Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission File Number: 001-33551

 

 

The Blackstone Group L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   20-8875684

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(212) 583-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x

   Accelerated filer   ¨

Non-accelerated filer   ¨

   Smaller reporting company   ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x

The number of the Registrant’s voting common units representing limited partner interests outstanding as of July 31, 2012 was 417,258,208. The number of the Registrant’s non-voting common units representing limited partner interests outstanding as of July 31, 2012 was 101,334,234.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

PART I.

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     4   
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — June 30, 2012 and 2011:

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2012 and December  31, 2011

     4   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June  30, 2012 and 2011

     6   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June  30, 2012 and 2011

     7   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

     8   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

     10   
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     12   

ITEM 1A.

  

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION OF STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

     55   

ITEM 2.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     58   

ITEM 3.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     111   

ITEM 4.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     114   

PART II.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     115   

ITEM 1A.

  

RISK FACTORS

     116   

ITEM 2.

  

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     116   

ITEM 3.

  

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

     117   

ITEM 4.

  

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

     117   

ITEM 5.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

     117   

ITEM 6.

  

EXHIBITS

     136   

SIGNATURES

     137   

Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in this report, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report and in our other periodic filings. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

 

 

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In this report, references to “Blackstone,” the “Partnership”, “we,” “us” or “our” refer to The Blackstone Group L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to the ownership of Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, our founder, and other Blackstone personnel include the ownership of personal planning vehicles and family members of these individuals.

“Blackstone Funds,” “our funds” and “our investment funds” refer to the private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds, credit-oriented funds, collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles, and closed-end mutual funds and management investment companies that are managed by Blackstone. “Our carry funds” refer to the private equity funds, real estate funds and certain of the credit-oriented funds (with multi-year drawdown, commitment-based structures that only pay carry on the realization of an investment) that are managed by Blackstone. Blackstone’s Private Equity segment comprises its management of private equity funds (including our sector and regional focused funds), which we refer to collectively as our Blackstone Capital Partners (“BCP”) funds, and certain multi-asset class investment funds. We refer to our real estate opportunistic funds as our Blackstone Real Estate Partners (“BREP”) funds and our real estate debt investment funds as our “BREDS” funds. “Our hedge funds” refer to our funds of hedge funds, certain of our real estate debt investment funds and certain other credit-oriented funds (including four publicly registered investment companies), which are managed by Blackstone.

“Assets under management” refers to the assets we manage. Our assets under management equals the sum of:

 

  (a) the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds and our side-by-side investments, plus the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds and side-by-side investments pursuant to the terms of their respective capital commitments, plus the fair value of co-investments managed by us,

 

  (b) the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, closed-end mutual funds and registered investment companies,

 

  (c) the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts, and

 

  (d) the amount of capital raised for our CLOs.

Our carry funds are commitment-based drawdown structured funds that do not permit investors to redeem their interests at their election. Our funds of hedge funds and hedge funds generally have structures that afford an investor the right to withdraw or redeem their interests on a periodic basis (e.g., annually or quarterly), in most cases upon advance written notice, with the majority of our funds requiring from 60 days up to 95 days’ notice, depending on the fund and the liquidity profile of the underlying assets. Investment advisory agreements related to separately managed accounts may generally be terminated by an investor on 30 to 90 days’ notice.

“Fee-earning assets under management” refers to the assets we manage on which we derive management and / or performance fees. Our fee-earning assets under management equals the sum of:

 

  (a) for our Private Equity segment funds and carry funds in our Real Estate segment, which include certain real estate debt investment funds, the amount of capital commitments, remaining invested capital or par value of assets held, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 

  (b) for our credit-oriented carry funds, the amount of remaining invested capital (which may include leverage) or net asset value, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 

  (c) the remaining invested capital of co-investments managed by us on which we receive fees,

 

  (d) the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, certain credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies, and our closed-end mutual funds,

 

  (e) the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,

 

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  (f) the gross amount of underlying assets of our CLOs at cost, and

 

  (g) the gross amount of assets (including leverage) for certain of our credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies.

Our calculations of assets under management and fee-earning assets under management may differ from the calculations of other asset managers, and as a result this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. In addition, our calculation of assets under management includes commitments to, and the fair value of, invested capital in our funds from Blackstone and our personnel, regardless of whether such commitments or invested capital are subject to fees. Our definitions of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management are not based on any definition of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management that is set forth in the agreements governing the investment funds that we manage.

For our carry funds, total assets under management includes the fair value of the investments held, whereas fee-earning assets under management includes the amount of capital commitments or the remaining amount of invested capital at cost depending on whether the investment period has or has not expired. As such, fee-earning assets under management may be greater than total assets under management when the aggregate fair value of the remaining investments is less than the cost of those investments.

This report does not constitute an offer of any Blackstone Fund.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

 

     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Assets

     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 412,545       $ 754,744   

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

     858,607         724,762   

Investments (including assets pledged of $115,354 and $101,298 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)

     19,351,458         15,128,299   

Accounts Receivable

     586,416         406,140   

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     88,524         139,485   

Due from Affiliates

     800,063         860,514   

Intangible Assets, Net

     652,874         595,488   

Goodwill

     1,703,602         1,703,602   

Other Assets

     458,646         337,396   

Deferred Tax Assets

     1,229,835         1,258,699   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 26,142,570       $ 21,909,129   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

     

Loans Payable

   $ 12,110,532       $ 8,867,568   

Due to Affiliates

     1,763,742         1,811,468   

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

     977,003         903,260   

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

     88,153         143,825   

Repurchase Agreements

     115,987         101,849   

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

     823,413         828,873   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     15,878,830         12,656,843   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

     

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     1,258,295         1,091,833   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital

     

Partners’ Capital (common units: 519,754,704 issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2012; 489,430,907 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011)

     4,413,322         4,281,841   

Appropriated Partners’ Capital

     966,931         386,864   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     1,932         1,958   

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     1,143,290         1,029,270   

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

     2,479,970         2,460,520   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

     9,005,445         8,160,453   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   $ 26,142,570       $ 21,909,129   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

The following presents the portion of the consolidated balances presented above attributable to consolidated Blackstone Funds which are variable interest entities. The following assets may only be used to settle obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds and these liabilities are only the obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds and they do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone.

 

     June 30,      December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Assets

     

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

   $ 742,387       $ 598,441   

Investments

     12,597,840         8,961,960   

Accounts Receivable

     58,453         33,405   

Due from Affiliates

     36,289         36,502   

Other Assets

     55,244         12,031   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 13,490,213       $ 9,642,339   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Loans Payable

   $ 11,045,251       $ 7,801,136   

Due to Affiliates

     225,103         311,909   

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other

     311,964         244,488   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 11,582,318       $ 8,357,533   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data)

 

    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenues

       

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  $ 488,048      $ 498,040      $ 959,724      $ 910,778   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

       

Realized

       

Carried Interest

    55,929        42,750        69,489        136,153   

Incentive Fees

    11,631        19,013        16,910        21,813   

Unrealized

       

Carried Interest

    84,290        611,158        383,086        1,043,305   

Incentive Fees

    (16,436     (670     50,699        79,584   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    135,414        672,251        520,184        1,280,855   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

       

Realized

    5,758        19,303        22,093        32,086   

Unrealized

    (10,519     108,711        62,307        216,106   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    (4,761     128,014        84,400        248,192   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    9,267        8,848        16,903        18,338   

Other

    (765     1,128        (1,972     3,387   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    627,203        1,308,281        1,579,239        2,461,550   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

       

Compensation and Benefits Compensation

    533,367        699,432        1,028,622        1,358,915   

Performance Fee Compensation

       

Realized

       

Carried Interest

    7,898        18,676        15,836        32,243   

Incentive Fees

    5,576        9,036        9,828        10,012   

Unrealized

       

Carried Interest

    36,815        123,714        121,359        249,670   

Incentive Fees

    (9,595     (5,616     3,183        30,953   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    574,061        845,242        1,178,828        1,681,793   

General, Administrative and Other

    135,737        126,118        278,503        255,504   

Interest Expense

    13,773        14,185        28,291        27,988   

Fund Expenses

    16,248        (714     37,990        10,410   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    739,819        984,831        1,523,612        1,975,695   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Income (Loss)

       

Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities

    248,230        (74,654     536,372        (119,845
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Provision for Taxes

    135,614        248,796        591,999        366,010   

Provision for Taxes

    41,337        64,199        80,090        103,049   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

    94,277        184,597        511,909        262,961   

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    (17,666     205        36,594        22,942   

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    239,934        (92,753     437,576        (186,546

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

    (53,027     190,908        54,378        297,624   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $ (74,964   $ 86,237      $ (16,639   $ 128,941   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit — Basic and Diluted

  $ (0.14   $ 0.18      $ (0.03   $ 0.28   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding — Basic

    528,778,977        476,289,647        517,882,253        462,094,878   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding — Diluted

    528,778,977        483,643,646        517,882,253        468,618,734   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues Earned from Affiliates

       

Management and Advisory Fees

  $ 56,133      $ 118,916      $ 104,117      $ 188,954   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2012     2011     2012     2011  

Net Income

  $ 94,277      $ 184,597      $ 511,909      $ 262,961   

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax — Currency Translation Adjustment

    (21,255     16,985        (23,429     21,588   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

    73,022        201,582        488,480        284,549   

Less:

       

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    (17,666     205        36,594        22,942   

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    220,044        (75,297     414,173        (163,286

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

    (53,027     190,908        54,378        297,624   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $ (76,329   $ 85,766      $ (16,665   $ 127,269   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

 

          The Blackstone Group L.P.                          
    Common
Units
    Partners’
Capital
    Appro-
priated
Partners’
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Non-Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
    Non-Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
    Total
Partners’
Capital
    Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    489,430,907      $ 4,281,841      $ 386,864      $ 1,958      $ 1,029,270      $ 2,460,520      $ 8,160,453      $ 1,091,833   

Transition and Acquisition Adjustments Relating to Consolidation of CLO Entities

    —          —          233,386        —          155        —          233,541        —     

Net Income (Loss)

    —          (16,639     —          —          437,576        54,378        475,315        36,594   

Allocation of Income of Consolidated CLO Entities

      —          370,084        —          (370,084     —          —          —     

Currency Translation Adjustment

    —          —          —          (26     (23,403     —          (23,429     —     

Allocation of Currency Translation Adjustment of Consolidated Collateralized Loan Obligations

      —          (23,403     —          23,403        —          —          —     

Capital Contributions

    —          —          —          —          97,832        —          97,832        210,447   

Capital Distributions

    —          (163,964     —          —          (47,843     (226,326     (438,133     (100,728

Transfer of Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    —          —          —          —          (3,616     (943     (4,559     —     

Purchase of Interests from Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders

    —          (33     —          —          —          —          (33     —     

Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests from Non- Controlling Interest Holders

    —          12,743        —          —          —          —          12,743        —     

Equity-Based Compensation

    —          234,224        —          —          —          274,730        508,954        —     

Relinquished in Deconsolidation and Liquidation of Partnership

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          20,149   

Net Delivery of Vested Common Units

    8,175,645        (17,032     —          —          —          (207     (17,239     —     

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

    —          (9,467     —          —          —          9,467        —          —     

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone Common Units

    22,148,152        91,649        —          —          —          (91,649     —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

    519,754,704      $ 4,413,322      $ 966,931      $ 1,932      $ 1,143,290      $ 2,479,970      $ 9,005,445      $ 1,258,295   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

 

          The Blackstone Group L.P.                          
    Common
Units
    Partners’
Capital
    Appro-
priated
Partners’
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
    Non-Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
    Non-Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
    Total
Partners’
Capital
    Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 

Balance at December 31, 2010

    416,092,022      $ 3,888,211      $ 470,583      $ 4,302      $ 812,354      $ 2,418,517      $ 7,593,967      $ 659,390   

Transition and Acquisition Adjustments Relating to Consolidation of CLO Entities

    —         —         86,016        —         114        —          86,130        —     

Net Income (Loss)

    —          128,941        —          —          (186,546     297,624        240,019        22,942   

Allocation of Income of Consolidated CLO Entities

    —          —          (368,101     —          368,101        —          —          —     

Currency Translation Adjustment

    —          —          —          (1,672     23,260        —          21,588        —     

Allocation of Currency Translation Adjustment of Consolidated Collateralized Loan Obligations

    —          —          23,260        —          (23,260     —          —          —     

Capital Contributions

    —          —          —          —          123,599        —          123,599        363,476   

Capital Distributions

    —          —          —          —          (94,690     —          (94,690     (120,136

Transfer of Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    —          —          —          —          1,600        (1,600     —          —     

Purchase of Interests from Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders

    —          (2,239     —          —          —          —          (2,239     —     

Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests from Non- Controlling Interest Holders

    —          49,555        —          —          —          —          49,555        —     

Dividend

    —          (196,384     —          —          —          (285,857     (482,241     —     

Equity-Based Compensation

    —          352,022        —          —          —          498,273        850,295        —     

Relinquished in Deconsolidation and Liquidation of Partnership

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          966   

Net Delivery of Vested Common Units

    6,574,038        (30,920     —          —          —          —          (30,920     —     

Repurchase of Common Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

    —          —          —          —          —          (469     (469     —     

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

    —          (6,045     —          —          —          6,045        —          —     

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone Common Units

    55,683,133        208,257        —          —          —          (208,257     —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

    478,349,193      $  4,391,398      $ 211,758      $ 2,630      $ 1,024,532      $ 2,724,276      $ 8,354,594      $ 926,638   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9

 

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Operating Activities

    

Net Income

   $ 511,909      $ 262,961   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:

    

Blackstone Funds Related:

    

Unrealized Depreciation (Appreciation) on Investments Allocable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     (520,599     7,598   

Net Realized Gains on Investments

     (97,353     (296,433

Changes in Unrealized Gains on Investments Allocable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

     (31,230     (206,735

Unrealized Depreciation (Appreciation) on Hedge Activities

     22,599        (7,278

Non-Cash Performance Fees

     (332,432     (857,921

Non-Cash Performance Fee Compensation

     150,206        322,878   

Equity-Based Compensation Expense

     467,005        834,923   

Amortization of Intangibles

     84,835        82,425   

Other Non-Cash Amounts Included in Net Income

     24,379        39,807   

Cash Flows Due to Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

    

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

     152,335        166,464   

Cash Relinquished with Deconsolidation and Liquidation of Partnership

     20,148        966   

Accounts Receivable

     (130,775     3,059   

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     50,961        87,450   

Due from Affiliates

     (20,202     60,662   

Other Assets

     (8,051     68,269   

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

     31,071        (132,816

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

     (50,143     (43,302

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

     (425,377     (235,626

Repurchase Agreements

     14,138        14,527   

Due to Affiliates

     (27,892     (111,175

Treasury Cash Management Strategies:

    

Investments Purchased

     (1,382,392     (1,755,013

Cash Proceeds from Sale of Investments

     1,356,654        1,733,108   

Blackstone Funds Related:

    

Investments Purchased

     (3,593,721     (4,378,272

Cash Proceeds from Sale or Pay Down of Investments

     4,080,259        4,712,168   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     346,332        372,694   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities

    

Purchase of Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

     (20,948     (17,170

Net Cash Paid for Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired

     (156,972     (23,247

Changes in Restricted Cash

     (176     332   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

     (178,096     (40,085
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

10


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Financing Activities

    

Distributions to Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities

   $ (141,769   $ (214,952

Contributions from Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities

     297,528        488,094   

Purchase of Interests from Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders

     (32     (2,239

Net Settlement of Vested Common Units and Repurchase of Common and Holdings Units

     (17,239     (31,390

Proceeds from Loans Payable

     4,899        3,111   

Repayment of Loans Payable

     (10,115     (22,445

Distributions to Unitholders

     (390,290     (482,241

Blackstone Funds Related:

    

Proceeds from Loans Payable

     3,981        404   

Repayment of Loans Payable

     (257,283     (224,777
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

     (510,320     (486,435
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (115     8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (342,199     (153,818

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

     754,744        588,621   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

   $ 412,545      $ 434,803   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flows Information

    

Payments for Interest

   $ 42,853      $ 1,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Payments for Income Taxes

   $ 14,752      $ 26,698   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

    

Net Activities Related to Capital Transactions of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   $ (4,377   $ 5,153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets Related to the Consolidation of CLO Vehicles

   $ 233,541      $ 86,130   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In-kind Redemption of Capital

   $ (2,017   $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In-kind Contribution of Capital

   $ 2,017      $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transfer of Interests to Non-Controlling Interest Holders

   $ (3,615   $ 1,600   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

   $ (9,467   $ (6,045
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Settlement of Vested Common Units

   $ 91,690      $ 102,894   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Units to Common Units

   $ 91,649      $ 208,257   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exchange of Founders’ and Non-Controlling Interest Holders’ Interests in Blackstone Holdings:

    

Deferred Tax Asset

   $ (76,569   $ (271,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Due to Affiliates

   $ 63,826      $ 221,445   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital

   $ 12,743      $ 49,555   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

11


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

The Blackstone Group L.P., together with its subsidiaries, (“Blackstone” or the “Partnership”) is a leading global manager of private capital and provider of financial advisory services. The alternative asset management business includes the management of private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds, credit-oriented funds, collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles, separately managed accounts, and registered investment companies (collectively referred to as the “Blackstone Funds”). Blackstone also provides various financial advisory services, including financial advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Blackstone’s business is organized into five segments: private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions, credit businesses, and financial advisory.

The Partnership was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on March 12, 2007. The Partnership is managed and operated by its general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., which is in turn wholly-owned and controlled by one of Blackstone’s founders, Stephen A. Schwarzman (the “Founder”), and Blackstone’s other senior managing directors.

The activities of the Partnership are conducted through its holding partnerships: Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. (collectively, “Blackstone Holdings”, “Blackstone Holdings Partnerships” or the “Holding Partnerships”). On June 18, 2007, in preparation for an initial public offering (“IPO”), the predecessor owners (“Predecessor Owners”) of the Blackstone business completed a reorganization (the “Reorganization”) whereby, with certain limited exceptions, the operating entities of the predecessor organization and the intellectual property rights associated with the Blackstone name were contributed (“Contributed Businesses”) to five holding partnerships (Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. and Blackstone Holdings V L.P.) either directly or indirectly via a sale to certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership and then a contribution to the Holding Partnerships. The Partnership, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is the sole general partner in each of these Holding Partnerships. The reorganization was accounted for as an exchange of entities under common control for the component of interests contributed by the Founders and the other senior managing directors (collectively, the “Control Group”) and as an acquisition of non-controlling interests using the purchase method of accounting for all the predecessor owners other than the Control Group.

On January 1, 2009, the number of Holding Partnerships was reduced from five to four through the transfer of assets and liabilities of Blackstone Holdings III L.P. to Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. In connection therewith, Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. was renamed Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings V L.P. was renamed Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. Blackstone Holdings refers to the five holding partnerships prior to the January 2009 reorganization and the four holding partnerships subsequent to the January 2009 reorganization.

Generally, holders of the limited partner interests in the four Holding Partnerships may, up to four times each year, exchange their limited partnership interests (“Partnership Units”) for Blackstone Common Units, on a one-to-one basis, exchanging one Partnership Unit in each of the four Holding Partnerships for one Blackstone Common Unit.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The condensed consolidated financial

 

12


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

statements, including these notes, are unaudited and exclude some of the disclosures required in audited financial statements. Management believes it has made all necessary adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) so that the condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership, its wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, the consolidated entities which are considered to be variable interest entities and for which the Partnership is considered the primary beneficiary, and certain partnerships or similar entities which are not considered variable interest entities but in which the general partner is presumed to have control.

All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Restructurings within consolidated CLOs are treated as investment purchases or sales, as applicable, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The December 31, 2011 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition reflects an increase of $506.2 million to reflect the cumulative effect of a reclassification to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities. This amount had previously been classified within Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities but should properly be, and now has been, classified within Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities. In addition, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 reflect an increase to Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities of $0.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, with a corresponding decrease to Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities to correctly classify the portion of Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities. These immaterial restatements had no impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Net Income (Loss) per Common Unit-Basic or Diluted, or the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation as follows:

 

   

As of June 30, 2012, Blackstone elected to separately present Carried Interest and Incentive Fees in each of the Realized and Unrealized components of Performance Fee Revenue and Performance Fee Compensation in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Previously, these amounts were not separately reported. This presentation had no impact on the respective financial statement captions.

Consolidation

The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Blackstone Funds in which the general partner is presumed to have control. Although the Partnership has a non-controlling interest in the Blackstone Holdings partnerships, the limited partners do not have the right to dissolve the partnerships or have substantive kick out rights or participating rights that would overcome the presumption of control by the Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Blackstone Holdings and records non-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings.

 

13


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Income (Loss) attributable to Blackstone Holdings, excluding certain costs and expenses borne directly by Blackstone Holdings, is calculated based on the average number of Blackstone Holdings partnership units held by the Founder, other senior managing directors and employees.

In addition, the Partnership consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which it is the primary beneficiary. An enterprise is determined to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to (a) determine whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a VIE and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. Performance of that analysis requires the exercise of judgment. VIEs qualify for the deferral of the consolidation guidance if all of the following conditions have been met:

 

  (a) The entity has all of the attributes of an investment company as defined under American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Auditing Guide, Investment Companies (“Investment Company Guide”) , or does not have all the attributes of an investment company but it is an entity for which it is acceptable based on industry practice to apply measurement principles that are consistent with the Investment Company Guide,

 

  (b) The reporting entity does not have explicit or implicit obligations to fund any losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity, and

 

  (c) The entity is not a securitization or asset-backed financing entity or an entity that was formerly considered a qualifying special purpose entity.

Where the VIEs have qualified for the deferral of the current consolidation guidance, the analysis is based on previous consolidation guidance. This guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would be expected to absorb a majority of the variability of the entity. Under both guidelines, the Partnership determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a variable interest entity and reconsiders that conclusion continuously. In evaluating whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, Blackstone evaluates its economic interests in the entity held either directly by the Partnership and its affiliates or indirectly through employees. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Partnership, affiliates of the Partnership or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Blackstone Funds could affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, the Partnership assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly.

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities that can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE and liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone are presented in a separate section in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Blackstone’s other disclosures regarding VIEs are discussed in Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities”.

 

14


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows:

 

   

Level I — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The type of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

 

   

Level II — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs, and certain fund of hedge funds and proprietary investments in which Blackstone has the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date.

 

   

Level III — Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-oriented funds, distressed debt and non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, certain over the counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs and certain funds of hedge funds which use net asset value per share to determine fair value in which Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date if an investee fund manager has the ability to limit the amount of redemptions, and/or the ability to side-pocket investments, irrespective of whether such ability has been exercised. Senior and subordinate notes issued by CLO vehicles may also be classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

15


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Level II Valuation Techniques

Financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy comprise debt instruments, including corporate loans and bonds held by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles, those held within Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies and debt securities sold, not yet purchased and interests in investment funds. Certain equity securities and derivative instruments valued using observable inputs are also classified as Level II.

The valuation techniques used to value financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

   

Debt Instruments and Equity Securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices and market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments. The valuation of certain equity securities is based on an observable price for an identical security adjusted for the effect of a restriction.

 

   

Investment Funds held by the consolidated Blackstone Funds are valued using net asset value per share as described in Level III Valuation Techniques – Funds of Hedge Funds. Certain investments in investment funds are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as the investment can be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date.

 

   

Freestanding Derivatives and Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges are valued using contractual cash flows and observable inputs comprising yield curves, foreign currency rates and credit spreads.

Level III Valuation Techniques

In the absence of observable market prices, Blackstone values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist; management’s determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments for non-performance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties, certain funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented investments.

Private Equity Investments — The fair values of private equity investments are determined by reference to projected net earnings, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), the discounted cash flow method, public market or private transactions, valuations for comparable companies and other measures which, in many cases, are unaudited at the time received. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company such as EBITDA by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Private equity investments may also be valued at cost for a period of time after an acquisition as the best indicator of fair value.

Real Estate Investments — The fair values of real estate investments are determined by considering projected operating cash flows, sales of comparable assets, if any, and replacement costs among other measures. The methods used to estimate the fair value of real estate investments include the discounted cash flow method

 

16


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

and/or capitalization rates (“cap rates”) analysis. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or assets (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Additionally, where applicable, projected distributable cash flow through debt maturity will also be considered in support of the investment’s carrying value.

Funds of Hedge Funds — Blackstone Funds’ direct investments in funds of hedge funds (“Investee Funds”) are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Investee Fund. If the Partnership determines, based on its own due diligence and investment procedures, that NAV per share does not represent fair value, the Partnership will estimate the fair value in good faith and in a manner that it reasonably chooses, in accordance with its valuation policies.

Certain investments of Blackstone and of the consolidated Blackstone funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented funds measure their investments in underlying funds at fair value using NAV per share without adjustment. The terms of the investee’s investment generally provide for minimum holding periods or lock-ups, the institution of gates on redemptions or the suspension of redemptions or an ability to side-pocket investments, at the discretion of the investee’s fund manager, and as a result, investments may not be redeemable at, or within three months of, the reporting date. A side-pocket is used by hedge funds and funds of hedge funds to separate investments that may lack a readily ascertainable value, are illiquid or are subject to liquidity restriction. Redemptions are generally not permitted until the investments within a side pocket are liquidated or it is deemed that the conditions existing at the time that required the investment to be included in the side pocket no longer exist. As the timing of either of these events is uncertain, the timing at which the Partnership may redeem an investment held in a side-pocket cannot be estimated. Investments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share are reflected within the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of pricing inputs as described above. Further disclosure on instruments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share is presented in Note 5. “Net Asset Value as Fair Value”.

Credit-Oriented Investments — The fair values of credit-oriented investments are generally determined on the basis of prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In some instances, Blackstone may utilize other valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method.

Credit-Oriented Liabilities — Credit-oriented liabilities comprise senior and subordinate loans issued by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles. Such liabilities are valued using a discounted cash flow methodology.

Level III Valuation Process

Investments classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy are valued on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration any changes in Blackstone’s weighted average cost of capital assumptions, discounted cash flow projections and exit multiple assumptions, as well as any changes in economic and other relevant conditions and valuation models are updated accordingly. The valuation process also includes a review by an independent valuation party, at least annually for all investments, and quarterly for certain investments, to corroborate the values determined by management. The valuations of Blackstone’s investments are reviewed quarterly by a valuation committee which is chaired by Blackstone’s Vice Chairman and includes senior heads of each of Blackstone’s businesses, as well as representatives of legal and finance. Each quarter, the valuations of Blackstone’s investments are also reviewed by the Audit Committee in a meeting attended by the chairman of the valuation committee as well as the senior heads of each of Blackstone’s businesses. The valuations are further tested by comparison to actual sales prices obtained on disposition of the investments.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Investments, at Fair Value

The Blackstone Funds are accounted for as investment companies under the Investment Company Guide, and reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments (the “Portfolio Companies”), at fair value. Blackstone has retained the specialized accounting for the consolidated Blackstone Funds. Thus, such consolidated funds’ investments are reflected in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the amount 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 (i.e., the exit price).

Blackstone’s principal investments are presented at fair value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation and realized gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within Investment Income (Loss).

For certain instruments, the Partnership has elected the fair value option. Such election is irrevocable and is applied on an investment by investment basis at initial recognition. The Partnership has applied the fair value option for certain loans and receivables and certain investments in private debt and equity securities that otherwise would not have been carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income. Fair valuing these investments is consistent with how the Partnership accounts for its other principal investments. Loans extended to third parties are recorded within Accounts Receivable within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Debt and equity securities for which the fair value option has been elected are recorded within Investments. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such investments is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, credit-oriented and funds of hedge funds investments. Changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables and debt securities on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue.

In addition, the Partnership has elected the fair value option for the assets and liabilities of CLO vehicles that are consolidated as of January 1, 2010, as a result of the initial adoption of variable interest entity consolidation guidance. The Partnership has also elected the fair value option for CLO vehicles consolidated as a result of the acquisitions of CLO management contracts. The adjustment resulting from the difference between the fair value of assets and liabilities for each of these events is presented as a transition and acquisition adjustment to Appropriated Partners’ Capital. The recognition of the initial difference between the fair value of assets and liabilities of CLO vehicles consolidated as a result of the acquisition of management contracts subsequent to the initial adoption of revised accounting guidance effective January 1, 2010, as an adjustment to Appropriated Partners’ Capital, is currently under review by the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”). Assets of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Investments within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Liabilities within Loans Payable for the amounts due to unaffiliated third parties and Due to Affiliates for the amounts held by non-consolidated affiliates. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such assets and liabilities is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, and credit-oriented investments. Changes in the fair value of consolidated CLO assets and liabilities and related interest, dividend and other income subsequent to adoption and acquisition are presented within Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities. Amounts attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities have a corresponding adjustment to Appropriated Partners’ Capital.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Further disclosure on instruments for which the fair value option has been elected is presented in Note 7. “Fair Value Option” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Security and loan transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.

Equity Method Investments

Investments where the Partnership is deemed to exert significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Partnership’s share of earnings (losses) from equity method investments is included in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The carrying amounts of equity method investments are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. As the underlying investments of the Partnership’s equity method investments in Blackstone Funds are reported at fair value, the carrying value of the Partnership’s equity method investments represents fair value.

Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements

Securities purchased under agreement to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements”) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”), comprising primarily U.S. and non-U.S. government and agency securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt, represent collateralized financing transactions. Such transactions are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their contractual amounts and include accrued interest.

The Partnership manages credit exposure arising from repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements by, in appropriate circumstances, entering into master netting agreements and collateral arrangements with counterparties that provide the Partnership, in the event of a counterparty default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations.

The Partnership takes possession of securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements and is permitted to repledge, deliver or otherwise use such securities. The Partnership also pledges its financial instruments to counterparties to collateralize repurchase agreements. Financial instruments pledged that can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty are recorded in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased consist of equity and debt securities that the Partnership has borrowed and sold. The Partnership is required to “cover” its short sale in the future by purchasing the security at prevailing market prices and delivering it to the counterparty from which it borrowed the security. The Partnership is exposed to loss in the event that the price at which a security may have to be purchased to cover a short sale exceeds the price at which the borrowed security was sold short.

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Derivative Instruments

The Partnership recognizes all derivatives as assets or liabilities on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. On the date the Partnership enters into a derivative contract, it designates and documents each derivative contract as one of the following: (a) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (“fair

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

value hedge”), (b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), (c) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or (d) a derivative instrument not designated as a hedging instrument (“freestanding derivative”). For a fair value hedge, Blackstone records changes in the fair value of the derivative and, to the extent that it is highly effective, changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, in current period earnings in General, Administrative and Other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments caused by factors other than changes in the risk being hedged, which are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recognized in current period earnings.

The Partnership formally documents at inception its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, its risk management objectives, strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction and the Partnership’s evaluation of effectiveness of its hedged transaction. At least monthly, the Partnership also formally assesses whether the derivative it designated in each hedging relationship is expected to be, and has been, highly effective in offsetting changes in estimated fair values or cash flows of the hedged items using either the regression analysis or the dollar offset method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued. The fair value of the derivative instrument is reflected within Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

For freestanding derivative contracts, the Partnership presents changes in fair value in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments held by consolidated Blackstone Funds are reflected in Net Gains (Losses) from Funds Investment Activities or, where derivative instruments are held by the Partnership, within Investment Income (Loss), in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of freestanding derivative assets are recorded within Investments and freestanding derivative liabilities are recorded within Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Blackstone’s other disclosures regarding derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments”.

Affiliates

Blackstone considers its Founder, senior managing directors, employees, the Blackstone Funds and the Portfolio Companies to be affiliates.

Distributions

Distributions are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements when paid.

Recent Accounting Developments

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended existing guidance for agreements to transfer financial assets that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem the financial assets before their maturity. The amendments removed from the assessment of effective control (a) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee and (b) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The guidance was effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Blackstone enters into repurchase agreements that are currently accounted for as collateralized financing transactions. Adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on fair value measurements to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amended guidance specified that the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise in a fair value measurement are relevant only when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets and are not relevant when measuring the fair value of financial assets or of liabilities. The amendments included requirements specific to measuring the fair value of those instruments, such as equity interests used as consideration in a business combination. An entity should measure the fair value of its own equity instrument from the perspective of a market participant that holds the instrument as an asset. With respect to financial instruments that are managed as part of a portfolio, an exception to fair value requirements was provided. That exception permits a reporting entity to measure the fair value of such financial assets and financial liabilities at the price that would be received to sell a net asset position for a particular risk or to transfer a net liability position for a particular risk in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The amendments also clarified that premiums and discounts should only be applied if market participants would do so when pricing the asset or liability. Premiums and discounts related to the size of an entity’s holding (e.g., a blockage factor) rather than as a characteristic of the asset or liability (e.g., a control premium) is not permitted in a fair value measurement.

The guidance also required enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements, including, among other things, (a) for fair value measurements categorized within Level III of the fair value hierarchy, (1) a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, (2) the valuation process used by the reporting entity, and (3) a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs, if any, and (b) the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which the fair value is required to be disclosed (for example, a financial instrument that is measured at amortized cost in the statement of financial position but for which fair value is disclosed). The guidance also amended disclosure requirements for significant transfers between Level I and Level II and now requires disclosure of all transfers between Levels I and II in the fair value hierarchy.

The amended guidance was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. As the impact of the guidance is primarily limited to enhanced disclosures, adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The amendments provided an entity with an option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity was required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. In addition, an entity was required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that were reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income were presented. The guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011 and was to be applied on a retrospective basis. As the amendments are limited to presentation only, adoption did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued a deferral of the effective date for certain disclosures relating to the comprehensive income, specifically with respect to the presentation of reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The deferral was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

In September 2011, the FASB issued enhanced guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The amended guidance provides an entity with the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Under the amended guidance, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amended guidance includes examples of events or circumstances that an entity must consider in evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of reporting units is less than its carrying amount. The amended guidance no longer permits the carry forward of detailed calculations of a reporting unit’s fair value from a prior year. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance to enhance disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (a) offset or (b) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset. Under the amended guidance, an entity is required to disclose quantitative information relating to recognized assets and liabilities that are offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, including (a) the gross amounts of those recognized assets and liabilities, (b) the amounts offset to determine the net amount presented in the statement of financial position, and (c) the net amount presented in the statement of financial position. With respect to amounts subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement which are not offset, disclosure is required of (a) the amounts related to recognized financial instruments and other derivative instruments, (b) the amount related to financial collateral (including cash collateral), and (c) the overall net amount after considering amounts that have not been offset. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods and retrospective application is required. As the amendments are limited to disclosure only, adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

 

3. ACQUISITIONS, GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Acquisition of Harbourmaster

On January 5, 2012, Blackstone completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding share capital of Harbourmaster Capital (Holdings) Limited (“Harbourmaster”), an Island of Jersey entity, in accordance with the sale and purchase agreement entered into on October 6, 2011. The fair value of consideration transferred, comprised entirely of cash, was €181.4 million ($232.0 million). Harbourmaster is a European secured bank loan manager based in Dublin, Ireland. Harbourmaster manages various credit products including CLO vehicles.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following is a summary of the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Harbourmaster acquisition:

 

Purchase Price — Cash

   $ 232,044   
  

 

 

 

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

  

Assets

  

Cash

   $ 75,072   

Investments in CLOs

     9,305   

Accounts Receivable

     9,329   

Other Assets

     17,651   

Intangible Assets

     142,221   
  

 

 

 
     253,578   

Liabilities Assumed

  

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

     21,534   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Acquired

   $ 232,044   
  

 

 

 

Harbourmaster’s results from the date of acquisition have been included in the Credit Businesses segment.

The Partnership incurred $2.1 million of acquisition-related costs which were expensed as incurred and are reflected within the General, Administrative and Other in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 includes the results of Harbourmaster since the date of acquisition, January 5, 2012, through June 30, 2012. Supplemental information on an unaudited pro forma basis, as if the Harbourmaster acquisition had been consummated as of January 1, 2011 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended  
     June 30, 2011      June 30, 2011  
     (Unaudited)      (Unaudited)  

Total Revenues

   $ 1,315,307       $ 2,486,586   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

   $ 92,904       $ 143,721   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Unit — Basic

   $ 0.20       $ 0.31   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Unit — Diluted

   $ 0.19       $ 0.31   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The results for the period from January 1, 2012 to the acquisition date of January 5, 2012 are not material and, as a result, pro forma unaudited supplemental information has not been provided for the 2012 periods as the amounts are materially consistent with the amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.

The unaudited pro forma supplemental information is based on estimates and assumptions, which the Partnership believes are reasonable. These results are not necessarily indicative of the Partnership’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Condition or Statements of Operations in future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had the Partnership and Harbourmaster been a combined entity during the periods presented.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill has been allocated to each of the Partnership’s five segments as follows: Private Equity ($694.5 million), Real Estate ($421.7 million), Hedge Fund Solutions ($172.1 million), Credit Businesses ($346.4 million) and Financial Advisory ($68.9 million).

The carrying value of goodwill was $1.7 billion as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the fair value of the Partnership’s operating segments substantially exceeded their respective carrying values.

Intangible Assets, Net consists of the following:

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets / Contractual Rights

   $ 1,536,244      $ 1,394,023   

Accumulated Amortization

     (883,370     (798,535
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Intangible Assets, Net

   $ 652,874      $ 595,488   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense associated with Blackstone’s intangible assets was $36.7 million and $84.8 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and $41.6 million and $82.4 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2011, respectively.

Amortization of Intangible Assets held at June 30, 2012 is expected to be $139.3 million, $88.2 million, $83.3 million, $77.1 million, and $72.8 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. Blackstone’s intangible assets as of June 30, 2012 are expected to amortize over a weighted-average period of 8.8 years.

 

4. INVESTMENTS

Investment

Investments consist of the following:

 

     June 30,      December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   $ 14,057,705       $ 10,306,795   

Equity Method Investments

     2,253,086         2,218,103   

Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies

     738,886         685,859   

Performance Fees

     2,271,290         1,889,152   

Other Investments

     30,491         28,390   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 19,351,458       $ 15,128,299   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Blackstone’s share of Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds totaled $486.1 million and $449.6 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, consideration was given as to whether any individual investment, including derivative instruments, had a fair value which exceeded 5% of Blackstone’s net assets. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, no investment exceeded the 5% threshold.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

The following table presents the realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments held by the consolidated Blackstone Funds:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
           2012                 2011                 2012                 2011        

Realized Gains (Losses)

   $ (54,791   $ 36,654      $ (10,441   $ 106,755   

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

     232,484        (142,941     388,169        (277,831
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 177,693      $ (106,287   $ 377,728      $ (171,076
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following reconciles the Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Blackstone Funds presented above to Other Income (Loss) — Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
           2012                  2011                 2012                  2011        

Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Blackstone Funds

   $ 177,693       $ (106,287   $ 377,728       $ (171,076

Interest and Dividend Revenue Attributable to Consolidated Blackstone Funds

     70,537         31,633        158,644         51,231   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Income — Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities

   $ 248,230       $ (74,654   $ 536,372       $ (119,845
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity Method Investments

The Partnership recognized net gains related to its equity method investments of $44.0 million and $183.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Blackstone’s equity method investments include its investments in private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented funds and other proprietary investments, which are not consolidated but in which the Partnership exerts significant influence.

Blackstone evaluates each of its equity method investments to determine if any were significant as defined by guidance from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2012, no individual equity method investment held by Blackstone met the significance criteria. As such, Blackstone is not required to present summarized financial information for any of its equity method investments.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies

The portion of Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies included in Investments represents the Partnership’s liquid investments in government, other investment and non-investment grade securities and other investments. These strategies are primarily managed by third-party institutions. The following table presents the realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments held by Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies:

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
        2012            2011            2012            2011     

Realized Gains

   $ 2,167       $ 1,321       $ 10       $ 1,020   

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

     5,245         1,592         826         2,221   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,412       $ 2,913       $ 836       $ 3,241   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Performance Fees

Performance Fees allocated to the general partner in respect of performance of certain Carry Funds, funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented funds were as follows:

 

     Private     Real     Hedge Fund     Credit        
     Equity     Estate     Solutions     Businesses     Total  

Performance Fees, December 31, 2011

   $ 620,359      $ 943,859      $ 1,858      $ 323,076      $ 1,889,152   

Performance Fees Allocated as a Result of Changes in Fund Fair Values

     (14,305     388,089        10,375        104,978        489,137   

Foreign Exchange Loss

     —          (3,094     —          —          (3,094

Fund Cash Distributions

     (3,349     (19,110     (3,843     (77,603     (103,905
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees, June 30, 2012

   $ 602,705      $ 1,309,744      $ 8,390      $ 350,451      $ 2,271,290   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Investments

Other Investments consist primarily of investment securities held by Blackstone for its own account. The following table presents Blackstone’s realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) in other investments:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
         2012             2011              2012              2011      

Realized Gains

   $ 541      $ 399       $ 796       $ 399   

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

     (2,547     343         190         1,292   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (2,006   $ 742       $ 986       $ 1,691   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

5. NET ASSET VALUE AS FAIR VALUE

A summary of fair value by strategy type alongside the consolidated funds of hedge funds’ remaining unfunded commitments and ability to redeem such investments as of June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Strategy

   Fair Value      Unfunded
Commitments
     Redemption
Frequency

(if currently
eligible)
    Redemption
Notice
Period
 

Diversified Instruments

   $ 145,694       $ 7,724         (a     (a

Credit Driven

     163,176         1,980         (b     (b

Event Driven

     99,340         —           (c     (c

Equity

     287,075         —           (d     (d

Commodities

     46,116         —           (e     (e
  

 

 

    

 

 

      
   $ 741,401       $ 9,704        
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

(a) Diversified Instruments include investments in hedge funds that invest across multiple strategies. Investments representing 43% of the value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. The remaining 57% of investments within this category represent investments in hedge funds that are in the process of liquidating. Distributions from these funds will be received as underlying investments are liquidated. The time at which this redemption restriction may lapse cannot be estimated.
(b) The Credit Driven category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international bonds. Investments representing 65% of the value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. Investments representing 18% of the value in the credit driven category are subject to redemption restrictions at the discretion of the investee fund manager who may choose (but may not have exercised such ability) to side-pocket such investments. The remaining 17% of investments within this category are redeemable as of the reporting date.
(c) The Event Driven category includes investments in hedge funds whose primary investing strategy is to identify certain event-driven investments. Withdrawals are not permitted in this category. Distributions will be received as the underlying investments are liquidated.
(d) The Equity category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international equity securities. Investments representing 85% of the total value of investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. The remaining 15% are subject to redemption restrictions at the discretion of the investee fund manager who may choose (but may not have elected such ability) to side-pocket such investments. As of the reporting date, the investee fund manager had not elected to side-pocket Blackstone’s investments.
(e) The Commodities category includes investments in commodities-focused hedge funds that primarily invest in futures and physical-based commodity driven strategies. Withdrawals are not permitted in this category. Distributions will be received as the underlying investments are liquidated.

 

6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Blackstone enters into derivative contracts in order to hedge its interest rate risk exposure against the effects of interest rate changes. Additionally, Blackstone and the Blackstone Funds enter into derivative contracts in the normal course of business to achieve certain other risk management objectives and for general investment purposes. As a result of the use of derivative contracts, Blackstone and the consolidated Blackstone Funds are exposed to the risk that counterparties will fail to fulfill their contractual obligations. To mitigate such

 

27


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

counterparty risk, Blackstone and the consolidated Blackstone Funds enter into contracts with certain major financial institutions, all of which have investment grade ratings. Counterparty credit risk is evaluated in determining the fair value of derivative instruments.

Fair Value Hedges

In June 2012, Blackstone removed the fair value designation of its interest rate swaps that were used to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk on the Partnership’s fixed rate borrowings. The impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period up through the date of de-designation is reflected within “Fair Value Hedges” in the table below. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps subsequent to the date of de-designation are reflected within Freestanding Derivatives within Interest Rate Contracts in the table below.

Freestanding Derivatives

Freestanding derivatives are instruments that Blackstone and certain of the consolidated Blackstone Funds have entered into as part of their overall risk management and investment strategies. These derivative contracts are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. Such contracts may include foreign exchange contracts, equity swaps, options, futures and other derivative contracts.

The table below summarizes the aggregate notional amount and fair value of the derivative financial instruments. The notional amount represents the absolute value amount of all outstanding derivative contracts.

 

    June 30, 2012     December 31, 2011  
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
    Notional     Fair
Value
    Notional     Fair
Value
    Notional     Fair
Value
    Notional     Fair
Value
 

Fair Value Hedges

               

Interest Rate Swaps

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 450,000      $ 67,668      $ —        $ —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Freestanding Derivatives

               

Blackstone — Other

               

Interest Rate Contracts

    905,450        52,009        770,950        2,565        221,350        768        502,200        1,291   

Foreign Currency Contracts

    4,167        173        7,275        125        22,698        1,016        7,293        103   

Credit Default Swaps

    —          —          600        110        —          —          —          —     

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

               

Foreign Currency Contracts

    310,558        38,247        362,534        31,133        177,453        22,016        159,409        7,687   

Interest Rate Contracts

    176,495        8,203        176,400        4,103        95,482        7,270        191,400        10,867   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Freestanding Derivatives

    1,396,670        98,632        1,317,759        38,036        516,983        31,070        860,302        19,948   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 1,396,670      $ 98,632      $ 1,317,759      $ 38,036      $ 966,983      $ 98,738      $ 860,302      $ 19,948   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

28


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The table below summarizes the impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations from derivative financial instruments:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
         2012             2011             2012             2011      

Fair Value Hedges — Interest Rate Swaps

        

Hedge Ineffectiveness

   $ 1,342      $ 1,164      $ 548      $ 597   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excluded from Assessment of Effectiveness

   $ 4,950      $ 7,049      $ (938   $ (374
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Gain

     22,941        —          22,941        —     

Freestanding Derivatives

        

Realized Gains (Losses)

        

Interest Rate Contracts

   $ (2,687   $ (1,538   $ (2,551   $ (536

Foreign Currency Contracts

     1,070        (591     2,795        (1,291

Other

     7        56        7        (22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (1,610   $ (2,073   $ 251      $ (1,849
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)

        

Interest Rate Contracts

   $ 1,022      $ 3,087      $ 7,619      $ 1,907   

Foreign Currency Contracts

     (14,386     4,536        (665     4,266   

Credit Default Swaps

     (45     —          (41     —     

Other

     —          (21     —          (19
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (13,409   $ 7,602      $ 6,913      $ 6,154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Since the inception of the above mentioned hedge designation, Blackstone recognized a $64.2 million increase in the fair value of the hedged borrowing. This basis adjustment will be accreted using the effective interest method through August 15, 2019, the remaining term of the hedged borrowing.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Partnership had not designated any derivatives as cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

 

29


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

7. FAIR VALUE OPTION

The following table summarizes the financial instruments for which the fair value option has been elected:

 

     As of
June 30,
2012
     As of
December 31,

2011
 
     
     

Assets

     

Loans and Receivables

   $ 104,207       $ 8,555   

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

     

Corporate Loans

     11,427,207         7,901,020   

Corporate Bonds

     228,741         153,653   

Other

     70,564         77,295   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 11,830,719       $ 8,140,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

     

Senior Secured Notes

   $ 10,534,253       $ 7,449,766   

Subordinated Notes

     701,648         630,236   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 11,235,901       $ 8,080,002   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments on which the fair value option was elected:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  
     Realized
Gains  (Losses)
    Net Change
in  Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
    Realized
Gains  (Losses)
    Net Change
in Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
          
          

Assets

        

Loans and Receivables

   $ —        $ (402   $ —        $ (287

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

        

Corporate Loans

     (63,992     12,481        22,880        (83,940

Corporate Bonds

     311        (3,386     102        (1,293

Other

     1,419        6,626        —          (1,247
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (62,262   $ 15,319      $ 22,982      $ (86,767
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

        

Senior Secured Notes

   $ 1      $ (21,509   $ (2,319   $ (92,519

Subordinated Notes

     —          42,247        —          (43,647
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1      $ 20,738      $ (2,319   $ (136,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

30


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  
     Realized
Gains  (Losses)
    Net Change
in Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
    Realized
Gains  (Losses)
    Net Change
in Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
          
          

Assets

        

Loans and Receivables

   $ —        $ (396   $ —        $ (287

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

        

Corporate Loans

     (24,718     301,712        65,112        (33,721

Corporate Bonds

     718        9,295        2,149        (1,322

Other

     1,539        10,107        480        4,128   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (22,461   $ 320,718      $ 67,741      $ (31,202
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

        

Senior Secured Notes

   $ (43   $ (114,712   $ (7,714   $ (332,477

Subordinated Notes

     —          7,764        —          (67,704
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (43   $ (106,948   $ (7,714   $ (400,181
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents information for those financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected:

 

     As of June 30, 2012     As of December 31, 2011  
           For Financial Assets           For Financial Assets  
           Past Due (a)           Past Due (a)  
     Excess
(Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
    Fair
Value
     Excess
(Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
    Excess
(Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
    Fair
Value
     Excess
(Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
 
                
                
                

Loans and Receivables

   $ 1,738      $ —         $ —        $ (162   $ —         $ —     

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

              

Corporate Loans

     (837,123     61,771         (71,836     (674,496     17,574         (29,384

Corporate Bonds

     (7,505     —           —          (9,360     7,560         (2,656
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (842,890   $ 61,771       $ (71,836   $ (684,018   $ 25,134       $ (32,040
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Past due Corporate Loans and Corporate Bonds within CLO assets are classified as past due if contractual payments are more than one day past due.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, no Loans and Receivables for which the fair value option was elected were past due or in non-accrual status.

 

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Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following tables summarize the valuation of the Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities by the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively:

 

     June 30, 2012  
     Level I      Level II      Level III      Total  

Assets

           

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds (a)

           

Investment Funds

   $ —         $ 3,590       $ 713,287       $ 716,877   

Equity Securities

     83,439         28,506         212,309         324,254   

Partnership and LLC Interests

     183         490         547,915         548,588   

Debt Instruments

     —           720,111         21,363         741,474   

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

           

Corporate Loans

     —           10,426,445         1,000,762         11,427,207   

Corporate Bonds

     —           191,512         37,229         228,741   

Freestanding Derivatives — Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           38,247         —           38,247   

Freestanding Derivatives — Interest Rate Contracts

     —           8,203         —           8,203   

Other

     328         16,495         7,291         24,114   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

     83,950         11,433,599         2,540,156         14,057,705   

Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies

     281,089         457,597         200         738,886   

Money Market Funds

     135,663         —           —           135,663   

Freestanding Derivatives

           

Interest Rate Contracts

     609         51,400         —           52,009   

Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           173         —           173   

Loans and Receivables

     —           —           104,207         104,207   

Other Investments

     2,977         6,352         21,162         30,491   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 504,288       $ 11,949,121       $ 2,665,725       $ 15,119,134   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a)

           

Senior Secured Notes

   $ —         $ —         $ 10,534,253       $ 10,534,253   

Subordinated Notes

     —           —           701,648         701,648   

Freestanding Derivatives — Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           31,133         —           31,133   

Freestanding Derivatives — Interest Rate Contracts

     —           4,103         —           4,103   

Freestanding Derivatives

           

Interest Rate Contracts

     235         2,330         —           2,565   

Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           125         —           125   

Credit Default Swaps

     —           110         —           110   

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

     —           88,153         —           88,153   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 235       $ 125,954       $ 11,235,901       $ 11,362,090   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

32


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Level I      Level II      Level III      Total  

Assets

           

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds (a)

           

Investment Funds

   $ —         $ 5,119       $ 723,951       $ 729,070   

Equity Securities

     113,007         608         232,172         345,787   

Partnership and LLC Interests

     —           —           492,911         492,911   

Debt Instruments

     —           594,276         12,783         607,059   

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

           

Corporate Loans

     —           7,259,204         635,944         7,895,148   

Corporate Bonds

     —           150,653         3,000         153,653   

Freestanding Derivatives — Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           22,016         —           22,016   

Freestanding Derivatives — Interest Rate Contracts

     —           7,270         —           7,270   

Other

     28,900         21,973         3,008         53,881   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

     141,907         8,061,119         2,103,769         10,306,795   

Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies

     176,297         509,362         200         685,859   

Money Market Funds

     257,423         —           —           257,423   

Freestanding Derivatives

           

Interest Rate Contracts

     159         609         —           768   

Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           1,016         —           1,016   

Derivative Instruments Used as Fair Value Hedges

     —           67,668         —           67,668   

Loans and Receivables

     —           —           8,555         8,555   

Other Investments

     8,066         360         19,964         28,390   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 583,852       $ 8,640,134       $ 2,132,488       $ 11,356,474   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a)

           

Senior Secured Notes

   $ —         $ —         $ 7,449,766       $ 7,449,766   

Subordinated Notes

     —           —           630,236         630,236   

Freestanding Derivatives — Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           7,687         —           7,687   

Freestanding Derivatives — Interest Rate Contracts

     —           10,867         —           10,867   

Freestanding Derivatives

           

Interest Rate Contracts

     1,105         186         —           1,291   

Foreign Currency Contracts

     —           103         —           103   

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

     —           143,825         —           143,825   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,105       $ 162,668       $ 8,080,002       $ 8,243,775   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Pursuant to GAAP consolidation guidance, the Partnership is required to consolidate all VIEs in which it has been identified as the primary beneficiary, including its investments in CLO vehicles and other funds in which a consolidated entity of the Partnership, as the general partner of the fund, is presumed to have control. While the Partnership is required to consolidate certain funds, including CLO vehicles, for GAAP purposes, the Partnership has no ability to utilize the assets of these funds and there is no recourse to the Partnership for their liabilities since these are client assets and liabilities.

 

33


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following table summarizes the fair value transfers between Level I and Level II:

 

     Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended  
     June 30, 2012      June 30, 2012  

Transfers from Level I into Level II (a)

   $ 15,924       $ 45,440   

Transfers from Level II into Level I (b)

   $ 529       $ 801   

 

(a) Transfers out of Level I represent those financial instruments for which restrictions exist and adjustments were made to an otherwise observable price to reflect fair value at the reporting date.
(b) Transfers into Level I represent those financial instruments for which an unadjusted quoted price in an active market became available for the identical asset.

The following table summarizes the quantitative inputs and assumptions used for items categorized in Level III of the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2012. The disclosure below excludes financial instruments for which fair value is based on unobservable but non-quantitative inputs. Such items include financial instruments for which the determination of fair value is based on prices from prior transactions or third party pricing information without adjustment and financial instruments for which fair value is determined by net asset value.

 

     Fair Value at
June  30, 2012
   

Valuation

Techniques

 

Unobservable

Inputs

  Ranges

Financial Assets

        

Equity Securities

   $ 124,105     

Discounted Cash Flows

 

Discount Rate

Revenue CAGR

Exit Multiple

  8.1% - 25.0%

1.6% - 83.4%

5.8x - 17.0x

     1,931     

Market Comparable Companies

  Book Value Multiple EBITDA Multiple   0.8x

6.5x - 8.3x

Partnership and LLC Interests

     533,520     

Discounted Cash Flows

 

Discount Rate

Revenue CAGR

Exit Multiple

Exit Capitalization Rate

  3.1% - 22.5%

-5.6% - 62.0%

4.5x - 14.8x

1.0% - 9.5%

Debt Instruments

     8,499     

Discounted Cash Flows

 

Discount Rate

Exit Capitalization Rate

Default Rate

Recovery Rate

Recovery Lag

Pre-payment Rate Reinvestment Rate

  10.7% - 48.0%

7.5%

2.0%

70.0%

12 months

20.0%

3.2%

     772     

Market Comparable Companies

  EBITDA Multiple   3.5x - 8.3x

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

     128,694     

Discounted Cash Flows

  Discount Rate   6.0% - 18.0%
     86,555     

Market Comparable Companies

 

EBITDA Multiple

Liquidity Discount

  2.0x - 10.6x

1.0% - 25.0%

Loans and Receivables

     104,207     

Discounted Cash Flows

  Discount Rate   6.8% - 23.3%

Financial Liabilities

        

CLOs

   $ 11,235,901     

Discounted Cash Flows

 

Default Rate

Recovery Rate

Recovery Lag

Pre-payment Rate

Reinvestment Rate

Discount Rate

  2.0% - 5.0%

30.0% - 70.0%

12 months

5.0% - 20.0%

3.2%

1.1% - 80.0%

 

34


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

 

CAGR    Compound annual growth rate.
EBITDA    Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Exit Multiple    Ranges include the last twelve months EBITDA, forward EBITDA and price/earnings exit multiples.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the assets and obligations of consolidated CLO vehicles are discount rates, default rates, recovery rates, recovery lag, pre-payment rates and reinvestment rates. Increases (decreases) in any of the discount rates, default rates, recovery lag and pre-payment rates in isolation would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Increases (decreases) in any of the recovery rates and reinvestment rates in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for default rates may be accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for recovery lag and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for recovery rates and pre-payment rates.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of equity securities, partnership and LLC interests, debt instruments, assets of consolidated CLO vehicles and loans and receivables are discount rates, exit capitalization rates, exit multiples, book value multiples, EBITDA multiples, liquidity discount and revenue compound annual growth rates. Increases (decreases) in any of discount rates and exit capitalization rates in isolation can result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Increases (decreases) in any of exit multiples, book value mulitples and revenue compound annual growth rates in isolation can result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Since December 31, 2011, there have been no changes in valuation techniques within Level II and Level III that have had a material impact on the valuation of financial instruments.

 

35


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following tables summarize the changes in financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value for which the Partnership has used Level III inputs to determine fair value and does not include gains or losses that were reported in Level III in prior years or for instruments that were transferred out of Level III prior to the end of the current reporting period. Total realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level III investments are reported in Investment Income (Loss) and Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

    Level III Financial Assets at Fair Value
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
    2012     2011  
    Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
    Loans
and
Receivables
    Other
Investments
    Total     Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
    Loans
and
Receivables
    Other
Investments
    Total  

Balance, Beginning of Period

  $ 2,390,276      $ 105,004      $ 21,791      $ 2,517,071      $ 1,741,692      $ 14,034      $ 20,970      $ 1,776,696   

Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition (a)

    —          —          —          —          9,570        —          —          9,570   

Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation

    (1,599         (1,599        

Transfer In to Level
III (b)

    171,916        —          —          171,916        4,607        —          —          4,607   

Transfer Out of Level
III (b)

    (59,315     —          —          (59,315     (112,780     —          —          (112,780

Purchases

    232,684        39,657        100        272,441        308,430        119,861        117,200        545,491   

Sales

    (173,516     (41,872     (541     (215,929     (154,861     (7,719     (531     (163,111

Settlements

    —          (186     —          (186     4,933        (71     —          4,862   

Realized Gains (Losses), Net

    (12,264     —          541        (11,723     (3,764     —          531        (3,233

Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Investments Still Held at the Reporting Date

    (8,026     1,604        (529     (6,951     40,026        1,003        543        41,572   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

  $ 2,540,156      $ 104,207      $ 21,362      $ 2,665,725      $ 1,837,853      $ 127,108      $ 138,713      $ 2,103,674   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

36


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

    Level III Financial Assets at Fair Value
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
    2012     2011  
    Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
    Loans
and
Receivables
    Other
Investments
    Total     Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
    Loans
and
Receivables
    Other
Investments
    Total  

Balance, Beginning of Period

  $ 2,103,769      $ 8,555      $ 20,164      $ 2,132,488      $ 1,602,371      $ 131,290      $ 19,672      $ 1,753,333   

Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition (a)

    122,565        —          —          122,565        9,570        —          —          9,570   

Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation

    (1,599     —          —          (1,599        

Transfer In to Level III (b)

    253,608        —          —          253,608        11,162        —          —          11,162   

Transfer Out of Level III (b)

    (103,280     —          —          (103,280     (134,243     —          —          (134,243

Purchases

    320,312        142,908        100        463,320        436,529        126,090        117,200        679,819   

Sales

    (229,623     (49,251     (541     (279,415     (217,826     (129,900     (531     (348,257

Settlements

    —          (46     —          (46     —          (1,441     —          (1,441

Realized Gains (Losses), Net

    (9,093     —          639        (8,454     4,087        —          531        4,618   

Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Investments Still Held at the Reporting Date

    83,497        2,041        1,000        86,538        126,203        1,069        1,841        129,113   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of

Period

  $ 2,540,156      $ 104,207      $ 21,362      $ 2,665,725      $ 1,837,853      $ 127,108      $ 138,713      $ 2,103,674   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

37


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

     Level III Financial Liabilities at Fair Value
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Senior

Notes
    Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Subordinated
Notes
    Total     Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Senior

Notes
    Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Subordinated
Notes
    Total  

Balance, Beginning of Period

   $ 10,984,018      $ 857,772      $ 11,841,790      $ 6,023,892      $ 567,436      $ 6,591,328   

Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition (a)

     —          —          —          1,829,899        95,567        1,925,466   

Issuances

     227        —          227        204        —          204   

Settlements

     (140,736     (238     (140,974     (73,830     (228     (74,058

Realized Gains (Losses), Net

     (1     —          (1     2,319        —          2,319   

Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Liabilities Still Held at the Reporting Date

     (309,255     (155,886     (465,141     77,043        43,874        120,917   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

   $ 10,534,253      $ 701,648      $ 11,235,901      $ 7,859,527      $ 706,649      $ 8,566,176   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Level III Financial Liabilities at Fair Value
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Senior

Notes
    Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Subordinated
Notes
    Total     Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Senior

Notes
    Collateralized
Loan
Obligations
Subordinated
Notes
    Total  

Balance, Beginning of Period

   $ 7,449,766      $ 630,236      $ 8,080,002      $ 5,877,957      $ 555,632      $ 6,433,589   

Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition (a)

     3,419,084        149,225        3,568,309        1,829,899        95,567        1,925,466   

Issuances

     4,620        838        5,458        404        —          404   

Settlements

     (272,609     (2,984     (275,593     (235,273     (12,481     (247,754

Realized Gains (Losses), Net

     43        —          43        7,715        —          7,715   

Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Liabilities Still Held at the Reporting Date

     (66,651     (75,667     (142,318     378,825        67,931        446,756   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

   $ 10,534,253      $ 701,648      $ 11,235,901      $ 7,859,527      $ 706,649      $ 8,566,176   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

38


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

 

(a) Represents the transfer into Level III of financial assets and liabilities held by CLO vehicles as a result of the acquisition of management contracts on May 16, 2011 and the Harbourmaster acquisition on January 5, 2012.
(b) Transfers in and out of Level III financial assets and liabilities were due to changes in the observability of inputs used in the valuation of such assets and liabilities.

 

9. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Pursuant to GAAP consolidation guidance, the Partnership consolidates certain VIEs in which it is determined that the Partnership is the primary beneficiary either directly or indirectly, through a consolidated entity or affiliate. VIEs include certain private equity, real estate, credit-oriented or funds of hedge funds entities and CLO vehicles. The purpose of such VIEs is to provide strategy specific investment opportunities for investors in exchange for management and performance based fees. The investment strategies of the Blackstone Funds differ by product; however, the fundamental risks of the Blackstone Funds have similar characteristics, including loss of invested capital and loss of management fees and performance based fees. In Blackstone’s role as general partner or investment adviser, it generally considers itself the sponsor of the applicable Blackstone Fund. The Partnership does not provide performance guarantees and has no other financial obligation to provide funding to consolidated VIEs other than its own capital commitments.

The assets of consolidated variable interest entities may only be used to settle obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds. In addition, there is no recourse to the Partnership for the consolidated VIEs’ liabilities including the liabilities of the consolidated CLO vehicles.

The Partnership holds variable interests in certain VIEs which are not consolidated as it is determined that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary. The Partnership’s involvement with such entities is in the form of direct equity interests and fee arrangements. The maximum exposure to loss represents the loss of assets recognized by Blackstone relating to non-consolidated entities, any amounts due to non-consolidated entities and any clawback obligation relating to previously distributed Carried Interest. The assets and liabilities recognized in the Partnership’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition related to the Partnership’s interest in these non-consolidated VIEs and the Partnership’s maximum exposure to loss relating to non-consolidated VIEs were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Investments

   $ 296,796       $ 238,503   

Receivables

     80,148         94,050   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total VIE Assets

     376,944         332,553   

VIE Liabilities

     1,142         48   

Potential Clawback Obligation

     30,803         14,876   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Maximum Exposure to Loss

   $ 408,889       $ 347,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

10. REVERSE REPURCHASE AND REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

At June 30, 2012, the Partnership received securities, primarily U.S. and non-U.S. government and agency securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt, with a fair value of $88.1 million and cash as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements that could be repledged, delivered or otherwise used. Securities with a fair value

 

39


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

of $88.1 million were repledged, delivered or used to settle Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased. The Partnership also pledged securities with a carrying value of $115.4 million and cash to collateralize its repurchase agreements. Such securities can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty.

 

11. BORROWINGS

On July 13, 2012, an indirect subsidiary of Blackstone entered into an amendment to the $1.02 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The amendment increased the borrowing capacity from $1.02 billion to $1.1 billion and extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility from April 8, 2016 to July 13, 2017. As of June 30, 2012, Blackstone had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.

The carrying value and fair value of the Blackstone issued notes as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were:

 

     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Carrying
Value
     Fair
Value (a)
     Carrying
Value
     Fair
Value (a)
 

Blackstone Issued 5.875%, $400 Million Par, Notes Due 3/15/2021

   $ 398,310       $ 418,480       $ 398,237       $ 404,160   

Blackstone Issued 6.625%, $600 Million Par, Notes Due 8/15/2019

   $ 660,149       $ 655,260       $ 653,467       $ 640,440   

 

(a) Fair value is determined by broker quote and these notes would be classified as Level II within the fair value hierarchy.

Included within Loans Payable and Due to Affiliates are amounts due to holders of debt securities issued by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Partnership’s borrowings through consolidated CLO vehicles consisted of the following:

 

       June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Borrowing
Outstanding
     Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
  Weighted
Average
Remaining

Maturity
in Years
     Borrowing
Outstanding
     Weighted
Average

Interest
Rate
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Maturity
in Years
 

Senior Secured Notes

   $ 11,927,078       1.66%     4.7       $ 8,250,418       1.96%     4.3   

Subordinated Notes

     1,424,900       (a)     5.5         1,117,571       (a)     7.2   
  

 

 

         

 

 

      
   $ 13,351,978            $ 9,367,989        
  

 

 

         

 

 

      

 

(a) The Subordinated Notes do not have contractual interest rates but instead receive distributions from the excess cash flows of the CLO vehicles.

Included within Senior Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes as of June 30, 2012 are amounts due to non-consolidated affiliates of $22.0 million and $317.2 million, respectively. The fair value of Senior Secured and Subordinated Notes as of June 30, 2012 was $10.5 billion and $701.6 million, respectively, of which $15.7 million and $191.1 million represents the amounts due to affiliates.

Included within Senior Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes as of December 31, 2011 are amounts due to non-consolidated affiliates of $101.8 million and $323.6 million, respectively. The fair value of Senior Secured and Subordinated Notes as of December 31, 2011 was $7.4 billion and $630.2 million, respectively, of which $86.9 million and $205.4 million represents the amounts due to affiliates.

 

40


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The Loans Payable of the consolidated CLO vehicles are collateralized by assets held by each respective CLO vehicle and assets of one vehicle may not be used to satisfy the liabilities of another. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the fair value of the consolidated CLO assets was $12.5 billion and $8.7   billion, respectively. This collateral consisted of Cash, Corporate Loans, Corporate Bonds and other securities.

Scheduled principal payments for borrowings as of June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

     Operating
Borrowings
     Blackstone Fund
Facilities / CLO

Vehicles
     Total
Borrowings
 

2012

   $ 594       $ 7,606       $ 8,200   

2013

     1,188         85,192         86,380   

2014

     5,040         289,770         294,810   

2015

     —           624,007         624,007   

Thereafter

     1,000,000         12,362,341         13,362,341   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,006,822       $ 13,368,916       $ 14,375,738   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

12. INCOME TAXES

Blackstone’s effective tax rate was 30.5% and 25.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 13.5% and 28.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Blackstone’s income tax provision was an expense of $41.3 million and an expense of $64.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and an expense of $80.1 million and an expense of $103.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Blackstone’s effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was substantially due to the following: (a) certain corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes as applicable and other subsidiaries are subject to New York City unincorporated business taxes, and (b) a portion of compensation charges are not deductible for tax purposes.

 

13. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON UNIT

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common unit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 was calculated as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                     2011                      2012                     2011          

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

   $ (74,964   $ 86,237       $ (16,639   $ 128,941   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit:

         

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding

     528,778,977        476,289,647         517,882,253        462,094,878   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit

   $ (0.14   $ 0.18       $ (0.03   $ 0.28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit:

         

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding

     528,778,977        476,289,647         517,882,253        462,094,878   

Weighted-Average Unvested Deferred Restricted Common Units

     —          7,353,999         —          6,523,856   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Diluted Common Units Outstanding

     528,778,977        483,643,646         517,882,253        468,618,734   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit

   $ (0.14   $ 0.18       $ (0.03   $ 0.28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

41


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following table summarizes the anti-dilutive securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
               2012                           2011                           2012                           2011             

Weighted-Average Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

     591,155,160         625,526,089         596,986,114         641,817,877   

Unit Repurchase Program

In January 2008, Blackstone announced that the Board of Directors of its general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., had authorized the repurchase by Blackstone of up to $500 million of Blackstone Common Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under this unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of Blackstone Common Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. This unit repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, no units were repurchased. As of June 30, 2012, the amount remaining available for repurchases under this program was $335.8 million.

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, Blackstone repurchased 116,270 vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units as part of the unit repurchase program for a total fair value of $2.1 million.

 

14. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

The Partnership has granted equity-based compensation awards to Blackstone’s senior managing directors, non-partner professionals, non-professionals and selected external advisors under the Partnership’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), the majority of which to date were granted in connection with the IPO. The Equity Plan allows for the granting of options, unit appreciation rights or other unit-based awards (units, restricted units, restricted common units, deferred restricted common units, phantom restricted common units or other unit-based awards based in whole or in part on the fair value of the Blackstone Common Units or Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units) which may contain certain service or performance requirements. As of January 1, 2012, the Partnership had the ability to grant 162,195,378 units under the Equity Plan.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Partnership recorded compensation expense of $244.6 million and $467.0 million, respectively, in relation to its equity-based awards with corresponding tax benefits of $7.2 million and $12.7 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Partnership recorded compensation expense of $408.6 million and $834.9 million, respectively, in relation to its equity-based awards with corresponding tax benefits of $4.5 million and $8.7 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2012, there was $2.2 billion of estimated unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years.

Total vested and unvested outstanding units, including Blackstone Common Units, Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and deferred restricted common units, were 1,128,718,375 as of June 30, 2012. Total outstanding unvested phantom units were 221,356 as of June 30, 2012.

 

42


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

A summary of the status of the Partnership’s unvested equity-based awards as of June 30, 2012 and a summary of changes during the period January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

     Blackstone Holdings      The Blackstone Group L.P.  
                  Equity Settled Awards      Cash Settled Awards  

Unvested Units

   Partnership
Units
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
     Deferred
Restricted
Common
Units and
Options
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
     Phantom
Units
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
              
              
              
              

Balance, December 31, 2011

     89,644,650      $ 29.88         17,635,945      $ 18.50         218,583      $ 13.88   

Granted

     1,612,611        14.04         1,550,478        13.25         6,736        12.82   

Vested

     (23,409,788     30.36         (4,598,271     19.94         (3,963     13.33   

Forfeited

     (2,063,277     30.58         (619,522     19.79         —          —     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Balance, June 30, 2012

     65,784,196      $ 29.30         13,968,630      $ 17.20         221,356      $ 12.22   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Units Expected to Vest

The following unvested units, after expected forfeitures, as of June 30, 2012, are expected to vest:

 

     Units      Weighted-Average
Service Period
in Years
 
     
     

Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

     61,474,866         2.9   

Deferred Restricted Blackstone Common Units and Options

     11,895,121         2.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Equity-Based Awards

     73,369,987         2.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Phantom Units

     206,333         2.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Affiliate Receivables and Payables

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, Due from Affiliates and Due to Affiliates comprised the following:

 

     June 30,      December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Due from Affiliates

     

Accrual for Potential Clawback of Previously Distributed Carried Interest

   $ 160,755       $ 167,415   

Primarily Interest Bearing Advances Made on Behalf of Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees for Investments in Blackstone Funds

     150,482         223,281   

Amounts Due from Portfolio Companies and Funds

     278,602         234,254   

Investments Redeemed in Non-Consolidated Funds of Funds

     1,522         67,608   

Management and Performance Fees Due from Non-Consolidated Funds of Funds

     79,647         71,162   

Payments Made on Behalf of Non-Consolidated Entities

     120,510         87,711   

Advances Made to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees

     8,545         9,083   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 800,063       $ 860,514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

     June  30,
2012
     December  31,
2011
 
     

Due to Affiliates

     

Due to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with the Tax Receivable Agreements

   $ 1,167,547       $ 1,112,330   

Accrual for Potential Repayment of Previously Received Performance Fees

     261,007         266,300   

Due to Note-Holders of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

     206,842         292,372   

Distributions Received on Behalf of Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees

     32,055         20,526   

Payable to Affiliates for Consolidated Funds in Liquidation

     51,760         58,793   

Distributions Received on Behalf of Blackstone Entities

     35,286         42,620   

Payments Made by Non-Consolidated Entities

     9,245         18,527   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,763,742       $ 1,811,468   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interests of the Founder, Senior Managing Directors and Employees

The founder, senior managing directors and employees invest on a discretionary basis in the Blackstone Funds both directly and through consolidated entities. Their investments may be subject to preferential management fee and performance fee arrangements. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the founder’s, other senior managing directors’ and employees’ investments aggregated $782.3 million and $715.5 million, respectively, and the founder’s, other senior managing directors’ and employees’ share of the Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities aggregated $9.9 million and $61.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $43.3 million and $131.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Revenues Earned from Affiliates

Management and Advisory Fees earned from affiliates totaled $56.1 million and $118.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Management and Advisory Fees earned from affiliates totaled $104.1 million and $189.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Fees relate primarily to transaction and monitoring fees which are made in the ordinary course of business and under terms that would have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

Loans to Affiliates

Loans to affiliates consist of interest-bearing advances to certain Blackstone individuals to finance their investments in certain Blackstone Funds. These loans earn interest at Blackstone’s cost of borrowing and such interest totaled $1.0 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $2.3 million and $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No such loans to any director or executive officer of Blackstone have been made or were outstanding since March 22, 2007, the date of Blackstone’s initial filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a registration statement relating to its initial public offering.

Contingent Repayment Guarantee

Blackstone and its personnel who have received Carried Interest distributions have guaranteed payment on a several basis (subject to a cap) to the Carry Funds of any clawback obligation with respect to the excess Carried Interest allocated to the general partners of such funds and indirectly received thereby to the extent that either

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Blackstone or its personnel fails to fulfill its clawback obligation, if any. The Accrual for Possible Repayment of Previously Received Performance Fees represents amounts previously paid to Blackstone Holdings and non-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone Funds if the Carry Funds were to be liquidated based on the fair value of their underlying investments as of June 30, 2012. See Note 16. “Commitments and Contingencies — Contingencies — Contingent Obligations (Clawback)”.

Aircraft and Other Services

In the normal course of business, Blackstone personnel have made use of aircraft owned as personal assets by Stephen A. Schwarzman (“Personal Aircraft”). In addition, on occasion, Mr. Schwarzman and his family have made use of an aircraft in which Blackstone owns a fractional interest, as well as other assets of Blackstone. Mr. Schwarzman paid for his purchases of the aircraft himself and bears all operating, personnel and maintenance costs associated with their operation. In addition, Mr. Schwarzman is charged for his and his family’s personal use of Blackstone assets based on market rates and usage. Payment by Blackstone for the use of the Personal Aircraft by other Blackstone employees are made at market rates. Personal use of Blackstone resources are also reimbursed to Blackstone at market rates. The transactions described herein are not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Tax Receivable Agreements

Blackstone used a portion of the proceeds from the IPO and the sale of non-voting common units to Beijing Wonderful Investments to purchase interests in the predecessor businesses from the predecessor owners. In addition, holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units may exchange their Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units for Blackstone Common Units on a one-for-one basis. The purchase and subsequent exchanges are expected to result in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Blackstone Holdings and therefore reduce the amount of tax that Blackstone’s wholly-owned subsidiaries would otherwise be required to pay in the future.

One of the subsidiaries of the Partnership which is a corporate taxpayer has entered into tax receivable agreements with each of the predecessor owners and additional tax receivable agreements have been executed, and will continue to be executed, with newly-admitted senior managing directors and others who acquire Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. The agreements provide for the payment by the corporate taxpayer to such owners of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the corporate taxpayers actually realize as a result of the aforementioned increases in tax basis and of certain other tax benefits related to entering into these tax receivable agreements. For purposes of the tax receivable agreements, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the actual income tax liability of the corporate taxpayers to the amount of such taxes that the corporate taxpayers would have been required to pay had there been no increase to the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Blackstone Holdings as a result of the exchanges and had the corporate taxpayers not entered into the tax receivable agreements.

Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law and that the corporate taxpayers earn sufficient taxable income to realize the full tax benefit of the increased amortization of the assets, the expected future payments under the tax receivable agreements (which are taxable to the recipients) will aggregate $1.2 billion over the next 15 years. The after-tax net present value of these estimated payments totals $357.9 million assuming a 15% discount rate and using Blackstone’s most recent projections relating to the estimated timing of the benefit to be received. Future payments under the tax receivable agreements in respect of subsequent

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

exchanges would be in addition to these amounts. The payments under the tax receivable agreements are not conditioned upon continued ownership of Blackstone equity interests by the pre-IPO owners and the others mentioned above.

Other

Blackstone does business with and on behalf of some of its Portfolio Companies; all such arrangements are on a negotiated basis.

 

16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

Investment Commitments

Blackstone had $1.3 billion of investment commitments as of June 30, 2012 representing general partner capital funding commitments to the Blackstone Funds, limited partner capital funding to other funds and Blackstone principal investment commitments. The consolidated Blackstone Funds had signed investment commitments of $53.2 million as of June 30, 2012 which includes $30.3 million of signed investment commitments for portfolio company acquisitions in the process of closing.

Contingencies

Guarantees

Certain of Blackstone’s consolidated real estate funds guarantee payments to third parties in connection with the on-going business activities and/or acquisitions of their Portfolio Companies. There is no direct recourse to the Partnership to fulfill such obligations. To the extent that underlying funds are required to fulfill guarantee obligations, the Partnership’s invested capital in such funds is at risk. Total investments at risk in respect of guarantees extended by consolidated real estate funds was $4.9 million as of June 30, 2012.

On March 28, 2012, the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships entered into a guaranty agreement with a lending institution in which the Holdings Partnerships guarantee certain loans held by employees for investment in Blackstone funds. The amount guaranteed as of June 30, 2012 was $41.6 million.

Litigation

From time to time, Blackstone is named as a defendant in legal actions relating to transactions conducted in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance of the outcome of such legal actions, in the opinion of management, Blackstone does not have a potential liability related to any current legal proceeding or claim that would individually or in the aggregate materially affect its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Contingent Obligations (Clawback)

Carried Interest is subject to clawback to the extent that the Carried Interest received to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. The actual clawback liability, however, does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life except for Blackstone’s real estate funds which may have an interim clawback liability come due after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the fund. The lives of the carry funds with a potential clawback obligation, including available contemplated extensions, are currently anticipated to expire at various points beginning toward the end of 2012 and extending through 2018. Further extensions of such terms may be implemented under given circumstances.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

For financial reporting purposes, the general partners have recorded a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners of some of the carry funds due to changes in the unrealized value of a fund’s remaining investments and where the fund’s general partner has previously received Carried Interest distributions with respect to such fund’s realized investments.

The following table presents the clawback obligations by segment:

 

     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Segment

   Blackstone
Holdings
     Current and
Former
Personnel
     Total      Blackstone
Holdings
     Current and
Former
Personnel
     Total  

Private Equity

   $ 69,412       $ 134,336       $ 203,748       $ 68,044       $ 128,756       $ 196,800   

Real Estate

     30,840         26,411         57,251         30,841         38,659         69,500   

Credit Businesses

     —           8         8         —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 100,252       $ 160,755       $ 261,007       $ 98,885       $ 167,415       $ 266,300   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

A portion of the Carried Interest paid to current and former Blackstone personnel is held in segregated accounts in the event of a cash clawback obligation. These segregated accounts are not included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Partnership, except to the extent a portion of the assets held in the segregated accounts may be allocated to a consolidated Blackstone fund of hedge funds. At June 30, 2012, $412.1 million was held in segregated accounts for the purpose of meeting any clawback obligations of current and former personnel if such payments are required.

 

17. SEGMENT REPORTING

Blackstone transacts its primary business in the United States and substantially all of its revenues are generated domestically.

Blackstone conducts its alternative asset management and financial advisory businesses through five segments:

 

   

Private Equity — Blackstone’s Private Equity segment comprises its management of private equity funds and certain multi-asset class investment funds.

 

   

Real Estate — Blackstone’s Real Estate segment primarily comprises its management of general opportunistic real estate funds and internationally focused opportunistic real estate funds. In addition, the segment has debt investment funds targeting non-controlling real estate debt-related investment opportunities in the public and private markets, primarily in the United States and Europe.

 

   

Hedge Fund Solutions — Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions segment is comprised of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management (“BAAM”), an institutional solutions provider utilizing hedge funds across a variety of strategies.

 

   

Credit Businesses — Blackstone’s Credit Businesses segment is comprised principally of GSO and manages credit-oriented funds, CLOs, credit-focused separately managed accounts and publicly registered debt-focused investment companies.

 

   

Financial Advisory — Blackstone’s Financial Advisory segment comprises its financial advisory services, restructuring and reorganization advisory services and Park Hill Group, which provides fund placement services for alternative investment funds.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

These business segments are differentiated by their various sources of income. The Private Equity, Real Estate, Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses segments primarily earn their income from management fees and investment returns on assets under management, while the Financial Advisory segment primarily earns its income from fees related to investment banking services and advice and fund placement services.

Blackstone uses Economic Income (“EI”) as a key measure of value creation, a benchmark of its performance and in making resource deployment and compensation decisions across its five segments. EI represents segment net income before taxes excluding transaction-related charges. Transaction-related charges arise from Blackstone’s IPO and long-term retention programs outside of annual deferred compensation and other corporate actions, including acquisitions. Transaction-related charges include equity-based compensation charges, the amortization of intangible assets and contingent consideration associated with acquisitions. EI presents revenues and expenses on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds Blackstone manages. Prior to June 30, 2012, EI had been called Economic Net Income. The renaming of this measure did not change any of the previously reported amounts. Economic Net Income (“ENI”) now represents EI adjusted to include current period taxes. Taxes represent the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes.

Management makes operating decisions and assesses the performance of each of Blackstone’s business segments based on financial and operating metrics and data that is presented without the consolidation of any of the Blackstone Funds that are consolidated into the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Consequently, all segment data excludes the assets, liabilities and operating results related to the Blackstone Funds.

 

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THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following table presents the financial data for Blackstone’s five segments as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Financial
Advisory
    Total
Segments
 

Segment Revenues

           

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

           

Base Management Fees

  $ 87,475      $ 127,817      $ 84,278      $ 81,774      $ —        $ 381,344   

Advisory Fees

    —          —          —          —          93,372        93,372   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    14,951        25,151        65        9,184        102        49,453   

Management Fee Offsets

    (672     (5,357     (375     (1,569     —          (7,973
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

    101,754        147,611        83,968        89,389        93,474        516,196   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    28,781        13,539        —          13,609        —          55,929   

Incentive Fees

    —          7,766        1,175        2,751        —          11,692   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    (87,893     144,510        —          27,673        —          84,290   

Incentive Fees

    —          (1,526     (10,981     (4,567     —          (17,074
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    (59,112     164,289        (9,806     39,466        —          134,837   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

           

Realized

    (6,195     9,067        929        5,638        (79     9,360   

Unrealized

    (28,337     14,944        (3,636     (9,156     561        (25,624
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

    (34,532     24,011        (2,707     (3,518     482        (16,264

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    3,114        3,277        495        1,752        1,753        10,391   

Other

    562        (590     27        (787     (40     (828
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    11,786        338,598        71,977        126,302        95,669        644,332   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

           

Compensation and Benefits

           

Compensation

    53,775        76,576        34,559        42,845        61,129        268,884   

Performance Fee Compensation

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    804        3,401        —          3,694        —          7,899   

Incentive Fees

    —          3,871        (345     2,049        —          5,575   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    (8,259     31,677        —          13,397        —          36,815   

Incentive Fees

    —          (629     (2,820     (6,147     —          (9,596
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    46,320        114,896        31,394        55,838        61,129        309,577   

Other Operating Expenses

    30,521        26,560        14,506        15,749        25,702        113,038   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    76,841        141,456        45,900        71,587        86,831        422,615   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

  $ (65,055   $ 197,142      $ 26,077      $ 54,715      $ 8,838      $ 221,717   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

49


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

    Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Financial
Advisory
    Total
Segments
 

Segment Revenues

           

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

           

Base Management Fees

  $ 82,297      $ 97,467      $ 79,290      $ 57,420      $ —        $ 316,474   

Advisory Fees

    —          —          —          —          102,243        102,243   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    52,353        49,288        861        849        210        103,561   

Management Fee Offsets

    (7,629     (745     (196     (105     —          (8,675
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

    127,021        146,010        79,955        58,164        102,453        513,603   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    1,362        11,798        —          29,592        —          42,752   

Incentive Fees

    —          9,034        667        7,762        —          17,463   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    187,190        433,280        —          (9,313     —          611,157   

Incentive Fees

    —          (3,822     3,441        2,067        —          1,686   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    188,552        450,290        4,108        30,108        —          673,058   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

           

Realized

    3,021        11,394        12,855        3,236        226        30,732   

Unrealized

    76,947        37,332        (12,864     5,437        (15     106,837   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    79,968        48,726        (9     8,673        211        137,569   

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    3,197        2,989        472        902        1,723        9,283   

Other

    665        515        (38     (47     33        1,128   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    399,403        648,530        84,488        97,800        104,420        1,334,641   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

           

Compensation and Benefits

           

Compensation

    64,633        70,651        31,674        33,071        72,363        272,392   

Performance Fee Compensation

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    49        5,095        —          13,531        —          18,675   

Incentive Fees

    —          4,287        253        4,496        —          9,036   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    29,309        92,392        —          2,012        —          123,713   

Incentive Fees

    —          (1,371     2,955        (7,200     —          (5,616
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    93,991        171,054        34,882        45,910        72,363        418,200   

Other Operating Expenses

    30,124        22,971        16,075        10,226        19,967        99,363   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    124,115        194,025        50,957        56,136        92,330        517,563   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $ 275,288      $ 454,505      $ 33,531      $ 41,664      $ 12,090      $ 817,078   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

50


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following table reconciles the Total Segments to Blackstone’s Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30, 2012      Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     Total
Segments
     Consolidation
Adjustments
and Reconciling
Items
    Blackstone
Consolidated
     Total
Segments
     Consolidation
Adjustments
and Reconciling
Items
    Blackstone
Consolidated
 

Revenues

   $ 644,332       $ (17,129 )(a)    $ 627,203       $ 1,334,641       $ (26,360 )(a)    $ 1,308,281   

Expenses

   $ 422,615       $ 317,204 (b)    $ 739,819       $ 517,563       $ 467,268 (b)    $ 984,831   

Other Income

   $ —         $ 248,230 (c)    $ 248,230       $ —         $ (74,654 )(c)    $ (74,654

Economic Income

   $ 221,717       $ (86,103 )(d)    $ 135,614       $ 817,078       $ (568,282 )(d)    $ 248,796   

 

(a) The Revenues adjustment principally represents management and performance fees earned from Blackstone Funds which were eliminated in consolidation to arrive at Blackstone consolidated revenues.
(b) The Expenses adjustment represents the addition of expenses of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to the Blackstone unconsolidated expenses, amortization of intangibles and expenses related to transaction-related equity-based compensation to arrive at Blackstone consolidated expenses.
(c) The Other Income adjustment results from the following:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                     2011          

Fund Management Fees and Performance Fees Eliminated in Consolidation

   $ 15,892      $ 24,416   

Fund Expenses Added in Consolidation

     17,170        403   

Non-Controlling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities

     222,268        (92,548

Transaction-Related Other Income

     (7,100     (6,925
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

   $ 248,230      $ (74,654
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(d) The reconciliation of Economic Income to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                     2011          

Economic Income

   $ 221,717      $ 817,078   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments

    

Amortization of Intangibles

     (39,435     (44,905

IPO and Acquisition-Related Charges

     (268,936     (430,829

Non-Controlling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities

     222,268        (92,548
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

     (86,103     (568,282
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes

   $ 135,614      $ 248,796   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

51


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following table presents financial data for Blackstone’s five segments for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

    June 30, 2012 and the Six Months Then Ended  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Financial
Advisory
    Total
Segments
 

Segment Revenues

           

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

           

Base Management Fees

  $ 173,264      $ 275,619      $ 166,099      $ 161,868      $ —        $ 776,850   

Advisory Fees

    —          —          —          —          169,218        169,218   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    33,048        39,563        157        14,909        247        87,924   

Management Fee Offsets

    (4,454     (13,984     (710     (1,875     —          (21,023
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees

    201,858        301,198        165,546        174,902        169,465        1,012,969   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    32,714        22,156        —          14,619        —          69,489   

Incentive Fees

    —          7,765        4,473        4,733        —          16,971   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    (53,842     366,010        —          70,918        —          383,086   

Incentive Fees

    —          6,388        12,206        32,453        —          51,047   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    (21,128     402,319        16,679        122,723        —          520,593   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

           

Realized

    7,716        16,879        1,432        6,321        504        32,852   

Unrealized

    (11,868     40,856        4,735        55        512        34,290   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    (4,152     57,735        6,167        6,376        1,016        67,142   

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    5,534        5,829        881        4,177        3,315        19,736   

Other

    347        (1,299     (100     (1,025     42        (2,035
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    182,459        765,782        189,173        307,153        173,838        1,618,405   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

           

Compensation and Benefits

           

Compensation

    106,322        145,465        62,792        79,988        129,089        523,656   

Performance Fee Compensation

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    1,124        7,478        —          7,235        —          15,837   

Incentive Fees

    —          3,873        1,033        4,921        —          9,827   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    (9,311     85,952        —          44,717        —          121,358   

Incentive Fees

    —          3,139        4,474        (4,430     —          3,183   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    98,135        245,907        68,299        132,431        129,089        673,861   

Other Operating Expenses

    59,402        55,484        28,440        32,845        46,388        222,559   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    157,537        301,391        96,739        165,276        175,477        896,420   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $ 24,922      $ 464,391      $ 92,434      $ 141,877      $ (1,639   $ 721,985   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment Assets as of June 30, 2012

  $ 3,736,660      $ 4,495,602      $ 794,310      $ 1,881,416      $ 575,373      $ 11,483,361   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

52


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

    Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Financial
Advisory
    Total
Segments
 

Segment Revenues

           

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

           

Base Management Fees

  $ 162,232      $ 192,906      $ 154,902      $ 112,021      $ —        $ 622,061   

Advisory Fees

    —          —          —          —          172,495        172,495   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    87,695        70,831        1,588        1,594        216        161,924   

Management Fee Offsets

    (15,518     (1,250     (320     (123     —          (17,211
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees

    234,409        262,487        156,170        113,492        172,711        939,269   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    83,751        14,169        —          38,233        —          136,153   

Incentive Fees

    —          9,256        1,560        8,846        —          19,662   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    219,727        794,726        —          28,852        —          1,043,305   

Incentive Fees

    —          2,836        22,694        49,205        —          74,735   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    303,478        820,987        24,254        125,136        —          1,273,855   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income

           

Realized

    20,928        14,313        14,196        4,471        323        54,231   

Unrealized

    106,073        98,738        (5,744     9,969        378        209,414   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

    127,001        113,051        8,452        14,440        701        263,645   

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    6,702        6,277        988        1,355        3,409        18,731   

Other

    1,476        1,375        66        51        419        3,387   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    673,066        1,204,177        189,930        254,474        177,240        2,498,887   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

           

Compensation and Benefits

           

Compensation

    119,557        128,278        59,767        62,620        126,702        496,924   

Performance Fee Compensation

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    7,767        6,221        —          18,256        —          32,244   

Incentive Fees

    —          4,391        553        5,066        —          10,010   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    34,773        193,350        —          21,545        —          249,668   

Incentive Fees

    —          4,172        8,313        18,469        —          30,954   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    162,097        336,412        68,633        125,956        126,702        819,800   

Other Operating Expenses

    58,837        51,337        29,083        25,583        37,498        202,338   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    220,934        387,749        97,716        151,539        164,200        1,022,138   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $ 452,132      $ 816,428      $ 92,214      $ 102,935      $ 13,040      $ 1,476,749   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

53


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following table reconciles the Total Segments to Blackstone’s Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and Total Assets as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     June 30, 2012 and the Six Months Then Ended      Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     Total
Segments
    Consolidation
Adjustments
and Reconciling
Items
    Blackstone
Consolidated
     Total
Segments
    Consolidation
Adjustments
and Reconciling
Items
    Blackstone
Consolidated
 

Revenues

   $ 1,618,405      $ (39,166 )(a)    $ 1,579,239       $ 2,498,887      $ (37,337 )(a)    $ 2,461,550   

Expenses

   $ 896,420      $ 627,192 (b)    $ 1,523,612       $ 1,022,138      $ 953,557 (b)    $ 1,975,695   

Other Income

   $ —        $ 536,372 (c)    $ 536,372       $ —        $ (119,845 )(c)    $ (119,845

Economic Income

   $ 721,985      $ (129,986 )(d)    $ 591,999       $ 1,476,749      $ (1,110,739 )(d)    $ 366,010   

Total Assets

   $ 11,483,361      $ 14,659,209 (e)    $ 26,142,570          

 

(a) The Revenues adjustment principally represents management and performance fees earned from Blackstone Funds which were eliminated in consolidation to arrive at Blackstone consolidated revenues.
(b) The Expenses adjustment represents the addition of expenses of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to the Blackstone unconsolidated expenses, amortization of intangibles and expenses related to transaction-related equity-based compensation to arrive at Blackstone consolidated expenses.
(c) The Other Income adjustment results from the following:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                     2011          

Fund Management Fees and Performance Fees Eliminated in Consolidation

   $ 36,490      $ 33,519   

Fund Expenses Added in Consolidation

     39,877        12,616   

Non-Controlling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities

     474,170        (163,604

Transactional Other Income

     (14,165     (2,376
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

   $ 536,372      $ (119,845
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(d) The reconciliation of Economic Income to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                     2011          

Economic Income

   $ 721,985      $ 1,476,749   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments

    

Amortization of Intangibles

     (90,323     (89,079

IPO and Acquisition-Related Charges

     (513,833     (858,056

Non-Controlling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities

     474,170        (163,604
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

     (129,986     (1,110,739
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes

   $ 591,999      $ 366,010   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(e) The Total Assets adjustment represents the addition of assets of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to the Blackstone unconsolidated assets to arrive at Blackstone consolidated assets.

 

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 13, 2012, an indirect subsidiary of Blackstone amended its revolving credit facility. The amendment is described in Note 11. “Borrowings.”

 

54


Table of Contents
ITEM 1A. UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION OF STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     June 30, 2012  
     Consolidated
Operating
Partnerships †
     Consolidated
Blackstone
Funds (a)
     Reclasses and
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

Assets

          

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 412,545       $ —         $ —        $ 412,545   

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

     48,699         809,908         —          858,607   

Investments

     5,740,450         14,033,943         (422,935     19,351,458   

Accounts Receivable

     489,664         96,752         —          586,416   

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     88,524         —           —          88,524   

Due from Affiliates

     790,211         41,211         (31,359     800,063   

Intangible Assets, Net

     652,874         —           —          652,874   

Goodwill

     1,703,602         —           —          1,703,602   

Other Assets

     326,957         136,089         (4,400     458,646   

Deferred Tax Assets

     1,229,835         —           —          1,229,835   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 11,483,361       $ 15,117,903       $ (458,694   $ 26,142,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

          

Loans Payable

   $ 1,065,281       $ 11,045,251       $ —        $ 12,110,532   

Due to Affiliates

     1,489,401         328,808         (54,467     1,763,742   

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

     977,003         —           —          977,003   

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

     88,153         —           —          88,153   

Repurchase Agreements

     115,987         —           —          115,987   

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

     332,152         495,661         (4,400     823,413   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     4,067,977         11,869,720         (58,867     15,878,830   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     —           1,258,295         —          1,258,295   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital

          

Partners’ Capital

     4,413,322         400,958         (400,958     4,413,322   

Appropriated Partners’ Capital

     —           966,931         —          966,931   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     1,452         480         —          1,932   

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     520,640         621,519         1,131        1,143,290   

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

     2,479,970         —           —          2,479,970   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

     7,415,384         1,989,888         (399,827     9,005,445   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   $ 11,483,361       $ 15,117,903       $ (458,694   $ 26,142,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Included within the assets and liabilities of the Consolidated Operating Partnerships is $1.8 billion representing net accrued performance fees due from the Blackstone Funds. Additional detail on this amount is presented in Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Consolidated Results of Operations — Net Accrued Performance Fees ” of this filing.

 

55


Table of Contents

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Financial Condition-(Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Consolidated
Operating
Partnerships
     Consolidated
Blackstone
Funds (a)
     Reclasses and
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

Assets

          

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 754,744       $ —         $ —        $ 754,744   

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

     46,282         678,480         —          724,762   

Investments

     5,289,125         10,282,084         (442,910     15,128,299   

Accounts Receivable

     347,241         58,899         —          406,140   

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     139,485         —           —          139,485   

Due from Affiliates

     784,095         107,042         (30,623     860,514   

Intangible Assets, Net

     595,488         —           —          595,488   

Goodwill

     1,703,602         —           —          1,703,602   

Other Assets

     325,269         12,127         —          337,396   

Deferred Tax Assets

     1,258,699         —           —          1,258,699   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 11,244,030       $ 11,138,632       $ (473,533   $ 21,909,129   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

          

Loans Payable

   $ 1,066,432       $ 7,801,136       $ —        $ 8,867,568   

Due to Affiliates

     1,425,558         437,520         (51,610     1,811,468   

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

     903,260         —           —          903,260   

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

     143,825         —           —          143,825   

Repurchase Agreements

     101,849         —           —          101,849   

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

     414,080         414,866         (73     828,873   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     4,055,004         8,653,522         (51,683     12,656,843   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     —           1,091,833         —          1,091,833   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital

          

Partners’ Capital

     4,281,841         421,898         (421,898     4,281,841   

Appropriated Partners’ Capital

     —           386,864         —          386,864   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     1,272         686         —          1,958   

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     445,393         583,829         48        1,029,270   

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

     2,460,520         —           —          2,460,520   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

     7,189,026         1,393,277         (421,850     8,160,453   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   $ 11,244,030       $ 11,138,632       $ (473,533   $ 21,909,129   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The Consolidated Blackstone Funds consisted of the following:

Blackstone Distressed Securities Fund L.P.

Blackstone Market Opportunities Fund L.P.

Blackstone Strategic Alliance Fund L.P.

Blackstone Strategic Alliance Fund II L.P.

Blackstone Strategic Equity Fund L.P.

Blackstone Value Recovery Fund L.P.

Blackstone/GSO Secured Trust Ltd

 

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BTD CP Holdings, LP

GSO Legacy Associates II LLC

GSO Legacy Associates LLC

Shanghai Blackstone Equity Investment Partnership L.P.

Private equity side-by-side investment vehicles

Real estate side-by-side investment vehicles

Mezzanine side-by-side investment vehicles

Collateralized loan obligation vehicles

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Our Business

Blackstone is one of the largest independent managers of private capital in the world. We also provide a wide range of financial advisory services, including financial advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services.

Our business is organized into five business segments:

 

   

Private Equity. We are a world leader in private equity investing, having managed six general private equity funds, as well as two sector focused funds and a regionally focused fund, since we established this business in 1987. We refer to these funds collectively as our Blackstone Capital Partners (“BCP”) funds. We also manage certain multi-asset class investment funds. Through our private equity funds we pursue transactions throughout the world, including leveraged buyout acquisitions of seasoned companies, transactions involving growth equity or start-up businesses in established industries, minority investments, corporate partnerships, distressed debt, structured securities and industry consolidations, in all cases in strictly friendly transactions.

 

   

Real Estate. We are a world leader in real estate investing since launching our first real estate fund in 1994. We have managed or continue to manage seven global opportunistic real estate funds, three European focused opportunistic real estate funds, a number of real estate debt investment funds and a Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia real estate platform. Our real estate opportunity funds are diversified geographically and have made significant investments in lodging, major urban office buildings, shopping centers and a variety of real estate operating companies. Our debt investment funds target high yield real estate debt related investment opportunities in the public and private markets, primarily in the United States and Europe. We refer to our real estate opportunistic funds as our Blackstone Real Estate Partners (“BREP”) funds and our real estate debt investment funds as our “BREDS” funds.

 

   

Hedge Fund Solutions. Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions segment is comprised principally of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management (“BAAM”). BAAM was organized in 1990 and has developed into a leading institutional solutions provider utilizing hedge funds across a wide variety of strategies. BAAM is the world’s largest discretionary allocator to hedge funds.

 

   

Credit Businesses. Our Credit Businesses segment is comprised principally of GSO Capital Partners LP (“GSO”). GSO manages a variety of credit-oriented funds including senior credit-oriented funds, distressed debt funds, mezzanine funds, general credit-oriented funds and collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. GSO is a world leader in credit-oriented products.

 

   

Financial Advisory . Our Financial Advisory segment serves a diverse and global group of clients with financial advisory services, restructuring and reorganization advisory services and fund placement services for alternative investment funds.

We generate revenue from fees earned pursuant to contractual arrangements with funds, fund investors and fund portfolio companies (including management, transaction and monitoring fees), and from financial advisory services, restructuring and reorganization advisory services and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. We invest in the funds we manage and, in most cases, receive a preferred allocation of income

(i.e., a carried interest) or an incentive fee from an investment fund in the event that specified cumulative investment returns are achieved. The composition of our revenues will vary based on market conditions and the

 

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cyclicality of the different businesses in which we operate. Net investment gains and investment income generated by the Blackstone Funds, principally private equity and real estate funds, are driven by value created by our operating and strategic initiatives as well as overall market conditions. Our funds initially record fund investments at cost and then such investments are subsequently recorded at fair value. Fair values are affected by changes in the fundamentals of the portfolio company, the portfolio company’s industry, the overall economy and other market conditions.

Business Environment

Following a generally positive first quarter for global markets, equity indices declined and volatility increased, driven by increased caution around economic growth and the European sovereign debt situation. The MSCI World index declined 6% and the S&P 500 was down 3%. Credit indices were more mixed, with high grade prices up, and high yield flat-to-down. High yield spreads widened modestly by 40 basis points during the quarter. The Euro weakened against virtually all major currencies. Capital markets activity was mixed, although capital flows into equity mutual funds remain highly challenged, with fourteen straight months of outflows from domestic funds. M&A activity also declined.

Monetary policy remained accommodative throughout much of the world, and several central banks further eased policy late in the quarter as output slowed. In the U.S., unemployment remains persistently high despite record low interest rate levels. Investors are becoming increasingly concerned about policy risks in the second half of the year, and the upcoming U.S. “fiscal cliff.”

Despite intensified concerns around Europe starting in the month of May, financing conditions for U.S. leveraged buyouts remained generally favorable, particularly for moderately sized deals by seasoned issuers. Defaults remain at historic lows while spreads continue to be above mid-cycle norms, creating an attractive cost of financing for LBO-related issuance.

During the quarter, commercial real estate performance metrics remained healthy. The office sector continues to see improvements in leasing velocity, led primarily by demand from tech and energy tenants. National vacancy levels have declined 30 basis points to 15.7%, falling below 16% for the first time since 2009. The retail sector continues to benefit from favorable trends in tenant sales, combined with severely constrained new supply (particularly for regional malls). Overall vacancy for the retail sector fell to 13.0% during the second quarter. The industrial sector reported an eighth consecutive quarter of positive absorption, and availability currently stands at 13.2%. Trends within the U.S. hotel market continue to improve with RevPAR (“Revenue per Available Room”) growing 7.9% during the second quarter of 2012.

Blackstone’s businesses are materially affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S., Western Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, elsewhere in the world.

Key Financial Measures and Indicators

Our key financial measures and indicators are discussed below.

Revenues

Revenues primarily consist of management and advisory fees, performance fees, investment income, interest and dividend revenue and other. Please refer to “Part I. Item 1. Business — Incentive Arrangements / Fee Structure” and “Part I. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Revenue Recognition” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the manner in which Base Management Fees and Performance Fees are generated.

Management and Advisory Fees — Management and Advisory Fees are comprised of management fees, including base management fees, transaction and other fees, management fee reductions and offsets, and advisory fees.

 

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The Partnership earns base management fees from limited partners of funds in each of its managed funds, at a fixed percentage of assets under management, net asset value, total assets, committed capital or invested capital, or in some cases, a fixed fee. Base management fees are based on contractual terms specified in the underlying investment advisory agreements.

Transaction and other fees (including monitoring fees) are fees charged directly to funds and portfolio companies. The investment advisory agreements generally require that the investment adviser reduce the amount of management fees payable by the limited partners to the Partnership (“management fee reductions”) by an amount equal to a portion of the transaction and other fees directly paid to the Partnership by the portfolio companies. The amount of the reduction varies by fund, the type of fee paid by the portfolio company and the previously incurred expenses of the fund.

Management fee offsets are reductions to management fees payable by our limited partners, which are granted based on the amount they reimburse Blackstone for placement fees.

Advisory fees consist of advisory retainer and transaction-based fee arrangements related to merger, acquisition, restructuring and divestiture activities and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. Advisory retainer fees are recognized when services for the transactions are complete, in accordance with terms set forth in individual agreements. Transaction-based fees are recognized when (a) there is evidence of an arrangement with a client, (b) agreed upon services have been provided, (c) fees are fixed or determinable and (d) collection is reasonably assured. Fund placement fees are recognized as earned upon the acceptance by a fund of capital or capital commitments.

Accrued but unpaid Management and Advisory Fees, net of management fee reductions and management fee offsets, as of the reporting date, are included in Accounts Receivable or Due From Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Performance Fees — Performance Fees earned on the performance of Blackstone’s hedge fund structures (“Incentive Fees”) are recognized based on fund performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels, or high water marks, in accordance with the respective terms set out in each hedge fund’s governing agreements. Accrued but unpaid Incentive Fees charged directly to investors in Blackstone’s offshore hedge funds as of the reporting date are recorded within Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Incentive fees arising on Blackstone’s onshore hedge funds are allocated to the general partner. Accrued but unpaid Incentive Fees on onshore funds as of the reporting date are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Incentive Fees are realized at the end of a measurement period, typically annually. Once realized, such fees are not subject to clawback.

In certain fund structures, specifically in private equity, real estate and certain credit-oriented funds (“Carry Funds”), performance fees (“Carried Interest”) are allocated to the general partner based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to a preferred return to limited partners. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership calculates the Carried Interest that would be due to the Partnership for each fund, pursuant to the fund agreements, as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Carried Interest to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Carried Interest allocated to the general partner or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to Carried Interest allocated to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Carried Interest on cumulative results compared to the Carried Interest recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Carried Interest allocations once previously recognized Carried Interest allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Carried Interest over the life of a fund. Accrued but unpaid Carried Interest as of the reporting date is reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

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Carried Interest is realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of and the fund’s cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return. Incentive fees earned on hedge fund structures are realized at the end of each fund’s measurement period.

Carried Interest is subject to clawback to the extent that the Carried Interest actually distributed to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received performance fees, which is a component of Due to Affiliates, represents all amounts previously distributed to Blackstone Holdings and non-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone Funds if the Blackstone Carry Funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds’ investments as of the reporting date. Generally, the actual clawback liability does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life or one year after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the terms of the fund.

Investment Income (Loss) — Investment Income (Loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s principal investments, including its investments in Blackstone Funds that are not consolidated, its equity method investments, and other principal investments. Investment Income (Loss) is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives cash income, such as dividends or distributions, from its non-consolidated funds. Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.

Interest and Dividend Revenue — Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by Blackstone.

Other Revenue — Other Revenue consists of foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars and other revenues.

Expenses

Compensation and Benefits — Compensation — Compensation and Benefits consists of (a) employee compensation, comprising salary and bonus, and benefits paid and payable to employees and senior managing directors and (b) equity-based compensation associated with the grants of equity-based awards to employees and senior managing directors.

Equity-Based Compensation — Compensation cost relating to the issuance of share-based awards to senior managing directors and employees is measured at fair value at the grant date, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, and expensed over the vesting period on a straight line basis. Equity-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are re-measured at the end of each reporting period.

Compensation and Benefits — Performance Fee — Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits consists of Carried Interest and Incentive Fee allocations, and may in future periods also include allocations of investment income from Blackstone’s firm investments, to employees and senior managing directors participating in certain profit sharing initiatives. Such compensation expense is subject to both positive and negative adjustments. Unlike Carried Interest and Incentive Fees, compensation expense is based on the performance of individual investments held by a fund rather than on a fund by fund basis.

Other Operating Expenses — Other operating expenses represent general and administrative expenses including interest expense, occupancy and equipment expenses and other expenses, which consist principally of professional fees, public company costs, travel and related expenses, communications and information services and depreciation and amortization.

Fund Expenses — The expenses of our consolidated Blackstone Funds consist primarily of interest expense, professional fees and other third-party expenses.

 

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Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities represent the component of Partners’ Capital in consolidated Blackstone Funds and side-by-side entities held by third party investors and employees. The percentage interests held by third parties and employees is adjusted for general partner allocations and by subscriptions and redemptions in funds of hedge funds and certain credit-oriented funds which occur during the reporting period. In addition, all non-controlling interests in consolidated Blackstone Funds are attributed a share of income (loss) arising from the respective funds and a share of other comprehensive income, if applicable. Income (Loss) is allocated to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities based on the relative ownership interests of third party investors and employees after considering any contractual arrangements that govern the allocation of income (loss) such as fees allocable to The Blackstone Group. Non-controlling interests related to funds of hedge funds and certain other credit-oriented funds are subject to annual, semi-annual or quarterly redemption by investors in these funds following the expiration of a specified period of time (typically between one and three years), or may be withdrawn subject to a redemption fee in the funds of hedge funds and certain credit-oriented funds during the period when capital may not be withdrawn. As limited partners in these types of funds have been granted redemption rights, amounts relating to third party interests in such consolidated funds are presented as Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. When redeemable amounts become legally payable to investors, they are classified as a liability and included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. For all consolidated funds in which redemption rights have not been granted, non-controlling interests are presented within Partners’ Capital in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities.

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings represent the component of Partners’ Capital in the consolidated Blackstone Holdings Partnerships held by the Founder, other senior managing directors and Blackstone employees.

Certain costs and expenses are borne directly by the Holdings Partnerships. Income (Loss), excluding those costs directly borne by and attributable to the Holdings Partnerships, is attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings. This residual attribution is based on the year to date average percentage of Holdings Partnership units held by the Founder, other senior managing directors and Blackstone employees.

Income Taxes

The Blackstone Holdings partnerships and certain of their subsidiaries operate in the U.S. as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and generally as corporate entities in non-U.S. jurisdictions. Accordingly, these entities in some cases are subject to New York City unincorporated business taxes or non-U.S. income taxes. In addition, certain of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership and the Blackstone Holdings partnerships will be subject to federal, state and local corporate income taxes at the entity level and the related tax provision attributable to the Partnership’s share of this income tax is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current and deferred tax liabilities are recorded within Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Blackstone analyzes its tax filing positions in all of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as for all open tax years in these jurisdictions. If, based on

 

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this analysis, the Partnership determines that uncertainties in tax positions exist, a reserve is established. Blackstone recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in General, Administrative, and Other expenses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

There remains some uncertainty regarding Blackstone’s future taxation levels. Over the past several years, a number of legislative and administrative proposals to change the taxation of Carried Interest have been introduced and, in certain cases, have been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. On May 28, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation, or “May 2010 House bill”, that would have, in general, treated income and gains, including gain on sale, attributable to an investment services partnership interest, or “ISPI”, as income subject to a new blended tax rate that is higher than the capital gains rate applicable to such income under current law, except to the extent such ISPI would have been considered under the legislation to be a qualified capital interest. Our common units and the interests that we hold in entities that are entitled to receive Carried Interest would likely have been classified as ISPIs for purposes of this legislation. In June 2010, the U.S. Senate considered but did not pass legislation that was generally similar to the legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. More recently, Representative Levin and Senator Harkin (and other representatives) separately introduced similar legislation, or “2012 bills”, that would tax Carried Interest at ordinary income tax rates (which would be higher than the proposed blended rate under the May 2010 House bill). It is unclear whether or when the U.S. Congress will pass such legislation or what provisions will be included in any final legislation if enacted.

Each of the May 2010 House bill and the 2012 bills also provided that, for taxable years beginning ten years after the date of enactment, income derived with respect to an ISPI that is not a qualified capital interest and that is subject to the foregoing rules would not meet the qualifying income requirements under the publicly traded partnership rules. Therefore, if similar legislation were to be enacted, following such ten-year period, we would be precluded from qualifying as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or be required to hold all such ISPIs through corporations.

On September 12, 2011, the Obama administration submitted similar legislation to Congress in the American Jobs Act that would tax income and gain, including gain on sale, attributable to an ISPI at ordinary rates, with an exception for certain qualified capital interests. The proposed legislation would also characterize certain income and gain in respect of ISPIs as non-qualifying income under the tax rules applicable to publicly traded partnerships after a ten-year transition period from the effective date, with an exception for certain qualified capital interests. This proposed legislation follows several prior statements by the Obama administration in support of changing the taxation of Carried Interest. In its published revenue proposal for 2013, the Obama administration proposed that the current law regarding the treatment of Carried Interest be changed to subject such income to ordinary income tax. The Obama administration proposed similar changes in its published revenue proposals for 2010, 2011 and 2012.

States and other jurisdictions have also considered legislation to increase taxes with respect to Carried Interest. For example, in 2010, the New York State Assembly passed a bill, which could have caused a non-resident of New York who holds our common units to be subject to New York state income tax on carried interest earned by entities in which we hold an indirect interest, thereby requiring the non-resident to file a New York state income tax return reporting such carried interest income. This legislation would have been retroactive to January 1, 2010. It is unclear whether or when similar legislation will be enacted. Finally, several state and local jurisdictions are evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity level taxation through the imposition of state or local income, franchise or other forms of taxation or to increase the amount of such taxation.

If we were taxed as a corporation or were forced to hold interests in entities earning income from Carried Interest through taxable subsidiary corporations, our effective tax rate could increase significantly. The federal statutory rate for corporations is currently 35%, and the state and local tax rates, net of the federal benefit, aggregate approximately 10%. If a variation of the above described legislation or any other change in the tax laws, rules, regulations or interpretations preclude us from qualifying for treatment as a partnership for U.S.

 

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federal income tax purposes under the publicly traded partnership rules or force us to hold interests in entities earning income from Carried Interest through taxable subsidiary corporations, this could materially increase our tax liability, and could well result in a reduction in the market price of our common units.

It is not possible at this time to meaningfully quantify the potential impact on Blackstone of this potential future legislation or any similar legislation. Multiple versions of legislation in this area have been proposed over the last few years that have included significantly different provisions regarding effective dates and the treatment of invested capital, tiered entities and cross-border operations, among other matters. Depending upon what version of the legislation, if any, were enacted, the potential impact on a public company such as Blackstone in a given year could differ dramatically and could be material. In addition, these legislative proposals would not themselves impose a tax on a publicly traded partnership such as Blackstone. Rather, they could force Blackstone and other publicly traded partnerships to restructure their operations so as to prevent disqualifying income from reaching the publicly traded partnership in amounts that would disqualify the partnership from treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such a restructuring could result in more income being earned in corporate subsidiaries, thereby increasing corporate income tax liability indirectly borne by the publicly traded partnership. In addition, we, and our common unitholders, could be taxed on any such restructuring. The nature of any such restructuring would depend on the precise provisions of the legislation that was ultimately enacted, as well as the particular facts and circumstances of Blackstone’s operations at the time any such legislation were to take effect, making the task of predicting the amount of additional tax highly speculative.

On February 22, 2012, the Obama administration announced its “framework” of key elements to change the U.S. federal income tax rules for businesses. Few specifics were included, and it is unclear what any actual legislation would provide, when it would be proposed or what its prospects for enactment would be. Several parts of the framework, if enacted, could adversely affect us. First, the framework would reduce the deductibility of interest for corporations in some manner not specified. A reduction in interest deductions could increase our tax rate and thereby reduce cash available for distribution to investors or for other uses by us. Such a reduction could also increase the effective cost of financing by companies in which we invest, which could reduce the value of our Carried Interest in respect of such companies. The framework would also reduce the top marginal tax rate on corporations from 35% to 28%. Such a change could increase the effective cost of financing such investments, which could again reduce the value of our Carried Interest. The framework suggests some entities currently treated as partnerships for tax purposes should be subject to an entity-level income tax similar to the corporate income tax. If such a proposal caused us to be subject to additional entity-level taxes, it could reduce cash available for distribution to investors or for other uses by us. Finally, the framework reiterates the President’s support for treatment of Carried Interest as ordinary income, as provided in the President’s revenue proposal for 2013 described above. Because the framework did not include specifics, its effect on us is unclear.

Economic Income

Blackstone uses Economic Income (“EI”) as a key measure of value creation, a benchmark of its performance and in making resource deployment and compensation decisions across its five segments. EI represents segment net income before taxes excluding transaction-related charges. Transaction-related charges arise from Blackstone’s initial public offering (“IPO”) and long-term retention programs outside of annual deferred compensation and other corporate actions, including acquisitions. Transaction-related charges include equity-based compensation charges, the amortization of intangible assets and contingent consideration associated with acquisitions. EI presents revenues and expenses on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage. Prior to June 30, 2012, EI had been called Economic Net Income. The renaming of this measure did not change any of the previously reported amounts. Economic Net Income (“ENI”) now represents EI adjusted to include current period taxes. Taxes represent the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes.

 

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Distributable Earnings

Distributable Earnings, which is derived from our segment reported results, is a supplemental measure to assess performance and amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. Distributable Earnings, which is a non-GAAP measure, is intended to show the amount of net realized earnings without the effects of the consolidation of the Blackstone Funds. Distributable Earnings is derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for our discussion of Distributable Earnings.

Distributable Earnings, which is a component of Economic Net Income, is the sum across all segments of: (a) Total Management and Advisory Fees, (b) Interest and Dividend Revenue, (c) Other Revenue, (d) Realized Performance Fees, and (e) Realized Investment Income (Loss); less (a) Compensation, (b) Realized Performance Fee Compensation, (c) Other Operating Expenses and (d) Taxes and Payables Under the Tax Receivable Agreement. It is Blackstone’s current intention that on an annual basis it will distribute to unitholders all of its Distributable Earnings, less realized investment gains and returns of capital from investments and acquisitions, in excess of amounts determined by its general partner to be necessary or appropriate to provide for the conduct of its business, to make appropriate investments in its business and funds, to comply with applicable law, any of its debt instruments or other agreements, or to provide for future distributions to its unitholders for any ensuing quarter.

Fee Related Earnings

Blackstone uses Fee Related Earnings (“FRE”) as a measure to highlight earnings from operations excluding: (a) the income related to performance fees and related performance fee compensation costs, (b) income earned from Blackstone’s investments in the Blackstone Funds, and (c) realized and unrealized gains (losses) from other investments except for such gains (losses) from Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies. Management uses FRE as a measure to assess whether recurring revenue from our businesses is sufficient to adequately cover all of our operating expenses and generate profits. FRE equals contractual fee revenues, investment income from Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies and interest income, less (a) compensation expenses (which includes amortization of non-IPO and non-acquisition-related equity-based awards, but excludes amortization of IPO and acquisition-related equity-based awards, Carried Interest and incentive fee compensation) and (b) other operating expenses. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for our discussion of Fee Related Earnings.

Operating Metrics

The alternative asset management business is a complex business that is primarily based on managing third party capital and does not require substantial capital investment to support rapid growth. However, there also can be volatility associated with its earnings and cash flows. Since our inception, we have developed and used various key operating metrics to assess and monitor the operating performance of our various alternative asset management businesses in order to monitor the effectiveness of our value creating strategies.

Assets Under Management. Assets Under Management refers to the assets we manage. Our Assets Under Management equals the sum of:

 

  (a) the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds and our side-by-side investments, plus the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds and side-by-side investments pursuant to the terms of their respective capital commitments, plus the fair value of co-investments managed by us,

 

  (b) the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, closed-end mutual funds and registered investment companies,

 

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  (c) the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts, and

 

  (d) the amount of capital raised for our CLOs.

Our carry funds are commitment-based drawdown structured funds that do not permit investors to redeem their interests at their election. Interests related to our funds of hedge funds and certain of our credit-oriented funds are generally subject to annual, semi-annual or quarterly withdrawal or redemption by investors upon advance written notice, with the majority of our funds requiring from 60 days up to 95 days’ notice, depending on the fund and the liquidity profile of the underlying assets. Investment advisory agreements related to separately managed accounts may generally be terminated by an investor on 30 to 90 days’ notice.

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management . Fee-Earning Assets Under Management refers to the assets we manage on which we derive management and / or performance fees. Our Fee-Earning Assets Under Management equals the sum of:

 

  (a) for our Private Equity segment funds and carry funds in our Real Estate segment, which include certain real estate debt investment funds, the amount of capital commitments, remaining invested capital or par value of assets held, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 

  (b) for our credit-oriented carry funds, the amount of remaining invested capital (which may include leverage) or net asset value, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 

  (c) the remaining invested capital of co-investments managed by us on which we receive fees,

 

  (d) the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, certain credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies, and our closed-end mutual funds,

 

  (e) the fair value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,

 

  (f) the gross amount of underlying assets of our CLOs at cost, and

 

  (g) the gross amount of assets (including leverage) for certain of our credit-oriented closed-end registered investment companies.

Our calculations of assets under management and fee-earning assets under management may differ from the calculations of other asset managers, and as a result this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. In addition, our calculation of assets under management includes commitments to, and the fair value of, invested capital in our funds from Blackstone and our personnel, regardless of whether such commitments or invested capital are subject to fees. Our definitions of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management are not based on any definition of assets under management or fee-earning assets under management that is set forth in the agreements governing the investment funds that we manage.

For our carry funds, total assets under management includes the fair value of the investments held, whereas fee-earning assets under management includes the amount of capital commitments or the remaining amount of invested capital at cost, depending on whether the investment period has or has not expired. As such, fee-earning assets under management may be greater than total assets under management when the aggregate fair value of the remaining investments is less than the cost of those investments.

Limited Partner Capital Invested. Limited Partner Capital Invested represents the amount of Limited Partner capital commitments which were invested by our carry funds during each period presented, plus the capital invested through co-investments arranged by us that were made by limited partners in investments of our carry funds on which we receive fees or a Carried Interest allocation.

We manage our business using traditional financial measures and our key operating metrics since we believe that these metrics measure the productivity of our investment activities.

 

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Consolidated Results of Operations

Following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. For a more detailed discussion of the factors that affected the results of our five business segments (which are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage) in these periods, see “—Segment Analysis” below.

The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations and certain key operating metrics for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

    Three Months Ended           Six Months Ended        
    June 30,     2012 vs. 2011     June 30,     2012 vs. 2011  
    2012     2011     $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Revenues

               

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  $ 488,048      $ 498,040      $ (9,992     -2   $ 959,724      $ 910,778      $ 48,946        5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

               

Realized

               

Carried Interest

    55,929        42,750        13,179        31     69,489        136,153        (66,664     -49

Incentive Fees

    11,631        19,013        (7,382     -39     16,910        21,813        (4,903     -22

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    84,290        611,158        (526,868     -86     383,086        1,043,305        (660,219     -63

Incentive Fees

    (16,436     (670     (15,766     N/M        50,699        79,584        (28,885     -36
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    135,414        672,251        (536,837     -80     520,184        1,280,855        (760,671     -59
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

               

Realized

    5,758        19,303        (13,545     -70     22,093        32,086        (9,993     -31

Unrealized

    (10,519     108,711        (119,230     N/M        62,307        216,106        (153,799     -71
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    (4,761     128,014        (132,775     N/M        84,400        248,192        (163,792     -66
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    9,267        8,848        419        5     16,903        18,338        (1,435     -8

Other

    (765     1,128        (1,893     N/M        (1,972     3,387        (5,359     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    627,203        1,308,281        (681,078     -52     1,579,239        2,461,550        (882,311     -36
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

               

Compensation and Benefits

               

Compensation

    533,367        699,432        (166,065     -24     1,028,622        1,358,915        (330,293     -24

Performance Fee Compensation

               

Realized

               

Carried Interest

    7,898        18,676        (10,778     -58     15,836        32,243        (16,407     -51

Incentive Fees

    5,576        9,036        (3,460     -38     9,828        10,012        (184     -2

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    36,815        123,714        (86,899     -70     121,359        249,670        (128,311     -51

Incentive Fees

    (9,595     (5,616     (3,979     -71     3,183        30,953        (27,770     -90
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    574,061        845,242        (271,181     -32     1,178,828        1,681,793        (502,965     -30

General, Administrative and Other

    135,737        126,118        9,619        8     278,503        255,504        22,999        9

Interest Expense

    13,773        14,185        (412     -3     28,291        27,988        303        1

Fund Expenses

    16,248        (714     16,962        N/M        37,990        10,410        27,580        N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    739,819        984,831        (245,012     -25     1,523,612        1,975,695        (452,083     -23
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Income (Loss)

               

Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities

    248,230        (74,654     322,884        N/M        536,372        (119,845     656,217        N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Provision for Taxes

    135,614        248,796        (113,182     -45     591,999        366,010        225,989        62

Provision for Taxes

    41,337        64,199        (22,862     -36     80,090        103,049        (22,959     -22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

    94,277        184,597        (90,320     -49     511,909        262,961        248,948        95

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    (17,666     205        (17,871     N/M        36,594        22,942        13,652        60

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non- Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    239,934        (92,753     332,687        N/M        437,576        (186,546     624,122        N/M   

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

    (53,027     190,908        (243,935     N/M        54,378        297,624        (243,246     -82
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $ (74,964   $ 86,237      $ (161,201     N/M      $ (16,639   $ 128,941      $ (145,580     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

N/M  Not meaningful.

 

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Revenues

Total Revenues were $627.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $681.1 million compared to Total Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2011 of $1.3 billion. This decrease in revenues was primarily driven by a decrease of $536.8 million in Performance Fees and a decrease of $132.8 million in Investment Income (Loss). These decreases were largely driven by the volatility in the public markets as a result of global economic uncertainty.

Total Revenues were $1.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $882.3 million compared to Total Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2011 of $2.5 billion. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease of $760.7 million in Performance Fees and a $163.8 million decrease in Investment Income (Loss), partially offset by a $48.9 million increase in Management and Advisory Fees. The decreases were largely driven by the volatility in the public markets as a result of global economic uncertainty.

Expenses

Expenses were $739.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $245.0 million, or 25%, compared to $984.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $271.2 million in Compensation and Benefits. Performance Fee Compensation decreased $105.1 million from the prior year period due to the reversals of Performance Fee accruals related to the decline in Performance Fees. Compensation decreased $166.1 million from the prior year period to $533.4 million primarily due to a decline in equity compensation resulting from the vesting of certain IPO awards in 2011. General, Administrative and Other expenses were $135.7 million for the current quarter, an increase of $9.6 million, driven primarily by the levels of business activity and headcount.

Expenses were $1.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $452.1 million, or 23%, compared to $2.0 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $503.0 million in Compensation and Benefits across the segments. Compensation decreased $330.3 million from the prior year period to $1.0 billion principally due to the absence of equity-based compensation expense discussed above. General, Administrative and Other expenses were $278.5 million for the current year period, an increase of $23.0 million driven by the same factors as for the quarterly period noted above.

Other Income

Other Income (Loss) is comprised of Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities. Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities is attributable to the consolidated Blackstone Funds which are largely held by third party investors. As such, most of this Other Income is eliminated from the results attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. through the redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Other Income (Loss) was $248.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $322.9 million compared to $(74.7) million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The change was principally driven by increases in unrealized gains relating to the consolidated CLO vehicles. This increase was due to a greater demand in the market from the first quarter of 2011 for the underlying investments held by the consolidated CLO vehicles which raised asset values as well as the consolidation of the CLO vehicles from the Harbourmaster and Allied Irish Banks acquisitions.

Other Income (Loss) was $536.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $656.2 million compared to $(119.8) million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The change was principally driven by the same factors discussed above for the three month period.

 

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Provision for Taxes

Blackstone’s Provision for Taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was $41.3 million and $64.2 million, respectively. This results in an effective tax rate of 30.5% and 25.8%, respectively, based on our Income Before Provision for Taxes of $135.6 million and $248.8 million, respectively. The 4.7% increase in the effective tax rate resulted mainly due to the impact of the portion of equity-based compensation that is not deductible for tax purposes and the foreign tax provision.

Blackstone’s Provision for Taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was $80.1 million and $103.0 million, respectively. This results in an effective tax rate of 13.5% and 28.2%, respectively, based on our Income Before Provision for Taxes of $592.0 million and $366.0 million, respectively.

Two principal factors contributed to the 14.7% decrease in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. First, the GAAP equity-based compensation expense exceeds the tax deductible equity-based compensation expense. The tax expense attributable to equity-based compensation was $37.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $57.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. This decrease reduced our effective tax rate by 9.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the corresponding prior year period. Second, state and local taxes, net of federal benefit where applicable, were $19.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $33.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. This decrease in state and local taxes reduced our effective tax rate by 5.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the corresponding prior year period. The reduction was due to less income subject to New York State and New York City taxes in the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

The Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities and Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities is attributable to the consolidated Blackstone Funds. The amounts of these items vary directly with the performance of the consolidated Blackstone Funds and largely eliminate the amount of Other Income—Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities from the Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

Net income (Loss) Attributed to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings is derived from the Income (Loss) before Provision (Benefits) for Taxes, excluding the Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities and the percentage allocation of the income between Blackstone Holdings and the Blackstone Group L.P.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Net Loss Attributed to the Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings was primarily driven by the reduction in revenues resulting from the variance in Performance Fees.

 

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Operating Metrics

The following tables present certain operating metrics for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. For a description of how Assets Under Management and Fee-Earning Assets Under Management are determined, please see “— Key Financial Measures and Indicators — Operating Metrics — Assets Under Management and Fee-Earning Assets Under Management”:

 

    Three Months Ended  
    June 30, 2012     June 30, 2011  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total     Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management

                   

Balance, Beginning of Period

  $ 37,323,635      $ 36,647,462      $ 40,543,772      $ 41,746,577      $ 156,261,446      $ 35,892,804      $ 26,454,012      $ 35,847,002      $ 25,838,878      $ 124,032,696   

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

    298,933        2,499,061        1,218,854        1,760,420        5,777,268        24,867        1,477,485        2,201,583        3,468,704        7,172,639   

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

    —          (61,337     (774,950     (825,462     (1,661,749     (65,161     (72,376     (585,403     (839,624     (1,562,564

Realizations (c)

    (455,862     (447,054     —          (133,487     (1,036,403     (98,616     (78,799     —          (481,040     (658,455
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Inflows (Outflows)

    (156,929     1,990,670        443,904        801,471        3,079,116        (138,910     1,326,310        1,616,180        2,148,040        4,951,620   

Market Appreciation (Depreciation) (d)

    (7,254     (162,009     (826,497     (698,281     (1,694,041     24,346        138,678        (218,673     72,539        16,890   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period (e)

  $ 37,159,452      $ 38,476,123      $ 40,161,179      $ 41,849,767      $ 157,646,521      $ 35,778,240      $ 27,919,000      $ 37,244,509      $ 28,059,457      $ 129,001,206   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

  $ (164,183   $ 1,828,661      $ (382,593   $ 103,190      $ 1,385,075      $ (114,564   $ 1,464,988      $ 1,397,507      $ 2,220,579      $ 4,968,510   

Increase (Decrease)

    0     5     -1     0     1     0     6     4     9     4

 

    Six Months Ended  
    June 30, 2012     June 30, 2011  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total     Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management

                   

Balance, Beginning of Period

  $ 37,237,791      $ 31,236,540      $ 37,819,636      $ 30,462,786      $ 136,756,753      $ 24,188,555      $ 26,814,714      $ 33,159,795      $ 25,337,158      $ 109,500,222   

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

    798,480        8,391,945        2,664,813        13,477,969        25,333,207        14,289,311        1,765,481        4,654,003        4,502,501        25,211,296   

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

    —          (67,482     (1,126,168     (1,329,829     (2,523,479     (2,173,599     (199,962     (973,429     (1,544,048     (4,891,038

Realizations (c)

    (876,475     (1,057,641     —          (732,150     (2,666,266     (555,155     (878,191     —          (713,332     (2,146,678
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Inflows (Outflows)

    (77,995     7,266,822        1,538,645        11,415,990        20,143,462        11,560,557        687,328        3,680,574        2,245,121        18,173,580   

Market Appreciation (Depreciation) (d)

    (344     (27,239     802,898        (29,009     746,306        29,128        416,958        404,140        477,178        1,327,404   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period (e)

  $ 37,159,452      $ 38,476,123      $ 40,161,179      $ 41,849,767      $ 157,646,521      $ 35,778,240      $ 27,919,000      $ 37,244,509      $ 28,059,457      $ 129,001,206   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

  $ (78,339   $ 7,239,583      $ 2,341,543      $ 11,386,981      $ 20,889,768      $ 11,589,685      $ 1,104,286      $ 4,084,714      $ 2,722,299      $ 19,500,984   

Increase (Decrease)

    0     23     6     37     15     48     4     12     11     18

 

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Table of Contents
    Three Months Ended  
    June 30, 2012     June 30, 2011  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total     Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Assets Under Management

                   

Balance, Beginning of Period

  $ 47,624,013      $ 48,322,760      $ 43,351,275      $ 50,776,119      $ 190,074,167      $ 43,955,392      $ 34,990,590      $ 39,542,086      $ 31,475,397      $ 149,963,465   

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

    859,801        1,946,272        1,230,645        1,620,906        5,657,624        240,871        1,523,362        1,919,856        3,686,847        7,370,936   

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

    (1,660     (69,354     (823,325     (1,169,518     (2,063,857     (55,703     (73,024     (695,179     (746,773     (1,570,679

Realizations (c)

    (403,199     (860,679     —          (187,884     (1,451,762     (91,605     (526,701     —          (812,214     (1,430,520
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Inflows

    454,942        1,016,239        407,320        263,504        2,142,005        93,563        923,637        1,224,677        2,127,860        4,369,737   

Market Appreciation (Depreciation) (d)

    (1,445,403     886,951        (869,649     (520,240     (1,948,341     2,679,346        1,691,333        (188,544     187,836        4,369,971   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period (e)

  $ 46,633,552      $ 50,225,950      $ 42,888,946      $ 50,519,383      $ 190,267,831      $ 46,728,301      $ 37,605,560      $ 40,578,219      $ 33,791,093      $ 158,703,173   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

  $ (990,461   $ 1,903,190      $ (462,329   $ (256,736   $ 193,664      $ 2,772,909      $ 2,614,970      $ 1,036,133      $ 2,315,696      $ 8,739,708   

Increase (Decrease)

    -2     4     -1     -1     0     6     7     3     7     6

 

    Six Months Ended  
    June 30, 2012     June 30, 2011  
    Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total     Private
Equity
    Real Estate     Hedge
Fund
Solutions
    Credit
Businesses
    Total  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Assets Under Management

                   

Balance, Beginning of Period

  $ 45,863,673      $ 42,852,669      $ 40,534,768      $ 36,977,394      $ 166,228,504      $ 29,319,136      $ 33,165,124      $ 34,587,292      $ 31,052,368      $ 128,123,920   

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

    1,937,934        6,691,244        2,696,590        15,816,166        27,141,934        15,101,669        2,332,893        6,641,032        4,501,066        28,576,660   

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

    (2,736     (85,756     (1,200,411     (1,871,043     (3,159,946     (64,682     (249,487     (1,103,213     (1,533,205     (2,950,587

Realizations (c)

    (1,217,408     (1,461,224     —          (791,094     (3,469,726     (1,824,063     (1,381,489     —          (1,117,497     (4,323,049
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Inflows

    717,790        5,144,264        1,496,179        13,154,029        20,512,262        13,212,924        701,917        5,537,819        1,850,364        21,303,024   

Market Appreciation (d)

    52,089        2,229,017        857,999        387,960        3,527,065        4,196,241        3,738,519        453,108        888,361        9,276,229   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period (e)

  $ 46,633,552      $ 50,225,950      $ 42,888,946      $ 50,519,383      $ 190,267,831      $ 46,728,301      $ 37,605,560      $ 40,578,219      $ 33,791,093      $ 158,703,173   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase

  $ 769,879      $ 7,373,281      $ 2,354,178      $ 13,541,989      $ 24,039,327      $ 17,409,165      $ 4,440,436      $ 5,990,927      $ 2,738,725      $ 30,579,253   

Increase

    2     17     6     37     14     59     13     17     9     24

 

(a) Inflows represent contributions in our hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds, increases in available capital for our carry funds (capital raises, recallable capital and increased side-by-side commitments) and CLOs and increases in the capital we manage pursuant to separately managed account programs.
(b) Outflows represent redemptions in our hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds, client withdrawals from our separately managed account programs and decreases in available capital for our carry funds (expired capital, expense drawdowns and decreased side-by-side commitments). Also included is the distribution of funds associated with the discontinuation of our proprietary single manager hedge funds.
(c) Realizations represent realizations from the disposition of assets.
(d) Market appreciation (depreciation) includes realized and unrealized gains (losses) on portfolio investments and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
(e) Fee-Earning Assets Under Management and Assets Under Management as of June 30, 2012 included $292.7 million and $529.5 million, respectively, from a joint venture in which we are the minority interest holder.

 

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Fee-Earning Assets Under Management

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $157.6 billion at June 30, 2012, an increase of $1.4 billion, or 1%, compared to $156.3 billion at March 31, 2012. Inflows of $5.8 billion were primarily related to (a) inflows of $298.9 million in our Private Equity segment primarily related to additional capital raised for our energy focused fund, Blackstone Energy Partners (“BEP”), (b) inflows of $2.5 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily related to additional closings of commitments in BREP VII, (c) inflows of $1.2 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment primarily related to growth in its commingled and customized investment products and long only solutions business, and (d) inflows of $1.8 billion in our Credit Businesses segment principally due to limited partner capital invested in our carry funds and inflows across our long only platform. Outflows of $1.7 billion were primarily attributable to (a) outflows of $825.5 million in our Credit Businesses segment, due primarily to the returns of capital to investors of certain CLO vehicles post their reinvestment periods, and (b) outflows of $775.0 million in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment as a result of, in general, the liquidity needs of limited partners. Realizations of $1.0 billion were driven by (a) realizations of $455.9 million in our Private Equity segment that were primarily a result of the dispositions of investments in funds which earn fees based on remaining invested capital, and (b) realizations of $447.1 million in our Real Estate segment primarily due to realizations from various investments within the real estate segment’s funds. Net market depreciation of $1.7 billion was principally due to declines and increased volatility in the global markets during the second quarter of 2012.

BAAM had net inflows of $1.3 billion from July 1 through August 1, 2012.

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $157.6 billion at June 30, 2012, an increase of $20.9 billion, or 15%, compared to $136.8 billion at December 31, 2011. Inflows of $25.3 billion were primarily related to (a) inflows of $798.5 million in our Private Equity segment primarily due to additional capital raised for our energy focused fund, BEP, and the final close for our BCP VI fund, (b) inflows of $8.4 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily due to additional closings of commitments in BREP VII, (c) inflows of $2.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment mainly from BAAM’s customized and commingled investment products, and (d) inflows of $13.5 billion in our Credit Businesses segment primarily due to the $9.4 billion acquisition of Harbourmaster on January 5, 2012. Outflows of $2.5 billion were primarily attributable to (a) outflows of $1.3 billion in our Credit Businesses segment principally due to returns of capital to investors of certain CLO vehicles post their reinvestment periods, and (b) outflows of $1.1 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment primarily due to liquidity needs of limited partners. Realizations of $2.7 billion were driven by (a) realizations of $1.1 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily due to realizations from various investments within the BREP and BREDS’ funds, (b) realizations of $876.5 million in our Private Equity segment primarily as a result of the dispositions of investments in funds which earn fees based on remaining invested capital, and (c) realizations of $732.1 million in our Credit Businesses segment principally due to returns of capital due to realizations in the carry funds.

Assets Under Management

Assets Under Management were $190.3 billion at June 30, 2012, an increase of $193.7 million, compared to $190.1 billion at March 31, 2012. Inflows of $5.7 billion were primarily related to (a) inflows of $859.8 million in our Private Equity segment due to the closing on a multi-asset class investment fund and additional closings on our BEP fund, (b) inflows of $1.9 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily related to additional closings of commitments in BREP VII, (c) inflows of $1.2 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment due to growth in its commingled and customized investment products, and (d) inflows of $1.6 billion in our Credit Businesses segment driven by inflows across our long only platform. Net market depreciation of $1.9 billion was principally due to declines and increased volatility in the global markets during the second quarter of 2012. Outflows of $2.1 billion and realizations of $1.5 billion across the segments were due to the same reasons noted in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management above.

Assets Under Management were $190.3 billion at June 30, 2012, an increase of $24.0 billion, or 14%, compared to $166.2 billion at December 31, 2011. Inflows of $27.1 billion were primarily related to (a) inflows

 

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of $1.9 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by the closing on a multi-asset class investment fund and additional closings on our BEP fund, (b) inflows of $6.7 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily due to additional closings of commitments in BREP VII, (c) inflows of $2.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment due to growth in its commingled and customized investment products, and (d) inflows of $15.8 billion in our Credit Businesses segment primarily due to the $9.6 billion acquisition of Harbourmaster on January 5, 2012. Outflows of $3.2 billion and realizations of $3.5 billion across the segments were due to the same reasons noted in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management above.

Limited Partner Capital Invested

The following table presents the limited partner capital deployed during the respective periods:

 

    Three Months Ended                 Six Months Ended        
    June 30,     2012 vs. 2011     June 30,     2012 vs. 2011  
    2012     2011     $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Capital Deployed

               

Limited Partner Capital Invested

               

Private Equity

  $ 102,899      $ 667,341      $ (564,422     -85   $ 745,943      $ 1,320,623      $ (574,680     -44

Real Estate

    1,855,108        2,785,188        (930,080     -33     2,998,663        3,439,616        (440,953     -13

Hedge Fund Solutions

    —          49,409        (49,409     -100     4,661        246,051        (241,390     -98

Credit Businesses

    445,616        152,882        292,734        191     1,373,789        307,180        1,066,609        N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,403,623      $ 3,654,820      $ (1,251,197     -34   $ 5,123,056      $ 5,313,470      $ (190,414     -4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Limited Partner Capital Invested was $2.4 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $1.3 billion, or 34%, from $3.7 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Limited Partner Capital Invested was $5.1 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $0.2 billion, or 4%, compared to $5.3 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The change for the six month period primarily reflected an increase of $1.1 billion in our Credit Businesses segment due to limited partner capital invested in our mezzanine and rescue lending funds, partially offset by decreases of $574.7 million in our Private Equity segment due to timing of transactions being closed and $441.0 million in our Real Estate segment due to the acquisition of the U.S. assets of Brixmor (formerly known as Centro) during the second quarter of 2011.

 

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Net Accrued Performance Fees

The following table presents the accrued performance fees, net of compensation, of the Blackstone Funds as of June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     June 30,  
     2012      2011  
     (Dollars in Millions)  

Private Equity

     

BCP IV Carried Interest

   $ 532       $ 684   

Other Carried Interest

     1         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Private Equity

     533         684   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Real Estate

     

BREP V Carried Interest

     377         271   

BREP VI Carried Interest

     530         326   

BREP VII Carried Interest

     22         —     

BREP Int’l I Carried Interest

     7         8   

BREP EU III Carried Interest

     53         7   

BREDS Carried Interest

     15         11   

BREDS Incentive Fees

     4         6   

Asia Platform Incentive Fees

     27         21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Real Estate

     1,035         650   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Hedge Fund Solutions

     

Incentive Fees

     12         15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Hedge Fund Solutions

     12         15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Businesses

     

Carried Interest

     106         86   

Incentive Fees

     70         104   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Credit Businesses

     176         190   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Blackstone

     

Carried Interest

     1,643         1,393   

Incentive Fees

     113         146   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Accrued Performance Fees

   $ 1,756       $ 1,539   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Net accrued performance fees are presented net of compensation and does not include clawback amounts, if any, which are disclosed in Note 16. “Commitments and Contingencies — Contingencies — Contingent Obligations (Clawback)” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.
(b) Private Equity and Real Estate include Co-Investments.

 

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Investment Record

Fund returns information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the investment record of our significant draw down funds from inception through June 30, 2012:

 

                Unrealized Investments     Realized
Investments
    Total Investments     Net IRR (c)  

Fund

(Investment Period)

  Committed
Capital
    Available
Capital (a)
    Value     MOIC
(b)
    %
Public
    Value     MOIC
(b)
    Value     MOIC
(b)
    Realized     Total  
    (Dollars in Thousands, Except Where Noted)  

Private Equity

                     

BCP I (Oct 1987 / Oct 1993)

  $ 859,081      $ —        $ —          N/A        —        $ 1,741,738        2.6x      $ 1,741,738        2.6x        19     19

BCP II (Oct 1993 / Aug 1997)

    1,361,100        —          —          N/A        —          3,256,351        2.5x        3,256,351        2.5x        32     32

BCP III (Aug 1997 / Nov 2002)

    3,973,378        167,776        20,150        0.5x        100     9,160,904        2.3x        9,181,054        2.3x        14     14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Contributed Funds

    6,193,559        167,776        20,150        0.5x        100     14,158,993        2.4x        14,179,143        2.4x        19     19
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BCOM (June 2000 / Jun 2006)

    2,137,330        202,433        420,861        0.5x        49     2,407,519        1.8x        2,828,380        1.3x        18     6

BCP IV (Nov 2002 / Dec 2005)

    6,773,138        293,165        4,966,740        1.7x        62     14,253,335        3.1x        19,220,075        2.6x        60     37

BCP V (Dec 2005 / Jan 2011)

    20,995,132        1,249,114        17,791,758        1.0x        16     3,481,145        1.7x        21,272,904        1.1x        31     1

BCP VI (Jan 2011 / Jan 2016) (d)

    15,219,872        12,273,206        1,738,542        1.0x        2     N/A        N/A        1,738,542        1.0x        N/A        N/M   

BEP (Aug 2011 / Aug 2017) (d)

    1,493,971        595,115        349,006        1.0x        —          N/A        N/A        349,006        1.0x        N/A        N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributed Funds

    46,619,443        14,613,033        25,266,907        1.1x        24     20,141,999        2.5x        45,408,907        1.4x        44     10
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Private Equity

  $ 52,813,002      $ 14,780,809      $ 25,287,057        1.1x        24   $ 34,300,992        2.5x      $ 59,588,050        1.6x        23     14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Real Estate

                     

Dollar

                     

Pre-BREP

  $ 140,714      $ —        $ —          N/M        —        $ 345,190        2.5x      $ 345,190        2.5x        33     33

BREP I (Sep 1994 / Oct 1996)

    380,708        —          —          N/M        —          1,327,708        2.8x        1,327,708        2.8x        40     40

BREP II (Oct 1996 / Mar 1999)

    1,198,339        —          —          N/M        —          2,524,866        2.1x        2,524,866        2.1x        19     19

BREP III (Apr 1999 / Apr 2003)

    1,522,708        —          2,161        0.1x        —          3,323,362        2.4x        3,325,523        2.3x        22     21
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Contributed Funds

    3,242,469        —          2,161        0.1x        —          7,521,126        2.3x        7,523,287        2.3x        25     25
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BREP IV (Apr 2003 / Dec 2005)

    2,198,694        —          1,336,058        0.8x        6     2,856,053        2.5x        4,192,111        1.5x        82     14

BREP V (Dec 2005 / Feb 2007)

    5,538,579        243,769        6,967,522        1.5x        —          2,013,265        1.8x        8,980,787        1.6x        90     9

BREP VI (Feb 2007 / Aug 2011)

    11,055,826        863,812        14,483,754        1.4x        5     839,657        2.0x        15,323,411        1.4x        42     9

BREP VII (Aug 2011 / Feb 2017) (e)

    11,095,933        9,024,471        2,510,074        1.1x        —          122,580        1.2x        2,632,654        1.1x        81     33

BREDS Drawdown (Various)

    2,707,949        736,212        2,220,735        1.1x        —          807,258        1.3x        3,027,993        1.2x        23     13

BREP Co-Investment (Various) (f)

    —          —          3,782,359        1.4x        1     424,343        1.3x        4,206,702        1.4x        10     11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributed Funds

    32,596,981        10,868,264        31,300,502        1.3x        2     7,063,156        1.9x        38,363,658        1.4x        34     10
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Dollar

  $ 35,839,450      $ 10,868,264      $ 31,302,663        1.3x        2   $ 14,584,282        2.1x      $ 45,886,945        1.5x        27     15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Euro

                     

BREP Int’l (Jan 2001 / Sep 2005)

  824,172      —        106,093        1.1x        —        1,223,776        2.2x      1,329,869        2.0x        26     23

BREP Int’l II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008)

    1,626,942        82,162        1,150,816        0.9x        —          172,038        1.5x        1,322,854        1.0x        16     -3

BREP Europe III (Jun 2008 / Dec 2013)

    3,194,504        2,165,390        1,620,362        1.5x        —          15,712        2.8x        1,636,074        1.5x        49     22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Euro

  5,645,618      2,247,552      2,877,271        1.2x        —        1,411,526        2.1x      4,288,797        1.4x        25     8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Real Estate

  $ 42,958,303      $ 13,720,124      $ 34,924,920        1.3x        2   $ 16,325,236        2.1x      $ 51,250,156        1.5x        27     14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit Businesses

                     

Mezzanine (Jul 2007 / Jul 2012)

  $ 6,120,000      $ 3,264,616      $ 3,759,438        1.2x        —        $ 1,433,168        1.6x      $ 5,192,605        1.3x        N/A        17

Rescue Lending (May 2009 / May 2013)

    3,253,143        1,325,640        2,519,227        1.2x        —          1,079,902        1.1x        3,599,129        1.2x        N/A        13
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Credit Businesses

  $ 9,373,143      $ 4,590,256      $ 6,278,665        1.2x        —        $ 2,513,070        1.4x      $ 8,791,734        1.2x        N/A        N/A   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

N/M Not meaningful.
N/A Not applicable.
(a) Available Capital represents total investable capital commitments, including side-by-side, adjusted for certain expenses and expired or recallable capital, less invested capital. This amount is not reduced by outstanding commitments to investments. Additionally, the Real Estate segment has $1.2 billion of Available Capital that has been reserved for add-on investments in funds that are fully invested.
(b) Multiple of Invested Capital (“MOIC”) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and Carried Interest, divided by invested capital.
(c) Net Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) represents the annualized inception to June 30, 2012 IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized value, as applicable, after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest.
(d) Returns for BCP VI and BEP are not meaningful as a material portion of the funds capital has yet to be invested.
(e) BREP VII commenced its investment period in August 2011 and as of August 6, 2012 continues to raise capital.
(f) BREP Co-Investment represents co-investment capital raised for various BREP investments. The Net IRR reflected is calculated by aggregating each co-investment’s realized proceeds and unrealized value, as applicable, after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest.

The Private Equity June 30, 2012 inception to date net IRR on a realized / partially realized basis for the following funds were BCP I, 19%; BCP II, 32%; BCP III, 14%; BCOM, 17%; BCP IV, 44%; and BCP V, 6%.

The Real Estate June 30, 2012 inception to date net IRR on a realized / partially realized basis for the following funds were Pre-BREP, 33%; BREP I, 40%; BREP II, 19%; BREP III, 22%; BREP Int’l, 26%; BREP IV, 65%; BREP Int’l II, 8%; BREP V, 60%; BREP VI, 39% and BREP Co-Investment, 11%.

Segment Analysis

Discussed below is our EI for each of our segments. This information is reflected in the manner utilized by our senior management to make operating decisions, assess performance and allocate resources. References to “our” sectors or investments may also refer to portfolio companies and investments of the underlying funds that we manage.

For segment reporting purposes, revenues and expenses are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage. As a result, segment revenues are greater than those presented on a consolidated GAAP basis because fund management fees recognized in certain segments are received from the Blackstone Funds and eliminated in consolidation when presented on a consolidated GAAP basis. Furthermore, segment expenses are lower than related amounts presented on a consolidated GAAP basis due to the exclusion of fund expenses that are paid by Limited Partners and the elimination of non-controlling interests.

 

 

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Private Equity

The following table presents our results of operations for our Private Equity segment:

 

    Three Months Ended                 Six Months Ended              
    June 30,     2012 vs. 2011     June 30,     2012 vs. 2011  
    2012     2011     $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Segment Revenues

               

Management Fees, Net

               

Base Management Fees

  $ 87,475      $ 82,297      $ 5,178        6   $ 173,264      $ 162,232      $ 11,032        7

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    14,951        52,353        (37,402     -71     33,048        87,695        (54,647     -62

Management Fee Offsets

    (672     (7,629     6,957        91     (4,454     (15,518     11,064        71
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

    101,754        127,021        (25,267     -20     201,858        234,409        (32,551     -14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

               

Realized

               

Carried Interest

    28,781        1,362        27,419        N/M        32,714        83,751        (51,037     -61

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    (87,893     187,190        (275,083     N/M        (53,842     219,727        (273,569     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    (59,112     188,552        (247,664     N/M        (21,128     303,478        (324,606     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

               

Realized

    (6,195     3,021        (9,216     N/M        7,716        20,928        (13,212     -63

Unrealized

    (28,337     76,947        (105,284     N/M        (11,868     106,073        (117,941     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    (34,532     79,968        (114,500     N/M        (4,152     127,001        (131,153     N/M   

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    3,114        3,197        (83     -3     5,534        6,702        (1,168     -17

Other

    562        665        (103     -15     347        1,476        (1,129     -76
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    11,786        399,403        (387,617     -97     182,459        673,066        (490,607     -73
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

               

Compensation and Benefits

               

Compensation

    53,775        64,633        (10,858     -17     106,322        119,557        (13,235     -11

Performance Fee Compensation

               

Realized

               

Carried Interest

    804        49        755        N/M        1,124        7,767        (6,643     -86

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    (8,259     29,309        (37,568     N/M        (9,311     34,773        (44,084     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    46,320        93,991        (47,671     -51     98,135        162,097        (63,962     -39

Other Operating Expenses

    30,521        30,124        397        1     59,402        58,837        565        1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    76,841        124,115        (47,274     -38     157,537        220,934        (63,397     -29
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

  $ (65,055   $ 275,288      $ (340,343     N/M      $ 24,922      $ 452,132      $ (427,210     -94
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

N/M   Not meaningful.

Revenues

Revenues were $11.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $387.6 million compared to $399.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in revenues was attributed to decreases in Performance Fees, Investment Income and Total Management Fees of $247.7 million, $114.5 million and $25.3 million, respectively.

 

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Performance Fees, which are determined on a fund by fund basis, were $(59.1) million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, principally due to a net loss in our BCP IV portfolio. While the current year quarter returns were unfavorably impacted by the public share prices of Kosmos Energy and TRW Automotive Holdings consistent with declines in the broader public markets, the previous year returns were driven by our publicly traded portfolio companies. On a realized basis, Performance Fees were $27.4 million greater than the second quarter of 2011 as BCP IV was able to execute the sale of a portion of its holdings in Team Health Holdings, generating a 3.1 times multiple of invested capital.

Investment Income (Loss) was $(34.5) million compared to $80.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Volatile markets unfavorably impacted our public holdings during the current year period while public holdings and our energy investments drove returns during the three months ended June 30, 2011. At June 30, 2012, the unrealized value and cumulative realized proceeds, before Carried Interest, fees and expenses, of our contributed private equity funds represented 1.4 times investors’ original investments. On a realized basis, this multiple was 2.5 times investors’ original investments for contributed funds.

Total Management Fees were $101.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $25.3 million compared to $127.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, driven by lower Transaction and Other Fees, partially offset by higher Base Management Fees and lower Management Fee Offsets. Base Management Fees were $87.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $5.2 million compared to $82.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, principally as a result of fees generated from our BEP fund, which commenced its investment period during the third quarter of 2011. Transaction and Other Fees were $15.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $37.4 million compared to $52.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The quarter ended June 30, 2011 included an accelerated monitoring fee received in connection with the initial public offering of Freescale Semiconductor as well as fees earned from new investments made during the period. Management Fee Offsets relate to a reduction of management fees payable by our limited partners in BCP VI based on the amount they reimbursed Blackstone for placement fees.

Revenues were $182.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $490.6 million compared to $673.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in revenues was attributed to decreases in Performance Fees, Investment Income and Total Management Fees of $324.6 million, $131.2 million, and $32.6 million, respectively.

Performance Fees, which are determined on a fund by fund basis, were $(21.1) million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $324.6 million, compared to $303.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, principally due to lower performance in the BCP IV portfolio driven by the decline in share prices of Kosmos Energy and Vanguard Health Systems, partially offset by increases in the values of Team Health Holdings and TRW Automotive Holdings, two additional public holdings. The comparative 2011 quarter returns were driven by investments in the energy sector and our public holdings.

Investment Income (Loss) was $(4.2) million, a decrease of $131.2 million, compared to $127.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, driven by BCOM, BCP IV and BCP V, which had significant appreciation during the six months ended June 30, 2011 outpacing the returns during the current year period.

Total Management Fees were $201.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $32.6 million compared to $234.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, driven by a decrease in Transaction and Other Fees, and partially offset by an increase in Base Management Fees and reduced Management Fee Offsets. Base Management Fees were $173.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $11.0 million compared to $162.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, principally as a result of fees generated from BEP, which commenced its investment period during the third quarter of 2011. Transaction and Other Fees were $33.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $54.6 million compared to $87.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Transaction and Other Fees for

 

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the six months ended June 30, 2011 included one time fees earned from the accelerated termination of management advisory service agreements related to Nielsen Holdings and Freescale Semiconductor, two portfolio companies that completed initial public offerings, as well as fees generated from new investment activity. Management Fee Offsets relate to a reduction of management fees payable by our limited partners in BCP VI based on the amount they reimbursed Blackstone for placement fees.

Expenses

Expenses were $76.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $47.3 million compared to $124.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The $47.3 million decrease was primarily attributed to a $36.8 million decrease in Performance Fee Compensation and a $10.9 million decrease in Compensation. Performance Fee Compensation decreased as a result of the decreases in Performance Fees revenue described above. Compensation decreased as a portion of it is related to the segment’s results, exclusive of Performance Fees and Investment Income. Other Operating Expenses were relatively flat over the same prior year period.

Expenses were $157.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $63.4 million, compared to $220.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The $63.4 million decrease was primarily attributed to a $50.7 million decrease in Performance Fee Compensation and a $13.2 million decrease in Compensation. Performance Fee Compensation decreased as a result of the decrease in Performance Fees revenue. Compensation decreased as a result of the decreased Management Fees revenue described above. Other Operating Expenses were relatively flat over the same prior year period.

Fund Returns

Fund returns information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the internal rates of return of our significant private equity funds:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
    June 30, 2012
Inception to Date
 
        
     2012     2011     2012     2011     Realized     Total  

Fund (a)

   Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net  

BCP IV

     -6     -4     17     15     -1     -1     30     27     78     60     51     37

BCP V

     -4     -4     7     7     1     1     10     10     49     31     2     1

BCP VI (b)

     N/M        N/M        N/M        N/M        N/M        N/M        N/M        N/M        N/A        N/A        N/M        N/M   

BEP (b)

     N/M        N/M        N/A        N/A        N/M        N/M        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/A        N/M        N/M   

The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

N/M Not meaningful.
N/A Not applicable.
(a) Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and Carried Interest allocations.
(b) Returns for BCP VI and BEP are not meaningful as a material portion of the funds’ capital has yet to be invested.

 

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The Private Equity segment has three active contributed funds with closed investment periods: BCP IV, BCP V and BCOM. As of June 30, 2012, BCP IV was above its Carried Interest threshold (i.e., the preferred return payable to its limited partners before the general partner is eligible to receive Carried Interest) and would still be above its Carried Interest threshold even if all remaining investments were valued at zero. BCP V is currently below its Carried Interest threshold. BCOM is currently below its Carried Interest threshold but has generated inception-to-date positive returns. We are entitled to retain previously realized Carried Interest up to 20% of BCOM’s net gains. As a result, Performance Fees are recognized from BCOM on current period gains and losses.

The following table presents the Carried Interest status of our private equity funds out of their investment period which are currently not generating performance fees as of June 30, 2012:

 

     Gain to Cross
Carried Interest
Threshold (a)
 
    

Funds out of the Investment Period

   Amount      % Change in
Total Enterprise
Value (b)
 
     (Dollars in Millions)         

BCP V (Dec 2005 / Jan 2011)

   $  6,421         13

 

(a) The general partner of each fund is allocated Carried Interest when the annualized returns, net of management fees and expenses, exceed the preferred return as dictated by the fund agreements. The preferred return is calculated for each limited partner individually. The Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold represents the increase in equity at the fund level (excluding our side-by-side investments) that is required for the general partner to begin accruing Carried Interest, assuming the gain is earned pro rata across the fund’s investments and is achieved at the reporting date.
(b) Total Enterprise Value is the respective fund’s pro rata ownership of the portfolio companies’ Enterprise Value at the reporting date.

 

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Real Estate

The following table presents our results of operations for our Real Estate segment:

 

    Three Months Ended                 Six Months Ended              
    June 30,     2012 vs. 2011     June 30,     2012 vs. 2011  
    2012     2011     $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)        

Segment Revenues

               

Management Fees, Net

               

Base Management Fees

  $ 127,817      $ 97,467      $ 30,350        31   $ 275,619      $ 192,906      $ 82,713        43

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    25,151        49,288        (24,137     -49     39,563        70,831        (31,268     -44

Management Fee Offsets

    (5,357     (745     (4,612     N/M        (13,984     (1,250     (12,734     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

    147,611        146,010        1,601        1     301,198        262,487        38,711        15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

               

Realized

               

Carried Interest

    13,539        11,798        1,741        15     22,156        14,169        7,987        56

Incentive Fees

    7,766        9,034        (1,268     -14     7,765        9,256        (1,491     -16

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    144,510        433,280        (288,770     -67     366,010        794,726        (428,716     -54

Incentive Fees

    (1,526     (3,822     2,296        60     6,388        2,836        3,552        125
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    164,289        450,290        (286,001     -64     402,319        820,987        (418,668     -51
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

               

Realized

    9,067        11,394        (2,327     -20     16,879        14,313        2,566        18

Unrealized

    14,944        37,332        (22,388     -60     40,856        98,738        (57,882     -59
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    24,011        48,726        (24,715     -51     57,735        113,051        (55,316     -49

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    3,277        2,989        288        10     5,829        6,277        (448     -7

Other

    (590     515        (1,105     N/M        (1,299     1,375        (2,674     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    338,598        648,530        (309,932     -48     765,782        1,204,177        (438,395     -36
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

               

Compensation and Benefits

               

Compensation

    76,576        70,651        5,925        8     145,465        128,278        17,187        13

Performance Fee Compensation Realized

               

Carried Interest

    3,401        5,095        (1,694     -33     7,478        6,221        1,257        20

Incentive Fees

    3,871        4,287        (416     -10     3,873        4,391        (518     -12

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    31,677        92,392        (60,715     -66     85,952        193,350        (107,398     -56

Incentive Fees

    (629     (1,371     742        54     3,139        4,172        (1,033     -25
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    114,896        171,054        (56,158     -33     245,907        336,412        (90,505     -27

Other Operating Expenses

    26,560        22,971        3,589        16     55,484        51,337        4,147        8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    141,456        194,025        (52,569     -27     301,391        387,749        (86,358     -22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $ 197,142      $ 454,505      $ (257,363     -57   $ 464,391      $ 816,428      $ (352,037     -43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

N/M   Not meaningful.

 

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Revenues

Revenues were $338.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $309.9 million compared to $648.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease of $286.0 million in Performance Fees and a decrease of $24.7 million in Investment Income.

Performance Fees, which are determined on a fund by fund basis, were $164.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $286.0 million compared to $450.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Performance Fees continued to benefit from the strong performance of our Real Estate carry funds. However, year over year comparison were negatively impacted by a decrease in the net appreciation of our BREP V and BREP VI carry funds’ investments and the “catch-up” provision of the Real Estate funds’ profit allocations in the prior year period. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the carrying value of assets for Blackstone’s contributed Real Estate funds, including fee-paying co-investments, increased 2.9% driven by the continued strengthening of operating fundamentals, particularly in our hospitality, office and retail holdings where occupancy rose during the quarter. As of June 30, 2012, the unrealized value and cumulative proceeds, before carried interest, fees and expenses, of our contributed Real Estate carry funds represented 1.4 times investors’ original investments. On a realized basis, this multiple was 1.9 times investors’ original investments.

Investment Income was $24.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $24.7 million compared to $48.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in Investment Income was primarily driven by the year over year decrease in the net appreciation of investments related to the BREP VI fund, in which Blackstone owns a greater share of such investments.

Total Management Fees were $147.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $1.6 million compared to $146.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Base Management Fees were $127.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $30.4 million compared to $97.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, which was primarily related to fees generated from the commencement of BREP VII. Transaction and Other Fees were $25.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $24.1 million compared to $49.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, which was primarily related to a decrease in the size of completed transactions.

Revenues were $765.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $438.4 million compared to $1.2 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributed to a decrease of $418.7 million in Performance Fees and a decrease of $55.3 million in Investment Income, partially offset by an increase of $38.7 million in Total Management Fees.

Performance Fees, which are determined on a fund by fund basis, were $402.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $418.7 million compared to $821.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Performance Fees continued to benefit from the strong performance of our Real Estate carry funds. However, year over year comparison were negatively impacted by a decrease in the net appreciation of our BREP V and BREP VI carry funds’ investments and the “catch-up” provision of the Real Estate funds’ profit allocations in the prior year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the carrying value of assets for Blackstone’s contributed Real Estate funds, including fee-paying co-investments, increased 6.7% driven by the continued strengthening of operating fundamentals, particularly in our hospitality, office and retail holdings where occupancy rose during the first half of the year.

Investment Income was $57.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $55.3 million compared to $113.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in Investment Income was primarily driven by the year over year decrease in the net appreciation of investments related to the BREP VI fund, in which Blackstone owns a greater share of such investments.

Total Management Fees were $301.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $38.7 million compared to $262.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Base Management Fees were

 

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$275.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $82.7 million compared to $192.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, which was primarily related to fees generated from the commencement of BREP VII. Transaction and Other Fees were $39.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $31.3 million compared to $70.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, which was primarily related to a decrease in the size of completed transactions.

Expenses

Expenses were $141.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $52.6 million, compared to $194.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily attributed to a $62.1 million decrease in Performance Fee Compensation, a result of a decrease in Performance Fees revenue, partially offset by an increase in Compensation of $5.9 million to $76.6 million. Compensation rose primarily due to an increase in headcount. Other Operating Expenses increased $3.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, principally due to depreciation, professional expense and other expenses.

Expenses were $301.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $86.4 million, compared to $387.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily attributed to a $107.7 million decrease in Performance Fee Compensation, a result of a decrease in Performance Fees revenue, partially offset by an increase in Compensation of $17.2 million to $145.5 million. Compensation rose primarily due to an increase in headcount. Other Operating Expenses increased $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, principally due to depreciation, professional expense and other expenses.

Fund Returns

Fund return information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the internal rates of return of our significant real estate funds:

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended    

June 30, 2012

 
     June 30,     June 30,     Inception to Date  
     2012     2011     2012     2011     Realized     Total  

Fund (a)

   Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net  

BREP International (b)

     11     7     28     21     10     7     28     21     35     26     33     23

BREP IV

     5     3     8     6     7     4     15     11     118     82     25     14

BREP V

     6     4     10     7     10     7     21     14     132     90     13     9

BREP International II (b)

     3     2     1     —          -2     -3     3     2     27     16     -1     -3

BREP VI

     2     1     7     4     6     4     17     10     51     42     13     9

BREP Europe III (b)

     9     6     5     1     11     7     7     —          60     49     59     22

BREP VII (c)

     8     4     N/A        N/A        31     17     N/A        N/A        N/M        81     69     33

BREDS

     4     3     2     2     9     7     7     6     31     23     17     13

BSSF I

     1     —          -2     -2     9     7     7     4     N/A        N/A        14     10

CMBS

     —          -1     -2     -2     8     6     7     4     N/A        N/A        17     12

BREP Co-Invest

     2     2     3     2     5     4     9     9     12     10     13     11

The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

N/A Not applicable.
N/M Not meaningful.

 

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(a) Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and performance fee allocations.
(b) Euro-based net internal rates of return.
(c) The BREP VII investment period commenced in August 2011.

The following table presents the Carried Interest status of our real estate carry funds with expired investment periods which are currently not generating performance fees as of June 30, 2012:

 

     Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold (a)  

Fully Invested Funds

   Amount      % Change in Total
Enterprise Value (b)
 
     (Amounts in Millions)  

BREP Int’l II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008)

   890         21

 

(a) The general partner of each fund is allocated Carried Interest when the annualized returns, net of management fees and expenses, exceed the preferred return as dictated by the fund agreements. The preferred return is calculated for each limited partner individually. The Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold represents the increase in equity at the fund level (excluding our side-by-side investments) that is required for the general partner to begin accruing Carried Interest, assuming the gain is earned pro rata across the fund’s investments and is achieved at the reporting date.
(b) Total Enterprise Value is the respective fund’s pro rata ownership of the privately held portfolio companies’ Enterprise Value.

The Real Estate segment has three funds in their investment period, which were above their respective Carried Interest thresholds as of June 30, 2012: BREP Europe III, BREP VII and BREDS.

 

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Hedge Fund Solutions

The following table presents our results of operations for our Hedge Fund Solutions segment:

 

    Three Months Ended           Six Months Ended        
    June 30,     2012 vs. 2011     June 30,     2012 vs. 2011  
    2012     2011     $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Segment Revenues

               

Management Fees, Net

               

Base Management Fees

  $ 84,278      $ 79,290      $ 4,988        6   $ 166,099      $ 154,902      $ 11,197        7

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    65        861        (796     -92     157        1,588        (1,431     -90

Management Fee Offsets

    (375     (196     (179     -91     (710     (320     (390     -122
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

    83,968        79,955        4,013        5     165,546        156,170        9,376        6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

               

Realized

               

Incentive Fees

    1,175        667        508        76     4,473        1,560        2,913        187

Unrealized

               

Incentive Fees

    (10,981     3,441        (14,422     N/M        12,206        22,694        (10,488     -46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    (9,806     4,108        (13,914     N/M        16,679        24,254        (7,575     -31
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

               

Realized

    929        12,855        (11,926     -93     1,432        14,196        (12,764     -90

Unrealized

    (3,636     (12,864     9,228        72     4,735        (5,744     10,479        N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    (2,707     (9     (2,698     N/M        6,167        8,452        (2,285     -27

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    495        472        23        5     881        988        (107     -11

Other

    27        (38     65        N/M        (100     66        (166     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    71,977        84,488        (12,511     -15     189,173        189,930        (757     -0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

               

Compensation and Benefits

               

Compensation

    34,559        31,674        2,885        9     62,792        59,767        3,025        5

Performance Fee Compensation

               

Realized

               

Incentive Fees

    (345     253        (598     N/M        1,033        553        480        87

Unrealized

               

Incentive Fees

    (2,820     2,955        (5,775     N/M        4,474        8,313        (3,839     -46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    31,394        34,882        (3,488     -10     68,299        68,633        (334     -0

Other Operating Expenses

    14,506        16,075        (1,569     -10     28,440        29,083        (643     -2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    45,900        50,957        (5,057     -10     96,739        97,716        (977     -1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $ 26,077      $ 33,531      $ (7,454     -22   $ 92,434      $ 92,214      $ 220        0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful.

Revenues

Revenues were $72.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $12.5 million compared to $84.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease of $13.9 million in Performance Fees to $(9.8) million, partially offset by an increase of $4.0 million in Total Management Fees to $84.0 million.

 

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Performance Fees were $(9.8) million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $13.9 million compared to $4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to lower returns. The returns of the underlying assets for Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions funds were down 1.2% during the three months ended June 30, 2012. Fee-Earning Assets Under Management related to funds of funds above their respective high-water marks and/or hurdle, and therefore eligible for Performance Fees, decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. This decrease was a result of the softer performance of the underlying assets of the segment.

Total Management Fees were $84.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $4.0 million compared to $80.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Base Management Fees were $84.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $5.0 million compared to the prior year period, driven by an increase in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management of 8% from the prior year period, which was primarily from net inflows.

Revenues were $189.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, relatively flat compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. A decrease of $7.6 million in Performance Fees to $16.7 million and a decrease of $2.3 million in Investment Income (Loss) to $6.2 million was mostly offset by an increase of $9.4 million in Total Management Fees to $165.5 million.

Performance Fees were $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $7.6 million compared to $24.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to lower returns. The returns of the underlying assets for Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions’ funds were 2.7% during the six months ended June 30, 2012. Fee-Earning Assets Under Management related to funds of funds above their respective high-water marks and/or hurdle, and therefore eligible for Performance Fees, decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. This decrease was a result of the softer performance of the underlying assets of the segment.

Total Management Fees were $165.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $9.4 million compared to $156.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Base Management Fees were $166.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $11.2 million compared to the prior year period, driven by an increase in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management of 8% from the prior year period, which was primarily from net inflows.

Expenses

Expenses were $45.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $5.1 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The $5.1 million decrease was primarily attributed to a $2.9 million increase in Compensation, a $6.4 million decrease in Performance Fee Compensation and a $1.6 million decrease in Other Operating Expenses. Compensation was $34.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $2.9 million, compared to $31.7 million for the prior year period. Other Operating Expenses decreased $1.6 million to $14.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $16.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to the divestiture of Asia Advisors as well as a decrease in placement fees.

Expenses were $96.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $1.0 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The $1.0 million decrease was primarily attributed to a $3.0 million increase in Compensation, offset by a $3.4 million decrease in Performance Fee Compensation and a $0.6 million decrease in Other Operating Expenses. Compensation was $62.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $3.0 million, compared to $59.8 million for the prior year period. Performance Fee Compensation was $5.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $3.4 million, compared to $8.9 million for the prior year period. Other Operating Expenses decreased $0.6 million to $28.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $29.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to the divestiture of Asia Advisors as well as a decrease in placement fees and all other expenses.

 

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Operating Metrics

The following table presents information regarding our Fee-Earning Assets Under Management:

 

     Fee-Earning Assets Under
Management Eligible for
Incentive Fees
     Estimated % Above
High Water Mark
and/or Hurdle (a)
 
     As of June 30,      As of June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)               

BAAM Managed Funds (b)

   $ 21,764,296       $ 19,240,439         41     69

 

(a) Estimated % Above High Water Mark and / or Hurdle represents the percentage of Fee-Earning Assets Under Management Eligible for Incentive Fees that as of the dates presented would earn incentive fees when the applicable BAAM managed fund has positive investment performance (relative to a hurdle, where applicable). Incremental positive performance in the applicable Blackstone Funds may cause additional assets to reach their respective High Water Mark and / or Hurdle, thereby resulting in an increase in Estimated % Above High Water Mark and/or Hurdle.
(b) For the BAAM managed funds, at June 30, 2012 the incremental appreciation needed for the 60% of Fee-Earning Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks and / or Hurdle to reach their respective High Water Marks and / or Hurdle was $525.5 million, an increase of $193.9 million, or 58.5%, compared to $331.6 million at June 30, 2011. Of the Fee-Earning Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks and / or Hurdle as of June 30, 2012, 76% were within 5% of reaching their respective High Water Mark and / or Hurdle.

Composite Returns

Composite returns information is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The composite returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future results of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds or composites. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or composites or our other existing and future funds or composites will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the return information of the BAAM Managed Funds, Core Fund Composite:

 

    Three
Months Ended
June 30,
    Six
Months Ended
June 30,
    Average Annual Net Returns (a)  
        Periods Ended
June 30, 2012
 
       
    2012     2011     2012     2011     One Year     Three
Year
    Five Year     Historical  

Composite

  Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net  

BAAM Managed Funds, Core Funds Composite (b)

    -1     -1     —          —          3     3     2     1     —          -1     7     6     2     1     7     6

The returns presented represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

(a) Composite returns present a summarized asset weighted return measure to evaluate the overall performance of the applicable class of Blackstone Funds.
(b) The Core Funds Composite excludes Blackstone’s BAAM managed funds that employ a long - biased commodity strategy, funds whose primary objective is to provide capital to hedge fund start-up firms and funds managed under non-discretionary advisory arrangements. The historical return is from January 1, 2000 and excludes fluctuations due to foreign currency exchange rates.

 

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Credit Businesses

The following table presents our results of operations for our Credit Businesses segment:

 

    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    2012 vs. 2011     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    2012 vs. 2011  
    2012     2011     $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Segment Revenues

               

Management Fees, Net

               

Base Management Fees

  $ 81,774      $ 57,420      $ 24,354        42   $ 161,868      $ 112,021      $ 49,847        44

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    9,184        849        8,335        N/M        14,909        1,594        13,315        N/M   

Management Fee Offsets

    (1,569     (105     (1,464     N/M        (1,875     (123     (1,752     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

    89,389        58,164        31,225        54     174,902        113,492        61,410        54
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

               

Realized

               

Carried Interest

    13,609        29,592        (15,983     -54     14,619        38,233        (23,614     -62

Incentive Fees

    2,751        7,762        (5,011     -65     4,733        8,846        (4,113     -46

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    27,673        (9,313     36,986        N/M        70,918        28,852        42,067        146

Incentive Fees

    (4,567     2,067        (6,634     N/M        32,453        49,205        (16,753     -34
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    39,466        30,108        9,358        31     122,723        125,136        (2,413     -2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

               

Realized

    5,638        3,236        2,402        74     6,321        4,471        1,850        41

Unrealized

    (9,156     5,437        (14,593     N/M        55        9,969        (9,914     -99
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    (3,518     8,673        (12,191     N/M        6,376        14,440        (8,064     -56

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    1,752        902        850        94     4,177        1,355        2,822        N/M   

Other

    (787     (47     (740     N/M        (1,025     51        (1,076     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    126,302        97,800        28,502        29     307,153        254,474        52,679        21
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

               

Compensation and Benefits

               

Compensation

    42,845        33,071        9,774        30     79,988        62,620        17,368        28

Performance Fee Compensation

               

Realized

               

Carried Interest

    3,694        13,531        (9,837     -73     7,235        18,256        (11,021     -60

Incentive Fees

    2,049        4,496        (2,447     -54     4,921        5,066        (145     -3

Unrealized

               

Carried Interest

    13,397        2,012        11,385        N/M        44,717        21,545        23,172        108

Incentive Fees

    (6,147     (7,200     1,053        15     (4,430     18,469        (22,899     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    55,838        45,910        9,928        22     132,431        125,956        6,475        5

Other Operating Expenses

    15,749        10,226        5,523        54     32,845        25,583        7,262        28
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    71,587        56,136        15,451        28     165,276        151,539        13,737        9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $ 54,715      $ 41,664      $ 13,051        31   $ 141,877      $ 102,935      $ 38,942        38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful.

 

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Revenues

Revenues were $126.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $28.5 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to an increase of $31.2 million in Total Management Fees and $9.4 million in Performance Fees, partially offset by a decrease of $12.2 million in Investment Income (Loss).

Performance Fees were $39.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $9.4 million from the prior year period. The increase reflected steady returns in our carry funds driven by underlying investment performance. The returns of the underlying assets for Blackstone’s credit-oriented business were (0.8)% for the hedge funds, 4.2% for the mezzanine funds and 2.3% for the rescue lending funds for the three months ended June 30, 2012.

Total Management Fees were $89.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $31.2 million from the prior year period. Base Management Fees were $81.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $24.4 million compared to the prior year period due to greater Fee-Earning Assets Under Management, partially due to the acquisition of Harbourmaster in January 2012.

Revenues were $307.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $52.7 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to an increase of $61.4 million in Total Management Fees, partially offset by decreases of $2.4 million in Performance Fees and $8.1 million in Investment Income (Loss).

Performance Fees were $122.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $2.4 million from the prior year period. The decrease in Performance Fees reflected a slower overall rate of appreciation from the prior year period. The returns of the underlying assets for Blackstone’s credit-oriented business were 2.8% for the hedge funds, 9.5% for the mezzanine funds and 7.3 % for the rescue lending funds for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Total Management Fees were $174.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $61.4 million from the prior year period. Base Management Fees were $161.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $49.8 million compared to the prior year period due to greater Fee-Earning Assets Under Management primarily as a result of the $9.4 billion acquisition of Harbourmaster in January 2012.

Expenses

Expenses were $71.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $15.5 million, or 28%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011. The $15.5 million increase in expenses was primarily attributed to an increase of $9.8 million in Compensation and an increase of $5.5 million in Other Operating Expenses. The increase in Other Operating Expenses was primarily due to greater professional and business development fees.

Expenses were $165.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $13.7 million, or 9%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011. The $13.7 million increase in expenses was primarily attributed to an increase of $17.4 million in Compensation and an increase of $7.3 million in Other Operating Expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $10.9 million in Performance Fee Compensation. Performance Fee Compensation was $52.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $63.3 million for the prior year period. Other Operating Expenses increased $7.3 million to $32.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $25.6 million for the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to an increase in depreciation and amortization expense related to a one-time write-off of leasehold improvements and an increase in business development expenses related to the closing of the Harbourmaster acquisition.

 

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Fund Returns

Fund return information for our significant businesses is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future results of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the return information of the segment’s Flagship Hedge Funds:

 

                Average Annual Returns (a)  
    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Periods Ended
June 30, 2012
 
    2012     2011     2012     2011     One Year     Three
Year
    Five
Year
    Historical  

Fund

  Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net  

Flagship Hedge Funds (b)

    -1     -1     2     1     4     3     10     8     3     2     18     14     9     6     11     7

The returns presented represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

(a) Average annual returns present a summarized asset weighted return measure to evaluate the overall performance of the applicable class of Blackstone Funds.
(b) The Flagship Hedge Funds’ returns represent the weighted-average return for the U.S. domestic and offshore funds included in this return. The historical return is from August 1, 2005, which is before Blackstone’s acquisition of GSO in March 2008.

The following table presents the Internal Rates of Return of our significant Credit Businesses drawdown funds:

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended              
     June 30,     June 30,              
     2012     2011     2012     2011     Inception to Date  

Fund (a)

   Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross     Net  

Mezzanine Funds (b)

     6     4     4     4     13     9     14     11     23     17

Rescue Lending Funds (c)

     3     2     2     —          11     7     11     7     21     13

The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

(a) Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and performance fee allocations, net of tax advances.
(b) The Mezzanine Funds’ returns represent the weighted-average return for the U.S. domestic and offshore funds including, as applicable, for the new significant mezzanine fund. The inception to date return is from July 16, 2007, which is before Blackstone’s acquisition of GSO in March 2008.
(c) The Rescue Lending Funds’ returns represent the weighted-average return for the U.S. domestic and offshore funds included in this return. The inception to date returns are from September 29, 2009, which is when the funds commenced investing.

As of June 30, 2012, the significant Credit Businesses drawdown funds were above their respective Carried Interest thresholds (i.e., the preferred return payable to its limited partners before the general partner is eligible to receive Carried Interest).

 

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Financial Advisory

The following table presents our results of operations for our Financial Advisory segment:

 

    Three Months Ended           Six Months Ended        
    June 30,     2012 vs. 2011     June 30,     2012 vs. 2011  
    2012     2011     $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Segment Revenues

               

Advisory Fees

  $ 93,372      $ 102,243      $ (8,871     -9   $ 169,218      $ 172,495      $ (3,277     -2

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    102        210        (108     -51     247        216        31        14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Advisory and Transaction Fees

    93,474        102,453        (8,979     -9     169,465        172,711        (3,246     -2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income

               

Realized

    (79     226        (305     N/M        504        323        181        56

Unrealized

    561        (15     576        N/M        512        378        134        35
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

    482        211        271        128     1,016        701        315        45

Interest and Dividend Revenue

    1,753        1,723        30        2     3,315        3,409        (94     -3

Other

    (40     33        (73     N/M        42        419        (377     -90
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    95,669        104,420        (8,751     -8     173,838        177,240        (3,402     -2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

               

Compensation and Benefits

               

Compensation

    61,129        72,363        (11,234     -16     129,089        126,702        2,387        2

Other Operating Expenses

    25,702        19,967        5,735        29     46,388        37,498        8,890        24
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    86,831        92,330        (5,499     -6     175,477        164,200        11,277        7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

  $ 8,838      $ 12,090      $ (3,252     -27   $ (1,639   $ 13,040      $ (14,679     N/M   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful.

Revenues

Revenues were $95.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $8.8 million, or 8%, compared to $104.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in revenues was driven primarily by decreases in Blackstone’s fund placement business and in Blackstone Advisory Partners’ business, partially offset by an increase in Blackstone’s restructuring and reorganization business. The increase in Blackstone’s restructuring and reorganization business was driven primarily by a higher amount of advisory fees recorded relative to the prior year period due to several significant transactions completed during the three months ended June 30, 2012. The decrease in Blackstone Advisory Partners’ business was due to a decrease in the number of transactions compared to the prior year period. The decrease in fees earned by Blackstone’s fund placement business was primarily due to the timing of several transactions.

Revenues were $173.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 2%, compared to $177.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in revenues was driven primarily by decreases in Blackstone’s fund placement business, partially offset by an increase in Blackstone’s restructuring and reorganization business. The increase in Blackstone’s restructuring and reorganization business was driven primarily by an increase in revenues due to several significant transactions completed in the current year period, as well as an increase in the number of transactions completed during the six months ended June 30, 2012. Blackstone Advisory Partners’ revenue was roughly flat compared to the prior year period. The decrease in fees earned by Blackstone’s fund placement business was primarily due to the timing of several transactions.

 

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Expenses

Expenses were $86.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, a decrease of $5.5 million, or 6%, compared to $92.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Compensation and Benefits decreased $11.2 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011, principally due to an overall decrease in total fee revenue across the segment. Compensation expense for these businesses is related to their financial performance. Other Operating Expenses increased $5.7 million over the three months ended June 30, 2011, principally due to an increase in all other expenses.

Expenses were $175.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, an increase of $11.3 million, or 7%, compared to $164.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Compensation and Benefits increased $2.4 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011, principally due to an increase in compensation expense across all of our businesses. Other Operating Expenses increased $8.9 million over the six months ended June 30, 2011, principally due to increases in all other expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Blackstone’s business model derives revenue primarily from third party assets under management and from advisory businesses. Blackstone is not a capital or balance sheet intensive business and targets operating expense levels such that total management and advisory fees exceed total operating expenses each period. As a result, we require limited capital resources to support the working capital or operating needs of our businesses. We draw primarily on the long term committed capital of our limited partner investors to fund the investment requirements of the Blackstone Funds and use our own realizations and cash flows to invest in growth initiatives, make commitments to our own funds, which are typically less than 5% of the assets under management of a fund, or pay distributions to unitholders.

Fluctuations in our balance sheet result primarily from activities of the Blackstone Funds which are consolidated as well as business transactions, such as the issuance of senior notes described below. The majority economic ownership interests of the Blackstone Funds are reflected as Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The consolidation of these Blackstone Funds has no net effect on the Partnership’s Net Income or Partners’ Capital. Additionally, fluctuations in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition also include appreciation or depreciation in Blackstone investments in the Blackstone Funds, additional investments and redemptions of such interests in the Blackstone Funds and the collection of receivables related to management and advisory fees.

Total assets were $26.1 billion as of June 30, 2012, an increase of $4.2 billion from December 31, 2011. The increase in total assets was primarily attributable to a $4.2 billion increase in Investments. Total liabilities were $15.9 billion as of June 30, 2012, an increase of $3.2 billion from December 31, 2011. The increase in total liabilities was primarily due to an increase in Loans Payable of $3.2 billion.

For the three months ended June 30, 2012, we had Total Fee Related Revenues of $527.7 million and related expenses of $381.9 million, generating Fee Related Earnings of $145.7 million and Distributable Earnings of $188.4 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, we had Total Fee Related Revenues of $1.0 billion and related expenses of $746.2 million, generating Fee Related Earnings of $292.7 million and Distributable Earnings of $350.5 million.

Sources of Liquidity

We have multiple sources of liquidity to meet our capital needs, including annual cash flows, accumulated earnings in the businesses, investments in our own Treasury and liquid funds and access to our debt capacity, including our $1.02 billion committed revolving credit facility and the proceeds from our 2009 and 2010 issuances of senior notes. On July 13, 2012, an indirect subsidiary of Blackstone amended its revolving credit

 

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facility. The amendment is described in Note 11. “Borrowings.” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements. As of June 30, 2012, Blackstone had $412.5 million in cash, $806.9 million invested in Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies, $131.6 million invested in liquid Blackstone Funds, $1.9 billion invested in illiquid Blackstone Funds and $142.1 million in other investments, against $1.0 billion in borrowings from our 2009 and 2010 bond issuances.

In addition to the cash we received in connection with our IPO, debt offering and our borrowing facilities, we expect to receive (a) cash generated from operating activities, (b) Carried Interest and incentive income realizations, and (c) realizations on the carry and hedge fund investments that we make. The amounts received from these three sources in particular may vary substantially from year to year and quarter to quarter depending on the frequency and size of realization events or net returns experienced by our investment funds. Our available capital could be adversely affected if there are prolonged periods of few substantial realizations from our investment funds accompanied by substantial capital calls for new investments from those investment funds. Therefore, Blackstone’s commitments to our funds are taken into consideration when managing our overall liquidity and cash position.

We use Distributable Earnings, which is derived from our segment reported results, as a supplemental non-GAAP measure to assess performance and amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. Distributable Earnings is intended to show the amount of net realized earnings without the effects of the consolidation of the Blackstone Funds. Distributable Earnings is derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. Distributable Earnings, which is a component of Economic Net Income, is the sum across all segments of: (a) Total Management and Advisory Fees, (b) Interest and Dividend Revenue, (c) Other Revenue, (d) Realized Performance Fees, and (e) Realized Investment Income (Loss); less (a) Compensation, (b) Realized Performance Fee Compensation, (c) Other Operating Expenses and (d) Taxes and Related Payables including the Payable Under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

The following table calculates Blackstone’s Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings and Economic Net Income:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
         2012         2011     2012     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Base Management Fees (a)

   $ 381,344      $ 316,474      $ 776,850      $ 622,061   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net (a)

     49,453        103,561        87,924        161,924   

Advisory Fees (a)

     93,372        102,243        169,218        172,495   

Management Fee Offsets (a)

     (7,973     (8,675     (21,023     (17,211

Interest Income and Other Revenue (b)

     11,455        14,449        25,903        27,458   

Compensation (a)

     (268,884     (272,392     (523,656     (496,924

Other Operating Expenses (a)

     (113,038     (99,363     (222,559     (202,338
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Related Earnings

     145,729        156,297        292,657        267,465   

Net Realized Incentive Fees (b)

     6,117        8,427        7,144        9,652   

Net Realized Carried Interest (b)

     48,030        24,077        53,652        103,909   

Realized Investment Income (b)

     8,080        28,389        25,675        50,878   

Taxes and Related Payables (c)

     (19,552     (26,312     (28,603     (39,111
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable Earnings

     188,404        190,878        350,525        392,793   

Net Unrealized Incentive Fees (b)

     (7,478     7,302        47,864        43,781   

Net Unrealized Carried Interest (b)

     47,475        487,444        261,728        793,637   

Unrealized Investment Income (b)

     (26,236     105,142        33,265        207,427   

Add Back: Related Payables (d)

     10,184        13,415        10,184        13,415   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Net Income

   $ 212,349      $ 804,181      $ 703,566      $ 1,451,053   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(a) Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions.
(b) Detail on this amount is included in the table below.
(c) Represents the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and the payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
(d) Represents tax related payables including the payable under the tax receivable agreement.

The following calculates the components of Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings and Economic Net Income in the above table identified by note (b):

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
            2012                     2011                     2012                     2011          
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue (a)

  $ 10,391      $ 9,283      $ 19,736      $ 18,731   

Other Revenue (a)

    (828     1,128        (2,035     3,387   

Interest Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (b)

    1,892        4,038        8,202        5,340   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Income and Other Revenue

  $ 11,455      $ 14,449      $ 25,903      $ 27,458   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Incentive Fees (a)

    11,692        17,463        16,971        19,662   

Less: Realized Incentive Fee Compensation (a)

    (5,575     (9,036     (9,827     (10,010
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Incentive Fees

  $ 6,117      $ 8,427      $ 7,144      $ 9,652   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Carried Interest (a)

  $ 55,929      $ 42,752      $ 69,489      $ 136,153   

Less: Realized Carried Interest Compensation (a)

    (7,899     (18,675     (15,837     (32,244
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Carried Interest

  $ 48,030      $ 24,077      $ 53,652      $ 103,909   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Investment Income (a)

  $ 9,360      $ 30,732      $ 32,852      $ 54,231   

Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (c)

    (1,280     (2,343     (7,177     (3,353
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Investment Income

  $ 8,080      $ 28,389      $ 25,675      $ 50,878   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Incentive Fees (a)

  $ (17,074   $ 1,686      $ 51,047      $ 74,735   

Less: Unrealized Incentive Fee Compensation (a)

    9,596        5,616        (3,183     (30,954
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Incentive Fees

  $ (7,478   $ 7,302      $ 47,864      $ 43,781   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Carried Interest (a)

  $ 84,290      $ 611,157      $ 383,086      $ 1,043,305   

Less: Unrealized Carried Interest Compensation (a)

    (36,815     (123,713     (121,358     (249,668
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Carried Interest

  $ 47,475      $ 487,444      $ 261,728      $ 793,637   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Investment Income (a)

  $ (25,624   $ 106,837      $ 34,290      $ 209,414   

Less: Investment Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (b)

    (1,892     (4,038     (8,202     (5,340

Less: Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income —Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (c)

    1,280        2,343        7,177        3,353   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Investment Income (Loss)

  $ (26,236   $ 105,142      $ 33,265      $ 207,427   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions.
(b) Represents the inclusion of Investment Income from Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies.
(c) Represents the adjustment related to the Realized Investment Income attributable to Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies which is a component of Distributable Earnings.

 

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The following table is a reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. to Economic Income, of Economic Income to Economic Net Income, of Economic Net Income to Fee Related Earnings, of Fee Related Earnings to Distributable Earnings and of Distributable Earnings to Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                     2011                     2012                     2011          
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

   $ (74,964   $ 86,237      $ (16,639   $ 128,941   

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

     (53,027     190,908        54,378        297,624   

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     239,934        (92,753     437,576        (186,546

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     (17,666     205        36,594        22,942   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

     94,277        184,597        511,909        262,961   

Provision for Taxes

     41,337        64,199        80,090        103,049   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Provision for Taxes

     135,614        248,796        591,999        366,010   

IPO and Acquisition-Related Charges (a)

     268,936        430,829        513,833        858,056   

Amortization of Intangibles (b)

     39,435        44,905        90,323        89,079   

Income (Loss) Associated with Non-Controlling Interests in (Income) Loss of Consolidated Entities (c)

     (222,268     92,548        (474,170     163,604   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

     221,717        817,078        721,985        1,476,749   

Taxes (d)

     (9,368     (12,897     (18,419     (25,696
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Net Income

     212,349        804,181        703,566        1,451,053   

Taxes (d)

     9,368        12,897        18,419        25,696   

Performance Fee Adjustment (e)

     (134,837     (673,058     (520,593     (1,273,855

Investment Income (Loss) Adjustment (f)

     16,264        (137,569     (67,142     (263,645

Investment Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (g)

     1,892        4,038        8,202        5,340   

Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits Adjustment (h)

     40,693        145,808        150,205        322,876   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Related Earnings

     145,729        156,297        292,657        267,465   

Realized Performance Fees (i)

     54,147        32,504        60,796        113,561   

Realized Investment Income (j)

     9,360        30,732        32,852        54,231   

Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (k)

     (1,280     (2,343     (7,177     (3,353

Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement (l)

     (19,552     (26,312     (28,603     (39,111
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable Earnings

     188,404        190,878        350,525        392,793   

Interest

     12,850        13,068        26,404        25,781   

Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement (l)

     19,552        26,312        28,603        39,111   

Depreciation and Amortization

     10,391        7,837        20,659        15,988   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

   $ 231,197      $ 238,095      $ 426,191      $ 473,673   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(a) The adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes amounts for Transaction-Related Charges which include principally equity-based compensation charges associated with Blackstone’s initial public offering and long-term retention programs outside of annual deferred compensation and other corporate actions.
(b) This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes amounts for the Amortization of Intangibles which are associated with Blackstone’s initial public offering and other corporate actions.
(c) This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes the amount of (Income) Loss Associated with Non-Controlling Interests in (Income) Loss of Consolidated Entities and includes the amount of Management Fee Revenues associated with Consolidated CLO Entities.
(d) Taxes represent the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes.
(e) This adjustment removes from EI the total segment amount of Performance Fees.
(f) This adjustment removes from EI the total segment amount of Investment Income (Loss).
(g) This adjustment represents the realized and unrealized gain on Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies which are a component of Investment Income (Loss) but included in Fee Related Earnings.
(h) This adjustment removes from expenses the compensation and benefit amounts related to Blackstone’s profit sharing plans related to Performance Fees.
(i) Represents the adjustment for realized Performance Fees net of corresponding actual amounts due under Blackstone’s profit sharing plans related thereto.
(j) Represents the adjustment for Blackstone’s Investment Income (Loss) — Realized.
(k) Represents the elimination of Realized Investment Income attributable to Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies which is a component of both Fee Related Earnings from Operations and Realized Investment Income (Loss).
(l) Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement represent the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and the payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

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Liquidity Needs

We expect that our primary liquidity needs will be cash to (a) provide capital to facilitate the growth of our existing businesses which principally includes funding our general partner and co-investment commitments to our funds, (b) provide capital to facilitate our expansion into new businesses that are complementary, (c) pay operating expenses, including cash compensation to our employees and other obligations as they arise, (d) fund modest capital expenditures, (e) repay borrowings and related interest costs, (f) pay income taxes and (g) make distributions to our unitholders and the holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Our own capital commitments to our funds, the funds we invest in and our investment strategies as of June 30, 2012 consisted of the following:

 

     Original      Remaining  

Fund

   Commitment      Commitment  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Private Equity

     

BCP VI

   $ 719,718       $ 635,400   

BCP V

     629,356         73,753   

BCP IV

     150,000         6,240   

BCOM

     50,000         4,762   

Blackstone Energy Partners (“BEP”)

     35,829         27,613   

China Fund (“RMB”)

     6,976         5,946   

Blackstone Tactical Opportunity Fund

     25,000         24,336   

Woori Blackstone Korea I

     5,296         2,224   

Blackstone Clean Technology Partners

     4,575         515   

Real Estate Funds

     

BREP VII

     300,000         234,339   

BREP VI

     750,000         58,154   

BREP V

     52,545         2,313   

BREP International II

     25,403         1,586   

BREP Europe III

     100,000         66,135   

Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II

     43,016         20,913   

Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund G

     2,500         576   

Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund

     10,000         2,344   

Hedge Fund Solutions

     

Strategic Alliance II

     50,000         30,761   

Strategic Alliance

     50,000         2,033   

Credit Businesses

     

Capital Opportunities Fund II L.P. (“COF”)

     120,000         98,268   

Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions

     50,000         20,301   

BMezz

     41,000         2,590   

Blackstone Credit Liquidity Partners

     32,244         3,192   

BMezz II

     17,692         3,085   

Other (a)

     26,297         13,759   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,297,447       $ 1,341,138   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents capital commitments to a number of other Credit Businesses funds.

For some of the general partner commitments shown in the table above we require our senior managing directors and certain other professionals to fund a portion of the commitment even though the ultimate obligation to fund the aggregate commitment is ours pursuant to the governing agreements of the respective funds. For BCP VI, BREP VI, BREP Europe III, BREP VII and COF II, it is intended that our senior managing directors and certain other professionals will fund $250 million, $150 million, $35 million, $100 million, and

 

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$96.1 million, respectively, of the aggregate applicable general partner original commitment shown above. In addition, certain senior managing directors and other professionals are required to fund a de minimis amount of the commitment in the other private equity, real estate and credit-oriented carry funds. We expect our commitments to be drawn down over time and to be funded by available cash and cash generated from operations and realizations. Taking into account prevailing market conditions and both the liquidity and cash or liquid investment balances, we believe that the sources of liquidity described below will be more than sufficient to fund our working capital requirements.

On March 23, 2010, indirect subsidiaries of Blackstone entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. On November 23, 2010, the Credit Facility was amended to set the facility aggregate borrowing limit at $1.02 billion. On April 8, 2011, the Credit Facility was amended to extend the maturity date from March 23, 2013 to April 8, 2016. On July 13, 2012, the Credit Facility was further amended to increase the borrowing capacity from $1.02 billion to $1.1 billion and to extend the maturity date from April 8, 2016 to July 13, 2017. Borrowings may also be made in U.K. Sterling or Euros, in each case subject to certain sub-limits. The Credit Facility contains customary representations, covenants and events of default. Financial covenants consist of a maximum net leverage ratio and a requirement to keep a minimum amount of fee generating assets under management, each tested quarterly.

In August 2009, Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes which will mature on August 15, 2019, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. In September 2010, Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. issued $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes which will mature on March 15, 2021, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. (Both issuances of Senior Notes are collectively referred to as the “Notes”.) The notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by The Blackstone Group L.P. and each of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. The Notes contain customary covenants and financial restrictions that among other things limit Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. and the guarantors’ ability, subject to certain exceptions, to incur indebtedness secured by liens on voting stock or profit participating equity interests of their subsidiaries or merge, consolidate or sell, transfer or lease assets. The Notes also contain customary events of default. All or a portion of the Notes may be redeemed at our option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, prior to their stated maturity, at the make-whole redemption price set forth in the Notes. If a change of control repurchase event occurs, the Notes are subject to repurchase at the repurchase price as set forth in the Notes.

In January 2008, the Board of Directors of our general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of our common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under this unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. This unit repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, no units were repurchased. As of June 30, 2012, the amount remaining available for repurchases was $335.8 million under this program.

Distributions

Distributable Earnings will only be a starting point for our determination of the amount to be distributed to unitholders because as noted above, in determining the amount to be distributed we will subtract from Distributable Earnings any amounts determined by our general partner to be necessary or appropriate to provide for the conduct of our business, to make appropriate investments in our business and our funds, to comply with applicable law or any of our debt instruments or other agreements, or to provide for future distributions to our unitholders for any ensuing quarter. In most years the aggregate amounts of our distributions to unitholders will typically be less than our Distributable Earnings for that year.

 

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Our current intention is to distribute to our common unitholders substantially all of The Blackstone Group L.P.’s net after-tax share of our annual Distributable Earnings less the amount of our realized investment gains and returns of capital from investments and acquisitions. This determination has been based on the continued pace of organic and inorganic growth and the potential for further strategic initiatives and the retained amount will be used for those purposes. The retained cash will be deducted from the fourth quarter distribution which is made in the first quarter of the ensuing calendar year. All distributions are subject to Blackstone’s discretion to retain additional amounts from the amount of annual Distributable Earnings to be distributed as described above.

Because we will not know what our Distributable Earnings will be for any fiscal year until the end of such year, we expect that our first three quarterly distributions in respect of any given year will remain unchanged at $0.10 per unit. For the fourth quarter of each year, we expect to pay the remaining amount of the year’s Distributable Earnings less realized investment gains and returns of capital from investments and acquisitions. As such, the distributions for the first three quarters are expected to be smaller than the final quarterly distribution in respect of such year.

All of the foregoing is subject to the qualification that the declaration and payment of any distributions are at the sole discretion of our general partner and our general partner may change our distribution policy at any time.

Because the subsidiaries of The Blackstone Group L.P. must pay taxes and make payments under the tax receivable agreements described in Blackstone’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the amounts ultimately distributed by The Blackstone Group L.P. to its common unitholders in respect of each fiscal year are expected to be less, on a per unit basis, than the amounts distributed by the Blackstone Holdings partnerships to the Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships in respect of their Blackstone Holdings partnership units.

Leverage

We may under certain circumstances use leverage opportunistically and over time to create the most efficient capital structure for Blackstone and our public common unitholders, including through the issuance of debt securities. As of June 30, 2012, we had total partners’ capital of $9.0 billion, including $412.5 million in cash, $806.9 million invested in Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies, $131.6 million invested in liquid Blackstone Funds, $1.9 billion invested in illiquid Blackstone Funds and $142.1 million in other investments, against $1.0 billion in borrowings from our 2009 and 2010 bond issuances.

Included in our Treasury cash management strategies are reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements and securities sold, not yet purchased. All of these positions are held in a separately managed portfolio. Reverse repurchase agreements are entered into primarily to take advantage of opportunistic yields otherwise absent in the overnight markets and also to use the collateral received to cover securities sold, not yet purchased. Repurchase agreements are entered into primarily to opportunistically yield higher spreads on purchased securities. The balances held in these financial instruments fluctuate based on Blackstone’s liquidity needs, market conditions and investment risk profiles. The following table presents information regarding these financial instruments:

 

     Reverse
Repurchase
Agreements
     Repurchase
Agreements
     Securities
Sold,  Not Yet
Purchased
 
          
          
     (Dollars in Millions)  

Balance, June 30, 2012

   $ 88.5       $ 116.0       $ 88.2   

Balance, December 31, 2011

     139.5         101.8         143.8   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

        

Average Daily Balance

     109.3         143.5         110.0   

Maximum Daily Balance

     169.8         206.1         191.7   

 

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Our private equity funds, real estate funds and funds of hedge funds have not historically utilized substantial leverage at the fund level other than (a) for short-term borrowings between the date of an investment and the receipt of capital from the investing fund’s investors, and (b) long-term borrowings for certain investments in aggregate amounts which are generally 2% to 10% of the capital commitments of the respective fund. Our carry funds make direct or indirect investments in companies that utilize leverage in their capital structure. The degree of leverage employed varies among portfolio companies.

Certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit Businesses funds use leverage in order to obtain additional market exposure, enhance returns on invested capital and/or to bridge short-term cash needs. The forms of leverage primarily employed by these funds include purchasing securities on margin, utilizing collateralized financing and using derivative instruments.

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies

The following table sets forth information relating to our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2012 on a consolidated basis and on a basis deconsolidating the Blackstone funds:

 

Contractual Obligations

  July 1, 2012 to
December 31, 2012
    2013–2014     2015–2016     Thereafter     Total  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Operating Lease Obligations (a)

  $ 31,305      $ 112,444      $ 99,989      $ 218,378      $ 462,116   

Purchase Obligations

    11,884        14,611        2,443        —          28,938   

Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (b)

    —          —          —          1,000,000        1,000,000   

Interest on Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (c)

    31,625        126,500        126,500        139,990        424,615   

Blackstone Operating Entities Loan and Credit Facilities Payable (d)

    594        6,228        —          —          6,822   

Interest on Blackstone Operating Entities Loan and Credit Facilities Payable (e)

    97        87        —          —          184   

Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (f)

    7,606        374,962        624,007        12,362,341        13,368,916   

Interest on Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (g)

    110,588        424,885        372,065        839,257        1,746,795   

Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (h)

    53,170        —          —          —          53,170   

Due to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with Tax Receivable Agreements (i)

    —          73,063        221,225        913,976        1,208,264   

Blackstone Operating Entities Capital Commitments to Blackstone Funds and Other (j)

    1,341,138        —          —          —          1,341,138   

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Including Interest (k)

    3,688        3,678        —          —          7,366   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Contractual Obligations

    1,591,695        1,136,458        1,446,229        15,473,942        19,648,324   

Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (f)

    (7,606     (374,962     (624,007     (12,362,341     (13,368,916

Interest on Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (g)

    (110,588     (424,885     (372,065     (839,257     (1,746,795

Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (h)

    (53,170     —          —          —          (53,170
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Blackstone Operating Entities Contractual Obligations

  $ 1,420,331      $ 336,611      $ 450,157      $ 2,272,344      $ 4,479,443   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

We lease our primary office space under agreements that expire through 2024. In connection with certain lease agreements, we are responsible for escalation payments. The contractual obligation table above includes only guaranteed

 

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  minimum lease payments for such leases and does not project potential escalation or other lease-related payments. These leases are classified as operating leases for financial statement purposes and as such are not recorded as liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The amounts are presented net of contractual sublease commitments.
(b) Represents the principal amount due on the 6.625% and 5.875% senior notes we issued. As of June 30, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolver.
(c) Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of our 6.625% and 5.875% senior notes and borrowings under our revolving credit facility which has been calculated assuming no prepayments are made and debt is held until its final maturity date. These amounts exclude commitment fees for unutilized borrowings under our revolver.
(d) Represents borrowings for employee term facilities program and a capital asset facility.
(e) Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of the related debt obligation which has been calculated assuming no prepayments are made and debt is held until its final maturity date. The future interest payments are calculated using variable rates in effect as of June 30, 2012, at spreads to market rates pursuant to the financing agreements, and range from 1.07% to 1.50%.
(f) These obligations are those of the Blackstone Funds including the consolidated CLO vehicles.
(g) Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of the related consolidated Blackstone Funds’ and CLO vehicles’ debt obligations which has been calculated assuming no prepayments will be made and debt will be held until its final maturity date. The future interest payments are calculated using variable rates in effect as of June 30, 2012, at spreads to market rates pursuant to the financing agreements, and range from 0.30% to 17.00%. The majority of the borrowings are due on demand and for purposes of this schedule are assumed to mature within one year. Interest on the majority of these borrowings rolls over into the principal balance at each reset date.
(h) These obligations represent commitments of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to make capital contributions to investee funds and portfolio companies. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category.
(i) Represents obligations by the Partnership’s corporate subsidiary to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements to certain non-controlling interest holders for the tax savings realized from the taxable purchases of their interests in connection with the reorganization at the time of Blackstone’s initial public offering in 2007 and subsequent purchases. The obligation represents the amount of the payments currently expected to be made, which are dependent on the tax savings actually realized as determined annually without discounting for the timing of the payments. As required by GAAP, the amount of the obligation included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and shown in Note 15. “Related Party Transactions” (see “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements”) differs to reflect the net present value of the payments due to certain non-controlling interest holders.
(j) These obligations represent commitments by us to provide general partner capital funding to the Blackstone Funds, limited partner capital funding to other funds and Blackstone principal investment commitments. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category; however, a substantial amount of the capital commitments are expected to be called over the next three years. We expect to continue to make these general partner capital commitments as we raise additional amounts for our investment funds over time.
(k) The total represents gross unrecognized tax benefits of $6.4 million and interest of $0.9 million. In addition, Blackstone is not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years in connection with gross unrecognized benefits of $11.4 million and interest of $1.7 million; therefore, such amounts are not included in the above contractual obligations table.

Guarantees

Blackstone and certain of its consolidated funds provide financial guarantees. The amounts and nature of these guarantees are described in Note 16. “Commitments and Contingencies – Contingencies – Guarantees” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Indemnifications

In many of its service contracts, Blackstone agrees to indemnify the third party service provider under certain circumstances. The terms of the indemnities vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined and has not been included in the table above or recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2012.

 

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Clawback Obligations

For financial reporting purposes, the general partners have recorded a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners of some of the carry funds due to changes in the unrealized value of a fund’s remaining investments and where the fund’s general partner has previously received Carried Interest distributions with respect to such fund’s realized investments.

The actual clawback liability, however, does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life except for Blackstone’s real estate funds which may have an interim clawback liability come due after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the fund. The lives of the carry funds with a potential clawback obligation, including available contemplated extensions, are currently anticipated to expire at various points beginning toward the end of 2012 and extending through 2018. Further extensions of such terms may be implemented under given circumstances.

As of June 30, 2012, the clawback obligations were $261.0 million, of which $100.2 million related to Blackstone Holdings and $160.8 million relate to current and former Blackstone personnel. (See Note 15. “Related Party Transactions” and Note 16. “Commitments and Contingencies” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.)

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In applying many of these accounting principles, we need to make assumptions, estimates and/or judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These assumptions, estimates and/or judgments, however, are often subjective. Actual results may be affected negatively based on changing circumstances. If actual amounts are ultimately different from our estimates, the revisions are included in our results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known. We believe the following critical accounting policies could potentially produce materially different results if we were to change underlying assumptions, estimates and/or judgments. (See Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.)

Principles of Consolidation

The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Blackstone Funds in which the general partner is presumed to have control. Although the Partnership has a non-controlling interest in the Blackstone Holdings partnerships, the limited partners do not have the right to dissolve the partnerships or have substantive kick out rights or participating rights that would overcome the presumption of control by the Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Blackstone Holdings and records non-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings. Income (Loss) attributable to Blackstone Holdings, excluding certain costs and expenses borne directly by Blackstone Holdings, is calculated based on the weighted average number of Blackstone Holdings partnership units held by the Founder, other senior managing directors and employees.

In addition, the Partnership consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which it is the primary beneficiary. An enterprise is determined to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to (a) determine whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a VIE,

 

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and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. Performance of that analysis requires the exercise of judgment. VIEs qualify for the deferral of the consolidation guidance if all of the following conditions have been met:

 

   

The entity has all of the attributes of an investment company as defined under AICPA Accounting and Auditing Guide, Investment Companies (“Investment Company Guide”) , or does not have all the attributes of an investment company but it is an entity for which it is acceptable based on industry practice to apply measurement principles that are consistent with the Investment Company Guide,

 

   

The reporting entity does not have explicit or implicit obligations to fund any losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity, and

 

   

The entity is not a securitization or asset-backed financing entity or an entity that was formerly considered a qualifying special purpose entity.

Where the VIEs have qualified for the deferral of the consolidation guidance as discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements”, the analysis is based on previous consolidation guidance. This guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would be expected to absorb a majority of the variability of the entity. Under both guidelines, the Partnership determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a variable interest entity and reconsiders that conclusion continuously. In evaluating whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, Blackstone evaluates its economic interests in the entity held either directly by the Partnership and its affiliates or indirectly through employees. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Partnership, affiliates of the Partnership or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Blackstone Funds could affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, the Partnership assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly.

Assets of consolidated VIEs that can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE and liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone are presented in a separate section in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues primarily consist of management and advisory fees, performance fees, investment income, interest and dividend revenue and other.

Please refer to “Part I. Item 1. Business – Incentive Arrangements / Fee Structure” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the manner in which Base Management Fees and Performance Fees are generated.

Management and Advisory Fees – Management and Advisory Fees are comprised of management fees, including base management fees, transaction and other fees, management fee reductions and offsets, and advisory fees.

 

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The Partnership earns base management fees from limited partners of funds in each of its managed funds, at a fixed percentage of assets under management, net asset value, total assets, committed capital, invested capital or, in some cases, a fixed-fee. Base management fees are based on contractual terms specified in the underlying investment advisory agreements. The range of management fee rates and the calculation base from which they are earned, generally, are as follows:

On private equity, real estate, and certain credit-oriented funds:

 

   

0.30% to 1.75% of committed capital or invested capital during the commitment period,

 

   

0.50% to 1.75% of invested capital subsequent to the investment period for private equity and real estate funds, and

 

   

1.00% to 1.50% of invested capital or net asset value for certain credit-oriented funds.

On credit-oriented funds structured like hedge funds:

 

   

0.75% to 2.00% of net asset value.

On credit-oriented funds separately managed accounts:

 

   

0.35% to 1.00% of net asset value.

On funds of hedge funds and separately managed accounts invested in hedge funds:

 

   

0.50% to 1.25% of assets under management.

On CLO vehicles:

 

   

0.40% to 1.25% of total assets.

On closed-end mutual funds and registered investment companies:

 

   

0.50% to 1.50% of fund assets.

Transaction and other fees (including monitoring fees) are fees charged directly to funds and portfolio companies. The investment advisory agreements generally require that the investment adviser reduce the amount of management fees payable by the limited partners to the Partnership (“management fee reductions”) by an amount equal to a portion of the transaction and other fees directly paid to the Partnership by the portfolio companies. The amount of the reduction varies by fund, the type of fee paid by the portfolio company and the previously incurred expenses of the fund.

Management fee offsets are reductions to management fees payable by our limited partners, which are granted based on the amount they reimburse Blackstone for placement fees.

Advisory fees consist of advisory retainer and transaction-based fee arrangements related to merger, acquisition, restructuring and divestiture activities and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. Advisory retainer fees are recognized when services for the transactions are complete, in accordance with terms set forth in individual agreements. Transaction-based fees are recognized when (a) there is evidence of an arrangement with a client, (b) agreed upon services have been provided, (c) fees are fixed or determinable and (d) collection is reasonably assured. Fund placement fees are recognized as earned upon the acceptance by a fund of capital or capital commitments.

Accrued but unpaid Management and Advisory Fees, net of management fee reductions and management fee offsets, as of the reporting date, are included in Accounts Receivable or Due From Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

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Performance Fees — Performance Fees earned on the performance of Blackstone’s hedge fund structures (“Incentive Fees”) are recognized based on fund performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels, or high water marks, in accordance with the respective terms set out in each hedge fund’s governing agreements. Accrued but unpaid Incentive Fees charged directly to investors in Blackstone’s offshore hedge funds as of the reporting date are recorded within Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Incentive fees arising on Blackstone’s onshore hedge funds are allocated to the general partner. Accrued but unpaid Incentive Fees on onshore funds as of the reporting date are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Incentive Fees are realized at the end of a measurement period, typically annually. Once realized, such fees are not subject to clawback.

In certain fund structures, specifically in private equity, real estate and certain credit-oriented funds (“Carry Funds”), performance fees (“Carried Interest”) are allocated to the general partner based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to a preferred return to limited partners. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership calculates the Carried Interest that would be due to the Partnership for each fund, pursuant to the fund agreements, as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Carried Interest to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Carried Interest allocated to the general partner or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to Carried Interest allocated to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Carried Interest on cumulative results compared to the Carried Interest recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Carried Interest allocations once previously recognized Carried Interest allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Carried Interest over the life of a fund. Accrued but unpaid Carried Interest as of the reporting date is reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Carried Interest is realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of and the fund’s cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return. Performance fees earned on hedge fund structures are realized at the end of each fund’s measurement period.

Carried Interest is subject to clawback to the extent that the Carried Interest actually distributed to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received performance fees, which is a component of Due to Affiliates, represents all amounts previously distributed to Blackstone Holdings and non-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone Funds if the Blackstone Carry Funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds’ investments as of the reporting date. Generally, the actual clawback liability does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life or one year after a realized loss is incurred, depending on the terms of the fund.

Investment Income (Loss) — Investment Income (Loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s principal investments, including its investments in Blackstone Funds that are not consolidated, its equity method investments, and other principal investments. Investment Income (Loss) is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives cash income, such as dividends or distributions, from its non-consolidated funds. Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.

Interest and Dividend Revenue — Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by Blackstone.

Other Revenue – Other Revenue consists of foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars and other revenues.

 

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Expenses

Our expenses include compensation and benefits expense and general and administrative expenses. Our accounting policies related thereto are as follows:

Compensation and Benefits — Compensation — Compensation and Benefits consists of (a) employee compensation, comprising salary and bonus, and benefits paid and payable to employees and senior managing directors and (b) equity-based compensation associated with the grants of equity-based awards to employees and senior managing directors.

Equity-Based Compensation — Compensation cost relating to the issuance of share-based awards to senior management and employees is measured at fair value at the grant date, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, and expensed over the vesting period on a straight line basis. Equity-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are re-measured at the end of each reporting period.

Compensation and Benefits — Performance Fee — Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits consists of Carried Interest and Incentive Fee allocations, and may in future periods also include allocations of investment income from Blackstone’s firm investments, to employees and senior managing directors participating in certain profit sharing initiatives. Such compensation expense is subject to both positive and negative adjustments. Unlike Carried Interest and Incentive Fees, compensation expense is based on the performance of individual investments held by a fund rather than on a fund by fund basis.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows:

 

   

Level I – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The type of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

 

   

Level II – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs, and certain fund of hedge funds and proprietary investments in which Blackstone has the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date.

 

   

Level III – Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-oriented funds, distressed debt and non-investment grade residual interests

 

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in securitizations, corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, certain over the counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs and certain funds of hedge funds which use net asset value per share to determine fair value in which Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date. Blackstone may not have the ability to redeem its investment at net asset value at, or within three months of, the reporting date if an investee fund manager has the ability to limit the amount of redemptions, and/or the ability to side-pocket investments, irrespective of whether such ability has been exercised. Senior and subordinate notes issued by CLO vehicles may also be classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period.

Level II Valuation Techniques

Financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy comprise debt instruments, including corporate loans and bonds held by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles, those held within Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies and debt securities sold, not yet purchased and interests in investment funds. Certain equity securities and derivative instruments valued using observable inputs are also classified as Level II.

The valuation techniques used to value financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

   

Debt Instruments and Equity Securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices and market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments. The valuation of certain equity securities is based on an observable price for an identical security adjusted for the effect of a restriction.

 

   

Investment Funds held by the consolidated Blackstone Funds are valued using net asset value per share as described in Level III Valuation Techniques – Funds of Hedge Funds. Certain investments in investment funds are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as the investment can be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date.

 

   

Freestanding Derivatives and Derivative Instruments Used in Fair Value Hedging Strategies are valued using contractual cash flows and observable inputs comprising yield curves, foreign currency rates and credit spreads.

In certain cases, debt and equity securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices, market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments.

Level III Valuation Techniques

In the absence of observable market prices, Blackstone values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist;

 

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management’s determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments for non-performance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties, certain funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented investments.

Private Equity Investments — The fair values of private equity investments are determined by reference to projected net earnings, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), the discounted cash flow method, public market or private transactions, valuations for comparable companies and other measures which, in many cases, are unaudited at the time received. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company such as EBITDA by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Private equity investments may also be valued at cost for a period of time after an acquisition as the best indicator of fair value.

Real Estate Investments — The fair values of real estate investments are determined by considering projected operating cash flows, sales of comparable assets, if any, and replacement costs among other measures. The methods used to estimate the fair value of real estate investments include the discounted cash flow method and/or capitalization rates (“cap rates”) analysis. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or assets (e.g., multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Additionally, where applicable, projected distributable cash flow through debt maturity will also be considered in support of the investment’s carrying value.

Funds of Hedge Funds — Blackstone Funds’ direct investments in funds of hedge funds (“Investee Funds”) are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Investee Fund. If the Partnership determines, based on its own due diligence and investment procedures, that NAV per share does not represent fair value, the Partnership will estimate the fair value in good faith and in a manner that it reasonably chooses, in accordance with its valuation policies.

Certain investments of Blackstone and of the consolidated Blackstone funds of hedge funds and credit-oriented funds measure their investments in underlying funds at fair value using NAV per share without adjustment. The terms of the investee’s investment generally provide for minimum holding periods or lock-ups, the institution of gates on redemptions or the suspension of redemptions or an ability to side-pocket investments, at the discretion of the investee’s fund manager, and as a result, investments may not be redeemable at, or within three months of, the reporting date. A side-pocket is used by hedge funds and funds of hedge funds to separate investments that may lack a readily ascertainable value, are illiquid or are subject to liquidity restriction. Redemptions are generally not permitted until the investments within a side pocket are liquidated or it is deemed that the conditions existing at the time that required the investment to be included in the side pocket no longer exist. As the timing of either of these events is uncertain, the timing at which the Partnership may redeem an investment held in a side-pocket cannot be estimated. Investments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share are reflected within the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of pricing inputs as described above. Further disclosure on instruments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share is presented in Note 5. “Net Asset Value as Fair Value” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Credit-Oriented Investments — The fair values of credit-oriented investments are generally determined on the basis of prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In some instances, Blackstone may utilize other valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method.

 

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Credit-Oriented Liabilities — Credit-oriented liabilities comprise senior and subordinate loans issued by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles. Such liabilities are valued using a discounted cash flow methodology.

Level III Valuation Process

Investments classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy are valued on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration any changes in Blackstone’s weighted average cost of capital assumptions, discounted cash flow projections and exit multiple assumptions, as well as any changes in economic and other relevant conditions and valuation models are updated accordingly. The valuation process also includes a review by an independent valuation party, at least annually for all investments, and quarterly for certain investments, to corroborate the values determined by management. The valuations of Blackstone’s investments are reviewed quarterly by a valuation committee which is chaired by Blackstone’s Vice Chairman and includes senior heads of each of Blackstone’s businesses, as well as representatives of legal and finance. Each quarter, the valuations of Blackstone’s investments are also reviewed by the Audit Committee in a meeting attended by the chairman of the valuation committee as well as the senior heads of each of Blackstone’s businesses. The valuations are further tested by comparison to actual sales prices obtained on disposition of the investments.

Investments, at Fair Value

The Blackstone Funds are accounted for as investment companies under the Investment Company Guide, and reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments (the “Portfolio Companies”), at fair value. Blackstone has retained the specialized accounting for the consolidated Blackstone Funds. Thus, such consolidated funds’ investments are reflected in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the amount 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 (i.e., the exit price).

Blackstone’s principal investments are presented at fair value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation and realized gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within Investment Income (Loss).

For certain instruments, the Partnership has elected the fair value option. Such election is irrevocable and is applied on an investment by investment basis at initial recognition. The Partnership has applied the fair value option for certain loans and receivables and certain investments in private debt and equity securities that otherwise would not have been carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income. Fair valuing these investments is consistent with how the Partnership accounts for its other principal investments. Loans extended to third parties are recorded within Accounts Receivable within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Debt and equity securities for which the fair value option has been elected are recorded within Investments. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such investments is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, credit-oriented and funds of hedge funds investments. Changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables and debt securities on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue.

In addition, the Partnership has elected the fair value option for the assets and liabilities of CLO vehicles that are consolidated as of January 1, 2010, as a result of the initial adoption of variable interest entity consolidation guidance. The Partnership has also elected the fair value option for CLO vehicles consolidated as a result of the acquisitions of CLO management contracts. The adjustment resulting from the difference between the fair value of assets and liabilities for each of these events is presented as a transition and acquisition

 

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adjustment to Appropriated Partners’ Capital. Assets of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Investments within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Liabilities within Loans Payable for the amounts due to unaffiliated third parties and Due to Affiliates for the amounts held by non-consolidated affiliates. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such assets and liabilities is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, and credit-oriented investments. Changes in the fair value of consolidated CLO assets and liabilities and related interest, dividend and other income subsequent to adoption and acquisition are presented within Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities. Amounts attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities have a corresponding adjustment to Appropriated Partners’ Capital.

Further disclosure on instruments for which the fair value option has been elected is presented in Note 7. “Fair Value Option” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Intangibles and Goodwill

Blackstone’s intangible assets consist of contractual rights to earn future fee income, including management and advisory fees and Carried Interest from its Carry Funds. Identifiable finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 4 to 20 years, reflecting the contractual lives of such funds. Amortization expense is included within General, Administrative and Other in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Partnership does not hold any indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Goodwill comprises goodwill arising from the contribution and reorganization of the Partnership’s predecessor entities in 2007 immediately prior to its IPO and the acquisition of GSO in 2008.

The carrying value of goodwill was $1.7 billion as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Intangible Assets and Goodwill are reviewed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the fair value of the Partnership’s operating segments substantially exceeded their respective carrying values.

We test goodwill for impairment at the operating segment level (the same as our segments). Management has organized the firm into five operating segments. All of the components in each segment have similar economic characteristics and management makes key operating decisions based on the performance of each segment. Therefore, we believe that operating segment is the appropriate reporting level for testing the impairment of goodwill. In determining fair value for each of our segments, we utilize a discounted cash flow methodology based on the adjusted cash flows from operations for each segment. We believe this method provides the best approximation of fair value. In calculating the discounted cash flows, we begin with the adjusted cash flows from operations of each segment. We then determine the most likely growth rate by operating segment for each of the next four years and assume a terminal value by segment. We do not apply a control premium. The discounted cash flow analysis includes the Blackstone issued notes and borrowings under the revolving credit facility, if any, and includes an allocation of interest expense to each segment for the unused commitment fee on Blackstone’s revolving credit facility. We use a discount rate that reflects the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the risks inherent in the future cash flows.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, we enter into various off-balance sheet arrangements including sponsoring and owning limited or general partner interests in consolidated and non-consolidated funds, entering into derivative transactions, entering into operating leases, and entering into guarantee arrangements. We also have ongoing capital commitment arrangements with certain of our consolidated and non-consolidated drawdown funds. We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that would require us to fund losses or guarantee target returns to investors in our funds.

 

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Further disclosure on our off-balance sheet arrangements is presented in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing as follows:

 

   

Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments”,

 

   

Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities”, and

 

   

Note 16. “Commitments and Contingencies — Commitments — Investment Commitments” and “— Contingencies — Guarantees”.

Recent Accounting Developments

Information regarding recent accounting developments and their impact on Blackstone can be found in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements.”

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our predominant exposure to market risk is related to our role as general partner or investment adviser to the Blackstone Funds and the sensitivities to movements in the fair value of their investments, including the effect on management fees, performance fees and investment income.

Although the Blackstone Funds share many common themes, each of our alternative asset management operations runs its own investment and risk management processes, subject to our overall risk tolerance and philosophy:

 

   

The investment process of our carry funds involves a detailed analysis of potential investments, and asset management teams are assigned to oversee the operations, strategic development, financing and capital deployment decisions of each portfolio investment. Key investment decisions are subject to approval by the applicable investment committee, which is comprised of Blackstone senior managing directors and senior management.

 

   

In our capacity as advisor to certain of our hedge fund solutions and credit businesses funds, we continuously monitor a variety of markets for attractive trading opportunities, applying a number of traditional and customized risk management metrics to analyze risk related to specific assets or portfolios. In addition, we perform extensive credit and cash-flow analyses of borrowers, credit-based assets and underlying hedge fund managers, and have extensive asset management teams that monitor covenant compliance by, and relevant financial data of, borrowers and other obligors, asset pool performance statistics, tracking of cash payments relating to investments and ongoing analysis of the credit status of investments.

Effect on Fund Management Fees

Our management fees are based on (a) third parties’ capital commitments to a Blackstone Fund, (b) third parties’ capital invested in a Blackstone Fund or (c) the net asset value, or NAV, of a Blackstone Fund, as described in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Management fees will only be directly affected by short-term changes in market conditions to the extent they are based on NAV or represent permanent impairments of value. These management fees will be increased (or reduced) in direct proportion to the effect of changes in the market value of our investments in the related funds. The proportion of our management fees that are based on NAV is dependent on the number and types of Blackstone Funds in existence and the current stage of each fund’s life cycle. For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, the approximate percentage of our fund management fees based on the NAV of the applicable funds or separately managed accounts, were as follows:

 

     As of
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Fund Management Fees Based on the NAV of the Applicable Funds or Separately Managed Accounts

     27     32

 

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Market Risk

The Blackstone Funds hold investments which are reported at fair value. Based on the fair value as of June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, we estimate that a 10% decline in fair value of the investments would have the following effects:

 

     June 30,  
     2012      2011  
     Management
Fees
     Performance
Fees, Net of
the Related
Compensation
Expense
     Investment
Income
     Management
Fees
     Performance
Fees, Net of
the Related
Compensation
Expense
     Investment
Income
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10% Decline in Fair Value of the Investments

   $ 47,038       $ 1,143,240       $ 234,850       $ 44,862       $ 519,217       $ 229,113   

Total assets under management, excluding undrawn capital commitments and the amount of capital raised for our CLOs, by segment, and the percentage amount classified as Level III investments as defined within the fair value standards of GAAP, are as follows:

 

     Total Assets Under  Management,
Excluding Undrawn Capital
Commitments and the Amount of
Capital Raised for CLOs
     Percentage Amount
Classified as Level
III Investments
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)         

Private Equity

   $ 27,685,468         77

Real Estate

     36,281,988         96

Hedge Fund Solutions

     41,401,266         76

Credit Businesses

     20,151,954         43

The fair value of our investments and securities can vary significantly based on a number of factors that take into consideration the diversity of the Blackstone Funds’ investment portfolio and on a number of factors and inputs such as similar transactions, financial metrics, and industry comparatives, among others. (See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Also see “Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies—Investments, at Fair Value.”) We believe these fair value amounts should be utilized with caution as our intent and strategy is to hold investments and securities until prevailing market conditions are beneficial for investment sales.

Investors in all of our carry funds (and certain of our credit-oriented funds and funds of hedge funds) make capital commitments to those funds that we are entitled to call from those investors at any time during prescribed periods. We depend on investors fulfilling their commitments when we call capital from them in order for those funds to consummate investments and otherwise pay their related obligations when due, including management fees. We have not had investors fail to honor capital calls to any meaningful extent and any investor that did not fund a capital call would be subject to having a significant amount of its existing investment forfeited in that fund. But if investors were to fail to satisfy a significant amount of capital calls for any particular fund or funds, those funds could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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Exchange Rate Risk

The Blackstone Funds hold investments that are denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies that may be affected by movements in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. dollar currencies. Additionally, a portion of our management fees are denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies. We estimate that as of June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, a 10% decline in the rate of exchange of all foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar would have the following effects:

 

     June 30,  
     2012      2011  
     Management
Fees
     Performance
Fees, Net of
the Related
Compensation
Expense
     Investment
Income
     Management
Fees
     Performance
Fees, Net of
the Related
Compensation
Expense
     Investment
Income
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

10% Decline in the Rate of Exchange of All Foreign Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar

   $ 13,970       $ 110,722       $ 31,974       $ 9,381       $ 58,318       $ 33,769   

Interest Rate Risk

Blackstone has debt obligations payable that accrue interest at variable rates. Interest rate changes may therefore affect the amount of interest payments, future earnings and cash flows. Based on our debt obligations payable as of June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, we estimate that interest expense relating to variable rates would increase on an annual basis, in the event interest rates were to increase by one percentage point, as follows:

 

     June 30,  
         2012              2011      
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Increase in Interest Expense Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates

   $ 230       $ 4,742   

Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies consists of a diversified portfolio of liquid assets to meet the liquidity needs of various businesses (the “Treasury Liquidity Portfolio”). This portfolio includes cash, open-ended money market mutual funds, open-ended bond mutual funds, marketable investment securities, freestanding derivative contracts, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements and other investments. We estimate that our annualized investment income would decrease by $4.9 million, or 0.4% of the Treasury Liquidity Portfolio, if interest rates were to increase by one percentage point. This would be offset by an estimated increase in interest income of $2.6 million on an annual basis from interest on floating rate assets.

Credit Risk

Certain Blackstone Funds and the Investee Funds are subject to certain inherent risks through their investments.

The Treasury Liquidity Portfolio contains certain credit risks including, but not limited to, exposure to uninsured deposits with financial institutions, unsecured corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities. These exposures are actively monitored on a continuous basis and positions are reallocated based on changes in risk profile, market or economic conditions.

We estimate that our investment income would decrease by $5.9 million, or 0.5% of the Treasury Liquidity Portfolio, if credit spreads were to increase by one percentage point.

 

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Certain of our entities hold derivative instruments that contain an element of risk in the event that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of such agreements. We minimize our risk exposure by limiting the counterparties with which we enter into contracts to banks and investment banks who meet established credit and capital guidelines. We do not expect any counterparty to default on its obligations and therefore do not expect to incur any loss due to counterparty default.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired objectives.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective at the reasonable assurance level to accomplish their objectives of ensuring that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during our most recent quarter, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We may from time to time be involved in litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of our business. Our businesses are also subject to extensive regulation, which may result in regulatory proceedings against us. See “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are not currently subject to any pending judicial, administrative or arbitration proceedings that we expect to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, a purported class of shareholders in public companies acquired by one or more private equity firms filed a lawsuit against a number of private equity firms and investment banks, including The Blackstone Group L.P., in the United States District Court in Massachusetts ( Kirk Dahl, et al. v. Bain Capital Partners, LLC, et al. ). The suit alleges that, from mid-2003 through 2007, eleven defendants violated the antitrust laws by allegedly conspiring to rig bids, restrict the supply of private equity financing, fix the prices for target companies at artificially low levels, and divide up an alleged market for private equity services for leveraged buyouts. After the conclusion of discovery, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in June 2012, in which the plaintiffs seek damages on behalf of public shareholders that tendered their shares in connection with 17 leveraged buyouts. The court has dismissed claims against Blackstone with respect to four of these transactions because Blackstone was released from any and all claims by the same shareholders in prior litigation. Defendants have filed motions for summary judgment. The court has not yet established a schedule for determining whether to certify the shareholder class proposed by plaintiffs.

In the spring of 2008, six substantially identical complaints were brought against Blackstone and some of its executive officers purporting to be class actions on behalf of purchasers of common units in Blackstone’s June 2007 initial public offering. These suits were subsequently consolidated into one complaint ( Landmen Partners Inc. v. The Blackstone Group L.P., et al. ) filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in October 2008 against Blackstone, Stephen A. Schwarzman (Blackstone’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), Peter G. Peterson (Blackstone’s former Senior Chairman), Hamilton E. James (Blackstone’s President and Chief Operating Officer) and Michael A. Puglisi (Blackstone’s Chief Financial Officer at the time of the IPO). The amended complaint alleged that (1) the IPO prospectus was false and misleading for failing to disclose that (a) one private equity investment would be adversely affected by trends in mortgage default rates, particularly for sub-prime mortgage loans, (b) another private equity investment was adversely affected by the loss of an exclusive manufacturing agreement, and (c) prior to the IPO the U.S. real estate market had started to deteriorate, adversely affecting the value of Blackstone’s real estate investments; and (2) the financial statements in the IPO prospectus were materially inaccurate principally because they overstated the value of the investments referred to in clause (1).

In September 2009 the District Court judge dismissed the complaint with prejudice, ruling that even if the allegations in the complaint were assumed to be true, the alleged omissions were immaterial. Analyzing both quantitative and qualitative factors, the District Court reasoned that the alleged omissions were immaterial as a matter of law given the size of the investments at issue relative to Blackstone as a whole, and taking into account Blackstone’s structure as an asset manager and financial advisory firm.

In February 2011, a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit reversed the District Court’s decision, ruling that the District Court incorrectly found that plaintiffs’ allegations were, if true, immaterial as a matter of law. The Second Circuit disagreed with the District Court, concluding that the complaint “plausibly” alleged that the initial public offering documents omitted material information concerning two of Blackstone funds’ individual investments and inadequately disclosed information relating to market risks to their real estate investments. Because this was a motion to dismiss, in reaching this decision the Second Circuit accepted all of the complaint’s factual allegations as true and drew every reasonable inference in plaintiffs’ favor. The Second Circuit did not consider facts other than those in the plaintiffs’ complaint. On June 28, 2011, defendants filed a petition for writ

 

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of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, which was subsequently denied. On August 8, 2011, defendants filed their answer to the complaint and discovery commenced and is continuing in this action.

In June 2011, three related suits ( Walker, Truesdell, Roth & Assocs. v. The Blackstone Group L.P., et al. ) were filed against Blackstone, various Blackstone entities including some of its private equity and real estate funds, and specified Blackstone personnel relating to the sale of Extended Stay Hotels in June 2007 by certain entities in which such Blackstone funds owned significant equity interests (the “2007 Sale”). Other defendants in such suits include the buyer of Extended Stay, financial advisors to both the sellers and the buyer and specified lenders for the purchase of Extended Stay. Extended Stay subsequently filed for bankruptcy in 2009, at which time it was still owned by the buyer pursuant to the 2007 Sale. The suits, which are in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, were brought by a litigation trust for the benefit of creditors of Extended Stay and allege that Extended Stay was rendered insolvent by the 2007 Sale. One suit includes asserted claims of fraudulent conveyance and seeks to recover $2.1 billion allegedly transferred to the sellers in the 2007 Sale. The other two suits contain the same allegations as the first suit, assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, illegal distributions and other claims, and seek $2.1 billion in compensatory damages and $6.3 billion in punitive damages.

Blackstone believes that all of the foregoing suits are totally without merit and intends to defend them vigorously.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

See “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Environment” in this report for a discussion of the conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions affecting our businesses. This discussion updates, and should be read together with, the risk factor entitled “Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or performance of the investments made by our investment funds, reducing the ability of our investment funds to raise or deploy capital and reducing the volume of the transactions involving our financial advisory business, each of which could materially reduce our revenue and cash flows and adversely affect our financial condition” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The risks described in our Form 10-K and in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In January 2008, the Board of Directors of our general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under this unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. This unit repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date. No purchases of our common units were made by us or on our behalf during the three months ended June 30, 2012. See “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 13. Net Income (Loss) Per Common Unit” and “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Our Sources of Cash and Liquidity Needs” for further information regarding this unit repurchase program.

 

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As permitted by our policies and procedures governing transactions in our securities by our directors, executive officers and other employees, from time to time some of these persons may establish plans or arrangements complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, and similar plans and arrangements relating to our common units and Holdings units.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements. This accounting standard update requires entities to present total comprehensive income either in a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. Blackstone adopted this standard as of January 1, 2012, and will present net income and other comprehensive income as a separate statement in our annual and interim financial statements. The table below reflects the retrospective application of this guidance for each of the three years ended December 31, 2011. The retrospective application did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  

Net Income

  $ (268,453   $ (607,323   $ (2,390,696

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax—Currency Translation Adjustment

    7,056        (13,613     2,711   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

    (261,397     (620,936     (2,387,985

Less:

     

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    (24,869     87,651        131,097   

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    17,353        328,003        (14,328

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

    (83,234     (668,444     (1,792,174
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $ (170,647   $ (368,146   $ (712,580
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following tables present the financial data for Blackstone’s five segments for the indicated periods:

 

    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31,
2011
    Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  
Economic Income, Total Segments            

Revenues

           

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

           

Base Management Fees

  $ 305,587      $ 316,474      $ 322,371      $ 336,753      $ 395,506      $ 381,344   

Advisory Fees

    70,252        102,243        86,178        123,567        75,846        93,372   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

    58,363        103,561        41,793        43,796        38,471        49,453   

Management Fee Offsets

    (8,536     (8,675     (7,703     (8,479     (13,050     (7,973
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

    425,666        513,603        442,639        495,637        496,773        516,196   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    93,401        42,752        (9,633     12,387        13,560        55,929   

Incentive Fees

    2,199        17,463        17,530        51,837        5,279        11,692   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    432,148        611,157        (382,949     311,162        298,796        84,290   

Incentive Fees

    73,049        1,686        (82,227     (17,436     68,121        (17,074
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

    600,797        673,058        (457,279     357,950        385,756        134,837   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

           

Realized

    23,499        30,732        31,647        16,697        23,492        9,360   

Unrealized

    102,577        106,837        (165,753     39,028        59,914        (25,624
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

    126,076        137,569        (134,106     55,725        83,406        (16,264

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

    9,448        9,283        10,110        10,003        9,345        10,391   

Other

    2,259        1,128        (1,667     5,695        (1,207     (828
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

    1,164,246        1,334,641        (140,303     925,010        974,073        644,332   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

           

Compensation and Benefits

           

Compensation

    224,532        272,392        238,207        225,438        254,772        268,884   

Performance Fee Compensation

           

Realized

           

Carried Interest

    13,569        18,675        (1,835     13,206        7,938        7,899   

Incentive Fees

    974        9,036        12,378        33,524        4,252        5,575   

Unrealized

           

Carried Interest

    125,955        123,713        (74,123     62,399        84,543        36,815   

Incentive Fees

    36,570        (5,616     (37,312     (14,401     12,779        (9,596
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

    401,600        418,200        137,315        320,166        364,284        309,577   

Other Operating Expenses

    102,975        99,363        96,932        122,072        109,521        113,038   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

    504,575        517,563        234,247        442,238        473,805        422,615   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

  $ 659,671      $ 817,078      $ (374,550   $ 482,772      $ 500,268      $ 221,717   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     Three Months Ended  
     Mar 31,
2011
    Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  
Private Equity             

Revenues

            

Management Fees, Net

            

Base Management Fees

   $ 79,935      $ 82,297      $ 85,534      $ 84,231      $ 85,789      $ 87,475   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     35,342        52,353        21,430        23,879        18,097        14,951   

Management Fee Offsets

     (7,889     (7,629     (6,498     (5,057     (3,782     (672
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     107,388        127,021        100,466        103,053        100,104        101,754   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

            

Realized

            

Carried Interest

     82,389        1,362        (17,966     (28,392     3,933        28,781   

Unrealized

            

Carried Interest

     32,537        187,190        (270,014     83,777        34,051        (87,893
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     114,926        188,552        (287,980     55,385        37,984        (59,112
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

            

Realized

     17,907        3,021        20,548        3,512        13,911        (6,195

Unrealized

     29,126        76,947        (121,688     25,091        16,469        (28,337
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     47,033        79,968        (101,140     28,603        30,380        (34,532

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     3,505        3,197        3,396        3,651        2,420        3,114   

Other

     811        665        141        193        (215     562   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     273,663        399,403        (285,117     190,885        170,673        11,786   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

            

Compensation and Benefits

            

Compensation

     54,924        64,633        52,388        45,611        52,547        53,775   

Performance Fee Compensation

            

Realized

            

Carried Interest

     7,718        49        (2,443     (3,859     320        804   

Unrealized

            

Carried Interest

     5,464        29,309        (44,955     7,953        (1,052     (8,259
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     68,106        93,991        4,990        49,705        51,815        46,320   

Other Operating Expenses

     28,713        30,124        27,588        34,493        28,881        30,521   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     96,819        124,115        32,578        84,198        80,696        76,841   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ 176,844      $ 275,288      $ (317,695   $ 106,687      $ 89,977      $ (65,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     Three Months Ended  
     Mar 31,
2011
    Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  
Real Estate             

Revenues

            

Management Fees, Net

            

Base Management Fees

   $ 95,439      $ 97,467      $ 97,925      $ 103,947      $ 147,802      $ 127,817   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     21,543        49,288        19,551        19,128        14,412        25,151   

Management Fee Offsets

     (505     (745     (880     (2,820     (8,627     (5,357
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     116,477        146,010        116,596        120,255        153,587        147,611   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

            

Realized

            

Carried Interest

     2,371        11,798        5,137        3,538        8,617        13,539   

Incentive Fees

     222        9,034        171        202        (1     7,766   

Unrealized

            

Carried Interest

     361,446        433,280        (119,192     237,884        221,500        144,510   

Incentive Fees

     6,658        (3,822     (984     1,806        7,914        (1,526
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     370,697        450,290        (114,868     243,430        238,030        164,289   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

            

Realized

     2,919        11,394        7,313        6,346        7,812        9,067   

Unrealized

     61,406        37,332        (26,060     19,970        25,912        14,944   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     64,325        48,726        (18,747     26,316        33,724        24,011   

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     3,288        2,989        3,195        3,430        2,552        3,277   

Other

     860        515        (1,390     (1,046     (709     (590
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     555,647        648,530        (15,214     392,385        427,184        338,598   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

            

Compensation and Benefits

            

Compensation

     57,627        70,651        54,986        53,507        68,889        76,576   

Performance Fee Compensation

            

Realized

            

Carried Interest

     1,126        5,095        2,169        1,713        4,077        3,401   

Incentive Fees

     104        4,287        82        91        2        3,871   

Unrealized

            

Carried Interest

     100,958        92,392        (30,076     57,866        54,275        31,677   

Incentive Fees

     5,543        (1,371     (434     (632     3,768        (629
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     165,358        171,054        26,727        112,545        131,011        114,896   

Other Operating Expenses

     28,366        22,971        23,495        29,027        28,924        26,560   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     193,724        194,025        50,222        141,572        159,935        141,456   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ 361,923      $ 454,505      $ (65,436   $ 250,813      $ 267,249      $ 197,142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

120


Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended  
     Mar 31,
2011
    Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  
Hedge Fund Solutions             

Revenues

            

Management Fees, Net

            

Base Management Fees

   $ 75,612      $ 79,290      $ 79,355      $ 81,606      $ 81,821      $ 84,278   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     727        861        740        470        92        65   

Management Fee Offsets

     (124     (196     (258     (402     (335     (375
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     76,215        79,955        79,837        81,674        81,578        83,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

            

Realized

            

Incentive Fees

     893        667        5,764        4,148        3,298        1,175   

Unrealized

            

Incentive Fees

     19,253        3,441        (19,861     (2,059     23,187        (10,981
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     20,146        4,108        (14,097     2,089        26,485        (9,806
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

            

Realized

     1,341        12,855        1,023        2,503        503        929   

Unrealized

     7,120        (12,864     (10,034     (3,253     8,371        (3,636
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     8,461        (9     (9,011     (750     8,874        (2,707

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     516        472        500        537        386        495   

Other

     104        (38     18        7,818        (127     27   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     105,442        84,488        57,247        91,368        117,196        71,977   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

            

Compensation and Benefits

            

Compensation

     28,093        31,674        30,667        38,525        28,233        34,559   

Performance Fee Compensation

            

Realized

            

Incentive Fees

     300        253        2,257        688        1,378        (345

Unrealized

            

Incentive Fees

     5,358        2,955        (7,214     (865     7,294        (2,820
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     33,751        34,882        25,710        38,348        36,905        31,394   

Other Operating Expenses

     13,008        16,075        14,421        21,568        13,934        14,506   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     46,759        50,957        40,131        59,916        50,839        45,900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

   $ 58,683      $ 33,531      $ 17,116      $ 31,452      $ 66,357      $ 26,077   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

121


Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended  
     Mar 31,
2011
    Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Credit Businesses

            

Revenues

            

Management Fees, Net

            

Base Management Fees

   $ 54,601      $ 57,420      $ 59,557      $ 66,969      $ 80,094      $ 81,774   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     745        849        (26     312        5,725        9,184   

Management Fee Offsets

     (18     (105     (67     (200     (306     (1,569
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     55,328        58,164        59,464        67,081        85,513        89,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

            

Realized

            

Carried Interest

     8,641        29,592        3,196        37,241        1,010        13,609   

Incentive Fees

     1,084        7,762        11,595        47,487        1,982        2,751   

Unrealized

            

Carried Interest

     38,165        (9,313     6,257        (10,499     43,245        27,673   

Incentive Fees

     47,138        2,067        (61,382     (17,183     37,020        (4,567
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     95,028        30,108        (40,334     57,046        83,257        39,466   

Investment Income (Loss)

            

Realized

     1,235        3,236        2,807        4,021        683        5,638   

Unrealized

     4,532        5,437        (7,800     (2,877     9,211        (9,156
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     5,767        8,673        (4,993     1,144        9,894        (3,518

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     453        902        1,404        610        2,425        1,752   

Other

     98        (47     (132     (772     (238     (787
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     156,674        97,800        15,409        125,109        180,851        126,302   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

            

Compensation and Benefits

            

Compensation

     29,549        33,071        40,533        25,435        37,143        42,845   

Performance Fee Compensation

            

Realized

            

Carried Interest

     4,725        13,531        (1,561     15,352        3,541        3,694   

Incentive Fees

     570        4,496        10,039        32,745        2,872        2,049   

Unrealized

            

Carried Interest

     19,533        2,012        908        (3,420     31,320        13,397   

Incentive Fees

     25,669        (7,200     (29,664     (12,904     1,717        (6,147
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     80,046        45,910        20,255        57,208        76,593        55,838   

Other Operating Expenses

     15,357        10,226        11,210        13,162        17,096        15,749   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     95,403        56,136        31,465        70,370        93,689        71,587   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ 61,271      $ 41,664      $ (16,056   $ 54,739      $ 87,162      $ 54,715   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

122


Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended  
     Mar 31,
2011
     Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Financial Advisory

             

Revenues

             

Advisory Fees

   $ 70,252       $ 102,243      $ 86,178      $ 123,567      $ 75,846      $ 93,372   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     6         210        98        7        145        102   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Advisory and Transaction Fees

     70,258         102,453        86,276        123,574        75,991        93,474   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

             

Realized

     97         226        (44     315        583        (79

Unrealized

     393         (15     (171     97        (49     561   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     490         211        (215     412        534        482   

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     1,686         1,723        1,615        1,775        1,562        1,753   

Other

     386         33        (304     (498     82        (40
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     72,820         104,420        87,372        125,263        78,169        95,669   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

             

Compensation and Benefits

             

Compensation

     54,339         72,363        59,633        62,360        67,960        61,129   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     54,339         72,363        59,633        62,360        67,960        61,129   

Other Operating Expenses

     17,531         19,967        20,218        23,822        20,686        25,702   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     71,870         92,330        79,851        86,182        88,646        86,831   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ 950       $ 12,090      $ 7,521      $ 39,081      $ (10,477   $ 8,838   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

123


Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,  
       2008     2009     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Economic Income, Total Segments

        

Revenues

        

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

        

Base Management Fees

   $ 1,041,718      $ 999,829      $ 1,069,471      $ 1,281,185   

Advisory Fees

     397,519        390,718        426,140        382,240   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     96,358        115,040        137,748        247,513   

Management Fee Offsets

     (16,437     (17,161     (2,313     (33,393
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

     1,519,158        1,488,426        1,631,046        1,877,545   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

        

Realized

        

Carried Interest

     26,953        29,452        244,963        138,907   

Incentive Fees

     12,060        44,812        116,700        89,029   

Unrealized

        

Carried Interest

     (1,274,327     100,304        457,002        971,518   

Incentive Fees

     (11,935     65,563        107,624        (24,928
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     (1,247,249     240,131        926,289        1,174,526   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

        

Realized

     (64,677     29,544        46,915        102,575   

Unrealized

     (691,934     3,880        501,634        82,689   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     (756,611     33,424        548,549        185,264   

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     29,014        22,492        36,096        38,844   

Other

     13,595        7,096        (618     7,415   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     (442,093     1,791,569        3,141,362        3,283,594   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

        

Compensation and Benefits

        

Compensation

     771,426        769,856        859,114        960,569   

Performance Fee Compensation

        

Realized

        

Carried Interest

     (1,421     2,844        70,716        43,615   

Incentive Fees

     6,418        22,260        57,600        55,912   

Unrealized

        

Carried Interest

     (204,262     (69,824     165,340        237,944   

Incentive Fees

     (3,452     43,641        63,306        (20,759
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     568,709        768,777        1,216,076        1,277,281   

Other Operating Expenses

     319,216        299,029        344,516        421,342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     887,925        1,067,806        1,560,592        1,698,623   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ (1,330,018   $ 723,763      $ 1,580,770      $ 1,584,971   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

124


Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009      2010     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Private Equity

         

Revenues

         

Management Fees, Net

         

Base Management Fees

   $ 268,961      $ 270,509       $ 263,307      $ 331,997   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     51,796        86,336         72,243        133,004   

Management Fee Offsets

     (4,862     —           (188     (27,073
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     315,895        356,845         335,362        437,928   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

         

Realized

         

Carried Interest

     (749     34,021         156,869        37,393   

Unrealized

         

Carried Interest

     (429,736     303,491         151,494        33,490   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     (430,485     337,512         308,363        70,883   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

         

Realized

     13,687        36,968         15,332        44,988   

Unrealized

     (196,200     33,269         153,288        9,476   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     (182,513     70,237         168,620        54,464   

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     6,459        7,756         14,044        13,749   

Other

     4,474        2,845         2,021        1,810   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     (286,170     775,195         828,410        578,834   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

         

Compensation and Benefits

         

Compensation

     146,551        181,266         179,345        217,556   

Performance Fee Compensation

         

Realized

         

Carried Interest

     (4,255     741         32,627        1,465   

Unrealized

         

Carried Interest

     (126,090     20,307         21,320        (2,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     16,206        202,314         233,292        216,792   

Other Operating Expenses

     90,130        82,471         109,589        120,918   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     106,336        284,785         342,881        337,710   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ (392,506   $ 490,410       $ 485,529      $ 241,124   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

125


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     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Real Estate

        

Revenues

        

Management Fees, Net

        

Base Management Fees

   $ 295,921      $ 328,447      $ 338,428      $ 394,778   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     36,046        25,838        59,914        109,510   

Management Fee Offsets

     (4,969     (2,467     (1,071     (4,950
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     326,998        351,818        397,271        499,338   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

        

Realized

        

Carried Interest

     24,681        (9,597     16,113        22,844   

Incentive Fees

     —          6,558        24,175        9,629   

Unrealized

        

Carried Interest

     (843,704     (259,583     218,706        913,418   

Incentive Fees

     —          7,403        38,265        3,658   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     (819,023     (255,219     297,259        949,549   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

        

Realized

     3,778        6,164        11,251        27,972   

Unrealized

     (238,650     (125,624     318,979        92,648   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     (234,872     (119,460     330,230        120,620   

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     5,880        6,030        11,173        12,902   

Other

     3,008        3,261        (336     (1,061
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     (718,009     (13,570     1,035,597        1,581,348   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

        

Compensation and Benefits

        

Compensation

     150,684        158,115        183,177        236,771   

Performance Fee Compensation

        

Realized

        

Carried Interest

     1,090        489        4,545        10,103   

Incentive Fees

     —          3,020        11,299        4,564   

Unrealized

        

Carried Interest

     (74,981     (117,394     103,406        221,140   

Incentive Fees

     —          3,410        19,458        3,106   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     76,793        47,640        321,885        475,684   

Other Operating Expenses

     55,782        56,325        74,189        103,859   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     132,575        103,965        396,074        579,543   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ (850,584   $ (117,535   $ 639,523      $ 1,001,805   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

126


Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Hedge Fund Solutions

        

Revenues

        

Management Fees, Net

        

Base Management Fees

   $ 293,497      $ 227,596      $ 272,773      $ 315,863   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     3,428        2,224        3,572        2,798   

Management Fee Offsets

     (100     (242     (330     (980
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     296,825        229,578        276,015        317,681   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

        

Realized

        

Incentive Fees

     7,185        30,709        56,626        11,472   

Unrealized

        

Incentive Fees

     —          1        2,982        774   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     7,185        30,710        59,608        12,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

        

Realized

     (77,302     (113     9,818        17,722   

Unrealized

     (201,462     51,898        19,361        (19,031
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     (278,764     51,785        29,179        (1,309

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     2,777        1,040        1,869        2,025   

Other

     738        258        97        7,902   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     28,761        313,371        366,768        338,545   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

        

Compensation and Benefits

        

Compensation

     131,992        88,512        95,386        128,959   

Performance Fee Compensation

        

Realized

        

Incentive Fees

     4,569        11,228        20,633        3,498   

Unrealized

        

Incentive Fees

     —          (21     1,067        234   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     136,561        99,719        117,086        132,691   

Other Operating Expenses

     60,989        43,166        51,360        65,072   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     197,550        142,885        168,446        197,763   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ (168,789   $ 170,486      $ 198,322      $ 140,782   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

127


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     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Credit Businesses

        

Revenues

        

Management Fees, Net

        

Base Management Fees

   $ 183,339      $ 173,277      $ 194,963      $ 238,547   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     5,088        642        1,657        1,880   

Management Fee Offsets

     (6,506     (14,452     (724     (390
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

     181,921        159,467        195,896        240,037   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Fees

        

Realized

        

Carried Interest

     3,021        5,028        71,981        78,670   

Incentive Fees

     4,875        7,545        35,899        67,928   

Unrealized

        

Carried Interest

     (887     56,396        86,802        24,610   

Incentive Fees

     (11,935     58,159        66,377        (29,360
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Performance Fees

     (4,926     127,128        261,059        141,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

        

Realized

     (4,840     (14,918     9,700        11,299   

Unrealized

     (55,622     44,118        9,472        (708
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income (Loss)

     (60,462     29,200        19,172        10,591   

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue

     5,750        2,412        3,038        3,369   

Other

     476        767        (488     (853
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     122,759        318,974        478,677        394,992   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

        

Compensation and Benefits

        

Compensation

     107,444        109,604        123,257        128,588   

Performance Fee Compensation

        

Realized

        

Carried Interest

     1,744        1,614        33,544        32,047   

Incentive Fees

     1,849        8,012        25,668        47,850   

Unrealized

        

Carried Interest

     (3,191     27,263        40,614        19,033   

Incentive Fees

     (3,452     40,252        42,781        (24,099
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

     104,394        186,745        265,864        203,419   

Other Operating Expenses

     45,038        37,495        39,106        49,955   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     149,432        224,240        304,970        253,374   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

   $ (26,673   $ 94,734      $ 173,707      $ 141,618   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008      2009     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Financial Advisory

         

Revenues

         

Advisory Fees

     397,519         390,718        426,140        382,240   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

     —           —          362        321   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Advisory and Transaction Fees

     397,519         390,718        426,502        382,561   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Income

         

Realized

     —           1,443        814        594   

Unrealized

     —           219        534        304   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

     —           1,662        1,348        898   

Interest and Dividend Revenue

     8,148         5,254        5,972        6,799   

Other

     4,899         (35     (1,912     (383
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     410,566         397,599        431,910        389,875   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

         

Compensation and Benefits

         

Compensation

     234,755         232,359        277,949        248,695   

Other Operating Expenses

     67,277         79,572        70,272        81,538   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     302,032         311,931        348,221        330,233   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income

   $ 108,534       $ 85,668      $ 83,689      $ 59,642   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following tables present reconciliations of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. to Economic Income (Loss), of Economic Income (Loss) to Economic Net Income (Loss), of Economic Net Income (Loss) to Fee Related Earnings, of Fee Related Earnings to Distributable Earnings and of Distributable Earnings to Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization for the indicated periods:

 

     Three Months Ended  
     Mar 31,
2011
    Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

   $ 42,704      $ 86,237      $ (274,567   $ (22,677   $ 58,325      $ (74,964

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

     106,716        190,908        (402,079     21,221        107,405        (53,027

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     (93,793     (92,753     (262,207     456,706        197,643        239,934   

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

     22,737        205        (47,922     111        54,259        (17,666
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

     78,364        184,597        (986,775     455,361        417,632        94,277   

Provision (Benefit) for Taxes

     38,850        64,199        (7,637     250,299        38,753        41,337   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes

     117,214        248,796        (994,412     705,660        456,385        135,614   

IPO and Acquisition-Related Charges (a)

     427,227        430,829        264,068        147,808        244,897        268,936   

Amortization of Intangibles (b)

     44,174        44,905        45,665        86,121        50,888        39,435   

Income (Loss) Associated with Non-Controlling Interests in (Income) Loss of Consolidated Entities (c)

     71,056        92,548        310,129        (456,817     (251,902     (222,268
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

     659,671        817,078        (374,550     482,772        500,268        221,717   

Taxes (d)

     (12,799     (12,897     (5,449     (14,618     (9,051     (9,368
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Net Income (Loss)

     646,872        804,181        (379,999     468,154        491,217        212,349   

Taxes (d)

     12,799        12,897        5,449        14,618        9,051        9,368   

Performance Fee Adjustment (e)

     (600,797     (673,058     457,279        (357,950     (385,756     (134,837

Investment Income (Loss) Adjustment (f)

     (126,076     (137,569     134,106        (55,725     (83,406     16,264   

Investment Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (g)

     1,302        4,038        (3,011     2,271        6,310        1,892   

Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits Adjustment (h)

     177,068        145,808        (100,892     94,728        109,512        40,693   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Related Earnings

     111,168        156,297        112,932        166,096        146,928        145,729   

Realized Performance Fees (i)

     81,057        32,504        (2,646     17,494        6,649        54,147   

Realized Investment Income (Loss) (j)

     23,499        30,732        31,647        16,697        23,492        9,360   

Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (k)

     (1,010     (2,343     (309     (2,395     (5,897     (1,280

Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement (l)

     (12,799     (26,312     (15,879     (19,706     (9,051     (19,552
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable Earnings

     201,915        190,878        125,745        178,186        162,121        188,404   

Interest

     12,713        13,068        12,577        14,843        13,554        12,850   

Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement (l)

     12,799        26,312        15,879        19,706        9,051        19,552   

Depreciation and Amortization

     8,151        7,837        8,325        8,451        10,268        10,391   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

   $ 235,578      $ 238,095      $ 162,526      $ 221,186      $ 194,994      $ 231,197   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

130


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    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2009     2010     2011  
          (Dollars in Thousands)        

Net Loss Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $ (1,163,032   $ (715,291   $ (370,028   $ (168,303

Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

    (3,638,799     (1,792,174     (668,444     (83,234

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    (159,828     (14,328     343,498        7,953   

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

    (632,495     131,097        87,651        (24,869
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Loss

    (5,594,154     (2,390,696     (607,323     (268,453

Provision (Benefit) for Taxes

    (14,145     99,230        84,669        345,711   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes

    (5,608,299     (2,291,466     (522,654     77,258   

IPO and Acquisition-Related Charges (a)

    3,331,722        2,973,950        2,369,195        1,269,932   

Amortization of Intangibles (b)

    153,237        158,048        165,378        220,865   

Other Adjustments

    999        —          —          —     

Income (Loss) Associated with Non-Controlling Interests in (Income) Loss of Consolidated Entities (c)

    792,323        (116,769     (431,149     16,916   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Income (Loss)

    (1,330,018     723,763        1,580,770        1,584,971   

Taxes (d)

    (43,457     (51,086     (28,932     (45,763
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Net Income (Loss)

    (1,373,475     672,677        1,551,838        1,539,208   

Taxes (d)

    43,457        51,086        28,932        45,763   

Performance Fee Adjustment (e)

    1,247,249        (240,131     (926,289     (1,174,526

Investment Income (Loss) Adjustment (f)

    756,611        (33,424     (548,549     (185,264

Investment Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (g)

    —          12,367        15,277        4,600   

Performance Fee Compensation and Benefits Adjustment (h)

    (202,717     (1,079     356,962        316,712   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Related Earnings

    471,125        461,496        478,171        546,493   

Realized Performance Fees (i)

    34,016        49,160        233,347        128,409   

Realized Investment Income (Loss) (j)

    (64,677     29,544        46,915        102,575   

Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (k)

    —          (10,142     (7,782     (6,057

Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement (l)

    (43,457     (51,086     (48,867     (74,696
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable Earnings

    397,007        478,972        701,784        696,724   

Interest

    19,992        10,238        36,666        53,201   

Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement (l)

    43,457        51,086        48,867        74,696   

Depreciation and Amortization

    19,639       
23,750
  
    26,629        32,764   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

  $ 480,095      $ 564,046      $ 813,946      $ 857,385   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(a) The adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes amounts for Transaction-Related Charges which include principally equity-based compensation charges associated with Blackstone’s initial public offering and long-term retention programs outside of annual deferred compensation and other corporate actions.
(b) This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes amounts for the Amortization of Intangibles which are associated with Blackstone’s initial public offering and other corporate actions.
(c) This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes the amount of (Income) Loss Associated with Non-Controlling Interests in (Income) Loss of Consolidated Entities and includes the amount of Management Fee Revenues associated with Consolidated CLO Entities.
(d) Taxes represent the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes.
(e) This adjustment removes from EI the total segment amount of Performance Fees.
(f) This adjustment removes from EI the total segment amount of Investment Income (Loss).
(g) This adjustment represents the realized and unrealized gain on Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies which are a component of Investment Income (Loss) but included in Fee Related Earnings.
(h) This adjustment removes from expenses the compensation and benefit amounts related to Blackstone’s profit sharing plans related to Performance Fees.
(i) Represents the adjustment for realized Performance Fees net of corresponding actual amounts due under Blackstone’s profit sharing plans related thereto.
(j) Represents the adjustment for Blackstone’s Investment Income (Loss) — Realized.
(k) Represents the elimination of Realized Investment Income attributable to Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies which is a component of both Fee Related Earnings from Operations and Realized Investment Income (Loss).
(l) Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement represent the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and the payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Amortization of non-cash deferred compensation included in Economic Income was $5.4 million, $6.6 million, $6.4 million, $66.3 million, $7.8 million and $6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011, September 30, 2011, December 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012, respectively. Amortization of non-cash deferred compensation included in Economic Income was $84.6 million, $68.9 million, $66.8 million and $64.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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The following tables calculate Blackstone’s Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings and Economic Net Income (Loss) for the indicated periods:

 

    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31,
2011
    June 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Base Management Fees (a)

  $ 305,587      $ 316,474      $ 322,371      $ 336,753      $ 395,506      $ 381,344   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net (a)

    58,363        103,561        41,793        43,796        38,471        49,453   

Advisory Fees (a)

    70,252        102,243        86,178        123,567        75,846        93,372   

Management Fee Offsets (a)

    (8,536     (8,675     (7,703     (8,479     (13,050     (7,973

Interest Income and Other Revenue (b)

    13,009        14,449        5,432        17,969        14,448        11,455   

Compensation (a)

    (224,532     (272,392     (238,207     (225,438     (254,772     (268,884

Other Operating Expenses (a)

    (102,975     (99,363     (96,932     (122,072     (109,521     (113,038
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Related Earnings

    111,168        156,297        112,932        166,096        146,928        145,729   

Net Realized Incentive Fees (b)

    1,225        8,427        5,152        18,313        1,027        6,117   

Net Realized Carried Interest (b)

    79,832        24,077        (7,798     (819     5,622        48,030   

Realized Investment Income (b)

    22,489        28,389        31,338        14,302        17,595        8,080   

Taxes and Related Payables (c)

    (12,799     (26,312     (15,879     (19,706     (9,051     (19,552
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable Earnings

    201,915        190,878        125,745        178,186        162,121        188,404   

Net Unrealized Incentive Fees (b)

    36,479        7,302        (44,915     (3,035     55,342        (7,478

Net Unrealized Carried Interest (b)

    306,193        487,444        (308,826     248,763        214,253        47,475   

Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) (b)

    102,285        105,142        (162,433     39,152        59,501        (26,236

Add Back: Related Payables (d)

    —          13,415        10,430        5,088        —          10,184   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Net Income (Loss)

  $ 646,872      $ 804,181      $ (379,999   $ 468,154      $ 491,217      $ 212,349   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Base Management Fees (a)

   $ 1,041,718      $ 999,829      $ 1,069,471      $ 1,281,185   

Transaction and Other Fees, Net (a)

     96,358        115,040        137,748        247,513   

Advisory Fees (a)

     397,519        390,718        426,140        382,240   

Management Fee Offsets (a)

     (16,437     (17,161     (2,313     (33,393

Interest Income and Other Revenue (b)

     42,609        41,955        50,755        50,859   

Compensation (a)

     (771,426     (769,856     (859,114     (960,569

Other Operating Expenses (a)

     (319,216     (299,029     (344,516     (421,342
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Related Earnings

     471,125        461,496        478,171        546,493   

Net Realized Incentive Fees (b)

     5,642        22,552        59,100        33,117   

Net Realized Carried Interest (b)

     28,374        26,608        174,247        95,292   

Realized Investment Income (Loss) (b)

     (64,677     19,402        39,133        96,518   

Taxes and Related Payables (c)

     (43,457     (51,086     (48,867     (74,696
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable Earnings

     397,007        478,972        701,784        696,724   

Net Unrealized Incentive Fees (b)

     (8,483     21,922        44,318        (4,169

Net Unrealized Carried Interest (b)

     (1,070,065     170,128        291,662        733,574   

Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) (b)

     (691,934     1,655        494,139        84,146   

Add Back: Related Payables (d)

     —          —          19,935        28,933   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Economic Net Income (Loss)

   $ (1,373,475   $ 672,677      $ 1,551,838      $ 1,539,208   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions.
(b) Detail on this amount is included in the table below.
(c) Represents the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and the payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
(d) Represents tax related payables including the payable under the tax receivable agreement.

 

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The following tables calculate the components of Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings and Economic Net Income (Loss) in the above tables identified by note (b) for the indicated periods:

 

    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31,
2011
    Jun 30,
2011
    Sep 30,
2011
    Dec 31,
2011
    Mar 31,
2012
    Jun 30,
2012
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue (a)

  $ 9,448      $ 9,283      $ 10,110      $ 10,003      $ 9,345      $ 10,391   

Other Revenue (a)

    2,259        1,128        (1,667     5,695        (1,207     (828

Interest Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (b)

    1,302        4,038        (3,011     2,271        6,310        1,892   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Income and Other Revenue

  $ 13,009      $ 14,449      $ 5,432      $ 17,969      $ 14,448      $ 11,455   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Incentive Fees (a)

    2,199        17,463        17,530        51,837        5,279        11,692   

Less: Realized Incentive Fee Compensation (a)

    (974     (9,036     (12,378     (33,524     (4,252     (5,575
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Incentive Fees

  $ 1,225      $ 8,427      $ 5,152      $ 18,313      $ 1,027      $ 6,117   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Carried Interest (a)

  $ 93,401      $ 42,752      $ (9,633   $ 12,387      $ 13,560      $ 55,929   

Less: Realized Carried Interest Compensation (a)

    (13,569     (18,675     1,835        (13,206     (7,938     (7,899
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Carried Interest

  $ 79,832      $ 24,077      $ (7,798   $ (819   $ 5,622      $ 48,030   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Investment Income (a)

  $ 23,499      $ 30,732      $ 31,647      $ 16,697      $ 23,492      $ 9,360   

Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (c)

    (1,010     (2,343     (309     (2,395     (5,897     (1,280
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Investment Income

  $ 22,489      $ 28,389      $ 31,338      $ 14,302      $ 17,595      $ 8,080   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Incentive Fees (a)

  $ 73,049      $ 1,686      $ (82,227   $ (17,436   $ 68,121      $ (17,074

Less: Unrealized Incentive Fee Compensation (a)

    (36,570     5,616        37,312        14,401        (12,779     9,596   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Incentive Fees

  $ 36,479      $ 7,302      $ (44,915   $ (3,035   $ 55,342      $ (7,478
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Carried Interest (a)

  $ 432,148      $ 611,157      $ (382,949   $ 311,162      $ 298,796      $ 84,290   

Less: Unrealized Carried Interest Compensation (a)

    (125,955     (123,713     74,123        (62,399     (84,543     (36,815
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Carried Interest

  $ 306,193      $ 487,444      $ (308,826   $ 248,763      $ 214,253      $ 47,475   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) (a)

  $ 102,577      $ 106,837      $ (165,753   $ 39,028      $ 59,914      $ (25,624

Less: Investment Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (b)

    (1,302     (4,038     3,011        (2,271     (6,310     (1,892

Less: Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (c)

    1,010        2,343        309        2,395        5,897        1,280   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Investment Income (Loss)

  $ 102,285      $ 105,142      $ (162,433   $ 39,152      $ 59,501      $ (26,236
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

134


Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011  
    

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Interest Income and Dividend Revenue (a)

   $ 29,014      $ 22,492      $ 36,096      $ 38,844   

Other Revenue (a)

     13,595        7,096        (618     7,415   

Interest Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (b)

     —          12,367        15,277        4,600   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Income and Other Revenue

   $ 42,609      $ 41,955      $ 50,755      $ 50,859   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Incentive Fees (a)

     12,060        44,812        116,700        89,029   

Less: Realized Incentive Fee Compensation (a)

     (6,418     (22,260     (57,600     (55,912
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Incentive Fees

   $ 5,642      $ 22,552      $ 59,100      $ 33,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Carried Interest (Loss) (a)

   $ 26,953      $ 29,452      $ 244,963      $ 138,907   

Less: Realized Carried Interest Compensation (a)

     1,421        (2,844     (70,716     (43,615
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Carried Interest

   $ 28,374      $ 26,608      $ 174,247      $ 95,292   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Investment Income (Loss) (a)

   $ (64,677   $ 29,544      $ 46,915      $ 102,575   

Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (c)

     —          (10,142     (7,782     (6,057
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (64,677   $ 19,402      $ 39,133      $ 96,518   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Incentive Fees (a)

   $ (11,935   $ 65,563      $ 107,624      $ (24,928

Less: Unrealized Incentive Fee Compensation (a)

     3,452        (43,641     (63,306     20,759   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Incentive Fees

   $ (8,483   $ 21,922      $ 44,318      $ (4,169
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Carried Interest (a)

   $ (1,274,327   $ 100,304      $ 457,002      $ 971,518   

Less: Unrealized Carried Interest Compensation (a)

     204,262        69,824        (165,340     (237,944
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Carried Interest

   $ (1,070,065   $ 170,128      $ 291,662      $ 733,574   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Investment Income (Loss) (a)

   $ (691,934   $ 3,880      $ 501,634      $ 82,689   

Less: Investment Income (Loss) — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (b)

     —          (12,367     (15,277     (4,600

Less: Adjustment Related to Realized Investment Income — Blackstone’s Treasury Cash Management Strategies (c)

     —          10,142        7,782        6,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized Investment Income (Loss)

   $ (691,934   $ 1,655      $ 494,139      $ 84,146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions.
(b) Represents the inclusion of Investment Income from Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies.
(c) Represents the adjustment related to the Realized Investment Income attributable to Blackstone’s Treasury cash management strategies which is a component of Distributable Earnings.

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit Description

  10.1    Second Amendment, dated as of July 13, 2012, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 23, 2010, among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., as Borrower, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as Guarantors, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33551) filed with the SEC on July 19, 2012.
  10.2    Form of Deferred Holdings Unit Agreement for Senior Managing Directors +.
   Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Associates L.L.C., dated as of November 12, 2010 +.
  31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
  31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
  32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
  32.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
101.INS*    XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

* XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
+ Management contract or compensating plan or arrangement in which director or executive officers are eligible to participate.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 7, 2012

 

The Blackstone Group L.P.
By:   Blackstone Group Management L.L.C.,
  its General Partner

/s/ L AURENCE A. T OSI

Name:   Laurence A. Tosi
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory)

 

137

Exhibit 10.2

T HE B LACKSTONE G ROUP L.P.

2007 E QUITY I NCENTIVE P LAN

W EALTH A CCUMULATION P LAN

F ORM OF D EFERRED H OLDINGS U NIT A GREEMENT

 

Participant:    Date of Grant:            ,         

 

Number of Deferred Units:

  

1. Grant of Deferred Units . The Partnership hereby grants the number of deferred units (the “ Deferred Units ”) listed above to the Participant (the “ Award ”), effective as of             ,          on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this agreement (the “ Award Agreement ”). This grant is made pursuant to the terms of The Blackstone Group L.P. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Plan ”), which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Award Agreement. Each Deferred Unit represents the unfunded, unsecured right of the Participant to receive a Blackstone Holdings Partnership Unit on the delivery date(s) specified in Section 4 hereof.

2. Definitions . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan.

(a) “ Cause ” shall mean the occurrence or existence of any of the following as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the Administrator:

(i) (w) any breach by the Participant of any provision of the Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreements to which the Participant is a party, (x) any material breach of any rules or regulations of the Partnership or its Affiliates applicable to the Participant, (y) the Participant’s deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or its Affiliates, or (z) the Participant’s committing to, or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or its Affiliates in a material way; provided , that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the Administrator has given the Participant written notice (a “ Notice of Breach ”) within fifteen days after the Administrator becomes aware of such action and the Participant fails to cure such breach, failure to perform, conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt by the Participant of such Notice of Breach from the Administrator (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided , that the Participant is diligently pursuing such cure);


(ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or its Affiliates; or

(iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere ) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to applicable securities laws, rules or regulations of the securities industry, that the Participant individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) the Participant’s ability to function in his or her position with the Partnership or its Affiliates, taking into account the services required of such position and the nature of the Partnership’s and its Affiliate’s business or (B) the business of the Partnership or its Affiliates.

(b) “ Employment Agreement ” shall mean the Senior Managing Director Agreement (including all schedules and exhibits thereto), entered into between the Blackstone Holdings I L.P. and the Participant.

(c) “ Non-Competition, Non Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement ” shall mean any agreement, and any attachments or schedules thereto, entered into by and between the Participant and the Partnership or its Affiliates, pursuant to which the Participant has agreed, among other things, to certain restrictions relating to non-competition, non-solicitation and/or confidentiality, in order to protect the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates.

(d) “ Qualifying Event ” shall mean, during the Participant’s Employment with the Partnership and its Affiliates, the Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement.

(e) “ Retirement ” shall mean the retirement of the Participant from his Employment with the Partnership and its Affiliates after (i) the Participant has reached age 65 and has at least five full years of service with the Partnership and its Affiliates, or (ii) (x) the Participant’s age plus years of service with the Partnership and its Affiliates totals at least 65, (y) the Participant has reached age 55, and (z) the Participant has had a minimum of five years of service.

(f) “ Restrictive Covenant Expiration Period ” shall be one year following the date of the Participant’s termination of Employment with the Partnership and its Affiliates.


(g) “ Retention Percentage ” shall mean (i) 100%, during the period from Grant Date until the First Vesting Date; (ii) 25 %, during the period from the First Vesting Date until the date on which the Restrictive Covenant Expiration Period expires, at which time it shall be 0%.

(h) “ Retention Units ” shall mean, on any given date, the Deferred Units that have become Vested Deferred Units and which are retained by the Partnership (along with the underlying Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units) in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

(i) “ Vested Deferred Units ” shall mean those Deferred Units which have become vested pursuant to Section 3 or otherwise pursuant to the Plan.

(j) “ Vesting Dates ” shall mean each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of             ,         , as described in Section 3(a) hereof.

3. Vesting .

(a) Vesting – General. Subject to the Participant’s continued Employment with the Partnership and its Affiliates, the Award shall vest on the applicable Vesting Dates as follows:

(i) Twenty percent of the Deferred Units granted hereunder shall vest on             ,          (the “ First Vesting Date ”); an additional 30% of the Deferred Units granted hereunder shall vest on             ,          (the “ Second Vesting Date ”); and the remaining 50% of the Deferred Units granted hereunder shall vest on             ,          (the “ Third Vesting Date ”).

(b) Vesting – Qualifying Events.

(i) Death or Disability. Upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Event on account of the death or Disability of the Participant, 100% of the Deferred Units granted hereunder shall vest (to the extent not previously vested) upon the date of such event.

(ii) Retirement. Upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Event on account of the Retirement of the Participant, (I) 50% of the then unvested Deferred Units shall vest upon the date of such event, and (II) all other unvested Deferred Units shall be cancelled immediately and the Participant shall automatically forfeit all rights with respect to such unvested Deferred Units upon the date of such event; provided , however, that if the Participant retires after reaching age 60 with 5 or more years of service with the Partnership, the vesting percentage set forth in (I) above shall be 100%.

(c) Vesting –Terminations. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 3(b), in the event the Participant’s Employment with the Partnership and its Affiliates is terminated for any reason, the portion of the Award that has not yet vested


pursuant to Section 3(a) or 3(b) hereof (or otherwise pursuant to the Plan) shall be cancelled immediately and the Participant shall automatically forfeit all rights with respect to such portion of the Award as of the date of such termination.

4. Delivery .

(a) Delivery – General. The Partnership shall, on each applicable Vesting Date set forth below, deliver to the Participant the Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units underlying the Deferred Units which vest and become Vested Deferred Units on such date; provided that on each such Vesting Date, the Partnership shall retain, as Retention Units (and withhold the corresponding underlying Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units with respect thereto) a number of Vested Deferred Units so that the aggregate number of Retention Units at such time (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate number of Deferred Units awarded to the Participant which have vested as of such date) is equal to the applicable Retention Percentage. The Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units underlying Retention Units will be delivered to the Participant as and when, and to the extent that, the number of Retention Units at any time exceeds the applicable Retention Percentage, as illustrated in the table below.

 

       Annual  
Vesting  
  Cumulative  
Vesting  
  Retention  
Percentage  
  Annual  
Delivery  
Percentage  
  Cumulative  
Delivery  
Percentage  

First Vesting Date

   20%   20%   25%   15%   15%

Second Vesting Date

   30%   50%   25%   22.5%   37.5%

Third Vesting Date

   50%   100%   25%   37.5%   75%

(b) Delivery – Qualifying Events .

(i) Death or Disability. Upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Event on account of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Partnership shall, within a reasonable time following the date of such event, deliver Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to the Participant in respect of 100% of the Deferred Units which vest and become Vested Deferred Units on such Date and any then outstanding Retention Units (to the extent not previously delivered).

(ii) Retirement. Upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Event on account of the Participant’s Retirement, the Partnership shall, within a reasonable time following the date of such event, deliver Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to the Participant in respect of those Deferred Units which vest and become Vested Deferred Units as of such date by application of Section 3(b)(ii); provided that the Partnership will retain such Retention Units as are necessary to meet the Retention Percentage until such requirement lapses.


(c) Delivery – Terminations. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 4(b) or 4(d), in the event the Participant’s Employment with the Partnership and its Affiliates is terminated for any reason, the Partnership shall (i) within a reasonable time of such termination, deliver Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to the Participant in respect of the Vested Deferred Units as of such date that are not Retention Units (if any), and (ii) deliver Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to the Participant in respect of the Retention Units in accordance with the delivery schedule set forth in Section 4(a), until the date on which the Restrictive Covenant Expiration Period expires, at which point all remaining Retention Units shall be delivered to the Participant.

(d) Forfeiture – Cause Termination or Breach of Restrictive Covenants . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the termination of the Participant’s Employment by the Partnership or any of its Affiliates for Cause or upon the Participant’s breach of any of the restrictive covenants contained within an applicable Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement, all outstanding Deferred Units (whether or not vested) and Retention Units shall immediately terminate and be forfeited without consideration and no further Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units with respect of the Award shall be delivered to the Participant or to the Participant’s legal representative, beneficiaries or heirs . Without limiting the foregoing, any Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units that have previously been delivered to the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative, beneficiaries or heirs pursuant to the Award and which are still held by the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative, or beneficiaries or heirs as of the date of such termination for Cause or such breach, shall also immediately terminate and be forfeited without consideration.

5. Change in Control . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event of a Change in Control, (i) 100% of the Deferred Units granted hereunder which then remain outstanding shall vest (to the extent not previously vested) upon the date of such Change in Control, and (ii) the Partnership shall deliver Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to the Participant at the same times as would otherwise be delivered pursuant to Section 4(a); provided , however , if such Change in Control (or any subsequent Change in Control) would constitute “a change in the ownership or effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Partnership (in each case within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), the Partnership shall instead deliver Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to the Participant in respect of 100% of the then outstanding Deferred Units and Retention Units (to the extent not previously delivered) on or within 10 days following such Change in Control.

6. Dividends . If on any date while Deferred Units are outstanding hereunder any cash distributions shall be paid on the Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units (whether vested or unvested), the Participant shall be entitled to receive, as of such distribution date, a cash payment equal to the product of (a) the number of Deferred Units, if any, held by the Participant as of the related distribution date, multiplied by (b) the per Blackstone Holdings Partnership Unit amount of such cash distribution.


7. Adjustments Upon Certain Events . The Administrator shall, in its sole discretion, make certain substitutions or adjustments to any Retention Units or Deferred Units subject to this Award Agreement pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.

8. No Right to Continued Employment . The granting of the Deferred Units evidenced by this Award Agreement shall impose no obligation on the Partnership or any Affiliate to continue the Employment of the Participant and shall not lessen or affect the Partnership’s or its Affiliate’s right to terminate the Employment of such Participant.

9. No Rights of a Holder of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units . Except as otherwise provided herein, the Participant shall not have any rights as a holder of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units until such Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units have been issued or transferred to the Participant.

10. Restrictions . Any Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units issued or transferred to the Participant pursuant to Section 4 of this Award Agreement shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which such Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units are listed and any applicable U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state or local laws, and the Administrator may cause a notation or notations to be put entered into the books and records of the Partnership to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

11. Transferability . Unless otherwise determined or approved by the Administrator, no Deferred Units or Retention Units may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance not permitted by this Section 11 shall be void and unenforceable against the Partnership or any Affiliate.

12. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 12):

(a) If to the Partnership, to:

          The Blackstone Group L.P.

          345 Park Avenue

          New York, New York, 10154

          Attention: Chief Legal Officer

          Fax: (212) 583-5258

(b) If to the Participant, to the address appearing in the personnel records of the

Partnership or any Affiliate.


13. Withholding . The Participant may be required to pay to the Partnership or any Affiliate and the Partnership or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any issuance or transfer due under this Agreement or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to the Participant, applicable withholding taxes with respect to any issuance or transfer under this Award Agreement or under the Plan and to take such action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Partnership to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes, including, without limitation, by reducing the number of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units that would otherwise be transferred or issued pursuant to this Award Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator may, from time to time, permit the Participant to make arrangements prior to any vesting date or delivery date described herein to pay the applicable withholding taxes by remitting a check prior to the applicable vesting or delivery date.

14. Choice of Law . The interpretation, performance and enforcement of this Award Agreement shall be governed by the law of the State of New York.

15. Subject to Plan . By entering into this Award Agreement, the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the Plan. All Deferred Units, Retention Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units issued or transferred with respect thereof are subject to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will govern and prevail.

16. Entire Agreement . This Award Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the Deferred Units granted hereunder (including, without limitation, the vesting and delivery schedules described herein), and hereby replaces and supersedes any prior communication and arrangements between the Participant and the Partnership or any of its Affiliates with respect to the matters set forth herein and any other pre-existing economic or other arrangements between the Participant and the Partnership or any of its Affiliates.

17. Modifications . Notwithstanding any provision of this Award Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement, including, without limitation, the timing or circumstances of the issuance or transfer of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to the Participant hereunder, to the extent such modification is determined by the Partnership to be necessary to comply with applicable law or preserve the intended deferral of income recognition with respect to the Deferred Units and Retention Units until the issuance or transfer of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units hereunder.

18. Signature in Counterparts . This Award Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

[Signatures on next page.]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Award Agreement.

 

T HE B LACKSTONE G ROUP L.P.

 

Name:

T HE P ARTICIPANT

 

Name:

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET

BLACKSTONE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEBT ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 12, 2010

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS   
1.1.     

Definitions

     1   
1.2.     

Terms Generally

     17   
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS   
2.1.     

Managing, Regular and Special Members

     17   
2.2.     

Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions

     18   
2.3.     

Term

     18   
2.4.     

Purposes; Powers

     18   
2.5.     

Place of Business

     21   
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT   
3.1.     

Managing Member

     21   
3.2.     

Member Voting, etc

     22   
3.3.     

Management

     22   
3.4.     

Responsibilities of Members

     24   
3.5.     

Exculpation and Indemnification

     24   
3.6.     

Representations of Members

     26   
3.7.     

Tax Information

     27   
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY   
4.1.     

Capital Contributions by Members

     28   
4.2.     

Interest

     36   
4.3.     

Withdrawals of Capital

     36   
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES   
5.1.     

General Accounting Matters

     36   
5.2.     

GP-Related Capital Accounts

     38   
5.3.     

GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages

     38   
5.4.     

Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss)

     39   
5.5.     

Liability of Members

     40   
5.6.     

[Intentionally omitted.]

     41   
5.7.     

Repurchase Rights, etc

     41   
5.8.     

Distributions

     41   
5.9.     

Business Expenses

     48   
5.10.   

Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations

     48   


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

 

          Page  

ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL MEMBERS; WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF COMPANY INTERESTS; TERMINATION

  
6.1.   

Additional Members

     48   
6.2.   

Withdrawal of Members

     49   
6.3.   

GP-Related Member Interests Not Transferable

     50   
6.4.   

Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Member

     51   
6.5.   

Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest

     51   
6.6.   

Dissolution of the Company

     57   
6.7.   

Certain Tax Matters

     57   
6.8.   

Special Basis Adjustments

     58   

ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS

  
7.1.   

Capital Commitment Interests, etc

     58   
7.2.   

Capital Commitment Capital Accounts

     60   
7.3.   

Allocations

     60   
7.4.   

Distributions

     61   
7.5.   

Valuations

     65   
7.6.   

Disposition Election

     65   
7.7.   

Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election

     66   
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS   
8.1.   

Member Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests

     66   
8.2.   

Transfer of Member’s Capital Commitment Interest

     72   
8.3.   

Compliance with Law.

     72   
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION   
9.1.   

Dissolution

     72   
9.2.   

Final Distribution

     73   
9.3.   

Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Member Interests

     73   
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS   
10.1.   

Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial

     74   
10.2.   

Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name

     75   
10.3.   

Written Consent

     75   
10.4.   

Letter Agreements; Schedules

     76   
10.5.   

Governing Law; Separability of Provisions

     76   
10.6.   

Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries

     76   
10.7.   

Confidentiality

     77   
10.8.   

Notices

     77   


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page  
10.9.     

Counterparts

     77   
10.10.   

Power of Attorney

     77   
10.11.   

Member’s Will

     78   
10.12.   

Cumulative Remedies

     78   
10.13.   

Legal Fees

     78   
10.14.   

Entire Agreement

     79   


BLACKSTONE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEBT ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT of Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Associates L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), dated as of November 12, 2010, by and among Blackstone Holdings III L.P., a Québec société en commandite (the “ Managing Member ” or “ Holdings ”), the other members of the Company as set forth in the books and records of the Company, and such other persons that are admitted to the Company as members after the date hereof in accordance herewith.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company was formed under the LLC Act (defined below) pursuant to a certificate of formation filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 9, 2010;

WHEREAS, the original limited liability company agreement of the Company was executed as of August 9, 2010 (the “ Original Operating Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto now wish to amend and restate the Original Operating Agreement in its entirety as of the date hereof and as more fully set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1. Definitions . Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:

Advancing Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).

Affiliate ” when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Company), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.

Agreement ” means this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Alternative Vehicle ” has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2.7.1 of the BCRED Partnership Agreement and includes any other “Alternative Vehicle” (as defined in any other BCRED Agreements).

Applicable Collateral Percentage ,” with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Company with respect thereto.

 

1


Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.

BCE Agreement ” means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of “BFREP,” “BFIP,” “BFMEZP,” “BFCOMP” or “Other Blackstone Collateral Entity,” as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document.

BCE Investment ” means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral Entity.

BCOM ” is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.

BCP VI ” is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.

BCRED ” means (i) Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund (Cayman) L.P. and Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund Holdings (Cayman) L.P., each a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, (iii) any Alternative Vehicle (iv) any Parallel Fund or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the BCRED Agreements), or (v) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the BCRED Agreements.

 

2


BCRED Agreements ” means (i) the BCRED Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other BCRED partnership agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

BCRED Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated as of the date set forth therein, of Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund L.P., as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

BCTP ” means (i) Blackstone Clean Technology Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.

BFCOMP ” means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).

BFIP ” means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A -SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership—SMD L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI, BCTP or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI or BCTP and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).

BFMEZP ” means Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings II L.P., any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BMEZP I, BMEZP II, any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BMEZP I, BMEZP II or any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).

 

3


BFREP ” means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International-A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership—SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership Europe—SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International—A L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof in real estate and real estate-related investments also purchased by BREP VI, BSSF II or BSSF Europe and any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BREP VI, BSSF II or BSSF Europe and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the Company (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).

Blackstone Capital Commitment ” has the meaning set forth in the BCRED Partnership Agreement.

Blackstone Collateral Entity ” means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of “BFREP,” “BFIP,” “BFMEZP,” “BFCOMP” or “Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.”

Blackstone Entity ” means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone – sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P.

BMEZP I ” means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.

BMEZP II ” means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.

BREP VI ” means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.1 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.2 L.P. and

 

4


Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.F L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any other Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the respective partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above), or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the respective partnership agreements for any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.

BSSF Europe ” means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.1 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.2 L.P., each a limited partnership formed or to be formed under the laws of the United Kingdom pursuant to the Limited Partnerships Act 1907 of the United Kingdom, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).

BSSF II ” means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.1 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (iii) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.2 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and any alternative vehicles thereof or parallel funds formed in connection therewith.

Capital Commitment BCRED Commitment ” means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the BCRED Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Company to BCRED that relates solely to the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest, if any.

Capital Commitment BCRED Interest ” means the Interest (as defined in the BCRED Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Company as a capital partner of BCRED.

Capital Commitment BCRED Investment ” means the Company’s interest in a specific investment of BCRED held by the Company through the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest.

Capital Commitment Capital Account ” means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Member, the account maintained for such Member to which are credited such Member’s contributions to the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Member and any net losses allocated to such Member with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Members participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.

 

5


Capital Commitment Class A Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).

Capital Commitment Class B Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).

Capital Commitment Defaulting Party ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).

Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).

Capital Commitment Disposable Investment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).

Capital Commitment Distributions ” means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions received by the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the Managing Member may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.

Capital Commitment Giveback Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).

Capital Commitment Interest ” means the interest of a Member in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.

Capital Commitment Investment ” means any Capital Commitment BCRED Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.

Capital Commitment Liquidating Share ” with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Company, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Member (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.

Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest ” means, with respect to any Member, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Member (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Company in respect of or relating to “carried interest.” “Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest” includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Company from any fund (including BCRED, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any other private equity merchant banking, real estate or mezzanine funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliate’s pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such “carried interest”).

 

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Capital Commitment Member Interest ” means a Member’s interest in the Company which relates to the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest, if any.

Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) ” with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Company with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company anticipated to be allocated thereto.

Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage ” with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Member in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.

Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).

Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).

Capital Commitment-Related Commitment , ” with respect to any Member, means such Member’s commitment to the Company relating to such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Company, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Member’s Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.

Capital Commitment Special Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).

Capital Commitment Value ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.

Carried Interest ” means (i) “Carried Interest Distributions,” as defined in the BCRED Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any BCRED Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the Managing Member, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the Managing Member may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).

Carried Interest Give Back Percentage ” means, for any Member or Withdrawn Member, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Member or Withdrawn Member from

 

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the Company or any Other Fund GPs in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Members, Withdrawn Members or any other person by the Company or any Other Fund GP in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any “Carried Interest Give Back Percentage” hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Company or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Member or Withdrawn Member (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Members and Withdrawn Members as members, partners or other equity owners of the Company or any of the Other Fund GPs.

Carried Interest Sharing Percentage ” means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Member in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.

Cause ” means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Member, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the Managing Member: (i) (w) any breach by any Member of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Member that are established by the Managing Member, (y) such Member’s deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Member’s committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Company or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the Managing Member; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the Managing Member has given such Member written notice (a “ Notice of Breach ”) within fifteen days after the Managing Member becomes aware of such action and such Member fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the Managing Member (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided that such Member is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere ) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Member individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Member’s ability to function as a Member of the Company, taking into account the services required of such Member and the nature of the business of the Company and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Company and its Affiliates.

Clawback Adjustment Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

 

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Clawback Amount ” means the “Clawback Amount” and the “Interim Clawback Amount,” each as defined in the BCRED Partnership Agreement and any other clawback amount payable pursuant to any BCRED Agreement, as applicable.

Clawback Provisions ” means paragraphs 4.2.9 and 9.2.8 of the BCRED Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BCRED Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.

Commitment Agreements ” means the agreements between the Company or an Affiliate thereof and Members, pursuant to which each Member undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and/or 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Company and the relevant Member.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Contingent ” means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.

The term “ control ” when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms “ controlling ” and “ controlled ” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Controlled Entity ” when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.

Deceased Member ” means any Member or Withdrawn Member who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Member shall refer collectively to the Deceased Member and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Member, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Member’s interest in the Company.

Default Interest Rate ” means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.

Estate Planning Vehicle ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

Excess Holdback ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Excess Holdback Percentage ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

 

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Excess Tax-Related Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

Existing Member ” means any Member who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Member nor a Deceased Member.

Final Event ” means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Company of any person who is a Member.

Firm Advances ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Firm Collateral ” means a Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Company, and certain other assets of such Member or Withdrawn Member, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Member or Withdrawn Member as more fully described in the Company’s books and records; provided , that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement ( e.g. , the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term “Firm Collateral” by reference), references to “Firm Collateral” shall include “Special Firm Collateral”, excluding references to “Firm Collateral” in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).

Firm Collateral Realization ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Fiscal Year ” means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the Managing Member.

Fund GP ” means the Company (only with respect to the GP-Related BCRED Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.

GAAP ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(b).

Giveback Amount ” means the “Investment—Specific Giveback Amount,” as such term is defined in the BCRED Partnership Agreement.

Giveback Provisions ” means paragraph 3.4.3 of the BCRED Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BCRED Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.

GP-Related BCRED Interest ” means the interest held by the Company in BCRED in the Company’s capacity as general partner of BCRED, excluding any Capital Commitment BCRED Interest.

GP-Related BCRED Investment ” means the Company’s interest in an Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the BCRED Partnership Agreement), in the Company’s capacity as the general partner of BCRED, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.

 

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GP-Related Capital Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

GP-Related Capital Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

GP-Related Class A Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).

GP-Related Class B Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).

GP-Related Commitment ” with respect to any Member means such Member’s commitment to the Company relating to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Company, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Member’s Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.

GP-Related Defaulting Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).

GP-Related Deficiency Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).

GP-Related Disposable Investment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).

GP-Related Giveback Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).

GP-Related Investment ” means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Company in respect of the GP-Related BCRED Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related BCRED Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).

GP-Related Member Interest ” of a Member means all interests of such Member in the Company (other than such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest), including, without limitation, such Member’s interest in the Company with respect to the GP-Related BCRED Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.

GP-Related Net Income (Loss) ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).

GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage ” means the “Carried Interest Sharing Percentage” and “Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage” of each Member; provided that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the “Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage” of each Member; provided further that, the term “GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage” shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.

GP-Related Recontribution Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).

GP-Related Required Amounts ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

 

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GP-Related Unallocated Percentage ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).

GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) ” attributable to any GP-Related BCRED Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Company with respect to such GP-Related BCRED Investment if BCRED’s entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by BCRED to the Company (indirectly through the general partner of BCRED) pursuant to the BCRED Partnership Agreement with respect to such GP-Related BCRED Investment were made on such date. “GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss)” attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Company with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).

GSO Fund ” means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P. or GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P., or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.

Holdback ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Holdback Percentage ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Holdback Vote ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Incompetence ” means, with respect to any Member, the determination by the Managing Member in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Member is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.

Initial Holdback Percentages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Interest ” means a limited liability company interest (as defined in § 18-101(8) of the LLC Act) in the Company, including those that are held by a Retaining Withdrawn Member and including any Member’s GP-Related Member Interest and Capital Commitment Member Interest.

Investment ” means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Company designated by the Managing Member from time to time as an investment in which the

 

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Members’ respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Company’s other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.

Investor Note ” means a promissory note of a Member evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Member to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the Managing Member and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Member and all other interests of such Member in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided , that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Member in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further , that references to “Investor Notes” herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an “Investor Note” refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.

Investor Special Member ” means any Special Member so designated at the time of its admission by the Managing Member as a Member of the Company.

Issuer ” means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.

L/C ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

L/C Member ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

LLC Act ” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del.C. § 18-101, et seq. , as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such Act.

Lender or Guarantor ” means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Company that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Member to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.

Loss Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

Loss Investment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

Majority in Interest of the Members ” on any date (a “ vote date ”) means one or more persons who are Members (including the Managing Member but excluding Nonvoting Special Members) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the Managing Member as of which the Members’

 

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capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Members (including the Managing Member but excluding Nonvoting Special Members) on the vote date.

Managing Member ” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

Member ” means any person who is a member of the Company, including the Regular Members, the Managing Member and the Special Members. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Members, including the Special Members and any group of Members in the same Member Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Company, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.

Member Category ” means the Managing Member, Existing Members, Retaining Withdrawn Members or Deceased Members, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.

Net Carried Interest Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).

Non-Carried Interest ” means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Company with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Company with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Company that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the Managing Member may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.

Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage ” means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Member in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Company.

Non-Contingent ” means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.

Nonvoting Special Member ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).

Other Blackstone Collateral Entity ” means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of “BFREP,” “BFIP,” “BFMEZP” or “BFCOMP”) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.

 

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Other Fund GPs ” means any entity (other than the Company) through which any Member or Withdrawn Member directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest and any successor thereto; provided , that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a “Fund GP” or an “Other Fund GP”; provided further , that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Member or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an “Other Fund GP” for purposes hereof.

Other Sources ” means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Member but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any “holdback” obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Company) to such Member.

Prime Rate ” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.

Qualifying Fund ” means any fund designated by the Managing Member as a “Qualifying Fund”.

Regular Member ” means any Member, excluding the Managing Member and any Special Members.

Repurchase Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).

Required Rating ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Retained Portion ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.

Retaining Withdrawn Member ” means a Withdrawn Member who has retained a GP-Related Member Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Member shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Member for all purposes hereof.

Securities ” means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.

 

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Settlement Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).

SMD Agreements ” means the agreements between the Company and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Members, pursuant to which each such Member undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Company and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Company and the relevant Member.

Special Firm Collateral ” means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Company’s books and records.

Special Firm Collateral Realization ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Special Member ” means any person shown on the books and records of the Company as a Special Member of the Company, including any Nonvoting Special Member and any Investor Special Member.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.

Subject Investment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

Subject Member ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

Successor in Interest ” means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.

Total Disability ” means the inability of a Member substantially to perform the services required of a Regular Member for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.

Trust Account ” has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.

Trust Agreement ” means the Trust Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Members, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.

 

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Trust Amount ” has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.

Trust Income ” has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.

Trustee(s) ” has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.

Unadjusted Carried Interest Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).

Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).

Withdraw ” or “ Withdrawal ” with respect to a Member means a Member ceasing to be a member of the Company (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Member) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and “Withdrawn” with respect to a Member means, as aforesaid, a Member who has ceased to be a member of the Company.

Withdrawal Date ” means the date of the Withdrawal from the Company of a Withdrawn Member.

Withdrawn Member ” means a Member whose GP-Related Member Interest or Capital Commitment Member Interest in the Company has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Member.

1.2. Terms Generally . The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The term “person” includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”.

ARTICLE II

GENERAL PROVISIONS

2.1. Managing, Regular and Special Members .

The Members may be Managing Members, Regular Members or Special Members (including Investor Special Members). The Managing Member as of the date hereof is Holdings, the Regular Members as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Regular Members in the books and records of the Company, and the Special Members as of the date hereof are persons shown as Special Members in the books and records of the Company. The

 

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books and records of the Company contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each such Member with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Company as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Company contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each such Member with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Company as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Company shall be amended by the Managing Member from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Company of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Company of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members, as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members, as modified from time to time, the admission and withdrawal of Members and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Member, the Managing Member shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Member shall participate and such Member’s GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Member may have a GP-Related Member Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Member Interest.

2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions .

(a) The Company is hereby continued as a limited liability company pursuant to the LLC Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Associates L.L.C. The certificate of formation of the Company may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the Managing Member, as an “authorized person” (within the meaning of the LLC Act). The Managing Member is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Company to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Company may wish to conduct business.

2.3. Term .

The term of the Company shall continue until December 31, 2060, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement.

2.4. Purposes; Powers .

(a) The purposes of the Company shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:

(i) to serve as a general partner of BCRED (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of “BCRED”) and perform the functions of a general partner of BCRED (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of “BCRED”) specified in the BCRED Agreements,

(ii) to serve as a capital partner and/or limited partner of BCRED (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of “BCRED”) and perform the

 

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functions of a capital partner and/or limited partner of BCRED (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of “BCRED”) specified in the BCRED Agreements,

(iii) to make the Blackstone Capital Commitment or a portion thereof, either directly or indirectly through another entity,

(iv) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership,

(v) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,

(vi) to hold the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest and the GP-Related BCRED Interest and invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through BCRED (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of “BCRED”), including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) above,

(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the Managing Member and as are permitted under the LLC Act, the BCRED Agreements and the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iv) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (v) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time,

(viii) any other lawful purpose, and

(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.

(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Company shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:

(i) to be and become a general or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Managing Member in the conduct of the Company’s business, and to take any action in connection therewith;

(ii) to acquire and invest in general or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or

 

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in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;

(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;

(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Company in money-market or other short-term investments;

(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Company;

(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Company, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;

(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;

(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;

(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;

(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;

(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;

 

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(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;

(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;

(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Company, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;

(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Members cash or investments or other property of the Company, or any combination thereof; and

(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware law.

2.5. Place of Business .

The Company shall maintain a registered office at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Company shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the Managing Member specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Company. The name and address of the Company’s registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Managing Member may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of formation of the Company.

ARTICLE III

MANAGEMENT

3.1. Managing Member .

(a) Holdings shall be an original managing member (the “ Managing Member ”). The Managing Member shall cease to be the Managing Member only if (i) it Withdraws from the Company for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the Managing Member, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The Managing Member may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more Managing Members. In the event that one or more other Managing Members is admitted to the Company as such, all references herein to the “Managing Member” in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other Managing Members as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such Managing Members will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.

 

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(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Company or voluntary resignation of the last remaining Managing Member, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the LLC Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Members.

3.2. Member Voting, etc .

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the LLC Act, Members (including Special Members) as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Company’s business or act for or bind the Company, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Members of the applicable class herein.

(b) To the extent a Member is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Company, such Member shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Member (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.

(c) Meetings of the Members may be called only by the Managing Member.

3.3. Management .

(a) The management, control and operation of the Company and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Company, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Company. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the Managing Member pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BCRED, or in the Company’s capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Company’s obligations under, the BCRED Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of BCRED, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Company’s obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a “ Company Affiliate Governing Agreement ”), of any other partnership, limited liability company or other entity (each a “ Company Affiliate ”) of which the Company is to become a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of each Company Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the BCRED Agreements or any Company Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).

 

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(c) The Managing Member and any other person designated by the Managing Member, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Company within the meaning of the LLC Act or otherwise, or as an authorized representative of the Managing Member (the Managing Member hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):

(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BCRED, or in the Company’s capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate, any of the following:

 

  (A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the BCRED Agreements and each Company Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) Subscription Agreements on behalf of BCRED and/or the Company, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in BCRED, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof);

 

  (B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and

 

  (C) any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Company, BCRED or such Company Affiliate desires to do business;

(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Company, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BCRED or in the Company’s capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Company Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed

 

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with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account, banking facilities or services, (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Managing Member, the Company, BCRED or any Company Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).

The authority granted to any person (other than the Managing Member) in this Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the Managing Member by an instrument in writing signed by the Managing Member.

3.4. Responsibilities of Members .

(a) Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, each Regular Member shall devote substantially all his time and attention to the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates, and each Special Member shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Company or its Affiliates.

(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Members (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the Managing Member from time to time.

(c) The Managing Member may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Members or other employees as the Managing Member deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Members or other employees to bind the Company to financial commitments or other obligations.

3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification .

(a)  Liability to Members .

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Member nor any of such Member’s representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (individually, a “ Covered Person ” and collectively, the “ Covered Persons ”) shall be liable to the Company or any other Member for any act or omission (in relation to the Company, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to

 

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believe that such Covered Person’s conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Company, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Member or the Company. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Member has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Company or to another Member, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Member acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Company or to any such other Member for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Member otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Members, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Member.

(b) Indemnification . (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Company’s assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Members) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5, “ Losses ”), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Person’s management of the affairs of the Company or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Company, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided , that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Company and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Person’s conduct was unlawful; provided further , that if such Covered Person is a Member or a Withdrawn Member, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Person’s GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Company as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the Managing Member) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the Managing Member, from time to time, be advanced by the Company prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Company of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section, and the Company and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Person’s interests/investments in the Company and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Member institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives

 

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rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Member shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Member’s Interests and remaining capital commitment, for such Member’s pro rata share of the Company’s expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the Managing Member. The Company may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Members will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section.

(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Company’s obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Company as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing BCRED and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or BCRED, second by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held, and third by BCRED (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).

(B) The Company’s obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from BCRED and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by BCRED and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Members that the Company shall have a subrogation claim against BCRED and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The Managing Member and the Company shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the Managing Member may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.

3.6. Representations of Members .

(a) Each Regular or Special Member by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the LLC Act) represents and warrants to every other Member and to the Company, except as may be waived by the Managing Member, that such Member is acquiring each of such Member’s Interests for such Member’s own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Member hereunder; provided, that a Member may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Regular or Special Member represents and warrants that such Member understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under such Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Member must bear the economic risk of an

 

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investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. Each Regular or Special Member represents that such Member has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, that such Member is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company, and that such Member is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Regular or Special Member represents that such Member’s overall commitment to the Company and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Member’s net worth and the Member has no need for liquidity in the Member’s investment in Interests. Each Regular or Special Member represents that to the full satisfaction of the Member, the Member has been furnished any materials that such Member has requested relating to the Company, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Company concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Regular or Special Member represents that the Member has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Member with the Member’s own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Member.

(b) Each Regular or Special Member agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Member (1) makes a capital contribution to the Company (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Member or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Member hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Member hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.

3.7. Tax Information . Each Regular or Special Member certifies that (A) if the Member is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Member’s name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Company and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Payer’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (“ W-9 ”) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Member will complete and return a W-9, and (y) (i) the Member is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Member will notify the Company within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Member is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding (“ W-8BEN ”) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding (“ W-8IMY ”), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Member will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Member is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Member will notify the Company within 60 days of any change of such status. The Member agrees to properly execute and provide to the Company in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Company or the Managing Member.

 

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ARTICLE IV

CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY

4.1. Capital Contributions by Members .

(a) Each Regular Member shall be required to make capital contributions to the Company (“ GP-Related Capital Contributions ”) at such times and in such amounts (the “ GP-Related Required Amounts ”) as are required to satisfy the Company’s obligation to make capital contributions to BCRED in respect of the GP-Related BCRED Interest with respect to any GP-Related BCRED Investment and as are otherwise determined by the Managing Member from time to time or as may be set forth in such Regular Member’s Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any; provided , that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Regular Members based upon each Regular Member’s Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Company (including those specifically set forth in Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(d)) shall be determined by the Managing Member. Special Members shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Company in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Member’s GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided , that the Managing Member and any Special Member may agree from time to time that such Special Member shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Company; provided further , that each Investor Special Member shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Company related to the GP-Related BCRED Interest.

(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Member shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Member in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.

(c) The Managing Member may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Company to loan any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Member or (ii) permit any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Company in installments, in each case on terms determined by the Managing Member.

(d) (i) The Members and the Withdrawn Members have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a “ Holdback ”). The Managing Member shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any

 

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Managing Member (including, without limitation, Holdings) and each Member Category (such withheld percentage constituting the Managing Member’s and such Member Category’s “ Holdback Percentage ”). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any Managing Member, 15% for Existing Members (other than the Managing Member), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Members (other than the Managing Member) and 24% for Deceased Members (the “ Initial Holdback Percentages ”). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for any Managing Member (including, without limitation, Holdings) shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).

(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Member as compared to the other Members in his Member Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The Managing Member may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Member Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Members is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Members and Deceased Members shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Member shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.

(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Member as compared to the other Members in his Member Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The Managing Member may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Members’ Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the Managing Member concurrently increases the Existing Members’ Holdback Percentage to 21%. The Managing Member may not increase the Deceased Members’ Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the Managing Member increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Members and Retaining Withdrawn Members to 24%. The Managing Member may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Member Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Member Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Member shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the Managing Member from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Member Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the Managing Member reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Members, Retaining Withdrawn Members and Deceased Members to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the Managing Member shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.

(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Member in any Member Category (in such capacity, the “ Subject Member ”) pursuant to a majority vote of the Regular Members (a “ Holdback Vote ”); provided , that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any Managing Member shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further , that a Subject

 

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Member’s Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Member (x) is notified by the Company of the decision to increase such Subject Member’s Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Member, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Company for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Member) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Member’s Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further , that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Member’s Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Member Category of such Subject Member; provided further , that a Member shall not vote to increase a Subject Member’s Holdback Percentage unless such voting Member determines, in such Member’s good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Member, or any of such Subject Member’s successors or assigns (including such Subject Member’s estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Member Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.

 

  (B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Company meeting. Each Regular Member shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Regular Member’s interest in the Company. Such vote may be cast by any Regular Member in person or by proxy.

 

  (C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Member’s Holdback Percentage, such Subject Member may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Member and the Company; provided , that if the Company and the Subject Member cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Company and the Subject Member shall request their candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further , that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Member that submits the decision of the Company pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Company shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Member’s and the Company’s expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Company and the Subject Member shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including

 

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  costs leading thereto) and to return to the “victorious” party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such “losing” party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such “victorious” party. For purposes hereof, the “victorious” party shall be the Company if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Member’s Member Category; otherwise, the Subject Member shall be the “victorious” party. The party that is not the “victorious” party shall be the “losing” party.

 

  (D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Member’s Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Company shall release and distribute to such Subject Member any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Member (in accordance with such Subject Member’s reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Member’s Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).

(v) (A) If a Member’s Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the “ Excess Holdback Percentage ”), such Member may satisfy the portion of his Holdback obligation in respect of his Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Member’s “ Excess Holdback ”), and such Member (or a Withdrawn Member with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he was a Member), to the extent his Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) satisfying such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging or otherwise making available to the Company, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his Excess Holdback obligation. Any Member seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Company to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided , that, in the case of entities listed in the Company’s books and records in which Members are permitted to pledge their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (“ Pledgable Blackstone Interests ”), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Member or Withdrawn Member seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the Company a second priority security interest therein in the

 

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manner provided above; provided further , that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the Managing Member otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Member or Withdrawn Member shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Company’s books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Company shall, at the request of any Member or Withdrawn Member, assist such Member or Withdrawn Member in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Member or Withdrawn Member to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.

 

  (B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a “ Firm Collateral Realization ”), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Member or Withdrawn Member from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Member or Withdrawn Member.

 

  (C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Excess Holdback requirement), the Company shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Member or Withdrawn Member and such Member or Withdrawn Member shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Member or Withdrawn Member defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided , that the first sentence of clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further , that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term “GP-Related Defaulting Party” where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as “defaulting party” for purposes hereof and (II) the terms “Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount” and “GP-Related Recontribution Amount” where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).

 

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(vi) Any Member or Withdrawn Member may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Member or Withdrawn Member or (B) require the Company to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an “ L/C ”) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Member or Withdrawn Member choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an “ L/C Member ”) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moody’s (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moody’s (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a “ Required Rating ”). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Member shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of BCRED, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Member fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Member 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Company in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Member’s obligation relating to the Company’s obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Member has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, shall return to any L/C Member his L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Company’s obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Member satisfying his entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Members or Withdrawn Members. If an L/C Member satisfies a portion of his Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Members or Withdrawn Members in the Member Category of such L/C Member, the L/C of an L/C Member may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Company; provided , that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Member to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.

 

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(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Company relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Company may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.

 

  (B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Member may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Company’s books and records; provided , that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Member may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.

(viii) (A) Any Regular Member or Withdrawn Member may satisfy all or any portion of his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Member or a Withdrawn Member may, to the extent his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously been satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) that satisfy such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Member or Withdrawn Member (as more fully set forth below). Any Member seeking to satisfy such Member’s Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.

 

  (B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a “ Special Firm Collateral Realization ”), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Member or Withdrawn Member from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the

 

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  Trust (and allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Member or Withdrawn Member. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Member or Withdrawn Member in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall be required to promptly fund such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s deficiency with respect to his Holdback in cash or an L/C.

 

  (C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Company’s books and records), if such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Member’s Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Company’s books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Company shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Member or Withdrawn Member and, within 10 business days of receiving such notice, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Member or Withdrawn Member defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided , that the first sentence of clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further , that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term “GP-Related Defaulting Party” where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as “defaulting party” for purposes hereof and (II) the terms “Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount” and “GP-Related Recontribution Amount” where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).

 

  (D) Upon a Member becoming a Withdrawn Member, at any time thereafter the Managing Member may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Member to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Member’s obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days’ notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).

 

  (E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Member or Withdrawn Member from using any amount of such Member’s interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.

 

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4.2. Interest.

Interest on the balances of the Members’ capital related to the Members’ GP-Related Member Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the Managing Member, capital invested in any other investment of the Company) shall be credited to the Members’ GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the Managing Member, at rates determined by the Managing Member from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Company.

4.3. Withdrawals of Capital.

No Member may withdraw capital related to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest from the Company except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the Managing Member.

ARTICLE V

PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES

5.1. General Accounting Matters .

(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the Managing Member at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.

(b) “ GP-Related Net Income (Loss) ” from any activity of the Company related to the GP-Related BCRED Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Company from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Company, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).

GP-Related Net Income (Loss) ” from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Company from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Company for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).

GP-Related Net Income (Loss) ” from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Company from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Company of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Company for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.

 

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GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Company that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Company that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Company pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Company not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Company employees in respect of “phantom interests” in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the Managing Member to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Company, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Company shall be allocated among the Company, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Company activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the Managing Member. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the Managing Member, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“ GAAP ”); provided , that the Managing Member shall not be required to make any such adjustment.

(c) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the Managing Member, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Member or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Member, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the Managing Member does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the Managing Member may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Members’ GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Members’ average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided , that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Members in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.

 

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(d) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the Managing Member may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.

(e) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the Managing Member and approved by the Company’s independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Members, all Withdrawn Members, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Company or any successor thereto.

5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts .

(a) There shall be established for each Member on the books of the Company, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the Managing Member may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Member’s interests in the capital of the Company related to the GP-Related BCRED Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Company (each a “ GP-Related Capital Account ”).

(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Company by one or more of the Members with respect to such Member or Members’ GP-Related Member Interests or a distribution by the Company to one or more of the Members with respect to such Member or Members’ GP-Related Member Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Member shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Member to the capital of the Company related to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Member for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Member’s capital related to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Member shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Company referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Member during such accounting period with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Member for such accounting period.

5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages .

(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the Managing Member shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the “ GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage ”) of each Member in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the Managing Member deems appropriate; provided , that (i) the Managing Member may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Company during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (d) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income

 

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(Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (d) below. The Managing Member may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Member in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Member, such former Member’s GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the Managing Member to one or more of the remaining Members as the Managing Member shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Member to the Company as an additional Member, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Members shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Member pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Member’s GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Member’s GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Member. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Member for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.

(b) The Managing Member may elect to allocate to the Members less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called an “ GP-Related Unallocated Percentage ”); provided , that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the Managing Member within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all Members (including the Managing Member) in the manner determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion.

(c) Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Members’ respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.7.

5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) .

(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Company for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Members participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the Managing Member): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Members; second, to Members that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Members in such earlier years; and third, to the Members in the same manner

 

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that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.

(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Company shall be allocated as follows: (i)GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BCRED and allocated to the Company with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Company to BCRED with respect to the GP-Related BCRED Interest) shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with each Member’s Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by BCRED and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BCRED and allocated to the Company with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Member’s (including a Withdrawn Member’s) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).

(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Members have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Members shall remain Members for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.

(d) To the extent the Company has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to BCRED, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.

(e) The Managing Member may authorize from time to time advances to Members (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the Managing Member deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.

5.5. Liability of Members .

Except as otherwise provided in the LLC Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Member shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Company or of any other Member solely by reason of being a Member. In no event shall any Member or Withdrawn Member (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Company or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Member from the Company, in each case except as specifically provided in Sections 4.1(d) or 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Member shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.

 

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5.6. [Intentionally omitted.]

5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. .

The Managing Member may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Members’ GP-Related Member Interests relating to GP-Related BCRED Investments as the Managing Member may determine. The Managing Member shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Member until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Member that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Member, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.

5.8. Distributions .

(a) The Company shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Members with respect to such Members’ GP-Related Member Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Members in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Members in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages. At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by BCRED of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Company (a “ GP-Related Disposable Investment ”), at the election of the Managing Member each Member’s GP-Related Member Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Member Interests, a GP-Related Member Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Member’s “ GP-Related Class B Interest ”), and a GP-Related Member Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Member’s “ GP-Related Class A Interest ”). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BCRED) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BCRED) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or

 

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other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Members in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.

(b) Subject to the Company’s having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, the Company shall make cash distributions to each Member with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Company in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Member with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Member for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Member is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City and other income tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of State and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Member. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the Managing Member may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, such distribution is prohibited by § 18-607 of the LLC Act.

(c) The Managing Member may provide that the GP-Related Member Interest of any Member or employee (including such Member’s or employee’s right to distributions and investments of the Company related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Company during such period as the Managing Member shall determine (a “ Repurchase Period ”). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Company and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the Managing Member from time to time) as the recipient’s rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The Managing Member may elect in an individual case to have the Company distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Member Withdraws from the Company for any reason other than his death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Company at a purchase price determined at such time by the Managing Member. Unless determined otherwise by the Managing Member, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Members with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Member has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the Managing Member; provided , that the Managing Member may allocate the Withdrawn Member’s share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Member’s Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Members who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Member shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.

 

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(d) (i)(A)If the Company is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to BCRED, directly or indirectly (or to the limited partners of BCRED) a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) (the amount of any such obligation of the Company with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a “ GP-Related Giveback Amount ”), the Company shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Company as determined by the Managing Member, in which case each Member and Withdrawn Member shall contribute to the Company, in cash, when and as called by the Company, such an amount of prior distributions by the Company (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the “ GP-Related Recontribution Amount ”) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Company in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II)with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Member’s pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related BCRED Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, and (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related BCRED Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Members with an interest in the GP-Related BCRED Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above. Each Member and Withdrawn Member shall promptly contribute to the Company, along with satisfying his comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Member or Withdrawn Member by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Company, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the “ Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount ”), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Company’s and the Other Fund GPs’ obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided , that to the extent a Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Member or Withdrawn Member as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further , that such written instructions from the Company shall specify each Member’s and Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Company may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Company’s judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further , that any amount from a Member’s Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the Managing Member) shall be contributed by such Member to such Member’s Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.

 

  (B)

To the extent any Member or Withdrawn Member has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Member or Withdrawn Member shall, within 10 days of the Company’s call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm

 

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  Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Member or Withdrawn Member equals the sum of (I) such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Member or Withdrawn Member equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Member or Withdrawn Member, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Company’s and the Other Fund GPs’ obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Member or Withdrawn Member to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii).

(ii) (A) In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member (a “ GP-Related Defaulting Party ”) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Party’s Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Company shall require all other Members and Withdrawn Members to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Party’s obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Party’s Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a “ GP-Related Deficiency Contribution ”) if the Managing Member determines in its good faith judgment that the Company (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Company, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided , that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Member or Withdrawn Member shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Member or Withdrawn Member in respect of such default. Thereafter, the Managing Member shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Company should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Company against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Company expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Company shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Party’s Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Company or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Member and Withdrawn Member hereby grants to the Company a security interest, effective upon such Member or Withdrawn Member becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Company and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Company may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon

 

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such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Member and Withdrawn Member hereby appoints the Company as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Member or Withdrawn Member or in the name of the Company, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Company shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Company at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.

 

  (B) Any Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Member or Withdrawn Member to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Company shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Member or Withdrawn Member to satisfy such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Member or Withdrawn Member in satisfaction of such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.

(iii) A Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s obligation to make contributions to the Company under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Company.

(e) The Members acknowledge that the Managing Member will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Members, including by allocating writedowns and losses on GP-Related BCRED Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a “ Loss Investment ”) to those Members who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Members receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related BCRED Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).

(i) At the time the Company is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related BCRED Investment (the “ Subject Investment ”) that have been reduced under any BCRED Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the Managing Member shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Member as follows:

 

  (A) determine each Member’s share of each such Loss Investment based on his Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Members (indirectly through the Company from BCRED) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the “ Loss Amount ”);

 

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  (B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Member with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Company from BCRED) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the “ Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions ”); and

 

  (C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Member, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Member (“ Net Carried Interest Distribution ”).

To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Member as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the Managing Member shall (I) notify such Member, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Members, of his obligation to recontribute to the Company prior Carried Interest distributions (a “ Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount ”), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Member, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Member’s (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate (as defined in the BCRED Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the “ Excess Tax-Related Amount ”), then such Member may, in lieu of paying such Member’s Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Member in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Member becomes a Withdrawn Member.

To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Member remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Members pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.

A Member who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the Managing Member (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.

A Member may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Member (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Company by such Member).

 

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Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Member, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Members as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided , that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Members to the extent a Member receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Member to date).

(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Company as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Members with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the Managing Member as follows:

 

  (A) determine each Member’s share of any losses in any GP-Related BCRED Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount ( i.e. , the losses that followed the last GP-Related BCRED Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Member’s Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related BCRED Investments;

 

  (B) determine each Member’s obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Member’s Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and

 

  (C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Member to determine the amount of adjustment to each Member’s share of the Clawback Amount (a Member’s “ Clawback Adjustment Amount ”).

A Member’s share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Member’s Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Member’s share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Member’s Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided , that in no way shall a Member’s aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Member. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Member, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Members (including any Member whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).

Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the Managing Member shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Member shall have any

 

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claim against the Company, the Managing Member or any other Members as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Members, including Withdrawn Members.

It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Members and in no way modifies the obligations of each Member regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the BCRED Agreements.

5.9. Business Expenses .

The Company shall reimburse the Members for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Company’s business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Managing Member from time to time.

5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations .

(a) For Federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Member a single capital account combining such Member’s Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the Managing Member determines is appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.

(b) For Federal, State and local income tax purposes only, Company income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Members in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Members pursuant to clause (a) above, provided the Managing Member may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines is appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Members, within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.

ARTICLE VI

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS; WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS;

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF

COMPANY INTERESTS; TERMINATION

6.1. Additional Members .

(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), the Managing Member shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Company as Regular Members or Special Members. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Sections 3.6 and 3.7. The Managing Member shall determine and negotiate with the additional Member (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Member) all terms of such additional Member’s participation in the Company, including the additional Member’s initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Member shall have such voting rights

 

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as may be determined by the Managing Member from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Company of any Special Member, the Managing Member shall designate that such Special Member shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Member being called a “ Nonvoting Special Member ”). Any additional Member shall, as a condition to becoming a Member, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement.

(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Member as of the date such Member is admitted to the Company, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Members’ GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Member as of the date such Member is admitted to the Company, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Members’ Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the Managing Member.

(c) An additional Member shall be required to contribute to the Company his pro rata share of the Company’s total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Member does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the Managing Member in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 7.1.

(d) The admission of an additional Member will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Member, or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the Managing Member and the additional Member, as determined by the Managing Member, or (iii) the execution by such additional Member of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Member and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the Managing Member on behalf of the Company. In addition, each additional Member shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the Managing Member on behalf of the Company.

6.2. Withdrawal of Members .

(a) Any Member may Withdraw voluntarily from the Company on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days’ prior written notice by such Member to the Managing Member (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Member and the Managing Member); provided , that a Member may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the Managing Member if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Company to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the Managing Member, have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business; provided further, that a Member may Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest without Withdrawing from the Company with respect to such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest, and a Member may Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest without Withdrawing from the Company with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest.

 

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(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Member, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the LLC Act with respect to any Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Member, except as expressly provided herein.

(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Regular Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Regular Member with respect to such person’s GP-Related Member Interest; provided , that the Managing Member may elect to admit such Withdrawn Member to the Company as a Nonvoting Special Member with respect to such person’s GP-Related Member Interest, with such GP-Related Member Interest as the Managing Member may determine. The determination of whether any Member has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the Managing Member in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the Managing Member and such Member, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.

(d) If the Managing Member determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Company for any Member (including any Member who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Company (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such person’s GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such person’s Capital Commitment Member Interest, such Member, upon written notice by the Managing Member to such Member, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such person’s GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such person’s Capital Commitment Member Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the Managing Member requires any Member to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such person’s GP-Related Member Interest and/or with respect to such person’s Capital Commitment Member Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.

(e) The withdrawal from the Company of any Member shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Members to continue the Company during the remainder of its term.

6.3. GP-Related Member Interests Not Transferable . No Member may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Member and the Company; provided , that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Member, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further , that a Regular Member may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Regular Member controls investments related to any interest in the Company held therein (an “ Estate Planning Vehicle ”). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Member. Such Regular Member and the Nonvoting Special Member shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Regular Member and such Nonvoting Special Member with respect to the Company (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The Managing Member may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to withdraw from the

 

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Company on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Member’s GP-Related Member Interest shall have any right to be a Member without the prior written consent of the Managing Member (which consent may be withheld without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Member, such Member shall continue to be a Member of the Company.

6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Member .

(a) The Withdrawal of a Regular Member shall not dissolve the Company if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Regular Members and any one or more of such remaining Regular Members continue the business of the Company (any and all such remaining Regular Members being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Company without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(b), if upon the Withdrawal of a Regular Member there shall be no remaining Regular Member, the Company shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Members agree in writing to continue the business of the Company and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Regular Members.

(b) The Company shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Member, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Members as members thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interests .

(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Member Interest of a Withdrawn Member, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Member Interest of a Withdrawn Member. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term “ Settlement Date ” means the date as of which a Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Regular Member who Withdraws from the Company, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Member Interest is retained as a Special Member, shall be considered a Withdrawn Member for all purposes hereof.

(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company may be agreed to by the Managing Member and a Withdrawn Member, a Withdrawn Member’s Settlement Date shall be his Withdrawal Date; provided , that if a Withdrawn Member’s Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the Managing Member may elect for such Withdrawn Member’s Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Member’s Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Member shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Member remained a Member of the Company during such period.

 

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(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Member, with respect to such Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest, the Managing Member shall promptly after such Withdrawn Member’s Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Member’s allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Company for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the Managing Member shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in a particular case, a Withdrawn Member shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Member Withdraws from the Company (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Member’s Withdrawal Date.

(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Member, the Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the Managing Member pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).

(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Company of a Member with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest, such Withdrawn Member thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Member (including voting rights) with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Member shall not have any interest in the Company’s GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest. If a Member Withdraws from the Company with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Member shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Member’s percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Member has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Member shall pay the amount thereof to the Company upon demand by the Managing Member on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided , that if the Withdrawn Member was solely a Special Member on his Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related

 

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Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Member who was solely a Special Member, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Members’ GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the Managing Member as of such Withdrawn Member’s Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Company name or the anticipation of any value the Company or any successor thereto might have in the event the Company or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.

(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Member whose Withdrawal with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest resulted from such Member’s death or Incompetence, such Member’s estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Member GP-Related Member Interest and retain such Member’s GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Company in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion the Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Member’s Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5.

(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Member’s “percentage interest” means his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Member shall retain his percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Member (a “ Retaining Withdrawn Member ”) shall become and remain a Special Member for such purpose (and, if the Managing Member so designates, such Special Member shall be a Nonvoting Special Member). The GP-Related Member Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Member pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Member Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the Managing Member. At the option of the Managing Member in its sole discretion, the Managing Member and the Retaining Withdrawn Member may agree to have the Company acquire such GP-Related Member Interest without the approval of the other Members; provided , that the Managing Member shall reflect in the books and records of the Company the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.

(g) The Managing Member may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Company issue to the Withdrawn Member a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Member such Withdrawn Member’s pro rata share (as determined by the Managing Member) of any securities or other investments of the Company in relation to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Member under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such

 

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distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the Managing Member.

(h) [Intentionally omitted.]

(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the Managing Member shall submit to the Withdrawn Member a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Member as shall be determined by the Managing Member. The Managing Member shall submit to the Withdrawn Member supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Member in respect of the settlement of his GP-Related Member Interest in the Company ( e.g. , payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the Managing Member. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Member without examination of the accounting books and records of the Company or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Company to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Company or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided , that such Withdrawn Member shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Members and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Member in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Members and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Member in question.

(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the Managing Member as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the Managing Member, to be excessive or inadequate, the Managing Member may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Member or his estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Member or his estate such deficiency, as the case may be.

(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Member to the Company at any time on or after the Settlement Date ( e.g. , outstanding Company loans or advances to such Withdrawn Member) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Company to the Withdrawn Member at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Member to the Company, in each case as determined by the Managing Member. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member to the Company under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The “due date” of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Member’s Settlement Date. The “due date” of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Member in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Member has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph

 

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(f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The “due date” of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Member shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.

(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 6.5, the Managing Member may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Member of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Member, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Member or such Withdrawn Member’s right to any payment from the Company.

(m) If a Member is required to Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Member’s GP-Related Member Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his GP-Related Member Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided , that the Managing Member may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:

(i) In settling the Withdrawn Member’s interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he has an interest as of his Settlement Date, the Managing Member may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Member his allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Member with the balance of his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Member or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above, provided , that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Member with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Member’s percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the Managing Member). The Withdrawn Member shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.

(ii) Any amounts payable by the Company to the Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Company or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.

(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Member pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Member with any lawful and reasonable

 

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(under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the Managing Member. Upon written notice to the Managing Member, any Withdrawn Member who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the Managing Member pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.

(o) In addition to the foregoing, the Managing Member shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Member (other than the Managing Member) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.

(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Member relating to a Regular Member or Special Member and to any transferee of any GP-Related Member Interest of such Member pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Member Withdraws from the Company.

(q) (i) The Company will assist a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Member’s GP-Related Member Interest in the Company. Third party costs incurred by the Company in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Member or his estate.

(ii) The Company may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Members or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Company will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Member (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Company will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Company’s day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Company and the Members.

(r) Each Member (other than the Managing Member) hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Member’s true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Member’s name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Member, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which the Managing Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Member or the Company or the exercise of any right of such Member or the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Member.

 

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6.6. Dissolution of the Company . The Managing Member may dissolve the Company prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days’ notice of the dissolution date given to the other Members.

6.7. Certain Tax Matters .

(a) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company shall be allocated among the Members for Federal, State and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Members pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Company, each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a “qualified income offset” as provided in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations. The Managing Member shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.

(b) The Managing Member shall cause to be prepared all Federal, State and local tax returns of the Company for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the Managing Member, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The Managing Member shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The Managing Member may cause the Company to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Member agrees that he shall not, unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Company, (i) treat, on his individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his interest in the Company in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Company as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Company to such Member for use in preparing his income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Company, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Company, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Member (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his decision shall be final and binding upon, the Company and all Members except to the extent a Member shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Member in

 

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connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys’, accountants’ and other experts’ fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Company and (C) no Member shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Company tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Company (unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Company as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member. The Company and each Member hereby designate any Member selected by the Managing Member as the “tax matters partner” for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the “ Tax Matters Member ”). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Member agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and all other Members from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Member of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.

(c) Each individual Member shall provide to the Company copies of each Federal, state and local income tax return of such Member (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.

6.8. Special Basis Adjustments .

In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Company interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the Managing Member may cause the Company, on behalf of the Members and at the time and in the manner provided in Code Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Company’s property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.

ARTICLE VII

CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;

ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS

7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc .

(a) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Member Interests and the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Member Interests and the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Member Interests or the GP-Related BCRED Interest.

 

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(b) Each Member, severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Company (“ Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions ”) as required to fund the Company’s capital contributions to BCRED in respect of the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment BCRED Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Member shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Company in an amount in excess of such Member’s Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Members may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Member will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Member necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Company’s portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Member participates; provided , that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Member the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Company and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Member shall be evidenced by receipt by the Company of funds equal to such Member’s Capital Commitment- Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the Managing Member may submit to the Members from time to time.

(c) The Company or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the “ Advancing Party ”) may in its sole discretion advance to any Member (including any additional Member admitted to the Company pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Members that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment Capital Contributions due to the Company from such Member with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (“ Firm Advances ”). Each such Member shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Member. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Company, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Member and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Member of such rate upon such Member’s request; provided , that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further , that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Member pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided , that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Members of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.

 

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7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts .

(a) There shall be established for each Member on the books of the Company as of the date of formation of the Company, or such later date on which such Member is admitted to the Company, and on each such other date as such Member first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Member acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment Capital Contribution of a Member shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Member on the date such Capital Commitment Capital Contribution is paid to the Company. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Member’s interest in the Company related to his Capital Commitment Member Interest as provided in this Agreement.

(b) A Member shall not have any obligation to the Company or to any other Member to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Member. Until distribution of any such Member’s interest in the Company with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Company of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Company, neither such Member’s Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the Managing Member.

7.3. Allocations .

(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Company for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Members (including the Managing Member) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Member in the proportion which such Member’s aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Members; provided, that if any Member makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Company for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Members participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.

(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Member.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the Managing Member deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.

 

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7.4. Distributions .

(a) Each Member’s allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Member that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Company (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Company will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the Managing Member) with any cash amount distributable to such Member pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the Managing Member in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):

(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Member (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Member’s Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);

(ii) Second, to distribution to the Member of an amount equal to the Federal, State and local income taxes on income of the Company allocated to such Member for such year in respect of such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the Managing Member, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Company related to all Members’ Capital Commitment Member Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Company was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of State and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided , that additional amounts shall be paid to the Member pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Member pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further , that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Member pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);

(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;

 

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(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Member of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Company) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Member Carried Interest);

(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Member (including those unrelated to the Company), the selection of those of such Member’s Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;

(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Member (including those unrelated to the Company), the selection of those of such Member’s Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and

(vii) Seventh, to such Member to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.

To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Member who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Company or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Member, until all such Member’s Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Member.

Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the Managing Member. At the Managing Member’s discretion, any amounts distributed to a Member in respect of such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.

 

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(b) [Intentionally omitted.]

(c) To the extent that the foregoing Company distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the Managing Member in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided , that such deferral shall not apply to a Member that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.

(d) [Intentionally omitted.]

(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Member shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Member pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7.4.

(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Company or BCRED (a “ Capital Commitment Disposable Investment ”), at the election of the Managing Member each Member’s Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Member’s “ Capital Commitment Class B Interest ”), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Member’s “ Capital Commitment Class A Interest ”). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Company) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Company) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.

(g) (i) If the Company is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute a Giveback Amount to BCRED in respect of any Capital Commitment BCRED Interest that may be held by the Company (the amount of any such obligation of the Company with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a “ Capital Commitment Giveback Amount ”), the Company shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation

 

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of the Company as determined by the Managing Member, in which case each Member and Withdrawn Member shall contribute to the Company, in cash, when and as called by the Company, such an amount of prior distributions by the Company with respect to the Capital Commitment BCRED Interest (the “ Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount ”) which equals such Member’s pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment BCRED Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, and (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment BCRED Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation. Each Member shall promptly contribute to the Company upon notice thereof such Member’s Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Company may, at the Managing Member’s discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Managing Member’s judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).

(ii)(A) In the event any Member (a “ Capital Commitment Defaulting Party ”) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party’s Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Company shall require all other Members and Withdrawn Members to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party’s obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party’s Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a “ Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution ”) if the Managing Member determines in its good faith judgment that the Company will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Company is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided , that no Member shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Member in respect of such default. Thereafter, the Managing Member shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Company should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Company against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Company expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Company shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party’s Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Company or any Affiliate thereof. Each Member hereby grants to the Company a security interest, effective upon such Member becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Company or any Affiliate of the Company and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Company may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Member hereby appoints the Company as its true

 

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and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Member or in the name of the Company, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Company shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Company at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.

(B) Any Member’s failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Member to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.

(iii) A Member’s obligation to make contributions to the Company under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Company.

7.5. Valuations . Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the Managing Member) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Company (or any Affiliate of the Company that is a general partner of BCRED) in valuing investments of BCRED or, in the case of investments not held by BCRED, in the good faith judgment of the Managing Member, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the “ Capital Commitment Value ”) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided , that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the Managing Member in good faith; provided further , that such value may be adjusted by the Managing Member to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Members; provided further , that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct partner of a Managing Member of the Company.

7.6. Disposition Election .

(a) At any time prior to the date of the Company’s execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the Managing Member may in its sole discretion permit a Member to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Member’s Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the Managing Member so permits, such Member shall instruct the Managing Member in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Member’s pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the “Retained Portion”) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Member on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Company on behalf of such Member until such time as such Member shall instruct the Managing Member upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Member.

 

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Such Member’s Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Company of such Retained Portion or the Company’s disposition of other Members’ pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Member’s Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Member or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Company.

(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.

7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election .

(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the Managing Member may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Member, distribute to such Member any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Member’s Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a “ Capital Commitment Special Distribution ”). Such Member’s Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.

(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distribution shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.

ARTICLE VIII

WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS

8.1. Member Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests .

(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment—Related Capital Contributions not financed by Investor Notes with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Notes to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment—Related Capital Contributions not financed by Investor Notes with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Notes and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of such Investor Notes. A Member may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided , that in the event that a Member prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Member is no longer an employee or officer of the Managing Member or an Affiliate thereof, the Company (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further , that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Member’s Contingent Capital Commitment

 

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Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Member shall apply pro rata against all of such Member’s Investor Notes; provided , that such Member may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Member. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.

(b) (i) Upon a Member (other than a Managing Member) ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Managing Member or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Member dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Member (the “ Withdrawn Member ”) and the Company or any other person designated by the Managing Member shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Member within 30 days and by the Company or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Member’s ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Company, subject to the LLC Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Member) or the Withdrawn Member to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Company or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Member’s Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.

(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to the lesser of (A) the Adjusted Unpaid Principal Amount (as hereinafter defined) with respect to such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest at the date of the purchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest by the Company or its designee(s), or (B) the Capital Commitment Value of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest (determined in good faith by the Managing Member as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest by the Company or its designee(s))

(iii) The “ Adjusted Unpaid Principal Amount ” with respect to any Contingent Capital Commitment Interest at the date of any such purchase means the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note(s) plus accrued interest thereon to the date of such purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the “ Adjustment Amount ”) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Member on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Member on such Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Member on such Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided , that, if the Withdrawn Member was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the Managing Member’s sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Member from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Member’s Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Member (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net

 

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Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Member’s Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Member, or (B) if the Company or its designee(s) elects to purchase such Withdrawn Member’s Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Member at the time of such purchase; provided , that the Managing Member and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Member against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Member. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest

(iv) Upon such Member ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Member in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Member or the Company or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Member’s Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).

(v) If, at any time, the Withdrawn Member or the Company or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Member’s Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then, at the time of such repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the related Investor Note(s) shall become due and payable in full.

(vi) If neither the Withdrawn Member nor the Company or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Member shall retain the Contingent Capital Commitment Interests and the related Investor Note(s) shall remain outstanding, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedule(s) and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Member at his or her option, and the Managing Member shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis; provided that upon any repurchase of a Withdrawn Member’s Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the related Investor Note(s) shall become due and payable in full.

(vii) To the extent that another Member purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Member, the purchasing Member’s Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.

(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Member, such Member shall thereupon cease to be a Member with respect to such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Member shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Member. The sole right, as against the Company and the remaining Members, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Member shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Company to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Member pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Member had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Member, whether by

 

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operation of law or otherwise, and the Company shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Member as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such Member’s interest in the Company upon the dissolution of the Company as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the Managing Member. The Company shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Member as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest.

(d) If a Member dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Member shall be purchased by the Company or its designee (within 30 days after the first date on which the Company knows or has reason to know of such Member’s death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b), except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Member, or, as applicable, such Member’s estate, personal representative or other Successor-in-Interest, in cash), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Member’s death or Total Disability, any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Member, if such Member, or, as applicable, such Member’s estate, personal representative or other Successor-in-Interest, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Member’s death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Managing Member or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Company or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Member as of the last day of the Company’s then current fiscal year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Member shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Company may, in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, upon notice to such Member, or, as applicable, such Member’s estate, personal representative or other Successor-in-Interest, within 30 days after the first date on which the Company knows or has reason to know of such Member’s death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to such Member, or, as applicable, such Member’s estate, personal representative or other Successor-in-Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Company or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Company (or earlier period, as determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.

(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Member as a Member with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the Managing Member may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Member within 45 days after his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Managing Member or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Member the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Member’s Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions

 

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associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Company or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Company (or earlier period, as determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion), the Company or another person designated by the Managing Member (who may be itself another Member or another Affiliate of the Managing Member) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Member’s Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the Managing Member as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase). The Managing Member shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Member’s execution and delivery to the Company of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the Company or its nominee, relating to such Securities.

(f) The Company may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the Managing Member. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the Company’s designee(s), Blackstone may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Company, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Member’s Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Company and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, (i) be allocated to each Member already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Member in the Company, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by Company itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called “ Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests ”). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Members as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Company to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Members. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Members shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Members receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Members and the Managing Member shall otherwise agree; provided that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Company may require an assumption by the Members of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Members; provided , that a Member shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior written consent is obtained. So long as the Company itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Company and any indebtedness financing the

 

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Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Company to which all income of the Company is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Member in the proportion his aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Members; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Company allocable to all Members in such proportions.

(g) If a Member is required to Withdraw from the Company with respect to such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interests shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a) - (f) and (i) of this Section 8.1; provided , that if such Member was not at any time a direct partner of the Managing Member, the Managing Member may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:

(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Member’s Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; the purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);

(ii) allow the Withdrawn Member to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided , that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Member with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Member if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the settlement date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or

(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Member with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above; such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.

(h) (i) The Company will assist a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest in the Company. Third party costs incurred by the Company in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Member or his estate.

(ii) The Company may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Members or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Company will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Member or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Member (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Company will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Company’s day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Company and the Members.

 

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(i) Each Member hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Member’s true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Member’s name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Member, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which such Managing Member deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Member or the Company or the exercise of any right of such Member or the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Member.

8.2. Transfer of Member’s Capital Commitment Interest.

Except as otherwise agreed by the Managing Member, no Member or former Member shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer (“ Transfer ”) all or part of any such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest in the Company; provided , that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair Transfers (i) as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Member’s or deceased or Totally Disabled Member’s Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) Transfers by a Member to another Member of Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers of up to 25% of a Regular Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle and (iv) with the prior written consent of the Managing Member (which consent may be withheld without giving any reason therefor). No person acquiring an interest in the Company pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Member of the Company, or acquire such Member’s right to participate in the affairs of the Company, unless such person shall be admitted as a Member pursuant to Section 6.1. A Member shall not cease to be a Member of the Company upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

8.3. Compliance with Law.

Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Company may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.

ARTICLE IX

DISSOLUTION

9.1. Dissolution . The Company shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:

(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or

(b) upon the expiration of the Term.

 

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9.2. Final Distribution . Upon the dissolution of the Company, and following the payment of creditors of the Company and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Company as required under the LLC Act:

(a) The Members’ respective interests in the Company shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Members and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Members; and

(b) With respect to each Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Member in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Member’s respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided , that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Member in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Company related to the Members’ Capital Commitment Member Interests shall be paid to the Members in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.

The Managing Member shall be the liquidator. In the event that the Managing Member is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Members voting at a meeting of Members (excluding Nonvoting Special Members).

9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Member Interests .

(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Members’ Capital Commitment Member Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Member’s interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Members participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Member, including his pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.

(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Company related to the Members’ Capital Commitment Member Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Member therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Member pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Member on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Company may meanwhile

 

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retain from other sums due such Member in respect of such Member’s Capital Commitment Member Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Member in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.

(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Member from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial .

(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, NY, in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Managing Member may bring, or may cause the Company to bring, on behalf of the Managing Member or the Company or on behalf of one or more Members, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Member (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Member’s agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Member of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Member in any such action or proceeding.

(c) (i) EACH MEMBER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL

 

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PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties’ relationship with one another.

(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq .) (the “ Delaware Arbitration Act ”). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.

10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name . The Company acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (“ TM ”), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM. The Company shall not be permitted to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark without the prior written consent of TM. To the extent the Company is permitted to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark, all services rendered by the Company under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Company understands that, to the extent TM hereinafter permits the Company to use the BLACKSTONE name and service mark, TM may thereafter terminate the Company’s right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TM’s sole discretion by giving the Company written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Company will take all steps necessary to change its company name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.

10.3. Written Consent . Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Members at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Members consent thereto in writing.

 

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10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules .

The Managing Member may, or may cause the Company to, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Members, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter. The Managing Member may from time to time execute and deliver to the Members schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Members and any other matters deemed appropriate by the Managing Member. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided , that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.

10.5. Governing Law; Separability of Provisions .

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflict of laws. In particular, the Company has been formed pursuant to the LLC Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Members shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries .

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided , that no person claiming by, through or under a Member (whether such Member’s heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Member itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Member (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Articles VI and VIII. Any Member or Withdrawn Member shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s interest in the Company, unless waived by the Managing Member. The Company shall, if the Managing Member determines in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Sections 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Members and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the BCRED Agreements, (x) the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and of the first sentence of clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraph 9.2.8(b) of the BCRED Partnership Agreement) shall inure to the benefit of the limited partners in BCRED (as third party beneficiaries), and the persons required by the

 

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BCRED Agreements to be subject to such provisions shall be subject thereto in accordance with, and subject to the limitations set forth in, the BCRED Agreements, and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) or of the first sentence of clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) (or the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraph 9.2.8(b) of the BCRED Partnership Agreement), shall be effective against such limited partners only with a Limited Partner Consent (as such term is used in the BCRED Partnership Agreement).

10.7. Confidentiality .

By executing this Agreement, each Member expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Company and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Member of the Company, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Company, another Member or a person designated by the Company, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Company that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided , that any corporate Member may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Member (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Member) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Company, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Members or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Members, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Members; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Members or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Members, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.

10.8. Notices .

Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given to any Member at its address or telecopy number shown in the Company’s books and records or, if given to the Managing Member, at the address of the Company provided herein. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Member or Managing Member specified as aforesaid.

10.9. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.

10.10. Power of Attorney .

Each Member hereby irrevocably appoints the Managing Member as such Member’s true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such

 

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Member’s name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all agreements. instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Company shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Company. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Member.

10.11. Member’s Will .

Each Member and Withdrawn Member shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Company that is satisfactory to the Managing Member and each such Member and Withdrawn Member shall confirm annually to the Company, in writing, that such provision remains in his current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Member or Withdrawn Member to which a portion of such Member’s or Withdrawn Member’s Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Company, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Member or Withdrawn Member fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Company has notified such Member or Withdrawn Member of his failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Company may withhold any and all distributions to such Member until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.

10.12. Cumulative Remedies .

Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.

10.13. Legal Fees . Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Member or Withdrawn Member and the Company, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the “losing” party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the “victorious party” for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.

 

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10.14. Entire Agreement .

This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Members to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Members executing the same.

 

MANAGING MEMBER:
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P.
By:   Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., its General Partner
By:   Blackstone Holdings III GP Management L.L.C., its General Partner
  By: /s/ John G. Finley                                              
  Name: John G. Finley
  Title: Chief Legal Officer

 

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Exhibit 31.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I, Stephen A. Schwarzman, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 of The Blackstone Group L.P.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 7, 2012

 

/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman

Stephen A. Schwarzman

Chief Executive Officer

of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C.

Exhibit 31.2

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I, Laurence A. Tosi, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 of The Blackstone Group L.P.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 7, 2012

 

/s/ Laurence A. Tosi

Laurence A. Tosi

Chief Financial Officer

of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C.

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the “Partnership”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chief Executive Officer of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., the general partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: August 7, 2012

 

/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman

Stephen A. Schwarzman

Chief Executive Officer

of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C.

 

 

* The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the “Partnership”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Laurence A. Tosi, Chief Financial Officer of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., the general partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date: August 7, 2012

 

/s/ Laurence A. Tosi

Laurence A. Tosi

Chief Financial Officer

of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C.

 

* The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.