedness and equally and pari passu with all of the Company’s other Subordinated Indebtedness. There shall be established in one or more Board Resolutions or pursuant to authority granted by one or more Board Resolutions and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, any or all of the following, as applicable (each of which (except for the matters set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (15) below), if so provided, may be determined from time to time by the Company with respect to unissued Securities of the series when issued from time to time):

 

(1)         the title of the Securities of the series including CUSIP numbers (which shall distinguish the Securities of such series from all other series of Securities);

 

(2)         any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107 or 1305, and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

 

(3)         the date or dates, or the method by which such date or dates will be determined or extended, on which the principal of the Securities of the series shall be payable;

 

(4)         the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue or the method by which such date or dates shall be determined, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable and the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest payable on any Registered Security on any Interest Payment Date, or the method by which such date shall be determined, the basis upon which such interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

(5)         the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable, any Registered Securities of the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, Securities of the series may be surrendered for exchange, where Securities of that series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and where notices or demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served;

 

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(6)         the period or periods within which, or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the Currency or Currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to have the option;

 

(7)         the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the Currency or Currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

 

(8)         if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denomination or denominations in which any Registered Securities of the series shall be issuable;

 

(9)         if other than the Trustee, the identity of each Security Registrar and/or Paying Agent;

 

(10)        if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, upon redemption of the Securities of the series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity, upon surrender for repayment at the option of the Holder, or which the Trustee shall be entitled to claim pursuant to Section 504 or the method by which such portion shall be determined;

 

(11)        if other than Dollars, the Currency or Currencies in which payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series shall be made or in which the Securities of the series shall be denominated and the particular provisions applicable thereto in accordance with, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Section 312;

 

(12)        whether the amount of payments of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may be based, without limitation, on one or more Currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

 

(13)        whether the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in one or more Currencies other than that in which such Securities are denominated or stated to be payable, the period or periods within which (including the Election Date), and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner of determining the exchange rate between the Currency or Currencies in which such Securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the Currency or Currencies in which such Securities are to be paid, in each case in accordance with, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Section 312;

 

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(14)        provisions, if any, granting special rights to the Holders of Securities of the series upon the occurrence of such events as may be specified;

 

(15)        any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants (including any deletions from, modifications of or additions to any of the provisions of Section 1006) of the Company with respect to Securities of the series, whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth herein;

 

(16)        whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series in certificated form and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 305, and the circumstances under which and the place or places where such exchanges may be made and if Securities of the series are to be issuable as a global Security, the identity of the depository for such series;

 

(17)        the date as of which any temporary global Security representing Outstanding Securities of the series shall be dated if other than the date of original issuance of the first Security of the series to be issued;

 

(18)        the Person to whom any interest on any Registered Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, and the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid; and the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a permanent global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 307;

 

(19)        the applicability, if any, of Sections 1402 and/or 1403 to the Securities of the series and any provisions in modification of, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Article Fourteen;

 

(20)        if the Securities of such series are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Security of such series) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and/or terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

 

(21)        whether, under what circumstances and the Currency in which, the Company will pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by Section 1004 on the Securities of the series to any Holder who is not a United States person (including any modification to the definition of such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of any such option);

 

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(22)        the designation of the initial Exchange Rate Agent, if any;

 

(23)        if the Securities of the series are to be issued upon the exercise of warrants, the time, manner and place for such Securities to be authenticated and delivered;

 

(24)        if the Securities of the series are to be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the Company), the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable;

 

(25)        if the Securities of the series are to be secured, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so secured;

 

(26)        the appointment of any calculation agent, foreign currency exchange agent or other additional agents;

 

(27)        if the Securities of the series are to be listed on a securities exchange, the name of such exchange may be indicated; and

 

(28)        any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture or the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act).

 

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above (subject to Section 303) and set forth in the Officers’ Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto. All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the Holders, for issuances of additional Securities of such series.

 

If any of the terms of the Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions, a copy of an appropriate record of such action(s) shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms of the Securities of such series.

 

SECTION 302.         Denominations.

 

The Securities of each series shall be issuable in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. With respect to Securities of any series denominated in Dollars, in the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Registered Securities of such series, other than Registered Securities issued in global form (which may be of any denomination) shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

 

SECTION 303.         Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

 

The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, its President its Chief Operating Officer, its Chief Financial Officer or any of its Vice Presidents and attested by its Secretary or any of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such authorized officer and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Securities.

 

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Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

 

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company, to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order and an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel in accordance with Section 102 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time and if the Board Resolution or supplemental indenture establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set forth procedures acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Securities and determining the terms of particular Securities of such series, such as interest rate, maturity date, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon,

 

(i)          an Opinion of Counsel stating,

 

(a)          that the form or forms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(b)          that the terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

 

(c)          that such Securities, when completed by appropriate insertions and executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee for authentication in accordance with this Indenture, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights, to general equitable principles and to such other qualifications as such counsel shall conclude do not materially affect the rights of Holders of such Securities; and

 

(ii)         an Officers’ Certificate stating, to the best of the knowledge of the signers of such certificate, that no Event of Default with respect to any of the Securities shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

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Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of this Section 303, if all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order, Opinion of Counsel or Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to the preceding paragraph at the time of issuance of each Security of such series, but such order, opinion and certificates, with appropriate modifications to cover such future issuances, shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of such series.

 

If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties, obligations or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee will not be required to authenticate Securities denominated in a Foreign Currency if the Trustee reasonably believes that it would be unable to perform its duties with respect to such Securities.

 

Each Registered Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein duly executed by the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent by manual signature of an authorized signatory, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 310 together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

 

SECTION 304.         Temporary Securities.

 

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities that are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their execution of such Securities. In the case of Securities of any series, such temporary Securities may be in global form.

 

Except in the case of temporary Securities in global form (which shall be exchanged as provided in or pursuant to a Board Resolution), if temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount and like tenor of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.

 

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SECTION 305.         Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

 

The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or in any office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment a register for each series of Securities (the registers maintained in such office or in any such office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes referred to collectively as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Registered Securities and of transfers of Registered Securities. The Security Register shall be in written form or any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time. The Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office, is hereby initially appointed “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Registered Securities and transfers of Registered Securities on such Security Register as herein provided, and for facilitating exchanges of temporary global Securities for permanent global Securities or definitive Securities, or both, or of permanent global Securities for definitive Securities, or both, as herein provided. In the event that the Trustee shall cease to be Security Registrar, it shall have the right to examine the Security Register at all reasonable times.

 

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of any series at any office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding and containing identical terms and provisions.

 

At the option of the Holder, Registered Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Registered Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination or denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions, upon surrender of the Registered Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency. Whenever any Registered Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Registered Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

 

Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, any permanent global Security shall be exchangeable only as provided in this paragraph. If any beneficial owner of an interest in a permanent global Security is entitled to exchange such interest for Securities of such series and of like tenor and principal amount of another authorized form and denomination, as specified as contemplated by Section 301 and provided that any applicable notice provided in the permanent global Security shall have been given, then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such interest may be so exchanged, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities in aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such beneficial owner’s interest in such permanent global Security, executed by the Company. On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such permanent global Security shall be surrendered by the depository specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 or such other depository as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, as the Company’s agent for such purpose, or to the Security Registrar, to be exchanged, in whole or from time to time in part, for definitive Securities of the same series without charge and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for each portion of such permanent global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor as the portion of such permanent global Security to be exchanged; provided , however , that no such exchanges may occur during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities to be redeemed and ending on the relevant Redemption Date if the Security for which exchange is requested may be among those selected for redemption. If a Registered Security is issued in exchange for any portion of a permanent global Security after the close of business at the office or agency where such exchange occurs on (i) any Regular Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the relevant Interest Payment Date, or (ii) any Special Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted Interest or interest, as the case may be, will not be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in respect of such Registered Security, but will be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, only to the Person to whom interest in respect of such portion of such permanent global Security is payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

 

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

Every Registered Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar or any transfer agent) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney or any transfer agent duly authorized in writing.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906, 1107 or 1305 not involving any transfer.

 

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The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security if such Security may be among those selected for redemption during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before selection of the Securities to be redeemed under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except, in the case of any Registered Security to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed or (iii) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security that has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the Holder, except the portion, if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.

 

SECTION 306.         Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

 

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company, together with, in proper cases, such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company or the Trustee to save each of them or any agent of either of them harmless, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

If there shall be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Company shall, subject to the following paragraph, execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous two paragraphs, in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

 

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

 

Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.

 

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

 

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SECTION 307.         Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved; Optional Interest Reset.

 

(a)          Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, interest, if any, on any Registered Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 1002; provided , however , that each installment of interest, if any, on any Registered Security may at the Company’s option be paid by (i) mailing a check for such interest, payable to or upon the written order of the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 309, to the address of such Person as it appears on the Security Register or (ii) transfer to an account maintained by the payee located in the United States.

 

Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, any interest on any Registered Security of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder thereof on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:

 

(1)         The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Registered Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Registered Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment (which shall not be less than 20 days after such notice is received by the Trustee), and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Registered Securities of such series at his address as it appears in the Security Register not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Registered Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2).

 

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(2)         The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Registered Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

 

(b)          The provisions of this Section 307(b) may be made applicable to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 301 (with such modifications, additions or substitutions as may be specified pursuant to such Section 301). The interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) on any Security of such series may be reset by the Company on the date or dates specified on the face of such Security (each an “Optional Reset Date”). The Company may exercise such option with respect to such Security by notifying the Trustee of such exercise at least 45 but not more than 60 days prior to an Optional Reset Date for such Security. Not later than 35 days prior to each Optional Reset Date, the Trustee shall transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, to the Holder of any such Security a notice (the “Reset Notice”) indicating whether the Company has elected to reset the interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if applicable), and if so (i) such new interest rate (or such new spread or spread multiplier, if applicable) and (ii) the provisions, if any, for redemption during the period from such Optional Reset Date to the next Optional Reset Date or if there is no such next Optional Reset Date, to the Stated Maturity of such Security (each such period a “Subsequent Interest Period”), including the date or dates on which or the period or periods during which and the price or prices at which such redemption may occur during the Subsequent Interest Period.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 days prior to the Optional Reset Date, the Company may, at its option, revoke the interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) provided for in the Reset Notice and establish a higher interest rate (or a spread or spread multiplier providing for a higher interest rate, if applicable) for the Subsequent Interest Period by causing the Trustee to transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, notice of such higher interest rate (or such higher spread or spread multiplier providing for a higher interest rate, if applicable) to the Holder of such Security. Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Securities with respect to which the interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) is reset on an Optional Reset Date, and with respect to which the Holders of such Securities have not tendered such Securities for repayment (or have validly revoked any such tender) pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph, will bear such higher interest rate (or such higher spread or spread multiplier providing for a higher interest rate, if applicable).

 

The Holder of any such Security will have the option to elect repayment by the Company of the principal of such Security on each Optional Reset Date at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus interest accrued to such Optional Reset Date. In order to obtain repayment on an Optional Reset Date, the Holder must follow the procedures set forth in Article Thirteen for repayment at the option of Holders except that the period for delivery or notification to the Trustee shall be at least 25 but not more than 35 days prior to such Optional Reset Date and except that, if the Holder has tendered any Security for repayment pursuant to the Reset Notice, the Holder may, by written notice to the Trustee, revoke such tender or repayment until the close of business on the tenth day before such Optional Reset Date.

 

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Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Security.

 

SECTION 308.         Optional Extension of Maturity.

 

The provisions of this Section 308 may be made applicable to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 301 (with such modifications, additions or substitutions as may be specified pursuant to such Section 301). The Stated Maturity of any Security of such series may be extended at the option of the Company for the period or periods specified on the face of such Security (each an “Extension Period”) up to but not beyond the date (the “Final Maturity”) set forth on the face of such Security. The Company may exercise such option with respect to any Security by notifying the Trustee of such exercise at least 45 but not more than 60 days prior to the Stated Maturity of such Security in effect prior to the exercise of such option (the “Original Stated Maturity”). If the Company exercises such option, the Trustee shall transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, to the Holder of such Security not later than 35 days prior to the Original Stated Maturity a notice (the “Extension Notice”), prepared by the Company, indicating (i) the election of the Company to extend the Stated Maturity, (ii) the new Stated Maturity, (iii) the interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula to calculate such interest rate, if applicable), if any, applicable to the Extension Period and (iv) the provisions, if any, for redemption during such Extension Period. Upon the Trustee’s transmittal of the Extension Notice, the Stated Maturity of such Security shall be extended automatically and, except as modified by the Extension Notice and as described in the next paragraph, such Security will have the same terms as prior to the transmittal of such Extension Notice.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 days before the Original Stated Maturity of such Security, the Company may, at its option, revoke the interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) provided for in the Extension Notice and establish a higher interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula to calculate such higher interest rate, if applicable) for the Extension Period by causing the Trustee to transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, notice of such higher interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) to the Holder of such Security. Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Securities with respect to which the Stated Maturity is extended will bear such higher interest rate.

 

If the Company extends the Stated Maturity of any Security, the Holder will have the option to elect repayment of such Security by the Company on the Original Stated Maturity at a price equal to the principal amount thereof, plus interest accrued to such date. In order to obtain repayment on the Original Stated Maturity once the Company has extended the Stated Maturity thereof, the Holder must follow the procedures set forth in Article Thirteen for repayment at the option of Holders, except that the period for delivery or notification to the Trustee shall be at least 25 but not more than 35 days prior to the Original Stated Maturity and except that, if the Holder has tendered any Security for repayment pursuant to an Extension Notice, the Holder may by written notice to the Trustee revoke such tender for repayment until the close of business on the tenth day before the Original Stated Maturity.

 

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SECTION 309.         Persons Deemed Owners.

 

Prior to due presentment of a Registered Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall treat the Person in whose name such Registered Security is registered as the owner of such Registered Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest, if any, on such Registered Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Registered Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Security in global form or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any global temporary or permanent Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by any depository, as a Holder, with respect to such global Security or impair, as between such depository and owners of beneficial interests in such global Security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such depository (or its nominee) as Holder of such global Security.

 

SECTION 310.         Cancellation.

 

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, repayment at the option of the Holder, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. If the Company shall so acquire any of the Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. Cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures, unless by a Company Order the Company directs the Trustee to deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company or to return them to the Company.

 

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SECTION 311.         Computation of Interest.

 

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to Securities of any series, interest, if any, on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

SECTION 312.         Currency and Manner of Payments in Respect of Securities.

 

(a)          Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, with respect to Registered Securities of any series not permitting the election provided for in paragraph (b) below or the Holders of which have not made the election provided for in paragraph (b) below, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on any Registered Security of such series will be made in the Currency in which such Registered Security is payable. The provisions of this Section 312 may be modified or superseded with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301.

 

(b)          It may be provided pursuant to Section 301 with respect to Registered Securities of any series that Holders shall have the option, subject to paragraphs (d) and (e) below, to receive payments of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on such Registered Securities in any of the Currencies which may be designated for such election by delivering to the Trustee for such series of Registered Securities a written election with signature guarantees and in the applicable form established pursuant to Section 301, not later than the close of business on the Election Date immediately preceding the applicable payment date. If a Holder so elects to receive such payments in any such Currency, such election will remain in effect for such Holder or any transferee of such Holder until changed by such Holder or such transferee by written notice to the Trustee for such series of Registered Securities (but any such change must be made not later than the close of business on the Election Date immediately preceding the next payment date to be effective for the payment to be made on such payment date and no such change of election may be made with respect to payments to be made on any Registered Security of such series with respect to which an Event of Default has occurred or with respect to which the Company has deposited funds pursuant to Article Four or Fourteen or with respect to which a notice of redemption has been given by the Company or a notice of option to elect repayment has been sent by such Holder or such transferee). Any Holder of any such Registered Security who shall not have delivered any such election to the Trustee of such series of Registered Securities not later than the close of business on the applicable Election Date will be paid the amount due on the applicable payment date in the relevant Currency as provided in Section 312(a). The Trustee for each such series of Registered Securities shall notify the Exchange Rate Agent as soon as practicable after the Election Date of the aggregate principal amount of Registered Securities for which Holders have made such written election.

 

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(c)          Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if the election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to Section 301, then, not later than the fourth Business Day after the Election Date for each payment date for Registered Securities of any series, the Exchange Rate Agent will deliver to the Company a written notice specifying the Currency in which Registered Securities of such series are payable, the respective aggregate amounts of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Registered Securities to be paid on such payment date, specifying the amounts in such Currency so payable in respect of the Registered Securities as to which the Holders of Registered Securities denominated in any Currency shall have elected to be paid in another Currency as provided in paragraph (b) above. Unless the Trustee is acting as the Exchange Rate Agent, the Trustee shall have no obligation to complete the actual exchange of distribution amounts from one Currency to another Currency. If the election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to Section 301 and if at least one Holder has made such election, then, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, on the second Business Day preceding such payment date the Company will deliver to the Trustee for such series of Registered Securities an Exchange Rate Officer’s Certificate in respect of the Dollar or Foreign Currency or Currencies payments to be made on such payment date. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, the Dollar or Foreign Currency or Currencies amount receivable by Holders of Registered Securities who have elected payment in a Currency as provided in paragraph (b) above shall be determined by the Company on the basis of the applicable Market Exchange Rate in effect on the second Business Day (the “Valuation Date”) immediately preceding each payment date, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

 

(d)          If a Conversion Event occurs with respect to a Foreign Currency in which any of the Securities are denominated or payable other than pursuant to an election provided for pursuant to paragraph (b) above, then with respect to each date for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the applicable Securities denominated or payable in such Foreign Currency occurring after the last date on which such Foreign Currency was used (the “Conversion Date”), the Dollar shall be the currency of payment for use on each such payment date. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, the Dollar amount to be paid by the Company to the Trustee of each such series of Securities and by such Trustee or any Paying Agent to the Holders of such Securities with respect to such payment date shall be, in the case of a Foreign Currency other than a currency unit, the Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency or, in the case of a currency unit, the Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit, in each case as determined by the Exchange Rate Agent in the manner provided in paragraph (f) or (g) below.

 

(e)          Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if the Holder of a Registered Security denominated in any Currency shall have elected to be paid in another Currency as provided in paragraph (b) above, and a Conversion Event occurs with respect to such elected Currency, such Holder shall receive payment in the Currency in which payment would have been made in the absence of such election; and if a Conversion Event occurs with respect to the Currency in which payment would have been made in the absence of such election, such Holder shall receive payment in Dollars as provided in paragraph (d) of this Section 312.

 

(f)          The “Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency” shall be determined by the Exchange Rate Agent and shall be obtained for each subsequent payment date by converting the specified Foreign Currency into Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate on the Conversion Date.

 

(g)         The “Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit” shall be determined by the Exchange Rate Agent and subject to the provisions of paragraph (h) below shall be the sum of each amount obtained by converting the Specified Amount of each Component Currency into Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate for such Component Currency on the Valuation Date with respect to each payment.

 

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(h)          For purposes of this Section 312, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

A “ Component Currency ” shall mean any currency which, on the Conversion Date, was a component currency of the relevant currency unit.

 

A “ Specified Amount ” of a Component Currency shall mean the number of units of such Component Currency or fractions thereof which were represented in the relevant currency unit on the Conversion Date. If after the Conversion Date the official unit of any Component Currency is altered by way of combination or subdivision, the Specified Amount of such Component Currency shall be divided or multiplied in the same proportion. If after the Conversion Date two or more Component Currencies are consolidated into a single currency, the respective Specified Amounts of such Component Currencies shall be replaced by an amount in such single currency equal to the sum of the respective Specified Amounts of such consolidated Component Currencies expressed in such single currency, and such amount shall thereafter be a Specified Amount and such single currency shall thereafter be a Component Currency. If after the Conversion Date any Component Currency shall be divided into two or more currencies, the Specified Amount of such Component Currency shall be replaced by amounts of such two or more currencies, having an aggregate Dollar Equivalent value at the Market Exchange Rate on the date of such replacement equal to the Dollar Equivalent of the Specified Amount of such former Component Currency at the Market Exchange Rate immediately before such division, and such amounts shall thereafter be Specified Amounts and such currencies shall thereafter be Component Currencies. If, after the Conversion Date of the relevant currency unit, a Conversion Event (other than any event referred to above in this definition of “Specified Amount”) occurs with respect to any Component Currency of such currency unit and is continuing on the applicable Valuation Date, the Specified Amount of such Component Currency shall, for purposes of calculating the Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit, be converted into Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate in effect on the Conversion Date of such Component Currency.

 

An “ Election Date ” shall mean the Regular Record Date for the applicable series of Registered Securities or at least 16 days prior to Maturity, as the case may be, or such other prior date for any series of Registered Securities as specified pursuant to clause 13 of Section 301 by which the written election referred to in Section 312(b) may be made.

 

All decisions and determinations of the Exchange Rate Agent regarding the Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency, the Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit, the Market Exchange Rate and changes in the Specified Amounts as specified above shall be in its sole discretion and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and irrevocably binding upon the Company, the Trustee for the appropriate series of Securities and all Holders of such Securities denominated or payable in the relevant Currency. The Exchange Rate Agent shall promptly give written notice to the Company and the Trustee for the appropriate series of Securities of any such decision or determination.

 

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In the event that the Company determines in good faith that a Conversion Event has occurred with respect to a Foreign Currency, the Company will immediately give written notice thereof to the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent (and such Trustee will promptly thereafter give notice in the manner provided in Section 106 to the affected Holders) specifying the Conversion Date. In the event the Company so determines that a Conversion Event has occurred with respect to any other currency unit in which Securities are denominated or payable, the Company will immediately give written notice thereof to the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent (and such Trustee will promptly thereafter give notice in the manner provided in Section 106 to the affected Holders) specifying the Conversion Date and the Specified Amount of each Component Currency on the Conversion Date. In the event the Company determines in good faith that any subsequent change in any Component Currency as set forth in the definition of Specified Amount above has occurred, the Company will similarly give written notice to the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent.

 

The Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities shall be fully justified and protected in relying and acting upon information received by it from the Company and the Exchange Rate Agent and shall not otherwise have any duty or obligation to determine the accuracy or validity of such information independent of the Company or the Exchange Rate Agent.

 

SECTION 313.         Appointment and Resignation of Successor Exchange Rate Agent.

 

(a)          Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if and so long as the Securities of any series (i) are denominated in a Foreign Currency or (ii) may be payable in a Foreign Currency, or so long as it is required under any other provision of this Indenture, then the Company will engage and maintain with respect to each such series of Securities, or as so required, at least one Exchange Rate Agent. The Company will cause the Exchange Rate Agent to make the necessary foreign exchange determinations at the time and in the manner specified pursuant to Section 301 for the purpose of determining the applicable rate of exchange and, if applicable, for the purpose of converting the issued Foreign Currency into the applicable payment Currency for the payment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, pursuant to Section 312.

 

(b)          No resignation of the Exchange Rate Agent and no appointment of a successor Exchange Rate Agent pursuant to this Section shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Exchange Rate Agent as evidenced by a written instrument delivered to the Company and the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities accepting such appointment executed by the successor Exchange Rate Agent.

 

(c)          If the Exchange Rate Agent shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of the Exchange Rate Agent for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Exchange Rate Agent or Exchange Rate Agents with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Exchange Rate Agent may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, at any time there shall only be one Exchange Rate Agent with respect to the Securities of any particular series that are originally issued by the Company on the same date and that are initially denominated and/or payable in the same Currency).

 

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SECTION 314.         CUSIP Numbers.

 

The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall indicate the respective “CUSIP” numbers of the Securities in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall advise the Trustee as promptly as practicable in writing of any change in the CUSIP numbers.

 

Article Four

 

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

SECTION 401.         Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

 

Except as set forth below, this Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect to any series of Securities specified in such Company Request (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities of such series expressly provided for herein or pursuant hereto, any surviving rights of tender for repayment at the option of the Holders and any right to receive Additional Amounts, as provided in Section 1004), and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series when

 

(1)         either

 

(A)         all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities of such series which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii) Securities of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(B)         all Securities of such series

 

(i)          have become due and payable, or

 

(ii)         will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

 

(iii)        if redeemable at the option of the Company, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

 

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and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose, solely for the benefit of the Holders, an amount in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

 

(2)         the Company has irrevocably paid or caused to be irrevocably paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

 

(3)         the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied with.

 

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 606, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 612 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive any termination of this Indenture.

 

SECTION 402.         Application of Trust Funds.

 

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, for whose payment such money has been deposited with or received by the Trustee, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

Article Five

REMEDIES

 

SECTION 501.         Events of Default.

 

“Event of Default”, wherever used herein with respect to any particular series of Securities, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether or not it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body), unless it is either inapplicable to a particular series or is specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to the supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution establishing such series of Securities or is in the form of Security for such series:

 

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(1)         default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when such interest becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

 

(2)         default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable at its Maturity; or

 

(3)         default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of any Security of that series, and continuance of such default for a period of 2 Business Days; or

 

(4)         default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of the Company in this Indenture with respect to any Security of that series (other than a covenant or agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;

 

(5)         the Company, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

 

(A)         commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law,

 

(B)         consents to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief against it,

 

(C)         consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding,

 

(D)         consents to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

(E)         makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or admits in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due or takes any corporate action in furtherance of any such action; or

 

(6)         a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 

(A)         is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding, or

 

(B)         adjudges the Company bankrupt or insolvent, or approves as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company, or

 

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(C)         appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

(D)         orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company,

 

and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

 

(7)         if, pursuant to Sections 18(a)(1)(c)(ii) and 61 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months Securities of that series shall have an asset coverage (as such term is used in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of less than 100 per centum;

 

(8)         any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.

 

The term “Bankruptcy Law” means title 11, U.S. Code or any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law. The term “Custodian” means any custodian, receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

SECTION 502.         Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may (and the Trustee shall at the request of such Holders) declare the principal (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal or specified portion thereof shall become immediately due and payable.

 

Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the requisite amount of Holders (as determined pursuant to this Indenture) may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or after the date specified in such application unless prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the Trustee shall have received written instructions from the requisite amount of Holders (as determined pursuant to this Indenture) in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.

 

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter provided in this Article, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

 

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(1)         the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)):

 

(A)        all overdue installments of interest, if any, on all Outstanding Securities of that series,

 

(B)         the principal of (and premium, if any, on) all Outstanding Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities,

 

(C)         to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and

 

(D)        all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and

 

(2)         all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on Securities of that series that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.

 

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

SECTION 503.         Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

 

The Company covenants that if:

 

(1)         default is made in the payment of any installment of interest on any Security of any series when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

 

(2)         default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security of any series at its Maturity,

 

then the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of Securities of such series, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, with interest upon any overdue principal (and premium, if any) and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon any overdue installments of interest, if any, at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

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If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon Securities of such series and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities of such series, wherever situated.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

 

SECTION 504.         Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of any series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of any overdue principal, premium or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(i)          to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (or in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be provided for in the terms thereof) (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents, and take such other actions, including serving on a committee of creditors, as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

 

(ii)         to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of Securities of such series to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee, their agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee under Section 606.

 

Subject to Article Eight and Section 902 and unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Security any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of a Security in any such proceeding.

 

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SECTION 505.         Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

 

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or any of the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

 

SECTION 506.         Application of Money Collected.

 

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

 

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 606 and any other agent hereunder;

 

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, giving effect to Article XVI, if applicable, but otherwise ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the aggregate amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, respectively; and

 

THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company or any other Person or Persons entitled thereto.

 

SECTION 507.         Limitation on Suits.

 

No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

 

(1)         such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

 

(2)         the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

 

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(3)         such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity, security or both against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

(4)         the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity and/or security has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

(5)         no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;

 

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.

 

SECTION 508.         Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right which is absolute and unconditional to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest, if any, on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date or, in the case of repayment at the option of the Holders on the Repayment Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

 

SECTION 509.         Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

 

If the Trustee or any Holder of a Security has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of Securities shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

SECTION 510.         Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

 

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

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SECTION 511.         Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

 

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities, as the case may be.

 

SECTION 512.         Control by Holders of Securities.

 

Subject to Section 602, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that

 

(1)         such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,

 

(2)         the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction

 

(3)         the Trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders of Securities of such series not consenting, and

 

(4)         the Trustee may demand security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it in accordance with Section 602.

 

SECTION 513.         Waiver of Past Defaults.

 

Subject to Section 502, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to Securities of such series and its consequences, except a default

 

(1)         in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series, or

 

(2)         in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

 

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

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SECTION 514.         Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.

 

The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

Article Six

 

THE TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 601.         Notice of Defaults.

 

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), notice of such Default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such Default shall have been cured or waived; provided , however , that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series, or in the payment of any sinking or purchase fund installment with respect to the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of the Securities of such series; and provided further that in the case of any Default or breach of the character specified in Section 501 (4) with respect to the Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof.

 

SECTION 602.         Certain Rights of Trustee.

 

(1)         Prior to the time when the occurrence of an Event of Default becomes known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to a series of Securities that may have occurred:

 

(a)          the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of any series be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 107 of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to the Securities except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, including without limitation Section 107 of this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee;

 

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(b)          in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform on their face to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any mathematical calculations or other facts stated herein); and

 

(c)          The Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.

 

(2)         The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

 

(3)         Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order (other than delivery of any Security, to the Trustee for authentication and delivery pursuant to Section 303 which shall be sufficiently evidenced as provided therein) and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution.

 

(4)         Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may require and, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon a Board Resolution, an Opinion of Counsel or an Officers’ Certificate.

 

(5)         The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

 

(6)         The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Securities of any series pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

(7)         The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times during normal business hours to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney.

 

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(8)         The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

 

(9)         The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture.

 

(10)        The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder.

 

(11)        The permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties and the Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct with respect to such permissive rights.

 

(12)        The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to such Securities.

 

(13)        The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

 

(14)        The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

(15)        In no event shall the Trustee be liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

 

(16)        The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; terrorism; wars and other military disturbances; sabotage; epidemics; riots; interruptions; loss or malfunctions of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communications services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authorities and governmental action.

 

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The Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

The parties hereto acknowledge that in order to help the United States government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, pursuant to Federal regulations that became effective on October 1, 2003 (Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act) all financial institutions are required to obtain, verify, record and update information that identifies each person establishing a relationship or opening an account. The parties to this Agreement agree that they will provide to the Trustee such information as it may request, from time to time, in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, including but not limited to the name, address, tax identification number and other information that will allow it to identify the individual or entity who is establishing the relationship or opening the account and may also ask for formation documents such as articles of incorporation or other identifying documents to be provided.

 

SECTION 603.         Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

 

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the Company are true and accurate, subject to the qualifications set forth therein. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

 

SECTION 604.         May Hold Securities.

 

The Trustee, any Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or such other agent.

 

SECTION 605.         Money Held in Trust.

 

Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.

 

SECTION 606.         Compensation and Reimbursement and Indemnification of Trustee.

 

The Company agrees:

 

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(1)         To pay to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee from time to time such compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder as has been agreed upon from time to time in writing (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust).

 

(2)         Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(3)         To indemnify each of the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on its own part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

 

As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a claim prior to the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on particular Securities.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 501 occurs, the expenses and compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar Federal, State or analogous foreign law for the relief of debtors.

 

The provisions of this Section 606 shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the satisfaction, termination or discharge of this Indenture.

 

SECTION 607.         Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

 

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that shall be eligible to act as Trustee under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of Federal, State, Territorial or the District of Columbia supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

 

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SECTION 608.         Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.

 

If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture.

 

SECTION 609.         Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

 

(a)          No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 610. All outstanding fees, expenses and indemnities of the Trustee shall be satisfied by the Company upon resignation or removal.

 

(b)          The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company.

 

(c)          The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by (i) the Company, by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, provided that contemporaneously therewith (x) the Company immediately appoints a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series meeting the requirements of Section 607 hereof and (y) the terms of Section 610 hereof are complied with in respect of such appointment (the Trustee being removed hereby agreeing to execute the instrument contemplated by Section 610(b) hereof, if applicable, under such circumstances) and provided further that no Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and then be continuing at such time, or (ii) Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

 

(d)          If at any time:

 

(1)         the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of TIA Section 310(b) after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

 

(2)         the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 607 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

 

(3)         the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (i) the Company by or pursuant to a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to TIA Section 315(e), any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

 

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(e)          If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of a notice of resignation or the delivery of an Act of removal, the Trustee resigning or being removed may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

(f)          If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series). If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Securities and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to Securities of such series.

 

(g)          The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series in the manner provided for notices to the Holders of Securities in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

 

SECTION 610.         Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

 

(a)          In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee, and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its claim, if any, provided for in Section 606.

 

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(b)          In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and that (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. Whenever there is a successor Trustee with respect to one or more (but less than all) series of securities issued pursuant to this Indenture, the terms “Indenture” and “Securities” shall have the meanings specified in the provisos to the respective definition of those terms in Section 101 which contemplate such situation.

 

(c)          Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

 

(d)          No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

 

SECTION 611.         Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

 

Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities. In case any Securities shall not have been authenticated by such predecessor Trustee, any such successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Securities, in either its own name or that of its predecessor Trustee, with the full force and effect which this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of the Trustee; provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Securities in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.

 

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SECTION 612.         Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

 

At any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents (which may be an Affiliate or Affiliates of the Company) with respect to one or more series of Securities that shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue or upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing signed by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, a copy of which instrument shall be promptly furnished to the Company. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 301, shall at all times be a bank or trust company or corporation organized and doing business and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America or of any State or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, eligible to serve as trustee hereunder pursuant to Section 607. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. In case at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

 

Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

 

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An Authenticating Agent for any series of Securities may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee for such series and to the Company. The Trustee for any series of Securities may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee for such series may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall promptly give written notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve in the manner set forth in Section 106. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent herein. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

 

The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation including reimbursement of its reasonable expenses for its services under this Section.

 

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to or in lieu of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication substantially in the following form:

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

    U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
     
  By:  
    as Authenticating Agent
     
  By:  
    Authorized Officer

 

If all of the Securities of a series may not be originally issued at one time, and the Trustee does not have an office capable of authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Company wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested by the Company in writing (which writing need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), shall appoint in accordance with this Section an Authenticating Agent (which, if so requested by the Company, shall be an Affiliate of the Company) having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Company with respect to such series of Securities, provided that the terms and conditions of such appointment are acceptable to the Trustee.

 

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Article Seven

HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

 

SECTION 701.         Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

 

The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:

 

(a)          Semi-annually, not later than March 15 and September 15 in each year, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of each series as of the preceding March 1 or September 1, as the case may be; and

 

(b)          At such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the time such list is furnished;

 

Excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar.

 

SECTION 702.         Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

 

(a)          The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

 

(b)          The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and duties of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

 

(c)          Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent nor any Paying Agent nor any Security Registrar nor any agent of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities in accordance with TIA Section 312, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under TIA Section 312(b).

 

SECTION 703.         Reports by Trustee.

 

Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the first May 15 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report dated as of such May 15 which meets the requirements of TIA Section 313(a).

 

A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange, if any, upon which the Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of the listing of the Securities on any stock exchange. In the event that, on any such reporting date, no events have occurred under the applicable sections of the TIA within the 12 months preceding such reporting date, the Trustee shall be under no duty or obligation to provide such reports.

 

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SECTION 704.         Reports by Company.

 

The Company will:

 

(1)         file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such Sections, then it will file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations; and

 

(2)         file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations.

 

The Trustee shall transmit by mail to the Holders of Securities, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission. In no event shall the Trustee be obligated to determine whether or not any report, information or document shall have been filed with the Commission.

 

SECTION 705.         Calculation of Original Issue Discount.

 

The Company shall file with the Trustee promptly at the end of each calendar year a written notice specifying the amount of original issue discount (including daily rates and accrual periods), if any, accrued on Outstanding Securities as of the end of such year.

 

Article Eight

 

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER

 

SECTION 801.         Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

 

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into any other corporation or convey or transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, unless:

 

(1)         either the Company shall be the continuing corporation, or the corporation (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on all the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

 

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(2)         immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have happened and be continuing; and

 

(3)         the Company and the successor Person have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

SECTION 802.         Successor Person Substituted.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any conveyance or transfer of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the successor Person to which such conveyance or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor had been named as the Company herein; and in the event of any such conveyance or transfer, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities and may be dissolved and liquidated.

 

Article Nine

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

 

SECTION 901.         Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

 

Without the consent of any Holders of Securities, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

 

(1)         to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities contained; or

 

(2)         to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

 

(3)         to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); provided , however , that in respect of any such additional Events of Default such supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of that or those series of Securities to which such additional Events of Default apply to waive such default; or

 

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(4)         to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no Security Outstanding of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture that is entitled to the benefit of such provision; or

 

(5)         to secure the Securities; or

 

(6)         to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, including the provisions and procedures relating to Securities convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the Company); or

 

(7)         to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; or

 

(8)         to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture; provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect; or

 

(9)         to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Sections 401, 1402 and 1403; provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series of Securities in any material respect.

 

SECTION 902.         Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

 

With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding Securities affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture that affects such series of Securities or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of such series of Securities under this Indenture; provided , however , that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby:

 

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(1)         change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or premium, if any) or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, subject to the provisions of Section 308; or the terms of any sinking fund with respect to any Security; or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest (or change the manner of calculating the rate of interest, thereon, or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change any obligation of the Company to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1004 (except as contemplated by Section 801(1) and permitted by Section 901(1)), or reduce the portion of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or Indexed Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, or upon the redemption thereof or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 504, or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of the Holder of any Security, or change any Place of Payment where, or the Currency in which, any Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date or the Repayment Date, as the case may be), or adversely affect any right to convert or exchange any Security as may be provided pursuant to Section 301 herein, or modify the subordination provisions set forth in Article Sixteen in a manner that is adverse to the Holder of any Outstanding Security, or

 

(2)         reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver with respect to such series (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or reduce the requirements of Section 1504 for quorum or voting, or

 

(3)         modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1006, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided , however , that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder of a Security with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 610(b) and 901(8).

 

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

 

A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or that modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

 

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to any indenture supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that unless such consent shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having been obtained prior to the date that is 90 days after such record date, any such consent previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be cancelled and of no further effect.

 

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SECTION 903.         Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

 

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modification thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 102 of this Indenture, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

SECTION 904.         Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

 

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

 

SECTION 905.         Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

 

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

 

SECTION 906.         Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

 

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall, if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

 

Article Ten
 

COVENANTS

 

SECTION 1001.         Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest.

 

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of such series of Securities and this Indenture. Unless otherwise specified with respect to Securities of any series pursuant to Section 301, at the option of the Company, all payments of principal may be paid by check to the registered Holder of the Registered Security or other person entitled thereto against surrender of such Security.

 

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SECTION 1002.         Maintenance of Office or Agency.

 

The Company shall maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, where Securities of that series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of each such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency in respect of any series of Securities or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

 

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all of such purposes, and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided , however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in accordance with the requirements set forth above for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301 with respect to a series of Securities, the Company hereby designates as a Place of Payment for each series of Securities the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and initially appoints the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

 

Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, if and so long as the Securities of any series (i) are denominated in a currency other than Dollars or (ii) may be payable in a currency other than Dollars, or so long as it is required under any other provision of the Indenture, then the Company will maintain with respect to each such series of Securities, or as so required, at least one Exchange Rate Agent.

 

SECTION 1003.         Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.

 

If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of any Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)), sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Securities of such series so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

 

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Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum (in the Currency or Currencies described in the preceding paragraph) sufficient to pay the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, so becoming due, such sum of money to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

 

The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums of money held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such sums.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Securities of any series, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company upon Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such money held in trust, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided , however , that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.

 

SECTION 1004.         Additional Amounts.

 

If the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of such series such Additional Amounts as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of any series or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided for by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

 

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Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, if the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that series of Securities (or if the Securities of that series will not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal premium is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal, premium or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers’ Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company’s principal Paying Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, with an Officers’ Certificate instructing the Trustee and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal, premium or interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of Securities of that series who are not United States persons without withholding for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of that series. If any such withholding shall be required, then such Officers’ Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld on such payments to such Holders of Securities of that series and the Company will pay to the Trustee or such Paying Agent the Additional Amounts required by the terms of such Securities. In the event that the Trustee or any Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall not so receive the above-mentioned certificate, then the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall be entitled (i) to assume that no such withholding or deduction is required with respect to any payment of principal or interest with respect to any Securities of a series until it shall have received a certificate advising otherwise and (ii) to make all payments of principal and interest with respect to the Securities of a series without withholding or deductions until otherwise advised. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers’ Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section or in reliance on the Company’s not furnishing such an Officers’ Certificate.

 

SECTION 1005.         Statement as to Compliance.

 

(1)         The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the date hereof so long as any Security is Outstanding hereunder, a brief certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Company as to his or her knowledge of the Company’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture. For purposes of this Section 1005, such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.

 

(2)         The Company will, so long as any series of Securities are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 5 Business Days of any officer listed in (1) above becoming aware of any Default, Event of Default or default in the performance of any covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Indenture, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default, Event of Default, default or event of default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and the status thereof.

 

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SECTION 1006.         Waiver of Certain Covenants.

 

As specified pursuant to Section 301(15), for Securities of any series, the Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant or condition set forth in any covenants of the Company added to Article Ten pursuant to Section 301(14) or Section 301 (15) in connection with the Securities of a series, if before or after the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding Securities of such series, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Article Eleven

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

 

SECTION 1101.         Applicability of Article.

 

Securities of any series that are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.

 

SECTION 1102.         Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

 

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all of the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed, and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed, and shall deliver to the Trustee such documentation and records as shall enable the Trustee to select the Securities to be redeemed pursuant to Section 1103. In the case of any redemption of Securities of any series prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.

 

SECTION 1103.         Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.

 

If less than all the Securities of any series issued on the same day with the same terms are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series issued on such date with the same terms not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the Depository; provided that such method complies with the rules of any national securities exchange or quotation system on which the Securities are listed, and may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series; provided , however , that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Security not redeemed to less than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of such series.

 

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The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security Registrar (if other than itself) in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

 

For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security which has been or is to be redeemed.

 

SECTION 1104.         Notice of Redemption.

 

Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, unless a shorter period is specified by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, but failure to give such notice in the manner herein provided to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a whole or in part, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other such Security or portion thereof.

 

Any notice that is mailed to the Holders of Registered Securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.

 

All notices of redemption shall state:

 

(1)         the Redemption Date,

 

(2)         the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106,

 

(3)         if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amount) of the particular Security or Securities to be redeemed,

 

(4)         in case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice that relates to such Security shall state that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, the Holder will receive, without a charge, a new Security or Securities of authorized denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed,

 

(5)         that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106 will become due and payable upon each such Security, or the portion thereof, to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date,

 

(6)         the Place or Places of Payment where such Securities, are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any,

 

(7)         that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case, and

 

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(8)         the CUSIP number of such Security, if any.

 

A notice of redemption published as contemplated by Section 106 need not identify particular Registered Securities to be redeemed. Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

 

SECTION 1105.         Deposit of Redemption Price.

 

On or prior to 10:00 am, New York City time, on any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, which it may not do in the case of a sinking fund payment under Article Twelve, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price of, and (unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof which are to be redeemed on that date.

 

SECTION 1106.         Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

 

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) (together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date), and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any) such Securities shall if the same were interest-bearing cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided , however , that unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest on Registered Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

 

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the Redemption Price shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate of interest set forth in such Security or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, at the Yield to Maturity of such Security.

 

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SECTION 1107.         Securities Redeemed in Part.

 

Any Registered Security that is to be redeemed only in part (pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Article Twelve) shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing) and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. If a temporary global Security or permanent global Security is so surrendered, such new Security so issued shall be a new temporary global Security or permanent global Security, respectively. However, if less than all the Securities of any series with differing issue dates, interest rates and stated maturities are to be redeemed, the Company in its sole discretion shall select the particular Securities to be redeemed and shall notify the Trustee in writing thereof at least 45 days prior to the relevant redemption date.

 

Article Twelve

 

SINKING FUNDS

 

SECTION 1201.         Applicability of Article.

 

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.

 

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment”, and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of any Securities of any series, the cash amount of any mandatory sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.

 

SECTION 1202.         Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

 

The Company may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of a series, (1) deliver Outstanding Securities of such series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) apply as a credit Securities of such series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, as provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that such Securities so delivered or applied as a credit have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the applicable Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

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SECTION 1203.         Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

 

Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for Securities of any series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1202, and the optional amount, if any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered and credited. If such Officers’ Certificate shall specify an optional amount to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, the Company shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.

 

Article Thirteen

 

REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS

 

SECTION 1301.         Applicability of Article.

 

Repayment of Securities of any series before their Stated Maturity at the option of Holders thereof shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Securities and (except as otherwise specified by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301) in accordance with this Article.

 

SECTION 1302.         Repayment of Securities.

 

Securities of any series subject to repayment in whole or in part at the option of the Holders thereof will, unless otherwise provided in the terms of such Securities, be repaid at the Repayment Price thereof, together with interest, if any, thereon accrued to the Repayment Date specified in or pursuant to the terms of such Securities. The Company covenants that on or before 10:00 am, New York City time, on the Repayment Date it will deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay the Repayment Price of, and (unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid on such date.

 

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SECTION 1303.         Exercise of Option.

 

Securities of any series subject to repayment at the option of the Holders thereof will contain an “Option to Elect Repayment” form on the reverse of such Securities. To be repaid at the option of the Holder, any Security so providing for such repayment, with the “Option to Elect Repayment” form on the reverse of such Security duly completed by the Holder (or by the Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing), must be received by the Company at the Place of Payment therefor specified in the terms of such Security (or at such other place or places of which the Company shall from time to time notify the Holders of such Securities) not earlier than 45 days nor later than 30 days prior to the Repayment Date. If less than the entire Repayment Price of such Security is to be repaid in accordance with the terms of such Security, the portion of the Repayment Price of such Security to be repaid, in increments of the minimum denomination for Securities of such series, and the denomination or denominations of the Security or Securities to be issued to the Holder for the portion of such Security surrendered that is not to be repaid, must be specified. Any Security providing for repayment at the option of the Holder thereof may not be repaid in part if, following such repayment, the unpaid principal amount of such Security would be less than the minimum authorized denomination of Securities of the series of which such Security to be repaid is a part. Except as otherwise may be provided by the terms of any Security providing for repayment at the option of the Holder thereof, exercise of the repayment option by the Holder shall be irrevocable unless waived by the Company.

 

SECTION 1304.         When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and Payable.

 

If Securities of any series providing for repayment at the option of the Holders thereof shall have been surrendered as provided in this Article and as provided by or pursuant to the terms of such Securities, such Securities or the portions thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid shall become due and payable and shall be paid by the Company on the Repayment Date therein specified, and on and after such Repayment Date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of such Securities on such Repayment Date) such Securities shall, if the same were interest-bearing, cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for repayment in accordance with such provisions, the Repayment Price of such Security so to be repaid shall be paid by the Company, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Repayment Date; provided , however , that installments of interest on Registered Securities, whose Stated Maturity is prior to (or, if specified pursuant to Section 301, on) the Repayment Date shall be payable (but without interest thereon, unless the Company shall default in the payment thereof) to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

 

If any Security surrendered for repayment shall not be so repaid upon surrender thereof, the Repayment Price shall, until paid, bear interest from the Repayment Date at the rate of interest set forth in such Security or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, at the Yield to Maturity of such Security.

 

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SECTION 1305.         Securities Repaid in Part.

 

Upon surrender of any Registered Security that is to be repaid in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security, without service charge and at the expense of the Company, a new Registered Security or Securities of the same series, and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination specified by the Holder, in an aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the portion of the principal of such Security so surrendered that is not to be repaid. If a temporary global Security or permanent global Security is so surrendered, such new Security so issued shall be a new temporary global Security or a new permanent global Security, respectively.

 

Article Fourteen

 

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

 

SECTION 1401.         Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

If pursuant to Section 301 provision is made for either or both of (a) defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under Section 1402 or (b) covenant defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under Section 1403, then the provisions of such Section or Sections, as the case may be, together with the other provisions of this Article (with such modifications thereto as may be specified pursuant to Section 301 with respect to any Securities), shall be applicable to such Securities, and the Company may at its option by Board Resolution, at any time, with respect to such Securities, elect to have either Section 1402 (if applicable) or Section 1403 (if applicable) be applied to such Outstanding Securities upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article.

 

SECTION 1402.         Defeasance and Discharge.

 

Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Outstanding Securities on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1404 are satisfied (hereinafter, “defeasance”). For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Outstanding Securities, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “Outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 1405 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (A) and (B) of this Section, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1404 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on such Securities when such payments are due, (B) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003 and with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities as contemplated by Section 1004, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (D) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article Fourteen, the Company may exercise its option under this Section notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 1403 with respect to such Securities. Following a defeasance, payment of such Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.

 

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SECTION 1403.         Covenant Defeasance.

 

Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series, if specified pursuant to Section 301, the Company shall be released from its obligations under any covenant, with respect to such Outstanding Securities on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1404 are satisfied (hereinafter, “covenant defeasance”), and such Securities shall thereafter be deemed to be not “Outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenant, but shall continue to be deemed “Outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to such Outstanding Securities, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Section or such other covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or such other covenant or by reason of reference in any such Section or such other covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 501(4) or 501(8) or otherwise, as the case may be, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby. Following a covenant defeasance, payment of such Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default solely by reference to such Sections specified above in this Section 1403.

 

SECTION 1404.         Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

The following shall be the conditions to application of either Section 1402 or Section 1403 to any Outstanding Securities of or within a series:

 

(a)          The Company shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 607 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article Fourteen applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for the benefit of, and dedicated solely to, the Holders of such Securities, (1) an amount (in such Currency in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity), or (2) Government Obligations applicable to such Securities (determined on the basis of the Currency in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on such Securities, money in an amount, or (3) a combination thereof in an amount, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (i) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on such Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest and (ii) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to such Outstanding Securities on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities.

 

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(b)          Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

 

(c)          No Default or Event of Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as Sections 501(5) and 501(6) are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).

 

(d)          In the case of an election under Section 1402, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred.

 

(e)          In the case of an election under Section 1403, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred.

 

(f)          The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to either the defeasance under Section 1402 or the covenant defeasance under Section 1403 (as the case may be) have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that as a result of a deposit pursuant to subsection (a) above and the related exercise of the Company’s option under Section 1402 or Section 1403 (as the case may be), registration is not required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by the Company, with respect to the trust funds representing such deposit or by the trustee for such trust funds.

 

(g)          Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance with any additional or substitute terms, conditions or limitations which may be imposed on the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section 301.

 

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SECTION 1405.         Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (or other property as may be provided pursuant to Section 301) (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 1405, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1404 in respect of any Outstanding Securities of any series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Security pursuant to Section 301, if, after a deposit referred to in Section 1404(a) has been made, (a) the Holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 312(b) or the terms of such Security to receive payment in a Currency other than that in which the deposit pursuant to Section 1404(a) has been made in respect of such Security, or (b) a Conversion Event occurs as contemplated in Section 312(d) or 312(e) or by the terms of any Security in respect of which the deposit pursuant to Section 1404(a) has been made, the indebtedness represented by such Security shall be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on such Security as the same becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting (from time to time as specified below in the case of any such election) the amount or other property deposited in respect of such Security into the Currency in which such Security becomes payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event based on the applicable Market Exchange Rate for such Currency in effect on the second Business Day prior to each payment date, except, with respect to a Conversion Event, such conversion shall be based on the applicable Market Exchange Rate for such Currency in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.

 

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the money or Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1404 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of such Outstanding Securities.

 

Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in Section 1404 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Article.

 

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Article Fifteen

MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

SECTION 1501.         Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called.

 

A meeting of Holders of any series of Securities may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series.

 

SECTION 1502.         Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.

 

(a)          The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series for any purpose specified in Section 1501, to be held at such time and at such place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section 106.

 

(b)          In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Holders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in Section 1501, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first publication or mailing of the notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.

 

SECTION 1503.         Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.

 

To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, a Person shall be (1) a Holder of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series, or (2) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.

 

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SECTION 1504.         Quorum; Action.

 

The Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series; provided , however , that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent, waiver, request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action that this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders of Securities of such series, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 1502(a), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum.

 

Except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; provided , however , that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution with respect to any consent, waiver, request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action which this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series.

 

Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1504, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series with respect to any consent, waiver, request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action that this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all Outstanding Securities affected thereby, or of the Holders of such series and one or more additional series:

 

(i)          there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and

 

(ii)         the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series that vote in favor of such consent, waiver, request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under this Indenture.

 

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SECTION 1505.         Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.

 

(a)          Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such series and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or other proof.

 

(b)          The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1502(b), in which case the Company or the Holders of Securities of the series calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting.

 

(c)          At any meeting of Holders, each Holder of a Security of such series or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by such Holder; provided , however , that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote, except as a Holder of a Security of such series or proxy.

 

(d)          Any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 1502 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.

 

SECTION 1506.         Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.

 

The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders of Securities of such series or of their representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders of Securities of any Series shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the fact, setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1502 and, if applicable, Section 1504. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.

 

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Article Sixteen

SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

 

SECTION 1601.         Agreement to Subordinate.

 

The Company, for itself, its successors and assigns, covenants and agrees, and each Holder of Subordinated Securities by his acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on each and all of the Subordinated Securities is hereby expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 1602.         Distribution on Dissolution, Liquidation and Reorganization; Subrogation of Subordinated Securities.

 

Upon any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether in bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or receivership proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of the assets and liabilities of the Company or otherwise (subject to the power of a court of competent jurisdiction to make other equitable provision reflecting the rights conferred in this Indenture upon the

 

Senior Indebtedness and the holders thereof with respect to the Securities and the holders thereof by a lawful plan of reorganization under applicable bankruptcy law):

 

(a)          the holders of all Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of the principal thereof (and premium, if any) and interest due thereon (including post-petition interest) before the Holders of the Subordinated Securities are entitled to receive any payment upon the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Securities; and

 

(b)          any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article Sixteen shall be paid by the liquidating trustee or agent or other person making such payment or distribution, whether a trustee in bankruptcy, a receiver or liquidating trustee or otherwise, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, ratably according to the aggregate amounts remaining unpaid on account of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Indebtedness held or represented by each, to the extent necessary to make payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness; and

 

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(c)          in the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, shall be received by the Trustee or the Holders of the Subordinated Securities before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, such payment or distribution shall be paid over, upon written notice to the Trustee, to the holder of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instrument evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, ratably as aforesaid, for application to payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all such Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.

 

Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Subordinated Securities shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of the Company applicable to Senior Indebtedness until the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities shall be paid in full and no such payments or distributions to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities of cash, property or securities otherwise distributable to the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall, as between the Company, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities be deemed to be a payment by the Company to or on account of the Subordinated Securities. It is understood that the provisions of this Article Sixteen are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, on the one hand, and the holders of the Senior Indebtedness, on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Article Sixteen or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Subordinated Securities is intended to or shall impair, as between the Company, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is unconditional and absolute, to pay to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms, or to affect the relative rights of the Holders of the Subordinated Securities and creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, nor shall anything herein or in the Subordinated Securities prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Subordinated Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article Sixteen of the holders of Senior Indebtedness in respect of cash, property or securities of the Company received upon the exercise of any such remedy. Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article Sixteen, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601, shall be entitled to rely upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other person making any distribution to the Trustee for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article Sixteen.

 

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If the Trustee or any Holder of Subordinated Securities does not file a proper claim or proof of debt in the form required in any proceeding referred to above prior to 30 days before the expiration of the time to file such claim in such proceeding, then the holder of any Senior Indebtedness is hereby authorized, and has the right, to file an appropriate claim or claims for or on behalf of such Holder of Subordinated Securities.

 

With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants or obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee does not owe any fiduciary duties to the holders of Senior Indebtedness other than Securities issued under this Indenture.

 

SECTION 1603.         No Payment on Subordinated Securities in Event of Default on Senior Indebtedness.

 

No payment by the Company on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking funds or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities shall be made unless full payment of amounts then due for principal (premium, if any), sinking funds and interest on Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.

 

SECTION 1604.         Payments on Subordinated Securities Permitted.

 

Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Subordinated Securities shall (a) affect the obligation of the Company to make, or prevent the Company from making, at any time except as provided in Sections 1602 and 1603, payments of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities, (b) without limiting clause (c) of this sentence, prevent the application by the Trustee of any moneys deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities, unless the Trustee shall have received at its Corporate Trust Office written notice of any event prohibiting the making of such payment more than three Business Days prior to the date fixed for such payment or (c) prevent the application by the Trustee of any moneys or the proceeds of Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 1404(a) to the payment of or on account of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities if all the conditions specified in Section 1404 to the application of Section 1402 or Section 1403, as applicable, have been satisfied prior to the date the Trustee shall have received at its Corporate Trust Office written notice of any event prohibiting the making of such payment.

 

SECTION 1605.         Authorization of Holders to Trustee to Effect Subordination.

 

Each Holder of Subordinated Securities by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article Sixteen and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

 

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SECTION 1606.         Notices to Trustee.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article or any other provisions of this Indenture, neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent (other than the Company) shall be charged with knowledge of the existence of any Senior Indebtedness or of any event that would prohibit the making of any payment of moneys to or by the Trustee or such Paying Agent, unless and until the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall have received (in the case of the Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office) written notice thereof from the Company or from the holder of any Senior Indebtedness or from the trustee for any such holder, together with proof satisfactory to the Trustee of such holding of Senior Indebtedness or of the authority of such trustee; provided, however, that if at least three Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any such moneys may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of either the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Subordinated Security) the Trustee shall not have received with respect to such moneys the notice provided for in this Section 1606, then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such moneys and to apply the same to the purpose for which they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary, which may be received by it within three Business Days prior to such date. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of such holder) to establish that such a notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness or a trustee on behalf of any such holder. In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article Sixteen, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article Sixteen and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.

 

SECTION 1607.         Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness.

 

The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article Sixteen in respect of any Senior Indebtedness at any time held by it to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness and nothing in this Indenture shall be construed to deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.

 

Nothing in this Article Sixteen shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 606.

 

SECTION 1608.         Modifications of Terms of Senior Indebtedness.

 

Any renewal or extension of the time of payment of any Senior Indebtedness or the exercise by the holders of Senior Indebtedness of any of their rights under any instrument creating or evidencing Senior Indebtedness, including, without limitation, the waiver of default thereunder, may be made or done all without notice to or assent from the Holders of the Subordinated Securities or the Trustee.

 

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No compromise, alteration, amendment, modification, extension, renewal or other change of, or waiver, consent or other action in respect of, any liability or obligation under or in respect of, or of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of any indenture or other instrument under which any Senior Indebtedness is outstanding or of such Senior Indebtedness, whether or not any of the foregoing are in accordance with the provisions of any applicable document, shall in any way alter or affect any of the provisions of this Article Sixteen or of the Subordinated Securities relating to the subordination thereof.

 

SECTION 1609.         Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.

 

Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article Sixteen, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up or similar case or proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, custodian, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Subordinated Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article Sixteen.

 

* * * * *

 

This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Indenture. The exchange of copies of this Indenture and delivery of signature pages by facsimile, .pdf transmission, e-mail or other electronic means shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile, .pdf transmission, e-mail or other electronic means shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, as of the day and year first above written.

 

  OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
   
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
     
  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
    as Trustee
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

[Signature Page to Indenture]

 

 

 

Exhibit e

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT PLAN

 

OF

 

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp., a Maryland corporation (the "Corporation"), hereby adopts the following plan (the "Plan") with respect to net investment income dividends and capital gains distributions declared by its Board of Directors on shares of its Common Stock:

 

1. Unless a stockholder specifically elects to receive cash as set forth below, all net investment income dividends and all capital gains distributions hereafter declared by the Board of Directors shall be payable in shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation, and no action shall be required on such stockholder's part to receive a distribution in stock.

 

2. Such net investment income dividends and capital gains distributions shall be payable on such date or dates as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors to stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date(s) established by the Board of Directors for the net investment income dividend and/or capital gains distribution involved.

 

3. The Corporation shall use only newly-issued shares of its Common Stock to implement the Plan, whether its shares are trading at a premium or at a discount to net asset value. The number of shares to be issued to a stockholder shall be determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to such stockholder by an amount equal to ninety five (95%) percent of the market price per share of the Corporation's Common Stock at the close of regular trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the valuation date fixed by the Board of Directors for such distribution. Market price per share on that date shall be the closing price for such shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or, if no sale is reported for such day, at the average of their electronically-reported bid and asked prices.

 

4. A stockholder may, however, elect to receive his or its net investment income dividends and capital gains distributions in cash. To exercise this option, such stockholder shall notify Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), the plan administrator and the Corporation's transfer agent and registrar (collectively the "Plan Administrator"), in writing so that such notice is received by the Plan Administrator no later than 10 days prior to the record date fixed by the Board of Directors for the net investment income dividend and/or capital gains distribution involved.

 

 
 

 

5. The Plan Administrator will set up an account for shares acquired pursuant to the Plan for each stockholder who has not so elected to receive dividends and distributions in cash (each a "Participant"). The Plan Administrator may hold each Participant's shares, together with the shares of other Participants, in non-certificated form in the Plan Administrator's name or that of its nominee. Upon request by a Participant, received in writing no later than 10 days prior to the record date, Computershare will, instead of crediting shares to and/or carrying shares in a Participant's account, issue, without charge to the Participant, a certificate registered in the Participant's name for the number of whole shares payable to the Participant and a check for any fractional share.

 

6. The Plan Administrator 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. Although each Participant may from time to time have an undivided fractional interest (computed to three decimal places) in a share of Common Stock of the Corporation, no certificates for a fractional share will be issued. However, dividends and distributions on fractional shares will be credited to each Participant's account. In the event of termination of a Participant's account under the Plan, the Plan Administrator will adjust for any such undivided fractional interest in cash at the market value of the Corporation's shares at the time of termination.

 

7. The Plan Administrator will forward to each Participant any Corporation related proxy solicitation materials and each Corporation report or other communication to stockholders, and will vote any shares held by it under the Plan in accordance with the instructions set forth on proxies returned by Participants to the Corporation.

 

8. In the event that the Corporation makes available to its stockholders rights to purchase additional shares or other securities, the shares held by the Plan Administrator for each Participant under the Plan will be added to any other shares held by the Participant in certificated form in calculating the number of rights to be issued to the Participant.

 

9. The Plan Administrator's service fee, if any, and expenses for administering the Plan will be paid for by the Corporation.

 

10. Each Participant may terminate his or its account under the Plan by so notifying the Plan Administrator in writing or by telephone. Such termination will be effective immediately if the Participant's notice is received by the Plan Administrator not less than 10 days prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise, such termination will be effective only with respect to any subsequent dividend or distribution. The Plan may be terminated by the Corporation upon notice in writing mailed to each Participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by the Corporation. Upon any termination, the Plan Administrator will cause a certificate or certificates to be issued for the full shares held for the Participant under the Plan and a cash adjustment for any fractional share to be delivered to the Participant without charge to the Participant. If a Participant elects by his or its written or telephonic notice to the Plan Administrator in advance of termination to have the Plan Administrator sell part or all of his or its shares and remit the proceeds to the Participant, the Plan Administrator is authorized to deduct a $2.50 transaction fee plus brokerage commission from the proceeds.

 

 
 

 

11. These terms and conditions may be amended or supplemented by the Corporation at any time but, except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority, only by mailing to each Participant appropriate written notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date thereof. The amendment or supplement shall be deemed to be accepted by each Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Plan Administrator receives written notice of the termination of his or its account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an appointment by the Plan Administrator in its place and stead of a successor agent under these terms and conditions, with full power and authority to perform all or any of the acts to be performed by the Plan Administrator under these terms and conditions. Upon any such appointment of any agent for the purpose of receiving dividends and distributions, the Corporation will be authorized to pay to such successor agent, for each Participant's account, all dividends and distributions payable on shares of the Corporation held in the Participant's name or under the Plan for retention or application by such successor agent as provided in these terms and conditions.

 

12. The Plan Administrator will at all times act in good faith and use its best efforts within reasonable limits to ensure its full and timely performance of all services to be performed by it under this Plan and to comply with applicable law, but assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for loss or damage due to errors unless such error is caused by the Plan Administrator's negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct or that of its employees or agents.

 

13. These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

Adopted: May 31, 2012 

 

 

 

Exhibit h

 

[Form of Underwriting Agreement]

 

[           ] Shares

 

OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.

 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per Share

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

_____________, 2012

 

 

 
 

 

___________, 2012

 

[Name and Address of Underwriter(s)]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland (the “ Fund ”), is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ Investment Company Act ”). The Fund proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “ Underwriters ”) [    ] shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “ Firm Shares ”). The Fund also proposes to sell to the several Underwriters not more than an additional [    ] shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “ Additional Shares ”) if and to the extent that [       ], as the representative of the Underwriters in the offering (the “ Representative ”), shall have determined to exercise, on behalf of the Underwriters, the right to purchase such shares granted to the Underwriters in Section 3 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Shares .” The common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Fund is hereinafter referred to as the “ Common Stock .”

 

Oxford Lane Management, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company (the “ Investment Adviser ”), acts as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Investment Adviser and the Fund (the “ Investment Advisory Agreement ”). BDC Partners, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Administrator ”), acts as the Fund’s administrator pursuant to an Administration Agreement between the Administrator and the Fund (the “ Administration Agreement ”, which together with the Investment Advisory Agreement are hereinafter referred to as the “ Fund Agreements ”).

 

The Investment Company Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “ Acts ,” and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) under the Acts and under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “ Rules and Regulations .”

 

The Fund has prepared and filed a Notification of Registration on Form N-8A to register under the Investment Company Act.

 

The Fund has prepared and filed with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, a shelf registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-183228) for the offer and sale of an aggregate amount of up to $100,000,000 of certain of the Fund’s securities, including the Shares, which registration statement was declared effective by the Commission on , 2012, and which contains a form of prospectus dated , 2012 (the “Base Prospectus” ) to be used in connection with the public offering and sale of certain shares of Common Stock to be issued from time to time by the Fund (the “Shelf Shares” ), including the Shares. The Fund has filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act a preliminary prospectus supplement, dated , 2012, to the Base Prospectus (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement” and, together with the Base Prospectus, the “Preliminary Prospectus” ) and proposes to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 a Prospectus supplement, dated , 2012, to the Base Prospectus relating to the Shares and the method of distribution thereof (the “Prospectus Supplement” and, together with the Base Prospectus, the “Prospectus” ). Such registration statement as amended, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, at the time it became effective, including the information, if any, deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of its effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430C and Rule 497 under the Securities Act, is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement . All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“ EDGAR ”) system.

 

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For purposes of this Agreement, “ Omitting Prospectus ” means any written advertisement used with the written consent of the Fund in the public offering of the Shares and filed pursuant to Rule 482 of the Rules and Regulations (“ Rule 482 ”). “ Time of Sale Prospectus ” means, as of the Applicable Time (as defined below), the Preliminary Prospectus, together with the information set forth on Schedule II hereto (which information the Underwriters have informed the Fund is being conveyed orally by the Underwriters to prospective purchasers at or prior to the Underwriters’ confirmation of sales of the Shares in the offering). As used herein, the terms “Registration Statement,” “Preliminary Prospectus,” “Time of Sale Prospectus” and “Prospectus” shall include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein.

 

Applicable Time ” means [   ] (Eastern Time) on , 2012 or such other time as agreed by the Fund and the Representative.

 

1.            Representations and Warranties.

 

Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator represent and warrant to, and agree with, each of the Underwriters as of the date hereof, the Applicable Time and the Closing Date (as defined below) as follows:

 

(a)          The Registration Statement has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission; no notice of objection of the Commission to the use of such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been received by the Fund; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose are pending before or, to the knowledge of the Fund, threatened by the Commission. The Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this offering was identical in all material respects to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments thereto, and at the date hereof, the Fund was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations.

 

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(b)          At the respective times the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto (filed before the Closing Date) became effective and at the Closing Date (and, if any Additional Shares are purchased, at the Option Closing Date), the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective dates thereof and at the Closing Date (and, if any Additional Shares are purchased, at the Option Closing Date), contained or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Time of Sale Prospectus, at the Applicable Time, did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The representations and warranties in this paragraph do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus made solely in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Fund by the Representative on behalf of any Underwriter for use in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or Prospectus.

 

(c)          The Fund’s registration statement on Form 8-A under the Exchange Act is effective.

 

(d)          The Fund has been duly incorporated and is validly existing in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland. The Fund has full power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and enter into this Agreement and the other Fund Agreements and is in good standing and is duly qualified to transact business in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on the earnings, business or operations of the Fund (a “ Fund Material Adverse Effect ”). The Fund has no consolidated subsidiaries.

 

(e)          The Fund is, and at all times through the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby will be, in compliance in all material respects with the applicable terms and conditions of the Act, the Investment Company Act and the Rules and Regulations. No person is serving or acting as an officer or director of, or investment adviser to, the Fund except in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “ Advisers Act ”). Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, to the knowledge of the Fund, based on information provided to the Fund by directors of the Fund, no director of the Fund is an “interested person” of the Fund or an “affiliated person” of any Underwriter (each as defined in the Investment Company Act).

 

(f)          Each of this Agreement and the Fund Agreements has been duly authorized by the Fund. Each Fund Agreement complies with all applicable provisions of the Acts, the Advisers Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations. The Fund has adopted a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “ Plan ”). Each Fund Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Fund and (assuming the due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) represents a valid and binding agreement of the Fund, enforceable against the Fund in accordance with its terms, except (a) as rights to indemnity and contribution may be limited by federal or state securities laws or principles of public policy and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Fund’s obligations thereunder may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (including without limitation the availability of specific performance or injunctive relief and the application of concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing) whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (b) in the case of the Investment Advisory Agreement, with respect to termination under the Investment Company Act or the reasonableness or fairness of compensation payable thereunder.

 

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(g)          None of (1) the execution and delivery by the Fund of, and the performance by the Fund of its obligations under, this Agreement and each Fund Agreement, or (2) the issue and sale by the Fund of the Shares as contemplated by this Agreement conflicts with or will conflict with, result in, or constitute a violation, breach of, default under, (x) the articles of amendment and restatement of the Fund, as amended to date (the “ Charter ”) or the amended and restated bylaws of the Fund, as amended to date (the “ Bylaws ”) (y) any agreement, indenture, note, bond, license, lease or other instrument or obligation binding upon the Fund that is material to the Fund, or (z) any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Fund or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Fund, whether foreign or domestic; except, with respect to clauses (y) or (z), any contravention which would have neither (i) a Fund Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that no representation or warranty is made with respect to compliance with the laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares in such jurisdiction by any Underwriter.

 

(h)          No consent, approval, authorization, order or permit of, license from, or qualification with, any governmental body, agency or authority, self-regulatory organization or court or other tribunal, whether foreign or domestic, is required to be obtained by the Fund prior to the Closing Date for the performance by the Fund of its obligations under this Agreement or the Fund Agreements, except such as have been obtained and as may be required by (i) the Acts, the Advisers Act, the Exchange Act, or the applicable Rules and Regulations, (ii) the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“ FINRA ”) or the Nasdaq Stock Market (“ Nasdaq ”), (iii) by the securities or “blue sky laws” of the various states and foreign jurisdictions in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares or (iv) such as which the failure to obtain would have neither (i) a Fund Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(i)          The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Fund conforms in all material respects to the description thereof under the heading “Description of Our Capital Stock” in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, and this Agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws, the Fund Agreements and the Plan conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

 

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(j)          This Agreement, the Charter and the Bylaws, the Fund Agreements and the Plan comply with all applicable provisions of the Acts and the applicable Rules and Regulations, and all approvals of such documents required under the Investment Company Act by the Fund’s shareholders and Board of Directors have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

 

(k)          The Fund Agreements are in full force and effect and neither the Fund nor, to the knowledge of the Fund, any other party to any such agreement is in default thereunder, and no event has occurred which with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default by the Fund thereunder, and the Fund is not currently in breach of, or in default under, any other written agreement or instrument to which it or its property is bound or affected, the default under or breach of which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Fund.

 

(l)          The shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the issuance of the Firm Shares have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. None of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Fund was issued in violation of the preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Fund. Other than as contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, shares of capital stock of or ownership interests in the Fund are outstanding.

 

(m)          The Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the issuance of the Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights. The Shares conform to the description thereof under the heading “Description of Our Capital Stock” contained in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and such description conforms in all material respects to the rights set forth in the instruments defining the same. The certificates for the Shares are in valid and legal form.

 

(n)          The Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and the Fund has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act or the quotation of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The Fund has not received any notification that (i) the Commission is contemplating terminating the Fund’s registration under the Exchange Act or (ii) the Nasdaq Global Select Market is contemplating delisting the Common Stock.

 

(o)          Each Omitting Prospectus (i) complies in all material respects with the requirements of Rule 482, (ii) does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact and (iii) complied and will comply in all material respects with the Acts, the Rules and Regulations and the rules and regulations of the FINRA. Except for the Omitting Prospectuses, if any, identified on Schedule III hereto, the Fund has not prepared, used or referred to and will not, without your prior consent, prepare, use or refer to any Omitting Prospectus.

 

(p)          There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development reasonably likely to involve a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Fund from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus, and there have been no transactions entered into by the Fund which are material to the Fund other than those in the ordinary course of its business or as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.

 

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(q)          There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Fund, threatened to which the Fund is a party or to which any of the properties of the Fund is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and proceedings that would not have a material adverse effect on the Fund, or on the power or ability of the Fund to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectuses or the Prospectus and are not so described.

 

(r)          The statements in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus under the headings “Summary – Operating and Regulatory Structure”, “Investment Advisory Agreement”, “Administration Agreement”, “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company”, “Dividend Reinvestment Plan”, “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” and “Description of Securities”, insofar as such statements summarize legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings discussed therein, are accurate and fair summaries of such legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings.

 

(s)          The Fund has all necessary consents, authorizations, approvals, orders (including exemptive orders), licenses, certificates, permits, qualifications and registrations of and from, and has made all declarations and filings with, all governmental authorities, self-regulatory organizations and courts and other tribunals, whether foreign or domestic, to own and use its assets and to conduct its business in the manner described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, except to the extent that the failure to obtain or file the foregoing would not result in a Fund Material Adverse Effect.

 

(t)          Each of the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, as of the respective dates thereof, and the Time of Sale Prospectus, as of the Applicable Time, complied in all material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations.

 

(u)          Except as otherwise contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, the financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related notes thereto (collectively, the “ Fund Financial Statements ”), present fairly the financial condition of the Fund as of the date indicated and said Fund Financial Statements comply as to form with the requirements of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“ GAAP ”). The supporting schedules to such Fund Financial Statements, if any, present fairly in accordance with GAAP the information required to be stated therein. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report appears in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and who have certified the Fund Financial Statements and supporting schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Acts and the applicable Rules and Regulations.

 

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(v)         There are no material restrictions, limitations or regulations with respect to the ability of the Fund to invest its assets as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, other than as described therein.

 

(w)          Neither the Fund nor any of its agents or representatives (other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to any written communication that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares other than (i) the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, and (ii) the Omitting Prospectuses, if any, identified on Schedule III hereto. All other promotional material (including “road show slides” or “road show scripts”) prepared by the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares (“ Road Show Material ”) is not inconsistent with the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, and when taken together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, at the Applicable Time, did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

(x)          There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Fund and any person granting such person the right to require the Fund to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Fund or to require the Fund to include such securities with the Shares registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

(y)          The expense summary information set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus in the “Fees and Expenses” Table has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Form N-2 and any fee projections or estimates, if applicable, are reasonably based and comply in all material respects with the requirements of Form N-2.

 

(z)          Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, (i) the Fund has not incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction; (ii) the Fund has not purchased any of its outstanding capital stock, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its capital stock, other than ordinary and customary dividends; and (iii) there has not been any material change in the capital stock, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Fund, except in each case as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, respectively.

 

(aa)         The Fund owns or possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all material patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names currently employed by them in connection with the business now operated by it, and the Fund has not received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the Fund.

 

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(bb)         The Fund maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations and with the applicable requirements of the Acts; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability and compliance with the books and records requirements under the Acts; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Since the date of the Fund’s most recent audited financial statements included in the Prospectus, there has been (i) no material weakness in the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated); (ii) no fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a role in the Fund’s internal controls; and (iii) no change in the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

(cc)         The Fund maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rule 30a-3 under the Investment Company Act); such disclosure controls and procedures are effective; and the Fund is not aware of any material weakness in such controls and procedures.

 

(dd)         Neither the Fund nor, to the knowledge of the Fund, any employee nor agent of the Fund has made any payment of funds of the Fund or received or retained any funds, which payment, receipt or retention is of a character to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.

 

(ee)         Any statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Fund believes to be reliable and accurate.

 

(ff)          The Fund has obtained for the benefit of the Underwriters the agreement (a “ Lock-Up Agreement ”), in the form requested by the Representative, of those individuals set forth on Schedule IV hereto.

 

(gg)         There are no contracts or documents which are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (or the documents incorporated by reference therein) or to be filed as exhibits thereto by the Securities Act or the Investment Company Act which have not been so described and filed as required.

 

(hh)         The operations of the Fund are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements and the money laundering statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Fund with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Fund, threatened.

 

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(ii)          Neither the Fund, the Adviser nor the Administrator nor, to the knowledge of the Fund, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Fund, the Adviser or the Administrator is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corruption Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (“ FCPA ”), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA and the Fund, the Adviser or the Administrator, and to the knowledge of the Fund, the Adviser or the Administrator, its affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

 

(jj)          Neither the Fund, the Adviser or the Administrator nor, to the knowledge of the Fund, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Fund, the Adviser or the Administrator is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasure Department (“ OFAC ”) and neither the Fund, the Adviser or the Administrator will directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

(kk)         The Fund is insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which it is engaged; all policies of insurance insuring the Fund or its business, assets, employees, officers and directors, including the Fund’s directors and officers errors and omissions insurance policy and its fidelity bond required by Rule 17g-1 of the Rules and Regulations, are in full force and effect the Fund is in compliance with the terms of such policies and fidelity bond in all material respects; and there are no claims by the Fund under any such policies or fidelity bond as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; the Fund has not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Fund has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage and fidelity bond as and then such coverage and fidelity bond expires or to obtain similar coverage and fidelity bond from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not result in a Fund Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

 

(ll)          Except as set forth in or contemplated in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Fund (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of the Representative (the description of such arrangements and outstanding indebtedness thereunder is true, accurate and complete in all respects) and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares hereunder to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of the Representative.

 

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(mm)       There are no business relationships or related-party transactions involving the Fund or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus which have not been described as required, it being understood and agreed that the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator make no representation or warranty with respect to such relationships involving any Underwriter or any affiliate and any other person that have not been disclosed to the Fund by the relevant Underwriter in connection with this offering.

 

(nn)        None of the Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Administrator nor any of their affiliates has taken, directly or indirectly, any action which constitutes or is designed to cause or result in, or which could reasonably be expected to constitute, cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.

 

(oo)         The Fund intends to direct the investment of the proceeds of the from the Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus in such a manner as to comply with the applicable requirements to qualify to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Subchapter M of the Code ”).

 

(pp)         The Fund and its officers and directors, in their capacities as such, are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(qq)         The Fund has (a) appointed a Chief Compliance Officer and (b) adopted and implemented written policies and procedures which the Board of Directors of the Fund has determined are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws in a manner required by and consistent with Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act and is in compliance in all material respects with such Rule.

 

(rr)          The Fund owns, leases or has rights to use all such properties as are necessary to the conduct of its operations as presently conducted.

 

(ss)         No director or officer of the Fund or Investment Adviser is subject to any non-competition agreement or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or prior employer which could materially affect his ability to be and act in his respective capacity of the Fund or Investment Adviser or result in a Fund Material Adverse Effect.

 

Any certificate signed by or on behalf of the Fund and delivered to the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Fund as to the matters covered therein to each Underwriter.

 

2.             Representations and Warranties of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator . The Investment Adviser and the Administrator represent and warrant to, and agree with, each of the Underwriters as of the date hereof as follows:

 

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(a)           Each of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator has been duly formed and is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Connecticut and the State of Delaware, respectively, with the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and enter into this Agreement and the other Fund Agreements to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party, as the case may be, and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on the earnings, business or operations of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as the case may be (an “ Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect ”). Each of the Investment Adviser and Administrator has no subsidiaries.

 

(b)          The Investment Adviser is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the Investment Company Act from acting under the Investment Advisory Agreement as an investment adviser to the Fund as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, and no order of suspension or revocation of such registration has been issued or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser, threatened by the Commission.

 

(c)           Each of this Agreement and the Fund Agreements to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party, as the case may be, has been duly authorized by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable. Each Fund Agreement to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party, complies with the applicable provisions of the Acts, the Advisers Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations. Each Fund Agreement to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party has been duly executed and delivered by the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable and (assuming the due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) represents a valid and binding agreement of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, enforceable against the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, in accordance with its terms, except (a) as rights to indemnity and contribution may be limited by federal or state securities laws or principles of public policy and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Investment Adviser’s or the Administrator’s obligations thereunder, as applicable, may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (including without limitation the availability of specific performance or injunctive relief and the application of concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing) whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (b) in the case of the Investment Advisory Agreement, with respect to termination under the Investment Company Act or the reasonableness or fairness of compensation payable thereunder.

 

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(d)          The execution and delivery by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, of, and the performance by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, of its obligations under, this Agreement and each Fund Agreement to which the Investment Adviser or the Administrator is a party, respectively, does not conflict with or will conflict with, result in, or constitute a violation, breach of, default under, (x) the limited liability company operating agreement of the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable (y) any agreement, indenture, note, bond, license, lease or other instrument or obligation binding upon the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, that is material to the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, or (z) any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, whether foreign or domestic; except, with respect to clauses (y) or (z), any contravention which would have neither (i) an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that no representation or warranty is made with respect to compliance with the laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares in such jurisdiction by any Underwriter.

 

(e)           No consent, approval, authorization, order or permit of, license from, or qualification or registration with any governmental body, agency or authority, self-regulatory organization or court or other tribunal, whether foreign or domestic, is required to be obtained by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, prior to the Closing Date for the performance by the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, of its obligations under this Agreement or any Fund Agreement to which it is a party, except such as have been obtained and as may be required by (i) the Acts, the Advisers Act, the Exchange Act, or the applicable Rules and Regulations, (ii) the rules and regulations of the FINRA or Nasdaq, (iii) by the securities or “blue sky laws” of the various states and foreign jurisdictions in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares or (iv) such as which the failure to obtain would have neither (i) an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(f)           There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, threatened to which the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator is a party or to which any of the properties of the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and proceedings that would not have a material adverse effect on the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, or on the power or ability of the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator, as applicable, to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectuses or the Prospectus and are not so described.

 

(g)          There are no contracts or documents which are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (or the documents incorporated by reference therein) or to be filed as exhibits thereto by the Securities Act or by the Rules and Regulations which have not been so described and filed as required.

 

(h)          Each of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator has all necessary consents, authorizations, approvals, orders (including exemptive orders), licenses, certificates, permits, qualifications and registrations of and from, and has made all declarations and filings with, all governmental authorities, self-regulatory organizations and courts and other tribunals, whether foreign or domestic, to own and use its assets and to conduct its business in the manner described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, except to the extent that the failure to obtain or file the foregoing would not result in an Adviser/Administrator Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(i)           Each of the Investment Adviser and Administrator has the financial resources available to it necessary for the performance of its services and obligations as contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus and by this Agreement and each Fund Agreement to which it is a party.

 

(j)           The Investment Advisory Agreement is in full force and effect and neither the Investment Adviser nor, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser, any other party to the Investment Advisory Agreement is in default thereunder, and, no event has occurred which with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default by the Investment Adviser under such document.

 

(k)          All information furnished by the Investment Adviser for use in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus, including, without limitation, the description of the Investment Adviser (the “ Investment Adviser Information ”) does not, and on the Closing Date will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make such information not misleading (in the case of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which such information is provided).

 

(l)           There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development reasonably likely to involve a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Investment Adviser from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus, and there have been no transactions entered into by the Investment Adviser which are material to the Investment Adviser other than those in the ordinary course of its business or as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.

 

(m)          Neither the Investment Adviser nor the Administrator, nor any of their affiliates, has taken, directly or indirectly, any action which constitutes or is designed to cause or result in, or which could reasonably be expected to constitute, cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.

 

(n)          The operations of the Investment Adviser and the Administrator are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable Money Laundering Laws and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Investment Adviser or the Administrator with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, threatened.

 

(o)          The Investment Adviser maintains a system of internal controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions effectuated by it under the Investment Advisory Agreement are executed in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization and (ii) access to the Fund’s assets is permitted only in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization.

 

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(p)          The Administrator maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions for which it has bookkeeping and record keeping responsibility for under the Administration Agreement are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the Fund’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for the Fund’s assets and (ii) the recorded accountability for such assets if compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

Any certificate signed by or on behalf of the Investment Adviser or the Administrator and delivered to the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, as to the matters covered therein to each Underwriter.

 

3.             Agreements to Sell and Purchase . The Fund hereby agrees to sell to the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Fund the respective numbers of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite its name at $[ ] a share (the “ Purchase Price ”).

 

On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, and subject to its terms and conditions, the Fund agrees to sell to the Underwriters the Additional Shares and the Underwriters shall have the right to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to [ ] Additional Shares at the Purchase Price. The Representative may exercise this right on behalf of the Underwriters in whole or from time to time in part by giving written notice to the Fund not later than [ ] ([ ]) days after the date of this Agreement. Any exercise notice shall specify the number of Additional Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and the date on which such shares are to be purchased. Each purchase date must be at least one business day after the written notice is given and may not be earlier than the closing date for the Firm Shares not later than ten business days after the date of such notice. Additional Shares may be purchased as provided in Section 5 hereof solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the Firm Shares. On each Option Closing Date, if any, that Additional Shares are to be purchased, each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Additional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representative may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.

 

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The Fund hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period ending [ ] days after the date of the Prospectus, (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise or (3) file any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the [ ]-day restricted period, the Fund issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Fund occurs; or (2) prior to the expiration of the [ ]-day restricted period, the Fund announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period following the last day of the [ ]-day restricted period, then in each case the restrictions imposed by this Agreement shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the date of the release of the earnings results or the occurrence of material news or a material event relating to the Fund, as the case may be, unless the Representative waives, in writing, such extension. The agreements contained in this paragraph shall not apply to the Shares to be sold hereunder or any Common Stock issued pursuant to the Plan.

 

4.             Terms of Public Offering . The Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator each understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Shares as soon as the Representative deems advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered. The Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator each further understands that the Shares are to be offered to the public initially at $[ ] per share (the “ Public Offering Price ”), and to certain dealers selected by the Representative at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $[ ] per share under the Public Offering Price.

 

5.             Payment and Delivery . Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made to the Fund in Federal or other funds immediately available to a bank account designated by the Fund against delivery of such Firm Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at [ ] A.M. (New York City time), on [ ], or at such other time on the same or such other date, not later than 10 business days after the Closing Date, as shall be designated in writing by the Representative. The time and date of such payment are herein referred to as the “ Closing Date .”

 

Payment for any Additional Shares shall be made to the Fund in Federal or other funds immediately available to a bank account designated by the Fund against delivery of such Additional Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at [ ] A.M. (New York City time), on the date specified in the corresponding notice described in Section 3 or at such other time on the same or on such other date, in any event not later than [ ], as shall be designated in writing by the Representative. The time and date of any such payment for Additional Shares are herein referred to as the “ Option Closing Date .”

 

The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as you shall request in writing not later than one full business day prior to the Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be. The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be delivered to you through the facilities of DTC on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer of the Shares to the Underwriters duly paid, against payment of the Purchase Price therefor.

 

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6.             Conditions to the Underwriters’ Obligations . The respective obligations of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, and the several obligations of the Underwriters, hereunder are subject to the condition that the Registration Statement has become effective and at the Closing Date no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued under the Securities Act and no proceedings with respect thereto shall have been initiated or, to the Fund’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission, and any request on the part of the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of counsel to the Underwriters. A prospectus containing the Rule 430C Information shall have been filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 497 (or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed and declared effective in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430C under the Securities Act).

 

The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the following further conditions:

 

(a)           Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus that, in the Representative’s reasonable judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in the Representative’s reasonable judgment, impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus.

 

(b)          The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Fund, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Fund and contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Fund has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date. The Underwriters shall also have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Investment Adviser, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Investment Adviser and contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Investment Adviser has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date. The Underwriters shall also have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Administrator, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Administrator and contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Administrator has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date.

 

Each officer signing and delivering such a certificate may rely upon his or her knowledge as to proceedings threatened.

 

(c)           Each of the Investment Adviser, the Administrator and the Fund shall have performed all of their respective obligations to be performed hereunder on or prior to the Closing Date.

 

(d)          The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion and negative assurance letter of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, counsel for the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, dated the Closing Date, satisfactory to the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters in form and substance, to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

 

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(e)          The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion of [    ], counsel for the Investment Adviser, dated the Closing Date, satisfactory to the Representative and counsel for the underwriters in form and substance, to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto.

 

(f)           The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date the favorable opinion of [    ], counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date, and covering such matters as the Underwriters shall reasonably request.

 

The opinion of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP described in Section 6(d) above shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, as applicable, and shall so state therein. The opinion of [    ] described in Section 6(e) above shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the Investment Adviser and shall so state therein. Each of the foregoing shall include a statement to the effect that it may be relied upon by counsel to the Underwriters as to the laws of the State of Maryland and Connecticut, respectively, in any opinion delivered to the Underwriters.

 

(g)          The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof and the Closing Date, a letter dated the date hereof or the Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accountants, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a “cut-off date” not earlier than the date hereof.

 

(h)          All filings, applications and proceedings taken by the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator in connection with the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations shall be satisfactory in form and substance to you and counsel for the Underwriters.

 

(i)            No action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission which would adversely affect the Fund’s standing as a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act or the standing of the Investment Adviser as a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act.

 

(j)            The Shares shall have been duly authorized for listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, subject only to official notice of issuance thereof.

 

The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase Additional Shares hereunder are subject to the delivery to you on the applicable Option Closing Date of such documents as you may reasonably request with respect to the good standing of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, the due authorization and issuance of the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date and other matters related to the issuance of such Additional Shares, and officers’ certificates, opinions of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP and [ ] to the effect set forth above, and comfort letters of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the effect set forth above, except that such certificates, opinions and comfort letters shall be dated as of the applicable Option Closing Date and statements and opinions above contemplated to be given as of the Closing Date shall instead be made and given as of such Option Closing Date.

 

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7.             Covenants of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator . In further consideration of the agreements of the Underwriters herein contained, the Fund covenants and agrees, and the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, covenant and agree with the Underwriters as follows:

 

(a)          To notify the Underwriters as soon as practicable, and confirm such notice in writing, of the happening of any event during the period mentioned in Section 7(h) below which in the judgment of the Fund makes any statement in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus or the Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which requires the making of any change in or addition to the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading in any material respect. If at any time the Commission shall issue any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Fund will use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible moment.

 

(b)          To furnish to the Representative in New York City, without charge, prior to [ ] A.M. (New York City time) on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period mentioned in Section 7(h) below, as many copies of the Preliminary Prospectus, Prospectus and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as the Representative may reasonably request.

 

(c)           Before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, to furnish to the Representative a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which you reasonably object, and to file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 497 under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant thereto.

 

(d)          To furnish to the Representative a copy of each proposed Omitting Prospectus, if any, to be prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Fund and not to use or refer to any proposed Omitting Prospectus to which the Representative reasonably objects.

 

(e)           If the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Shares at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus materially conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when delivered to a prospective purchaser, be misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer materially conflict with the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law, as applicable.

 

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(f)           The Fund will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Shares in the manner specified in the Time of Sale Prospectus.

 

(g)          The Fund and the Investment Adviser will not take any action designed to cause or result in the manipulation of the price of any security of the Fund to facilitate the sale of Shares in violation of the Acts or the Exchange Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations, or the securities or “blue sky” laws of the various states and foreign jurisdictions in connection with the offer and sale of Shares.

 

(h)          If, during such period after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters the Prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses you will furnish to the Fund) to which Shares may have been sold by you on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law, as applicable.

 

(i)           To endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as the Underwriters shall reasonably request.

 

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(j)           Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Fund and the Investment Adviser under this Agreement, including: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Fund’s counsel and the Fund’s accountants in connection with the registration and delivery of the Shares under the Securities Act and all other fees or expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, and any Omitting Prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Fund and amendments and supplements to any of the foregoing, including all printing costs associated therewith, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers, in the quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriters, including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the cost of printing or producing any ”blue sky” memorandum in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares under state securities laws and all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 7(i) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky memorandum, (iv) all filing fees and the reasonable disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incurred in connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares by the FINRA, (v) all costs and expenses incident to listing the Shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, (vi) the cost of printing certificates representing the Shares, (vii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent, registrar or depositary, (viii) the costs and expenses of the Fund relating to investor presentations on any “road show” undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares, including, without limitation, expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any electronic road show, expenses associated with production of road show slides and graphics, the reasonable fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the Fund, and the travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of the Fund and any such consultants, (ix) the document production charges and expenses associated with printing this Agreement and (x) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Fund hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section 8(j). It is understood, however, that except as provided in this Section, Section 8 entitled “Indemnity and Contribution” and the last paragraph of Section 10 below, the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on resale of any of the Shares by them, the travel and lodging expenses of the representatives of the Underwriters in connection with any road show presentations, and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.

 

(k)          The Fund will comply with all applicable securities and other applicable laws, rules and regulation, including, without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and will use reasonable efforts to cause the Fund’s directors and officers, in their capabilities, as such, to comply with such laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

(l)           The Fund will use reasonable best efforts to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, with respect to any fiscal year in which the Fund is an investment company registered under the 1940 Act.

 

(m)          The Fund, the Adviser and the Administrator will use their reasonable efforts to perform all of the agreements required of them by this Agreement and discharge all conditions of theirs to closing as set forth in this Agreement.

 

(n)          Before using, approving or referring to any Road Show Material, the Fund will furnish to the Representative and counsel to the Underwriters a copy of such material for review and will not make, prepare, use authorize, approve or refer to any such material to which the Representative reasonably objects.

 

(o)          As soon as practicable, the Fund will make generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives an earnings statement or statements of the Fund which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 under the Act.

 

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8.             Indemnity and Contribution . (a) The Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each partner, director, officer, trustee, manager, member and shareholder of any Underwriter (each, an “ Underwriter Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim), caused by, arising out of, related to or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus, any Road Show Material, the Time of Sale Prospectus, or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon written information furnished to the Fund by the Representative on behalf of any Underwriter expressly for use therein.

 

(b)          Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless each of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, and each of their respective partners, directors, trustees, managers, members and shareholders (as the case may be), and each officer of the Fund who signs the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Fund, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each, a “ Fund Indemnified Party ”) to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator to such Underwriter, but only with reference to written information relating to the Underwriters furnished to the Fund by the Representative on behalf of any Underwriter expressly for use in the Registration Statement, as originally filed with the Commission, or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, any Omitting Prospectus, any Road Show Material or the Time of Sale Prospectus.

 

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(c)           In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b), such person (the “ indemnified party ”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the “ indemnifying party ”) in writing and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements reasonably incurred of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, (ii) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with an actual conflict of interest, or (iii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for (i) the fees and expenses reasonably incurred of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Underwriter Indemnified Parties, collectively, and (ii) the fees and expenses reasonably incurred of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Fund Indemnified Parties, collectively. In the case of any such separate firm for the Underwriter Indemnified Parties, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Representative. In the case of any such separate firm for the Fund Indemnified Parties, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Fund. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there is a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this Section 8(c), the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the material terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into, and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.

 

(d)          To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 8(a) or 8(b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Fund, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 8(d)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 8(d)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Fund, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Fund and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and/or the Administrator on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares they have purchased hereunder, and not joint.

 

22
 

 

(e)          The Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 8(d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 8(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in this Section 8 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.

 

(f)           The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 8 and the representations, warranties and other statements of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter Indemnified Party or by or on behalf of any Fund Indemnified Party and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.

 

(g)          No party shall be entitled to indemnification under this Section 8 if such indemnification of such party would violate Section 17(i) of the Investment Company Act.

 

9.             Termination . The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement by notice given by the Representative to the Fund, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on, or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE Amex LLC, the NASDAQ Stock Market, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or the Chicago Board of Trade, (ii) trading of any securities of the Fund shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States shall have occurred, (iv) any moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by Federal or New York State authorities or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in the Representative’s judgment, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event specified in this clause (v), makes it, in your judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.

 

23
 

 

10.            Effectiveness; Defaulting Underwriters . This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.

 

If, on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it has or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as you may specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to this Agreement be increased pursuant to this Section 10 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such Underwriter. If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Firm Shares and the aggregate number of Firm Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Firm Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representative and the Fund for the purchase of such Firm Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter. In any such case either the Representative or the Fund shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement, in the Time of Sale Prospectus, in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be affected. If, on an Option Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Additional Shares and the aggregate number of Additional Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation hereunder to purchase the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date or (ii) purchase not less than the number of Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have been obligated to purchase in the absence of such default. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.

 

If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator shall be unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Underwriters, severally, for all out-of-pocket accountable expenses (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of their counsel) actually incurred by the Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder.

 

24
 

 

11.            Entire Agreement . (a) This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between and among the Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Administrator and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

(b)          The Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator acknowledge that in connection with the offering of the Shares: (i) the Underwriters have acted at arms length, are not agents of, and owe no fiduciary duties to, the Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Administrator or any other person, (ii) the Underwriters owe the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator only those duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement), if any, and (iii) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator. Each of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Administrator agree that it will not claim that the Underwriters owe an agency, fiduciary or similar duty to the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator in connection with offer or sale of the Shares or the process leading thereto.

 

12.           Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

 

13.           Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.

 

14.           Headings . The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

 

15.           Notices . All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt and (A) if to the Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered, mailed or sent to the Representative in care of [  ], [  ], [  ], [  ] [  ], Attention: [  ] (facsimile no. (xxx) xxx-xxxx), with a copy to [  ]; and (B) if to the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered, mailed or sent to the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Administrator, as applicable, at the offices of the Fund at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attention: Jonathan H. Cohen (facsimile no. (203-983-5290), with a copy to Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004 Attention: Steven B. Boehm (facsimile no. (202) 637-3593).

 

[ Signature page follows .]

 

25
 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  OXFORD LANE CAPITAL CORP.
   
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
   
  OXFORD LANE MANAGEMENT, LLC
   
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
   
  BDC PARTNERS, LLC
   
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Accepted as of the date hereof  
   
[ Name of Representative]  
   
Acting on behalf of itself and  
  the several Underwriters named in  
  Schedule I hereto  

 

By: [Name of Representative]  
     
By:    
Name:     
Title:     

 

 

 

Exhibit l

[Letterhead of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP]

 

October 5, 2012

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255

Greenwich, CT 06830

 

  Re: Oxford Lane Capital Corp.
    Registration Statement on Form N-2

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to Oxford Lane Capital Corp., a Maryland corporation (the “Company” ), in connection with the preparation and filing by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” ) of a registration statement on Form N-2 on August 10, 2012 (as amended from time to time, the “ Registration Statement ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), with respect to the offer, issuance and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of up to $100,000,000 in aggregate offering amount of (i) shares ( “Common Shares” ) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock” ), (ii) shares of preferred stock of the Company ( “Preferred Shares” ), (iii) subscription rights to purchase Common Shares ( “Rights” ), and (iv) debt securities ( “Debt Securities” and together with the Common Shares, the Preferred Shares and the Rights, the “Securities” ). The Registration Statement provides that the Securities may be issued from time to time in amounts, at prices, and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements (each, a “Prospectus Supplement” ) to the final prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective (the “Prospectus” ).

 

As counsel to the Company, we have participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and have examined the originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction as being true copies, of the following:

 

(i) The Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, certified as of a recent date by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland (the “Charter” );

 

(ii) The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company (the “Bylaws” );

 

(iii) A form of indenture pertaining to the Debt Securities, to be entered into by and between the Company and the trustee named therein (the “Trustee” ), in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the “Indenture” );

 

 
 

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

October 5, 2012

Page 2

 

(iv) A Certificate of Good Standing with respect to the Company issued by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland as of a recent date (the “Certificate of Good Standing” ); and

 

(v) The resolutions of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board” ) relating to, among other things, (a) the authorization and approval of the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, and (b) the authorization of the issuance, offer and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company (collectively, the “Resolutions” ).

 

With respect to such examination and our opinion expressed herein, we have assumed, without any independent investigation or verification, (i) the genuineness of all signatures on all documents submitted to us for examination, (ii) the legal capacity of all natural persons, (iii) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (iv) the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as conformed or reproduced copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copied documents, and (v) that all certificates issued by public officials have been properly issued. We also have assumed without independent investigation or verification the accuracy and completeness of all corporate records made available to us by the Company.

 

As to certain matters of fact relevant to the opinions in this opinion letter, we have relied upon certificates of public officials (which we have assumed remain accurate as of the date of this opinion), upon certificates and/or representations of officers and employees of the Company, upon such other certificates as we deemed appropriate, and upon such other data as we have deemed to be appropriate under the circumstances. We have not independently established the facts, or in the case of certificates of public officials, the other statements, so relied upon.

 

The opinions set forth below are limited to the effect of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL” ) and the laws of the State of New York that are, in our experience, applicable to the Securities, in each case as in effect on the date hereof, and we express no opinion as to the applicability or effect of any other laws of such jurisdictions or the laws of any other jurisdictions. Without limiting the preceding sentence, we express no opinion as to (i) any federal or state securities or broker-dealer laws or regulations thereunder relating to the offer, issuance and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement, (ii) enforceability to the extent it may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally and (b) general principles of equity (including without limitation the availability of specific performance or injunctive relief and the application of concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing), regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity, and (iii) enforcement of rights to indemnity and contribution to the extent it may be limited by federal or state securities laws or principles of public policy.

 

 
 

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

October 5, 2012

Page 3

 

On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, and subject to the limitations and qualifications set forth in this opinion letter, and assuming that (i) Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the number of shares and the terms of any class or series of Preferred Shares to be issued by the Company (the “Articles Supplementary” ) have been duly authorized and determined or otherwise established by proper action of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof in accordance with the Company’s Charter and Bylaws and have been filed with and accepted for record by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland prior to the issuance of any such Preferred Shares, and such Articles Supplementary comply with the applicable requirements with respect thereto under the MGCL and the Company’s Charter and Bylaws, (ii) each of the Indenture and a supplemental indenture containing the specific terms and conditions of the Debt Securities to be issued (a “Supplemental Indenture” ) have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Company and the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, (iii) such Supplemental Indenture constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of each of the Company and the Trustee, (iv) the issuance, offer and sale of the Securities from time to time and the final terms of such issuance, offer and sale, including those relating to price and amount of the Securities to be issued, offered and sold, have been duly authorized and determined or otherwise established by proper action of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof in accordance with the Company’s Charter, Articles Supplementary, if applicable, the Indenture, if applicable, and the Company’s Bylaws, and are consistent with the terms and conditions for such issuance, offer and sale set forth in the Resolutions and the descriptions thereof in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement (such authorization or action being hereinafter referred to as the “Corporate Proceedings” ), (v) the terms of the Debt Securities as established and the issuance thereof comply with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (vi) the Debt Securities have been duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture, as modified by such Supplemental Indenture, and delivered to, and the agreed consideration has been fully paid at the time of such delivery by, the purchasers thereof, (vii) any Common Shares or Preferred Shares issued and sold pursuant to the Registration Statement, including upon the exercise of any Securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Shares or Preferred Shares, have been delivered to, and the agreed consideration has been fully paid at the time of such delivery by, the purchasers thereof, (viii) upon the issuance of any Common Shares or Preferred Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement, including upon the exercise of any Securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Shares or Preferred Shares, the total number of Common Shares or Preferred Shares, as applicable, issued and outstanding does not exceed the total number of Common Shares or Preferred Shares, as applicable, that the Company is then authorized to issue under the Charter; and (ix) the Certificate of Good Standing remains accurate, the Resolutions and the applicable Corporate Proceedings remain in effect, without amendment, and the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and remains effective at the time of the issuance, offer and/or sale of the Securities, we are of the opinion that:

 

1. Upon completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating thereto, the issuance of the Common Shares will be duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Resolutions and all Corporate Proceedings relating thereto, the Common Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

 
 

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

October 5, 2012

Page 4

 

2. Upon completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating thereto, the issuance of the Preferred Shares will be duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Resolutions and all Corporate Proceedings relating thereto, the Preferred Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

3. Upon completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating thereto, the issuance of the Rights will be duly authorized.

 

4. Upon completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating thereto, the issuance of the Debt Securities will be duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Resolutions and all Corporate Proceedings relating thereto, the Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company.

 

The opinions expressed in this opinion letter (i) are strictly limited to the matters stated in this opinion letter, and without limiting the foregoing, no other opinions are to be implied and (ii) are only as of the date of this opinion letter, and we are under no obligation, and do not undertake, to advise the addressee of this opinion letter or any other person or entity either of any change of law or fact that occurs, or of any fact that comes to our attention, after the date of this opinion letter, even though such change or such fact may affect the legal analysis or a legal conclusion in this opinion letter.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We do not admit by giving this consent that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act. Otherwise, this opinion letter may not be relied on by, or furnished to, any other person or entity without our prior written consent and without limiting the foregoing, may not be quoted, published or otherwise disseminated, without in each instance our prior written consent.

 

  Respectfully submitted,
   
  /s/ SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP

 

 

Exhibit n.2

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form N-2 of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. of our report dated May 25, 2012 relating to the financial statements of Oxford Lane Capital Corp., which appear in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Highlights" and “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

 

October 5, 2012

 

 
 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement 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 preliminary prospectus supplement 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.

 

[FORM OF PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE USED IN

CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE COMMON STOCK OFFERINGS](1)

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectus dated , 20 )

[ ] Shares

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

Common Stock

 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the “1940 Act.” Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (“Senior Loans”), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

Oxford Lane Management, LLC manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

We are offering for sale [ ] shares of our common stock. We have granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase additional shares of our common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments.

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OXLC.” On , 20 , the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our common stock was $ per share. We are required to determine the net asset value per share of our common stock on a quarterly basis. Our net asset value per share of our common stock as of [ ] was $[ ].

 

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. In addition, the CLO securities in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our common stock.

 

 
 

 

Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing in our common stock and keep each for future reference. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor ought to know before investing in our common stock. We file annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830 or by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com . Information contained on our website is not incorporated by referenced into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains information about us.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

    Per Share     Total  
Public Offering Price   $       $    
Sales Load (Underwriting Discounts and Commissions)   $       $    
Proceeds to the Company (before expenses)   $       $    

 

 The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about , 20 .

 

Prospectus Supplement dated , 20 .

 ___________________________

(1)   In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear is any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.
 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

  Page
About this Prospectus Supplement S-1
Summary S-2
Offering S-9
Fees and Expenses S-10
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements S-12
Capitalization S-13
Use of Proceeds S-14
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions S-15
Underwriting S-18
Legal Matters S-20
Experts S-20
Available Information S-20

 

 

PROSPECTUS

  Page
Summary 1
Offerings 9
Fees and Expenses 12
Financial Highlights 15
Risk Factors 16
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 33
Use of Proceeds 34
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions 35
Business 37
Management 45
Portfolio Management 53
Investment Advisory Agreement 56
Administration Agreement 61
Certain Relationships and Transactions 62
Control Persons and Principal Stockholders 63
Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company 64
Determination of Net Asset Value 69
Dividend Reinvestment Plan 71
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations 72
Description of Securities 80
Description of Our Capital Stock 81
Description of Our Preferred Stock 88
Description of Our Subscription Rights 89
Description of Our Debt Securities 90
Plan of Distribution 103
Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar 105
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices 105
Legal Matters 105
Experts 105
Available Information 105
Index to Financial Statements F-1

 

 
 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of common stock and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information and disclosure. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from or is additional to the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the headings “Available Information” and “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, respectively, before investing in our common stock.

 

Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do they constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of the dates on their respective covers. Our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. To the extent required by law, we will amend or supplement the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and prior to the completion of any offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

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SUMMARY

 

The following summary contains basic information about the offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of the offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the documents to which we have referred in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of the shares we are offering. You should carefully read the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Business” and our consolidated financial statements included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms ‘‘Oxford Lane Capital,’’ the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to Oxford Lane Capital Corp.; ‘‘Oxford Lane Management’’ and ‘‘investment adviser’’ refer to Oxford Lane Management, LLC; and ‘‘BDC Partners’’ refers to BDC Partners, LLC.

 

Overview

 

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (‘‘Senior Loans’’), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We believe that recent dislocations in the credit market have created opportunities to purchase our targeted investments at attractive risk adjusted returns.

 

We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (‘‘CLO’’) vehicles. Substantially all of the CLO vehicles in which we may invest would be deemed to be investment companies under the 1940 Act but for the exceptions set forth in section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7). Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit. A CLO vehicle is formed by raising various classes or ‘‘tranches’’ of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated ‘‘AAA’’ to the most junior tranches typically being rated ‘‘BB’’) and equity. The CLO vehicles which we focus on are collateralized primarily by Senior Loans, and generally have very little or no exposure to real estate, mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may also invest, on an opportunistic basis, in other corporate credits of a variety of types. We expect that each of our investments will range in size from $1 million to $12 million, although the investment size may vary consistent with the size of our overall portfolio.

 

Oxford Lane Management manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

Distributions

 

In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, or ‘‘RIC,’’ and to avoid corporate level tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the ‘‘Code,’’ to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and short-term capital gains to our stockholders on an annual basis.

 

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The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount  
Fiscal 2013                
July 31, 2012   September 14, 2012   September 28, 2012   $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012   June 15, 2012   June 29, 2012     0.55  
Total (2013)             1.10  
Fiscal 2012                
January 25, 2012   March 16, 2012   March 30, 2012     0.55  
October 24, 2011   December 16, 2011   December 30, 2011     0.50  
July 22, 2011   September 16, 2011   September 30, 2011     0.50  
April 6, 2011   June 16, 2011   June 30, 2011     0.50  
Total (2012)             2.05  
Fiscal 2011                
March 7, 2011   March 21, 2011   April 1, 2011     0.25  
Total (2011)             0.25  
            $ 3.40  

 

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

 

Use of Proceeds From Prior Offerings

 

Since the closing of our initial public offering on January 25, 2011 and including two subsequent rights offerings on August 26, 2011 and April 27, 2012, through [ ], 2012 we have invested approximately $[ ] million of the cumulative net proceeds we received from our initial public offering (including the proceeds received from the underwriters' partial exercise of the over-allotment option) and subsequent rights offerings, representing approximately [ ]% of those cumulative proceeds. Consistent with our investment objective, these investments were made in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs.

 

Oxford Lane Management

 

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management, which is an investment adviser that has registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the “Advisers Act.” Under our investment advisory agreement with Oxford Lane Management, which we refer to as our “Investment Advisory Agreement,” we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets, as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

 

We expect to benefit from the proven ability of our investment adviser’s team to identify attractive opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate terms where appropriate, and manage and monitor a diversified portfolio although we do not intend to operate as a “diversified” investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Our investment adviser’s senior investment team members have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment banks, commercial banks, unregistered investment funds and other financial services companies, and have collectively developed a broad network of contacts to provide us with our principal source of investment opportunities.

 

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Our investment adviser is led by Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are assisted by Darryl M. Monasebian and Hari Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management. We consider Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal, Monasebian and Srinivasan to be Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team.

 

Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, together with the other members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team, have developed an infrastructure that we believe provides Oxford Lane Capital with a competitive advantage in locating and acquiring attractive Senior Loans and CLO investments.

 

Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Mr. Royce has served as President since 1972, and a member of the Board of Managers since 2001, of Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce & Associates”). He also serves as Royce & Associates’ Co-Chief Investment Officer and manages or co-manages twelve of Royce & Associates’ open- and closed-end registered funds. Mr. Royce currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Royce Funds and TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce is also a non-managing member of TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

 

In addition, we will pay BDC Partners, an affiliate of Oxford Lane Management, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under an administration agreement by and among us and BDC Partners (the “Administration Agreement”), including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any administrative support staff. These arrangements will create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor.

 

Investment Focus

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in Senior Loans, with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by investing principally in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles, which are collateralized primarily by a diverse portfolio of leveraged corporate loans, and which generally have very little or no exposure to real estate or mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including foreign CLO vehicles.

 

The CLO investments we have initially targeted generally represent either a residual economic interest, in the case of an equity tranche, or a debt investment collateralized by a portfolio of Senior Loans. The value of our CLO investments generally depend on both the quality and nature of the underlying portfolio it references and also on the specific structural characteristics of the CLO itself, both of which are described below.

 

CLO Structural Elements

 

Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

A CLO vehicle is formed by raising multiple “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. As interest payments are received the CLO vehicle makes contractual interest payments to each tranche of debt based on their seniority. If there are funds remaining after each tranche of debt receives its contractual interest rate and the CLO vehicle meets or exceeds required collateral coverage levels (or other similar covenants) the remaining funds may be paid to the equity tranche. The contractual provisions setting out this order of payments are set out in detail in the CLO vehicle’s indenture. These provisions are referred to as the “priority of payments” or the “waterfall” and determine any other obligations that may be required to be paid ahead of payments of interest and principal on the securities issued by a CLO vehicle. In addition, for payments to be made to each tranche, after the most senior tranche of debt, there are various tests which must be complied with, which are different for each CLO vehicle.

 

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CLO indentures typically provide for adjustments to the priority of payments in the event that certain cashflow or collateral requirements are not maintained. The collateral quality tests that may divert cashflows in the priority of payments are predominantly determined by reference to the par values of the underlying loans, rather than their current market values. Accordingly, we believe that CLO equity and junior debt investments allow investors to gain diversified exposure to the Senior Loan market on a levered basis without being structurally subject to mark-to-market price fluctuations of the underlying loans. As such, although the current valuations of CLO equity and junior debt tranches are expected to fluctuate based on price changes within the loan market, interest rate movements and other macroeconomic factors, those tranches will generally be expected to continue to receive distributions from the CLO vehicle periodically so long as the underlying portfolio does not suffer defaults, realized losses or other covenant violations sufficient to trigger changes in the waterfall allocations. We therefore believe that an investment portfolio consisting of CLO equity and junior debt investments of this type has the ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted rates of return.

 

The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is only a hypothetical structure and structures among CLO vehicles in which we may invest may vary substantially from the hypothetical example set forth below.

 

 

 

The Syndicated Senior Loan Market

 

We believe that while the syndicated leveraged corporate loan market is relatively large, with Standard and Poor’s estimating the total par value outstanding at approximately $[ ] as of [ ], 2012, this market remains largely inaccessible to a significant portion of investors that are not lenders or approved institutions. The CLO market permits wider exposure to syndicated Senior Loans, but this market is almost exclusively private and predominantly institutional.

 

The Senior Loan market is characterized by various factors, including:

 

 

  Seniority. A Senior Loan typically ranks senior in a company’s capital structure to all other forms of debt or equity. As such, that loan maintains the senior-most claim on the company’s assets and cash flow, and, we believe should, all other things being equal, offer the prospect of a relatively more stable and lower-risk holding.

 

  Floating rate instruments. A Senior Loan typically contains a floating versus a fixed interest rate, which we believe provides some measure of protection against the risk of interest rate fluctuation.

 

  Frequency of interest payments. A Senior Loan typically provides for scheduled interest payments no less frequently than quarterly.

 

In the current environment, we believe the above attributes seem particularly desirable.

 

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Investment Opportunity

 

We believe that the Senior Loan market has and continues to represent an attractive area for investment. We believe that the CLO equity and junior debt investments we intend to seek currently represent, as a class, an opportunity to obtain attractive risk-adjusted investment returns. We believe that a number of factors support this conclusion, including:

 

  We believe that the long-term and relatively low-cost capital that many CLO vehicles have secured, compared with the increasing asset spreads and the introduction of more LIBOR floors have created opportunities to purchase certain CLO equity and junior debt instruments that may produce attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

  We believe that CLO equity and junior debt have generally become more liquid since mid-2009. From late 2007 through mid-2009, these assets traded only very infrequently. We believe that greater recent liquidity in this market has created an opportunity to better analyze and compare various equity and debt instruments from among a large number of different structures.

 

  We believe that although Senior Loan asset prices have risen since mid-2010, CLO equity and junior debt instruments still offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

  We believe that larger institutional investors with sufficient resources to source, analyze and negotiate the purchase of these assets may refrain from purchasing assets of the size that we are targeting, thereby potentially reducing the competition for our target investments.

 

  We believe that investing in CLO securities and CLO equity instruments in particular, requires a high level of research and analysis. We believe that typically this analysis can only be adequately conducted by knowledgeable market participants, as the nature of that analysis tends to be highly specialized.

 

  We believe that a stronger credit market for Senior Loans has substantially reduced the risk of collateral coverage test violations across many CLO structures, thereby reducing the risk that current cash distributions otherwise payable to junior debt tranches and/or equity will be diverted under the priority of payments to pay down the more senior obligations in various CLO structures.

 

  We believe that the US CLO market is relatively large with a total par value of approximately $250 billion invested in over 500 different CLO vehicles. We estimate the size of the junior-most debt tranches (specifically the tranches originally rated “BB”) is approximately $9.0 billion (of which “turbo BB” tranches are an attractive sub-segment), and the size of the equity tranches is approximately $20 billion.

 

Summary Risk Factors

 

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our securities, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Oxford Lane Capital involves other risks, including the following:

 

  We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment company;

 

  We are dependent upon Oxford Lane Management’s key personnel for our future success;

 

  Our incentive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee payable to Oxford Lane Management may incentivize Oxford Lane Management to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so;

 

  A general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings due to the “catch up” feature of the incentive fee;

 

  CLO vehicles are very highly levered (typically 10-14 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity instruments in which we invest are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss;

 

  Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO vehicles which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO vehicles experiences a high level of defaults on its underlying Senior Loans;

 

S- 6
 

 

 

  The Senior Loan portfolios of the CLO vehicles in which we will invest may be concentrated in a limited number of industries, which may subject those vehicles, and in turn us, to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of our CLO vehicles’ investments are concentrated;

 

  Our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in such CLO vehicles defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect;

 

  Investing in CLO vehicles and other high-yield corporate credits involves a variety of risks, any of which may adversely impact our performance;

 

  A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business;

 

  We may borrow money to leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;

 

  Our investment portfolio will be recorded at fair value, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;

 

  We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;

 

  We will become subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code;

 

  Shares of closed-end management investment companies, including Oxford Lane Capital, have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline below our net asset value per share;

 

  Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;

 

  There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow or may be reduced over time, including on a per share basis as a result of the dilutive effects of this offering;

 

  Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

 

  If we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common stock may become more volatile.

 

  Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of our Board of Directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus. In addition, the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

Operating and Regulatory Structure

 

Oxford Lane Capital is a Maryland corporation that is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end fund, we are required to meet regulatory tests. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Investment Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

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Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management and supervised by our Board of Directors. Oxford Lane Management is an investment adviser that is registered under the Advisers Act. Under our Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.” We have also entered into an administration agreement with BDC Partners, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse BDC Partners for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement.”

 

BDC Partners also serves as the managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, in turn, serve as the managing member and non-managing member, respectively, of BDC Partners.

 

Our Corporate Information

 

Our offices are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, and our telephone number is (203) 983-5275.

 

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The Offering

 

Common stock offered by us [ ] shares

 

Common stock outstanding prior to this offering [ ] shares
   
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) [ ] shares
   
Over-allotment option [ ] shares
   
Use of proceeds If we sell shares of our common stock with an aggregate offering price of $ million, we anticipate that our net proceeds, after deducting sales agent commissions and estimated expenses payable by us, will be approximately $ million. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and for general working capital purposes.  We may also pay operating expenses, including advisory and administrative fees and expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering. Pending such investments, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. The management fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities. See “Use of Proceeds.”
   
Distribution To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to our stockholders, beginning with our first full quarter after the completion of this offering. The amount of our dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The specific tax characteristics of our dividends will be reported to shareholders after the end of each calendar year.
   
Taxation We have elected to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally do not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any.  See “Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus.
   
NASDAQ Global Select Market symbol “OXLC”
   
Risk factors An investment in our common stock is subject to risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. In addition, the CLO Securities in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our common stock.

 

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FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “Oxford Lane Capital,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 

Stockholder transaction expenses:        
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)       % (1)
Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)       % (2)
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses     None (3)
Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)     %
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):        
Base management fee     [ ] % (4)
Incentive fees payable under our investment advisory agreement     [ ] % (5)
Interest payments on borrowed funds     [ ] % (6)
Preferred Stock Dividend Payment     [ ] % (7)
Other expenses (estimated)     [ ] % (8)
Acquired fund fees and expenses     [ ] % (9)
Total annual expenses (estimated)     [ ] %

 

EXAMPLE

 

The following example, required by the SEC, demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in us. In calculating the following expense amounts, we assumed we would maintain the current amount of leverage, that our operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above, that we pay the transaction expenses set forth in the table above, including a sales load of % paid by you (the commission to be paid by us with respect to common stock sold by us in this offering).

 

    1
Year
    3
Years
    5
Years
    10
Years
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return   $     $     $     $  

 

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5.0% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5.0% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. Also, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value. See ‘‘Dividend Reinvestment Plan’’ for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

 

(1)   Represents the commission with respect to the shares of our common stock being sold in this offering, which we will pay to in connection with sales of shares of our common stock effected by in this offering.
(2)   The offering expenses of this offering are estimated to be approximately $ .

(3)   The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”

 

 

S- 10
 

 

(4)   Assumes gross assets of $[    ] million and $[    ] million of leverage (including an assumed $[    ] million of preferred stock with a preferred rate of [    ]% per annum), and assumes net assets of $[    ] million, which reflects our net assets as of [     ], 2012. The above calculation reflects our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. Our base management fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, however, is based on our gross assets, which is defined as all the assets of Oxford Lane Capital, including those acquired using borrowings for investment purposes. As a result, to the extent we use leverage, it would have the effect of increasing our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. See ‘‘Investment Advisory Agreement.’’ in the accompanying prospectus.
     
(5)  

Amount reflects the estimated annual incentive fees payable to our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, during the fiscal year following this offering. The estimate assumes that the incentive fee earned will be proportional to the fee earned during the fiscal quarter ended [    ], 2012. Based on our current business plan, we anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus will be invested within three months depending on the availability of investment opportunities that are consistent with our investment objective and other market conditions. We expect that it will take approximately one to three months to invest all of the proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus, in part because equity and junior debt investments in CLO vehicles require substantial due diligence prior to investment.

 

The incentive fee, which is payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20.0% of the excess, if any, of our ‘‘Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income’’ that exceeds a 1.75% quarterly (7.0% annualized) hurdle rate, which we refer to as the Hurdle, subject to a ‘‘catch-up’’ provision measured at the end of each calendar quarter. The incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. The operation of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:

 

• no incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle of 1.75%;

 

• 100% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser. We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875%) as the ‘‘catch-up.’’ The ‘‘catch-up’’ is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20.0% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as if a Hurdle did not apply when our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.1875% in any

calendar quarter; and

 

• 20.0% of the amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser (once the Hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20.0% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Investment Income thereafter is allocated to our investment adviser).

 

No incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser on realized capital gains. For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see ‘‘Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

     
(6)   Assumes that we maintain our current level of no outstanding borrowings as of [    ], 2012. We may also issue preferred stock, which may be considered a form of leverage, pursuant to the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus forms a part. In the event we were to issue preferred stock, our borrowing costs, and correspondingly our total annual expenses, including our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets, would increase.
     
(7)   Assumes that we issue $[    ] million of preferred stock with a preferred rate equal to [    ]% per annum.
     
(8)   ‘‘Other expenses’’ ($[    ] million) assumes that other expenses for the year will be proportional to other expenses incurred during the fiscal quarter ended [    ], 2012.
     
(9)   Reflects the estimated annual collateral manager fees that will be indirectly incurred by us in connection with our investments in CLO equity tranches during the twelve months following the date of this prospectus, assuming the CLO equity investments held as of [    ], 2012 and net assets of $[    ] million. Collateral manager fees are charged on the total assets of the CLO vehicle, including the assets acquired with borrowed funds, but are assumed to be paid from the residual cash flows after interest payments to the senior debt tranches. Therefore, these collateral manager fees (which are generally 0.50% to 0.55% of total assets) are effectively much higher when allocated only to the equity tranches. The debt tranches that we hold generally are not deemed to pay any such collateral manager fees. The calculation does not include any other operating expense ratios of the CLO vehicles, as these amounts are not routinely reported to shareholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however, it is estimated that additional operating expenses of approximately 0.5% to 1.0% could be incurred. As a result of our investments in such CLO equity investments, our stockholders will be required to pay two levels of fees and expenses in connection with their investment in our common stock, including fees payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement and fees and expenses charged to us on the CLO equity tranches in which we are invested.

  

S- 11
 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our company, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

  our future operating results;
     
  our business prospects and the prospects of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies;
     
  the impact of investments that we expect to make;
     
  our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;
     
  the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
     
  the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
     
  our expected financings and investments;
     
  the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
     
  the timing of cash flows, if any, from our investments.

 

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

  an economic downturn could impair the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investment in such CLO vehicle;
     
  a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our investment activities;
     
  interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;
     
  currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and
     
  the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the respective dates of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. However, we will update this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act.”

 

S- 12
 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth:

 

  the actual capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. at , 20 ; and
     
  the pro forma capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. reflects the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $ per share (the last reported closing price of our common stock on , 20 ) after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $ and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ payable by us.

 

This table should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds” included in this prospectus supplement and our “Business” section and financial statements and notes thereto included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

    As of , 20  
    Oxford Lane
Capital Corp.
    Oxford Lane
Capital Corp.
 
    Actual     Pro Forma
(1)
 
    (in thousands)     (in thousands)  
Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $     $  
Investments at fair value   $     $  
Other assets   $     $  
Total assets   $     $  
Liabilities:                
Total Liabilities   $     $  
Stockholders’ equity:                
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively           $  
Capital in excess of par value           $  
Total stockholders’ equity         $  

 

(1)   We may change the size of this offering based on demand and market conditions. A $0.50 increase (decrease) in the assumed offering price per share would increase (decrease) net proceeds to us from this offering by $[ ] million, assuming the number of shares offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement remains the same, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses payable by us. Any additional proceeds to us resulting from an increase in the public offering price or the number of shares offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement will increase our cash and cash equivalents on an as adjusted basis and will be used as described in “Use of Proceeds.”

  

S- 13
 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general working capital purposes. We may also pay operating expenses, including advisory and administrative fees and expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering.

 

We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering will be used for the above purposes within approximately [ ] to [ ] months from the consummation of such offering, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market conditions. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted investment pace.

 

Pending such investments, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. The management fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities. See “Regulation as a Closed-End Investment Company — Temporary Investments” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information about temporary investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our investment objective.

 

S- 14
 

 

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OXLC.” The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter since our initial public offering, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of our common stock, the high and low intraday sales prices for our common stock, such sales prices as a percentage of NAV per share and quarterly distributions per share.

 

          Price Range                    
    NAV (1)     High     Low     Premium/Discount
of
High Sales Price to
NAV (2)
    Premium/Discount
of
Low Sales Price to
NAV (2)
   

Cash Distributions

Per Share (3)

 
Fiscal 2013                                                                
Third Quarter (through [     ], 2012     *     $     [  ]     $         [  ]       *       *       *  
Second Quarter     *     $       16.79     $       14.00       *       *     $ 0.55  
First Quarter   $ 14.60               15.00               13.49       3 %     (8 )%     0.55  
Fiscal 2012                                                                
Fourth Quarter     17.05               16.50               13.30       (3 )%     (22 )%     0.55  
Third Quarter     15.08               14.98               12.06       (1 )%     (20 )%     0.50  
Second Quarter     15.14               18.74               13.05       24 %     (14 )%     0.50  
First Quarter     17.44               20.00               17.61       15 %     1 %     0.50  
Fiscal 2011                                                                
Fourth Quarter (from January 20, 2011 through March 31, 2011)     18.19               20.50               17.11       13 %     (6 %)   $ 0.25  

 

  (1) Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.
     
  (2) Calculated as the respective high or low intraday sales price divided by NAV.
     
  (3) Represents the cash distribution declared in the specified quarter.
     
  * Not determinable at the time of filing.

 

On [ ], 2012, the last reported sales price of our common stock was $[ ] per share. As of [ ], 2012, we had [ ] shareholders of record.

 

Shares of closed-end management investment companies may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from net asset value or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. Since our initial public offering, shares of our common stock have traded at a discount and at a premium to the net assets attributable to those shares. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered hereby will trade at, above, or below net asset value.

 

S- 15
 

 

To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to our stockholders. Our quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date     Amount  
Fiscal 2013                    
July 31, 2012   September 14, 2012     September 28, 2012     $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012   June 15, 2012     June 29, 2012       0.55  
Total (2013)                 1.10  
                     
Fiscal 2012                    
January 25, 2012   March 16, 2012     March 30, 2012       0.55  
October 24, 2011   December 16, 2011     December 30, 2011       0.50  
July 22, 2011   September 16, 2011     September 30, 2011       0.50  
April 6, 2011   June 16, 2011     June 30, 2011       0.50  
Total (2012)                 2.05  
Fiscal 2011                    
March 7, 2011   March 21, 2011     April 1, 2011       0.25  
Total (2011)                 0.25  
                $ 3.40  

 

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

 

S- 16
 

 

We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with our 2011 taxable year. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment, we must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we currently intend to distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of: (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year; (2) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year; and, (3) any ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no federal income tax. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net long term capital gains in excess of short term capital losses), if any, at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to you. If this happens, you will be treated as if you had received an actual distribution of the capital gains we retain and reinvested the net after tax proceeds in us. In this situation, you would be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain circumstances, a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to you. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, to the extent that we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

 

Our current intention is to make any distributions in additional shares of our common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan out of assets legally available therefore, unless you elect to receive your dividends and/or long-term capital gains distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in the accompanying prospectus. If you hold shares in the name of a broker or financial intermediary, you should contact the broker or financial intermediary regarding your election to receive distributions in cash. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

 

S- 17
 

 

UNDERWRITING

 

[ ] is acting as sole book-running manager of the offering and as representative of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated [ ], each underwriter named below severally agrees to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table:

 

Underwriters   Number of
Shares
 
     
         
.        
Total      

 

The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are purchased, other than the shares covered by the option described below.

 

Over-allotment Option

 

If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the table above, the underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional [ ]shares from us. They may exercise that option for 30 days. If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above.

 

Commissions and Discounts

 

The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid by us to the underwriters. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

 

Paid by TICC Capital Corp.   No Exercise     Full Exercise  
Per Share   $     $  
Total   $     $  

 

Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. If all the shares are not sold at the public offering price, the representatives may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

 

We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $[ ].

 

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

Lock-up Agreements

 

We, Oxford Lane Management, BDC Partners and our officers and directors have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to issue, sell, dispose of or hedge any of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus supplement continuing through the date [ ] days after the date of this prospectus supplement, except with the prior written consent of [ ].

 

The [ ]-day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the [ ]-day restricted period we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the [ ]-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the [ ]-day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release of the announcement of the material news or material event.

 

S- 18
 

 

Price Stabilizations and Short Positions

 

In connection with the offering, [ ], on behalf of the underwriters, may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares from us in the offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

 

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

The underwriters and their affiliates have provided, or may in the future provide, various investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory, brokerage and other services to us and our affiliates for which services they have received, and may in the future receive, customary fees and expense reimbursement. The underwriters and their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of our company. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

Sales Outside the U.S.

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the U.S.) that would permit a public offering of the common shares, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other material relating to us or the common shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the common shares may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and none of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the common shares may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

 

Each of the underwriters may arrange to sell common shares offered hereby in certain jurisdictions outside the United States, either directly or through affiliates, where they are permitted to do so.

  

[Describe any other specific transactions and compensation related thereto to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

[Describe if underwriters receiving proceeds of offering, if required by FINRA.]

 

[Insert principal business addresses of underwriters.]

 

[Insert applicable legends for jurisdictions in which offers and sales may be made.]

 

S- 19
 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by [ ].

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and for the year ended March 31, 2012 included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 together with all amendments and related exhibits under the Securities Act. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us at Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com .

 

S- 20
 

 

 

[ ] Shares

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

Common Stock

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

, 20

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement 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 preliminary prospectus supplement 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.

 

[FORM OF PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE USED IN

CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE PREFERRED STOCK OFFERINGS](1)

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectus dated , 20 )

 

[  ] Shares

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 

Series [ ] Preferred Stock

Liquidation Preference $ Per Share

 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the “1940 Act.” Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (“Senior Loans”), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

Oxford Lane Management, LLC manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

We are offering for sale shares of our Series [ ] preferred stock, or our “preferred stock,” with a liquidation preference of $ per share. [Insert relevant information regarding ranking, conversion, redemption, dividends, etc. to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

[Add relevant disclosure depending on whether preferred shares are listed or not.]

 

We are required to determine the net asset value per share of our common stock on a quarterly basis. Our net asset value per share of our common stock as of [ ] was $[ ].

 

An investment in our preferred stock is subject to risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. In addition, the CLO securities in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our preferred stock.

 

 
 

 

Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing in our preferred stock and keep each for future reference. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor ought to know before investing in our preferred stock. We file annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830 or by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com . Information contained on our website is not incorporated by referenced into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains information about us.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

    Per Share     Total  
Public Offering Price   $       $    
Sales Load (Underwriting Discounts and Commissions)   $       $    
Proceeds to the Company (before expenses)   $       $    

 

[In addition, the underwriters may purchase up to an additional shares of preferred stock from us at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within days of the date of this prospectus supplement to cover overallotments. If the underwriters exercise this option in full, the total public offering price will be $ , the total underwriting discount (sales load) paid by us will be $ , and total proceeds, before expenses, will be $ .]

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about , 20 .

 

Prospectus Supplement dated , 20 .

 

___________________________

(1)   In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear is any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

  Page
About this Prospectus Supplement S-1
Summary S-2
The Offering S-9
Risk Factors S-11
Fees and Expenses S-12
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements S-14
Capitalization S-15
Use of Proceeds S-16
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends S-17
Description of Preferred Stock S-18
Underwriting S-21
Legal Matters S-23
Experts S-23
Available Information S-23

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

  Page
Summary 1
Offerings 9
Fees and Expenses 12
Financial Highlights 15
Risk Factors 16
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 33
Use of Proceeds 34
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions 35
Business 37
Management 45
Portfolio Management 53
Investment Advisory Agreement 56
Administration Agreement 61
Certain Relationships and Transactions 62
Control Persons and Principal Stockholders 63
Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company 64
Determination of Net Asset Value 69
Dividend Reinvestment Plan 71
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations 72
Description of Securities 80
Description of Our Capital Stock 81
Description of Our Preferred Stock 88
Description of Our Subscription Rights 89
Description of Our Debt Securities 90
Plan of Distribution 103
Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar 105
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices 105
Legal Matters 105
Experts 105
Available Information 105
Index to Financial Statements F-1

 

 
 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of preferred stock and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information and disclosure. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from or is additional to the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the headings “Available Information” and “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, respectively, before investing in our preferred stock.

 

Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do they constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of the dates on their respective covers. Our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. To the extent required by law, we will amend or supplement the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and prior to the completion of any offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

S- 1
 

 

SUMMARY

 

The following summary contains basic information about the offering of shares of our preferred stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of the offering of shares of our preferred stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the documents to which we have referred in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of the shares we are offering. You should carefully read the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the section entitled “Business” and our consolidated financial statements included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms ‘‘Oxford Lane Capital,’’ the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to Oxford Lane Capital Corp.; ‘‘Oxford Lane Management’’ and ‘‘investment adviser’’ refer to Oxford Lane Management, LLC; and ‘‘BDC Partners’’ refers to BDC Partners, LLC.

 

Overview

 

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (‘‘Senior Loans’’), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We believe that recent dislocations in the credit market have created opportunities to purchase our targeted investments at attractive risk adjusted returns.

 

We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (‘‘CLO’’) vehicles. Substantially all of the CLO vehicles in which we may invest would be deemed to be investment companies under the 1940 Act but for the exceptions set forth in section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7). Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit. A CLO vehicle is formed by raising various classes or ‘‘tranches’’ of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated ‘‘AAA’’ to the most junior tranches typically being rated ‘‘BB’’) and equity. The CLO vehicles which we focus on are collateralized primarily by Senior Loans, and generally have very little or no exposure to real estate, mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may also invest, on an opportunistic basis, in other corporate credits of a variety of types. We expect that each of our investments will range in size from $1 million to $12 million, although the investment size may vary consistent with the size of our overall portfolio.

 

Oxford Lane Management manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

Distributions

 

In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, or ‘‘RIC,’’ and to avoid corporate level tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the ‘‘Code,’’ to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and short-term capital gains to our stockholders on an annual basis.

 

S- 2
 

 

The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount  
Fiscal 2013                
July 31, 2012   September 14, 2012   September 28, 2012   $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012   June 15, 2012   June 29, 2012     0.55  
Total (2013)             1.10  
Fiscal 2012                
January 25, 2012   March 16, 2012   March 30, 2012     0.55  
October 24, 2011   December 16, 2011   December 30, 2011     0.50  
July 22, 2011   September 16, 2011   September 30, 2011     0.50  
April 6, 2011   June 16, 2011   June 30, 2011     0.50  
Total (2012)             2.05  
Fiscal 2011                
March 7, 2011   March 21, 2011   April 1, 2011     0.25  
Total (2011)             0.25  
            $ 3.40  

 

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

 

Use of Proceeds From Prior Offerings

 

Since the closing of our initial public offering on January 25, 2011 and including two subsequent rights offerings on August 26, 2011 and April 27, 2012, through [ ], 2012 we have invested approximately $[ ] million of the cumulative net proceeds we received from our initial public offering (including the proceeds received from the underwriters' partial exercise of the over-allotment option) and subsequent rights offerings, representing approximately [ ]% of those cumulative proceeds. Consistent with our investment objective, these investments were made in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs.

 

Oxford Lane Management

 

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management, which is an investment adviser that has registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the “Advisers Act.” Under our investment advisory agreement with Oxford Lane Management, which we refer to as our “Investment Advisory Agreement,” we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets, as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

 

We expect to benefit from the proven ability of our investment adviser’s team to identify attractive opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate terms where appropriate, and manage and monitor a diversified portfolio although we do not intend to operate as a “diversified” investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Our investment adviser’s senior investment team members have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment banks, commercial banks, unregistered investment funds and other financial services companies, and have collectively developed a broad network of contacts to provide us with our principal source of investment opportunities.

 

S- 3
 

 

Our investment adviser is led by Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are assisted by Darryl M. Monasebian and Hari Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management. We consider Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal, Monasebian and Srinivasan to be Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team.

 

Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, together with the other members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team, have developed an infrastructure that we believe provides Oxford Lane Capital with a competitive advantage in locating and acquiring attractive Senior Loans and CLO investments.

 

Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Mr. Royce has served as President since 1972, and a member of the Board of Managers since 2001, of Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce & Associates”). He also serves as Royce & Associates’ Co-Chief Investment Officer and manages or co-manages twelve of Royce & Associates’ open- and closed-end registered funds. Mr. Royce currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Royce Funds and TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce is also a non-managing member of TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

 

In addition, we will pay BDC Partners, an affiliate of Oxford Lane Management, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under an administration agreement by and among us and BDC Partners (the “Administration Agreement”), including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any administrative support staff. These arrangements will create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor.

 

Investment Focus

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in Senior Loans, with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by investing principally in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles, which are collateralized primarily by a diverse portfolio of leveraged corporate loans, and which generally have very little or no exposure to real estate or mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including foreign CLO vehicles.

 

The CLO investments we have initially targeted generally represent either a residual economic interest, in the case of an equity tranche, or a debt investment collateralized by a portfolio of Senior Loans. The value of our CLO investments generally depend on both the quality and nature of the underlying portfolio it references and also on the specific structural characteristics of the CLO itself, both of which are described below.

 

CLO Structural Elements

 

Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

A CLO vehicle is formed by raising multiple “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. As interest payments are received the CLO vehicle makes contractual interest payments to each tranche of debt based on their seniority. If there are funds remaining after each tranche of debt receives its contractual interest rate and the CLO vehicle meets or exceeds required collateral coverage levels (or other similar covenants) the remaining funds may be paid to the equity tranche. The contractual provisions setting out this order of payments are set out in detail in the CLO vehicle’s indenture. These provisions are referred to as the “priority of payments” or the “waterfall” and determine any other obligations that may be required to be paid ahead of payments of interest and principal on the securities issued by a CLO vehicle. In addition, for payments to be made to each tranche, after the most senior tranche of debt, there are various tests which must be complied with, which are different for each CLO vehicle.

 

S- 4
 

 

CLO indentures typically provide for adjustments to the priority of payments in the event that certain cashflow or collateral requirements are not maintained. The collateral quality tests that may divert cashflows in the priority of payments are predominantly determined by reference to the par values of the underlying loans, rather than their current market values. Accordingly, we believe that CLO equity and junior debt investments allow investors to gain diversified exposure to the Senior Loan market on a levered basis without being structurally subject to mark-to-market price fluctuations of the underlying loans. As such, although the current valuations of CLO equity and junior debt tranches are expected to fluctuate based on price changes within the loan market, interest rate movements and other macroeconomic factors, those tranches will generally be expected to continue to receive distributions from the CLO vehicle periodically so long as the underlying portfolio does not suffer defaults, realized losses or other covenant violations sufficient to trigger changes in the waterfall allocations. We therefore believe that an investment portfolio consisting of CLO equity and junior debt investments of this type has the ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted rates of return.

 

The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is only a hypothetical structure and structures among CLO vehicles in which we may invest may vary substantially from the hypothetical example set forth below.

 

 

The Syndicated Senior Loan Market

 

We believe that while the syndicated leveraged corporate loan market is relatively large, with Standard and Poor’s estimating the total par value outstanding at approximately $[    ] as of [    ], 2012, this market remains largely inaccessible to a significant portion of investors that are not lenders or approved institutions. The CLO market permits wider exposure to syndicated Senior Loans, but this market is almost exclusively private and predominantly institutional.

 

The Senior Loan market is characterized by various factors, including:

 

· Seniority. A Senior Loan typically ranks senior in a company’s capital structure to all other forms of debt or equity. As such, that loan maintains the senior-most claim on the company’s assets and cash flow, and, we believe should, all other things being equal, offer the prospect of a relatively more stable and lower-risk holding.
     
· Floating rate instruments. A Senior Loan typically contains a floating versus a fixed interest rate, which we believe provides some measure of protection against the risk of interest rate fluctuation.
     
· Frequency of interest payments. A Senior Loan typically provides for scheduled interest payments no less frequently than quarterly.

 

S- 5
 

 

In the current environment, we believe the above attributes seem particularly desirable.

 

Investment Opportunity

 

We believe that the Senior Loan market has and continues to represent an attractive area for investment. We believe that the CLO equity and junior debt investments we intend to seek currently represent, as a class, an opportunity to obtain attractive risk-adjusted investment returns. We believe that a number of factors support this conclusion, including:

 

· We believe that the long-term and relatively low-cost capital that many CLO vehicles have secured, compared with the increasing asset spreads and the introduction of more LIBOR floors have created opportunities to purchase certain CLO equity and junior debt instruments that may produce attractive risk-adjusted returns.
     
· We believe that CLO equity and junior debt have generally become more liquid since mid-2009. From late 2007 through mid-2009, these assets traded only very infrequently. We believe that greater recent liquidity in this market has created an opportunity to better analyze and compare various equity and debt instruments from among a large number of different structures.
     
· We believe that although Senior Loan asset prices have risen since mid-2010, CLO equity and junior debt instruments still offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.
     
· We believe that larger institutional investors with sufficient resources to source, analyze and negotiate the purchase of these assets may refrain from purchasing assets of the size that we are targeting, thereby potentially reducing the competition for our target investments.
     
· We believe that investing in CLO securities and CLO equity instruments in particular, requires a high level of research and analysis. We believe that typically this analysis can only be adequately conducted by knowledgeable market participants, as the nature of that analysis tends to be highly specialized.
     
· We believe that a stronger credit market for Senior Loans has substantially reduced the risk of collateral coverage test violations across many CLO structures, thereby reducing the risk that current cash distributions otherwise payable to junior debt tranches and/or equity will be diverted under the priority of payments to pay down the more senior obligations in various CLO structures.
     
· We believe that the US CLO market is relatively large with a total par value of approximately $250 billion invested in over 500 different CLO vehicles. We estimate the size of the junior-most debt tranches (specifically the tranches originally rated “BB”) is approximately $9.0 billion (of which “turbo BB” tranches are an attractive sub-segment), and the size of the equity tranches is approximately $20 billion.

 

Summary Risk Factors

 

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our securities, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Oxford Lane Capital involves other risks, including the following:

 

· We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment company;
     
· We are dependent upon Oxford Lane Management’s key personnel for our future success;
     
· Our incentive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee payable to Oxford Lane Management may incentivize Oxford Lane Management to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so;
     
· A general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings due to the “catch up” feature of the incentive fee;
     
· CLO vehicles are very highly levered (typically 10-14 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity instruments in which we invest are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss;

 

S- 6
 

 

· Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO vehicles which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO vehicles experiences a high level of defaults on its underlying Senior Loans;
     
· The Senior Loan portfolios of the CLO vehicles in which we will invest may be concentrated in a limited number of industries, which may subject those vehicles, and in turn us, to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of our CLO vehicles’ investments are concentrated;
     
· Our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in such CLO vehicles defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect;
     
· Investing in CLO vehicles and other high-yield corporate credits involves a variety of risks, any of which may adversely impact our performance;
     
· A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business;
     
· We may borrow money to leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;
     
· Our investment portfolio will be recorded at fair value, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;
     
· We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;
     
· We will become subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code;
     
· Shares of closed-end management investment companies, including Oxford Lane Capital, have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline below our net asset value per share;
     
· Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;
     
· There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow or may be reduced over time, including on a per share basis as a result of the dilutive effects of this offering;
     
· Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
     
· Holders of the preferred stock will have the right to elect members of our Board of Directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

 

        [Insert additional risks relating to preferred stock.]

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus. In addition, the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our preferred stock.

 

Operating and Regulatory Structure

 

Oxford Lane Capital is a Maryland corporation that is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end fund, we are required to meet regulatory tests. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Investment Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

S- 7
 

 

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management and supervised by our Board of Directors. Oxford Lane Management is an investment adviser that is registered under the Advisers Act. Under our Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.” We have also entered into an administration agreement with BDC Partners, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse BDC Partners for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement.”

 

BDC Partners also serves as the managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, in turn, serve as the managing member and non-managing member, respectively, of BDC Partners.

 

Our Corporate Information

 

Our offices are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, and our telephone number is (203) 983-5275.

 

S- 8
 

 

The Offering

 

Shares of Series [ ] Preferred Stock Offered by Us   shares, excluding shares of preferred stock issuable pursuant to the overallotment often granted to the Underwriters.
     
Shares of Series [ ] Preferred Stock Outstanding after this Offering   shares excluding shares of preferred stock issuable pursuant to the overallotment often granted to the Underwriters.
     
Use of Proceeds   We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general working capital purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement for more information.
     
Dividend Rate   % per annum
     
Dividend Payment Dates   , , and or each year, commencing on ,
     
Record Dates   , , and
     
[ ] symbol   “ ”
     
Liquidation Preference   The liquidation preference of our preferred stock is $ per share.
     
Restrictions on Dividend, Redemption and Other Payments   No full dividends and distributions will be declared or paid on the preferred stock for any dividend period, or a part of a dividend period, unless the full cumulative dividends and distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates for all outstanding shares of preferred stock have been, or contemporaneously are, declared and paid through the most recent dividend payment dates for each series of preferred stock. If full cumulative dividends and distributions due have not been paid on all outstanding preferred stock of any series, any dividends and distributions being declared and paid on preferred stock will be declared and paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of dividends and distributions accumulated but unpaid on the shares of each such series of preferred stock on the relevant dividend payment date. No holders of preferred stock will be entitled to any dividends and distributions in excess of full cumulative dividends and distributions as provided in the Certificate of Designations.
     
Optional Redemption   The preferred stock may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time after , at a redemption price per share equal to the applicable percentage set forth below multiplied by the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends not previously added to the liquidation preference on such share.
    Year Applicable Percentage %
     
Redemption at the Option of the Holder   On and after , , each holder of our preferred stock will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s preferred stock at a purchase price per share equal to % of the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends. In addition, each holder of our preferred stock will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s preferred stock at a purchase price per share equal to % of the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes.
     
Voting Rights   Voting rights associated with the preferred stock are described under the heading “Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights.”
     
Rating   The preferred stock is not rated.
     
Conversion   [Describe any applicable conversion provisions set forth in the Certificate of Designations.]

 

S- 9
 

 

Exchange   [Describe any applicable exchange provisions set forth in the Certificate of Designations.]
     
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences   [Insert summary disclosure regarding federal income tax consequences of an investment in the preferred stock.]

 

S- 10
 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below and those set forth in the accompanying prospectus. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before you decide whether to make an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below, together with those set forth in the accompanying prospectus, are the principal risk factors associated with an investment in us as well as those factors generally associated with an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to ours.

 

[Market yields may increase, which would result in a decline in the price of our preferred stock.

 

The prices of fixed income investments, such as our preferred stock, vary inversely with changes in market yields. The market yields on securities comparable to our preferred stock may increase, which could result in a decline in the secondary market price of our preferred stock prior to the term redemption date. See “Description of Preferred Stock—Dividends and Dividend Periods”.]

 

[Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our preferred stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price of our preferred stock will not decline following the offering.

 

We cannot assure you that a trading market will develop for our preferred stock after this offering or, if one develops, that such trading market can be sustained. [During a period of up to days from the date of this prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will not be listed on any securities exchange. During this period, the underwriters do not intend to make a market in our preferred stock. Consequently, an investment in our preferred stock during this period will likely be illiquid and holders thereof may not be able to sell such shares as it is unlikely that a secondary market for our preferred stock will develop during this period. If a secondary market does develop during this period, holders of our preferred stock may be able to sell such shares only at substantial discounts from liquidation preference.] [Application has been made to list our preferred stock on [so that trading on the exchange will begin within days from the date of this prospectus supplement, subject to notice of issuance]. If we are unable to list the preferred stock on a national securities exchange, holders thereof may be unable to sell such shares at all, or if they are able to, only at substantial discounts from liquidation preference. Even after the preferred stock is listed on as anticipated, there is a risk that the market for such shares may be thinly traded and relatively illiquid compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads of other securities with comparable terms and features.]]

 

[The preferred stock are unrated securities.

 

We do not intend to have the preferred stock rated by any rating agency. Unrated securities typically trade at a discount to similar, rated securities, depending on the rating of the rated securities. As a result, there is a risk that the preferred stock may trade at a price that is lower than what they might otherwise trade at if rated by a rating agency.]

 

[The preferred stock will be subordinate to the rights of holders of senior indebtedness.

 

While holders of our preferred stock will have equal liquidation and distribution rights to any other preferred stock that might be issued by us, they will be subordinated to the rights of holders of senior indebtedness, if any. Therefore, dividends, distributions and other payments to holders of our preferred stock in liquidation or otherwise may be subject to prior payments due to the holders of senior indebtedness. In addition, the 1940 Act may provide debt holders with voting rights that are superior to the voting rights of the preferred stock.]

 

[Insert any additional relevant risk factors not included in the base prospectus.]

 

S- 11
 

 

FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “Oxford Lane Capital,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 

Stockholder transaction expenses:        
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)       % (1)
Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)       % (2)
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses     None (3)
Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)     %
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):        
Base management fee     [ ] % (4)
Incentive fees payable under our investment advisory agreement     [ ] % (5)
Interest payments on borrowed funds     [ ] % (6)
Preferred Stock Dividend Payment     [ ] % (7)
Other expenses (estimated)     [ ] % (8)
Acquired fund fees and expenses     [ ] % (9)
Total annual expenses (estimated)     [ ] %

 

EXAMPLE

 

The following example, required by the SEC, demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in us. In calculating the following expense amounts, we assumed we would maintain the current amount of leverage, that our operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above, that we pay the transaction expenses set forth in the table above, including a sales load of % paid by you (the commission to be paid by us with respect to common stock sold by us in this offering).

 

    1
Year
    3
Years
    5
Years
    10
Years
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return   $       $       $       $    

 

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5.0% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5.0% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. Also, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value. See ‘‘Dividend Reinvestment Plan’’ for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

 ___________

(1)   Represents the commission with respect to the shares of our common stock being sold in this offering, which we will pay to in connection with sales of shares of our common stock effected by in this offering.
     
(2)   The offering expenses of this offering are estimated to be approximately $ .
     
(3)   The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”

 

S- 12
 

 

(4)   Assumes gross assets of $[  ] million and $[  ] million of leverage (including $[  ] million of preferred stock with a preferred rate of [  ]% per annum), and assumes net assets of $[  ] million, which reflects our net assets as of [  ], 2012. The above calculation reflects our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. Our base management fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, however, is based on our gross assets, which is defined as all the assets of Oxford Lane Capital, including those acquired using borrowings for investment purposes. As a result, to the extent we use leverage, it would have the effect of increasing our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. See ‘‘Investment Advisory Agreement.’’ in the accompanying prospectus.
     
(5)  

Amount reflects the estimated annual incentive fees payable to our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, during the fiscal year following this offering. The estimate assumes that the incentive fee earned will be proportional to the fee earned during the fiscal quarter ended [  ], 2012. Based on our current business plan, we anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus will be invested within three months depending on the availability of investment opportunities that are consistent with our investment objective and other market conditions. We expect that it will take approximately one to three months to invest all of the proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus, in part because equity and junior debt investments in CLO vehicles require substantial due diligence prior to investment.

 

The incentive fee, which is payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20.0% of the excess, if any, of our ‘‘Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income’’ that exceeds a 1.75% quarterly (7.0% annualized) hurdle rate, which we refer to as the Hurdle, subject to a ‘‘catch-up’’ provision measured at the end of each calendar quarter. The incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. The operation of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:

 

· no incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle of 1.75%;

 

· 100% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser. We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875%) as the ‘‘catch-up.’’ The ‘‘catch-up’’ is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20.0% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as if a Hurdle did not apply when our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and

 

· 20.0% of the amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser (once the Hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20.0% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Investment Income thereafter is allocated to our investment adviser).

 

No incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser on realized capital gains. For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see ‘‘Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

     
(6)   Assumes that we maintain our current level of no outstanding borrowings as of [  ], 2012. We may also issue preferred stock, which may be considered a form of leverage, pursuant to the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus forms a part. In the event we were to issue preferred stock, our borrowing costs, and correspondingly our total annual expenses, including our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets, would increase.
     
(7)   Assumes that we issue $[   ] million of preferred stock with a preferred rate equal to [  ]% per annum.
     
(8)   ‘‘Other expenses’’ ($[   ] million) assumes that other expenses for the year will be proportional to other expenses incurred during the fiscal quarter ended [  ], 2012.
     
(9)   Reflects the estimated annual collateral manager fees that will be indirectly incurred by us in connection with our investments in CLO equity tranches during the twelve months following the date of this prospectus, assuming the CLO equity investments held as of [  ], 2012 and net assets of $[   ] million. Collateral manager fees are charged on the total assets of the CLO vehicle, including the assets acquired with borrowed funds, but are assumed to be paid from the residual cash flows after interest payments to the senior debt tranches. Therefore, these collateral manager fees (which are generally 0.50% to 0.55% of total assets) are effectively much higher when allocated only to the equity tranches. The debt tranches that we hold generally are not deemed to pay any such collateral manager fees.  The calculation does not include any other operating expense ratios of the CLO vehicles, as these amounts are not routinely reported to shareholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however, it is estimated that additional operating expenses of approximately 0.5% to 1.0% could be incurred. As a result of our investments in such CLO equity investments, our stockholders will be required to pay two levels of fees and expenses in connection with their investment in our common stock, including fees payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement and fees and expenses charged to us on the CLO equity tranches in which we are invested.

 

S- 13
 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our company, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

  · our future operating results;
     
  · our business prospects and the prospects of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies;
     
  · the impact of investments that we expect to make;
     
  · our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;
     
  · the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
     
  · the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
     
  · our expected financings and investments;
     
  · the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
     
  · the timing of cash flows, if any, from our investments.

 

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

  · an economic downturn could impair the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investment in such CLO vehicle;
     
  · a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our investment activities;
     
  · interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;
     
  · currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and
     
  · the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the respective dates of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. However, we will update this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act.”

 

S- 14
 

 

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth:

 

  · the actual capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. at , 20 ; and
     
  · the pro forma capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. reflects the sale of shares of our preferred stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $ per share, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $ and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ payable by us.

 

This table should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds” included in this prospectus supplement and our “Business” section and financial statements and notes thereto included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

    As of , 20  
    Oxford Lane
Capital Corp.
    Oxford Lane
Capital Corp.
 
    Actual     Pro Forma
(1)
 
    (in thousands)     (in thousands)  
Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $       $    
Investments at fair value   $       $    
Other assets   $       $    
Total assets   $       $    
Liabilities:                
Total Liabilities   $       $    
Stockholders’ equity:                
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively           $    
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively           $    
Capital in excess of par value           $    
Total stockholders’ equity           $    

 

(1)   We may change the size of this offering based on demand and market conditions. A $0.50 increase (decrease) in the assumed offering price per share would increase (decrease) net proceeds to us from this offering by $[ ] million, assuming the number of shares offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement remains the same, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses payable by us. Any additional proceeds to us resulting from an increase in the public offering price or the number of shares offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement will increase our cash and cash equivalents on an as adjusted basis and will be used as described in “Use of Proceeds.”

 

S- 15
 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general working capital purposes. We may also pay operating expenses, including advisory and administrative fees and expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering.

 

We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering will be used for the above purposes within approximately [ ] to [ ] months from the consummation of such offering, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market conditions. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted investment pace.

 

Pending such investments, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. The management fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities. See “Regulation as a Closed-End Investment Company — Temporary Investments” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information about temporary investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our investment objective.

 

S- 16
 

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS

 

[Insert information required by Item 503(d) of Regulation S-K at time of offering.]

 

S- 17
 

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED STOCK

 

The following is a brief description of the terms of our preferred stock. This is not a complete description and is subject to and entirely qualified by reference to our articles of incorporation, as amended, and the certificate of designations setting forth the terms of the preferred stock. These documents are filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part, and the Certificate of Designations is attached as Appendix A to this prospectus supplement.

 

[General

 

At the time of issuance the Preferred Stock will be fully paid and non-assessable and have no preemptive, conversion or exchange rights or rights to cumulative voting. The Preferred Stock and all other preferred stock that we may issue from time to time in accordance with the 1940 Act, if any, are senior as to dividends and distributions to our common stock. We may issue additional series of preferred stock in the future to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.

 

Dividends

 

Holders of our Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends per shares in an amount equal to % per annum, or the dividend rate. Dividends will be payable quarterly in arrears on , , , , , and , (each, a “Dividend Payment Date”), commencing on , to holders of record as of the immediately preceding , , and . [In addition, in the event a cash dividend or other distribution in cash is declared on our common stock, holders of our Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive an additional amount equal to the liquidation preference divided by , as may be adjusted from time to time, times the cash amount per share distributed or to be distributed in respect of our common stock.]

 

Dividends payable at the dividend rate will begin to accrue and be cumulative from , , whether or not we have funds legally available for such dividends or such dividends are declared, and shall compound on each Dividend Payment Date (i.e., no dividends shall accrue on other dividends unless and until the first Dividend Payment Date for such other dividends has passed without such other dividends having been paid on such date). Dividends that are payable on the Preferred Stock on any Dividend Payment Date shall be payable to holders of record of the Preferred Stock as they appear on the stock register of the Company on the record date for such dividend.

 

Dividends on our Preferred Stock will be computed on the basis of a [360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months]. The amount of dividends payable on our preferred stock on any date prior to the end of a dividend period, and for the initial dividend period, will be computed on the basis of a [360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and actual days elapsed over a 30-day month].

 

Cash dividends will be paid only to the extent we have assets legally available for such payment and only when authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us. Dividends not paid in cash will be added to the liquidation preference.

 

We will not declare any dividend (other than a dividend payable in common stock) or other distribution on our common stock or purchase any common stock unless at the time of the declaration of such dividend or distribution or at the time of any such purchase we have an asset coverage of at least 200%, as computed in accordance with the 1940 Act, after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price.

 

Voting Rights

 

Except for matters that do not require the vote of holders of the Preferred Stock under the 1940 Act and except as otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, in the Certificate of Designation or as otherwise required by applicable law, (1) each holder of Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Preferred Stock held on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company and (2) the holders of outstanding Preferred Stock and shares of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of the Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, will have the right to elect [two] members of the Board of Directors. The holders of outstanding shares of common stock together with the holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, will elect the remaining members of the Board of Directors.

 

In addition, in the event that dividends on the Preferred Stock are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years’ dividends on the Preferred Stock, we will increase the size of our Board of Directors such that the holders of the Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, will have the ability to elect a majority of the members of the Board of Directors until such time as all dividends in arrears shall have been paid or otherwise provided for at which point the size of the Board of Directors shall be decreased and the term of such additional directors shall terminate.

 

S- 18
 

 

During the period in which any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock determined with reference to a “majority of outstanding voting securities” as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act (a “ 1940 Act Majority ”), voting as a separate class:

 

  ·   amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or powers of the Preferred Stock so as to affect materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers [(for purposes of the foregoing, no matters shall be deemed to adversely affect any right, preference or power unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any preferential right of the Series [ ] Preferred Stock; (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of the Series [ ] Preferred Stock; or (iii) creates or alters (other than to abolish) any restriction on transfer applicable to the Series [ ] Preferred Stock)]; or
       
  ·   create, authorize or issue shares of any class of capital stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets, or any securities convertible into, or warrants, options or similar rights to purchase, acquire or receive, such shares of capital stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock or reclassify any authorized shares of our capital stock into any shares ranking senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock (except that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors, without the vote or consent of the holders of the shares of Series [ ] Preferred Stock may from time to time authorize, create and classify, and the Company, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, may from time to time issue, shares or series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with the Series [ ] Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, and may authorize, reclassify and/or issue any additional Series [ ] Preferred Stock, including shares previously purchased or redeemed by the Company); provided that any such class of Capital Stock shall be created, authorized or issued only to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act).

 

The affirmative vote of the holders of a 1940 Act Majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock , voting as a separate class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares or any action requiring a vote of our security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act.

 

Redemption

 

Optional Redemption . The Preferred Stock may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time after , , at our option, upon giving notice of redemption at a redemption price per share equal to the applicable percentage set forth below multiplied by the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends not previously added to the liquidation preference on such share. The following redemption prices are for shares of Preferred Stock redeemed during the -month period commencing on of the years set forth below:

 

Year Applicable Percentage

 

Redemption at the Option of the Holder . Upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy events or the delisting of our common stock from a national securities exchange, each holder of the Preferred Stock will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part of the holder’s Preferred Stock at a purchase price per share equal to % of the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends not previously added to the liquidation preference on such share.

 

On and after , , each holder of the Preferred Stock will have the right, by providing written notice to us, to require us to repurchase all or any part of the holder’s Preferred Stock at a purchase price equal to % of the sum of the liquidation preference per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends not previously added to the liquidation preference on such share.

 

Partial Redemption . In case of any partial redemption of the preferred stock, the shares to be redeemed will be selected pro rata. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation, we have full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of preferred stock shall be redeemed from time to time. If fewer than all the shares represented by any certificate are redeemed, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares without charge to the holder thereof.

 

Redemption Procedures . We will provide notice of any redemption of the preferred stock by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the holders of record of the shares to be redeemed at their respective last addresses appearing on our books and through any means required under the 1940 Act. Such mailing shall be at least days and not more than days before the date fixed for redemption.

 

S- 19
 

 

Liquidation

 

Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up by us, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of our preferred stock will be entitled to be paid (before any distribution or payment is made upon any shares of common stock) the liquidation preference per share. However, if upon liquidation, the available funds and assets to be distributed among the holders of our Preferred Stock are insufficient to permit payment in full of the liquidation preference per share, then our entire available funds and assets upon liquidation shall be distributed ratably among the holders on a pro rata basis.

 

If there are any of our available funds or assets upon liquidation remaining after the payment or distribution to the holders of the Preferred Stock of their full preferential amounts described above, all such remaining available funds and assets shall be distributed as follows: [describe applicable payment priority provisions].

 

Modification

 

Without the consent of any holders of the Preferred Stock, we, when authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors may amend or modify these terms of the Preferred Stock to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision in the Certificate of Designation, make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under these terms of the Preferred Stock that are not inconsistent with the provisions in the Certificate of Designation.]

 

S- 20
 

 

UNDERWRITING

 

[ ] is acting as sole book-running manager of the offering and as representative of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated [ ], each underwriter named below severally agrees to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table:

 

Underwriters

 

Number of

Shares

     
     
.    
Total    

 

The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are purchased, other than the shares covered by the option described below.

 

Over-allotment Option

 

If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the table above, the underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional [ ]shares from us. They may exercise that option for 30 days. If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above.

 

Commissions and Discounts

 

The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid by us to the underwriters. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

 

Paid by TICC Capital Corp.   No Exercise     Full Exercise  
Per Share   $       $    
Total   $       $    

 

Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. If all the shares are not sold at the public offering price, the representatives may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

 

We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $[ ].

 

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

Lock-up Agreements

 

We, Oxford Lane Management, BDC Partners and our officers and directors have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to issue, sell, dispose of or hedge any of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus supplement continuing through the date [ ] days after the date of this prospectus supplement, except with the prior written consent of [ ].

 

The [ ]-day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the [ ]-day restricted period we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the [ ]-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the [ ]-day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release of the announcement of the material news or material event.

 

S- 21
 

 

Price Stabilizations and Short Positions

 

In connection with the offering, [ ], on behalf of the underwriters, may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares from us in the offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

 

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

The underwriters and their affiliates have provided, or may in the future provide, various investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory, brokerage and other services to us and our affiliates for which services they have received, and may in the future receive, customary fees and expense reimbursement. The underwriters and their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of our company. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

Sales Outside the U.S.

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the U.S.) that would permit a public offering of the common shares, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other material relating to us or the common shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the common shares may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and none of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the common shares may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

 

Each of the underwriters may arrange to sell common shares offered hereby in certain jurisdictions outside the United States, either directly or through affiliates, where they are permitted to do so.

 

[Describe any other specific transactions and compensation related thereto to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

[Describe if underwriters receiving proceeds of offering, if required by FINRA.]

 

[Insert principal business addresses of underwriters.]

 

[Insert applicable legends for jurisdictions in which offers and sales may be made.]

 

S- 22
 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by [ ].

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and for the year ended March 31, 2012 included in the accompanying prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 together with all amendments and related exhibits under the Securities Act. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us at Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com .

 

S- 23
 

 

[ ] Shares

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

Preferred Stock

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

, 20

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement 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 preliminary prospectus supplement 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.

 

[FORM OF PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE USED IN

CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE RIGHTS OFFERINGS](1)

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectus dated , 20 )

 

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 

Up to [         ] Shares of

Common Stock

Issuable Upon

Exercise of Rights

 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the “1940 Act.” Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (“Senior Loans”), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

Oxford Lane Management, LLC manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

We are issuing [transferable/non-transferable] rights to our stockholders of record, or record date stockholders, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 20 , or the record date. The rights entitle holders of rights, or rights holders, to subscribe for an aggregate of up to shares of our common stock. Record date stockholders will receive [ ] rights for each share of common stock owned on the record date. The rights entitle the holder to purchase [ ] new shares of common stock for every [ ] rights held, which we refer to as the basic subscription right[, and record date stockholders who fully exercise their rights will be entitled to subscribe, subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocation, for additional shares that remain unsubscribed as a result of any unexercised rights.] [In addition, any non-record date stockholder who exercises rights will be entitled to subscribe, subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocation, for any remaining shares that are not otherwise subscribed for by record date stockholders.]

 

The subscription price per share will be [describe means of computing subscription price]. Because the subscription price will be determined on the expiration date, stockholders who elect to exercise their rights will not know the subscription price per share at the time they exercise such rights. The rights will expire if they are not exercised by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 20 , the expiration date of this offering, unless extended. We, in our sole discretion, may extend the period for exercising the rights. You will have no right to rescind your subscription after receipt of your payment of the estimated subscription price or a notice of guaranteed delivery except as described in this prospectus supplement or accompanying prospectus.

 

 
 

 

This offering will dilute the ownership interest and voting power of the common stock owned by stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights. Stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights should expect, upon completion of the offering, to own a smaller proportional interest in us than before the offering. Further, if the net proceeds per share from the offering are at a discount to our net asset value per share, this offering will reduce our net asset value per share.

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OXLC”. On , 20 , the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our common stock was $ per share. We are required to determine the net asset value per share of our common stock on a quarterly basis. Our net asset value per share of our common stock as of [ ] was $[ ].

 

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. In addition, the CLO securities in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our common stock.

 

Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing in our securities and keep each for future reference. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor ought to know before investing in our securities. We file annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830 or by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com . Information contained on our website is not incorporated by referenced into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains information about us.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

    Per
Share
    Total(4)  
Estimated subscription price(1)   $     $  
Estimated sales load (underwriting discounts and commissions) [(2)](3)   $     $  
Proceeds to us, before estimated expenses(1)(3)   $     $  

 

(1)   Estimated on the basis of [describe means of computing subscription price]. See “The Offer—Subscription Price.”

 

[(2)   In connection with this offering, , the dealer manager for this offering, will receive a fee for its financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services equal to % of the subscription price per share for each share issued pursuant to the exercise of rights[, including pursuant to the over-subscription privilege].]

 

(3)   We estimate that we will incur offering expenses of approximately $ in connection with this offering. We estimate that net proceeds to us after expenses will be $ assuming all of the rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price.

 

(4)   Assumes all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price.

 

Prospectus Supplement dated , 20 .

 

___________________________

(1)   In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear is any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

  Page
About this Prospectus Supplement S-1
Summary S-2
The Rights Offering S-9
Fees and Expenses S-12
Risk Factors S-14
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements S-16
Capitalization S-17
Use of Proceeds S-18
Dilution S-17
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions S-20
The Offer S-23
Legal Matters S-32
Experts S-32
Available Information S-32

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

  Page
Summary 1
Offerings 9
Fees and Expenses 12
Financial Highlights 15
Risk Factors 16
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 33
Use of Proceeds 34
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions 35
Business 37
Management 45
Portfolio Management 53
Investment Advisory Agreement 56
Administration Agreement 61
Certain Relationships and Transactions 62
Control Persons and Principal Stockholders 63
Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company 64
Determination of Net Asset Value 69
Dividend Reinvestment Plan 71
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations 72
Description of Securities 80
Description of Our Capital Stock 81
Description of Our Preferred Stock 88
Description of Our Subscription Rights 89
Description of Our Debt Securities 90
Plan of Distribution 103
Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar 105
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices 105
Legal Matters 105
Experts 105
Available Information 105
Index to Financial Statements F-1

 

 
 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this rights offering and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information and disclosure. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from or is additional to the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the headings “Available Information” and “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, respectively, before investing in our common stock.

 

We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do they constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of the dates on their respective covers. Our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. To the extent required by law, we will amend or supplement the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and prior to the completion of any offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

S- 1
 

 

SUMMARY

 

The following summary contains basic information about this offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of this offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the documents to which we have referred in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of this offering. You should carefully read the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the section entitled “Business” and our consolidated financial statements included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms ‘‘Oxford Lane Capital,’’ the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to Oxford Lane Capital Corp.; ‘‘Oxford Lane Management’’ and ‘‘investment adviser’’ refer to Oxford Lane Management, LLC; and ‘‘BDC Partners’’ refers to BDC Partners, LLC.

 

Overview

 

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (‘‘Senior Loans’’), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We believe that recent dislocations in the credit market have created opportunities to purchase our targeted investments at attractive risk adjusted returns.

 

We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (‘‘CLO’’) vehicles. Substantially all of the CLO vehicles in which we may invest would be deemed to be investment companies under the 1940 Act but for the exceptions set forth in section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7). Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit. A CLO vehicle is formed by raising various classes or ‘‘tranches’’ of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated ‘‘AAA’’ to the most junior tranches typically being rated ‘‘BB’’) and equity. The CLO vehicles which we focus on are collateralized primarily by Senior Loans, and generally have very little or no exposure to real estate, mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may also invest, on an opportunistic basis, in other corporate credits of a variety of types. We expect that each of our investments will range in size from $1 million to $12 million, although the investment size may vary consistent with the size of our overall portfolio.

 

Oxford Lane Management manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

Distributions

 

In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, or ‘‘RIC,’’ and to avoid corporate level tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the ‘‘Code,’’ to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and short-term capital gains to our stockholders on an annual basis.

 

S- 2
 

 

The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount  
Fiscal 2013                
July 31, 2012   September 14, 2012   September 28, 2012   $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012   June 15, 2012   June 29, 2012     0.55  
Total (2013)             1.10  
Fiscal 2012                
January 25, 2012   March 16, 2012   March 30, 2012     0.55  
October 24, 2011   December 16, 2011   December 30, 2011     0.50  
July 22, 2011   September 16, 2011   September 30, 2011     0.50  
April 6, 2011   June 16, 2011   June 30, 2011     0.50  
Total (2012)             2.05  
Fiscal 2011                
March 7, 2011   March 21, 2011   April 1, 2011     0.25  
Total (2011)             0.25  
            $ 3.40  

 

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

 

Use of Proceeds From Prior Offerings

 

Since the closing of our initial public offering on January 25, 2011 and including two subsequent rights offerings on August 26, 2011 and April 27, 2012, through [               ], 2012 we have invested approximately $[ ] million of the cumulative net proceeds we received from our initial public offering (including the proceeds received from the underwriters' partial exercise of the over-allotment option) and subsequent rights offerings, representing approximately [ ]% of those cumulative proceeds. Consistent with our investment objective, these investments were made in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs.

 

Oxford Lane Management

 

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management, which is an investment adviser that has registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the “Advisers Act.” Under our investment advisory agreement with Oxford Lane Management, which we refer to as our “Investment Advisory Agreement,” we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets, as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

 

We expect to benefit from the proven ability of our investment adviser’s team to identify attractive opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate terms where appropriate, and manage and monitor a diversified portfolio although we do not intend to operate as a “diversified” investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Our investment adviser’s senior investment team members have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment banks, commercial banks, unregistered investment funds and other financial services companies, and have collectively developed a broad network of contacts to provide us with our principal source of investment opportunities.

 

S- 3
 

 

Our investment adviser is led by Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are assisted by Darryl M. Monasebian and Hari Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management. We consider Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal, Monasebian and Srinivasan to be Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team.

 

Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, together with the other members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team, have developed an infrastructure that we believe provides Oxford Lane Capital with a competitive advantage in locating and acquiring attractive Senior Loans and CLO investments.

 

Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Mr. Royce has served as President since 1972, and a member of the Board of Managers since 2001, of Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce & Associates”). He also serves as Royce & Associates’ Co-Chief Investment Officer and manages or co-manages twelve of Royce & Associates’ open- and closed-end registered funds. Mr. Royce currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Royce Funds and TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce is also a non-managing member of TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

 

In addition, we will pay BDC Partners, an affiliate of Oxford Lane Management, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under an administration agreement by and among us and BDC Partners (the “Administration Agreement”), including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any administrative support staff. These arrangements will create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor.

 

Investment Focus

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in Senior Loans, with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by investing principally in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles, which are collateralized primarily by a diverse portfolio of leveraged corporate loans, and which generally have very little or no exposure to real estate or mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including foreign CLO vehicles.

 

The CLO investments we have initially targeted generally represent either a residual economic interest, in the case of an equity tranche, or a debt investment collateralized by a portfolio of Senior Loans. The value of our CLO investments generally depend on both the quality and nature of the underlying portfolio it references and also on the specific structural characteristics of the CLO itself, both of which are described below.

 

CLO Structural Elements

 

Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

A CLO vehicle is formed by raising multiple “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. As interest payments are received the CLO vehicle makes contractual interest payments to each tranche of debt based on their seniority. If there are funds remaining after each tranche of debt receives its contractual interest rate and the CLO vehicle meets or exceeds required collateral coverage levels (or other similar covenants) the remaining funds may be paid to the equity tranche. The contractual provisions setting out this order of payments are set out in detail in the CLO vehicle’s indenture. These provisions are referred to as the “priority of payments” or the “waterfall” and determine any other obligations that may be required to be paid ahead of payments of interest and principal on the securities issued by a CLO vehicle. In addition, for payments to be made to each tranche, after the most senior tranche of debt, there are various tests which must be complied with, which are different for each CLO vehicle.

 

S- 4
 

 

CLO indentures typically provide for adjustments to the priority of payments in the event that certain cashflow or collateral requirements are not maintained. The collateral quality tests that may divert cashflows in the priority of payments are predominantly determined by reference to the par values of the underlying loans, rather than their current market values. Accordingly, we believe that CLO equity and junior debt investments allow investors to gain diversified exposure to the Senior Loan market on a levered basis without being structurally subject to mark-to-market price fluctuations of the underlying loans. As such, although the current valuations of CLO equity and junior debt tranches are expected to fluctuate based on price changes within the loan market, interest rate movements and other macroeconomic factors, those tranches will generally be expected to continue to receive distributions from the CLO vehicle periodically so long as the underlying portfolio does not suffer defaults, realized losses or other covenant violations sufficient to trigger changes in the waterfall allocations. We therefore believe that an investment portfolio consisting of CLO equity and junior debt investments of this type has the ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted rates of return.

 

The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is only a hypothetical structure and structures among CLO vehicles in which we may invest may vary substantially from the hypothetical example set forth below.

 

 

The Syndicated Senior Loan Market

 

We believe that while the syndicated leveraged corporate loan market is relatively large, with Standard and Poor’s estimating the total par value outstanding at approximately $[ ] as of [ ], 2012, this market remains largely inaccessible to a significant portion of investors that are not lenders or approved institutions. The CLO market permits wider exposure to syndicated Senior Loans, but this market is almost exclusively private and predominantly institutional.

 

The Senior Loan market is characterized by various factors, including:

 

  Seniority. A Senior Loan typically ranks senior in a company’s capital structure to all other forms of debt or equity. As such, that loan maintains the senior-most claim on the company’s assets and cash flow, and, we believe should, all other things being equal, offer the prospect of a relatively more stable and lower-risk holding.

 

  Floating rate instruments. A Senior Loan typically contains a floating versus a fixed interest rate, which we believe provides some measure of protection against the risk of interest rate fluctuation.

 

  Frequency of interest payments. A Senior Loan typically provides for scheduled interest payments no less frequently than quarterly.

 

In the current environment, we believe the above attributes seem particularly desirable.

 

S- 5
 

 

Investment Opportunity

 

We believe that the Senior Loan market has and continues to represent an attractive area for investment. We believe that the CLO equity and junior debt investments we intend to seek currently represent, as a class, an opportunity to obtain attractive risk-adjusted investment returns. We believe that a number of factors support this conclusion, including:

 

  We believe that the long-term and relatively low-cost capital that many CLO vehicles have secured, compared with the increasing asset spreads and the introduction of more LIBOR floors have created opportunities to purchase certain CLO equity and junior debt instruments that may produce attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

  We believe that CLO equity and junior debt have generally become more liquid since mid-2009. From late 2007 through mid-2009, these assets traded only very infrequently. We believe that greater recent liquidity in this market has created an opportunity to better analyze and compare various equity and debt instruments from among a large number of different structures.

 

  We believe that although Senior Loan asset prices have risen since mid-2010, CLO equity and junior debt instruments still offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

  We believe that larger institutional investors with sufficient resources to source, analyze and negotiate the purchase of these assets may refrain from purchasing assets of the size that we are targeting, thereby potentially reducing the competition for our target investments.

 

  We believe that investing in CLO securities and CLO equity instruments in particular, requires a high level of research and analysis. We believe that typically this analysis can only be adequately conducted by knowledgeable market participants, as the nature of that analysis tends to be highly specialized.

 

  We believe that a stronger credit market for Senior Loans has substantially reduced the risk of collateral coverage test violations across many CLO structures, thereby reducing the risk that current cash distributions otherwise payable to junior debt tranches and/or equity will be diverted under the priority of payments to pay down the more senior obligations in various CLO structures.

 

  We believe that the US CLO market is relatively large with a total par value of approximately $250 billion invested in over 500 different CLO vehicles. We estimate the size of the junior-most debt tranches (specifically the tranches originally rated “BB”) is approximately $9.0 billion (of which “turbo BB” tranches are an attractive sub-segment), and the size of the equity tranches is approximately $20 billion.

 

Summary Risk Factors

 

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our securities, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Oxford Lane Capital involves other risks, including the following:

 

  We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment company;

 

  We are dependent upon Oxford Lane Management’s key personnel for our future success;

 

  Our incentive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee payable to Oxford Lane Management may incentivize Oxford Lane Management to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so;

 

  A general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings due to the “catch up” feature of the incentive fee;

 

  CLO vehicles are very highly levered (typically 10-14 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity instruments in which we invest are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss;

 

  Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO vehicles which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO vehicles experiences a high level of defaults on its underlying Senior Loans;

 

S- 6
 

 

  The Senior Loan portfolios of the CLO vehicles in which we will invest may be concentrated in a limited number of industries, which may subject those vehicles, and in turn us, to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of our CLO vehicles’ investments are concentrated;

 

  Our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in such CLO vehicles defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect;
  Investing in CLO vehicles and other high-yield corporate credits involves a variety of risks, any of which may adversely impact our performance;

 

  A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business;

 

  We may borrow money to leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;

 

  Our investment portfolio will be recorded at fair value, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;

 

  We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;

 

  We will become subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code;

 

  Shares of closed-end management investment companies, including Oxford Lane Capital, have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline below our net asset value per share;

 

  Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;

 

  There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow or may be reduced over time, including on a per share basis as a result of the dilutive effects of this offering;

 

  Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

 

  [There is no established trading market for the rights, which could make it more difficult for you to sell rights and could adversely affect their price.]

 

  We may terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, and neither we nor the subscription agent will have any obligation to you except to return your subscription payments, without interest.

 

  [Your economic and voting interest in us, as well as your proportionate interest in our net asset value, may be diluted as a result of this rights offering.]

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus. In addition, the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

Operating and Regulatory Structure

 

Oxford Lane Capital is a Maryland corporation that is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end fund, we are required to meet regulatory tests. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Investment Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

S- 7
 

 

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management and supervised by our Board of Directors. Oxford Lane Management is an investment adviser that is registered under the Advisers Act. Under our Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.” We have also entered into an administration agreement with BDC Partners, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse BDC Partners for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement.”

 

BDC Partners also serves as the managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, in turn, serve as the managing member and non-managing member, respectively, of BDC Partners.

 

Our Corporate Information

 

Our offices are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, and our telephone number is (203) 983-5275.

 

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THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

The Offer

 

We are issuing to stockholders of record, or record date stockholders, on , , or the record date, one [transferable/non-transferable] right for each share of our common stock held on the record date. Each holder of the rights, or rights holder, is entitled to subscribe for one share of our common stock for every rights held [ , which we refer to as the primary subscription right]. We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon the exercise of rights; accordingly, rights may be exercised only in multiples of .

 

[The rights are transferable and will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ ” during the course of this offer. See “The Offer.”]

 

Subscription Price

 

The subscription price per share will be [describe means of computing subscription price]. [Because the subscription price will be determined on the expiration date, rights holders who decide to acquire shares pursuant to the primary subscription right or pursuant to the over-subscription privilege will not know the actual purchase price of those shares when they make that decision.] See “The Offer—Subscription Price.”

 

[Over-Subscription Privilege

 

Record date stockholders who fully exercise all rights issued to them (other than those rights which cannot be exercised because they represent the right to acquire less than one share) are entitled to subscribe for additional shares of our common stock which were not subscribed for by other stockholders, which we refer to as the remaining shares. If sufficient remaining shares of our common stock are available, all record date stockholders’ over-subscription requests will be honored in full. In addition, any non-record date stockholder who exercises rights is entitled to subscribe for remaining shares that are not otherwise subscribed for by record date stockholders. Shares acquired pursuant to the over-subscription privilege are subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocations. See “The Offer—Over-Subscription Privilege.”]

 

Purpose of the Offer

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that it would be in the best interest of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. and its stockholders to increase the capital available for making additional investments, as well as to pay operating expenses, temporarily repay debt and generally enhance our liquidity. We believe that we must have sufficient liquidity available to remain a credible source of capital. This offering will increase the capital available for us to make additional investments. This offering gives existing stockholders the right to purchase additional shares at a price that is expected to be below market without incurring any commission or charge, while providing us access to additional capital resources. In connection with the approval of this rights offering, our board of directors considered, among other things, the following factors:

 

    the subscription price relative to the market price and to our net asset value per share, including the likelihood that the subscription price will be below our net asset value per share;

 

    the increased capital to be available upon completion of this rights offering for us to make additional investments consistent with our investment objective;

 

    the dilution to be experienced by non-exercising stockholders;

 

    the dilutive effect the offering will have on the dividends per share we distribute subsequent to completion of the offering;

 

    [the terms and expenses in connection with the offering relative to other alternatives for raising capital, including fees payable to the dealer manager;]
    the size of the offering in relation to the number of shares outstanding;

 

    [the fact that the rights will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market during the subscription period;]

 

    the market price of our common stock, both before and after the announcement of the rights offering;

 

    the general condition of the securities markets; and

 

    any impact on operating expenses associated with an increase in capital, including an increase in fees payable to Oxford Lane Management.

 

There can be no assurance of the amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience or that the rights offering will be successful.

 

[The purpose of setting the determination of the subscription price upon the expiration of the offer is to attract the maximum participation of stockholders in the offer, with minimum dilution to non-participating stockholders.]

 

[The transferable rights will allow non-participating stockholders the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for the dilution of their interests.]

 

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We cannot assure you that this offering will be successful, or that by increasing the amount of our available capital, our aggregate expenses and, correspondingly, our expense ratio will be lowered. In addition, the management fee we pay to Oxford Lane Management is based upon our gross assets, which include any cash or cash equivalents that we have not yet invested in the securities of portfolio companies.

 

[In determining that this offer is in our best interest and in the best interests of our stockholders, we have retained , the dealer manager for this offer, to provide us with financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services relating to this offer, including advice with respect to the structure, timing and terms of the offer. In this regard, our board of directors considered, among other things, using a fixed pricing versus variable pricing mechanism, the benefits and drawbacks of conducting a non-transferable versus a transferable rights offering, the effect on us if this offer is not fully subscribed and the experience of the dealer manager in conducting rights offerings.]

 

[Although we have no present intention to do so, we may, in the future and in our discretion, choose to make additional rights offerings from time to time for a number of shares and on terms which may or may not be similar to this offer, provided that our Board of Directors must determine that each subsequent rights offering is in the best interest of our stockholders. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act.]

 

[Sale of Rights

 

The rights are evidenced by a subscription certificate and are transferable until , (or if the offer is extended, until the extended expiration date). The rights will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ ”. We and the dealer manager will use our best efforts to ensure that an adequate trading market for the rights will exist. However, no assurance can be given that a market for the rights will develop. Trading in the rights on The NASDAQ Global Select Market may be conducted until close of trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on , (or, if the offer is extended, until the extended expiration date). See “The Offer—Sale of Rights.”]

 

Use of Proceeds

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general working capital purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Amendments and Termination

 

We reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions of this offering, whether the amended terms are more or less favorable to you. We will comply with all applicable laws, including the federal securities laws, in connection with any such amendment. In addition, we may, in our sole discretion, terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, if the subscription price is less than [ ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC. If this rights offering is terminated, all rights will expire without value and the subscription agent will return as soon as practicable all exercise payments, without interest. [No amounts paid to acquire rights on [insert name of any applicable exchange on which rights are listed] or otherwise will be returned.]

 

Dilutive Effects

 

Any stockholder who chooses not to participate in the offering should expect to own a smaller interest in us upon completion of the offering. The offering will dilute the ownership interest and voting power of stockholders who do not fully exercise their basic subscription rights. Further, because the net proceeds per share from the offering may be lower than our net asset value per share, the offering may reduce our net asset value per share. The amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience could be substantial.

 

How to Obtain Subscription Information

 

    Contact your broker-dealer, trust company, bank or other nominee where your rights are held, or

 

    Contact the information agent, , at . Broker-dealers and nominees may call .

 

How to Subscribe

 

    Deliver a completed subscription certificate and payment to the subscription agent by the expiration date of the rights offering, or

 

    If your shares are held in an account with your broker-dealer, trust company, bank or other nominee, which qualifies as an Eligible Guarantor Institution under Rule 17Ad-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), have your Eligible Guarantor Institution deliver a notice of guaranteed delivery to the subscription agent by the expiration date of the rights offering.

 

Subscription Agent

 

will act as the subscription agent in connection with this offer.

 

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Information Agent

 

will act as the information agent in connection with this offer. You may contact toll-free with questions at . Broker-dealers and nominees may call .

 

[Distribution Arrangements

 

will act as dealer manager for the offer. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the dealer manager agreement, the dealer manager will provide financial advisory services and marketing assistance in connection with the offer and will solicit the exercise of rights and participation in the over-subscription privilege by our stockholders. The offer is not contingent upon any number of rights being exercised. We have agreed to pay the dealer manager a fee for its financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services equal to % of the subscription price per share for shares issued pursuant to the exercise of rights, including pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. The dealer manager may reallow a portion of its fees to other broker-dealers that have assisted in soliciting the exercise of rights.]

 

Important Dates to Remember

 

Record Date        
Subscription Period     (1 )
Measurement Period for Subscription Price(2)     (1 )
Expiration Date     (1 )
Deadline for Delivery of Subscription Certificates and Payment for Shares(3)     (1 )
Deadline for Delivery of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery(3)     (1 )
Deadline for Delivery of Subscription Certificates and Payment for Shares pursuant to Notice of Guaranteed Delivery     (1 )
Confirmations Mailed to Participants     (1 )
Final Payment for Shares     (1 )

 

(1)   Unless the offer is extended.

 

(2)   The subscription price will be [describe means of computing subscription price].

 

(3)   Participating rights holders must, by the expiration date of the offer (unless the offer is extended), either (a) deliver a subscription certificate and payment for shares or (b) cause to be delivered on their behalf a notice of guaranteed delivery.

 

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FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “Oxford Lane Capital,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 

Stockholder transaction expenses:        
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)       % (1)
Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)       % (2)
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses     None (3)
Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)     %
         
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):        
Base management fee     [ ] % (4)
Incentive fees payable under our investment advisory agreement     [ ] % (5)
Interest payments on borrowed funds     [ ] % (6)
Preferred Stock Dividend Payment     [ ] % (7)
Other expenses (estimated)     [ ] % (8)
Acquired fund fees and expenses     [ ] % (9)
Total annual expenses (estimated)     [ ] %

 

EXAMPLE

 

The following example, required by the SEC, demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in us. In calculating the following expense amounts, we assumed we would maintain the current amount of leverage, that our operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above, that we pay the transaction expenses set forth in the table above, including a sales load of % paid by you (the commission to be paid by us with respect to common stock sold by us in this offering).

 

    1
Year
    3
Years
    5
Years
    10
Years
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return   $       $       $       $    

 

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5.0% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5.0% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. Also, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value. See ‘‘Dividend Reinvestment Plan’’ for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

___________

(1)   Oxford Lane Capital has agreed to pay the dealer manager(s) a fee for their financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services equal to [  ]% of the aggregate subscription price for the shares issued pursuant to the offer. See “The Offer — Distribution Arrangements.”

 

(2)   Amount reflects estimated offering expenses of approximately $[        ], which assumes that the offer is fully subscribed. This amount includes the fee that we have agreed to pay to the subscription agent, estimated to be $[   ] plus reimbursement for its out-of-pocket expenses related to the offer. See “The Offer — Distribution Arrangements.”

 

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(3)   The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”
     
(4)   Assumes gross assets of $[  ] million and $[  ] million of leverage (including $[  ] million of preferred stock with a preferred rate of [  ]% per annum), and assumes net assets of $[  ] million, which reflects our net assets as of [   ], 2012. The above calculation reflects our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. Our base management fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, however, is based on our gross assets, which is defined as all the assets of Oxford Lane Capital, including those acquired using borrowings for investment purposes. As a result, to the extent we use leverage, it would have the effect of increasing our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets. See ‘‘Investment Advisory Agreement.’’ in the accompanying prospectus.

 

(5)  

Amount reflects the estimated annual incentive fees payable to our investment adviser, Oxford Lane Management, during the fiscal year following this offering. The estimate assumes that the incentive fee earned will be proportional to the fee earned during the fiscal quarter ended [   ], 2012. Based on our current business plan, we anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus will be invested within three months depending on the availability of investment opportunities that are consistent with our investment objective and other market conditions. We expect that it will take approximately one to three months to invest all of the proceeds of any offerings conducted pursuant to this prospectus, in part because equity and junior debt investments in CLO vehicles require substantial due diligence prior to investment.

 

The incentive fee, which is payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20.0% of the excess, if any, of our ‘‘Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income’’ that exceeds a 1.75% quarterly (7.0% annualized) hurdle rate, which we refer to as the Hurdle, subject to a ‘‘catch-up’’ provision measured at the end of each calendar quarter. The incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. The operation of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:

 

• no incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the Hurdle of 1.75%;

 

• 100% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser. We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the Hurdle but is less than 2.1875%) as the ‘‘catch-up.’’ The ‘‘catch-up’’ is meant to provide our investment adviser with 20.0% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, as if a Hurdle did not apply when our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and

 

• 20.0% of the amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to our investment adviser (once the Hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20.0% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Investment Income thereafter is allocated to our investment adviser).

 

No incentive fee is payable to our investment adviser on realized capital gains. For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see ‘‘Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

(6)   Assumes that we maintain our current level of no outstanding borrowings as of [   ], 2012. We may also issue preferred stock, which may be considered a form of leverage, pursuant to the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus forms a part. In the event we were to issue preferred stock, our borrowing costs, and correspondingly our total annual expenses, including our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets, would increase.

 

(7)   Assumes that we issue $[   ] million of preferred stock with a preferred rate equal to [  ]% per annum.

 

(8)   ‘‘Other expenses’’ ($[   ] million) assumes that other expenses for the year will be proportional to other expenses incurred during the fiscal quarter ended [   ], 2012.

 

(9)   Reflects the estimated annual collateral manager fees that will be indirectly incurred by us in connection with our investments in CLO equity tranches during the twelve months following the date of this prospectus, assuming the CLO equity investments held as of $[   ], 2012 and net assets of $[   ] million. Collateral manager fees are charged on the total assets of the CLO vehicle, including the assets acquired with borrowed funds, but are assumed to be paid from the residual cash flows after interest payments to the senior debt tranches. Therefore, these collateral manager fees (which are generally 0.50% to 0.55% of total assets) are effectively much higher when allocated only to the equity tranches. The debt tranches that we hold generally are not deemed to pay any such collateral manager fees. The calculation does not include any other operating expense ratios of the CLO vehicles, as these amounts are not routinely reported to shareholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however, it is estimated that additional operating expenses of approximately 0.5% to 1.0% could be incurred. As a result of our investments in such CLO equity investments, our stockholders will be required to pay two levels of fees and expenses in connection with their investment in our common stock, including fees payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement and fees and expenses charged to us on the CLO equity tranches in which we are invested.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our common stock involves a number of significant risks. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below and those set forth in the accompanying prospectus. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before you decide whether to make an investment in our common stock. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below, together with those set forth in the accompanying prospectus, are the principal risk factors associated with an investment in us as well as those factors generally associated with an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to ours.

 

The market price of our common stock may decline following this offering and our shares of common stock may trade at discounts from net asset value.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to predict whether any shares of common stock or rights will trade at, above, or below net asset value. The risk of loss associated with this characteristic of closed-end investment companies may be greater for investors expecting to sell shares of common stock purchased in the offering soon after this offering.

 

[There is no established trading market for the rights, which could make it more difficult for you to sell rights and could adversely affect their price.

 

There can be no assurances that an active public market for the rights will develop as a result of the offering of the rights by any selling holder or that, if such a market develops, it will be maintained. [The rights will be listed on under the symbol “ .”] Future trading prices of the rights will depend on many factors, including our operating results, the market for similar securities, the performance of our common stock (including the requirement that we suspend the offering under certain circumstances) and our ability to terminate the offering of the rights if the subscription price is less than [ ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC.]

 

We may terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, and neither we nor the subscription agent will have any obligation to you except to return your subscription payments, without interest.

 

We may, in our sole discretion, terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, if the subscription price is less than [ ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC. If the rights offering is terminated, all rights will expire without value and the subscription agent will return as soon as practicable all exercise payments, without interest. [No amounts paid to acquire rights on [insert name of any applicable exchange on which rights are listed] or otherwise will be returned.]

 

Your economic and voting interest in us, as well as your proportionate interest in our net asset value, may be diluted as a result of this rights offering.

 

Stockholders who do not fully exercise their rights should expect that they will, at the completion of the offer, own a smaller proportional interest in us, including with respect to voting rights, than would otherwise be the case if they fully exercised their rights. We cannot state precisely the amount of any such dilution in share ownership because we do not know at this time what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of the offer.

 

In addition, if the subscription price is less than our net asset value per share, then our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of their shares as a result of the offer. The amount of any decrease in net asset value is not predictable because it is not known at this time what the subscription price and net asset value per share will be on the expiration date of the rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of the offer. Such dilution could be substantial.

 

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This offering will also cause dilution in the dividends per share we are able to distribute subsequent to completion of the offering. In addition, our reported earnings per share will be retroactively adjusted to reflect the dilutive effects of this offering. See “Dilution.”

 

[Insert any additional relevant risk factors not included in the base prospectus.]

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our company, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

  our future operating results;

 

  our business prospects and the prospects of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies;

 

  the impact of investments that we expect to make;

 

  our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

  the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

  the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

  our expected financings and investments;

 

  the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and

 

  the timing of cash flows, if any, from our investments.

 

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

    an economic downturn could impair the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investment in such CLO vehicle;

 

    a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our investment activities;

 

    interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

    currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and

 

    the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the respective dates of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. However, we will update this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act.”

 

S- 16
 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth:

 

    the actual capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. at , 20 ; and

 

    the pro forma capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. reflects the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering, assuming all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price of $ and our receipt of the estimated net proceeds from that sale.

 

This table should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds” included in this prospectus supplement and our “Business” section and financial statements and notes thereto included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

    As of , 20  
    Oxford Lane
Capital Corp.
    Oxford Lane
Capital Corp.
 
    Actual     Pro Forma (1)  
    (in thousands)     (in thousands)  
Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $       $    
Investments at fair value   $       $    
Other assets   $       $    
Total assets   $       $    
Liabilities:                
Total Liabilities   $       $    
Stockholders’ equity:                
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively           $    
Capital in excess of par value           $    
Total stockholders’ equity           $    

 

(1)   We may change the size of this offering based on demand and market conditions. A $0.50 increase (decrease) in the assumed offering price per right would increase (decrease) net proceeds to us from this offering by $[ ] million, assuming the number of rights offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement remains the same, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses payable by us. Any additional proceeds to us resulting from an increase in the public offering price or the number of rights offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement will increase our cash and cash equivalents on an as adjusted basis and will be used as described in “Use of Proceeds.”

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

If shares of our common stock are sold at the estimated subscription price of $[ ], the net proceeds of the offer will be approximately $[ ], after deducting dealer manager fees of approximately $[ ] and other expenses related to this offer payable by us estimated at approximately $[ ]. There can be no assurance that all the rights will be exercised in full.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general working capital purposes. We may also pay operating expenses, including advisory and administrative fees and expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering.

 

We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering will be used for the above purposes within approximately [ ] to [ ] months from the consummation of such offering, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market conditions. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted investment pace.

 

Pending such investments, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. The management fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities. See “Regulation as a Closed-End Investment Company — Temporary Investments” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information about temporary investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our investment objective.

 

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DILUTION

 

As of , , our net assets were $ million, or approximately $ per share. After giving effect to the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering, assuming all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price of $ per share, and our receipt of the estimated net proceeds from that sale, our pro forma net asset value would have been approximately $ million, or approximately $ per share, representing an immediate dilution of approximately $ per share to our existing stockholders.

 

The following table illustrates the dilutive effects of this offering on a per share basis, assuming all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price of $ per share:

 

    As of ,  
    Actual     As
Adjusted
 
Net asset value per common share   $     $  

 

    Months Ended ,  
    Actual     As
Adjusted
 
Net increase in net assets resulting from net investment income per common share   $ (1 )   $ (2 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations per common share   $ (1 )   $ (2 )
Distributions per common share   $       $ (3 )

 

(1)   Basic and diluted, weighted average number of shares outstanding is .

 

(2)   Assumes that on , , the beginning of the indicated period, (a) all rights were exercised at the estimated subscription price of $ per share and (b) shares of our common stock were issued upon exercise of such rights.

 

(3)   Assumes actual cash distributions divided by adjusted shares, including shares issued upon exercise of rights.

 

S- 19
 

 

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OXLC.” The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter since our initial public offering, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of our common stock, the high and low intraday sales prices for our common stock, such sales prices as a percentage of NAV per share and quarterly distributions per share.

 

          Price Range                    
    NAV (1)     High     Low     Premium/Discount
of
High Sales Price to
NAV (2)
    Premium/Discount
of
Low Sales Price to
|NAV (2)
   

Cash Distributions

Per Share (3)

 
Fiscal 2013                                    
Third Quarter (through October [  ], 2012)     *     $ [  ]     $ [  ]       *       *       *  
Second Quarter     *     $ 16.79     $ 14.00       *       *     $ 0.55  
First Quarter   $ 14.60       15.00       13.49       3 %     (8 )%     0.55  
Fiscal 2012                                                
Fourth Quarter     17.05       16.50       13.30       (3 )%     (22 )%     0.55  
Third Quarter     15.08       14.98       12.06       (1 )%     (20 )%     0.50  
Second Quarter     15.14       18.74       13.05       24 %     (14 )%     0.50  
First Quarter     17.44       20.00       17.61       15 %     1 %     0.50  
Fiscal 2011                                                
Fourth Quarter (from January 20, 2011 through March 31, 2011)     18.19       20.50       17.11       13 %     (6 )%   $ 0.25  

 

  (1) Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.

 

  (2) Calculated as the respective high or low intraday sales price divided by NAV.

 

  (3) Represents the cash distribution declared in the specified quarter.

 

  * Not determinable at the time of filing.

 

On [ ], 2012, the last reported sales price of our common stock was $[ ] per share. As of [ ], 2012, we had [ ] shareholders of record.

 

Shares of closed-end management investment companies may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from net asset value or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. Since our initial public offering, shares of our common stock have traded at a discount and at a premium to the net assets attributable to those shares. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered hereby will trade at, above, or below net asset value.

 

S- 20
 

 

To the extent that we have income available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to our stockholders. Our quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount  
Fiscal 2013                
July 31, 2012   September 14, 2012   September 28, 2012   $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012   June 15, 2012   June 29, 2012     0.55  
Total (2013)             1.10  
                 
Fiscal 2012                
January 25, 2012   March 16, 2012   March 30, 2012     0.55  
October 24, 2011   December 16, 2011   December 30, 2011     0.50  
July 22, 2011   September 16, 2011   September 30, 2011     0.50  
April 6, 2011   June 16, 2011   June 30, 2011     0.50  
Total (2012)             2.05  
Fiscal 2011                
March 7, 2011   March 21, 2011   April 1, 2011     0.25  
Total (2011)             0.25  
            $ 3.40  

 

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

 

We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with our 2011 taxable year. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment, we must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we currently intend to distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of: (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year; (2) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year; and, (3) any ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no federal income tax. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net long term capital gains in excess of short term capital losses), if any, at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to you. If this happens, you will be treated as if you had received an actual distribution of the capital gains we retain and reinvested the net after tax proceeds in us. In this situation, you would be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain circumstances, a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to you. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, to the extent that we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

 

S- 21
 

 

Our current intention is to make any distributions in additional shares of our common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan out of assets legally available therefore, unless you elect to receive your dividends and/or long-term capital gains distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in the accompanying prospectus. If you hold shares in the name of a broker or financial intermediary, you should contact the broker or financial intermediary regarding your election to receive distributions in cash. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

 

S- 22
 

 

THE OFFER

 

Purpose of the Offer

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that it would be in the best interests of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. and its stockholders to increase the capital available for making additional investments, as well as to pay operating expenses and generally enhance our liquidity. We believe that we must have sufficient liquidity available to remain a credible source of capital. The offering will increase the capital available for us to make additional investments. The current offering gives existing stockholders the right to purchase additional shares at a price that is expected to be below market without incurring any commission or charge, while providing us access to such additional capital resources. In connection with the approval of this rights offering, our Board of Directors considered, among other things, the following factors:

 

    the subscription price relative to the market price and to our net asset value per share, including the likelihood that the subscription price will be below our net asset value per share;

 

    the increased capital to be available upon completion of the rights offering for us to make additional investments consistent with our investment objective;

 

    the dilution to be experienced by non-exercising stockholders;

 

    the dilutive effect the offering will have on the dividends per share we distribute subsequent to completion of the offering;

 

    [the terms and expenses in connection with the offering relative to other alternatives for raising capital, including fees payable to the dealer manager;]

 

    the size of the offering in relation to the number of shares outstanding;

 

    [the fact that the rights will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market during the subscription period;]

 

    the market price of our common stock, both before and after the announcement of the rights offering;

 

    the general condition of the securities markets; and

 

    any impact on operating expenses associated with an increase in capital, including an increase in fees payable to Oxford Lane Management.

 

There can be no assurance of the amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience or that the rights offering will be successful.

 

The purpose of setting the determination of the subscription price upon the expiration of the offer is to attract the maximum participation of stockholders in the offer, with minimum dilution to non-participating stockholders.

 

[The transferable rights will allow non-participating stockholders the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for the dilution of their interests.]

 

We cannot assure you that the current offering will be successful, or that by increasing the size of our available equity capital, our aggregate expenses and, correspondingly, our expense ratio will be lowered. In addition, the management fee we pay to Oxford Lane Management is based upon our gross assets, which include any cash or cash equivalents that we have not yet invested in the securities of portfolio companies.

 

[In determining that this offer was in our best interest and in the best interests of our stockholders, we have retained , the dealer manager for this offering, to provide us with financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services relating to this offer, including advice with respect to the structure, timing and terms of the offer. In this regard, our Board of Directors considered, among other things, using a fixed pricing versus variable pricing mechanism, the benefits and drawbacks of conducting a non-transferable versus a transferable rights offering, the effect on us if this offer is not fully subscribed and the experience of the dealer manager in conducting rights offerings.]

 

[Although we have no present intention to do so, we may, in the future and in our discretion, choose to make additional rights offerings from time to time for a number of shares and on terms which may or may not be similar to this offer, provided that our board of directors must determine that each subsequent rights offering is in the best interest of our stockholders. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act.]

 

Terms of the Offer

 

We are issuing to record date stockholders [transferable/non-transferable] rights to subscribe for up to approximately shares. Each record date stockholder is being issued one [transferable/non-transferable] right for each whole share owned on the record date. The rights entitle each holder, or rights holder, to acquire at the subscription price one share for every rights held [, which we refer to as the primary subscription right]. Rights may be exercised at any time during the subscription period, which commences on , , the record date, and ends at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , , the expiration date, unless extended by us.

 

S- 23
 

 

The rights are [transferable and will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ ” during the course of the offer/non-transferable]. The shares of our common stock issued pursuant to an exercise of rights will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OXLC.” The rights will be evidenced by subscription certificates which will be mailed to stockholders, except as discussed below under “—Foreign Stockholders.”

 

We will not issue fractional shares upon the exercise of rights; accordingly, rights may be exercised only in multiples of .

 

The rights are [transferable/non-transferable]. [Rights holders who are not record date stockholders may purchase shares as described above, which we refer to as the primary subscription, and may be entitled to subscribe for shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege (as described below).]

 

[Shares for which there is no subscription during the primary subscription will be offered, by means of the over-subscription privilege, first to record date stockholders who fully exercise the rights issued to them pursuant to this offering (other than those rights that cannot be exercised because they represent in the aggregate the right to acquire less than one share) and who wish to acquire more than the number of shares they are entitled to purchase pursuant to the exercise of their rights. In addition, any non-record date rights holder who exercises rights is entitled to subscribe for remaining shares that are not otherwise subscribed for by record date stockholders. Shares acquired pursuant to the over-subscription privilege are subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocations. See “—Over-Subscription Privilege” below.]

 

For purposes of determining the number of shares a record date stockholder may acquire pursuant to the offer, broker-dealers, trust companies, banks or others whose shares are held of record by Cede & Co. (“Cede”) or by any other depository or nominee will be deemed to be the holders of the rights that are issued to Cede or the other depository or nominee on their behalf.

 

There is no minimum number of rights which must be exercised in order for the offer to close.

 

[Over-Subscription Privilege

 

Shares not subscribed for by rights holders, which we refer to as remaining shares, will be offered, by means of the over-subscription privilege, first to record date stockholders who have fully exercised the rights issued to them and who wish to acquire more than the number of shares they are entitled to purchase pursuant to the basic subscription. Rights holders should indicate on the subscription certificate that they submit with respect to the exercise of the rights issued to them how many additional shares they are willing to acquire pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. If there are sufficient remaining shares, all record date stockholders’ over-subscription requests will be honored in full. If record date stockholder requests for shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege exceed the remaining shares available, the available remaining shares will be allocated pro-rata among record date stockholders who over-subscribe based on the number of shares held on the record date. The percentage of remaining shares each over-subscribing stockholder may acquire will be rounded down to result in delivery of whole shares. The allocation process may involve a series of allocations to assure that the total number of remaining shares available for over-subscriptions is distributed on a pro-rata basis. The formula to be used in allocating the remaining shares is as follows:

 

                 

Stockholder’s Record Date Position

    ×       Remaining Shares  
Total Record Date Position of All Over-Subscribers    

 

Any rights holder, other than a record date stockholder, who exercises rights is entitled to subscribe for remaining shares that are not otherwise over-subscribed for by record date stockholders. These non-record date rights holders should indicate in the subscription certificate submitted with respect to the exercise of any rights how many shares they are willing to acquire pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. We cannot assure non-record date rights holders that they will receive shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege.

 

If sufficient remaining shares are available after the over-subscription privileges for the record date stockholders have been allotted, then all over-subscriptions by non-record date rights holders will be honored in full. If the remaining shares are insufficient to permit such allocation, the remaining shares will be allocated pro-rata among the non-record date rights holders who wish to exercise their over-subscription privilege, based on the number of rights held by such rights holders on the expiration date. However, if this pro-rata allocation results in any holder being allocated a greater number of shares than the holder subscribed for pursuant to the exercise of the over-subscription privilege, then such holder will be allocated only such number of shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege as such holder subscribed for. The formula to be used in allocating the shares available to non-record date rights holders exercising their over-subscription privilege is as follows:

 

S- 24
 

 

         

Non-Record Date Rights Holder’s Rights 

Ownership as of the Expiration Date

  ×   Shares Available for Non-Record Date Rights Holders Exercising Their Over-Subscription Privilege

Total Rights Ownership as of the Expiration Date of Non-Record 

Date Rights Holders Exercising Their Over-Subscription Privilege

 

Banks, brokers, trustees and other nominee holders of rights will be required to certify to the subscription agent, before any over-subscription privilege may be exercised with respect to any particular beneficial owner, as to the aggregate number of rights exercised pursuant to the primary subscription and the number of shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege by such beneficial owner and that such beneficial owner’s primary subscription was exercised in full. We will not offer or sell in connection with this offer any shares that are not subscribed for pursuant to the primary subscription or the over-subscription privilege.]

 

Subscription Price

 

The subscription price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the offer will be [describe means of computing subscription price]. [Since the expiration date will be , (unless we extend the subscription period), rights holders will not know the subscription price at the time of exercise and will be required initially to pay for both the shares subscribed for pursuant to the primary subscription right and, if eligible, any additional shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege at the estimated subscription price of $ per share.] See “—Payment for Shares” below. Rights holders who exercise their rights will have no right to rescind a purchase after receipt of their completed subscription certificates together with payment for shares by the subscription agent. We do not have the right to withdraw the rights or cancel this offer after the rights have been distributed.

 

Expiration of the Offer

 

The offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 20 , the expiration date, unless extended by us. The rights will expire on the expiration date of the rights offering and may not be exercised thereafter.

 

Our Board of Directors may determine to extend the subscription period, and thereby postpone the expiration date, to the extent our board of directors determines that doing so is in the best interest of our stockholders. For example, our Board of Directors may elect to extend the subscription period in the event there is substantial instability or volatility in the trading price of our common stock or the rights on The NASDAQ Global Select Market at or near the expiration date, or if any event occurs which causes trading to cease or be suspended on The NASDAQ Global Select Market or the financial markets generally. The foregoing are not the only circumstances under which this offer may be extended, and our Board of Directors is free to extend the subscription period at its discretion, provided it determines that doing so is in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

Any extension of the offer will be followed as promptly as practicable by announcement thereof, and in no event later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day following the previously scheduled expiration date. Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make such announcement, we will not, unless otherwise required by law, have any obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any such announcement other than by issuing a press release or such other means of announcement as we deem appropriate.

 

Amendments and Waivers; Termination

 

We reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions of the offering, whether the amended terms are more or less favorable to you. We will comply with all applicable laws, including the federal securities laws, in connection with any such amendment.

 

We will decide all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including times of receipt, beneficial ownership and compliance with other procedural matters) in our sole discretion, and our determination shall be final and binding. The acceptance of subscription certificates and the subscription price also will be determined by us. Alternative, conditional or contingent subscriptions will not be accepted. We reserve the right to reject any exercise if such exercise is not in accordance with the terms of the offering or not in proper form or if the acceptance thereof or the issuance of shares of our common stock thereto could be deemed unlawful. We, in our sole discretion, may waive any defect or irregularity, or permit a defect or irregularity to be corrected within such time as we may determine, or reject the purported exercise of any right. Subscriptions will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as we determine in our sole discretion. We will not be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription certificates or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

 

S- 25
 

 

We may, in our sole discretion, terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby if the subscription price is less than [ ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC by giving oral or written notice thereof to the subscription agent and making a public announcement thereof. If the offering is terminated, all rights will expire without value and we will promptly arrange for the refund, without interest, of all funds received from holders of rights. All monies received by the subscription agent in connection with the offering will be held by the subscription agent, on our behalf, in a segregated interest-bearing account at a negotiated rate. All such interest shall be payable to us even if we determine to terminate the offering and return your subscription payment. [In addition, no amounts paid to acquire rights on [insert name of any applicable exchange on which rights are listed] or otherwise will be returned.]

 

Dilutive Effects

 

Any stockholder who chooses not to participate in the offering should expect to own a smaller interest in us upon completion of the offering. The offering will dilute the ownership interest and voting power of stockholders who do not fully exercise their basic subscription rights. Further, because the net proceeds per share from the offering may be lower than our net asset value per share, the offering may reduce our net asset value per share. The amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience could be substantial.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade above, at or below our net asset value.

 

[The transferable feature of the rights will afford non-participating stockholders the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for the dilution of their interests.]

 

Information Agent

 

will act as the information agent in connection with the offering. The information agent will receive for its services a fee estimated to be approximately $ plus reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses related to the offering. can be contacted at the below address:

 

Subscription Agent

 

will act as the subscription agent in connection with this offer. The subscription agent will receive for its administrative, processing, invoicing and other services a fee estimated to be approximately $ , plus reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the offer.

 

Completed subscription certificates must be sent together with full payment of the subscription price for all shares subscribed for in the primary subscription and pursuant to over-subscription privilege to the subscription agent by one of the methods described below. Alternatively, an Eligible Guarantor Institution may send notices of guaranteed delivery by facsimile to which must be received by the subscription agent at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the rights offering. Facsimiles should be confirmed by telephone at . We will accept only properly completed and duly executed subscription certificates actually received at any of the addresses listed below, at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the rights offering or by the close of business on the third business day after the expiration date of the rights offering following timely receipt of a notice of guaranteed delivery. See “—Payment for Shares” below. In this prospectus, close of business means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the relevant date.

 

Subscription Certificate

Delivery Method

  Address/Number
By Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:   Contact an Eligible Guarantor Institution, which may include a commercial bank or trust company, a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or a savings bank or credit union, to notify us of your intent to exercise the rights.
     
By First Class Mail Only (Not Overnight /Express Mail):    
     
By Overnight Delivery:    

 

Delivery to an address other than one of the addresses listed above will not constitute valid delivery.

 

Any questions or requests for assistance concerning the method of subscribing for shares or for additional copies of this prospectus or subscription certificates or notices of guaranteed delivery may be directed to the information agent at its telephone number and address listed below:

 

Stockholders may also contact their broker-dealers or nominees for information with respect to the offer.

 

S- 26
 

 

[Sale of Rights

 

The Rights are Transferable

 

The rights will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ ” subject to notice of issuance. We and the dealer manager will use our best efforts to ensure that an adequate trading market for the rights will exist, although no assurance can be given that a market for the rights will develop. Trading in the rights on The NASDAQ Global Select Market is expected to be conducted beginning on or about , , and continuing until , (or if the offer is extended, until the extended expiration date). Rights holders are encouraged to contact their broker-dealer, bank, trustee or other nominees for more information about trading of the rights.

 

Sales Through Subscription Agent and Dealer Manager

 

Stockholders who do not wish to exercise any or all of their rights may instruct the subscription agent to sell any rights they do not intend to exercise themselves through or to the dealer manager. Subscription certificates representing the rights to be sold through or to the dealer manager must be received by the subscription agent on or before , (or if the offer is extended, on or before two business days prior to the extended expiration date). Upon the timely receipt by the subscription agent of appropriate instructions to sell rights, the subscription agent will ask the dealer manager either to purchase or to use its best efforts to complete the sale and the subscription agent will remit the proceeds of the sale to the selling stockholders. If the rights can be sold, sales of such rights will be deemed to have been effected at the weighted-average price received by the dealer manager on the day such rights are sold. The sale price of any rights sold to the dealer manager will be based upon the then current market price for the rights. The dealer manager will also attempt to sell all rights which remain unclaimed as a result of subscription certificates being returned by the postal authorities to the subscription agent as undeliverable as of the fourth business day prior to the expiration date of the rights offering. The subscription agent will hold the proceeds from those sales for the benefit of such non-claiming stockholders until such proceeds are either claimed or revert to the state pursuant to applicable state law. There can be no assurance that the dealer manager will purchase or be able to complete the sale of any such rights, and neither we nor the dealer manager has guaranteed any minimum sales price for the rights. If a stockholder does not utilize the services of the subscription agent and chooses to use another broker-dealer or other financial institution to sell rights, then the other broker-dealer or financial institution may charge a fee to sell the rights.

 

Other Transfers

 

The rights evidenced by a subscription certificate may be transferred in whole by endorsing the subscription certificate for transfer in accordance with the accompanying instructions. A portion of the rights evidenced by a single subscription certificate (but not fractional rights) may be transferred by delivering to the subscription agent a subscription certificate properly endorsed for transfer, with instructions to register such portion of the rights evidenced thereby in the name of the transferee and to issue a new subscription certificate to the transferee evidencing such transferred rights. In such event, a new subscription certificate evidencing the balance of the rights, if any, will be issued to the stockholder or, if the stockholder so instructs, to an additional transferee. The signature on the subscription certificate must correspond to the name as written upon the face of the subscription certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change. A signature guarantee must be provided by an Eligible Guarantor Institution as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, subject to the standards and procedures adopted by us.

 

Stockholders wishing to transfer all or a portion of their rights should allow at least five business days prior to the expiration date of the rights offering for (1) the transfer instructions to be received and processed by the subscription agent, (2) a new subscription certificate to be issued and transmitted to the transferee or transferees with respect to transferred rights, and to the transferor with respect to retained rights, if any, and (3) the rights evidenced by such new subscription certificate to be exercised or sold by the recipients thereof. Neither we nor the subscription agent nor the dealer manager shall have any liability to a transferee or transferor of rights if subscription certificates are not received in time for exercise or sale prior to the expiration date (or if the offer is extended, on or before two business days prior to the extended expiration date) of the rights offering.

 

Except for the fees charged by the subscription agent [and dealer manager], which will be paid by us, all commissions, fees and other expenses (including brokerage commissions and transfer taxes) incurred or charged in connection with the purchase, sale or exercise of rights will be for the account of the transferor of the rights, and none of those commissions, fees or expenses will be paid by us, the subscription agent or the dealer manager.

 

We anticipate that the rights will be eligible for transfer through, and that the exercise of the primary subscription and the over-subscription privilege may be effected through, the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). Holders of DTC exercised rights may exercise the over-subscription privilege in respect of such DTC exercised rights by properly completing and duly executing and delivering to the subscription agent, at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day prior to the expiration date of the rights offering, a nominee holder over-subscription certificate or a substantially similar form satisfactory to the subscription agent, together with payment of the subscription price for the number of shares for which the over-subscription privilege is to be exercised.]

 

S- 27
 

 

Methods for Exercising Rights

 

Rights are evidenced by subscription certificates that, except as described below under “—Foreign Stockholders,” will be mailed to record date stockholders or, if a record date stockholder’s shares are held by Cede or any other depository or nominee on their behalf, to Cede or such depository or nominee. Rights may be exercised by completing and signing the subscription certificate that accompanies this prospectus and mailing it in the envelope provided, or otherwise delivering the completed and duly executed subscription certificate to the subscription agent, together with payment in full for the shares at the estimated subscription price by the expiration date of the rights offering. Rights may also be exercised by contacting your broker, trustee or other nominee, who can arrange, on your behalf, to guarantee delivery of payment and delivery of a properly completed and duly executed subscription certificate pursuant to a notice of guaranteed delivery by the close of business on the third business day after the expiration date. A fee may be charged for this service. Completed subscription certificates and related payments must be received by the subscription agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on or before the expiration date (unless payment is effected by means of a notice of guaranteed delivery as described below under “—Payment for Shares”) at the offices of the subscription agent at the address set forth above. Fractional shares will not be issued upon the exercise of rights.

 

[Exercise of the Over-Subscription Privilege

 

Record date stockholders who fully exercise all rights issued to them and rights holders other than record date stockholders, may both participate in the over-subscription privilege by indicating on their subscription certificate the number of shares they are willing to acquire. If sufficient remaining shares are available after the primary subscription, all over-subscriptions will be honored in full; otherwise remaining shares will be allocated first to record date stockholders and then (if any remaining shares are still available) to non-record date rights holders, and the number of remaining shares issued to some or all rights holders participating in the over-subscription privilege may be reduced as described under “—Over-Subscription Privilege” above. ]

 

Record Date Stockholders Whose Shares Are Held By a Nominee

 

Record date stockholders whose shares are held by a nominee, such as a bank, broker-dealer or trustee, must contact that nominee to exercise their rights. In that case, the nominee will complete the subscription certificate on behalf of the record date stockholder and arrange for proper payment by one of the methods set forth under “—Payment for Shares” below.

 

Nominees

 

Nominees, such as brokers, trustees or depositories for securities, who hold shares for the account of others, should notify the respective beneficial owners of the shares as soon as possible to ascertain the beneficial owners’ intentions and to obtain instructions with respect to the rights. If the beneficial owner so instructs, the nominee should complete the subscription certificate and submit it to the subscription agent with the proper payment as described under “—Payment for Shares” below.

 

All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including times of receipt and matters pertaining to beneficial ownership) and the acceptance of subscription forms and the subscription price will be determined by us, which determinations will be final and binding. No alternative, conditional or contingent subscriptions will be accepted. We reserve the right to reject any or all subscriptions not properly submitted or the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful.

 

We reserve the right to reject any exercise if such exercise is not in accordance with the terms of this rights offering or not in proper form or if the acceptance thereof or the issuance of shares of our common stock thereto could be deemed unlawful. We reserve the right to waive any deficiency or irregularity with respect to any subscription certificate. Subscriptions will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as we determine in our sole discretion. We will not be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription certificates or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

 

Foreign Stockholders

 

Subscription certificates will not be mailed to foreign stockholders. Foreign stockholders will receive written notice of this offer. The subscription agent will hold the rights to which those subscription certificates relate for these stockholders’ accounts until instructions are received to exercise the rights, subject to applicable law. If no instructions have been received by the expiration date, such rights will expire.

 

S- 28
 

 

Payment for Shares

 

Participating rights holders may choose between the following methods of payment:

 

  (1)   A participating rights holder may send the subscription certificate together with payment for the shares acquired in the primary subscription and any additional shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege to the subscription agent based on the estimated subscription price of
  $ per share [( % of $ , the last reported sale price of a share on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on , )]. To be accepted, the payment, together with a properly completed and executed subscription certificate, must be received by the subscription agent at one of the subscription agent’s offices set forth above, at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

 

  (2)   A participating rights holder may request an Eligible Guarantor Institution as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act to send a notice of guaranteed delivery by facsimile or otherwise guaranteeing delivery of (a) payment of the full subscription price for the shares subscribed for in the primary subscription and any additional shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege and (b) a properly completed and duly executed subscription certificate. The subscription agent will not honor a notice of guaranteed delivery unless a properly completed and duly executed subscription certificate and full payment for the shares is received by the subscription agent at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , (or, if the offer is extended, by the close of business on the third business day after the extended expiration date).

 

All payments by a participating rights holder must be in U.S. dollars by money order or check or bank draft drawn on a bank or branch located in the U.S. and payable to Oxford Lane Capital Corp. The subscription agent will deposit all funds received by it prior to the final payment date into a segregated account pending pro-ration and distribution of the shares.

 

The method of delivery of subscription certificates and payment of the subscription price to us will be at the election and risk of the participating rights holders, but if sent by mail it is recommended that such certificates and payments be sent by registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, and that a sufficient number of days be allowed to ensure delivery to the subscription agent and clearance of payment prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date or the date guaranteed payments are due under a notice of guaranteed delivery (as applicable). Because uncertified personal checks may take at least five business days to clear, you are strongly urged to pay, or arrange for payment, by means of certified or cashier’s check or money order.

 

On a date within business days following the expiration date, the subscription agent will send to each participating rights holder (or, if rights are held by Cede or any other depository or nominee, to Cede or such other depository or nominee) a confirmation showing (1) the number of shares purchased pursuant to the primary subscription, (2) the number of shares, if any, acquired pursuant to the over-subscription privilege, (3) the per share and total purchase price for the shares, and (4) any additional amount payable to us by the participating rights holder or any excess to be refunded by us to the participating rights holder, in each case based on the subscription price as determined on the expiration date. Any additional payment required from a participating rights holder must be received by the subscription agent within ten business days after the confirmation date. Any excess payment to be refunded by us to a participating rights holder will be mailed by the subscription agent to the rights holder as promptly as practicable. No interest will be paid on any amounts refunded.

 

Whichever of the two methods described above is used, issuance of the shares purchased is subject to collection of checks and actual payment. If a participating rights holder who subscribes for shares pursuant to the primary subscription or over-subscription privilege does not make payment of any amounts due by the expiration date, the date guaranteed payments are due under a notice of guaranteed delivery or within ten business days of the confirmation date, as applicable, the subscription agent reserves the right to take any or all of the following actions: (1) reallocate the shares to other participating rights holders in accordance with the over-subscription privilege; (2) apply any payment actually received by it from the participating rights holder toward the purchase of the greatest whole number of shares which could be acquired by such participating rights holder upon exercise of the primary subscription and/or the over-subscription privilege; and/or (3) exercise any and all other rights or remedies to which it may be entitled, including the right to set off against payments actually received by it with respect to such subscribed for shares.

 

All questions concerning the timeliness, validity, form and eligibility of any exercise of rights will be determined by us, whose determinations will be final and binding. We in our sole discretion may waive any defect or irregularity, or permit a defect or irregularity to be corrected within such time as we may determine, or reject the purported exercise of any right. Subscriptions will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as we determine in our sole discretion. The subscription agent will not be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription certificates or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

 

S- 29
 

 

Participating rights holders will have no right to rescind their subscription after receipt of their payment for shares by the subscription agent, except as provided below under “—Notice of Net Asset Value Decline.”

 

Notice of Net Asset Value Decline

 

We will suspend the offer until we amend this prospectus if, subsequent to the effective date of this prospectus, our net asset value declines more than 10% from our net asset value as of that date. Accordingly, the expiration date would be extended and we would notify record date stockholders of the decline and permit participating rights holders to cancel their exercise of rights.

 

Delivery of Stock Certificates

 

Participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will have any shares that they acquire pursuant to the offer credited to their stockholder dividend reinvestment accounts in the plan. Stockholders whose shares are held of record by Cede or by any other depository or nominee on their behalf or their broker-dealers’ behalf will have any shares that they acquire credited to the account of Cede or the other depository or nominee. With respect to all other stockholders, stock certificates for all shares acquired will be mailed after payment for all the shares subscribed for has cleared, which may take up to 15 days from the date of receipt of the payment.

 

Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Offer

 

For federal income tax purposes, neither the receipt nor the exercise of the rights by record date stockholders will result in taxable income to such stockholders, and no loss will be realized if the rights expire without exercise.

 

A record date stockholder’s basis in a right will be zero unless either (1) the fair market value of the right on the date of distribution is 15% or more of the fair market value of the shares with respect to which the right was distributed or (2) the record date stockholder elects, in his or her federal income tax return for the taxable year in which the right is received, to allocate part of the basis of the shares to the right. If either of clauses (1) or (2) is applicable, then if the right is exercised, the record date stockholder will allocate his or her basis in the shares with respect to which the right was distributed between the shares and the right in proportion to the fair market values of each on the date of distribution.

 

The holding period of a right received by a record date stockholder includes the holding period of the shares with regard to which the right is issued. If the right is exercised, the holding period of the shares acquired begins on the date the right is exercised.

 

[If a right is sold, a gain or loss will be realized by the rights holder in an amount equal to the difference between the basis of the right sold and the amount realized on its disposition.]

 

A record date stockholder’s basis for determining gain or loss upon the sale of a share acquired upon the exercise of a right will be equal to the sum of the record date stockholder’s basis in the right, if any, and the subscription price per share. A record date stockholder’s gain or loss recognized upon a sale of a share acquired upon the exercise of a right will be capital gain or loss (assuming the share was held as a capital asset at the time of sale) and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the share is held for more than one year.

 

The foregoing is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the offer under the provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations in effect as of the date of the prospectus that are generally applicable to record date stockholders who are U.S. persons within the meaning of the Code, and does not address any foreign, state or local tax consequences. The Code and Treasury regulations are subject to change or differing interpretations by legislative or administrative action, which may be retroactive. Participating rights holders should consult their tax advisors regarding specific questions as to foreign, federal, state or local taxes.

 

ERISA Considerations

 

Stockholders who are employee benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA (including corporate savings and 401(k) plans), Keogh or H.R. 10 plans of self-employed individuals and individual retirement accounts should be aware that additional contributions of cash to a retirement plan (other than rollover contributions or trustee-to-trustee transfers from other retirement plans) in order to exercise rights would be treated as contributions to the retirement plan and, when taken together with contributions previously made, may result in, among other things, excise taxes for excess or nondeductible contributions. In the case of retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and certain other retirement plans, additional cash contributions could cause the maximum contribution limitations of Section 415 of the Code or other qualification rules to be violated. It may also be a reportable distribution and there may be other adverse tax and ERISA consequences if rights are sold or transferred by a retirement plan.

 

Retirement plans and other tax exempt entities, including governmental plans, should also be aware that if they borrow in order to finance their exercise of rights, they may become subject to the tax on unrelated business taxable income under Section 511 of the Code. If any portion of an individual retirement account is used as security for a loan, the portion so used is also treated as distributed to the IRA depositor. ERISA contains fiduciary responsibility requirements, and ERISA and the Code contain prohibited transaction rules that may impact the exercise of rights. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties for noncompliance, retirement plans should consult with their counsel and other advisers regarding the consequences of their exercise of rights under ERISA and the Code.

 

S- 30
 

 

[Distribution Arrangements

 

, which is a broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, will act as dealer manager for this offer. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the dealer management agreement, the dealer manager will provide financial advisory and marketing services in connection with this offer and will solicit the exercise of rights and participation in the over-subscription privilege. This offer is not contingent upon any number of rights being exercised. We have agreed to pay the dealer manager a fee for its financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services equal to % of the aggregate subscription price for shares issued pursuant to this offer. In addition, we have agreed to reimburse the dealer manager an aggregate amount up to $ for its expenses incurred in connection with this offer.

 

The dealer manager will reallow to other broker-dealers that have executed and delivered a soliciting dealer agreement and have solicited the exercise of rights, solicitation fees equal to % of the subscription price per share for each share issued pursuant to the exercise of rights as a result of their soliciting efforts, subject to a maximum fee based on the number of shares held by each broker-dealer through DTC on the record date. Fees will be paid by us to the broker-dealer designated on the applicable portion of the subscription certificates or, in the absence of such designation, to the dealer manager.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the dealer manager for, or contribute to losses arising out of, certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The dealer manager agreement also provides that the dealer manager will not be subject to any liability to us in rendering the services contemplated by the dealer manager agreement except for any act of bad faith, willful misfeasance, or gross negligence of the dealer manager or reckless disregard by the dealer manager of its obligations and duties under the dealer manager agreement. We have also agreed not to directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, enter into any agreement to sell, or otherwise dispose of, any of our equity or equity related securities or securities convertible into such securities, other than the rights, the shares and the common stock issued in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or distributions, for a period of days from the date hereof without the prior consent of the dealer manager.

 

The principal business address of the dealer manager is .

 

Prior to the expiration of this offer, the dealer manager may independently offer for sale shares, including shares acquired through purchasing and exercising the rights, at prices it sets. The dealer manager may realize profits or losses independent of any fees described in this prospectus.

 

This offering is being conducted in compliance with Rule 5110 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. ]

 

Additional Dealer Manager Compensation

 

The dealer manager and/or its affiliates have from time to time performed and may in the future perform various commercial banking, financial advisory and investment banking services for us and our affiliates for which they have received or will receive customary compensation. [Describe any specific transactions and compensation related thereto required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

Certain Effects of this Offer

 

Oxford Lane Management will benefit from this offer because a portion of the investment advisory fee we pay to Oxford Lane Management is based on our gross assets. See “Management—Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus. It is not possible to state precisely the amount of additional compensation Oxford Lane Management will receive as a result of this offer because it is not known how many shares will be subscribed for and because a substantial portion of the proceeds of the offer are expected to be used to repay outstanding indebtedness. However, assuming (1) all rights are exercised, (2) the average value of our gross assets, excluding proceeds from this offer, remains at approximately $ million, (3) the estimated subscription price is $ per share, and (4) all of the proceeds from the offer are invested in additional portfolio companies, and after giving effect to dealer manager fees and other expenses related to this offer, Oxford Lane Management would receive additional annualized advisory fees of approximately $ , and the amount of the administrative fee received by Oxford Lane Management would not change. of our directors who voted to authorize this offer are interested persons of Oxford Lane Management. The other directors who approved this offer are not affiliated with Oxford Lane Management.

 

As a result of the terms of this offer, stockholders who do not fully exercise their rights will own, upon completion of this offer, a smaller proportional interest in us than they owned prior to the offer, including with respect to voting rights. [In addition, because the subscription price per share will likely be less than the net asset value per share, based on our current market price, the offer will likely result in an immediate dilution of net asset value per share for all of our stockholders. If the subscription price per share is substantially less than the current net asset value per share, such dilution could be substantial. Any such dilution will disproportionately affect non-exercising stockholders. If the subscription price is less than our net asset value per share, then all stockholders will experience a decrease in the net asset value per share held by them, irrespective of whether they exercise all or any portion of their rights. This offering will also cause dilution in the dividends per share we are able to distribute subsequent to completion of the offering. See “Dilution.”]

 

S- 31
 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the dealer manager by [ ].

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and for the year ended March 31, 2012 included in the accompanying prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 together with all amendments and related exhibits under the Securities Act. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us at Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com .

 

S- 32
 

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

, 20

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement 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 preliminary prospectus supplement 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.

 

[FORM OF PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE USED IN

CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE DEBT SECURITIES OFFERINGS](1)

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectus dated , 20 )

 

$[      ]

 

 

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

% [Insert ranking/conversion information] Notes due [ ]

 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the “1940 Act.” Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (“Senior Loans”), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

Oxford Lane Management, LLC manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

We are offering $ in aggregate principal amount of % [Insert ranking/conversion information] notes due , which we refer to as the Notes. [Insert relevant information regarding interest payments, redemption, etc.]

 

An investment in our notes is subject to risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. In addition, the CLO securities in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our notes.

 

Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing in our notes and keep each for future reference. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor ought to know before investing in our notes. We file annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830 or by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com . Information contained on our website is not incorporated by referenced into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains information about us.

 

 
 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

      Per Note       Total  
Public Offering Price     %     $  
Sales Load (Underwriting Discounts and Commissions)     %     $  
Proceeds to the Company (before expenses)     %     $  

 

[The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional $ total aggregate principal amount of notes offered hereby, to cover overallotments, if any, within days of the date of this prospectus supplement. If the underwriters exercise this option in full, the total public offering price will be $ , the total underwriting discount (sales load) paid by us will be $ , and total proceeds, before expenses, will be $ .]

 

THE NOTES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

 

Delivery of the Notes in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company will be made on or about , 20 .

 

Prospectus Supplement dated , 20 .

 

 

(1)   In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear is any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

  Page
About this Prospectus Supplement S-1
Summary S-2
Specific Terms of Our Notes and the Offering S-9
Risk Factors S-10
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements S-11
Capitalization S-12
Use of Proceeds S-13
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges S-14
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences S-15
Underwriting S-16
Legal Matters S-19
Experts S-19
Available Information S-19

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

  Page
Summary 1
Offerings 9
Fees and Expenses 12
Financial Highlights 15
Risk Factors 16
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 33
Use of Proceeds 34
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions 35
Business 37
Management 45
Portfolio Management 53
Investment Advisory Agreement 56
Administration Agreement 61
Certain Relationships and Transactions 62
Control Persons and Principal Stockholders 63
Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Management Investment Company 64
Determination of Net Asset Value 69
Dividend Reinvestment Plan 71
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations 72
Description of Securities 80
Description of Our Capital Stock 81
Description of Our Preferred Stock 88
Description of Our Subscription Rights 89
Description of Our Debt Securities 90

 

 
 

 

Plan of Distribution 103
Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar 105
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices 105
Legal Matters 105
Experts 105
Available Information 105
Index to Financial Statements F-1

  

 
 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of notes and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information and disclosure. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from or is additional to the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the headings “Available Information” and “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, respectively, before investing in our notes.

 

Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do they constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of the dates on their respective covers. Our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. To the extent required by law, we will amend or supplement the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and prior to the completion of any offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

S- 1
 

 

SUMMARY

 

The following summary contains basic information about the offering of our notes pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of the offering of our notes pursuant to this prospectus supplement, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the documents to which we have referred in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of the notes we are offering. You should carefully read the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the section entitled “Business” and our consolidated financial statements included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms ‘‘Oxford Lane Capital,’’ the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to Oxford Lane Capital Corp.; ‘‘Oxford Lane Management’’ and ‘‘investment adviser’’ refer to Oxford Lane Management, LLC; and ‘‘BDC Partners’’ refers to BDC Partners, LLC.

 

Overview

 

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is unrated or is rated below investment grade (‘‘Senior Loans’’), with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We believe that recent dislocations in the credit market have created opportunities to purchase our targeted investments at attractive risk adjusted returns.

 

We have initially implemented our investment objective by purchasing in the secondary market portions of equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligation (‘‘CLO’’) vehicles. Substantially all of the CLO vehicles in which we may invest would be deemed to be investment companies under the 1940 Act but for the exceptions set forth in section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7). Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit. A CLO vehicle is formed by raising various classes or ‘‘tranches’’ of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated ‘‘AAA’’ to the most junior tranches typically being rated ‘‘BB’’) and equity. The CLO vehicles which we focus on are collateralized primarily by Senior Loans, and generally have very little or no exposure to real estate, mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may also invest, on an opportunistic basis, in other corporate credits of a variety of types. We expect that each of our investments will range in size from $1 million to $12 million, although the investment size may vary consistent with the size of our overall portfolio.

 

Oxford Lane Management manages our investments and its affiliate arranges for the performance of the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

Distributions

 

In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, or ‘‘RIC,’’ and to avoid corporate level tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the ‘‘Code,’’ to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and short-term capital gains to our stockholders on an annual basis.

 

S- 2
 

 

The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock to date:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount  
Fiscal 2013                
July 31, 2012   September 14, 2012   September 28, 2012   $ 0.55  
May 22, 2012   June 15, 2012   June 29, 2012     0.55  
Total (2013)             1.10  
Fiscal 2012                
January 25, 2012   March 16, 2012   March 30, 2012     0.55  
October 24, 2011   December 16, 2011   December 30, 2011     0.50  
July 22, 2011   September 16, 2011   September 30, 2011     0.50  
April 6, 2011   June 16, 2011   June 30, 2011     0.50  
Total (2012)             2.05  
Fiscal 2011                
March 7, 2011   March 21, 2011   April 1, 2011     0.25  
Total (2011)             0.25  
            $ 3.40  

 

For accounting purposes the distributions declared for the fiscal periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were in excess of the reported earnings. However, as a RIC, earnings and distributions are determined on a tax basis. For tax purposes, the distribution declared in March 2011 and paid in April 2011 is considered a distribution for the tax year 2012. Furthermore, taxable earnings are determined according to tax regulations and differ from reported income for accounting purposes. Therefore, for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011 distributions were spilled-back for tax purposes in an amount equal to taxable earnings. Based on current estimates of taxable earnings for fiscal 2012 and 2013, we do not expect that any portion of the above-referenced dividends will represent a tax return of capital to our stockholders; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the projections and assumptions upon which the amount of such dividend was based. To the extent that taxable earnings for any fiscal year are less than the amount of the dividends paid during the year, there would be a tax return of capital to shareholders. The tax character of any distributions will be determined after the end of the fiscal year.

 

Use of Proceeds From Prior Offerings

 

Since the closing of our initial public offering on January 25, 2011 and including two subsequent rights offerings on August 26, 2011 and April 27, 2012, through [ ], 2012 we have invested approximately $[ ] million of the cumulative net proceeds we received from our initial public offering (including the proceeds received from the underwriters' partial exercise of the over-allotment option) and subsequent rights offerings, representing approximately [ ]% of those cumulative proceeds. Consistent with our investment objective, these investments were made in junior debt and equity tranches of CLOs.

 

 

Oxford Lane Management

 

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management, which is an investment adviser that has registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the “Advisers Act.” Under our investment advisory agreement with Oxford Lane Management, which we refer to as our “Investment Advisory Agreement,” we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets, as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.”

 

We expect to benefit from the proven ability of our investment adviser’s team to identify attractive opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate terms where appropriate, and manage and monitor a diversified portfolio although we do not intend to operate as a “diversified” investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Our investment adviser’s senior investment team members have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment banks, commercial banks, unregistered investment funds and other financial services companies, and have collectively developed a broad network of contacts to provide us with our principal source of investment opportunities.

 

S- 3
 

 

Our investment adviser is led by Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal are assisted by Darryl M. Monasebian and Hari Srinivasan, who serve as Senior Managing Director and Managing Director, respectively, for Oxford Lane Management. We consider Messrs. Cohen, Rosenthal, Monasebian and Srinivasan to be Oxford Lane Management’s senior investment team.

 

Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, together with the other members of Oxford Lane Management’s investment team, have developed an infrastructure that we believe provides Oxford Lane Capital with a competitive advantage in locating and acquiring attractive Senior Loans and CLO investments.

 

Charles M. Royce is a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Mr. Royce has served as President since 1972, and a member of the Board of Managers since 2001, of Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce & Associates”). He also serves as Royce & Associates’ Co-Chief Investment Officer and manages or co-manages twelve of Royce & Associates’ open- and closed-end registered funds. Mr. Royce currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Royce Funds and TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce is also a non-managing member of TICC Management, LLC, the investment adviser for TICC Capital Corp. Mr. Royce, as a non-managing member of Oxford Lane Management, does not take part in the management or participate in the operations of Oxford Lane Management; however, Mr. Royce may be available from time to time to Oxford Lane Management to provide certain consulting services without compensation. Royce & Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.

 

In addition, we will pay BDC Partners, an affiliate of Oxford Lane Management, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under an administration agreement by and among us and BDC Partners (the “Administration Agreement”), including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and any administrative support staff. These arrangements will create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor.

 

Investment Focus

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in Senior Loans, with an emphasis on current income. Those investments may take a variety of forms, including the direct purchases of Senior Loans (either in the primary or secondary markets) or through investments in entities that in turn own a pool of Senior Loans. We have initially implemented our investment objective by investing principally in the equity and junior debt tranches of CLO vehicles, which are collateralized primarily by a diverse portfolio of leveraged corporate loans, and which generally have very little or no exposure to real estate or mortgage loans or to pools of consumer-based debt, such as credit card receivables or auto loans. We may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including foreign CLO vehicles.

 

The CLO investments we have initially targeted generally represent either a residual economic interest, in the case of an equity tranche, or a debt investment collateralized by a portfolio of Senior Loans. The value of our CLO investments generally depend on both the quality and nature of the underlying portfolio it references and also on the specific structural characteristics of the CLO itself, both of which are described below.

 

CLO Structural Elements

 

Structurally, CLO vehicles are entities that were formed to originate and manage a portfolio of loans. The loans within the CLO vehicle are limited to loans which meet established credit criteria and are subject to concentration limitations in order to limit a CLO vehicle’s exposure to a single credit.

 

A CLO vehicle is formed by raising multiple “tranches” of debt (with the most senior tranches being rated “AAA” to the most junior tranches typically being rated “BB”) and equity. As interest payments are received the CLO vehicle makes contractual interest payments to each tranche of debt based on their seniority. If there are funds remaining after each tranche of debt receives its contractual interest rate and the CLO vehicle meets or exceeds required collateral coverage levels (or other similar covenants) the remaining funds may be paid to the equity tranche. The contractual provisions setting out this order of payments are set out in detail in the CLO vehicle’s indenture. These provisions are referred to as the “priority of payments” or the “waterfall” and determine any other obligations that may be required to be paid ahead of payments of interest and principal on the securities issued by a CLO vehicle. In addition, for payments to be made to each tranche, after the most senior tranche of debt, there are various tests which must be complied with, which are different for each CLO vehicle.

 

S- 4
 

 

CLO indentures typically provide for adjustments to the priority of payments in the event that certain cashflow or collateral requirements are not maintained. The collateral quality tests that may divert cashflows in the priority of payments are predominantly determined by reference to the par values of the underlying loans, rather than their current market values. Accordingly, we believe that CLO equity and junior debt investments allow investors to gain diversified exposure to the Senior Loan market on a levered basis without being structurally subject to mark-to-market price fluctuations of the underlying loans. As such, although the current valuations of CLO equity and junior debt tranches are expected to fluctuate based on price changes within the loan market, interest rate movements and other macroeconomic factors, those tranches will generally be expected to continue to receive distributions from the CLO vehicle periodically so long as the underlying portfolio does not suffer defaults, realized losses or other covenant violations sufficient to trigger changes in the waterfall allocations. We therefore believe that an investment portfolio consisting of CLO equity and junior debt investments of this type has the ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted rates of return.

 

The diagram below is for illustrative purposes only. The CLO structure highlighted below is only a hypothetical structure and structures among CLO vehicles in which we may invest may vary substantially from the hypothetical example set forth below.

 

 

The Syndicated Senior Loan Market

 

We believe that while the syndicated leveraged corporate loan market is relatively large, with Standard and Poor’s estimating the total par value outstanding at approximately $[ ] as of [ ], 2012, this market remains largely inaccessible to a significant portion of investors that are not lenders or approved institutions. The CLO market permits wider exposure to syndicated Senior Loans, but this market is almost exclusively private and predominantly institutional.

 

The Senior Loan market is characterized by various factors, including:

 

  Seniority. A Senior Loan typically ranks senior in a company’s capital structure to all other forms of debt or equity. As such, that loan maintains the senior-most claim on the company’s assets and cash flow, and, we believe should, all other things being equal, offer the prospect of a relatively more stable and lower-risk holding.

 

  Floating rate instruments. A Senior Loan typically contains a floating versus a fixed interest rate, which we believe provides some measure of protection against the risk of interest rate fluctuation.

 

  Frequency of interest payments. A Senior Loan typically provides for scheduled interest payments no less frequently than quarterly.

 

S- 5
 

 

In the current environment, we believe the above attributes seem particularly desirable.

 

Investment Opportunity

 

We believe that the Senior Loan market has and continues to represent an attractive area for investment. We believe that the CLO equity and junior debt investments we intend to seek currently represent, as a class, an opportunity to obtain attractive risk-adjusted investment returns. We believe that a number of factors support this conclusion, including:

 

  We believe that the long-term and relatively low-cost capital that many CLO vehicles have secured, compared with the increasing asset spreads and the introduction of more LIBOR floors have created opportunities to purchase certain CLO equity and junior debt instruments that may produce attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

  We believe that CLO equity and junior debt have generally become more liquid since mid-2009. From late 2007 through mid-2009, these assets traded only very infrequently. We believe that greater recent liquidity in this market has created an opportunity to better analyze and compare various equity and debt instruments from among a large number of different structures.

 

  We believe that although Senior Loan asset prices have risen since mid-2010, CLO equity and junior debt instruments still offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

  We believe that larger institutional investors with sufficient resources to source, analyze and negotiate the purchase of these assets may refrain from purchasing assets of the size that we are targeting, thereby potentially reducing the competition for our target investments.

 

  We believe that investing in CLO securities and CLO equity instruments in particular, requires a high level of research and analysis. We believe that typically this analysis can only be adequately conducted by knowledgeable market participants, as the nature of that analysis tends to be highly specialized.

 

  We believe that a stronger credit market for Senior Loans has substantially reduced the risk of collateral coverage test violations across many CLO structures, thereby reducing the risk that current cash distributions otherwise payable to junior debt tranches and/or equity will be diverted under the priority of payments to pay down the more senior obligations in various CLO structures.

 

  We believe that the US CLO market is relatively large with a total par value of approximately $250 billion invested in over 500 different CLO vehicles. We estimate the size of the junior-most debt tranches (specifically the tranches originally rated “BB”) is approximately $9.0 billion (of which “turbo BB” tranches are an attractive sub-segment), and the size of the equity tranches is approximately $20 billion.

 

Summary Risk Factors

 

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our securities, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in Oxford Lane Capital involves other risks, including the following:

  

  We have a limited operating history as a closed-end investment company;

 

  We are dependent upon Oxford Lane Management’s key personnel for our future success;

 

  Our incentive fee structure and the formula for calculating the fee payable to Oxford Lane Management may incentivize Oxford Lane Management to pursue speculative investments, use leverage when it may be unwise to do so, or refrain from de-levering when it would otherwise be appropriate to do so;

 

  A general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings due to the “catch up” feature of the incentive fee;

 

  CLO vehicles are very highly levered (typically 10-14 times), and therefore the junior debt and equity instruments in which we invest are subject to a higher degree of risk of total loss;

 

  Our portfolio of investments may lack diversification among CLO vehicles which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these CLO vehicles experiences a high level of defaults on its underlying Senior Loans;

 

S- 6
 

 

  The Senior Loan portfolios of the CLO vehicles in which we will invest may be concentrated in a limited number of industries, which may subject those vehicles, and in turn us, to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of our CLO vehicles’ investments are concentrated;

 

  Our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in such CLO vehicles defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect;
     
  Investing in CLO vehicles and other high-yield corporate credits involves a variety of risks, any of which may adversely impact our performance;

 

  A disruption or downturn in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business;

 

  We may borrow money to leverage our portfolio, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us;

 

  Our investment portfolio will be recorded at fair value, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments;

 

  We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results;

 

  We will become subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code;

 

  Shares of closed-end management investment companies, including Oxford Lane Capital, have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline below our net asset value per share;

 

  Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially;

 

  There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow or may be reduced over time, including on a per share basis as a result of the dilutive effects of this offering;

 

  Regulations governing our operation as a registered closed-end management investment company affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. The raising of debt capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

 

[Insert risk factors applicable to the notes.]

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying prospectus. In addition, the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our notes.

 

Operating and Regulatory Structure

 

Oxford Lane Capital is a Maryland corporation that is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end fund, we are required to meet regulatory tests. See “Regulation as a Registered Closed-End Investment Company.” We may also borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Our investment activities are managed by Oxford Lane Management and supervised by our Board of Directors. Oxford Lane Management is an investment adviser that is registered under the Advisers Act. Under our Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay Oxford Lane Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.” We have also entered into an administration agreement with BDC Partners, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse BDC Partners for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by BDC Partners in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement.”

 

S- 7
 

 

BDC Partners also serves as the managing member of Oxford Lane Management. Messrs. Cohen and Rosenthal, in turn, serve as the managing member and non-managing member, respectively, of BDC Partners.

  

Our Corporate Information

 

Our offices are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, and our telephone number is (203) 983-5275.

 

S- 8
 

 

SPECIFIC TERMS OF OUR NOTES AND THE OFFERING

 

This prospectus supplement sets forth certain terms of the notes (the “Notes”) that we are offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and supplements the accompanying prospectus that is attached to the back of this prospectus supplement. This section outlines the specific legal and financial terms of the Notes. You should read this section together with the more general description of the Notes in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Our Debt Securities” before investing in the Notes. Capitalized terms used in this prospectus supplement and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the accompanying prospectus or in the indenture governing the Notes.

 

[Insert material terms of the Notes in tabular form to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

S- 9
 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below and those set forth in the accompanying prospectus. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before you decide whether to make an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below, together with those set forth in the accompanying prospectus, are the principal risk factors associated with an investment in us as well as those factors generally associated with an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to ours.

 

[Insert risk factors applicable to the Notes and any additional relevant risk factors not included in the base prospectus to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

S- 10
 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our company, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

  our future operating results;

 

  our business prospects and the prospects of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies;

 

  the impact of investments that we expect to make;

 

  our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

  the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

  the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

  our expected financings and investments;

 

  the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and

 

  the timing of cash flows, if any, from our investments.

 

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

  an economic downturn could impair the ability of a CLO vehicle’s portfolio companies to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investment in such CLO vehicle;

 

  a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our investment activities;

 

  interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

  currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and

 

  the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the respective dates of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. However, we will update this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act.”

 

S- 11
 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth:

 

  the actual capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. at , 20 ; and

 

  the pro forma capitalization of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. to give effect to the sale of $ aggregate principal amount of Notes assuming a public offering price of 100% of par, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of $ million payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ payable by us.

 

This table should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds” included in this prospectus supplement and our “Business” section and financial statements and notes thereto included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

    As of , 20
    Oxford
Lane
Capital
Corp.
    Oxford
Lane
Capital
Corp.
 
    Actual     Pro Forma  
    (in
thousands)
    (in
thousands)
 
Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $     $           
Investments at fair value   $     $  
Other assets   $     $  
Total assets   $     $  
Liabilities:              
Notes payable net of discount   $     $  
Other Liabilities   $     $  
Total Liabilities   $               $  
Stockholders’ equity:                
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively           $  
Capital in excess of par value           $  
Total stockholders’ equity           $  

 

S- 12
 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from the sale of the $ million aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering will be approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters fully exercise their overallotment option), in each case assuming a public offering price of 100% of par, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters fully exercise their overallotment option) payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ million payable by us.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement for acquiring investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general working capital purposes. We may also pay operating expenses, including advisory and administrative fees and expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering.

 

We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering will be used for the above purposes within approximately [ ] to [ ] months from the consummation of such offering, depending on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market conditions. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted investment pace.

 

Pending such investments, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. The management fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities. See “Regulation as a Closed-End Investment Company — Temporary Investments” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information about temporary investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our investment objective.

 

[Include any other relevant information to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

S- 13
 

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

[Insert information required by Item 503(d) of Regulation S-K at time of offering.]

 

S- 14
 

 

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

[Insert disclosure regarding material federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

S- 15
 

 

UNDERWRITING

 

[ ] is acting as sole book-running manager of the offering and as representative of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the purchase agreement dated [ ], each underwriter named below severally agrees to purchase the aggregate principal amount of Notes indicated in the following table:

 

Underwriter   Principal
Amount
     
     
     
Total    

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the purchase agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the Notes sold under the purchase agreement if any of these Notes are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the purchase agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the purchase agreement may be terminated.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

 

The underwriters are offering the Notes, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the Notes, and other conditions contained in the purchase agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

[Overallotment Option

 

We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional $ aggregate principal amount of the Notes offered hereby at the public offering price within days from the date of this prospectus supplement solely to cover any overallotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the purchase agreement, to purchase a number of additional Notes proportionate to that underwriter’s initial principal amount reflected in the above table.]

 

Commissions and Discounts

 

An underwriting discount of % per Note will be paid by us. [This underwriting discount will also apply to any Notes purchased pursuant to the overallotment option.]

 

The following table shows the total underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. [The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their overallotment option.]

 

    Per
Note
      [Without
Option
      With
Option]
 
Public offering price                  
Underwriting discount                        
Proceeds, before expenses, to us                        

 

S- 16
 

 

[The underwriters propose to offer some of the Notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the Notes to certain other Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) members at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of % of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of % of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. After the initial offering of the Notes to the public, the public offering price and such concessions may be changed. No such change shall change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.]

 

[No Sales of Similar Securities

 

Subject to certain exceptions, we have agreed not to directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any debt securities issued or guaranteed by us or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for debt securities issued or guaranteed by us or file any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing for a period of days after the date of this prospectus supplement without first obtaining the written consent of [ ]. This consent may be given at any time without public notice.]

 

[Listing

 

The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to list the Notes on . We expect trading in the Notes on to begin within days after the original issue date. Currently there is no public market for the Notes.

 

We have been advised by the underwriters that they presently intend to make a market in the Notes after completion of the offering as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a market in the Notes and any such market-making may be discontinued at any time in the sole discretion of the underwriters without any notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or development of a public trading market for, the Notes. If an active public trading market for the Notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected.]

 

Price Stabilizations and Short Positions

 

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell Notes in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment, covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Overallotment involves sales of securities in excess of the aggregate principal amount of securities to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a short position for the underwriters. Covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of securities made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress.

 

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased Notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

Any of these activities may cause the price of the Notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time without any notice relating thereto.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

The underwriters and their affiliates have provided, or may in the future provide, various investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory, brokerage and other services to us and our affiliates for which services they have received, and may in the future receive, customary fees and expense reimbursement. The underwriters and their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of our company. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

S- 17
 

 

Sales Outside the U.S.

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the U.S.) that would permit a public offering of the securities, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other material relating to us or the securities in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and none of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the securities may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

 

Each of the underwriters may arrange to sell securities offered hereby in certain jurisdictions outside the United States, either directly or through affiliates, where they are permitted to do so.

 

[Describe any other specific transactions and compensation related thereto to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

[Describe if underwriters receiving proceeds of offering, if required by FINRA.]

 

[Insert principal business addresses of underwriters.]

 

[Insert applicable legends for jurisdictions in which offers and sales may be made.]

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the dealer manager by [ ].

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and for the year ended March 31, 2012 included in the accompanying prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 together with all amendments and related exhibits under the Securities Act. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

We are required to file with or submit to the SEC annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us at Oxford Lane Capital Corp., 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830, by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.oxfordlanecapital.com .

 

S- 19
 

 

$[ ]

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

 

 

% [Insert ranking/conversion information] Notes Due [ ]

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

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