nv2za
As filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2010
Securities Act Registration
No. 333-165570
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form N-2
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933
Pre-Effective Amendment
No. 2 x
Post-Effective Amendment
No.
o
Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as
specified in its charter)
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
(Address of Principal Executive
Offices)
(860) 676-8654
(Registrants Telephone
Number, Including Area Code)
Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
(Name and Address of Agent for
Service)
Copies to:
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Stephen C. Mahon, Esq.
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Valerie Ford Jacob, Esq.
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Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
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Paul D. Tropp, Esq.
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221 East Fourth Street, Suite 2900
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Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
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Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
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One New York Plaza
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(513) 361-1200
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New York, NY 10004
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(513) 361-1201
Facsimile
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(212) 859-8000
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(212) 859-4000 Facsimile
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
Registration Statement.
If any securities being registered on this form will be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415
under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered
in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the
following
box. o
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check the
appropriate box)
o When
declared effective pursuant to section 8(c)
If appropriate, check the following box:
o This
[post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed [post-effective amendment][registration
statement].
o This
form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462 (b) under the Securities Act and
the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering
is .
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Proposed Maximum
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Amount of
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Aggregate
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Registration
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Title of Securities Being Registered
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Offering Price(1)
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Fee
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Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
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$125,000,000
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$8,912.50(2)
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(1) |
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Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(o) solely for the purpose of
determining the registration fee. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that the Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration
Statement shall become effective on such dates as the
Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
The
information in this prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. We may not sell these securities until the Securities
and Exchange Commission declares our registration statement
effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these
securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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PROSPECTUS
(Subject to Completion)
Preliminary
Prospectus dated July 2, 2010
Shares
Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation
COMMON STOCK
We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment
company that intends to file an election to be regulated as a
business development company under the Investment Company Act of
1940. We were formed to continue and expand the business of
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, which commenced operations in March 2008 and
will become our wholly owned subsidiary in connection with this
offering. We are externally managed by Horizon Technology
Finance Management LLC.
Our investment objective is to maximize our investment
portfolios return by generating current income from the
loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We make secured loans to
development-stage companies in the technology, life science,
healthcare information and services, and cleantech industries.
This is our initial public offering, and there is no prior
public market for our shares. We are
offering shares
of common stock, and the selling stockholder, Compass Horizon
Partners, LP, is
offering shares
of our common stock. We will not receive any of the net proceeds
from the sale of shares of our common stock by Compass Horizon
Partners, LP. Following the completion of this offering, Compass
Horizon Partners, LP will own
approximately % of our common stock.
We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be
between $ and
$ per share. We have applied to
have our common stock approved for listing on The NASDAQ Global
Market under the symbol HRZN.
This prospectus contains important information you should know
before investing in our common stock and should be retained for
future reference. Upon completion of this offering, we will file
annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and
other information about us with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Upon closing of this offering, we will maintain a
website at
http://www.horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com
and intend to make all of the foregoing information available,
free of charge, on or through our website. You may also obtain
such information by contacting us at 76 Batterson Park Road,
Farmington, Connecticut 06032 or by calling us at
(860) 676-8654.
The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a website at
http://www.sec.gov
where such information is available without charge upon request.
Information contained on our website is not incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider
information contained on our website to be part of this
prospectus.
Investing in our common stock should be considered highly
speculative and involves a high degree of risk. See Risk
Factors beginning on page 16. This is our initial
public offering, and there is no prior public market for our
shares. Based on an assumed initial public offering price of
$ per share (the mid-point of the
range set forth herein), purchasers in this offering will
experience immediate dilution of approximately
$ per share. Shares of closed-end
investment companies, including business development companies,
frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. If
our shares trade at a discount to our net asset value, the risk
of loss for purchasers in this offering may increase. See
Risk Factors Risks Related to this Offering
and our Common Stock Investors in this offering will
incur immediate dilution upon the closing of this offering
on page 34 and Dilution on page 48.
PRICE
$
A SHARE
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Sales Load
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Proceeds, Before Expenses, to
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Price to
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(Underwriting Discount
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Horizon Technology
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Proceeds to Selling
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Public
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and Commissions)
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Finance Corporation(1)
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Stockholder(2)
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Per Share
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Total
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$
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$
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$
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$
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(1)
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We estimate that we will incur
expenses of approximately $1.5 million in connection with
this offering. Stockholders will indirectly bear such expenses
as investors in Horizon Technology Finance Corporation.
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(2)
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We will pay all offering expenses
incident to the offer and sale of shares of our common stock in
this offering by the selling stockholder (excluding underwriting
discounts and commissions). We estimate that we will incur
approximately
$ of
such expenses.
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The underwriters may also purchase up to an
additional shares
of common stock from us at the public offering price, less the
sales load, within 30 days of the date of this prospectus
to cover any over-allotments. If the underwriters exercise this
option in full, the total price to the public, sales load and
proceeds will be
$ ,
$ ,
and
$ ,
respectively.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to
purchasers on or
about ,
2010.
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MORGAN
STANLEY
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UBS INVESTMENT BANK
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Morgan Keegan &
Company, Inc.
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Lazard Capital
Markets Northland
Capital Markets
,
2010
You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not,
authorized any other person to provide you with different
information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not,
and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted. You should assume that the information in this
prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus.
Our business, financial condition and prospects may have changed
since that date. We will update this prospectus to reflect
material changes to the information contained herein.
Additionally, there is no minimum offering requirement and, as a
result, there is a risk that we could be undercapitalized after
the completion of this offering.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Page
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1
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10
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14
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16
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36
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37
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38
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39
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45
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46
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47
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48
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49
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50
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62
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76
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82
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83
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90
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91
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93
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100
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102
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104
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106
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110
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112
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119
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120
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128
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133
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133
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133
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133
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F-1
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PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This summary highlights some of the information in this
prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the
information that you may want to consider before investing in
our common stock. You should read the entire prospectus
carefully, including Risk Factors. Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, was
formed on March 16, 2010. The shares of common stock being
offered to investors in this offering are shares of Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation. Compass Horizon Funding Company
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as
Compass Horizon, currently owns all of our portfolio
investments and will become our wholly owned subsidiary in
connection with this offering. Except where the context suggests
otherwise, the terms we, us,
our and Company refer to Compass Horizon
and its consolidated subsidiary prior to the Share Exchange and
to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and its consolidated
subsidiaries after the Share Exchange. See The Exchange
Transaction in this prospectus for a more detailed
discussion of the Share Exchange. In addition, we refer to
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, as HTFM, our Advisor
or our Administrator.
From the date of its organization through the date of this
prospectus, all of the outstanding limited liability company
interests in Compass Horizon have been owned by its members,
Compass Horizon Partners, LP, an exempted limited partnership
registered in Bermuda which we refer to as CHP, and
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company which
we refer to as HTF-CHF. Collectively, we refer to
CHP and HTF-CHF as the Compass Horizon Owners. CHP
is the selling stockholder in this offering.
Our
Company
We are an externally-managed, non-diversified closed-end
management investment company that intends to file an election
to be regulated as a business development company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which we refer to as
the 1940 Act. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated, and
intend to qualify, as a regulated investment company, frequently
referred to as a RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the
Code, commencing with our taxable year ending on
December 31, 2010. We were formed to continue and expand
the business of Compass Horizon which was formed in January 2008
and commenced operations in March 2008 and will become our
wholly owned subsidiary in connection with this offering. Our
Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and also provides all
administrative services necessary for us to operate. We invest
in development-stage companies in the technology, life science,
healthcare information and services, and cleantech industries,
which we refer to as our Target Industries. Our
investment objective is to generate current income from the
loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We make secured loans, which we
refer to as Technology Loans, to development-stage
companies backed by established venture capital and private
equity firms in our Target Industries, which we refer to as
Technology Lending. To a limited extent, we also
selectively lend to publicly traded companies in our Target
Industries. See Business General on
page 62 for more information about us.
Our existing loan portfolio will continue to generate revenue
for us. We believe our existing investment portfolio has
performed well since its inception notwithstanding the economic
downturn starting in 2008 and continuing through 2009, and we
have no realized losses (charge-offs) in our loan portfolio
since we commenced operations in March 2008. Our existing
portfolio of investments and loan commitments provide the
following benefits:
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Interest income from the portfolio will provide immediate income
and cash flow allowing for potential near term dividends to our
stockholders;
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Capital gains from warrants to purchase either common stock or
preferred stock received from our existing investments are
expected to be realized sooner than if we were beginning our
initial investment operations without an existing portfolio of
earning assets; and
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Warrants to purchase either common stock or preferred stock
issued to us through the economic downturn have exercise prices
at relatively lower valuations due to the depressed equity and
debt markets in 2008 and 2009.
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1
Since our inception and through March 31, 2010, we have
funded 43 portfolio companies and have invested
$173.3 million in loans (including ten loans that have been
repaid). See our Investment Summary below. As of
March 31, 2010, our total investment portfolio consisted of
33 loans which totaled $116.3 million and our members
capital was $62.2 million. As of March 31, 2010, our
debt portfolio consisted of 30 secured term loans in the
aggregate amount of $110.7 million, two secured revolving
loans in the aggregate amount of $2.3 million and one
secured equipment loan in the aggregate amount of
$3.2 million. All of our existing loans are secured by all
or a portion of the tangible and intangible assets of the
applicable portfolio company. The loans in our loan portfolio
will generally not be rated by any rating agency. For the three
months ended March 31, 2010, our loan portfolio had a
dollar-weighted average annualized yield of approximately 13.6%
(excluding any yield from warrants). As of March 31, 2010,
our loan portfolio had a dollar-weighted average term of
approximately 41 months from inception and a
dollar-weighted average remaining term of approximately
28 months. In addition, we held warrants to purchase either
common stock or preferred stock in 38 portfolio companies.
As of March 31, 2010, our loans had an original committed
principal amount of between $1 million and
$10 million, repayment terms of between 30 and
48 months, and bore current pay interest at annual interest
rates of between 10% and 14%.
Pipeline
As of March 31, 2010, we had unfunded loan commitments to
four companies, representing $16.7 million. While our
portfolio companies have discretion whether to draw down such
commitments, in some cases, the right of a company to draw down
its commitment is subject to the portfolio company achieving
specific milestones (e.g. an additional capital issuance or the
completion of a clinical trial).
As
of ,
2010, our Advisor had executed non-binding term sheets with
prospective portfolio companies, representing
$ .
These proposed investments are subject to the completion of due
diligence and our Advisors approval process, as well as
negotiation of definitive documentation with the prospective
portfolio companies and, as a result, may not result in
completed investments. In addition, as
of ,
2010, our Advisor had issued non-binding term sheets
to
companies representing $ in
potential loans. There is no guarantee that we will enter into
any of these transactions.
Our
Advisor and Its Personnel
Our investment activities are managed by HTFM, and we expect to
continue to benefit from our Advisors ability to identify
attractive investment opportunities, conduct diligence on and
value prospective investments, negotiate investments and manage
our diversified portfolio of investments. In addition to the
years that they have worked together both at our Advisor and
prior to the formation by our Advisor of the Company, the
members of our investment team have broad lending backgrounds,
with substantial experience at a variety of commercial finance
companies and private debt funds, and have developed a broad
network of contacts within the venture capital and private
equity community. This network of contacts provides a principal
source of investment opportunities.
Our Advisor is led by five senior managers, including its two
co-founders, Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., our Chief Executive
Officer, and Gerald A. Michaud, our President, each of whom has
more than 23 years of experience in Technology Lending.
Christopher M. Mathieu, our SVP and Chief Financial Officer, has
more than 16 years of Technology Lending experience, and
each of John C. Bombara, our SVP and General Counsel, and Daniel
S. Devorsetz, our SVP and Chief Credit Officer, has more than
nine years experience in Technology Lending. Our Advisor has an
additional eight experienced professionals with marketing,
legal, accounting, and portfolio management experience in
Technology Lending. Our Advisors predecessor, Horizon
Technology Finance, LLC, which we refer to as HTF,
was formed in May 2003 by Messrs. Pomeroy and Michaud and
began originating loans and investments in April 2004. All of
the senior managers of our Advisor were employed by HTF prior to
the formation of our Advisor. Our Advisor assumed all of the
management operations of HTF. When we refer to our
Advisors historical performance we include the performance
of HTF.
Prior to the formation of HTF, members of senior management of
our Advisor grew a Technology Lending business for GATX
Ventures, Inc., a unit of GATX Corporation, founded and led
Transamerica Technology Finance, a division of Transamerica
Corporation, and were instrumental in the growth of Financing
for Science
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International, Inc., a healthcare equipment leasing and
Technology Lending company. We believe the personnel of our
Advisor have achieved strong returns at each of these
institutions throughout multiple business cycles.
Our
Strategy
Our investment objective is to maximize our investment
portfolios total return by generating current income from
the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We believe our Advisor has
demonstrated that its expertise in debt product development,
transaction sourcing, its knowledge of our Target Industries,
and its disciplined underwriting process create value for our
investors. We believe that this expertise results in returns
that exceed those typically available from more traditional
commercial finance products (such as equipment leasing or middle
market lending) while mitigating the risks typically associated
with investments in development-stage technology companies.
To further implement our business strategy, our Advisor will
continue to employ the following core strategies:
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Structured Investments in the Venture Capital and Private
Equity Markets. We make loans to
development-stage companies within our Target Industries
typically in the form of secured amortizing loans. The secured
amortizing debt structure provides a lower risk strategy, as
compared to equity investments, to participate in the emerging
technology markets, because the debt structures we typically
utilize provide collateral against the downside risk of loss,
provide return of capital in a much shorter timeframe through
current pay interest and amortization of loan principal and have
a senior position in the capital structure to equity in the case
of insolvency, wind down or bankruptcy. Unlike venture capital
and private equity-backed investments, our investment returns
and return of our capital do not require equity investment exits
such as mergers and acquisitions or initial public offerings.
Instead, we receive returns on our loans primarily through
regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest and, if
necessary, liquidation of the collateral supporting the loan.
Only the potential gains from warrants are dependent upon exits.
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Enterprise Value Lending. We take
an enterprise value approach to the loan structuring and
underwriting process. We secure a senior or subordinated lien
position against the enterprise value of a portfolio company and
generally our exposure is less than 25% of the enterprise value.
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Creative Products with Attractive Risk-Adjusted
Pricing. Each of our existing and prospective
portfolio companies has its own unique funding needs for the
capital provided from the proceeds of our Technology Loans.
These funding needs include, but are not limited to, funds for
additional development runways, funds to hire or retain sales
staff, or funds to invest in research and development in order
to reach important technical milestones in advance of raising
additional equity. Our loans include current pay interest,
commitment fees, pre-payment fees and non-utilization fees. We
believe we have developed pricing tools, structuring techniques
and valuation metrics that satisfy our portfolio companies
requirements while mitigating risk and maximizing returns on our
investments.
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Opportunity for Enhanced Returns. To enhance
our loan portfolio returns, in addition to interest and fees, we
obtain warrants to purchase the equity of our portfolio
companies, as additional consideration for making loans. The
warrants we obtain generally include a cashless
exercise provision to allow us to exercise these rights
without requiring us to make any additional cash investment.
Obtaining warrants in our portfolio companies has allowed us to
participate in the equity appreciation of our portfolio
companies which we expect will enable us to generate higher
returns for our investors.
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Direct Origination. We originate transactions
directly with technology, life science, healthcare information
and services, and cleantech companies. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has directly originated more
than 110 transactions resulting in over $650 million of
Technology Loans. These transactions were referred to our
Advisor from a number of sources, including referrals from, or
direct solicitation of, venture capital and private equity
firms, portfolio company management teams, legal firms,
accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders that
represent companies within our Target Industries. Our Advisor
has been the sole or lead originator in substantially all
transactions in which the funds it managed have invested.
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Disciplined and Balanced Underwriting and Portfolio
Management. We use a disciplined underwriting
process that includes obtaining information validation from
multiple sources, extensive knowledge of our
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Target Industries, comparable industry valuation metrics, and
sophisticated financial analysis related to development-stage
companies. Our Advisors due diligence on investment
prospects includes obtaining and evaluating information on the
prospective portfolio companys technology, market
opportunity, management team, fund raising history, investor
support, valuation considerations, financial condition and
projections. We seek to balance our investment portfolio to
reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any
particular industry or sector, development-stage or geographic
area. Our Advisor employs a hands on approach to
portfolio management requiring private portfolio companies to
provide monthly financial information and to participate in
regular updates on performance and future plans.
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Use of Leverage; SBA Debenture Program. We
believe our existing credit facility provides us with a
substantial amount of capital for deployment into new investment
opportunities. Since its inception, Compass Horizon has employed
leverage to increase its return on equity through a revolving
credit facility provided by WestLB AG, which we refer to as the
Credit Facility. The Credit Facility, pursuant to
which we will be able to borrow up to $125 million upon
completion of this offering, matures on March 4, 2015. The
Credit Facility will begin to amortize on March 4, 2011. In
addition, on July 14, 2009, our Advisor received a letter,
which we refer to as the Move Forward Letter, from
the Investment Division of the Small Business Administration,
which we refer to as the SBA, that invited our
Advisor to continue moving forward with the licensing of a small
business investment company, or SBIC. To the extent
that our Advisor receives an SBIC license, we expect to form an
SBIC subsidiary which will issue SBA-guaranteed debentures at
long-term fixed rates. Under the regulations applicable to
SBICs, an SBIC generally may have outstanding debentures
guaranteed by the SBA in an aggregate amount of up to twice its
regulatory capital. In connection with the filing of the SBA
license application, we will be applying for exemptive relief
from the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to
as the SEC, to permit us to exclude the debt of the
SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the consolidated
asset coverage ratio, and, if obtained, will enable us to fund
more investments with debt capital. However, there can be no
assurance that we will be granted an SBIC license or that if
granted it will be granted in a timely manner or that we will
receive the exemptive relief from the SEC.
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See Business Our Strategy on
page 62 for more information about our strategy.
Market
Opportunity
Our Target Industries. We intend to focus our
investments primarily in four key industries of the emerging
technology market: technology, life science, healthcare
information and services, and cleantech. The technology industry
sectors we intend to focus on include communications,
networking, wireless communications, data storage, software,
cloud computing, semiconductor, internet and media, and
consumer-related technologies. Life science sectors we intend to
focus on include biotechnology, drug delivery, bioinformatics,
and medical devices. Healthcare information and services sectors
we intend to focus on include diagnostics, medical record
services and software, and other healthcare related services and
technologies that improve efficiency and quality of administered
healthcare. Cleantech sectors we intend to focus on include
alternative energy, water purification, energy efficiency, green
building materials, and waste recycling.
Technology Lending. We believe that Technology
Lending has the potential to achieve enhanced returns that are
attractive notwithstanding the increased level of risk
associated with lending to development-stage companies.
Potential benefits include:
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interest rates that typically exceed rates that would be
available to portfolio companies if they could borrow in
traditional commercial financing transactions;
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the loan support provided by cash proceeds from equity capital
invested by venture capital and private equity firms;
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relatively rapid amortization of loans;
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senior ranking to equity and collateralization of loans to
minimize potential loss of capital; and
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potential equity appreciation through warrants.
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We believe that Technology Lending also provides an attractive
financing source for portfolio companies, their management teams
and their equity capital investors, as it:
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is typically less dilutive to the equity holders than additional
equity financing;
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extends the time period during which a portfolio company can
operate before seeking additional equity capital or pursuing a
sale transaction or other liquidity event; and
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allows portfolio companies to better match cash sources with
uses.
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Market Size. Our Advisor estimates, based upon
our 16 years of experience making Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, that during such period the
ratio of the aggregate principal amount of debt investments made
to the aggregate capital invested by venture capital investors
has been approximately 10% to 20%. According to Dow Jones
VentureSource, $21.4 billion of venture capital equity was
invested in companies in our Target Industries during 2009.
Accordingly, based on our Advisors past experience, we
would estimate that the size of the Technology Loan market for
2009 was in the range of approximately $2.1 billion to
$4.2 billion. We believe that the market for Technology
Loans should grow over the next several years based upon several
factors. We believe the level of venture capital investment for
2009 is at a cyclical low, as shown by the $32.2 billion
and $31.0 billion of venture capital investment for 2007
and 2008, respectively, as reported by Dow Jones VentureSource.
We believe that the comparable period of 2009 in the venture
capital investment cycle is 2003, because 2003 represented the
last period of decline in the amount of venture capital
investment following the burst of the technology bubble in 2000.
Venture capital investment steadily increased from
$22.9 billion in 2004 to $32.2 billion in 2007 as,
reported by Dow Jones VentureSource, representing a compounded
annual growth rate of 8.9% for that period. Our belief that 2009
was a low point in the venture capital investment cycle is
further supported by the fact that the amount of venture capital
investment in the last three quarters of 2009 increased from a
13 year low of $4.2 billion in the first quarter of
2009 to $5.6 billion in the second quarter of 2009,
$5.4 billion in the third quarter of 2009, and
$6.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009. The potential
for future growth in the market for Technology Loans is also
supported by the fact that, according to Dow Jones
VentureSource, there was $17 billion of liquidity events
related to M&A and IPO activity for companies in our Target
Industries in 2009, of which $7.3 billion was generated in
the fourth quarter, representing 44% of the total activity for
the year. This not only returns capital to investors which can
be reinvested in venture capital investments, but also makes
venture capital a more attractive investment class to investors,
thus attracting additional capital. In addition, nearer term
exits for venture capital investors, reinforces Technology Loans
as a cheaper financing alternative than venture capital for
companies in our Target Industries and their investors, thus
driving up demand for Technology Loans.
Portfolio Company Valuations. According to Dow
Jones VentureSource, from 2007 through 2009 valuations of
existing companies in our Target Industries significantly
decreased, as they did for most asset classes. We believe this
decrease was due to general macroeconomic conditions, including
lower demand for products and services, lack of availability of
capital and investors decreased risk tolerance. We believe
the decrease in valuations in our Target Industries caused by
macroeconomic factors may present a cyclical opportunity to
participate in warrant gains in excess of those which are
typically experienced by Technology Lenders. Our future
portfolio companies may not only increase in value due to their
successful technology development
and/or
revenue growth, but as macroeconomic conditions improve,
valuations may also increase due to the general increase in
demand for goods and services, the greater availability of
capital and an increase in investor risk tolerance. An example
of the positive and negative macroeconomic impact on valuations
last occurred in the years between 2001 and 2005. Following the
macroeconomic impact of the technology downturn of 2001 and the
events of 9/11, according to Dow Jones
VentureSource, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology-related financing fell from $25 million at
December 2000 to $10 million at January 2003, but by
December 2005, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology related financings had risen to $15 million.
See Business Market Opportunity on
page 65 for more information about our market opportunity.
Competitive
Strengths
We believe that we, together with our Advisor, possess
significant competitive strengths, including:
Consistently execute commitments and close
transactions. Our Advisor and its senior
management and investment professionals have an extensive track
record of originating, underwriting and closing Technology
Loans.
5
Our Advisor has directly originated, underwritten, and managed
more than 110 Technology Loans with an aggregate original
principal amount of $650 million since it commenced
operations in 2004 to the present. In our experience,
prospective portfolio companies prefer lenders that have
demonstrated their ability to deliver on their commitments. Our
Advisors ability to deliver on its commitments has
resulted in satisfied portfolio companies, management teams and
venture capital and private equity investors and created an
extensive base of transaction sources and references for our
Advisor.
Robust direct origination capabilities. Our
Advisors managing directors each have significant
experience originating Technology Loans in our Target
Industries. This experience has given each managing director a
deep knowledge of our Target Industries and, assisted by their
long standing working relationships with our Advisors
senior management and our Advisors brand name recognition
in our market, has resulted in a steady flow of high quality
investment opportunities that are consistent with the strategic
vision and expectations of our Advisors senior management.
The combination of the managing directors experience and
their close working relationship with our Advisors senior
management, together with the extensive base of transaction
sources and references generated by our Advisors active
participation in the Technology Lending market, has created an
efficient marketing and sales organization.
Access to capital. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has always had access to capital
which allowed it to consistently offer Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, including offering loans
through Compass Horizon during the difficult economic markets of
2008 and 2009. Our Advisors demonstrated access to
capital, including through the Credit Facility, has created
awareness among companies in our Target Industries of our
Advisors consistent ability to make Technology Loans
without interruption in all market conditions, thus making our
Advisor a trusted source for Technology Loans to companies,
their management teams and their venture capital and private
equity investors.
Highly experienced and cohesive management
team. Our Advisor has had the same senior
management team of experienced professionals since its
inception, thereby creating awareness among companies in our
Target Industries, their management and their investors that
prospective portfolio companies of Horizon will receive
consistent and predictable service, in terms of available loan
products and economic terms, underwriting requirements, loan
closing process and portfolio management. This consistency
allows companies, their management teams and their investors to
predict likely outcomes when expending resources in seeking and
obtaining Technology Loans from us. Companies may not have the
same level of predictability when dealing with other lenders in
the Technology Lending market.
Relationships with venture capital and private equity
investors. Our Advisors senior management
team and managing directors have developed a comprehensive
knowledge of the venture capital and private equity firms and
their partners that participate in our Target Industries.
Because of our Advisors senior management and managing
directors demonstrated history of delivering loan
commitments and value to many of these firms portfolio
companies, our Advisor has developed strong relationships with
many of these firms and their partners. The strength and breadth
of our Advisors venture capital and private equity
relationships would take considerable time and expense to
develop. We will rely on these relationships to implement our
business plan.
Well-known brand name. Our Advisor has
originated over $650 million in Technology Loans to more
than 110 companies in our Target Industries under the
Horizon Technology Finance brand. Each of these
companies is backed by one or more venture capital or private
equity firms, thus creating a network of Target Industry
companies and equity sponsors who know of, and have worked with,
Horizon Technology Finance. In addition, our Advisor
has attended, participated in, or moderated venture lending or
alternative financing panel sessions at venture capital,
technology, life sciences and other industry related events over
the past six years. This pro-active participation in the lending
market for our Target Industries has created strong and positive
brand name recognition for our Advisor. We believe that the
Horizon Technology Finance brand is a competent,
knowledgeable and active participant in the Technology Lending
marketplace and will continue to result in a significant number
of referrals and prospective investment opportunities in our
Target Industries.
6
Investment
Summary
The following table summarizes our total original funded
investments since inception, including ten loans that have been
fully repaid. See Business General on
page 62 for a description of the general terms of our loans
and other investments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Company
|
|
Target Industry
Sector
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Advanced Biohealing, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Ambit Biosciences Corporation
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
8,000,000
|
|
Anesiva, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
3,333,333
|
|
Arcot Systems, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,250,000
|
|
Authoria, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,575,000
|
|
BioScale, Inc.
|
|
Healthcare Information and Services Diagnostics
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Brix Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
$
|
3,150,000
|
|
Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
4,800,001
|
|
Clarabridge, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,250,000
|
|
Concentric Medical, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
3,333,333
|
|
Configuresoft, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,750,000
|
|
Courion Corporation
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,500,000
|
|
DriveCam, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
4,200,000
|
|
Enphase Energy, Inc.
|
|
Cleantech Energy efficiency
|
|
$
|
7,000,000
|
|
EnteroMedics, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Everyday Health, Inc. f/k/a Waterfront Media, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer related technologies
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
F&S Health Care Services, Inc.
|
|
Healthcare Information and Services Diagnostics
|
|
$
|
7,500,000
|
|
Genesis Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Grab Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Hatteras Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
$
|
3,500,000
|
|
Impinj, Inc.
|
|
Technology Semiconductor
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
IntelePeer, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
iSkoot, INC
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Mall Networks
|
|
Technology Internet and media
|
|
$
|
2,500,000
|
|
Motion Computing, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Netuitive, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
NewRiver, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Pharmasset, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
10,000,000
|
|
PixelOptics, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Plateau Systems, Ltd.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,500,000
|
|
Precision Therapeutics, Inc.
|
|
Healthcare Information and Services Diagnostics
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
SnagAJob.com, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer-related technologies
|
|
$
|
3,500,000
|
|
Softrax Corporation
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,000,000
|
|
StarCite, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer-related technologies
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Tagged, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer-related technologies
|
|
$
|
3,000,000
|
|
Tengion, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
5,772,622
|
|
Transave, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
5,199,180
|
|
Vette Corp.
|
|
Technology Datacenter storage
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
ViOptix, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
2,000,000
|
|
XIOTech Corporation
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Xoft, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
3,701,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment
|
|
|
|
$
|
173,315,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
Distribution
and Share Exchange
We were formed in March 2010 to continue and expand the business
of Compass Horizon. Compass Horizon is the entity that currently
owns all of the portfolio investments that we will own upon the
closing of this offering. Prior to the completion of this
offering, Compass Horizon intends to make a cash distribution to
CHP of approximately $16.0 million from net income and as a
return of capital, which we refer to as the Pre-IPO
Distribution. After the Pre-IPO Distribution and
immediately prior to the completion of this offering, the
Compass Horizon Owners will exchange their membership interests
in Compass Horizon
for shares of our
common stock based upon a net asset value of
$ as
of ,
2010, which we refer to as the Share Exchange. Upon
completion of the Share Exchange and this offering, Compass
Horizon will become our wholly owned subsidiary, and we will
effectively own all of Compass Horizons assets, including
all of its investments. See The Exchange Transaction
on page 38 for more information about the Pre-IPO
Distribution and the Share Exchange.
Risk
Factors
The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our
shares, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you
may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in us
involves other risks, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
We have a limited operating history and may not be able to
achieve our investment objective or generate sufficient revenue
to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders and your
investment in us could decline substantially;
|
|
|
|
We may not replicate the historical results achieved by other
entities managed or sponsored by members of our Advisor or its
affiliates;
|
|
|
|
Neither we nor our Advisor has any experience operating under
the constraints imposed on a business development company or
managing an investment company, which may affect our ability to
manage our business and impair your ability to assess our
prospects;
|
|
|
|
We are dependent upon key personnel of our Advisor and our
Advisors ability to hire and retain qualified personnel;
|
|
|
|
If we are unable to satisfy the requirements under the Code for
qualification as a RIC, we will be subject to corporate-level
federal income tax;
|
|
|
|
We have not yet identified many of the potential investment
opportunities for our portfolio that we will invest in with the
proceeds of this offering;
|
|
|
|
If our investments do not meet our performance expectations, you
may not receive distributions;
|
|
|
|
Most of our portfolio companies will need additional capital,
which may not be readily available;
|
|
|
|
Economic recessions or downturns could adversely affect our
business and that of our portfolio companies which may have an
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition;
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our investment strategy will focus on investments in
development-stage companies in our Target Industries, which are
subject to many risks, including volatility, intense
competition, shortened product life cycles and periodic
downturns, and would be typically rated below investment
grade;
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our
common stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price of
shares of our common stock will not decline following the
offering;
|
|
|
|
Subsequent sales in the public market of substantial amounts of
our common stock issued to insiders or others may have an
adverse effect on the market price of our common stock;
|
|
|
|
Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease
substantially;
|
|
|
|
We may allocate the net proceeds from this offering in ways with
which you may not agree; and
|
|
|
|
Investors in this offering will incur immediate dilution upon
the closing of this offering.
|
8
See Risk Factors beginning on page 16 and the
other information included in this prospectus, for a more
detailed discussion of the material risks you should carefully
consider before deciding to invest in our common stock.
Company
Information
Our administrative and executive offices are located at 76
Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, and our
telephone number is
(860) 676-8654.
We expect to establish a website at
http://www.horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com
upon completion of this offering. Information contained on
our website is not incorporated by reference into this
prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on
our website to be part of this prospectus.
9
THE
OFFERING
Common stock
offered:
|
|
|
By us |
|
shares |
|
By the selling stockholder |
|
shares
|
|
Total |
|
shares |
|
Over-allotment option |
|
shares |
|
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering |
|
shares,
excluding shares
of common stock issuable pursuant to the over-allotment option
granted to the underwriters. |
|
Proposed NASDAQ Global Market symbol |
|
HRZN |
|
Use of proceeds |
|
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from our sale of
shares of common stock in this offering of approximately
$ (approximately
$ if the underwriters exercise
their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in
full), assuming an initial public offering price of
$ per share (based on the
mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this
prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and
commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We
plan to use the net proceeds of this offering for new
investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our
investment objective and strategies as described in this
prospectus, for general working capital purposes, and for
temporary repayment of debt under our credit facility (which
amounts are subject to reborrowing). We will also pay operating
expenses, including management and administrative fees, and may
pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential
new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering. We may
also use a portion of the net proceeds to capitalize an SBIC
subsidiary to the extent our Advisors application to
license such entity as an SBIC is approved. Pending such use, we
will invest the remaining net proceeds of this offering
primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities
and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year
or less from the date of investment. See Use of
Proceeds. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the
shares sold by the selling stockholder. |
|
Investment Management Agreement |
|
We have entered into an investment management agreement with our
Advisor, under which our Advisor, subject to the overall
supervision of our board of directors, manages our day-to-day
operations and provides investment advisory services to us. For
providing these services, our Advisor receives a base management
fee from us, paid monthly in arrears, at an annual rate of 2.00%
of our gross assets, including any assets acquired with the
proceeds of leverage. The investment management agreement also
provides that our Advisor or its affiliates may be entitled to
an incentive fee under certain circumstances. The incentive fee
has two parts, which are independent of each other, with the
result that one part may be payable even if the other is not.
Under the first part we will pay our Advisor each quarter 20.00%
of the amount by which our accrued net income for the quarter
after expenses and excluding the effect of any realized capital
gains |
10
|
|
|
|
|
and losses and any unrealized appreciation and depreciation for
the quarter exceeds 1.75% (which is 7.00% annualized) of our
average net assets at the end of the immediately preceding
calendar quarter, subject to a
catch-up
feature. Under the second part of the incentive fee, we will pay
our Advisor at the end of each calendar year 20.00% of our
realized capital gains from inception through the end of that
year, computed net of all realized capital losses and all
unrealized depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the
aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive
fees. The second part of the incentive fee is not subject to any
minimum return to stockholders. The investment management
agreement also provides that we will bear the costs payable to
the Advisor under the separate administration agreement. The
investment management agreement may be terminated by either
party without penalty by delivering written notice to the other
party upon not more than 60 days written notice. See
Investment Management and Administration
Agreements Investment Management Agreement. |
|
Distributions |
|
In connection with certain RIC requirements described below in
Taxation, we intend to distribute
quarterly dividends to stockholders beginning with our first
full quarter after the completion of this offering. Our
quarterly distributions, if any, will be determined by our board
of directors. |
|
Taxation |
|
We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify, as a
RIC under Subchapter M of the Code commencing with our taxable
year ending on December 31, 2010. As a RIC, we generally
will not pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any
ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to
our stockholders as dividends. To maintain our RIC status, we
must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification
requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our net
ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in
excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. See
Distributions and Material U.S. Federal Income
Tax Considerations. |
|
Borrowings |
|
As of March 31, 2010, we had $75.2 million of
indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility. We will
borrow additional money or issue debt securities within the
levels permitted by the 1940 Act when the terms and conditions
available are favorable to long-term investing and well-aligned
with our investment strategy and portfolio composition in an
effort to increase returns to our common stockholders. Borrowing
involves significant risks. See Risk Factors. |
|
Trading at a Discount |
|
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a
discount to their net asset value. The possibility that our
shares may trade at a discount to our net asset value is
separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per
share may decline. Our net asset value immediately following
this offering will reflect reductions resulting from the sales
load and the amount of the organization and offering expenses
paid by us. This risk may have a greater effect on investors
expecting to sell their shares soon after completion of the
public offering, and our shares may be more appropriate for
long-term investors than for investors with shorter investment
horizons. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade above,
at or below net asset value. |
11
|
|
|
Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
|
We are adopting a dividend reinvestment plan for our
stockholders. This will be an opt out dividend
reinvestment plan. As a result, if we declare cash
distributions, each stockholders cash distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common
stock unless they specifically opt out of our
dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash distributions.
Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of
common stock will be subject to the same federal income tax
consequences as if they received their distributions in cash.
See Dividend Reinvestment Plan. |
|
Anti-Takeover Provisions |
|
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as certain
statutory and regulatory requirements, contain certain
provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third
party from making an acquisition proposal for us. These
anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in
circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock
the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price for
our common stock. See Description of Capital Stock. |
|
|
|
In addition, our board of directors will be divided into three
classes with the term of one class expiring at each annual
meeting of stockholders. This structure is intended to provide
us with a greater likelihood of continuity of management. A
staggered board of directors also may serve to deter hostile
takeovers or proxy contests, as may certain other measures we
have adopted. See Description of Capital Stock. |
|
Administration Agreement |
|
Under a separate administration agreement, our Advisor will also
serve as our administrator. We will reimburse our Advisor for
the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by
our Advisor in performing its obligations under the
Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office
facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record
keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us
with other administrative services. In addition, we will
reimburse our Advisor for the fees and expenses associated with
performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of
the compensation of our chief financial officer and chief
compliance officer and their respective staffs. See
Investment Management and Administration
Agreement Administration Agreement. |
|
Dilution |
|
Based on an assumed initial public offering price of
$ per share (the mid-point of the
range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), purchasers in
this offering will experience immediate dilution of
approximately $ per share. See
Risk Factors Risks Related to this Offering
and our Common Stock Investors in this offering will
incur immediate dilution upon the closing of this offering
on page 34 and Dilution on page 48. |
|
Available Information |
|
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on
Form N-2
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Act, which contains additional information about us and the
shares of our common stock being offered by this prospectus.
After completion of this offering, we will be obligated to file
periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with
the SEC. This information will be available at the SECs
public reference room in Washington, D.C. and on the
SECs website at
http://www.sec.gov. |
12
|
|
|
|
|
Upon closing of this offering, we will maintain a website at
http://www.horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com
and intend to make all of our annual, quarterly and current
reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information
available, free of charge, on or through our website. You may
also obtain such information by contacting us at 76 Batterson
Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, or by calling us at
(860) 676-8654.
Information contained on our website is not incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider
information contained on our website to be part of this
prospectus. |
|
|
|
See Where You Can Find More Information. |
Unless the context otherwise requires, the number of shares of
our common stock to be outstanding immediately following the
completion of this offering is based on the number of shares
outstanding as of March 31, 2010 and assumes the sale
of
shares of our common stock by the selling stockholder and the
issuance
of
shares of our common stock in this offering at the mid-point of
the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Unless
otherwise noted, all information in this prospectus assumes no
exercise by the underwriters of their right to purchase up
to shares
of common stock to cover over-allotments.
13
FEES AND
EXPENSES
The following table is intended to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses that an investor in this offering will
bear directly or indirectly. However, we caution you that some
of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates
and may vary. The following table and example should not be
considered a representation of our future expenses. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than shown. Except where the
context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus contains a
reference to fees or expenses paid by you or
us or that we will pay fees or expenses,
stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as
investors in the Company.
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Stockholder Transaction Expenses
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Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)
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7.00
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%(1)
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Offering Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)
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1.20
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%(2)
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees
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None
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(3)
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Total Stockholder Transaction Expenses (as a percentage of
offering price)
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8.20
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%
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Annual Expenses (as a Percentage of Net Assets Attributable
to Common Stock)
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Management Fee
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3.12
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%(4)
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Incentive Fees Payable Under the Investment Management Agreement
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0.00
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%(5)
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Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds
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2.90
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%(6)
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Other Expenses (estimated for the current fiscal year)
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1.42
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%(7)
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Total Annual Expenses (estimated)
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7.44
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%(4)(8)
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(1)
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The underwriting discounts and
commissions with respect to shares sold in this offering, which
are one-time fees to the underwriters in connection with this
offering, is the only sales load being paid in connection with
this offering.
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(2)
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Amount reflects estimated offering
expenses of approximately $1.5 million.
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(3)
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The expenses of the dividend
reinvestment plan are included in other expenses.
See Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
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(4)
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Our base management fee under the
investment management agreement is based on our gross assets,
which includes assets acquired using leverage, and is payable
monthly in arrears. The management fee referenced in the table
above is based on $214.7 million of gross assets,
$138.3 million of net assets, which reflects our gross
assets and net assets on a pro forma basis after giving effect
to this offering and $75.2 million of expected outstanding
indebtedness immediately upon the closing of this offering. See
Investment Management and Administration
Agreements Investment Management Agreement.
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(5)
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We may have capital gains and
interest income that could result in the payment of an incentive
fee to our Advisor in the first year after completion of this
offering. However, the incentive fee payable to our Advisor is
based on our performance and will not be paid unless we achieve
certain goals. As we cannot predict whether we will meet the
necessary performance targets, we have assumed an incentive fee
of 0% in this chart. Based on our current business plan, we
anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this
offering will be used within nine months, depending on the
availability of appropriate investment opportunities, consistent
with our investment objective and market conditions. We expect
that during this period we will not have any capital gains and
that the amount of our interest income will not exceed the
quarterly minimum hurdle rate discussed below. As a result, we
do not anticipate paying any incentive fees in the first year
after the completion of this offering.
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The incentive fee consists of two
parts:
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The first part, which is payable
quarterly in arrears, will equal 20.00% of the excess, if any,
of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income over
a 1.75% quarterly (7.00% annualized) hurdle rate and a
catch-up
provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under
this provision, in any calendar quarter, our Advisor receives no
incentive fee until our net investment income equals the hurdle
rate of 1.75% but then receives, as a
catch-up,
100.00% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with
respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment
income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than
2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre-incentive
fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar
quarter, our Advisor will receive 20.00% of our pre-incentive
fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply. The
first part of the incentive fee will be computed and paid on
income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet
received in cash.
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The second part of the incentive
fee will equal 20.00% of our Incentive Fee Capital
Gains, if any, which will equal our realized capital gains
on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each
calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and
unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the
aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive
fees. The second part of the incentive fee will be payable, in
arrears, at the end of each calendar year (or upon termination
of the investment management agreement, as of the termination
date), commencing with the year ending December 31, 2010.
For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee,
see Investment Management and Administration
Agreements Investment Management Agreement.
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14
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(6)
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We will borrow funds from time to
time to make investments to the extent we determine that the
economic situation is conducive to doing so. The costs
associated with our borrowings are indirectly borne by our
investors. As of March 31, 2010, we had $75.2 million
outstanding under our Credit Facility. For purposes of this
section, we have computed interest expense using the balance
outstanding at, and the LIBOR rate on, March 31, 2010 and
the interest rate on our Credit Facility of LIBOR plus 2.50%.
The LIBOR rate on March 31, 2010 was 0.25%. We have also
included the estimated amortization of fees incurred in
establishing our Credit Facility and estimated settlements under
existing interest rate swap agreements. We may also issue
preferred stock, subject to our compliance with applicable
requirements under the 1940 Act.
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(7)
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Includes our assumed overhead
expenses, including payments under the administration agreement,
based on our projected assumed allocable portion of overhead and
other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its
obligations under the administration agreement during the first
full year of operations. See Investment Management and
Administration Agreements Administration
Agreement.
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(8)
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Total annual expenses
as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to
common stock are higher than the total annual expenses
percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. We
borrow money to leverage our net assets and increase our total
assets. The SEC requires that the Total annual
expenses percentage be calculated as a percentage of net
assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and after
taking into account any incentive fees payable during the
period), rather than the total assets, including assets that
have been funded with borrowed monies. The reason for presenting
expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common
stockholders is that our common stockholders bear all of our
fees and expenses.
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Example
The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount
of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various
periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common
stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have
assumed that our annual operating expenses remain at the levels
set forth in the table above.
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return
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$
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150
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$
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281
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$
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405
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$
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685
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While the example assumes, as required by the applicable rules
of the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and
may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The incentive
fee under our investment management agreement is unlikely to be
significant assuming a 5% annual return and is not included in
the example. If we achieve sufficient returns on our
investments, including through the realization of capital gains,
to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our
distributions to our common stockholders and our expenses would
likely be higher. See Investment Management and
Administration Agreements Examples of Incentive Fee
Calculation for additional information regarding the
calculation of incentive fees. In addition, while the example
assumes reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions at
net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan
will receive a number of shares of our common stock determined
by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable
to a participant by the market price per share of our common
stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the
distribution. This price may be at, above or below net asset
value. See Dividend Reinvestment Plan for additional
information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.
15
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.
Before you invest in shares of our common stock, you should be
aware of various risks, including those described below. You
should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all
of the other information included in this prospectus, before you
decide whether to make an investment in our common stock. The
risks set forth below are not the only risks we face. If any of
the following events occur, our business, financial condition
and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading
price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or
part of your investment.
Risks
Related to our Business and Structure
We
have a limited operating history and may not be able to achieve
our investment objective or generate sufficient revenue to make
or sustain distributions to our stockholders and your investment
in us could decline substantially.
We commenced operations in March 2008. As a result of our
limited operating history, we are subject to certain business
risks and uncertainties associated with any recently formed
business enterprise, including the risk that we will not achieve
our investment objective and that the value of your investment
in us could decline substantially. As a public company, we will
be subject to the regulatory requirements of the SEC, in
addition to the specific regulatory requirements applicable to
business development companies under the 1940 Act and RICs under
the Code. Our management and that of our Advisor has not had any
prior experience operating under this regulatory framework, and
we may incur substantial additional costs, and expend
significant time or other resources, to do so. From time to time
our Advisor may pursue investment opportunities, like equity
investments, in which our Advisor has more limited experience.
We may also be unable to replicate the historical performance of
prior investment funds. In addition, we may be unable to
generate sufficient revenue from our operations to make or
sustain distributions to our stockholders.
We may
not replicate the historical results achieved by other entities
managed or sponsored by members of our Advisor or its
affiliates.
We may be unable to replicate the historical results achieved by
our Advisor or its affiliates, and our investment returns could
be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in
prior periods. In particular, our Advisors returns from
several of its other investment vehicles may not be comparable
because they were capital call funds and their respective
returns were not negatively impacted by uninvested cash. We also
may not be able to replicate the performance of our warrants and
may not have returns on warrants from our existing portfolio
that we hold. Neither our Advisor nor its affiliates were
subject to the same tax and regulatory conditions that we intend
to operate under following the offering. Furthermore, none of
the prior results were from public reporting companies.
Additionally, all or a portion of these prior results may have
been achieved in particular market conditions which may never be
repeated. We are not a capital call fund and, as a result, may
have more limited access to cash for investment opportunities
than our Advisor historically experienced which could impair our
ability to make future investments. Moreover, current or future
market volatility and regulatory uncertainty may also have an
adverse impact on our future performance.
Neither
we nor our Advisor has any experience operating under the
constraints imposed on a business development company or
managing an investment company, which may affect our ability to
manage our business and impair your ability to assess our
prospects.
Prior to this offering, we did not operate as a business
development company or manage an investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, we have no operating results under this
regulatory framework that can demonstrate to you either its
effect on our business or our ability to manage our business
within this framework. The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints
on the operations of business development companies. For
example, business development companies are required to invest
at least 70% of their total assets in specified types of
securities, primarily securities of eligible portfolio
companies (as defined in the 1940 Act), cash, cash
equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high
quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. See
16
Regulation. Our Advisors lack of experience in
managing a portfolio of assets under these constraints may
hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment
opportunities and, as a result, could impair our ability to
achieve our investment objective. Furthermore, if we are unable
to comply with the requirements imposed on business development
companies by the 1940 Act, the SEC could bring an enforcement
action against us
and/or we
could be exposed to claims of private litigants. In addition, we
could be regulated as a closed-end management investment company
under the 1940 Act, which could further decrease our operating
flexibility and may prevent us from operating our business as
described in this prospectus, either of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
or financial condition.
We are
dependent upon key personnel of our Advisor and our
Advisors ability to hire and retain qualified
personnel.
We depend on the members of our Advisors senior
management, particularly Mr. Pomeroy, our Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Michaud, our President, as
well as other key personnel for the identification, evaluation,
final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our
investments. These employees have critical industry experience
and relationships that we will rely on to implement our business
plan to originate Technology Loans in our Target Industries. Our
future success will depend on the continued service of
Messrs. Pomeroy and Michaud as well as the other senior
members of our Advisors management team. If our Advisor
were to lose the services of either Mr. Pomeroy or
Mr. Michaud or any of the other senior members of our
Advisors management team, we may not be able to operate
our business as we expect, and our ability to compete could be
harmed, either of which could cause our business, results of
operations or financial condition to suffer. In addition, if
either of Mr. Pomeroy or Mr. Michaud ceases to be
employed by us, the lender under our Credit Facility could,
absent a waiver or cure, refuse to advance future funds to us
under the facility. Our future success will also depend, in
part, on our Advisors ability to identify, attract and
retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled employees. Absent
exemptive or other relief granted by the SEC and for so long as
we remain externally managed, the 1940 Act will prevent us from
granting options to our employees and adopting a profit sharing
plan, which may make it more difficult for us to attract and
retain highly skilled employees. If we are not successful in
identifying, attracting and retaining these employees, we may
not be able to operate our business as we expect. Moreover, we
cannot assure you that our Advisor will remain our investment
adviser or that we will continue to have access to our
Advisors investment professionals or its relationships.
For example, our Advisor may in the future manage investment
funds with investment objectives similar to ours thereby
diverting the time and attention of its investment professionals
that we rely on to implement our business plan.
We
operate in a highly competitive market for investment
opportunities, and if we are not able to compete effectively,
our business, results of operations and financial condition may
be adversely affected and the value of your investment in us
could decline.
A number of entities compete with us to make the types of
investments that we plan to make in prospective portfolio
companies in our Target Industries. We compete with other
business development companies and a large number of venture
capital and private equity firms, as well as other investment
funds, investment banks and other sources of financing,
including traditional financial services companies such as
commercial banks and finance companies. Some of our competitors
are larger and have greater financial, technical, marketing and
other resources than we have. For example, some competitors may
have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that
are not available to us. This may enable these competitors to
make commercial loans with interest rates that are comparable
to, or lower than, the rates we typically offer. We may lose
prospective portfolio companies if we do not match our
competitors pricing, terms and structure. If we do match
our competitors pricing, terms or structure, we may
experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of
credit losses. In addition, some of our competitors may have
higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which
could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments,
establish more relationships than us and build their market
shares. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to
the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act will impose on us
as a business development company or that the Code will impose
on us as a RIC. If we are not able to compete effectively, we
may not be able to identify and take advantage of attractive
investment opportunities that we identify and may not be able to
fully invest our available capital. If this occurs, our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected.
17
We
will borrow money, which will magnify the potential for gain or
loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing
in us.
Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment
technique, and we intend to continue to borrow money as part of
our business plan. The use of leverage will magnify the
potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore,
increases the risks associated with investing in us. We expect
to borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks and
other lenders including under the Credit Facility pursuant to
which we will be able to borrow up to $125 million upon
completion of this offering. As of March 31, 2010, we had
outstanding indebtedness of $75.2 million. We also intend
to issue debt securities guaranteed by the SBA and sold in the
capital markets, to the extent that we or one of our
subsidiaries becomes licensed by the SBA. The SBIC regulations,
subject to certain regulatory capital requirements among other
things, currently permit an SBIC subsidiary to borrow up to
$150 million. Lenders of senior securities, including the
SBA, will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that will be
superior to the claims of our common stockholders. If the value
of our assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net
asset value attributable to our common stock to increase more
sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. However, any
decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more
sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. This decline
could adversely affect our ability to make common stock dividend
payments. In addition, because our investments may be illiquid,
we may be unable to dispose of them or to do so at a favorable
price in the event we need to do so if we are unable to
refinance any indebtedness upon maturity, and, as a result, we
may suffer losses.
Our ability to service any debt that we incur will depend
largely on our financial performance and will be subject to
prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures.
Moreover, as our Advisors management fee will be payable
to our Advisor based on our gross assets, including those assets
acquired through the use of leverage, our Advisor may have a
financial incentive to incur leverage which may not be
consistent with our stockholders interests. In addition,
holders of our common stock will bear the burden of any increase
in our expenses, as a result of leverage, including any increase
in the management fee payable to our Advisor.
Illustration: The following table illustrates
the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our
common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses.
The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual
returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table
below:
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Assumed Return on our Portfolio
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(net of expenses)
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−10%
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−5%
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0%
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5%
|
|
10%
|
|
Corresponding return to
stockholder(1)
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−27%
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−16%
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−5%
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7%
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18%
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(1)
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Assumes $139 million in total
assets, $75 million in debt outstanding, $62 million
in stockholders equity, and an average cost of funds of
3.78%. Assumptions are based on our financial condition and our
average costs of funds at March 31, 2010. Actual interest
payments may be different.
|
If we
are unable to comply with the covenants or restrictions in the
Credit Facility, our business could be materially adversely
affected.
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Horizon Credit I LLC, which we
refer to as Credit I, is party to our Credit
Facility with WestLB AG. This Credit Facility includes covenants
that, among other things, restrict the ability of Compass
Horizon and Credit I to make loans to, or investments in, third
parties (other than Technology Loans and warrants or other
equity participation rights), pay dividends and distributions,
incur additional indebtedness and engage in mergers or
consolidations. The Credit Facility also restricts the ability
of Compass Horizon, Credit I, and our Advisor to create liens on
the collateral securing the Credit Facility, permit additional
negative pledges on such collateral and change the business
currently conducted by them. The Credit Facility also includes
provisions that permit our lender to refuse to advance funds
under the facility in the event of a change of control of us or
Compass Horizon. For this purpose a change of control generally
means a merger or other consolidation, a liquidation, a sale of
all or substantially all of our assets, or a transaction in
which any person or group acquires more than 50% of our shares.
In addition, the Credit Facility also requires Compass Horizon,
Credit I and our Advisor to comply with
18
various financial covenants, including, among other covenants,
maintenance by Compass Horizon and our Advisor of a minimum
tangible net worth and limitations on the value of, and
modifications to, the loan collateral that secures the Credit
Facility. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources. Complying with these
restrictions may prevent us from taking actions that we believe
would help us to grow our business or are otherwise consistent
with our investment objective. These restrictions could also
limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or
meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate
activities or could result in our failing to qualify as a RIC
and thus becoming subject to corporate-level income tax. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and
Capital Resources for additional information regarding our
credit arrangements.
The breach of certain of the covenants or restrictions unless
cured within the applicable grace period, would result in a
default under the Credit Facility that would permit the lender
to declare all amounts outstanding to be due and payable. In
such an event, we may not have sufficient assets to repay such
indebtedness and the lender may exercise rights available to it
under the security interest granted in the assets of
Credit I, including, to the extent permitted under
applicable law, the seizure of such assets without adjudication.
As a result, any default could have serious consequences to our
financial condition. An event of default or an acceleration
under the Credit Facility could also cause a cross-default or
cross-acceleration of another debt instrument or contractual
obligation, which would adversely impact our liquidity. We may
not be granted waivers or amendments to the Credit Agreement if
for any reason we are unable to comply with it, and we may not
be able to refinance the Credit Agreement on terms acceptable to
us, or at all.
Because
we will distribute all or substantially all of our income and
any realized net short-term capital gains over realized net
long-term capital losses to our stockholders, we will need
additional capital to finance our growth, if any. If additional
funds are unavailable or not available on favorable terms, our
ability to grow will be impaired.
To satisfy the requirements applicable to a RIC, to avoid
payment of excise taxes and to minimize or avoid payment of
corporate-level federal income taxes, we intend to distribute to
our stockholders all or substantially all of our net ordinary
income and realized net short-term capital gains over realized
net long-term capital losses except that we may retain certain
net long-term capital gains, pay applicable income taxes with
respect thereto, and elect to treat such retained capital gains
as deemed distributions to our stockholders. As a business
development company, we will generally be required to meet a
coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which
includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may
issue in the future, of at least 200%. This requirement limits
the amount that we may borrow. Because we will continue to need
capital to grow our loan and investment portfolio, this
limitation may prevent us from incurring debt and require us to
raise additional equity at a time when it may be disadvantageous
to do so. We cannot assure you that debt and equity financing
will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, and debt
financings may be restricted by the terms of any of our
outstanding borrowings. In addition, as discussed above, as a
business development company, we will be limited in our ability
to issue equity securities priced below net asset value. If
additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to
curtail or cease new lending and investment activities, and our
net asset value could decline.
If we
are unable to obtain additional debt financing, our business
could be materially adversely affected.
We may want to obtain additional debt financing, or need to do
so upon maturity of the Credit Facility, in order to obtain
funds which may be made available for investments. The Credit
Facility matures in March 2015. We may request advances under
the Credit Facility, which we refer to as the Revolving
Period, through March 4, 2011, unless the Revolving
Period is extended upon Credit Is request and upon mutual
agreement of WestLB and Credit I. Upon the date of termination
of the Revolving Period, we may not request new advances and we
must repay the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility as
of such date at such times and in such amounts as are necessary
to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the
Credit Facility, particularly the condition that the principal
balance of the Credit Facility does not exceed 75% of the
aggregate principal balance of our eligible loans to our
portfolio companies. All outstanding advances under the Credit
Facility are due and payable on March 4, 2015, unless such
date is extended upon Credit Is request and upon mutual
agreement of WestLB and Credit I. If we
19
are unable to increase, renew or replace any such facility and
enter into a new debt financing facility on commercially
reasonable terms, our liquidity may be reduced significantly. In
addition, if we are unable to repay amounts outstanding under
any such facilities and are declared in default or are unable to
renew or refinance these facilities, we may not be able to make
new investments or operate our business in the normal course.
These situations may arise due to circumstances that we may be
unable to control, such as lack of access to the credit markets,
a severe decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, a further
economic down turn or an operational problem that affects third
parties or us, and could materially damage our business.
If we
do not receive qualification from the SBA to form an SBIC or we
are unable to comply with SBA regulations after our SBIC
subsidiary is formed, our business plan and investment objective
could be materially adversely affected.
We are currently seeking qualification as an SBIC for a
to-be-formed wholly owned subsidiary which will be regulated by
the SBA. On July 14, 2009, our Advisor received
notification from the SBA that invited our Advisor to continue
with the application process for licensing this subsidiary as an
SBIC. However, the application to license this subsidiary as an
SBIC is subject to SBA approval. If we do not receive SBA
approval to license an SBIC our business plan and investment
objective could be materially adversely affected. If we or one
of our subsidiaries receives this qualification, we will become
subject to SBA regulations that may constrain our activities or
the activities of one of our subsidiaries. We may need to make
allowances in our investment activity or the investment activity
of our subsidiaries to comply with SBA regulations. In addition,
SBA regulations may impose parameters on our business operations
and investment objectives that are different than what we
otherwise would do if we were not subject to these regulations.
Failure to comply with the SBA regulations could result in the
loss of the SBIC license and the resulting inability to
participate in the SBA-sponsored debenture program. The SBA also
limits the maximum amount that may be borrowed by any single
SBIC. The SBA prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a
change of control of an SBIC or transfers that would
result in any person (or a group of persons acting in concert)
owning 10% or more of a class of capital stock of a licensed
SBIC. A change of control is any event which would
result in the transfer of the power, direct or indirect, to
direct the management and policies of an SBIC, whether through
ownership, contractual arrangements or otherwise. To the extent
that we form an SBIC subsidiary, this would prohibit a change of
control of us without prior SBA approval. If we are unable
to comply with SBA regulations, our business plan and growth
strategy could be materially adversely affected.
Changes
in interest rates may affect our cost of capital and net
investment income.
Because we may incur indebtedness to fund our investments, a
portion of our income will depend upon the difference between
the interest rate at which we borrow funds and the interest rate
at which we invest these funds. Some of our investments will
have fixed interest rates, while other borrowings will likely
have floating interest rates. As a result, a significant change
in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our
net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our
cost of funds could increase, which would reduce our net
investment income. We may hedge against interest rate
fluctuations by using hedging instruments such as swaps,
futures, options and forward contracts, subject to applicable
legal requirements, including, without limitation, all necessary
registrations (or exemptions from registration) with the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These activities may limit
our ability to benefit from lower interest rates with respect to
the hedged portfolio. We also have limited experience in
entering into hedging transactions, and we will initially have
to rely on the advice of outside parties with respect to the use
of these financial instruments or develop this expertise
internally. Adverse developments resulting from changes in
interest rates or hedging transactions or any adverse
developments from our use of hedging instruments could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations. In addition, we may be unable to enter
into appropriate hedging transactions when desired and any
hedging transactions we enter into may not be effective.
20
Because
many of our investments typically will not be in publicly traded
securities, the value of our investments may not be readily
determinable, which could adversely affect the determination of
our net asset value.
We expect our investments to consist primarily of loans or
securities issued by privately held companies. As a result, the
fair value of these investments that are not publicly traded may
not be readily determinable. In addition, we will not be
permitted to maintain a general reserve for anticipated loan
losses. Instead, we will be required by the 1940 Act to
specifically value each investment and record an unrealized gain
or loss for any asset that we believe has increased or decreased
in value. We will value these investments on a quarterly basis,
or more frequently as circumstances require, in accordance with
our valuation policy consistent with generally accepted
accounting principles. Our board of directors will employ an
independent third-party valuation firm to assist the board in
arriving at the fair value of our investments. The board will
discuss valuations and determine the fair value in good faith
based on the input of our Advisor and the third-party valuation
firm. The factors that may be considered in fair value pricing
our investments include the nature and realizable value of any
collateral, the portfolio companys earnings and its
ability to make payments on its indebtedness, the markets in
which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to
publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow and other
relevant factors. Because such valuations are inherently
uncertain and may be based on estimates, our determinations of
fair value may differ materially from the values that would be
assessed if a ready market for these securities existed. Our net
asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations
regarding the fair value of our investments are materially
higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the
disposal of these investments. See Determination of Net
Asset Value.
Disruption
in the capital markets and the credit markets could adversely
affect our business.
Without sufficient access to the capital markets or credit
markets, we may be forced to curtail our business operations or
we may not be able to pursue new investment opportunities.
Beginning in 2007, the global capital markets entered into a
period of disruption and extreme volatility and, accordingly,
there has been and will continue to be uncertainty in the
financial markets in general. Ongoing disruptive conditions in
the financial industry could restrict our business operations
and could adversely impact or results of operations and
financial condition. We are unable to predict when economic and
market conditions may become more favorable. Even if these
conditions improve significantly over the long term, adverse
conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could
adversely impact our business.
We may
not realize gains from our equity investments.
All of our investments that we have made in the past include,
and investments we may make in the future are expected to
include warrants. In addition, we may from time to time make
non-control, equity co-investments in companies in conjunction
with private equity sponsors. Our goal with respect to these
equity investments is to ultimately realize gains upon
disposition. The equity interests we receive may not appreciate
in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may
not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any
gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity
interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we
experience. We also may be unable to realize any value if a
portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a
sale of the business, refinancing or public offering, which
would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests. In
addition, the time and attention of the investment personnel of
our Advisor could be diverted from managing our debt portfolio
in order to manage any equity investments we receive thereby
impacting the value of our remaining portfolio, and our
Advisors significant experience in Technology Lending may
not result in returns on our equity investments.
From time to time we may also acquire equity participation
rights in connection with an investment which will allow us, at
our option, to participate in future rounds of equity financing
through direct capital investments in our portfolio companies.
Our Advisor will determine whether to exercise any of these
rights. Accordingly, you will have no control over whether or to
what extent these rights are exercised, if at all. If we
exercise these rights, we will be making an additional
investment completely in the form of equity which will subject
us to significantly more risk than our Technology Loans and we
may not receive the returns that are anticipated with respect to
these investments.
21
We may
not realize expected returns on warrants received in connection
with our debt investments.
As discussed above, we generally receive warrants in connection
with our debt investments. If we do not receive the returns that
are anticipated on the warrants, our investment returns on our
portfolio companies, and the value of your investment in us, may
be lower than expected.
Regulations
governing our operation as a business development company will
affect our ability to, and the way in which, we raise additional
capital, which may expose us to additional risks.
Our business plans contemplate a substantial amount of capital
in addition to the proceeds of this offering. We may obtain
additional capital through the issuance of debt securities,
other indebtedness or preferred stock, and we may borrow money
from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to
collectively as senior securities, up to the maximum
amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Moreover, in connection with
the filing of the SBA license application, we expect to seek
exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the debt
of the SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the 200%
consolidated asset coverage ratio requirements. If we issue
senior securities, we would be exposed to typical risks
associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.
In addition, if we issue preferred stock, it would rank
senior to common stock in our capital structure and
preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights and may
have rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those
of holders of our common stock.
The 1940 Act permits us to issue senior securities in amounts
such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals
at least 200% after each issuance of senior securities. If our
asset coverage ratio is not at least 200%, we will not be
permitted to pay dividends or issue additional senior
securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be
unable to satisfy this asset coverage test. If that happens, we
may be required to liquidate a portion of our investments and
repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when we may be
unable to do so or to do so on favorable terms.
As a business development company, we will generally not be able
to issue our common stock at a price below net asset value
without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders and our
independent directors. This requirement will not apply to stock
issued upon the exercise of options, warrants or rights that we
may issue from time to time. If we raise additional funds by
issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into,
or exchangeable for, our common stock, the percentage ownership
of our stockholders at that time would decrease, and you may
experience dilution.
If we
are unable to satisfy the requirements under the Code for
qualification as a RIC, we will be subject to corporate-level
federal income tax.
To qualify as a RIC under the Code, we must meet certain source
of income, diversification and distribution requirements
contained in Subchapter M of the Code and maintain our election
to be regulated as a business development company under the 1940
Act.
The source of income requirement is satisfied if we derive in
each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from
dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments
with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or
other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies,
other income (including but not limited to gain from options,
futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to our
business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net
income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly
traded partnership. The status of certain forms of income
we receive could be subject to different interpretations under
the Code and might be characterized as non-qualifying income
that could cause us to fail to qualify as a RIC and, thus, may
cause us to be subject to corporate-level federal income taxes.
The annual distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we
distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis an amount
equal to at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized
net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term
capital losses, if any. If we borrow money, we may be subject to
certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and
loan covenants that could, under certain circumstances, restrict
us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If
we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to
qualify as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level
income tax.
22
To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset
diversification requirements at the end of each calendar
quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in our having to
(i) dispose of certain investments quickly or
(ii) raise additional capital to prevent the loss of RIC
status. Because most of our investments will be in
development-stage companies within our Target Industries, any
such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and
may result in substantial losses. If we raise additional capital
to satisfy the asset diversification requirements, it could take
a longer time to invest such capital. During this period, we
will invest in temporary investments, such as cash and cash
equivalents, which we expect will earn yields substantially
lower than the interest income that we anticipate receiving in
respect of our investments in secured and amortizing loans.
If we were to fail to qualify for the federal income tax
benefits allowable to RICs for any reason and become subject to
a corporate-level federal income tax, the resulting taxes could
substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income
available for distribution to our stockholders, and the actual
amount of our distributions. Such a failure would have a
material adverse effect on us, the net asset value of our common
stock and the total return, if any, obtainable from your
investment in our common stock. In addition, we could be
required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes
and interest and make substantial distributions before
requalifying as a RIC. See Regulation and
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.
We may
have difficulty paying our required distributions if we
recognize taxable income before or without receiving
cash.
We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances
in which we do not receive cash. For example if we hold debt
instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules as
having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with
payment-in-kind
interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or
issued with warrants), we must include in taxable income each
year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over
the life of the debt instrument, regardless of whether cash
representing such income is received by us in the same taxable
year. Because in certain cases we may recognize taxable income
before or without receiving cash representing such income, we
may have difficulty meeting the requirement that we distribute
an amount equal to at least 90% of our net ordinary income and
realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized
long-term capital losses, if any (the Annual Distribution
Requirement). For example, the proportion of our income
that resulted from original issue discount for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and the
quarterly period ended March 31, 2010 was approximately
4.34%, 8.24% and 7.66%, respectively.
Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times
that we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt
or equity capital or forego new investment opportunities or
otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business
(or be unable to take actions that we believe are necessary or
advantageous to our business) in order to satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from
other sources to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we
may fail to qualify for the federal income tax benefits
allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level
federal income tax on all our income. See Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.
If we
do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying
assets, we could fail to qualify as a business development
company or be precluded from investing according to our current
business strategy.
As a business development company, we will be prohibited from
acquiring any assets other than qualifying assets
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such
acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying
assets. We expect that substantially all of our assets that we
may acquire in the future will be qualifying assets,
although we may decide to make other investments that are not
qualifying assets to the extent permitted by the
1940 Act. If we acquire debt or equity securities from an issuer
that has outstanding marginable securities at the time we make
an investment, these acquired assets may not be treated as
qualifying assets. This result is dictated by the definition of
eligible portfolio company under the 1940 Act, which
in part looks to whether a company has outstanding marginable
securities. See Regulation Qualifying
assets. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our
assets in qualifying assets, we could lose our status as a
business development company, which would have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
23
Changes
in laws or regulations governing our business could adversely
affect our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
Changes in the laws or regulations or the interpretations of the
laws and regulations that govern business development companies,
RICs, SBICs or non-depository commercial lenders could
significantly affect our operations, our cost of doing business
and our investment strategy. We are subject to federal, state
and local laws and regulations and judicial and administrative
decisions that affect our operations, including our loan
originations, maximum interest rates, fees and other charges,
disclosures to portfolio companies, the terms of secured
transactions, collection and foreclosure procedures, portfolio
composition and other trade practices. If these laws,
regulations or decisions change, or if we expand our business
into jurisdictions that have adopted more stringent
requirements, we may incur significant expenses to comply with
these laws, regulations or decisions or we might have to
restrict our operations or alter our investment strategy. For
example, any change to the SBAs current debenture SBIC
program could have a significant impact on our ability to obtain
lower-cost leverage and our ability to compete with other
finance companies. In addition, if we do not comply with
applicable laws, regulations and decisions, we may lose licenses
needed for the conduct of our business and be subject to civil
fines and criminal penalties, any of which could have a material
adverse effect upon our business, results of operations or
financial condition.
Our
Advisor has significant potential conflicts of interest with us
and your interests as stockholders.
As a result of our arrangements with our Advisor, there may be
times when our Advisor has interests that differ from those of
our stockholders, giving rise to a potential conflict of
interest. Our executive officers and directors, as well as the
current and future executives and employees of our Advisor,
serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of
entities that operate in the same or a related line of business
as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in
those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the
best interests of our stockholders. In addition, our Advisor may
manage other funds in the future that may have investment
objectives that are similar, in whole or in part, to ours. Our
Advisor may determine that an investment is appropriate for us
and for one or more of those other funds. In such an event,
depending on the availability of the investment and other
appropriate factors, our Advisor will endeavor to allocate
investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner. It is
also possible that we may not be given the opportunity to
participate in these other investment opportunities.
We pay management and incentive fees to our Advisor and
reimburse our Advisor for certain expenses it incurs. As a
result, investors in our common stock will invest on a
gross basis and receive distributions on a
net basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate
of return than an investor might achieve through direct
investments. Also, the incentive fee payable by us to our
Advisor may create an incentive for our Advisor to pursue
investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative
than would be the case in the absence of such compensation
arrangements.
We have entered into a license agreement with our Advisor
pursuant to which our Advisor has agreed to grant us a
non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the service
mark Horizon Technology Finance. Under this
agreement, we have a right to use the Horizon Technology
Finance service mark for so long as the investment
management agreement is in effect. In addition, we pay our
Advisor, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses
incurred by our Advisor in performing its obligations under the
administration agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses
associated with performing compliance functions, and our
allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial
officer and any administrative support staff. Any potential
conflict of interest arising as a result of our arrangements
with our Advisor could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our
incentive fee may impact our Advisors structuring of our
investments, including by causing our Advisor to pursue
speculative investments.
The incentive fee payable by us to our Advisor may create an
incentive for our Advisor to pursue investments on our behalf
that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in
the absence of such compensation arrangement. The incentive fee
payable to our Advisor is calculated based on a percentage of
our return on invested capital. This may encourage our Advisor
to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under
certain
24
circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood
of default, which would impair the value of our common stock. In
addition, our Advisor receives the incentive fee based, in part,
upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike that
portion of the incentive fee based on income, there is no hurdle
rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fee based on net
capital gains. As a result, our Advisor may have a tendency to
invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in
capital gains as compared to income-producing securities. Such a
practice could result in our investing in more speculative
securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result
in higher investment losses, particularly during economic
downturns. In addition, the incentive fee may encourage our
Advisor to pursue different types of investments or structure
investments in ways that are more likely to result in warrant
gains or gains on equity investments, including upon exercise of
equity participation rights, which are inconsistent with our
investment strategy and disciplined underwriting process.
The incentive fee payable by us to our Advisor also may induce
our Advisor to pursue investments on our behalf that have a
deferred interest feature, even if such deferred payments would
not provide cash necessary to enable us to pay current
distributions to our stockholders. Under these investments, we
would accrue interest over the life of the investment but would
not receive the cash income from the investment until the end of
the term. Our net investment income used to calculate the income
portion of our investment fee, however, includes accrued
interest. Thus, a portion of this incentive fee would be based
on income that we have not yet received in cash. In addition,
the
catch-up
portion of the incentive fee may encourage our Advisor to
accelerate or defer interest payable by portfolio companies from
one calendar quarter to another, potentially resulting in
fluctuations in the timing and amounts of dividends. Our
governing documents do not limit the number of loans we may make
with deferred interest features or the proportion of our income
we derive from such loans. For the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and the
quarterly period ended March 31, 2010, we derived
approximately 1.60%, 3.42% and 4.54%, respectively, of our
income from the deferred interest component of our loans and
approximately 2.74%, 4.82% and 3.12%, respectively, of our
income from discount accretion associated with warrants we have
received in connection with the making of our loans.
If we
are unable to manage our future growth effectively, we may be
unable to achieve our investment objective, which could
adversely affect our business, results of operations and
financial condition and cause the value of your investment in us
to decline.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on
our ability to achieve and sustain growth, which will depend, in
turn, on our Advisors direct origination capabilities and
disciplined underwriting process in identifying, evaluating,
financing, investing in and monitoring suitable companies that
meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a
cost-effective basis is largely a function of our Advisors
marketing capabilities, management of the investment process,
ability to provide efficient services and access to financing
sources on acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the
performance of our existing investments, our Advisor may also be
called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio
companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow
the rate of investment. If we fail to manage our future growth
effectively, our business, results of operations and financial
condition could be materially adversely affected and the value
of your investment in us could decrease.
Our
board of directors may change our operating policies and
strategies, including our investment objective, without prior
notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may
adversely affect our business.
Our board of directors may modify or waive our current operating
policies and strategies, including our investment objectives,
without prior notice and without stockholder approval (provided
that no such modification or waiver may change the nature of our
business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election, as a
business development company as provided by the 1940 Act without
stockholder approval at a special meeting called upon written
notice of not less than ten or more than sixty dates before the
date of such meeting). We cannot predict the effect any changes
to our current operating policies and strategies would have on
our business, results of operations or financial condition or on
the value of our stock. However, the effects of any changes
might adversely affect our business, any or all of which could
negatively impact our ability to pay dividends or cause you to
lose all or part of your investment in us.
25
Our
quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate due to the
nature of our business.
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual
operating results due to a number of factors, some of which are
beyond our control, including: our ability to make investments
in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest
rate payable on our loans, the default rate on these
investments, the level of our expenses, variations in, and the
timing of, the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or
losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our
markets and general economic conditions. For example, we have
historically experienced greater investment activity during the
second and fourth quarters relative to other periods. As a
result of these factors, you should not rely on the results for
any prior period as being indicative of our performance in
future periods.
Our
business plan and growth strategy depends to a significant
extent upon our Advisors referral relationships. If our
Advisor is unable to develop new or maintain existing
relationships, or if these relationships fail to generate
investment opportunities, our business could be materially
adversely affected.
We have historically depended on our Advisors referral
relationships to generate investment opportunities. For us to
achieve our future business objectives, members of our Advisor
will need to maintain these relationships with venture capital
and private equity firms and management teams and legal firms,
accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders, and we
will rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to
provide us with investment opportunities. If they fail to
maintain their existing relationships or develop new
relationships with other firms or sources of investment
opportunities, we may not be able to grow our investment
portfolio. In addition, persons with whom our Advisor has
relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment
opportunities, and, therefore, there is no assurance that such
relationships will lead to the origination of debt or other
investments.
Our
Advisor can resign on 60 days notice, and we may not
be able to find a suitable replacement within that time,
resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely
affect our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
Under our investment management agreement, our Advisor has the
right to resign at any time, including during the first two
years following the investment management agreements
effective date, upon not more than 60 days written
notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our
Advisor resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment
adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and
ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable
terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so,
our operations are likely to be disrupted, our business, results
of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay
distributions may be adversely affected and the market price of
our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our
internal management and investment activities is likely to
suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with
a single institution or group of executives having the expertise
possessed by our Advisor and its affiliates. Even if we are able
to retain comparable management, whether internal or external,
the integration of new management and their lack of familiarity
with our investment objective may result in additional costs and
time delays that may adversely affect our business, results of
operations or financial condition.
Our
ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates will be
restricted.
As a business development company, we will be prohibited under
the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our
affiliates without the prior approval of our independent
directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns,
directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting
securities will be considered our affiliate for purposes of the
1940 Act. We will generally be prohibited from buying or selling
any security from or to an affiliate, absent the prior approval
of our independent directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits
certain joint transactions with an affiliate, which
could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether
at the same or different times), without prior approval of our
independent directors. If a person acquires more than 25% of our
voting securities, we will be prohibited from buying or selling
any security from or to that person or certain of that
persons affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint
transactions with those persons, absent the prior approval of
the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact
business with our officers or directors or their affiliates.
26
We
will incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly
traded company.
As a publicly traded company, we will incur legal, accounting
and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic
reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities
are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate
governance requirements, including requirements under the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and other rules implemented by the
SEC.
Terrorist
attacks and other catastrophic events may disrupt the businesses
in which we invest and harm our operations and our
profitability.
Terrorist attacks and threats, escalation of military activity
or acts of war may significantly harm our results of operations
and your investment. We cannot assure you that there will not be
further terrorist attacks against the United States or United
States businesses. Such attacks or armed conflicts in the United
States or elsewhere may impact the businesses in which we invest
directly or indirectly, by undermining economic conditions in
the United States or elsewhere. In addition, because many of our
portfolio companies operate and rely on network infrastructure
and enterprise applications and internal technology systems for
development, marketing, operational, support and other business
activities, a disruption or failure of any or all of these
systems in the event of a major telecommunications failure,
cyber-attack, fire, earthquake, severe weather conditions or
other catastrophic event could cause system interruptions,
delays in product development and loss of critical data and
could otherwise disrupt their business operations. Losses
resulting from terrorist attacks are generally uninsurable.
Risks
Related to our Investments
We
have not yet identified many of the potential investment
opportunities for our portfolio that we will invest in with the
proceeds of this offering.
We have not yet identified many of the potential investment
opportunities for our portfolio that we will acquire with the
proceeds of this offering. Our investments will be selected by
our Advisor, subject to the approval of its investment
committee. Our stockholders will not have input into our
Advisors investment decisions. As a result, you will be
unable to evaluate any future portfolio company investments
prior to purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering.
These factors will increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk,
of investing in our shares of common stock.
If our
investments do not meet our performance expectations, you may
not receive distributions.
We intend to make distributions of income on a quarterly basis
to our stockholders. We may not be able to achieve operating
results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific
level or increase the amount of these distributions from time to
time. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to
us as a business development company, we may be limited in our
ability to make distributions. See Regulation. Also,
restrictions and provisions in any existing or future credit
facilities may limit our ability to make distributions. If we do
not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we
will suffer adverse tax consequences, including failure to
obtain, or possible loss of, the federal income tax benefits
allowable to RICs. See Material U.S. Federal Income
Tax Considerations. We cannot assure you that you will
receive distributions at a particular level or at all.
Most
of our portfolio companies will need additional capital, which
may not be readily available.
Our portfolio companies will typically require substantial
additional financing to satisfy their continuing working capital
and other capital requirements and service the interest and
principal payments on our investments. We cannot predict the
circumstances or market conditions under which our portfolio
companies will seek additional capital. Each round of
institutional equity financing is typically intended to provide
a company with only enough capital to reach the next stage of
development. It is possible that one or more of our portfolio
companies will not be able to raise additional financing or may
be able to do so only at a price or on terms that are
unfavorable to the portfolio company, either of which would
negatively impact our investment returns. Some of these
companies may be unable to obtain sufficient financing from
private investors, public capital markets or lenders thereby
requiring these companies to cease or curtail business
operations. Accordingly, investing in these types of companies
27
generally entails a higher risk of loss than investing in
companies that do not have significant incremental capital
raising requirements.
Economic
recessions or downturns could adversely affect our business and
that of our portfolio companies which may have an adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
General economic conditions may affect our activities and the
operation and value of our portfolio companies. Economic
slowdowns or recessions may result in a decrease of
institutional equity investment, which would limit our lending
opportunities. Furthermore, many of our portfolio companies may
be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be
unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, our
non-performing assets are likely to increase and the value of
our portfolio is likely to decrease during these periods.
Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of
collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our
equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead
to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues,
net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also
could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the
capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend
credit to us.
A portfolio companys failure to satisfy financial or
operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to
defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and
foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger
cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the
portfolio companys ability to meet its obligations under
the loans that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent
necessary to recover our investment upon default or to negotiate
new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. These events
could harm our financial condition and operating results.
Our
investment strategy will focus on investments in
development-stage companies in our Target Industries, which are
subject to many risks, including volatility, intense
competition, shortened product life cycles and periodic
downturns, and are typically rated below investment
grade.
We intend to invest, under normal circumstances, most of the
value of our total assets (including the amount of any
borrowings for investment purposes) in development-stage
companies, which may have relatively limited operating
histories, in our Target Industries. Many of these companies may
have narrow product lines and small market shares, compared to
larger established publicly-owned firms, which tend to render
them more vulnerable to competitors actions and market
conditions, as well as general economic downturns. The revenues,
income (or losses) and valuations of development-stage companies
in our Target Industries can and often do fluctuate suddenly and
dramatically. For these reasons, investments in our portfolio
companies, if rated by one or more ratings agency, would
typically be rated below investment grade, which
refers to securities rated by ratings agencies below the four
highest rating categories. These companies may also have more
limited access to capital and higher funding costs. In addition,
development-stage technology markets are generally characterized
by abrupt business cycles and intense competition, and the
competitive environment can change abruptly due to rapidly
evolving technology. Therefore, our portfolio companies may face
considerably more risk than companies in other industry sectors.
Accordingly, these factors could impair their cash flow or
result in other events, such as bankruptcy, which could limit
their ability to repay their obligations to us and may
materially adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of,
our investments in these businesses.
Because of rapid technological change, the average selling
prices of products and some services provided by
development-stage companies in our Target Industries have
historically decreased over their productive lives. These
decreases could adversely affect their operating results and
cash flow, their ability to meet obligations under their debt
securities and the value of their equity securities. This could,
in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Any
unrealized depreciation we experience on our loan portfolio may
be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce
our income available for distribution.
As a business development company, we will be required to carry
our investments at fair value which shall be the market value of
our investments or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the
fair value as determined in good
28
faith pursuant to procedures approved by our board of directors
in accordance with our valuation policy. We are not permitted to
maintain a reserve for loan losses. Decreases in the fair values
of our investments will be recorded as unrealized depreciation.
Any unrealized depreciation in our loan portfolio could be an
indication of a portfolio companys inability to meet its
repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected loans.
This could result in realized losses in the future and
ultimately reduces our income available for distribution in
future periods.
If the
assets securing the loans we make decrease in value, we may not
have sufficient collateral to cover losses and may experience
losses upon foreclosure.
We believe our portfolio companies generally will be able to
repay our loans from their available capital, from future
capital-raising transactions or from cash flow from operations.
However, to mitigate our credit risks, we typically take a
security interest in all or a portion of the assets of our
portfolio companies, including the equity interests of their
subsidiaries. There is a risk that the collateral securing our
loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to
appraise or sell in a timely manner and may fluctuate in value
based upon the business and market conditions, including as a
result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise
additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could
be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition,
deterioration in a portfolio companys financial condition
and prospects, including its inability to raise additional
capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the
collateral for the loan. Consequently, although such loan is
secured we may not receive principal and interest payments
according to the loans terms and the value of the
collateral may not be sufficient to recover our investment
should we be forced to enforce our remedies.
In addition, because we intend to invest in development-stage
companies in our Target Industries, a substantial portion of the
assets securing our investment may be in the form of
intellectual property, if any, inventory, equipment, cash and
accounts receivables. Intellectual property, if any, which
secures a loan could lose value if the companys rights to
the intellectual property are challenged or if the
companys license to the intellectual property is revoked
or expires. In addition, in lieu of a security interest in the
intellectual property we may sometimes obtain a security
interest in all assets of the portfolio company other than
intellectual property and also obtain a commitment by the
portfolio company not to grant liens to any other creditor on
the companys intellectual property. In these cases, we may
have additional difficulty recovering our principal in the event
of a foreclosure. Similarly, any equipment securing our loan may
not provide us with the anticipated security if there are
changes in technology or advances in new equipment that render
the particular equipment obsolete or of limited value or if the
company fails to adequately maintain or repair the equipment.
Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair
our ability to recover principal in a foreclosure.
The
lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our
business, and if we need to sell any of our investments, we may
not be able to do so at a favorable price. As a result, we may
suffer losses.
We plan to generally invest in loans with terms of up to four
years and hold such investments until maturity, unless earlier
prepaid, and we do not expect that our related holdings of
equity securities will provide us with liquidity opportunities
in the near-term. We expect to primarily invest in companies
whose securities are not publicly-traded, and whose securities
will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or
will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities.
The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for
us to sell these investments when desired. We may also face
other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in
a public portfolio company to the extent that we possess
material non-public information regarding the portfolio company.
In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of
our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than
the value at which we had previously recorded these investments.
As a result, we do not expect to dispose of our investments in
the near term. However, we may be required to do so in order to
maintain our qualification as a business development company and
as a RIC if we do not satisfy one or more of the applicable
criteria under the respective regulatory frameworks. Because
most of our investments are illiquid, we may be unable to
dispose of them, in which case we could fail to qualify as a RIC
and/or BDC,
or we may not be able to dispose of them at favorable prices,
and as a result, we may suffer losses.
29
Our
portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or
senior to, our investments in such companies.
We plan to invest primarily in loans issued by our portfolio
companies. Some of our portfolio companies will be permitted to
have other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our loans
in the portfolio company. By their terms, these debt instruments
may provide that the holders thereof are entitled to receive
payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which
we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our loans.
These debt instruments may prohibit the portfolio companies from
paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event of,
and during, the continuance of a default under the debt
instruments. In addition, in the event of insolvency,
liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a
portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to
our investment in that portfolio company would typically be
entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any
payment in respect of our investment. After repaying senior
creditors, a portfolio company may not have any remaining assets
to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt
ranking equally with our loans, we would have to share on an
equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such
debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution,
reorganization or bankruptcy.
There
may be circumstances where our loans could be subordinated to
claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender
liability claims.
Even though we may structure certain of our investments as
senior loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go
bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including
the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance
to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might
recharacterize our debt investment and subordinate all or a
portion of our claim to that of other creditors. We may also be
subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with
respect to a portfolio companys business, including in
rendering significant managerial assistance, or instances where
we exercise control over the portfolio company.
An
investment strategy focused primarily on privately held
companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of
available information about these companies, a dependence on the
talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company
personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic
downturns.
We plan to invest primarily in privately held companies.
Generally, very little public information exists about these
companies, and we will be required to rely on the ability of our
Advisor to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential
returns from investing in these companies. If we are unable to
uncover all material information about these companies, we may
not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose
money on our investments. Also, privately held companies
frequently have less diverse product lines and a smaller market
presence than larger competitors. They are thus generally more
vulnerable to economic downturns and may experience substantial
variations in operating results. These factors could affect our
investment returns.
In addition, our success depends, in large part, upon the
abilities of the key management personnel of our portfolio
companies, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of
our portfolio companies. Competition for qualified personnel is
intense at any stage of a companys development. The loss
of one or more key managers can hinder or delay a companys
implementation of its business plan and harm its financial
condition. Our portfolio companies may not be able to attract
and retain qualified managers and personnel. Any inability to do
so may negatively affect our investment returns.
Prepayments
of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could
adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return
on equity.
We will be subject to the risk that the investments we make in
our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. For
example, most of our debt investments have, historically, been
repaid prior to maturity by our portfolio companies. At the time
of a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business,
refinancing or public offering, many of our portfolio companies
have availed themselves of the opportunity to repay our loans
prior to maturity. Our investments generally allow for repayment
at any time subject to certain penalties. When this occurs, we
will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments,
pending their future investment in new portfolio companies.
These temporary investments will typically have substantially
lower yields than the debt being prepaid,
30
and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these
amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may
also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a
result, our results of operations could be materially adversely
affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elects to
prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments could
negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a
decline in the market price of our common stock.
Our
business and growth strategy could be adversely affected if
government regulations, priorities and resources impacting the
industries in which our portfolio companies operate
change.
Some of our portfolio companies operate in industries that are
highly regulated by federal, state
and/or local
agencies. Changes in existing laws, rules or regulations, or
judicial or administrative interpretations thereof, or new laws,
rules or regulations could have an adverse impact on the
business and industries of our portfolio companies. In addition,
changes in government priorities or limitations on government
resources could also adversely impact our portfolio companies.
We are unable to predict whether any such changes in laws, rules
or regulations will occur and, if they do occur, the impact of
these changes on our portfolio companies and our investment
returns.
Our
portfolio companies operating in the life science industry are
subject to extensive government regulation and certain other
risks particular to that industry.
As part of our investment strategy, we plan to invest in
companies in the life science industry that are subject to
extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, or
FDA, and to a lesser extent, other federal and state agencies.
If any of these portfolio companies fail to comply with
applicable regulations, they could be subject to significant
penalties and claims that could materially and adversely affect
their operations. Portfolio companies that produce medical
devices or drugs are subject to the expense, delay and
uncertainty of the regulatory approval process for their
products and, even if approved, these products may not be
accepted in the marketplace. In addition, new laws, regulations
or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations
might adversely affect a portfolio company in this industry.
Portfolio companies in the life science industry may also have a
limited number of suppliers of necessary components or a limited
number of manufacturers for their products, and therefore face a
risk of disruption to their manufacturing process if they are
unable to find alternative suppliers when needed. Any of these
factors could materially and adversely affect the operations of
a portfolio company in this industry and, in turn, impair our
ability to timely collect principal and interest payments owed
to us.
If our
portfolio companies are unable to commercialize their
technologies, products, business concepts or services, the
returns on our investments could be adversely
affected.
The value of our investments in our portfolio companies may
decline if they are not able to commercialize their technology,
products, business concepts or services. Additionally, although
some of our portfolio companies may already have a commercially
successful product or product line at the time of our
investment, technology-related products and services often have
a more limited market or life span than products in other
industries. Thus, the ultimate success of these companies often
depends on their ability to continually innovate in increasingly
competitive markets. If they are unable to do so, our investment
returns could be adversely affected and their ability to service
their debt obligations to us over the life of the loan could be
impaired. Our portfolio companies may be unable to successfully
acquire or develop any new technologies and the intellectual
property they currently hold may not remain viable. Even if our
portfolio companies are able to develop commercially viable
products, the market for new products and services is highly
competitive and rapidly changing. Neither our portfolio
companies nor we will have any control over the pace of
technology development. Commercial success is difficult to
predict, and the marketing efforts of our portfolio companies
may not be successful.
If our
portfolio companies are unable to protect their intellectual
property rights, our business and prospects could be harmed, and
if portfolio companies are required to devote significant
resources to protecting their intellectual property rights, the
value of our investment could be reduced.
Our future success and competitive position will depend in part
upon the ability of our portfolio companies to obtain, maintain
and protect proprietary technology used in their products and
services. The intellectual property held by our portfolio
companies often represents a substantial portion of the
collateral securing our investments
31
and/or
constitutes a significant portion of the portfolio
companies value that may be available in a downside
scenario to repay our loans. Our portfolio companies will rely,
in part, on patent, trade secret and trademark law to protect
that technology, but competitors may misappropriate their
intellectual property, and disputes as to ownership of
intellectual property may arise. Portfolio companies may, from
time to time, be required to institute litigation to enforce
their patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights,
protect their trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of
the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of
infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs
and diversion of resources. Similarly, if a portfolio company is
found to infringe or misappropriate a third partys patent
or other proprietary rights, it could be required to pay damages
to the third party, alter its products or processes, obtain a
license from the third party
and/or cease
activities utilizing the proprietary rights, including making or
selling products utilizing the proprietary rights. Any of the
foregoing events could negatively affect both the portfolio
companys ability to service our debt investment and the
value of any related debt and equity securities that we own, as
well as any collateral securing our investment.
We do
not expect to control any of our portfolio
companies.
We do not expect to control any of our portfolio companies, even
though our debt agreements may contain certain restrictive
covenants that limit the business and operations of our
portfolio companies. We also do not intend to maintain a control
position to the extent we own equity interests in any portfolio
company. As a result, we will be subject to the risk that a
portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions
with which we disagree and the management of such company, as
representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take
risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests
as debt investors. Due to the lack of liquidity of the
investments that we typically hold in our portfolio companies,
we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we
disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and we may
therefore, suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.
Risks
Related to this Offering and our Common Stock
Prior
to this offering, there has been no public market for our common
stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares
of our common stock will not decline following the
offering.
Prior to this offering, there was no public trading market for
our common stock, and we cannot assure you that one will develop
or be sustained after this offering. If an active trading market
does not develop, you may have difficulty selling any common
stock that you buy and the value of your shares may be impaired.
We also cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will
trade. The initial public offering price for our common stock
will be determined through our negotiations with the
underwriters and may not bear any relationship to the market
price at which it will trade after this offering or to any other
established criteria of our value. Shares of closed-end
management investment companies offered in an initial public
offering often trade at a discount to the initial offering price
due to sales loads, underwriting discounts and related offering
expenses. In addition, shares of closed-end management
investment companies have in the past frequently traded at
discounts to their net asset values and our stock may also be
discounted in the market. This characteristic of closed-end
management investment companies is separate and distinct from
the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We
cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade
above, at or below our net asset value. The risk of loss
associated with this characteristic of closed-end management
investment companies may be greater for investors expecting to
sell shares of common stock purchased in this offering soon
after the offering. In addition, if our common stock trades
below its net asset value, we will generally not be able to sell
additional shares of our common stock to the public at its
market price without first obtaining the approval of our
stockholders (including our unaffiliated stockholders) and our
independent directors.
Subsequent
sales in the public market of substantial amounts of our common
stock issued to insiders or others may have an adverse effect on
the market price of our common stock.
Upon consummation of this offering, we will
have shares
of common stock outstanding
(or shares
of common stock if the over-allotment option is fully
exercised). Of these shares,
the shares
sold in this offering will be freely tradeable and
approximately shares
of our common stock will have been issued to our officers,
directors and existing stockholders.
Approximately % of the shares
32
of our common stock issued to the selling stockholder in the
Share Exchange are included in the offering. We and our
executive officers and directors and our other stockholders,
including the selling stockholder, will be subject to agreements
with the underwriters that restrict our and their ability to
transfer our stock for a period of 180 days from the date
of this prospectus. Approximately one out of
every
publicly issued shares outstanding upon completion of the
offering will be subject to such agreements. In the event that
either (a) during the last 17 days of the
180-day
restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs or (b) prior to
the expiration of the
180-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
180-day
period, the
lock-up
restrictions will continue to apply until the expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
occurrence of the material news or material event. See
Underwriters. The shares sold by the selling
stockholder will not be subject to this lock-up agreement. After
the lock-up
agreements expire, an aggregate
of
additional shares of our common stock will be eligible for sale
in the public market in accordance with Rule 144 under the
Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock
or the availability of such shares for sale, including by
insiders, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices
for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, our ability
to raise additional capital through the sale of equity
securities could be impaired should we desire to do so.
Our
common stock price may be volatile and may decrease
substantially.
The trading price of our common stock following this offering
may fluctuate substantially. The price of our common stock that
will prevail in the market after this offering may be higher or
lower than the price you pay and the liquidity of our common
stock may be limited, in each case depending on many factors,
some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly
related to our operating performance. These factors include the
following:
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price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market or in
the market for business development companies from time to time;
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investor demand for our shares of common stock;
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significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of
securities of registered closed-end management investment
companies, business development companies or other financial
services companies;
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our inability to raise capital, borrow money or deploy or invest
our capital;
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fluctuations in interest rates;
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any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses
from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
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operating performance of companies comparable to us;
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changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines with respect to
RICs, business development companies or SBICs;
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not electing or losing RIC status;
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actual or anticipated changes in our earnings or fluctuations in
our operating results;
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changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;
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general economic conditions, trends and other external factors;
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departures of key personnel; or
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loss of a major source of funding.
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In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price
of a companys securities, securities class action
litigation has often been brought against that company. Due to
the potential volatility of our stock price, we may therefore be
the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities
litigation could result in substantial costs and divert
managements attention and resources from our business.
33
We may
allocate the net proceeds from this offering in ways with which
you may not agree.
We will have significant flexibility in investing the net
proceeds of this offering and may use the net proceeds from this
offering in ways with which you may not agree or for purposes
other than those contemplated at the time of the offering. We
will also pay operating expenses, and may pay other expenses
such as due diligence expenses related to potential new
investments, from net proceeds. Our ability to achieve our
investment objective may be limited to the extent that net
proceeds of this offering, pending full investment, are used to
pay operating or other expenses.
We
will initially invest a portion of the net proceeds of this
offering in high-quality short-term investments, which will
generate lower rates of return than those expected from
investments made in accordance with our investment
objective.
We will initially invest a portion of the net proceeds of this
offering in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government
securities and other high-quality short-term investments. These
securities may earn yields substantially lower than the income
that we anticipate receiving once these proceeds are fully
invested in accordance with our investment objective.
Investing
in shares of our common stock may involve an above average
degree of risk.
The investments we make in accordance with our investment
objective may result in a higher amount of risk, volatility or
loss of principal than alternative investment options. Our
investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and
aggressive, and therefore, an investment in our common stock may
not be suitable for investors with lower risk tolerance.
Investors
in this offering will incur immediate dilution upon the closing
of this offering.
In connection with the Distribution and Share Exchange, we will
issue common stock equal to approximately
$ million, which represents
the net asset value of Compass Horizon as of March 31,
2010, to the Compass Horizon Owners in exchange for their
respective interests, as described in the section entitled
The Exchange Transaction. The Share Exchange,
however, will not take place until immediately prior to our
election to be treated as a business development company under
the 1940 Act.
Furthermore, after giving effect to the sale of our common stock
in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of
$ per share (the mid-point of the
range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), and after
deducting estimated underwriting discounts and estimated
offering and Share Exchange expenses payable by us, our
as-adjusted pro forma net asset value as
of ,
2010 would have been approximately
$ million, or
$ per share. This represents an
immediate increase in our net asset value per share of
$ to the Compass Horizon Owners
and dilution in net asset value per share of
$ to new investors who purchase
shares in this offering. See Dilution for more
information.
Anti-takeover
provisions in our charter documents and other agreements and
certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law could
deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price
of our common stock.
The Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of
incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that may have
the effect of discouraging a third party from making an
acquisition proposal for us. Among other things, our certificate
of incorporation and bylaws:
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provide for a classified board of directors, which may delay the
ability of our stockholders to change the membership of a
majority of our board of directors;
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authorize the issuance of blank check preferred
stock that could be issued by our board of directors to thwart a
takeover attempt;
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do not provide for cumulative voting;
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provide that vacancies on the board of directors, including
newly created directorships, may be filled only by a majority
vote of directors then in office;
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limit the calling of special meetings of stockholders;
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provide that our directors may be removed only for cause;
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require supermajority voting to effect certain amendments to our
certificate of incorporation and our bylaws; and
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require stockholders to provide advance notice of new business
proposals and director nominations under specific procedures.
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These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control
in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock
the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of
our common stock. See Description of Capital Stock.
Our Credit Facility also contains a covenant that prohibits us
from merging or consolidating with any other person or selling
all or substantially all of our assets without the prior written
consent of WestLB. If we were to engage in such a transaction
without such consent, WestLB could accelerate our repayment
obligations under,
and/or
terminate, our Credit Facility. In addition, the SBA prohibits,
without prior SBA approval, a change of control of
an SBIC. A change of control is any event which
would result in the transfer of power, direct or indirect, to
direct the management and policies of an SBIC, including through
ownership. To the extent that we form an SBIC subsidiary, this
would prohibit a change of control of us without prior SBA
approval.
35
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In addition to factors previously identified elsewhere in this
prospectus, including the Risk Factors section of
this prospectus, the following factors, among others, could
cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking
statements or historical performance:
|
|
|
|
|
our future operating results, including the performance of our
existing loans and warrants;
|
|
|
|
the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business
initiatives and strategies;
|
|
|
|
changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the
interest rate environment or financial and capital markets,
which could result in changes in the value of our assets;
|
|
|
|
the relative and absolute investment performance and operations
of our Advisor;
|
|
|
|
the impact of increased competition;
|
|
|
|
the impact of investments we intend to make and future
acquisitions and divestitures;
|
|
|
|
the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings;
|
|
|
|
our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio
companies;
|
|
|
|
the projected performance of other funds managed by our Advisor;
|
|
|
|
the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the
adequacy of intellectual property protection;
|
|
|
|
our regulatory structure and tax status;
|
|
|
|
the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;
|
|
|
|
the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our
portfolio companies;
|
|
|
|
the impact of interest rate volatility on our results,
particularly if we use leverage as part of our investment
strategy;
|
|
|
|
the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their
objective;
|
|
|
|
our ability to cause a subsidiary to become a licensed SBIC;
|
|
|
|
the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and
regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government
agencies relating to us or our Advisor;
|
|
|
|
our contractual arrangements and relationships with third
parties;
|
|
|
|
our ability to access capital and any future financings by us;
|
|
|
|
the ability of our Advisor to attract and retain highly talented
professionals; and
|
|
|
|
the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, our tax
position.
|
This prospectus, and other statements that we may make, may
contain forward-looking statements with respect to future
financial or business performance, strategies or expectations.
Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or
phrases such as trend, opportunity,
pipeline, believe,
comfortable, expect,
anticipate, current,
intention, estimate,
position, assume, plan,
potential, project, outlook,
continue, remain, maintain,
sustain, seek, achieve and
similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as
will, would, should,
could, may or similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions,
risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we
assume no duty to and do not undertake to update forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements do not meet the
safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to
Section 27A of the Securities Act. Actual results could
differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking
statements and future results could differ materially from
historical performance.
36
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
AND REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY ELECTIONS
In connection with this offering, we will file an election to be
regulated as a business development company under the 1940 Act.
In addition, we intend to elect to be treated, and intend to
qualify, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing
with our taxable year ending on December 31, 2010. Our
election to be regulated as a business development company and
our election to be treated as a RIC will have a significant
impact on our future operations. Some of the most important
effects on our future operations of our election to be regulated
as a business development company and our election to be treated
as a RIC are outlined below.
Investment
Reporting
We will report our investments at fair value with changes in
value reported through our statement of operations. In
accordance with the requirements of Article 6 of
Regulation S-X,
we will report all of our investments, including debt
investments, at fair value. Changes in these values will be
reported through our statement of operations under the caption
entitled total net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) from investments. See Determination
of Net Asset Value.
Income
Tax Expense
We generally will be required to pay income taxes only on the
portion of our taxable income we do not distribute to
stockholders (actually or constructively). As a RIC, so long as
we meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset
diversification requirements, we generally will be required to
pay income taxes only on the portion of our taxable income and
gains we do not distribute (actually or constructively) and
certain built-in gains, if any.
Use of
Leverage
Our ability to use leverage as a means of financing our
portfolio of investments will be limited. As a business
development company, we will be required to meet a coverage
ratio of total assets to total senior securities of at least
200%. For this purpose, senior securities include all borrowings
and any preferred stock we may issue in the future.
Additionally, our ability to continue to utilize leverage as a
means of financing our portfolio of investments will be limited
by this asset coverage test. In connection with this offering
and our intended election to be regulated as a business
development company, we expect to file a request with the SEC
for exemptive relief to allow us to exclude any indebtedness
guaranteed by the SBA and issued by our SBIC subsidiary from the
200% asset coverage requirements applicable to us. While the SEC
has granted exemptive relief in substantially similar
circumstances in the past, no assurance can be given that an
exemptive order will be granted.
Distribution
Policy
As a RIC, we intend to distribute to our stockholders
substantially all of our income, except possibly for certain net
long-term capital gains. We may make deemed distributions to our
stockholders of some or all of our retained net long-term
capital gains. If this happens, you will be treated as if you
had received an actual distribution of the capital gains and
reinvested the net after-tax proceeds in us. In general, you
also would be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain
circumstances, a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of
the tax we paid on the deemed distribution. See
Distributions and Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Considerations.
37
THE
EXCHANGE TRANSACTION
We were formed in March 2010 to continue and expand the business
of Compass Horizon. Compass Horizon is the entity that currently
owns all of the portfolio investments that we will own upon the
closing of this offering. From commencing operations in March
2008 through the date of this prospectus, all of the outstanding
limited liability company interests in Compass Horizon have been
owned by the Compass Horizon Owners.
Prior to the completion of the offering, based upon our as
adjusted net asset value of $63.5 million as of
March 31, 2010, Compass Horizon intends to make a cash
distribution to CHP of approximately $16.0 million from net
income and as a return of capital, which we call the
Pre-IPO Distribution.
After the Pre-IPO Distribution and immediately prior to the
completion of the offering, the Compass Owners will exchange
their membership interests in Compass Horizon for
approximately shares
of our common stock, which we call the Share
Exchange. Upon completion of the Share Exchange and this
offering, Compass Horizon will become our wholly owned
subsidiary and we will effectively own all of Compass
Horizons assets, including all of its investments and its
subsidiary.
Concurrent with this offering, CHP will offer to
sell shares
of our common stock, which it received in the Share Exchange.
After the completion of this offering, assuming the sale
of shares
of our common stock by the selling stockholder and the issuance
of shares
of our common stock by us in this offering, CHP will
own
shares of our common stock, or % of
the total outstanding shares of our common stock. Upon
completion of the Share Exchange and this offering, HTF-CHF will
own shares
of our common stock, or % of the
total outstanding shares of our common stock.
38
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information sets forth our unaudited pro forma and
historical consolidated statements of operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the unaudited pro forma and
historical consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2010.
Such information is based on the audited and unaudited financial
statements of Compass Horizon appearing elsewhere in this
prospectus, as adjusted to illustrate the estimated pro forma
effects of the pro forma adjustments described below. Compass
Horizon is considered to be our predecessor for accounting
purposes and its consolidated financial statements are our
historical consolidated financial statements.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet at
March 31, 2010, and the unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended
March 31, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2009,
give effect to the following:
|
|
|
|
|
our qualification as a BDC and changes in accounting principles
as a result of our election to be treated as a BDC immediately
following the completion of this offering, which requires all of
our investments to be carried at market value, or for
investments with no ascertainable market value, fair value as
determined in good faith by our board of directors;
|
|
|
|
our qualification and election to be treated as a RIC, including
the income tax consequences of our election, following the
completion of this offering;
|
|
|
|
the Pre-IPO Distribution and the Share Exchange;
|
|
|
|
the sale
of shares
of common stock in this offering and the use of proceeds from
this offering; and
|
|
|
|
the consolidation of our wholly owned special purpose financing
subsidiaries, Compass Horizon and Credit I, which will
continue to be consolidated with the Company following the
completion of this offering.
|
The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on available
information and certain assumptions that we believe are
reasonable. Presentation of the unaudited pro forma financial
information is prepared in conformity with Article 11 of
Regulation S-X.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
information was prepared on a basis consistent with that used in
preparing our audited consolidated financial statements and
includes all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring
items, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial position and results of operations for the unaudited
periods.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
information should be read in conjunction with the sections of
this prospectus entitled The Exchange Transaction,
Use of Proceeds, Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, and our historical consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this
prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information is for informational purposes only and is
not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated
results of operations or financial position that we would have
reported had the pro forma adjustments and this offering been
completed on the dates indicated and should not be taken as
representative of our future consolidated results of operations
or financial position.
39
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for this
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering and
|
|
|
Horizon
|
|
|
|
Compass
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
Horizon Funding
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
Finance
|
|
|
|
Company LLC
|
|
|
for BDC/RIC
|
|
|
As adjusted for
|
|
|
and Share
|
|
|
Corporation
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Elections
|
|
|
RIC/BDC Elections
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Loans receivable
|
|
|
114,985,933
|
|
|
|
(335,387
|
)(A)
|
|
|
114,650,546
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(1,620,810
|
)
|
|
|
1,620,810
|
(B)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
|
113,365,123
|
|
|
|
1,285,423
|
|
|
|
114,650,546
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
2,935,154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,935,154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
3,141,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,141,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
138,590,364
|
|
|
$
|
1,285,423
|
|
|
$
|
139,875,787
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
75,230,251
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
75,230,251
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
1,150,116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,150,116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
76,380,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,380,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL/ STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital
|
|
|
61,856,990
|
|
|
|
1,620,810
|
(B)
|
|
|
63,477,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
|
|
|
(668,247
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(668,247
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain on investments
|
|
|
1,021,254
|
|
|
|
(335,387
|
)(A)
|
|
|
685,867
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL/ STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
62,209,997
|
|
|
|
1,285,423
|
|
|
|
63,495,420
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS
CAPITAL/STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
$
|
138,590,364
|
|
|
$
|
1,285,423
|
|
|
$
|
139,875,787
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information
40
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for this
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering and
|
|
|
Horizon
|
|
|
|
Compass
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
Horizon Funding
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
Finance
|
|
|
|
Company LLC
|
|
|
for BDC/RIC
|
|
|
As adjusted for
|
|
|
and Share
|
|
|
Corporation
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Elections
|
|
|
RIC/BDC Elections
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
3,744,547
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,744,547
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
48,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
3,792,736
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,792,736
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit for loan losses
|
|
|
303,224
|
|
|
|
(303,224
|
)(B)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
4,095,960
|
|
|
|
(303,224
|
)
|
|
|
3,792,736
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,003,324
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,003,324
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
547,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
547,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
129,552
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129,552
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
1,680,027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,680,027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before net realized and unrealized gains on
investments
|
|
|
2,415,933
|
|
|
|
(303,224
|
)
|
|
|
2,112,7099
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gain on investments
|
|
|
201,765
|
|
|
|
430,565
|
(A)
|
|
|
632,330
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
2,617,698
|
|
|
$
|
127,341
|
|
|
$
|
2,745,039
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information
41
Notes to
2010 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial
Information
Pro Forma
Adjustments:
(A) Represents adjustment of our loans to fair value as
required for a business development company. For a discussion of
our valuation policy following this offering, please see
Determination of Net Asset Value. For the three
months ended March 31, 2010, the net unrealized gains on
the loan portfolio was $430,565.
(B) Represents elimination of allowance for loan losses and
provision for loan losses. In future periods, following our
election to be treated as a business development company, we
will no longer record an allowance for loan losses. We will
value each individual loan and investment on a quarterly basis
at fair value which shall be the market value, or, if no market
value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good
faith pursuant to procedures approved by our board of directors
in accordance with our valuation policy. The following is a
summary of the changes in the allowance for loan losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,924,034
|
|
Credit for loan losses
|
|
|
(303,224
|
)
|
Charge offs, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,620,810
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(C) Pre-IPO Distribution, Member Interest Exchange for
Common Stock and Offering-Related Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO distribution to Members:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members Interest exchange for Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
Member interest
|
|
|
|
|
Par value of common stock issued
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Represents estimated net proceeds from common stock offering:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
|
|
Offering price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated gross proceeds
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fees and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Par value of common stock issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
|
|
42
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for this
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering and
|
|
|
Horizon
|
|
|
|
Compass
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
Horizon Funding
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
Finance
|
|
|
|
Company LLC
|
|
|
for BDC/RIC
|
|
|
As adjusted for
|
|
|
and Share
|
|
|
Corporation
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Elections
|
|
|
RIC/BDC Elections
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
14,987,322
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
14,987,322
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
338,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
338,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(274,381
|
)
|
|
|
274,381
|
(B)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
15,051,927
|
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
2,202,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,202,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
321,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
321,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before net realized and unrealized gains (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
8,283,349
|
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
8,557,730
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain on investments
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
263,150
|
(A)
|
|
|
1,155,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
537,531
|
|
|
$
|
9,850,706
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information
43
Notes to
2009 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Operations
Pro Forma Adjustments:
(A) Represents adjustment of our loans to fair value as
required for a business development company. For a discussion of
our valuation policy following this offering, please see
Determination of Net Asset Value. Since our
inception and through December 31, 2009, our net unrealized
losses totaled $765,953, which is comprised of net unrealized
losses of $1,029,102 in 2008 and unrealized gains of $263,150 in
2009.
(B) Represents elimination of the provision for loan
losses. In future periods, following our election to be treated
as a business development company, we will no longer record an
allowance for loan losses. We will value each individual loan
and investment on a quarterly basis at fair value which shall be
the market value, or, if no market value is ascertainable, at
the fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to
procedures approved by our board of directors in accordance with
our valuation policy. The following is a summary of the changes
in the allowance for loan losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2009
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,649,653
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
Charge offs, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,924,034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44
USE OF
PROCEEDS
We are
offering shares
of our common stock and the selling stockholder is
offering shares
(based on the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of
this prospectus) of our common stock through the underwriters.
The net proceeds of the offering of shares by us are estimated
to be approximately $
(approximately $ if the
underwriters exercise their over-allotment option to purchase
additional shares in full) assuming an initial public offering
price of $ per share (based on the
mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this
prospectus) after deducting the underwriting discounts and
commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We
will not receive any of the proceeds from the shares sold by the
selling stockholder.
We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering for new
investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our
investment objective and strategies described in this
prospectus, for general working capital purposes, and for
temporary repayment of debt under our credit facility (which
amounts are subject to reborrowing). We will also pay operating
expenses, including management and administrative fees, and may
pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential
new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering. We
anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this
offering will be used for the above purposes within nine months,
depending on the availability of appropriate investment
opportunities consistent with our investment objective and
market conditions. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds
to capitalize an SBIC subsidiary to the extent our
Advisors application to license such entity as an SBIC is
approved. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted
investment pace.
Pending such use, we will invest the remaining net proceeds of
this offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents,
U.S. Government securities and high-quality debt
investments that mature in one year or less from the date of
investment. These temporary investments may have lower yields
than our other investments and, accordingly, may result in lower
distributions, if any, during such period. See
Regulation Temporary Investments for
additional information about temporary investments we may make
while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our
investment objective.
45
DISTRIBUTIONS
To the extent we have income available, we intend to make
quarterly distributions to our stockholders beginning with our
first full quarter after the completion of this offering. The
timing and amount of our quarterly distributions, if any, will
be determined by our board of directors. Any distributions to
our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally
available for distribution.
We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify, as a
RIC under Subchapter M of the Code commencing with our taxable
year ending on December 31, 2010. To obtain the federal
income tax benefits allowable to RICs, we will be required to
distribute an amount equal to at least 90% of our net ordinary
income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of
realized net long-term capital losses, if any. In order to avoid
certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we currently intend to
distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to
the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income (not taking into
account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year,
(2) 98% of the amount by which our capital gains exceed our
capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the
one-year period generally ending on October 31st of
the calendar year and (3) certain undistributed amounts
from previous years on which we paid no U.S. federal income
tax. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute
realized net capital gains (i.e., net long-term capital gains in
excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually,
out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we
may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for
investment. In such event, the consequences of our retention of
net capital gains are as described under Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations. We can offer
no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the
payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior
securities, the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements or the
terms of the senior securities, may prevent us from making
distributions to our stockholders.
We intend to maintain an opt out dividend
reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if
we declare a cash distribution, each stockholders cash
distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional
shares of our common stock unless the stockholder specifically
opts out of our dividend reinvestment plan so as to
receive cash distributions. Stockholders who receive
distributions in the form of shares of common stock will be
subject to the same federal income tax consequences as if they
received cash distributions. See Dividend Reinvestment
Plan and Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations.
46
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
March 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
for Compass Horizon on an actual basis; and
|
|
|
|
for Horizon Technology Finance Corporation on an as adjusted
basis to reflect:
|
|
|
|
|
|
completion of the Pre-IPO Distribution;
|
|
|
|
completion of the Share Exchange; and
|
|
|
|
the sale
of shares
of our common stock in this offering by us and the selling
stockholder at an assumed initial public offering price of
$ per share (the mid-point of the
range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), after
deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and
organizational and offering expenses of approximately
$ million payable by us, and
the use of proceeds from this offering.
|
You should read this table together with Use of
Proceeds and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
and the consolidated financial statements and related notes
included in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
Compass Horizon
|
|
|
Horizon Technology
|
|
|
|
Funding Company LLC
|
|
|
Finance Corporation
|
|
|
|
Actual
|
|
|
As Adjusted
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
138,590,364
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
75,230,251
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
1,150,116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
$
|
76,380,367
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital / Stockholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital
|
|
$
|
61,856,990
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(668,247
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain on investments
|
|
|
1,021,254
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share;
100,000,000 shares
authorized, shares
outstanding, as adjusted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Members capital / Stockholders equity
|
|
$
|
62,209,997
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47
DILUTION
If you invest in our common stock, your interest will be diluted
to the extent of the difference between the initial public
offering price per share of our common stock and the as-adjusted
pro forma net asset value per share of our common stock
immediately after the completion of this offering.
Our net asset value as of March 31, 2010 was approximately
$ million. Our pro forma net
asset value as of March 31, 2010, would have been
$ per share. We determined our pro
forma net asset value per share before this offering by dividing
the net asset value (total assets less total liabilities) as of
March 31, 2010, by the pro forma number of shares of common
stock outstanding as of March 31, 2010, after giving effect
to the exchange transaction occurring prior to the completion of
this offering. See The Exchange Transaction.
After giving effect to the sale
of shares
of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial
public offering price of $ per
share (based on the mid-point of the range set forth on the
cover of this prospectus) and after deducting the sales load
(underwriting discount) and estimated offering expenses payable
by us, our pro forma net asset value as of March 31, 2010,
would have been approximately
$ million, or
$ per share, representing an
immediate decrease in pro forma net asset value of
$ per share to our existing
stockholders and an immediate dilution of
$ per share to new investors who
purchase our common stock in the offering at the initial public
offering price. The following table shows this immediate per
share dilution:
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed initial public offering price per share
|
|
$
|
|
|
Pro forma net asset value per share before this offering but
after giving effect to the Exchange Transaction
|
|
$
|
|
|
Pro forma net asset value per share after this offering
|
|
$
|
|
|
Dilution per share to new
investors(1)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
To the extent the
underwriters option to purchase additional shares is
exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors.
|
48
SELECTED
FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
Compass Horizon is considered to be our predecessor for
accounting purposes and its consolidated financial statements
are our historical consolidated financial statements. We have
derived the selected historical consolidated balance sheet
information as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the
selected historical consolidated statement of operations
information for the year ended December 31, 2009 and for
the period from March 4, 2008 (inception) through
December 31, 2008 from Compass Horizons financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, which were
audited by McGladrey & Pullen LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm. We have derived the selected
historical consolidated financial data as of March 31, 2010
and for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of Compass Horizon
included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements include all adjustments,
consisting of normal and recurring items, that we consider
necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and
results of operations for the unaudited periods. The interim
results of operations are not necessarily indicative of
operations for a full fiscal year.
The financial and other information below should be read in
conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) Through
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and other loan income
|
|
$
|
3,783,399
|
|
|
$
|
15,259,026
|
|
|
$
|
6,662,232
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
|
9,337
|
|
|
|
67,282
|
|
|
|
358,820
|
|
(Credit) provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(303,224
|
)
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
1,649,653
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
1,680,027
|
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
4,031,815
|
|
Net realized gains on warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
21,571
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
|
201,765
|
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
(72,641
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
2,617,698
|
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
1,288,514
|
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dollar-weighted average annualized yield on investment
portfolio(1)
|
|
|
13.6
|
%
|
|
|
13.9
|
%
|
|
|
12.7
|
%
|
Number of portfolio companies at period end
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross loans receivable
|
|
$
|
116,307,669
|
|
|
$
|
112,571,708
|
|
|
$
|
94,023,357
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
138,590,364
|
|
|
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
|
115,214,888
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
|
75,230,251
|
|
|
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
|
63,673,016
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
76,380,367
|
|
|
|
65,375,344
|
|
|
|
65,430,080
|
|
Total members capital
|
|
|
62,209,997
|
|
|
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Throughout this prospectus, the
dollar-weighted average yield on loans is computed as the
(a) total interest and other loan income divided by
(b) the average gross loans receivable. Income for 2008 was
annualized as investing activities commenced in March 2008.
|
49
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
our consolidated financial statements and related notes and
other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.
In addition to historical information, the following discussion
and other parts of this report contain forward-looking
information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated by such
forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under
Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements appearing elsewhere herein.
Overview
We are an externally-managed finance company. Our investment
objective is to generate current income from the loans we make
and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when
making such loans. We make secured loans to development-stage
companies in our Target Industries which are backed by
established venture capital and private equity firms. Our
secured loans consist of term loans, revolving loans or
equipment loans. Our loans are secured by all or a portion of
the tangible and intangible assets of the borrower. We are
managed by Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, our
Advisor. Our Advisor also provides the administrative services
necessary for us to operate.
We believe our existing loan portfolio has performed well since
its inception notwithstanding the economic downturn starting in
2008 and continuing through 2009, and we have no realized losses
(charge-offs) in our loan portfolio since we commenced
operations in March 2008. As of March 31, 2010, our loan
portfolio consisted of 33 loans which totaled
$116.3 million, and our members capital was
$62.2 million.
Critical
Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. In preparing the consolidated
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, management is required to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities, as of the date of the balance sheet and income and
expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Following the completion of this offering as a
consequence of our adopting investment company accounting
pursuant to Article 6 of
Regulation S-X,
we will be required to change some of the accounting principles
used to prepare our historical consolidated financial statements
discussed in this section. For a more detailed discussion about
these principles and the impact that these principals would have
on our financial results, see Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information and
Business Development Company and Regulated Investment
Company Elections.
We have identified the following items as critical accounting
policies.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents managements
estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio
as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the allowance is
based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss
experience, the current credit profile of our borrowers, adverse
situations that have occurred that may affect individual
borrowers ability to repay, the estimated value of
underlying collateral and general economic conditions. The loan
portfolio is comprised of large balance loans that are evaluated
individually for impairment and are risk-rated based upon a
borrowers individual situation, current economic
conditions, collateral and industry-specific information that
management believes is relevant in determining the potential
occurrence of a loss event and in measuring impairment. The
allowance for loan losses is sensitive to the risk rating
assigned to each of the loans and to corresponding qualitative
loss factors that we use to estimate the allowance. The factors
are applied to the outstanding loan balances in estimating the
allowance for loan losses. If necessary, based on performance
factors related to specific loans, a specific allowance for loan
losses is established for individual impaired loans. Increases
or decreases to the allowance for loan losses are charged or
credited to current period earnings through the
50
provision (credit) for loan losses. Amounts determined to be
uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses,
while amounts recovered on previously charged-off accounts
increase the allowance for loan losses.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the
scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according
to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors
considered by management in determining impairment include
payment status, collateral value, and the probability of
collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.
Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment
shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management
determines the significance of payment delays and payment
shortfalls on a
case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances
surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of
the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrowers prior
payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to
the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a
loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loans effective
interest rate, the loans observable market price, or the
fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
Impaired loans also include loans modified in troubled debt
restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers
experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could
include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment
extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other
actions intended to maximize collection. There have been no
troubled debt restructurings since our inception.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the credit for
loan losses was $0.3 million, and for the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the period ended December 31,
2008 the provision for loan losses was $0.3 million and
$1.6 million, respectively. In future periods, following
our election to be treated as a business development company, we
will no longer record an allowance for loan losses. We will
value each individual loan and investment on a quarterly basis
at fair value which shall be the market value or, if no market
value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good
faith by our board of directors in accordance with our valuation
policy. Changes in these values will be recorded through our
statement of operations. See Determination of Net Asset
Value and Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated
Financial Information.
Warrant
Valuation
In connection with substantially all of our lending
arrangements, we receive warrants to purchase shares of stock
from the borrower. Because the warrant agreements contain net
exercise or cashless exercise provisions, the
warrants qualify as derivative instruments. The warrants are
recorded as assets at estimated fair value on the grant date
using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The warrants are
considered loan fees and are also recorded as unearned loan
income on the grant date. The unearned income is recognized as
interest income over the contractual life of the related loan in
accordance with the Companys income recognition policy. As
all the warrants held are deemed to be derivatives, they are
measured on a quarterly basis at fair value using the
Black-Scholes valuation model. Any adjustment to fair value is
recorded through earnings as net unrealized gain or loss. Gains
from the disposition of the warrants or stock acquired from the
exercise of warrants, are recognized as realized gains.
We value the warrant assets incorporating the following material
assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying asset value of the issuer is estimated based on
information available, including any information regarding the
most recent rounds of borrower funding.
|
|
|
|
Volatility, or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the size
of the changes in the warrant price, is based on guideline
publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to
the underlying client companies issuing the warrant. A total of
seven such indices were used. The weighted average volatility
assumptions used for the warrant valuation at March 31,
2010, December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2009 were 29%,
29% and 25%, respectively.
|
|
|
|
The risk-free interest rates are derived from the
U.S. Treasury yield curve. The risk-free interest rates are
calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest
rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of
the warrant.
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are
estimated based on managements judgment about the general
industry environment.
|
Income
Recognition
Interest on loans is accrued and included in income based on
contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.
Interest income on loans is determined using a method that
results in a level rate of return on principal amounts
outstanding. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due,
or if we otherwise do not expect to receive interest and
principal repayments, the loan is placed on non-accrual status
and the recognition of interest income is discontinued. Interest
payments received on loans that are on non-accrual status are
treated as reductions of principal until the principal is
repaid. No loans were on non-accrual status as of March 31,
2010 and December 31, 2009.
We receive a variety of fees from borrowers in the ordinary
course of conducting our business, including advisory fees,
commitment fees, amendment fees, non-utilization fees and
prepayment fees (collectively, the Fees). In a
limited number of cases, we may also receive a non-refundable
deposit earned upon the termination of a transaction. Loan
origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are
deferred, and along with unearned income, are amortized as a
level yield adjustment over the respective term of the loan.
Fees for counterparty loan commitments with multiple loans are
allocated to each loan based upon each loans relative fair
value. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the
amortization of the related Fee and unearned income is
discontinued until the loan is returned to accrual status.
Certain loan agreements also require the borrower to make an
end-of-term payment that is accrued into income over the life of
the loan to the extent such amounts are expected to be
collected. We will generally cease accruing the income if there
is insufficient value to support the accrual or if we do not
expect the borrower to be able to pay all principal and interest
due.
Portfolio
Composition and Investment Activity
As of March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, our loan portfolio consisted of 33, 32
and 26 loans, respectively, which had an aggregate book value of
approximately $116.3 million, $112.6 million and
$94.0 million, respectively, and our warrant portfolio had
an aggregate book value of $2.9 million, $2.5 million
and $0.7 million, respectively. During the three months
ended March 31, 2010, we originated approximately
$12 million of new loans in 2 portfolio companies. We
originated approximately $50.0 million of new loans in 18
portfolio companies and $112.2 million of new loans in 38
portfolio companies for the year ended December 31, 2009
and the period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to
December 31, 2008, respectively. We reduced the level of
new loan originations in early 2009 in reaction to the
significant disruption in the financial and credit markets. We
had total loan principal repayments of $8.3 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2010, $31.2 million for
the year ended December 31, 2009 including five borrowers
that prepaid their loan in an aggregate amount of
$14.6 million and total loan principal repayments of
$18.2 million for the period ended December 31, 2008
including five borrowers that prepaid their loan in an aggregate
amount of $14.1 million. Our borrowers typically prepay our
loans at a faster rate than is contractually required which is
often due to a borrowers completion of an initial public
offering, being acquired or refinancing our loan with another
lender.
As of March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, accrued interest receivable was
$1.7 million, $1.5 million and $0.5 million,
respectively. The increase in 2009 and the first quarter of 2010
was due to a larger loan portfolio relative to 2008 and
represents one month of accrued interest income on each of our
loans. No loans were on non-accrual status in any period.
During the period ended December 31, 2008, we paid total
debt issuance costs of $3.4 million. As of March 31,
2010, December 31, 2009 and 2008, the amortized balance of
debt issuance costs was $1.1 million, $1.4 million and
$2.5 million, respectively, and the amortization expense
relating to debt issuance costs during the three months ended
March 31, 2010, the year ended December 31, 2009 and
the period ended December 31, 2008 was $0.3 million,
$1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. These
costs relate to our Credit Facility which closed in March 2008
and are amortized into the consolidated statement of operations
as interest expense over the term of our Credit Facility.
52
The following table shows our portfolio by asset class as of
March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of
|
|
|
|
# of
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
# of
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
# of
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secured term loans
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
110,729
|
|
|
|
92.9%
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
$
|
105,371
|
|
|
|
91.6%
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
$
|
78,497
|
|
|
|
82.9%
|
|
Secured revolving loans
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
2,349
|
|
|
|
1.9%
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
3,682
|
|
|
|
3.2%
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
15,526
|
|
|
|
16.4%
|
|
Equipment loans
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
3,231
|
|
|
|
2.7%
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
3,519
|
|
|
|
3.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.0%
|
|
Warrants to purchase stock
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
2,935
|
|
|
|
2.5%
|
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
2,458
|
|
|
|
2.1%
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
694
|
|
|
|
0.7%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
119,244
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
115,030
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
94,717
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The largest loans may vary from year to year as new loans are
recorded and repaid. Our five largest loans represented
approximately 29%, 28% and 29% of total loans outstanding as of
March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, respectively. No single loan represented
more than 10% of our total loans as of March 31, 2010,
December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.
The following table shows our loan portfolio by industry sector
as of March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Total
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Total
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Science
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
25,256
|
|
|
|
21.7%
|
|
|
$
|
22,050
|
|
|
|
19.6%
|
|
|
$
|
21,000
|
|
|
|
22.3
|
%
|
Medical Device
|
|
|
14,133
|
|
|
|
12.2%
|
|
|
|
16,195
|
|
|
|
14.4%
|
|
|
|
18,523
|
|
|
|
19.7
|
%
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer-related Technologies
|
|
|
14,511
|
|
|
|
12.5%
|
|
|
|
15,371
|
|
|
|
13.7%
|
|
|
|
5,750
|
|
|
|
6.1
|
%
|
Networking
|
|
|
13,734
|
|
|
|
11.8%
|
|
|
|
14,737
|
|
|
|
13.1%
|
|
|
|
4,856
|
|
|
|
5.2
|
%
|
Software
|
|
|
12,153
|
|
|
|
10.5%
|
|
|
|
13,033
|
|
|
|
11.6%
|
|
|
|
15,801
|
|
|
|
16.8
|
%
|
Data Storage
|
|
|
8,482
|
|
|
|
7.3%
|
|
|
|
9,075
|
|
|
|
8.1%
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
10.7
|
%
|
Internet and Media
|
|
|
2,282
|
|
|
|
1.9%
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
2.2%
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
Communications
|
|
|
2,115
|
|
|
|
1.8%
|
|
|
|
2,451
|
|
|
|
2.1%
|
|
|
|
3,093
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
%
|
Semiconductors
|
|
|
667
|
|
|
|
0.6%
|
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
|
0.7%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
Cleantech
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy Efficiency
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
|
|
6.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Healthcare Information and Services Diagnostics
|
|
|
15,975
|
|
|
|
13.7%
|
|
|
|
16,293
|
|
|
|
14.5%
|
|
|
|
11,500
|
|
|
|
12.2
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
116,308
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
112,572
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
94,023
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Asset Quality
We use a credit rating system which rates each loan on a scale
of 4 to 1, with 4 being the highest credit quality rating and 3
being the rating for a standard level of risk. A rating of 2 or
1 represents a deteriorating credit quality
53
and increased risk. See Business for more detailed
descriptions. The following table shows the classification of
our loan portfolio by credit rating as of March 31, 2010,
December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Loan
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Loan
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Loan
|
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Rating
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
$
|
33,648
|
|
|
|
28.9%
|
|
|
$
|
19,303
|
|
|
|
17.2%
|
|
|
$
|
12,500
|
|
|
|
13.3%
|
|
3
|
|
|
57,180
|
|
|
|
49.2%
|
|
|
|
64,992
|
|
|
|
57.7%
|
|
|
|
58,087
|
|
|
|
61.8%
|
|
2
|
|
|
25,480
|
|
|
|
21.9%
|
|
|
|
28,277
|
|
|
|
25.1%
|
|
|
|
23,436
|
|
|
|
24.9%
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
116,308
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
112,572
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
94,023
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, our loan portfolio had a weighted
average credit rating of 3.1, 2.9 and 2.9, respectively.
Results
of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and
March 31, 2009
Interest
and Other Loan Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
3,745
|
|
|
$
|
3,213
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest and other loan income
|
|
$
|
3,784
|
|
|
$
|
3,223
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
$
|
33
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, interest income
on loans and total interest and other loan income increased over
the three months ended March 31, 2009, primarily due to the
increased average size of the loan portfolio for the three month
periods of $111.4 million in 2010 and $100.4 million
for the same period in 2009. Other income was primarily
comprised of loan prepayment fees collected from our portfolio
companies. Other interest income was primarily income from
interest earned on cash and cash equivalents held in interest
bearing accounts. During 2010, we held lower average cash
balances than 2009, and the interest bearing accounts had lower
interest rates on which to earn income on such balances.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, our
dollar-weighted average annualized yield on average loans was
approximately 13.6% and 12.9%, respectively. We compute the
yield on average loans as (i) total interest and other loan
income (as described below) divided by (b) average gross
loans receivable. We used month end loan balances during the
period to compute average loans receivable.
Interest and other loan income, consisting of interest income
and fees on loans, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of
large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 18.4% and 25.2% of total loan
interest and fee income for the three months ended
March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
54
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
$
|
547
|
|
|
$
|
507
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,003
|
|
|
|
1,021
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
$
|
1,680
|
|
|
$
|
1,582
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses for each period consisted principally of
management fees and interest expense and, to a lesser degree,
professional fees and general and administrative expenses. For
the three months ended March 31, 2010, interest expense,
which includes the amortization of debt issuance costs,
decreased when compared to the three months ended March 31,
2009, primarily due to lower rates charged on the Credit
Facility due to the lower level of the Credit Facilitys
index rate, one-month LIBOR, partially offset by higher average
outstanding debt balances on the Credit Facility. Management
fees are paid monthly in arrears based on the outstanding loan
investments. The increase in management fees paid for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 when compared to the three
months ended March 31, 2009, is primarily due to an
increase in the average size of the loan portfolio for the three
month periods of $111.4 million in 2010 and
$100.4 million for the same period in 2009.
Net
Unrealized Gain on Warrants
The following is a summary of net unrealized gain on warrants
for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Net unrealized gain on warrants
|
|
$
|
202
|
|
|
$
|
445
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, net
unrealized gain on warrants is the difference between the net
change in warrant fair values from the prior determination date.
We had no net realized gains on warrants for the three months
ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
Results
of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the
period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to December 31,
2008
Compass Horizon, our predecessor for accounting purposes, was
formed as a Delaware limited liability company in January 2008
and had limited operations through March 3, 2008. As a
result, there is no period with which to compare our results of
operations for the period from January 1, 2009 through
March 3, 2009 or for the period from March 4, 2008
through December 31, 2008.
55
Interest
and Other Loan Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) to
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
14,987
|
|
|
$
|
6,530
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest and other loan income
|
|
$
|
15,259
|
|
|
$
|
6,662
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
$
|
67
|
|
|
$
|
359
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2009, interest income on
loans and total interest and other loan income increased
primarily due to (i) the increased average size of the loan
portfolio from $63 million to $109 million and
(ii) there being a full 12 months of income in 2009
compared to only 10 months in 2008 in light of when we
commenced operations. Other income was primarily comprised of
loan prepayment fees collected from our portfolio companies.
Other interest income was primarily income from interest earned
on cash and cash equivalents held in interest bearing accounts.
During 2009, we held lower average cash balances than 2008, and
the interest bearing accounts had lower interest rates on which
to earn income on such balances.
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and the ten month
period ended December 31, 2008, our dollar-weighted average
annualized yield on average loans was approximately 13.9% and
12.7%, respectively. We compute the yield on average loans as
(i) total interest and other loan income (as described
below) divided by (b) average gross loans receivable. We
used month end loan balances during the period to compute
average loans receivable. Since we commenced operations in March
2008, the results for the period ended December 31, 2008
were annualized.
Interest and other loan income, consisting of interest income
and fees on loans, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of
large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 23% and 21% of total loan interest
and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the
period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to December 31,
2008, respectively.
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) to
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
$
|
2,202
|
|
|
$
|
1,073
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,245
|
|
|
|
2,748
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
61
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
$
|
6,769
|
|
|
$
|
4,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses for each period consisted principally of
management fees and interest expense and, to a lesser degree,
professional fees and general and administrative expenses.
Interest expense, which includes the amortization of debt
issuance costs, increased in 2009 from 2008 primarily from
higher average outstanding debt balances on the Credit Facility,
partially offset by lower rates charged on the Credit Facility
due to lower level of the Credit Facilitys index rate,
one-month LIBOR. Management fees are paid monthly in arrears
based on the outstanding loan investments. The increase in
management fees paid was primarily due to an increase in the
average loan
56
portfolio in 2009 from 2008 of $63 million to
$109 million and a full 12 months of expense in 2009
compared to only 10 months in 2008. Professional fees and
general and administrative expenses include legal, consulting
and accounting fees, insurance premiums, and miscellaneous other
expenses, which increased because of the longer period in 2009.
Net
Realized Gains and Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Warrants
The following is a summary of net realized gains and net
unrealized gain (loss) on warrants for the year ended
December 31, 2009 and for the period ended
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) to
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Net realized gains on warrants
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
|
$
|
22
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
$
|
892
|
|
|
$
|
(73
|
)
|
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and the period ended
December 31, 2008, net realized gains on warrants resulted
from the exercise of warrants in each period in connection with
portfolio company merger transactions. Net unrealized gain
(loss) on warrants is the difference between the net change in
warrant fair values from the prior determination date and the
reversal of previously recorded unrealized gain or loss when
gains or losses are realized.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
To date, our primary sources of capital have been from our
Credit Facility with WestLB AG, New York Branch, as more fully
described in Borrowings below and from the private
placement for $50 million of equity capital we completed on
March 4, 2008.
At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had cash
and cash equivalents of approximately $19.1 million and
$9.9 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, we had available borrowing capacity of
approximately $74.8 million and $85.8 million,
respectively, under the Credit Facility, subject to existing
terms and advance rates. We primarily invest available cash in
interest bearing money market accounts.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, net
cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately
$1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The
increase in 2010 was primarily due to higher income from
operations in 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2009
and for the period ended December 31, 2008, net cash
provided by operating activities totaled approximately
$8.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The
increase in 2009 was primarily due to higher income from
operations in 2009.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, net
cash used in investing activities totaled approximately
$3.7 million and $12.7 million, respectively. The
decrease is primarily due to a higher level of scheduled loan
repayments compared to 2009. Net cash used in investing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the
period ended December 31, 2008, totaled approximately
$18.6 million and $94.0 million, respectively. The
reduction in cash used in investing activities in 2009 was
largely due to the reduced level of new loans funded in 2009 as
well as a higher level of scheduled loan repayments and
unscheduled loan prepayments in 2009 as the portfolio continued
to grow and mature.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, net
cash provided by financing activities totaled $11.1 million
and $6.6 million, respectively. This increase was due to a
higher level of net new borrowings under the Credit Facility to
fund new loan investments and to maximize the full availability
under the Credit Facility. Net cash provided by financing
activities totaled $.5 million and $109.9 million for
the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the period ended
December 31, 2008, respectively. Higher cash flows in 2008
were primarily due to the initial equity capital contribution to
us as well as net new borrowings under the Credit Facility to
fund new loan investments. Lower cash provided by financing
activities in 2009 reflects the use of loan repayments from
existing
57
loans to fund new loans rather than drawing additional amounts
under the Credit Facility. Because we believe we had sufficient
capital in 2009, we did not raise additional capital during the
year.
We intend to generate additional cash primarily from additional
borrowings under the current Credit Facility as well as from
cash flows from operations. Our primary use of available funds
will be investments in portfolio companies and cash
distributions to holders of our common stock. After we have used
our current capital resources, including the net proceeds from
this offering, we expect to opportunistically raise additional
capital as needed and subject to market conditions to support
our future growth through future equity offerings, issuances of
senior securities
and/or
future borrowings, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. To
the extent we determine to raise additional equity through an
offering of our common stock at a price below net asset value,
existing investors will experience dilution.
In order to satisfy the Code requirements applicable to a RIC,
we intend to distribute to our stockholders all or substantially
all of our income except for certain net capital gains. In
addition, as a business development company, we generally will
be required to meet a coverage ratio of 200%. This requirement
will limit the amount that we may borrow. Upon the receipt of
the net proceeds from this offering, we will be in compliance
with the asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act.
If we receive approval to license an SBIC, we will have the
ability to issue debentures guaranteed by the SBA at favorable
interest rates. Under the Small Business Investment Act and the
SBA rules applicable to SBICs, an SBIC can have outstanding at
any time debentures guaranteed by the SBA generally in an amount
up to twice its regulatory capital, which generally is the
amount raised from private investors. The maximum statutory
limit on the dollar amount of outstanding debentures guaranteed
by the SBA issued by a single SBIC or group of SBICs under
common control as of December 31, 2009, was
$150 million (which amount is subject to increase on an
annual basis based on cost of living index increases).
Borrowings
We, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Credit I, entered
into a revolving credit facility (the Credit
Facility) with WestLB AG, New York Branch as Lender
(WestLB) effective March 4, 2008. Per this
agreement, base rate borrowings bear interest at one-month LIBOR
(0.25%, 0.23% and 0.44% as of March 31, 2010,
December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively)
plus 2.50%. On June 25, 2010, we received consent from
WestLB to amend and restate our Credit Facility to allow for the
change of control that will occur upon the consummation of the
Share Exchange. The facility size will be $125 million upon
the completion of this offering. In general, all other terms and
conditions of the Credit Facility will remain the same upon the
completion of the offering.
We may request advances under the Credit Facility (the
Revolving Period) through March 4, 2011, unless
the Revolving Period is extended upon Credit Is request
and upon mutual agreement of WestLB and Credit I. After the
Revolving Period, we may not request new advances and we must
repay the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility as of
such date at such times and in such amounts as are necessary to
maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the Credit
Facility, particularly the condition that the principal balance
of the Credit Facility does not exceed seventy-five percent
(75%) of the aggregate principal balance of our eligible loans
to our portfolio companies. All outstanding advances under the
Credit Facility are due and payable on March 4, 2015
(Maturity Date), unless such date is extended upon
Credit Is request and upon mutual agreement of WestLB and
Credit I.
The Credit Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit I
and permits an advance rate of up to 75% of eligible loans. The
Credit Facility contains certain customary affirmative and
negative covenants, including covenants that restrict certain of
our subsidiaries ability to make loans to, or investments
in, third parties (other than technology loans and warrants or
other equity participation rights), pay dividends and
distributions, incur additional indebtedness and engage in
mergers or consolidations. The Credit Facility also restricts
certain of our subsidiaries and our Advisors ability
to create liens on the collateral securing the Credit Facility,
permit additional negative pledges on such collateral and change
the business currently conducted by them. The Credit Facility
contains events of default, including upon the occurrence of a
change of control, and contains certain financial covenants that
among other things, require Compass Horizon to maintain a
minimum net worth, for fiscal year 2010 and after, equal to the
minimum net worth amount for 2009 plus 50% of Compass
Horizons cumulative positive net income
58
for fiscal year 2010 on and after December 31, 2010, and
require our Advisor to maintain a minimum net worth, for fiscal
year 2010 and after, equal to the greater of
(i) $1 million or (ii) the 2009 minimum net worth
amount plus 50% of the cumulative positive net income for each
fiscal year. The Credit Facility also includes borrower
concentration limits which include limitations on the amount of
loans to companies in particular industries sectors and also
restrict certain terms of the loans. At March 31, 2010,
based on qualifying assets of Credit I, we had borrowing
capacity of approximately $75.8 million, and had actual
borrowings outstanding of $75.2 million on the Credit
Facility.
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
In 2008, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements,
which we collectively refer to as the Swaps, with
WestLB, fixing the rate of $10 million at 3.58% and
$15 million at 3.2% on the first advances of a like amount
of variable rate Credit Facility borrowings. The interest rate
swaps expire in October 2011 and October 2010, respectively. The
Swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and are anticipated to
be highly effective. These Swaps are derivatives and were
designated as hedging instruments at the initiation of the
Swaps, and we have applied cash flow hedge accounting.
At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Swaps
have been reflected at fair value as a liability on the
consolidated balance sheet and the corresponding unrealized loss
on the Swaps is reflected in accumulated other
comprehensive loss, in members capital, totaling
$.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. No
ineffectiveness on the Swaps was recognized during the three
month period ended March 31, 2010 or the year ended
December 31, 2009. During the three months ended
March 31, 2010 and year ended December 31, 2009, $0.2
million and $0.8 million, respectively, was reclassified
from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense,
and at March 31, 2010, $0.6 million is expected to be
reclassified in the next twelve months.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we are party to financial
instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These consist primarily
of unfunded commitments to extend credit, in the form of loans,
to our portfolio companies. Unfunded commitments to provide
funds to portfolio companies are not reflected on our balance
sheet. Our unfunded commitments may be significant from time to
time. As of March 31, 2010, we had unfunded commitments of
approximately $16.7 million. These commitments will be
subject to the same underwriting and ongoing portfolio
maintenance as are the on balance sheet financial instruments
that we hold. Since these commitments may expire without being
drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. We intend to use primarily
cash flows from operations and our Credit Facility to fund these
commitments. However, there can be no assurance that we will
have sufficient capital available to fund these commitments as
they come due.
Contractual
Obligations
In addition to the Credit Facility, we have certain commitments
pursuant to our Investment Management Agreement entered into
with Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, our Advisor. We
have agreed to pay a fee for investment advisory and management
services consisting of two components a base
management fee and an incentive fee. Payments under the
Investment Management Agreement are equal to (1) a base
management fee equal to a percentage of the value of our average
gross assets and (2) a two-part incentive fee. See
Investment Management and Administration Agreements.
We have also entered into a contract with our Advisor to serve
as our administrator. Payments under the Administration
Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable
portion of our Advisors overhead in performing its
obligation under the agreement, including rent, fees, and other
expenses inclusive of our allocable portion of the compensation
of our chief financial officer and any administrative staff. See
Administration Agreement.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in
interest rates. During the periods covered by our financial
statements, the interest rates on the loans within our portfolio
were all at fixed rates, or floating rates with a floor, and we
expect that our loans in the future will also have primarily
fixed interest rates. The initial commitments
59
to lend to our portfolio companies are usually based on a
floating LIBOR index and typically have interest rates that are
fixed at the time of the loan funding and remain fixed for the
term of the loan.
Our Credit Facility has a floating interest rate provision based
on a LIBOR index which resets daily, and we expect that, other
than any SBIC debenture program debt, any other credit
facilities into which we enter in the future may have floating
interest rate provisions. We have used hedging instruments in
the past to protect us against interest rate fluctuations and we
may use them in the future. Such instruments may include swaps,
futures, options and forward contracts. While hedging activities
may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they
may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of
lower interest rates with respect to the investments in our
portfolio with fixed interest rates.
Because we currently fund, and will continue to fund, our
investments with borrowings, our net income is dependent upon
the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the
rate at which we invest the funds borrowed. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest
rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net income.
In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would
increase, which could reduce our net investment income if there
is not a corresponding increase in interest income generated by
floating rate assets in our investment portfolio.
Income
Taxes
For the periods presented our predecessor was a limited
liability company and, as a result, all items of income and
expense were passed through to, and were generally reportable
on, the tax returns of the respective members of the limited
liability company. Therefore, no federal or state income tax
provision has been recorded.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
On July 1, 2009, the Accounting Standards Codification
(ASC) became the Financial Accounting Standards
Boards (FASB) single source of authoritative
U.S. accounting and reporting standards applicable to all
public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding
existing authoritative principles and related literature. The
adoption of the ASC changed the applicable citations and naming
conventions used when referencing generally accepted accounting
principles in our financial statements.
The FASB issued new guidance on accounting for uncertainty in
income taxes. We adopted this new guidance for the year ended
December 31, 2009. Management evaluated all tax positions
and concluded that there are no uncertain tax positions that
require adjustment to the financial statements to comply with
the provisions of this guidance.
In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance related to disclosures
about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This
guidance requires enhanced disclosures of an entitys
derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects
on the entitys financial position, financial performance
and cash flows. We adopted this guidance in 2009.
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance which addressed concerns
that fair value measurements emphasized the use of an observable
market transaction even when that transaction may not have been
orderly or the market for that transaction may not have been
active. This guidance relates to the following:
(a) determining when the volume and level of activity for
the asset or liability has significantly decreased;
(b) identifying circumstances in which a transaction is not
orderly; and (c) understanding the fair value measurement
implications of both (a) and (b). We adopted this new
guidance in 2009, and the adoption had no impact on our
financial statements.
In February 2010, the FASB issued guidance which amends the
existing guidance related to fair value measurements and
disclosures. The amendments will require the following new fair
value disclosures:
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Separate disclosure of the significant transfers in and out of
Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and a
description of the reasons for the transfers.
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In the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair value
measurements (significant unobservable inputs), purchases,
sales, issuances, and settlements should be presented separately
(on a gross basis rather than as one net number).
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In addition, the amendments clarify existing disclosure
requirements, as follows:
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Fair value measurements and disclosures should be presented for
each class of assets and liabilities within a line item in the
balance sheet.
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Reporting entities should provide disclosures about the
valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for
both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that
fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.
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The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures
are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning
after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures
included in the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair
value measurements, for which the effective date is for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim
periods within those fiscal years. We adopted the applicable
provisions of this new guidance for the three months ended
March 31, 2010.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain
guidance relating to transfers and servicing of financial
assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of qualifying
special purpose entities, provides guidance as to when a portion
of a transferred financial asset can be evaluated for sale
accounting, provides additional guidance with regard to
accounting for transfers of financial assets and requires
additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for us as of
January 1, 2010, with adoption applied prospectively for
transfers that occur on and after the effective date. The
adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our
financial statements.
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BUSINESS
General
We are an externally-managed, non-diversified closed-end
management investment company that intends to file an election
to be regulated as a business development company under the 1940
Act. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated, and intend
to qualify, as a RIC, under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing
with our taxable year ending December 31, 2010. We were
formed to continue and expand the business of Compass Horizon
which was formed in January 2008 and commenced operations in
March 2008 and will become our wholly owned subsidiary in
connection with this offering. Our Advisor manages our
day-to-day operations and also provides all administrative
services necessary for us to operate. We invest in
development-stage companies in the technology, life science,
healthcare information and services, and cleantech industries,
which we refer to as our Target Industries. Our
investment objective is to generate current income from the
loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We make secured loans, which we
refer to as Technology Loans, to development-stage
companies backed by established venture capital and private
equity firms in our Target Industries, which we refer to as
Technology Lending. To a limited extent, we also
selectively lend to publicly traded companies in our Target
Industries.
We lend to private companies following or in connection with
their receipt of a round of venture capital and private equity
financing, primarily providing secured working capital loans,
secured revolving loans and secured equipment loans that are
secured by all or a portion of the tangible and intangible
assets of the applicable portfolio company. We will seek to
invest, under normal circumstances, most of the value of our
total assets (including the amount of any borrowings for
investment purposes) in our Target Industries.
Our existing loan portfolio will continue to generate revenue
for us. We believe our existing investment portfolio has
performed well since its inception notwithstanding the economic
downturn starting in 2008 and continuing through 2009, and we
have no realized losses (charge-offs) in our loan portfolio
since we commenced operations in March 2008. Our existing
portfolio of investments and loan commitments provide the
following benefits:
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Interest income from the portfolio will provide immediate income
and cash flow allowing for potential near term dividends to our
stockholders;
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Capital gains from warrants to purchase either common stock or
preferred stock received from our existing investments are
expected to be realized sooner than if we were beginning our
initial investment operations without an existing portfolio of
earning assets; and
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Warrants to purchase either common stock or preferred stock
issued to us through the economic downturn have exercise prices
at relatively lower valuations due to the depressed equity and
debt markets in 2008 and 2009.
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Our
Strategy
Our investment objective is to maximize our investment
portfolios total return by generating current income from
the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We believe our Advisor has
demonstrated that its expertise in debt product development,
transaction sourcing, its knowledge of our Target Industries,
and its disciplined underwriting process create value for our
investors. We believe that this expertise results in returns
that exceed those typically available from more traditional
commercial finance products (such as equipment leasing or middle
market lending) while mitigating the risks typically associated
with investments in development-stage technology companies.
To further implement our business strategy, our Advisor will
continue to employ the following core strategies:
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Structured Investments in the Venture Capital and Private
Equity Markets. We make loans to
development-stage companies within our Target Industries
typically in the form of secured amortizing loans. The secured
amortizing debt structure provides a lower risk strategy, as
compared to equity investments, to participate in the emerging
technology markets, because the debt structures we typically
utilize provide collateral against the downside risk of loss,
provide return of capital in a much shorter timeframe through
current pay interest and amortization of loan principal and have
a senior position in the capital structure to
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equity in the case of insolvency, wind down or bankruptcy.
Unlike venture capital and private equity-backed investments,
our investment returns and return of our capital do not require
equity investment exits such as mergers and acquisitions or
initial public offerings. Instead, we receive returns on our
loans primarily through regularly scheduled payments of
principal and interest and, if necessary, liquidation of the
collateral supporting the loan. Only the potential gains from
warrants are dependent upon exits.
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Enterprise Value Lending. We and
our Advisor take an enterprise value approach to the loan
structuring and underwriting process. Enterprise
value is the value that a portfolio companys most
recent investors place on the portfolio company or
enterprise. The value is determined by multiplying
(x) the number of shares of common stock of the portfolio
company outstanding on the date of calculation, on a fully
diluted basis (assuming the conversion of all outstanding
convertible securities and the exercise of all outstanding
options and warrants), by (y) the price per share paid by
the most recent purchasers of equity securities of the portfolio
company. We secure a senior or subordinated lien position
against the enterprise value of a portfolio company and
generally our exposure is less than 25% of the enterprise value
and we obtain pricing enhancements in the form of warrants and
other success-based fees that build long-term asset
appreciation in our portfolio. These methods reduce the downside
risk of Technology Lending. In instances when we do not obtain a
lien on a portfolio companys intellectual property, we
obtain a covenant that such portfolio company will not grant a
lien on such intellectual property to anyone else, thus ensuring
that we have the right to share in the value of the portfolio
companys intellectual property and enterprise value in a
downside scenario. Enterprise value lending requires
an in-depth understanding of the companies and markets served.
We believe that this in-depth understanding of how venture
capital and private equity-backed companies in our Target
Industries grow in value, finance that growth over time, and
various business cycles can be carefully analyzed by Technology
Lenders who have substantial experience, relationships and
knowledge within the markets they serve. We believe the
experience that our Advisor possesses gives us enhanced
capabilities in making these qualitative enterprise
value evaluations, which we believe can produce a high
quality Technology Loan portfolio with enhanced returns for our
stockholders.
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Creative Products with Attractive Risk-Adjusted
Pricing. Each of our existing and prospective
portfolio companies has its own unique funding needs for the
capital provided from the proceeds of our Technology Loans.
These funding needs include, but are not limited to, funds for
additional development runways, funds to hire or retain sales
staff, or funds to invest in research and development in order
to reach important technical milestones in advance of raising
additional equity. Our loans include current pay interest,
commitment fees, pre-payment fees and non-utilization fees. We
believe we have developed pricing tools, structuring techniques
and valuation metrics that satisfy our portfolio companies
requirements while mitigating risk and maximizing returns on our
investments.
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Opportunity for Enhanced Returns. To enhance
our loan portfolio returns, in addition to interest and fees, we
obtain warrants to purchase the equity of our portfolio
companies, as additional consideration for making loans. The
warrants we obtain generally include a cashless
exercise provision to allow us to exercise these rights
without requiring us to make any additional cash investment.
Obtaining warrants in our portfolio companies has allowed us to
participate in the equity appreciation of our portfolio
companies which we expect will enable us to generate higher
returns for our investors.
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Direct Origination. We originate transactions
directly with technology, life science, healthcare information
and services, and cleantech companies. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has directly originated more
than 110 transactions resulting in over $650 million of
Technology Loans. These transactions were referred to our
Advisor from a number of sources, including referrals from, or
direct solicitation of, venture capital and private equity
firms, portfolio company management teams, legal firms,
accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders that
represent companies within our Target Industries. Our Advisor
has been the sole or lead originator in substantially all
transactions in which the funds it managed have invested.
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Disciplined and Balanced Underwriting and Portfolio
Management. We use a disciplined underwriting
process that includes obtaining information validation from
multiple sources, extensive knowledge of our Target Industries,
comparable industry valuation metrics, and sophisticated
financial analysis related to
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development-stage companies. Our Advisors due diligence on
investment prospects includes obtaining and evaluating
information on the prospective portfolio companys
technology, market opportunity, management team, fund raising
history, investor support, valuation considerations, financial
condition and projections. We seek to balance our investment
portfolio to reduce the risk of down market cycles associated
with any particular industry or sector, development-stage or
geographic area. Our Advisor employs a hands on
approach to portfolio management requiring private portfolio
companies to provide monthly financial information and to
participate in regular updates on performance and future plans.
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Use of Leverage; SBA Debenture Program. We
believe our existing credit facility provides us with a
substantial amount of capital for deployment into new investment
opportunities. Since its inception, Compass Horizon has employed
leverage to increase its return on equity through the Credit
Facility. The Credit Facility, pursuant to which we expect to be
able to borrow up to $125 million upon completion of this
offering, matures on March 4, 2015. The Credit Facility
will begin to amortize on March 4, 2011. In addition, on
July 14, 2009, our Advisor received a letter, which we
refer to as the Move Forward Letter, from the
Investment Division of the SBA that invited our Advisor to
continue moving forward with the licensing of a small business
investment company, or SBIC. Although our
application to license this entity as a small business
investment company with the SBA is subject to SBA approval, we
remain cautiously optimistic that our Advisor will complete the
licensing process. To the extent that our Advisor receives an
SBIC license, we expect to form an SBIC subsidiary which will
issue SBA-guaranteed debentures at long-term fixed rates,
subject to the required capitalization of the SBIC subsidiary.
Under the regulations applicable to SBICs, an SBIC generally may
have outstanding debentures guaranteed by the SBA in an
aggregate amount of up to twice its regulatory capital.
Regulatory capital generally equates to the amount of an
SBICs equity capital. The SBIC regulations currently limit
the amount that the SBIC subsidiary would be permitted to borrow
to a maximum of $150 million. This means that the SBIC
subsidiary could access the full $150 million maximum
available if it were to have $75 million in regulatory
capital. However, we would not be required to capitalize our
SBIC subsidiary with $75 million and may determine to
capitalize it with a lesser amount. In addition, if we are able
to obtain financing under the SBIC program, the SBIC subsidiary
will be subject to regulation and oversight by the SBA,
including requirements with respect to maintaining certain
minimum financial ratios and other covenants. In connection with
the filing of the SBA license application, we will be applying
for exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the
debt of the SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the
consolidated asset coverage ratio, and, if obtained, will enable
us to fund more investments with debt capital. However, there
can be no assurance that we will be granted an SBIC license or
that if granted it will be granted in a timely manner or that we
will receive the exemptive relief from the SEC. Based upon an
analysis of our Advisors loan originations since
inception, as further evidenced by the Move Forward Letter,
Technology Lending is an appropriate use of the SBA debenture
program.
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Customized Loan Documentation Process. Our
Advisor employs an internally managed documentation process that
assures that each loan transaction is documented using our
enterprise value loan documents specifically
tailored to each transaction. Our Advisor uses experienced
in-house senior legal counsel to oversee the documentation and
negotiation of each of our transactions.
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Active Portfolio Management. Because many of
our portfolio companies are privately held, development-stage
companies in our Target Industries, our Advisor employs a
hands on approach to its portfolio management
processes and procedures. Our Advisor requires the private
portfolio companies to provide monthly financial information,
and our Advisor participates in quarterly discussions with the
management and investors of our portfolio companies. Our Advisor
prepares monthly management reporting and internally rates each
portfolio company.
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Portfolio Composition. Monitoring the
composition of the portfolio is an important component of the
overall growth and portfolio management strategy. Our Advisor
monitors the portfolio regularly to avoid undue focus in any
sub-industry, stage of development or geographic area. By
regularly monitoring the portfolio for these factors we attempt
to reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any
particular industry, development-stage or geographic area.
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Market
Opportunity
Our Target Industries. We intend to focus our
investments primarily in four key industries of the emerging
technology market: technology, life science, healthcare
information and services, and cleantech. The technology industry
sectors we intend to focus on include communications,
networking, wireless communications, data storage, software,
cloud computing, semiconductor, internet and media, and
consumer-related technologies. Life science sectors we intend to
focus on include biotechnology, drug delivery, bioinformatics,
and medical devices. Healthcare information and services sectors
we intend to focus on include diagnostics, medical record
services and software, and other healthcare related services and
technologies that improve efficiency and quality of administered
healthcare. Cleantech sectors we intend to focus on include
alternative energy, water purification, energy efficiency, green
building materials, and waste recycling.
Technology Lending. We believe that Technology
Lending has the potential to achieve enhanced returns that are
attractive notwithstanding the increased level of risk
associated with lending to development-stage companies.
Potential benefits include:
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Higher Interest Rates. Technology Loans
typically bear interest at rates that exceed the rates that
would be available to portfolio companies if they could borrow
in traditional commercial financing transactions. We believe
these rates provide a risk-adjusted return to lenders compared
with other types of debt investing and provide a significantly
less expensive alternative to equity financing for
development-stage companies.
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Loan Support Provided by Cash Proceeds from Equity Capital
Provided by Venture Capital and Private Equity
Firms. In many cases, a Technology Lender makes a
Technology Loan to a portfolio company in conjunction with, or
immediately after, a substantial venture capital or private
equity investment in the portfolio company. This equity capital
investment supports the loan by initially providing a source of
cash to fund the portfolio companys debt service
obligations. In addition, because the loan ranks senior in
priority of payment to the equity capital investment, the
portfolio company must repay that debt before the equity capital
investors realize a return on their investment. If the portfolio
company subsequently becomes distressed, its venture capital and
private equity investors will likely have an incentive to assist
it in avoiding a payment default, which could lead to
foreclosure on the secured assets. We believe that the support
of venture capital and private equity investors increases the
likelihood that a Technology Loan will be repaid.
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Relatively Rapid Amortization of
Loans. Technology Loans typically require that
interest payments begin within one month of closing, and
principal payments begin within twelve months of closing,
thereby returning capital to the lender and reducing the capital
at risk with respect to the investment. Because Technology Loans
are typically made at the time of, or soon after, a portfolio
company completes a significant venture capital or private
equity financing, the portfolio company usually has sufficient
funds to begin making scheduled principal and interest payments
even if it is not then generating revenue
and/or
positive cash flow. If a portfolio company is able to increase
its enterprise value during the term of the loan
(which is typically between 24 and 48 months), the lender
may also benefit from a reduced loan-to-value ratio, which
reduces the risk of the loan.
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Senior Ranking to Equity and
Collateralization. A Technology Loan is typically
secured by some or all of the portfolio companys assets,
thus making the loan senior in priority to the equity invested
in the portfolio company. In many cases, if a portfolio company
defaults on its loan, the value of this collateral will provide
the lender with an opportunity to recover all or a portion of
its investment. Because holders of equity interests in a
portfolio company will generally lose their investments before
the Technology Lender experiences losses, we believe that the
likelihood of losing all of our invested capital in a Technology
Loan is lower than would be the case with an equity investment.
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Potential Equity Appreciation Through
Warrants. Technology Lenders are typically
granted warrants in portfolio companies as additional
consideration for making Technology Loans. The warrants permit
the Technology Lender to purchase equity securities of the
portfolio companies at the same price paid by the portfolio
companys investors for such preferred stock in the most
recent or next equity round of the portfolio companys
financing. Historically, warrants granted to Technology Lenders
have generally had a term of ten years and been in dollar
amounts equal to between 5% and 20% of the principal loan
amount. Warrants
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provide Technology Lenders with an opportunity to participate in
the potential growth in value of the portfolio company, thereby
increasing the potential return on investment.
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We believe that Technology Lending also provides an attractive
financing source for portfolio companies, their management teams
and their equity capital investors, because of the following:
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Technology Loans are Typically Less Dilutive than Venture
Capital and Private Equity Financing. Technology
Loans allow a company to access the cash necessary to implement
its business plan without diluting the existing investors in the
company. Typically, the warrants or other equity securities
issued as part of a Technology Lending transaction result in
only minimal dilution to existing investors as compared to the
potential dilution of a new equity round of financing.
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Technology Loans Extend the Time Period During Which a
Portfolio Company Can Operate Before Seeking Additional Equity
Financing. By using a Technology Loan,
development-stage companies can postpone the need for their next
round of equity financing, thereby extending their cash
available to fund operations. This delay can provide portfolio
companies with additional time to improve technology, achieve
development milestones and, potentially, increase the
companys valuation before seeking more equity investments.
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Technology Loans Allow Portfolio Companies to Better Match
Cash Sources with Uses. Debt is often used to
fund infrastructure costs, including office space and laboratory
equipment. The use of debt to fund infrastructure costs allows a
portfolio company to spread these costs over time, thereby
conserving cash at a stage when its revenues may not be
sufficient to cover expenses. Similarly, working capital
financing may be used to fund selling and administrative
expenses ahead of anticipated corresponding revenue. In both
instances, equity capital is preserved for research and
development expenses or future expansion.
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Market Size. Our Advisor estimates, based upon
our 16 years of experience making Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, that during such period the
ratio of the aggregate principal amount of debt investments made
to the aggregate capital invested by venture capital investors
has been approximately 10% to 20%. According to Dow Jones
VentureSource, $21.4 billion of venture capital equity was
invested in companies in our Target Industries during 2009.
Accordingly, based on our Advisors past experience, we
would estimate that the size of the Technology Loan market for
2009 was in the range of approximately $2.1 billion to
$4.2 billion. We believe that the market for Technology
Loans should grow over the next several years based upon several
factors. We believe the level of venture capital investment for
2009 is at a cyclical low, as shown by the $32.2 billion
and $31.0 billion of venture capital investment for 2007
and 2008, respectively, as reported by DowJones VentureSource.
We believe that the comparable period of 2009 in the venture
capital investment cycle is 2003, because 2003 represented the
last period of decline in the amount of venture capital
investment following the burst of the technology bubble in 2000.
Venture capital investment steadily increased from
$22.9 billion in 2004 to $32.2 billion in 2007 as,
reported by Dow Jones VentureSource, representing a compounded
annual growth rate of 8.9% for that period. Our belief that 2009
was a low point in the venture capital investment cycle is
further supported by the fact that the amount of venture capital
investment in the last three quarters of 2009 increased from a
13 year low of $4.2 billion in the first quarter of
2009 to $5.6 billion in the second quarter of 2009,
$5.4 billion in the third quarter of 2009, and
$6.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009. The potential
for future growth in the market for Technology Loans is also
supported by the fact that, according to Dow Jones
VentureSource, there was $17 billion of liquidity events
related to M&A and IPO activity for companies in our Target
Industries in 2009, of which $7.3 billion was generated in
the fourth quarter, representing 44% of the total activity for
the year. This not only returns capital to investors which can
be reinvested in venture capital investments, but also makes
venture capital a more attractive investment class to investors,
thus attracting additional capital. In addition, nearer term
exits for venture capital investors, reinforces Technology Loans
as a cheaper financing alternative than venture capital for
companies in our Target Industries and their investors, thus
driving up demand for Technology Loans.
Portfolio Company Valuations. According to Dow
Jones VentureSource, from 2007 through 2009 valuations of
existing companies in our Target Industries significantly
decreased, as they did for most asset classes. We believe this
decrease was due to general macroeconomic conditions, including
lower demand for products and services, lack of availability of
capital and investors decreased risk tolerance. We believe
the decrease in valuations in our Target Industries caused by
macroeconomic factors may present a cyclical opportunity to
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gains in excess of those which are typically experienced by
Technology Lenders. Our future portfolio companies may not only
increase in value due to their successful technology development
and/or
revenue growth, but as macroeconomic conditions improve,
valuations may also increase due to the general increase in
demand for goods and services, the greater availability of
capital and an increase in investor risk tolerance. An example
of the positive and negative macroeconomic impact on valuations
last occurred in the years between 2001 and 2005. Following the
macroeconomic impact of the technology downturn of 2001 and the
events of 9/11, according to Dow Jones
VentureSource, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology-related financing fell from $25 million at
December 2000 to $10 million at January 2003, but by
December 2005, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology related financings had risen to $15 million.
Competitive
Strengths
We believe that we, together with our Advisor, possess
significant competitive strengths, including:
Consistently execute commitments and close
transactions. Our Advisor and its senior
management and investment professionals have an extensive track
record of originating, underwriting and closing Technology
Loans. Our Advisor has directly originated, underwritten, and
managed more than 110 Technology Loans with an aggregate
original principal amount of $650 million since it
commenced operations in 2004 to the present. In our experience,
prospective portfolio companies prefer lenders that have
demonstrated their ability to deliver on their commitments. Our
Advisors ability to deliver on its commitments has
resulted in satisfied portfolio companies, management teams and
venture capital and private equity investors and created an
extensive base of transaction sources and references for our
Advisor.
Robust direct origination capabilities. Our
Advisors managing directors each have significant
experience originating Technology Loans in our Target
Industries. This experience has given each managing director a
deep knowledge of our Target Industries and, assisted by their
long standing working relationships with our Advisors
senior management and our Advisors brand name recognition
in our market, has resulted in a steady flow of high quality
investment opportunities that are consistent with the strategic
vision and expectations of our Advisors senior management.
The combination of the managing directors experience and
their close working relationship with our Advisors senior
management, together with the extensive base of transaction
sources and references generated by our Advisors active
participation in the Technology Lending market, has created an
efficient marketing and sales organization.
Access to capital. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has always had access to capital
which allowed it to consistently offer Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, including offering loans
through Compass Horizon during the difficult economic markets of
2008 and 2009. Our Advisors demonstrated access to
capital, including through the Credit Facility, has created
awareness among companies in our Target Industries of our
Advisors consistent ability to make Technology Loans
without interruption in all market conditions, thus making our
Advisor a trusted source for Technology Loans to companies,
their management teams and their venture capital and private
equity investors.
Highly experienced and cohesive management
team. Our Advisor has had the same senior
management team of experienced professionals since its
inception, thereby creating awareness among companies in our
Target Industries, their management and their investors that
prospective portfolio companies of Horizon will receive
consistent and predictable service, in terms of available loan
products and economic terms, underwriting requirements, loan
closing process and portfolio management. This consistency
allows companies, their management teams and their investors to
predict likely outcomes when expending resources in seeking and
obtaining Technology Loans from us. Companies may not have the
same level of predictability when dealing with other lenders in
the Technology Lending market. Our Advisor is led by five senior
managers, including its two co-founders, Robert D.
Pomeroy, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, and Gerald A.
Michaud, our President, each of whom has more than 23 years
of experience in Technology Lending. Christopher M. Mathieu, our
SVP and Chief Financial Officer, has more than 16 years of
Technology Lending experience, and each of John C. Bombara, our
SVP and General Counsel, and Daniel S. Devorsetz, our SVP and
Chief Credit Officer, has more than nine years experience in
Technology Lending. Our Advisor has an additional eight
experienced professionals with marketing, legal, accounting, and
portfolio management experience in Technology Lending. The
co-founders and some of the
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team have worked together for over 16 years during which
they started, built and managed Technology Lending businesses
for GATX Ventures, Inc., Transamerica Technology Finance and
Financing for Science International. In addition to originating
and managing loans and investments on behalf of Compass Horizon,
our Advisor has originated and managed loans and investments on
behalf of several other externally managed private funds. Since
our Advisor commenced operations in 2004 through
December 31, 2009, our Advisor has originated over
$650 million of investments to 110 companies in our
Target Industries. As of the date of this prospectus, only the
Compass Horizon fund is actively making new investments.
Relationships with venture capital and private equity
investors. Our Advisors senior management
team and managing directors have developed a comprehensive
knowledge of the venture capital and private equity firms and
their partners that participate in our Target Industries.
Because of our Advisors senior management and managing
directors demonstrated history of delivering loan
commitments and value to many of these firms portfolio
companies, our Advisor has developed strong relationships with
many of these firms and their partners. The strength and breadth
of our Advisors venture capital and private equity
relationships would take considerable time and expense to
develop. We will rely on these relationships to implement our
business plan.
Well-known brand name. Our Advisor has
originated over $650 million in Technology Loans to more
than 110 companies in our Target Industries under the
Horizon Technology Finance brand. Each of these
companies is backed by one or more venture capital or private
equity firms, thus creating a network of Target Industry
companies and equity sponsors who know of, and have worked with,
Horizon Technology Finance. In addition, our Advisor
has attended, participated in, or moderated venture lending or
alternative financing panel sessions at venture capital,
technology, life sciences and other industry related events over
the past six years. This pro-active participation in the lending
market for our Target Industries has created strong and positive
brand name recognition for our Advisor. We believe that the
Horizon Technology Finance brand is a competent,
knowledgeable and active participant in the Technology Lending
marketplace and will continue to result in a significant number
of referrals and prospective investment opportunities in our
Target Industries.
Demonstrated track record with strong
returns. Our Advisors senior managers
collectively have also originated, underwritten, and managed
more than 440 Technology Loans with an aggregate commitment of
more than $1.0 billion from 1993 to 2003 at other
organizations including, GATX Ventures, Inc., Transamerica
Technology Finance and Financing for Science International. The
success of our Advisors track record in both up and down
business cycles, as described more fully elsewhere in this
prospectus, is a result of our Advisors knowledge base and
its processes developed from its Technology Lending experience.
Our Advisors developed knowledge base and processes
include its unique investment criteria, its creation of an
efficient and successful origination process, its establishment
of back office operations, its knowledge of staffing needs, its
legal, regulatory and institutional compliance knowledge and
processes, its designation of specific roles for its investment
team members, and its processes for the underwriting,
documenting and monitoring of a portfolio of Technology Loans.
Flexibility of capital. With our
Advisors experience in structuring and managing Technology
Loans, our Advisor has provided, and we expect to provide, loan
terms to portfolio companies in our Target Industries that
provide more value to a portfolio company than loan terms that
would otherwise be available from other commercial lenders or
other Technology Loan providers. We may be able to offer
flexible terms on interest rates, warrant coverage, repayment
schedules, advances based upon development milestones, interest
only periods, and deferred principal payments that provide
valuable flexibility during times of our portfolio
companies critical cash needs without significantly
increasing capital risk. To the extent that additional risk is
taken, we may adjust our returns for such risk by obtaining
additional commitment, success and non use fees and additional
warrants. We expect that allowing our portfolio companies more
flexible loan terms will allow our portfolio companies to be
successful, while allowing us to achieve more favorable economic
returns than are available in traditional commercial financing
transactions.
Disciplined underwriting and monitoring process with focus on
preservation of capital. Our Advisors
investment process focuses first on capital preservation. The
investment process for each proposed transaction involves
conducting in depth due diligence, including meeting with the
prospective portfolio companys senior management team,
gaining detailed understanding of the prospective portfolio
companys management team experience, its investors and its
investors support for the prospective portfolio company,
business plans,
68
technology, markets, financial projections, fund raising history
and future plans and the potential for warrant gains. The due
diligence typically includes the use of independent verification
with prospective portfolio companys customers, investors,
strategic partners and market research. The results of our
Advisors due diligence for each proposed transaction are
clearly documented in a comprehensive investment memorandum,
which is then submitted to our Advisors investment
committee. As a result of our focus on capital preservation, the
principal amount of our loans is generally less than 25% of the
enterprise value of the portfolio company.
Diverse investment portfolio. Portfolio
diversity is an important component to achieving successful
returns for Technology Loans. Our Advisor intends to monitor our
loan portfolio regularly to avoid undue focus in any industry,
sector, stage of development or geographic area. By regularly
monitoring the portfolio for these factors we will attempt to
reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any
particular industry, sector, development-stage or geographic
area.
Stages of
Development of Venture Capital and Private Equity-backed
Companies
Below is a typical development curve for a company in our Target
Industries and the various milestones along the development
curve where we believe a Technology Loan may be a preferred
financing solution:
Investment
Criteria
We have identified several criteria that we believe have proven,
and will prove, important in achieving our investment objective
with respect to prospective portfolio companies. These criteria
provide general guidelines for our investment decisions.
However, we caution you that not all of these criteria are met
by each portfolio company in which we choose to invest.
Portfolio Composition. We invest in venture
capital and private equity-backed development-stage companies in
our Target Industries. We have made, and plan to make,
investments which will result in a portfolio of investments in
companies that are diversified by their stage of development,
their Target Industries and sectors of Target Industries, and
their geographical location, as well as by the venture capital
and private equity sponsors that support our portfolio companies.
Continuing Support from One or More Venture Capital and
Private Equity Investors. We typically invest in
companies in which one or more established venture capital and
private equity investors have previously invested and continue
to make a contribution to the management of the business. We
believe that established venture capital
69
and private equity investors can serve as a committed partner
and will assist their portfolio companies and their management
teams in creating value.
Company Stage of Development. While we invest
in companies at various stages of development, we require that
prospective portfolio companies be beyond the seed stage of
development and have received at least their first round of
venture capital or private equity financing. We expect a
prospective portfolio company to demonstrate its ability to
advance technology and increase its revenue and operating cash
flow over time. The anticipated growth rate of a prospective
portfolio company will be a key factor in determining the value
that we ascribe to any warrants that we may acquire in
connection with making debt investments.
Operating Plan. We generally require that a
prospective portfolio company, in addition to having sufficient
access to capital to support leverage, demonstrate an operating
plan capable of generating cash flows or the ability to raise
the additional capital necessary to cover its operating expenses
and service its debt. We expect that the enterprise value of a
prospective portfolio company should substantially exceed the
principal balance of debt borrowed by the company.
Liquidation Value of Assets. The prospective
liquidation value of the assets collateralizing our loans is an
important factor in our credit analysis. We emphasize both
tangible assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory,
equipment and real estate, and intangible assets, such as
intellectual property, networks and databases and future revenue
streams. In some cases, rather than obtaining a lien on
intellectual property we may receive a negative pledge covering
a companys intellectual property.
Terms. Although terms vary based on the
portfolio company and other conditions, the typical repayment
term is between 24 and 48 months. The amortization schedule
will vary, but there is typically some form of an interest only
period and, in some cases, there is a balloon payment at the end
of the term.
Warrants and Equity Participation Rights. We
generally receive warrants having terms consistent with the most
recent or next round of venture capital and private equity
capital financing. We do not view the upside appreciation
potential of warrants as a means to mitigate risk, but rather to
ensure that the compensation we receive is appropriate for the
level of risk being undertaken. We also may seek to receive
equity participation rights to invest in a future round of a
portfolio companys equity capital financing through direct
capital investments in our portfolio companies. These
opportunities to invest are at our option and we are not
obligated to make such investments. Other than one investment
for $100,000, we have not elected to exercise any equity
participation rights.
Experienced Management of Portfolio
Companies. We generally require that our
portfolio companies have a successful and experienced management
team. We also require the portfolio companies to have in place
proper incentives to induce management to succeed and to act in
concert with our interests as investors.
Exit Strategy. We analyze the potential for
that company to increase the liquidity of its equity through a
future event that would enable us to realize appreciation in the
value of our warrants or other equity interests. Liquidity
events typically include an IPO or a sale of the company.
Investment
Process
We believe that our Advisors team members are leaders in
the Technology Lending industry and that the depth and breadth
of experience of our Advisors investment professionals
exceeds that of many of our competitors. Our Advisor has created
an integrated approach to the loan origination, underwriting,
approval and documentation process that effectively combines all
of the skills of our Advisors professionals. This process
allows our Advisor to achieve an efficient and timely closing of
an investment from the initial contact with a prospective
portfolio company through the close of documentation and funding
of the investment, while ensuring that our Advisors
rigorous underwriting standards are consistently maintained.
During the investment process, several of our Advisors
investment professionals are involved in the analysis,
decision-making and documentation of prospective investments.
After closing, our Advisor typically employs a hands
on portfolio management process, regularly contacting our
portfolio companies. Our Advisor also utilizes a proprietary
credit rating system designed to effectively and efficiently
assist our Advisors portfolio managers and senior
managements analysis of the credit quality of investments
on an individual basis and a portfolio basis and our ability to
allocate internal resources accordingly.
70
We believe that the high level of involvement by our
Advisors staff in the various phases of the investment
process allows us to minimize the credit risk while delivering
superior service to our portfolio companies.
Origination. Our Advisors loan
origination process begins with its industry-focused regional
managing directors who are responsible for identifying,
contacting and screening prospects. The managing directors meet
with key decision makers and deal referral sources such as
venture capital and private equity firms and management teams
and legal firms, accounting firms, investment banks and other
lenders to source prospective portfolio companies. We believe
our brand name and management team are well known within the
Technology Lending community, as well as by many repeat
entrepreneurs and board members of prospective portfolio
companies. These broad relationships, which reach across the
Technology Lending industry, give rise to a significant portion
of our Advisors deal origination.
The responsible managing director of our Advisor obtains review
materials from the prospective portfolio company and from those
materials, as well as other available information, determines
whether it is appropriate for our Advisor to issue a non-binding
term sheet. The managing director bases this decision to proceed
on his or her experience, the competitive environment and the
prospective portfolio companys needs and also seeks the
counsel of our Advisors senior management and investment
team.
Term Sheet. If the managing director
determines, after review and consultation with senior
management, that the potential transaction meets our
Advisors initial credit standards, our Advisor will issue
a non-binding term sheet to the prospective portfolio company.
The terms of the transaction are tailored to a prospective
portfolio companys specific funding needs while taking
into consideration market dynamics, the quality of the
management team, the venture capital and private equity
investors involved and applicable credit criteria, which may
include the prospective portfolio companys existing cash
resources, the development of its technology and the anticipated
timing for the next round of equity financing.
Underwriting. Once the term sheet has been
negotiated and executed and the prospective portfolio company
has remitted a good faith deposit, the managing director will
request additional due diligence materials from the prospective
portfolio company and arrange for a due diligence visit.
Our Advisor typically requests the following information as part
of the underwriting process:
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annual and interim financial information;
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capitalization tables showing details of equity capital raised
and ownership;
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recent presentations to investors or board members covering the
portfolio companys current status and market opportunity;
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detailed business plan, including an executive summary and
discussion of market opportunity;
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detailed background on all members of management;
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articles and papers written about the prospective portfolio
company and its market;
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detailed forecast for the current and subsequent fiscal year
including monthly cash forecast;
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information on competitors and the prospective portfolio
companys competitive advantage;
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marketing information on the prospective portfolio
companys products, if any;
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information on the prospective portfolio companys
intellectual property; and
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introduction to the prospective portfolio companys
scientific advisory board and industry thought leaders.
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Due Diligence. The due diligence process
includes a formal visit to the prospective portfolio
companys location and interviews with the prospective
portfolio companys senior management team including its
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Scientific or Technology Officer, principal marketing or sales
professional and other key managers. The process includes
contact with key analysts that affect the prospective portfolio
companys business, including analysts that follow the
technology market, thought leaders in our Target
71
Industries and important customers or partners, if any. Outside
sources of information are reviewed, including industry
publications, scientific and market articles, Internet
publications, publicly available information on competitors or
competing technologies and information known to our
Advisors investment team from their experience in the
technology markets.
A key element of the due diligence process is interviewing key
existing investors in the prospective portfolio company, who are
often also members of the prospective portfolio companys
board of directors. While these board members
and/or
investors are not independent sources of information, their
support for management and willingness to support the
prospective portfolio companys further development are
critical elements of our decision making process.
Investment Memorandum. Upon completion of the
due diligence process and review and analysis of all of the
information provided by the prospective portfolio company and
obtained externally, our Advisors assigned credit officer
prepares an investment memorandum for review and approval.
The investment memorandum generally includes:
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an investment thesis;
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an overview of the prospective portfolio company and transaction;
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a discussion of how much of the investment is at risk;
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an analysis of why the investment is worth the risk;
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a discussion of risks and mitigants;
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a loan description;
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an overview of the prospective portfolio companys market,
competition, products, technology, sales pipeline, management,
intellectual property, etc.;
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a discussion of venture capital and private equity sponsorship;
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summary financial results;
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projections and cash forecasts, including company forecasts and
potential downside scenario projections; and
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an exit valuation.
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The investment memorandum is reviewed by our Advisors
senior credit officer and submitted to our Advisors
investment committee for approval.
Investment Committee. Our board of directors
delegates authority for all investment decisions to our
Advisors investment committee. Our Advisors
investment committee has made investment decisions for Compass
Horizon as well as other affiliated funds. The investment
committee currently consists of Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr.,
Gerald A. Michaud, Daniel S. Devorsetz and Kevin T. Walsh.
Our Advisors investment committee will be responsible for
overall credit policy, portfolio management, approval of all
investments, portfolio monitoring and reporting and managing of
problem accounts. The committee will interact with the entire
staff of our Advisor to review potential transactions and deal
flow. This interaction of cross-functional members of our
Advisors staff assures efficient transaction sourcing,
negotiating and underwriting throughout the transaction process.
Portfolio performance and current market conditions will be
reviewed and discussed by the investment committee on a regular
basis to assure that transaction structures and terms are
consistent and current.
The portfolio manager responsible for the account will present
any proposed transaction to the investment committee at its
committee meeting. Other deal team members from our Advisor are
encouraged to participate in the committee meeting, bringing
market, transaction and competitive information to the decision
making process. The investment decision must be approved by a
majority of the committee and by both Mr. Pomeroy and
Mr. Michaud.
72
Loan Closing and Funding. Approved investments
are documented and closed by our Advisors in-house legal
and loan administration staff. Loan documentation is based upon
standard templates created by our Advisor and is customized for
each transaction to reflect the specific deal terms. The
transaction documents typically include a loan and security
agreement, warrant agreement and applicable perfection
documents, including Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements, and, as applicable, may also include a landlord
agreement, patent and trademark security grants, a subordination
agreement and other standard agreements for commercial loans in
the Technology Lending industry. Funding requires final approval
by our Advisors General Counsel, Chief Executive Officer
or President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Credit Officer.
Portfolio Management and Reporting. Our
Advisor maintains a hands on approach to maintain
communication with our portfolio companies. At least quarterly,
our Advisor contacts our portfolio companies for operational and
financial updates by phone and performs onsite reviews on an
annual basis. Our Advisor may contact portfolio companies deemed
to have greater credit risk on a monthly basis. Our Advisor
requires all private companies to provide financial statements
on a monthly basis. For public companies, our Advisor typically
relies on publicly reported quarterly financials. Our Advisor
also typically receives copies of bank and security statements,
as well as any other information required to verify reported
financial information. Among other things, this allows our
Advisor to identify any unexpected developments in the financial
performance or condition of the company.
Our Advisor has developed a proprietary credit rating system to
analyze the quality of our loans. Using this system, our Advisor
analyzes and then rates the credit risk within the portfolio on
a monthly basis. Each portfolio company is rated on a 1 through
4 scale, with 3 representing the rating for a standard level of
risk. A rating of 4 represents an improved and better credit
quality. A rating of 2 or 1 represents a deteriorating credit
quality and increasing risk. Newly funded investments are
typically assigned a rating of 3, unless extraordinary
circumstances require otherwise. These investment ratings are
generated internally by our Advisor, and we cannot guarantee
that others would assign the same ratings to our portfolio
investments or similar portfolio investments.
Our Advisor closely monitors portfolio companies rated a 1 or 2
for adverse developments. In addition, our Advisor has regular
contact with the management, board of directors and major equity
holders of these portfolio companies in order to discuss
strategic initiatives to correct the deterioration of the
portfolio company (e.g., cost reductions, new equity issuance or
strategic sale of the business).
73
The table below describes each rating level:
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Rating
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4
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The portfolio company has performed in excess of our
expectations at underwriting as demonstrated by exceeding
revenue milestones, clinical milestones, or other operating
metrics or as a result of raising capital well in excess of our
underwriting assumptions. Generally the portfolio company
displays one or more of the following: its enterprise value
greatly exceeds our loan balance; it has achieved cash flow
positive operations or has sufficient cash resources to cover
the remaining balance of the loan; there is strong potential for
warrant gains from our warrants; and there is a high likelihood
that the borrower will receive favorable future financing to
support operations. Loans rated 4 are the lowest risk profile in
our portfolio and there is no expected risk of principal loss.
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3
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The portfolio company has performed to our expectations at
underwriting as demonstrated by hitting revenue milestones,
clinical milestones, or other operating metrics. It has raised,
or is expected to raise, capital consistent with our
underwriting assumptions. Generally the portfolio company
displays one or more of the following: its enterprise value
comfortably exceeds our loan balance; it has sufficient cash
resources to operate per its plan; it is expected to raise
additional capital as needed; and there continues to be
potential for warrant gains from our warrants. All new loans are
rated 3 when approved and thereafter 3 rated loans represent a
standard risk profile, with no loss currently expected.
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2
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The portfolio company has performed below our expectations at
underwriting as demonstrated by missing revenue milestones,
delayed clinical progress, or otherwise failing to meet
projected operating metrics. It may have raised capital in
support of the poorer performance but generally on less
favorable terms than originally contemplated at the time of
underwriting. Generally the portfolio company displays one or
more of the following: its enterprise value exceeds our loan
balance but at a lower multiple than originally expected; it has
sufficient cash to operate per its plan but liquidity may be
tight; and it is planning to raise additional capital but there
is uncertainty and the potential for warrant gains from our
warrants are possible, but unlikely. Loans rated 2 represent an
increased level of risk. While no loss is currently anticipated
for a 2 rated loan, there is potential for future loss of
principal.
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1
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The portfolio company has performed well below plan as
demonstrated by materially missing revenue milestones, delayed
or failed clinical progress, or otherwise failing to meet
operating metrics. The portfolio company has not raised
sufficient capital to operate effectively or retire its debt
obligation to us. Generally the portfolio company displays one
or more of the following: its enterprise value may not exceed
our loan balance; it has insufficient cash to operate per its
plan and liquidity may be tight; and there are uncertain plans
to raise additional capital or the portfolio company is being
sold under distressed conditions. There is no potential for
warrant gains from our warrants. Loans rated 1 are generally put
on non-accrual and represent a high degree of risk of loss. The
fair value of 1 rated loans is reduced to the amount that is
expected to be recovered from liquidation of the collateral.
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For a discussion of the ratings of our existing portfolio, see
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Portfolio
Composition and Investment Activity.
Managerial
Assistance
As a business development company, we will offer, through our
Advisor, and must provide upon request, managerial assistance to
certain of our portfolio companies. This assistance may involve,
among other things, monitoring the operations of the portfolio
companies, participating in board of directors and management
meetings, consulting with and advising officers of portfolio
companies and providing other organizational and financial
guidance.
We may receive fees for these services, though we may reimburse
our Advisor for its expenses related to providing such services
on our behalf.
74
Competition
We compete for investments with other business development
companies and investment funds, as well as traditional financial
services companies such as commercial banks and other financing
sources. Some of our competitors are larger and have greater
financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we
have. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of
funds and access to funding sources that are not available to
us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the
regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act will impose on us as a
business development company or that the Code will impose on us
as a RIC. We believe we compete effectively with these entities
primarily on the basis of the experience, industry knowledge and
contacts of our Advisors investment professionals, its
responsiveness and efficient investment analysis and
decision-making processes, its creative financing products and
highly customized investment terms. We do not intend to compete
primarily on the interest rates we offer and believe that some
competitors make loans with rates that are comparable or lower
than our rates. For additional information concerning the
competitive risks see Risk Factors Risks
Related to Our Business and Structure We operate in
a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and if
we are not able to compete effectively, our business, results of
operations and financial condition may be adversely affected and
the value of your investment in us could decline.
Portfolio
Turnover
We do not have a formal portfolio turnover policy and do not
intend to adopt one.
Employees
We do not have any employees. Each of our executive officers
described under Management below is an employee of
our Advisor. The day-to-day investment operations will be
managed by our Advisor. As of March 31, 2010, our Advisor
had 13 employees, including investment and portfolio
management professionals, operations and accounting
professionals, legal counsel and administrative staff. In
addition, we reimburse our Advisor for our allocable portion of
expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the
administration agreement, including our allocable portion of the
cost of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer
and their respective staffs.
Properties
We do not own any real estate or other physical properties
materially important to our operation. Our headquarters and our
Advisors headquarters are currently located at 76
Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032.
Legal
Proceedings
Neither we nor our Advisor are currently subject to any material
legal proceedings.
75
PORTFOLIO
COMPANIES
All of the investments listed below are currently direct or
indirect assets of Compass Horizon and will become assets of the
Company following the Share Exchange. Additionally, all of the
loans listed below are currently performing and are unimpaired.
Other than these investments, our only formal relationships with
our portfolio companies are the managerial assistance that we
may provide upon request and the board observer or participation
rights we may receive in connection with our investment. We do
not control and are not an affiliate of
any of our portfolio companies, each as defined in the 1940 Act.
In general, under the 1940 Act, we would control a
portfolio company if we owned more than 25% of its voting
securities and would be an affiliate of a portfolio
company if we owned 5% or more of its voting securities.
The following table sets forth certain information for each
portfolio company in which we had an investment as of
March 31, 2010.
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Name and Address of
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Maturity
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Cost of
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Portfolio
Company(1)
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Target Industry Sector
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Type of
Investment(2)
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Interest(3)
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of Loans
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Investment
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Fair Value
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Advanced BioHealing, Inc.
10933 N. Torrey Pines Rd.,
Suite 200
La Jolla, CA 92037
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Life Science Biotechnology
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Preferred Stock Warrants
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$
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8,887
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$
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124,724
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Ambit Biosciences, Inc.
4215 Sorrento Valley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
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Life Science Biotechnology
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Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
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12.25%
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10/1/13
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6,000,000
142,943
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6,000,000
180,074
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Anesiva,
Inc.(4)
650 Gateway Boulevard
South San Francisco, CA 94080
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Life Science Biotechnology
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Common Stock Warrants
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18,233
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Arcot Systems, Inc.
455 West Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
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Technology Software
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Preferred Stock Warrants
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5,001
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56,996
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BioScale, Inc.
75 Sidney Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
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Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
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Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
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12.00%
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8/1/12
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3,475,057
12,786
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3,475,057
41,847
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Calypso Medical
Technologies, Inc.
2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
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Life Science Medical Device
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Preferred Stock Warrants
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17,047
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74,475
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Clarabridge, Inc.
11400 Commerce Park Drive,
Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
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Technology Software
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Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
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12.50%
12.50%
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1/1/13
6/1/13
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1,500,000
750,000
27,700
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1,500,000
750,000
31,385
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Concentric Medical, Inc.
301 East Evelyn Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94041
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Life Science Medical Device
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Revolving Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
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10.00%
(Prime + 3.25)%
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7/1/10
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2,333,334
9,402
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2,333,334
3,830
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Courion Corporation
1881 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
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Technology Software
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Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
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11.45%
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12/1/11
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1,823,261
6,715
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1,823,261
23,958
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DriveCam, Inc.
8911 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
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Technology Software
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Preferred Stock Warrants
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19,670
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15,162
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Enphase Energy, Inc.
201 1st Street, Suite 300
Petaluma, CA 94952
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Technology Energy Efficiency
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Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
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12.60%
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10/1/13
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7,000,000
122,053
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|
7,000,000
122,053
|
|
EnteroMedics,
Inc.(4)
2800 Patton Road
Saint Paul, MN 55113
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
346,795
|
|
|
|
13,362
|
|
Everyday Health, Inc.
f/k/a Waterfront Media, Inc.
45 Main Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
5/1/13
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
68,658
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
68,451
|
|
F & S Health Care Services, Inc.
23625 Commerce Park, Suite 204
Beachwood, OH 44122
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.80%
|
|
|
12/1/12
|
|
|
|
7,500,000
32,148
|
|
|
|
7,500,000
104,667
|
|
76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Genesis Networks, Inc.
One Penn Plaza, Suite 2010
New York, NY 10119
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.80%
|
|
|
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
81,670
|
|
|
|
3,739,565
28,107
|
|
Grab Networks, Inc.
21000 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 20166
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
4/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,419,800
73,866
|
|
|
|
3,419,800
83,693
|
|
Hatteras Networks, Inc.
523 Davis Drive, Suite 500
Durham, NC 27713
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.40%
|
|
|
2/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,114,700
660
|
|
|
|
2,114,700
34,905
|
|
Impinj, Inc.
701 N. 34th Street, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98103
|
|
Technology Semiconductor
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
(Prime + 4.25)%
|
|
|
1/1/11
|
|
|
|
666,667
7,348
|
|
|
|
666,667
0
|
|
IntelePeer, Inc.
2855 Campus Drive, Suite 200
San Mateo, CA 94403
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.43%
12.33%
12.33%
|
|
|
4/1/12
6/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
777,856
862,105
1,590,656
39,384
|
|
|
|
777,856
862,105
1,590,656
52,308
|
|
iSkoot, Inc.
501 2nd Street, Suite 216
San Francisco, CA 94107
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.75%
|
|
|
5/1/13
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
59,329
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
59,138
|
|
Mall Networks, Inc.
One Cranberry Hill, Suite 403
Lexington, MA 02421
|
|
Technology Internet and
media
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,281,586
16,155
|
|
|
|
2,281,586
34,872
|
|
Motion Computing, Inc.
8601 RR 2222, Building II
Austin, TX 78730
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.25%
12.25%
|
|
|
4/1/11
1/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,177,313
1,905,942
8,808
|
|
|
|
1,177,313
1,905,942
464,748
|
|
Netuitive, Inc.
12700 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20191
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.90%
|
|
|
4/1/11
|
|
|
|
472,915
27,287
|
|
|
|
472,915
42,611
|
|
NewRiver, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square, 5th Floor
Andover, MA 01810
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
|
|
11.60%
|
|
|
1/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,043,530
|
|
|
|
3,043,530
|
|
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
12555 High Bluff Drive
Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92130
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,564,452
69,249
|
|
|
|
4,564,452
61,606
|
|
Pharmasset,
Inc.(4)
303-A
College Road East
Princeton, NJ 08540
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
12.00%
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
1/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,900,966
2,435,576
3,333,333
251,247
|
|
|
|
1,900,966
2,435,576
3,333,333
699,292
|
|
PixelOptics, Inc.
5241 Valleypark Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
1/1/13
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,131
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,026
|
|
Plateau Systems, Ltd.
4401 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22203
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.40%
|
|
|
9/1/10
|
|
|
|
563,502
7,348
|
|
|
|
563,502
34,225
|
|
Precision Therapeutics, Inc.
2516 Jane Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
52,075
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,026
|
|
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.
2400 Bayshore Parkway,
Suite 100
Mountain View, CA 94043
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
10.50%
|
|
|
12/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,464,361
155,399
|
|
|
|
2,464,361
62,770
|
|
SnagAJob.com, Inc.
4880 Cox Road
Suite 200
Glen Allen, VA 23060
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,193,322
22,618
|
|
|
|
3,193,322
38,333
|
|
Starcite, Inc.
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.05%
|
|
|
9/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,688,378
23,579
|
|
|
|
3,688,378
27,380
|
|
77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Tagged, Inc.
840 Battery Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.78%
11.46%
|
|
|
5/1/12
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,922,851
706,377
16,586
|
|
|
|
1,922,851
706,377
26,696
|
|
Tengion, Inc.
2900 Potshop Lane, Suite 100
East Norriton, PA 19403
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.26%
|
|
|
9/1/11
|
|
|
|
5,246,723
15,276
|
|
|
|
5,246,723
380
|
|
Transave, Inc.
11 Deer Park Drive, Suite 117
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Convertible Note
Convertible Note
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
11.75%
10.00%
10.00%
|
|
|
2/29/12
7/1/12
6/30/10
6/30/10
|
|
|
|
2,468,031
1,884,081
104,407
100,990
11,974
|
|
|
|
2,468,031
1,884,081
104,407
100,990
47,892
|
|
Vette Corp.
14 Manchester Square, Suite 210
Portsmouth, NH 03801
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.85%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,114,314
26,638
|
|
|
|
4,114,314
130
|
|
ViOptix, Inc.
47224 Mission Falls Ct.
Fremont, CA 94539
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.55%
|
|
|
11/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,538,204
12,924
|
|
|
|
1,463,252
21,904
|
|
XIOtech, Inc.
6455 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
|
|
|
|
4,367,880
22,045
|
|
|
|
4,367,880
80,368
|
|
Xoft, Inc.
345 Potrero Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Revolving Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.25%
(Prime + 4.25)%
|
|
|
11/15/10
|
|
|
|
15,201
13,265
|
|
|
|
15,201
50,760
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
118,221,568
|
|
|
$
|
118,907,435
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Debt and warrant investments have
been pledged as collateral under the Credit Facility.
|
(2)
|
|
All investments are less than 5%
ownership of the class and ownership of the portfolio company.
|
(3)
|
|
All interest is payable in cash due
monthly in arrears, unless otherwise indicated and applies only
to our debt investments. Amount is the annual interest rate on
the debt investment and does not include any additional fees
related to the investment such as commitment fees or prepayment
fees. The majority of the debt investments are at fixed rates
for the term of the loan. For each debt investment we have
provided the current interest rate in effect as of
December 31, 2009. For variable rate debt investments we
have also provided the reference index plus the applicable
spread which resets monthly.
|
(4)
|
|
Portfolio company is a public
company.
|
78
The following table sets forth certain information for each
portfolio company in which we had an investment as of
December 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Advanced BioHealing, Inc.
10933 N. Torrey Pines Rd.,
Suite 200
La Jolla, CA 92037
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,887
|
|
|
$
|
41,836
|
|
Ambit Biosciences, Inc.
4215 Sorrento Valley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.15%
|
|
|
6/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,271,672
17,403
|
|
|
|
1,271,672
54,612
|
|
Anesiva,
Inc.(4)
650 Gateway Boulevard
South San Francisco, CA 94080
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arcot Systems, Inc.
455 West Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,001
|
|
|
|
57,074
|
|
BioScale, Inc.
75 Sidney Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,793,151
12,786
|
|
|
|
3,527,630
32,956
|
|
Calypso Medical
Technologies, Inc.
2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,047
|
|
|
|
74,699
|
|
Clarabridge, Inc.
11400 Commerce Park Drive,
Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.50%
12.50%
|
|
|
1/1/13
6/1/13
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
750,000
27,700
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
750,000
31,439
|
|
Concentric Medical, Inc.
301 East Evelyn Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94041
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Revolving Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
10.00%
(Prime + 3.25)%
|
|
|
7/1/10
|
|
|
|
3,333,334
9,402
|
|
|
|
3,333,334
10,856
|
|
Courion Corporation
1881 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.45%
|
|
|
12/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,055,297
6,715
|
|
|
|
2,055,297
16,395
|
|
DriveCam, Inc.
8911 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,670
|
|
|
|
15,208
|
|
EnteroMedics,
Inc.(4)
2800 Patton Road
Saint Paul, MN 55113
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
346,795
|
|
|
|
10,370
|
|
F & S Health Care Services, Inc.
23625 Commerce Park, Suite 204
Beachwood, OH 44122
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.80%
|
|
|
12/1/12
|
|
|
|
7,500,000
32,148
|
|
|
|
7,500,000
104,848
|
|
Genesis Networks, Inc.
One Penn Plaza, Suite 2010
New York, NY 10119
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.80%
|
|
|
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
53,563
|
|
|
|
3,600,000
20
|
|
Grab Networks, Inc.
21000 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 20166
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
4/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,655,638
73,866
|
|
|
|
3,655,638
83,838
|
|
Hatteras Networks, Inc.
523 Davis Drive, Suite 500
Durham, NC 27713
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.40%
|
|
|
2/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,451,010
660
|
|
|
|
2,451,010
35,009
|
|
Impinj, Inc.
701 N. 34th Street, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98103
|
|
Technology Semiconductor
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
(Prime + 4.25)%
|
|
|
1/1/11
|
|
|
|
866,667
7,348
|
|
|
|
866,667
34,329
|
|
IntelePeer, Inc.
2855 Campus Drive, Suite 200
San Mateo, CA 94403
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.43%
12.33%
12.33%
|
|
|
4/1/12
6/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
857,704
943,224
1,718,073
39,384
|
|
|
|
857,704
943,224
1,718,073
52,399
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
iSkoot, Inc.
501 2nd Street, Suite 216
San Francisco, CA 94107
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.75%
|
|
|
5/1/13
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
59,329
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
59,329
|
|
Mall Networks, Inc.
One Cranberry Hill, Suite 403
Lexington, MA 02421
|
|
Technology Internet and
media
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,500,000
16,155
|
|
|
|
2,500,000
34,932
|
|
Motion Computing, Inc.
8601 RR 2222, Building II
Austin, TX 78730
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.25%
12.25%
|
|
|
4/1/11
1/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,427,626
2,134,388
8,808
|
|
|
|
1,427,626
2,134,388
464,748
|
|
Netuitive, Inc.
12700 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20191
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.90%
|
|
|
4/1/11
|
|
|
|
573,026
27,287
|
|
|
|
573,026
42,675
|
|
NewRiver, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square, 5th Floor
Andover, MA 01810
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
|
|
11.60%
|
|
|
1/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,410,859
|
|
|
|
3,410,859
|
|
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
12555 High Bluff Drive
Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92130
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,856,259
69,249
|
|
|
|
4,856,259
78,598
|
|
Pharmasset,
Inc.(4)
303-A
College Road East
Princeton, NJ 08540
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
12.00%
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
1/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,224,917
2,743,804
3,333,333
251,247
|
|
|
|
2,224,917
2,743,804
3,333,333
437,046
|
|
PixelOptics, Inc.
5241 Valleypark Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
1/1/13
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,131
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,131
|
|
Plateau Systems, Ltd.
4401 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22203
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.40%
|
|
|
9/1/10
|
|
|
|
743,743
7,348
|
|
|
|
743,743
34,328
|
|
Precision Therapeutics, Inc.
2516 Jane Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
52,075
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,132
|
|
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.
2400 Bayshore Parkway,
Suite 100
Mountain View, CA 94043
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
10.50%
|
|
|
12/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,780,564
155,399
|
|
|
|
2,780,564
49,433
|
|
SnagAJob.com, Inc.
4880 Cox Road
Suite 200
Glen Allen, VA 23060
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,500,000
22,618
|
|
|
|
3,500,000
38,448
|
|
Starcite, Inc.
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.05%
|
|
|
9/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
23,579
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
27,463
|
|
Tagged, Inc.
840 Battery Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.78%
11.46%
|
|
|
5/1/12
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,121,216
750,000
16,586
|
|
|
|
2,121,216
750,000
26,776
|
|
Tengion, Inc.
2900 Potshop Lane, Suite 100
East Norriton, PA 19403
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.26%
|
|
|
9/1/11
|
|
|
|
5,772,622
15,276
|
|
|
|
5,772,622
50,413
|
|
Transave, Inc.
11 Deer Park Drive, Suite 117
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Convertible Note
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
11.75%
10.00%
|
|
|
2/29/12
7/1/12
6/30/10
|
|
|
|
2,737,903
2,000,000
101,907
11,964
|
|
|
|
2,737,903
2,000,000
101,907
44,604
|
|
Vette Corp.
14 Manchester Square, Suite 210
Portsmouth, NH 03801
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.85%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,563,684
26,638
|
|
|
|
4,563,684
68,658
|
|
ViOptix, Inc.
47224 Mission Falls Ct.
Fremont, CA 94539
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.55%
|
|
|
11/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,740,569
12,924
|
|
|
|
1,640,137
21,970
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Everyday Health, Inc.
f/k/a Waterfront Media, Inc.
45 Main Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
5/1/13
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
68,658
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
68,658
|
|
XIOtech, Inc.
6455 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
|
|
|
|
4,510,984
22,045
|
|
|
|
4,510,984
80,544
|
|
Xoft, Inc.
345 Potrero Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Revolving Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.25%
(Prime + 4.25)%
|
|
|
11/15/10
|
|
|
|
348,535
13,265
|
|
|
|
348,535
50,906
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
114,209,898
|
|
|
$
|
114,263,436
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Debt and warrant investments have
been pledged as collateral under the Credit Facility.
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
All investments are less than 5%
ownership of the class and ownership of the portfolio company.
|
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
All interest is payable in cash due
monthly in arrears, unless otherwise indicated and applies only
to our debt investments. Amount is the annual interest rate on
the debt investment and does not include any additional fees
related to the investment such as commitment fees or prepayment
fees. The majority of the debt investments are at fixed rates
for the term of the loan. For each debt investment we have
provided the current interest rate in effect as of
December 31, 2009. For variable rate debt investments we
have also provided the reference index plus the applicable
spread which resets monthly.
|
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
Portfolio company is a public
company.
|
81
SENIOR
SECURITIES
Information about our senior securities is shown in the
following table for the years ended December 31, 2009 and
2008 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The
information contained in the table for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008 has been derived from our
financial statements which have been audited by
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and the information contained
in the table in respect of March 31, 2010 has been derived
from unaudited financial data. See Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Borrowings for more detailed
information regarding the senior securities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Exclusive of
|
|
|
Market
|
|
|
|
Treasury
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Class and Year
|
|
Securities(1)
|
|
|
per
Unit(2)
|
|
|
|
(dollar amounts in millions)
|
|
|
Revolving Credit Facility with WestLB AG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 (as of March 31, 2010)
|
|
$
|
75.2
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
2009
|
|
$
|
64.2
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
63.7
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Total amount of senior securities
outstanding at the end of the period presented.
|
(2)
|
|
Not applicable because senior
securities are not registered for public trading.
|
82
MANAGEMENT
Our business and affairs will be managed under the direction of
our board of directors. Our board of directors currently
consists of three members. Prior to the completion of this
offering, and as of the date we elect to be regulated as a
business development company, we intend to elect additional
directors, and following this offering our board of directors
will consist of seven members, four of whom are not
interested persons of our Company or of our Advisor
as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and are
independent as determined by our board of directors,
consistent with the rules of the NASDAQ Global Market. We refer
to these individuals as our independent directors.
Our board of directors elects our officers, who serve at the
discretion of the board of directors.
Board of
Directors and Executive Officers
Under our certificate of incorporation, to be effective prior to
the completion of this offering, our directors will be divided
into three classes. Each class of directors will hold office for
a three-year term. However, the initial members of the three
classes will have initial terms of one, two and three years,
respectively. At each annual meeting of our stockholders, the
successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at such
meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at
the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year
following the year of their election. This classification of our
board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing
a change in control of our management. Each director will hold
office for the term to which he or she is elected and until his
or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Our certificate
of incorporation, to be effective prior to the completion of
this offering, will permit the board of directors to elect
directors to fill vacancies that are created either through an
increase in the number of directors or due to the resignation,
removal or death of any director.
Directors
Information regarding our board of directors is set forth below.
We have divided the directors into two groups
independent directors and interested directors. Interested
directors are interested persons of the company as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Expiration
|
|
Interested Directors
|
|
Age
|
|
|
Position
|
|
Since
|
|
|
of Term
|
|
|
Robert D. Pomeroy,
Jr.(1)
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
Gerald A.
Michaud(1)
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
President and Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
David P.
Swanson(2)
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Interested person of the Company
due to his position as an officer of the Company.
|
(2)
|
|
Mr. Swanson is an interested
person of the Company due to his position as Partner of Compass
Group Management LLC, which we refer to as The Compass
Group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Expiration
|
|
Independent Directors
|
|
Age
|
|
|
Position
|
|
Since
|
|
|
of Term
|
|
|
James J. Bottiglieri
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Edmund V. Mahoney
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
Brett N. Silvers
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
Christopher B. Woodward
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
The address for each of Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud
and each of the independent directors is Horizon Technology
Finance Management LLC, 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032. The address for Mr. Swanson is Compass
Group Management LLC, 61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor, Westport,
Connecticut 06880.
83
Executive
Officers Who Are Not Directors
Information regarding our executive officers who are not
directors is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
|
Positions
|
|
Christopher M. Mathieu
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
|
John C. Bombara
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance
Officer and Secretary
|
Daniel S. Devorsetz
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer
|
The address for each executive officer is Horizon Technology
Finance Management LLC, 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032.
Biographical
Information
Interested
Directors
Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of
Directors. Mr. Pomeroy co-founded our
Advisor in May 2003 and has been a managing member of our
Advisor and its Chief Executive Officer since its inception.
Mr. Pomeroy was President of GATX Ventures, Inc. (a
subsidiary of GATX Corporation engaged in the venture lending
business) from July 2000 to April 2003, with full profit and
loss responsibility including managing a staff of 39 and
chairing the investment committee with credit authority. GATX
Ventures, Inc. had total assets of over $270 million.
Before joining GATX Ventures in July 2000, Mr. Pomeroy was
Executive Vice President of Transamerica Business Credit (a
subsidiary of Transamerica Corporation engaged in the venture
lending business) and a co-founder of its Transamerica
Technology Finance division. Mr. Pomeroy was the general
manager of Transamerica Technology Finance from September 1996
to July 2000, with full profit and loss responsibility, credit
authority and responsibility for a staff of 50 and over
$480 million in assets. Prior to co-founding Transamerica
Technology Finance in September 1996, Mr. Pomeroy served
from January 1989 to August 1996 as Senior Vice President and
chaired the investment committee of Financing for Science
International, Inc., a publicly traded venture financing and
healthcare leasing company that was acquired by Finova Capital
Corporation in August 1996. Mr. Pomeroy started his career
with Crocker Bank in 1974 and has over 35 years of
diversified lending and leasing experience. Mr. Pomeroy
earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor
of Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley.
Gerald A. Michaud, President and
Director. Mr. Michaud co-founded our Advisor
in May 2003 and has been a managing member of our Advisor and
its President since its inception. From July 2000 to May 2003,
Mr. Michaud was Senior Vice President of GATX Ventures,
Inc. and its senior business development executive. From
September 1996 to July 2000, Mr. Michaud was Senior Vice
President of Transamerica Business Credit and a co-founder of
its Transamerica Technology Finance division. Mr. Michaud
was the senior business development executive for Transamerica
Technology Finance with oversight of more than $700 million
in loans funded. From May 1993 to September 1996,
Mr. Michaud served as a Vice President of Financing for
Science International, Inc. Prior to 1993, Mr. Michaud
founded and served as President of Venture Leasing and Capital.
Mr. Michaud attended Northeastern University, Rutgers
University and the University of Phoenix, completed a commercial
credit training program with Shawmut Bank and has taken
executive courses at Harvard Business School.
David P. Swanson, Director. Mr. Swanson
has been a partner in The Compass Group since December 2005 and
has been with The Compass Group and its affiliates since August
2001, serving as a Vice President from August 2001 to December
2003 and a Principal from December 2003 to December 2005. He is
a member of the board of directors of AFM Holding Corporation
and was previously a member of the board of directors of Crosman
Acquisition Corporation and WorldBusiness Capital, Inc. From
August 1996 to July 1998, Mr. Swanson was with Goldman
Sachs in the Financial Institutions and Distressed Debt
practices. Mr. Swanson is a graduate of the Harvard
Business School MBA program and also holds a B.A. in Economics
from the University of Chicago, where he was elected Phi Beta
Kappa.
Independent
Directors
James J. Bottiglieri,
Director. Mr. Bottiglieri has served as a
director of Compass Diversified Holdings, Inc.
(CODI) since December 2005, as well as its chief
financial officer since its inception in November 2005.
84
Mr. Bottiglieri has also been an executive vice president
of CODIs external manager since 2005. Previously,
Mr. Bottiglieri was the senior vice president/controller of
WebMD Corporation. Prior to that, Mr. Bottiglieri was with
Star Gas Corporation and a predecessor firm to KPMG LLP.
Mr. Bottiglieri is a graduate of Pace University.
Mr. Bottiglieri serves as a director for a majority of
CODIs subsidiary companies.
Edmund V. Mahoney, Director. Mr. Mahoney
is Vice President, Investments (Chief Investment Officer) of
Vantis Life Insurance Company and is responsible for all of its
investment and portfolio management activities. Prior to joining
Vantis Life in 2009, Mr. Mahoney was Senior Vice President,
Compliance of Hartford Investment Management Company, an
investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission with nearly $150 billion of assets
under management from 1994 through 2009. From 1986 through 1994,
Mr. Mahoney was Assistant Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer of Aetna Life and Casualty Company, responsible for
international finance, foreign exchange risk management and
leasing activities. From 1984 through 1986, Mr. Mahoney was
the Director, Cash Management Consulting for AETNA Life and
Casualty Company, and from 1979 through 1984, Mr. Mahoney
was assistant treasurer of a subsidiary of AETNA Life and
Casualty Company, Urban Investment and Development Company, a
real estate development and management company located in
Chicago, Illinois, responsible for the companys risk
management, commercial paper and construction loan programs.
Mr. Mahoney earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby
College, a Master of Business Administration (with distinction)
from Babson College and took real estate finance related post
graduate courses at The Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania.
Brett N. Silvers, Director. Mr. Silvers
has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of
WorldBusiness Capital, Inc. since he founded it in 2003. He was
previously the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First
International Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNCE) for 13 years,
during which time he led the banks expansion, successful
IPO, and sale to a Fortune 100 Company. Mr. Silvers
currently serves on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on
Small and Minority Business of the U.S. Department of
Commerce/Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He has
also served on the Board of Regents of University of Hartford,
the Board of Directors of the Private Export Funding
Corporation, the New England Advisory Council of the Federal
Reserve Bank of Boston, and the Advisory Committee of the
Export-Import Bank of the United States. Mr. Silvers
received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Yale
University and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from The
Fletcher School, Tufts University.
Christopher B. Woodward,
Director. Mr. Woodward is a private investor
and corporate finance-business advisor. He has previously held
several domestic and global management positions as a Director,
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and acting Chief Financial
Officer with Canterbury of New Zealand from 2000 through 2009,
as Vice President-Corporate Finance with Montgomery Securities
and its predecessors from 1983 through 1987 and as a senior
finance and management executive with various other large and
small public and private enterprises. Mr. Woodward began
his career with Coopers & Lybrand (a predecessor firm
to PricewaterhouseCoopers) where he was a Certified Public
Accountant engaged in providing audit, tax and financial
advisory services to various sized public and private companies
across a number of industries from 1973 through 1980. During
such time he was involved in that firms early Silicon
Valley practice as it assisted emerging, venture-backed growth
companies. Mr. Woodward earned both Bachelor of Science and
Master in Business Administration degrees from the Haas School
at the University of California, Berkeley.
Executive
Officers who are not Directors
Christopher M. Mathieu, Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Mathieu
is an original member of the team that founded our Advisor in
May 2003 and its Chief Financial Officer since inception.
Mr. Mathieu has been involved in the accounting, finance
and venture debt industries for more than 22 years. From
July 2000 to May 2003, Mr. Mathieu was Vice
President Life Sciences of GATX Ventures, Inc. and
the primary business development officer for the life science
sector. From September 1996 to July 2000, Mr. Mathieu was
Vice President Life Sciences of Transamerica
Business Credits Technology Finance division where, in
addition to co-developing and implementing the business plan
used to form the division, he was the primary business
development officer responsible for the life science sector and
was directly responsible for more than $200 million in loan
originations. From March 1993 to September 1996,
Mr. Mathieu was a Vice President, Finance at Financing for
Science International, Inc. Mr. Mathieu was most recently a
manager with the financial services group of KPMG
85
working with both public and private banks and commercial
finance companies. Mr. Mathieu graduated with honors from
Western New England College with a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration degree in accounting and is a Certified
Public Accountant, chartered in the State of Connecticut.
John C. Bombara, Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
Chief Compliance Officer and
Secretary. Mr. Bombara is an original member
of the team that founded our Advisor in May 2003 and has been
its Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance
Officer since our Advisors inception. Mr. Bombara
handles all legal functions for our Advisor, including
negotiating and documenting most of its investments.
Mr. Bombara has more than 19 years of experience
providing legal services to financial institutions and other
entities and individuals. Prior to joining our company,
Mr. Bombara served as in-house counsel for GATX Ventures,
Inc. from December 2000 to May 2003 where he directed the legal
operations of the GATX Ventures east coast office in
closing and managing its portfolio of debt and equity
investments in technology and life science companies throughout
the United States. Mr. Bombara also represented GATX
Corporations other venture lending units in Canada and
Europe. In addition, Mr. Bombara was responsible for
assisting and advising senior management, credit analysts and
marketing directors with respect to appropriate deal structures,
market trends, risk management, and compliance with corporate
policies and worked with co-participants business
personnel and counsel in facilitating and coordinating joint
investments. Prior to joining GATX, Mr. Bombara was a
partner at the business law firm of Pepe & Hazard,
LLP. Mr. Bombara received his Bachelor of Arts degree from
Colgate University and his Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law
School.
Daniel S. Devorsetz, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit
Officer. Mr. Devorsetz joined our Advisor in
October 2004 and has been its Senior Vice President and the
Chief Credit Officer since such time. He is responsible for
underwriting and portfolio management. Mr. Devorsetz has
more than 10 years of financial services and lending
experience, including spending the past nine years in the
venture lending industry. Prior to joining the team, from May
2003 to October 2004, Mr. Devorsetz was a Vice President in
General Electric Capital Corporations Life Science Finance
Group, where he was primarily responsible for the underwriting
and portfolio management of debt and equity investments to
venture capital-backed life science companies. Prior to that,
from December 2000 to May 2003, Mr. Devorsetz was a Credit
Manager at GATX Ventures, Inc. concentrating on the high tech
and software industries. He was also a member of GATXs
international credit committee. From July 1999 to December 2000,
Mr. Devorsetz was a Vice President and Director of Analysis
for Student Loans with Citigroup. Mr. Devorsetzs
previous experience includes tenures in private placement
investment banking and securitizations at Advest, Inc. and
Ironwood Capital. Mr. Devorsetz received his Bachelor of
Science degree from Cornell University.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
Prior to the completion of this offering, our board of directors
will have the following board committees:
Audit Committee. The initial members of the
audit committee will be James J. Bottiglieri, Brett N. Silvers
and Christopher B. Woodward, each of whom will be independent
for purposes of the 1940 Act and The NASDAQ Global Market
corporate governance listing standards. James J. Bottiglieri
will serve as the chairman of the audit committee and will be an
audit committee financial expert as defined under
the SEC rules. The audit committee will operate pursuant to a
written charter approved by our board of directors that sets
forth the responsibilities of the audit committee. The audit
committee will be responsible for selecting our independent
accountants, reviewing the plans, scope and results of the audit
engagement with our independent accountants, approving
professional services provided by our independent accountants,
reviewing the independence of our independent accountants and
reviewing the adequacy of our internal accounting controls.
Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee. The initial members of the nominating
and corporate governance committee will be James J. Bottiglieri,
Brett N. Silvers and Edmund V. Mahoney, each of whom will be
independent for purposes of the 1940 Act and The NASDAQ Global
Market corporate governance listing standards. Edmund V. Mahoney
will serve as the chairman of the nominating and corporate
governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance
committee will operate pursuant to a written charter approved by
our board of directors. The nominating and corporate governance
committee will be responsible for identifying, researching and
nominating directors for election by our stockholders, selecting
nominees to fill vacancies on our board of directors or a
committee of the board, developing and recommending to the board
of directors a set of corporate governance
86
principles and overseeing the evaluation of the board of
directors and our management. Our procedures for stockholder
nominees for director are described under Description of
Capital Stock Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of
Our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, Delaware Law and Other
Arrangements.
Compensation Committee. We do not have a
compensation committee because our executive officers do not
receive any direct compensation from us. Decisions regarding
executive compensation, to the extent they arise, will be made
by the independent directors on our board.
Compensation
of Directors
As compensation for serving on our board of directors, each of
our independent directors will receive an annual fee of $35,000.
Each member of the audit committee will be paid an annual fee of
$7,500 and each member of each other committee will be paid an
annual fee of $5,000. In addition, the chairman of the audit
committee receives an additional annual fee of $10,000 and each
chairman of any other committee receives an additional annual
fee of $7,500 for their additional services, if any, in this
capacities. We will reimburse all our directors for their
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending board
and committee meetings. No compensation is expected to be paid
to directors, who are interested persons of the
Company, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
Leadership
Structure of the Board of Directors and its Role in Risk
Oversight
Our Chief Executive Officer, Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., is
chairman of our board of directors and an interested
person under Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. We
will have a lead independent director. Under our bylaws, our
board will not be required to have an independent chairman. Many
significant corporate governance duties of our board of
directors will be executed by committees of independent
directors, each of which has an independent chairman. We believe
that it is in the best interests of our stockholders for
Mr. Pomeroy to lead the board because of his broad
experience. See Biographical
Information Interested Directors for a
description of Mr. Pomeroys experience. As a
co-founder of our Advisor, Mr. Pomeroy has demonstrated a
track record of achievement on strategic and operating aspects
of our business. While we expect that our board of directors
will regularly evaluate alternative structures, we believe that,
as a business development company, it is appropriate for one of
our co-founders, Chief Executive Officer and a member of our
Advisors investment committee to perform the functions of
chairman of the board, including leading discussions of
strategic issues we expect to face. We believe the current
structure of our board of directors will provide appropriate
guidance and oversight while also enabling ample opportunity for
direct communication and interaction between management and the
board of directors.
There are a number of significant risks facing us which are
described under the heading Risk Factors included in
this prospectus. We expect that our board of directors will use
its judgment to create and maintain policies and practices
designed to limit or manage the risks we face, including:
(1) the establishment of board-approved policies and
procedures designed serve our interests, (2) the
application of these policies uniformly to directors, management
and third-party service providers, (3) the establishment of
independent board committees with clearly defined risk oversight
functions and (4) review and analysis by the board of
reports by management and certain third-party service providers.
Accordingly, our board of directors has approved a Code of
Ethics to promote ethical conduct and prohibit certain
transactions that could pose significant risks to us. Our board
of directors has established a related party transaction review
policy, under which it monitors the risks related to certain
transactions that present a conflict of interest on a quarterly
basis. Our board of directors has also established and approved
an investment valuation process to manage risks relating to the
valuations of our investments and to ensure that our financial
statements appropriately reflect the performance of our
portfolio of assets. Additionally, through the delegated
authority of our board of directors, the audit committee has
primary oversight over risks relating to our internal controls
over financial reporting and audit-related risks, while the
nominating and corporate governance committee has primary
oversight over risks relating to corporate governance and
oversees the evaluation of our board of directors and our
management. Under this oversight structure, our management team
manages the risks facing us in our day-to-day operations. We
caution you, however, that although our board of directors
believes it has established an effective system of oversight, no
risk management system can eliminate risks or ensure that
particular events do not adversely affect our business.
87
Directors
Qualifications and Review of Director Nominees
Our nominating and corporate governance committee of our board
of directors will make recommendations to our board of directors
regarding the size and composition of our board of directors.
The nominating and corporate governance committee will annually
review with our board of directors the composition of our board
of directors, as a whole, and recommend, if necessary, measures
to be taken so that our board of directors reflects the
appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise
and diversity required for our board of directors, as a whole,
and contains at least the minimum number of independent
directors required by applicable laws and regulations. The
nominating and corporate governance committee will be
responsible for ensuring that the composition of the members of
our board of directors accurately reflects the needs of our
business and, in furtherance of this goal, proposing the
addition of members and the necessary resignation of members for
purposes of obtaining the appropriate members and skills. Our
directors should possess such attributes and experience as are
necessary to provide a broad range of personal characteristics
including diversity, management skills, financial skills and
technological and business experience. Our directors should also
be able to commit the requisite time for preparation and
attendance at regularly scheduled board of directors and
committee meetings, as well as be able to participate in other
matters necessary to ensure good corporate governance is
practiced.
In evaluating a director candidate, the nominating and corporate
governance committee will consider factors that are in our best
interests and our stockholders best interests, including
the knowledge, experience, integrity and judgment of each
candidate; the potential contribution of each candidate to the
diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies which our
board of directors desires to have represented; each
candidates ability to devote sufficient time and effort to
his or her duties as a director; independence and willingness to
consider all strategic proposals; any other criteria established
by our board of directors and any core competencies or technical
expertise necessary to staff our board of directors
committees. In addition, the nominating and corporate governance
committee will assess whether a candidate possesses the
integrity, judgment, knowledge, experience, skills and expertise
that are likely to enhance our board of directors ability
to manage and direct our affairs and business, including, when
applicable, to enhance the ability of committees of our board of
directors to fulfill their duties.
In connection with director nominations, the nominating and
corporate governance committee may also consider the
nominees roles in (i) overseeing our efforts in
complying with its SEC disclosure requirements,
(ii) assisting in improving our internal controls and
disclosure controls, (iii) assisting with our strategic
plan, (iv) overseeing efforts to ensure our financial
products meet all applicable laws and regulations,
(v) overseeing the development of new products to meet the
needs of a changing business environment, and
(vi) implementing our strategic plan. In addition, the
nominating and corporate governance committee may consider
self-and peer-evaluations provided by each current director, to
determine, among other things, that the directors work well
together and operate together effectively.
In addition to fulfilling the above criteria, four of the seven
directors named above are considered independent under NASDAQ
rules (Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Swanson
being the exception as Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud are
employees of the Company and Mr. Swanson is a partner of an
affiliate of the selling shareholder in this offering and such
affiliate will remain a significant shareholder after the
completion of the Exchange Transaction), and the nominating and
corporate governance committee believes that all seven nominees
are independent of the influence of any particular stockholder
or group of stockholders whose interests may diverge from the
interests of our stockholders as a whole.
Each director brings a strong and unique background and set of
skills to our board of directors, giving our board of directors,
as a whole, competence and experience in a wide variety of
areas, including corporate governance and board service,
executive management, finance, private equity, workout and
turnaround situations, manufacturing and marketing. Set forth
below are our conclusions with regard to our directors.
Mr. Pomeroy has more than 35 years of experience in
diversified lending and leasing, including positions in sales,
marketing, and senior management. He has held the positions as
chief executive officer or general manager of each organization
which he has led since 1996. His responsibilities have included:
accountability for the overall profit and loss of the
organization, credit authority and credit committee oversight,
strategic planning, human resource oversight including hiring,
termination and compensation, reporting compliance for his
business unit, investor relations, fund raising and all aspect
of corporate governance. Mr. Pomeroy founded and has
operated our
88
Advisor, a Technology Lending management company. Prior to
founding our Advisor, Mr. Pomeroy was the Senior Vice
President of Financing for Science International, Inc.,
Executive Vice President of Transamerica Business Credit and the
General Manager of its Technology Finance Division and President
of GATX Ventures, Inc.. This experience has provided him with
the extensive judgment, experience, skills and knowledge to make
a significant contribution as our Chairman of our board of
directors and supporting its ability to govern our affairs
and business.
Mr. Michaud has been President of our Advisor since its
formation. He has extensive knowledge and expertise in venture
lending and has developed, implemented and executed on marketing
strategies and products targeted at the venture backed
technology and life science markets for a period of over
20 years. In addition he has extensive knowledge in the
formation of compensation plans for key employees involved in
the marketing of venture loans. He is a member of our
Advisors Credit Committee responsible for approving all
investments made by the company and oversight of our portfolio.
He has held senior management positions with several Technology
Lending organizations within public companies, including
Transamerica Business Credit and GATX Ventures, Inc. As senior
vice president and senior business development officer at
Transamerica, he was responsible for more than $700 million
in loan transactions. This experience, particularly with respect
to marketing and business development, has provided
Mr. Michaud with the judgment, knowledge, experience,
skills and expertise that are likely to enhance our board of
directors ability to manage and direct our affairs.
Mr. Swanson is a partner in The Compass Group and currently
serves on the board of directors of a privately held company.
With additional experience and knowledge gained from other board
positions on various committees on private portfolio companies,
he has a broad base of experience and skills to bring to our
board. Mr. Swanson has gained extensive experience as a
partner with The Compass Group in evaluating and structuring
transactions, completing due diligence, executing and closing on
acquisitions and financings of operating companies as well as
taking privately held companies public. Prior to The Compass
Group, he gained experience in investment banking, including
capital raising and business strategy and execution.
Mr. Swanson will provide our board of directors with
expertise in business and corporate governance matters and will
assist the board in its ability to manage and direct our affairs.
Mr. Bottiglieri brings to our board of directors
substantial experience in identifying, managing and resolving
accounting, tax and other financial issues often encountered by
public companies through his positions as the chief financial
officer and a director of CODI, as well as a director for
several of CODIs subsidiary companies, and as the senior
vice president/controller of WebMD. In addition, as the chief
financial officer and director of a public company, CODI,
Mr. Bottiglieri has developed an extensive understanding of
the various periodic reporting requirements and corporate
governance compliance matters that will assist the board in
managing and directing our affairs. This experience,
particularly with respect to the areas of accounting and
corporate governance, will provide our board of directors with
expertise that will assist the board in its ability to manage
and direct our affairs.
Mr. Mahoney brings to our board of directors pertinent
experience in portfolio management, as well as in-depth
knowledge of investment advisor compliance, funds management,
and performance measurement and pricing of investments. In
addition, through his past experiences he has unique knowledge
of international finance, as well as risk management strategies
for foreign exchange and property and casualty operations. This
vast experience, particularly in the areas of business, risk
management and compliance matters that affect investment
companies, will enhance our boards ability to manage and
direct our affairs.
Mr. Silvers is a former chief executive officer and
director of a public company and FDIC-insured bank. He brings to
our board of directors extensive knowledge of domestic lending
to small and midsize businesses. From his experience as the
current chief executive officer of a commercial finance company,
Mr. Silvers will provide the Board with specialized
expertise in U.S. government guaranteed lending. His
government and regulatory experience, garnered through his roles
as a member of important advisory committees, councils and
boards of directors relevant to our business, complements the
boards oversight of our company and will enhance its
ability to manage and direct our affairs.
Mr. Woodward brings to our board of directors a deep
understanding of corporate finance, including experience with
private placements, public offerings, venture capital investing,
international management and financial advising, and
restructuring. Additionally, as a practicing CPA with a leading
firm, Mr. Woodward gained extensive accounting and audit
experience. Mr. Woodward has the financial and accounting
expertise necessary to enhance the Boards oversight of our
company and its ability to manage and direct our affairs.
89
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Our Advisor may in the future manage investment funds with
investment objectives similar to ours. Accordingly, we may not
be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments
made by such investment funds. However, our Advisor in these
situations intends to allocate investment opportunities in a
fair and equitable manner consistent with our investment
objectives and strategies so that we are not disadvantaged in
relation to any other investment fund.
HTFM, our Advisor and Administrator, is privately owned by
Horizon Technology Finance, LLC, which we refer to as
HTF, and Horizon Anchor Holdings, LLC, which we
refer to as HAH. HTF owns 60% of the outstanding
equity interests of our Advisor and HAH owns 40%. HTF was formed
in 2003 and is owned equally by Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., CEO
of our Advisor, and Gerald A. Michaud, President of our Advisor.
HTF is the predecessor to our Advisor. In addition to
originating and managing loans for Compass Horizon, our Advisor
has originated and managed loans for three other funds, Horizon
Technology Funding Company II LLC, Horizon Technology
Funding Company III LLC and Horizon Technology Funding
Company V LLC, originating loans in an aggregate original
principal amount of $258 million, $177 million and
$65 million, respectively, and achieving fund returns since
inception after fees and expenses and before taxes as of
March 31, 2010 of 12.3%, 11.4%, and 12.3%, respectively. In
March 2008, in connection with the formation and capitalization
of Compass Horizon, HTF and HAH formed our Advisor. HTFs
contracts, service agreements, employees and other assets were
transferred to our Advisor to continue to externally manage all
prior fund investments and to externally manage the new Compass
Horizon organization.
David P. Swanson, a partner in The Compass Group, and one of the
interested directors on our board of directors, is an owner in
HAH. The remaining ownership of HAH is held by individuals who
are affiliated with and employees of The Compass Group.
In connection with the formation of Compass Horizon, HAH became
a minority equity owner of our Advisor. As owners, the
principals of HAH, who are primarily employees of The Compass
Group, play a beneficial supporting role to our Advisor. We
expect to continue to benefit from our Advisors
relationship with The Compass Group. Since its establishment,
The Compass Group, together with its affiliates, has deployed
approximately $1 billion in debt and equity investments,
completing acquisitions of more than 20 businesses and numerous
add-on transactions. In addition to its other activities, The
Compass Group currently manages Compass Diversified Holdings
(NASDAQ: CODI), which was formed to acquire and manage a
diversified group of small and middle-market businesses
headquartered in North America.
Prior to the completion of the offering, Compass Horizon intends
to make the Pre-IPO Distribution to CHP and after the pre-IPO
Distribution and immediately prior to the completion of this
offering, the Compass Owners will effect the Share Exchange.
Concurrent with this offering, CHP will offer a portion of the
shares of our common stock that it receives in the Share
Exchange. See The Exchange Transaction for a more
detailed description of the Pre-IPO Distribution, the Share
Exchange and CHPs concurrent offering of shares of our
common stock.
90
OUR
ADVISOR
HTFM will serve as our investment advisor pursuant to an
Investment Advisory and Management Agreement. Our Advisor is
registered as an investment adviser under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940. Subject to the overall supervision of our
board of directors, our Advisor will manage the day-to-day
operations of, and provide investment advisory and management
services to us.
Portfolio
Management
The management of our investment portfolio will be the
responsibility of our Advisors executive officers and its
investment committee. The Investment Committee currently
consists of Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., CEO of our Advisor,
Gerald A. Michaud, President of our Advisor, Daniel S.
Devorsetz, SVP and Chief Credit Officer of our Advisor, and
Kevin T. Walsh, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer of our
Advisor. For more information regarding the business experiences
of Messrs. Pomeroy, Michaud and Devorsetz, see
Management Biographical
Information Interested Directors and
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors.
Below is the biography for the portfolio manager whose biography
has not been included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Kevin T. Walsh, Vice President, Senior Credit Officer of Our
Advisor. Mr. Walsh has been the Senior
Credit Officer of our Advisor since joining our Advisor in March
2006. Mr. Walsh is responsible for the underwriting of
initial investments and the ongoing review of the portfolio
accounts. Mr. Walsh has over 15 years of experience
working with early stage, venture backed technology and life
science companies. Prior to joining our Advisor in March 2006,
Mr. Walsh was a Senior Vice President and Market Manager
for Bridge Banks Technology Banking and Capital Finance
Divisions from September 2004 to March 2006 where he was
responsible for new business generation as well as risk
management activities within the Banks asset-based lending
sector. Prior to Bridge Bank, Mr. Walsh was a Vice
President and Relationship Manager for Silicon Valley Bank in
the Communication & Electronics Practice from
September 1994 to June 2004. Mr. Walsh is a graduate of the
California State University at Hayward, where he earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
The compensation of the members of the senior management
committee of our Advisor are paid by our Advisor and includes an
annual base salary, in certain cases an annual bonus based on an
assessment of short-term and long-term performance and a portion
of the incentive fee, if any, paid to our Advisor. In addition,
Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud have equity interests in
our Advisor and may receive distributions of profits in respect
of those interests.
Historical
Performance of Our Advisor
In addition to originating and managing loan and warrant
investments on behalf of Compass Horizon, our Advisor has
originated and managed similar investments on behalf of other
externally managed private funds for affiliates of two New
York-based alternative asset managers. In particular, in March
2004, HTF and an affiliate of one such manager formed and
invested in Horizon Technology Funding Company II LLC,
which we refer to as HTF II, and HTF and affiliates
of the other manager formed and invested in Horizon Technology
Funding Company III LLC, which we refer to as HTF
III. HTF II and HTF III co-invested in investments
originated by our Advisor in March 2004 until December 2006,
after which HTF II was the sole investor until July 2007. In
July 2007, Horizon Technology Funding Company V LLC, which we
refer to as HTF V, was formed by the investor
in HTF II and was managed by our Advisor. As of the date of this
prospectus, only the Compass Horizon fund is actively making new
investments.
Including HTF II, HTF III, HTF V and Compass Horizon, our
Advisor has made more than 110 loans totaling approximately
$650 million in the aggregate since it commenced operations
in 2004 while only incurring losses on eight transactions
totaling approximately $11 million in the aggregate or a
cumulative loss of approximately 1.6% on the original amount
loaned. Compass Horizon has not realized any losses
(charge-offs) in its loan portfolio on any individual
investments since its inception in 2008.
The following table is a condensed summary of our Advisors
historical performance since its inception for all of the funds
it has managed other than Compass Horizon. HTF II, HTF III and
HTF V were capital call funds that did
91
not use leverage and each fund is closed to new investments.
Each of these funds had an investment mandate similar to ours as
there are no material differences in the objectives, policies
and investment strategies between each of these funds and ours.
This information is not a guarantee of future performance and is
subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors some of which
are beyond our Advisors control, including market
conditions.
Average
Annual Total Returns
Fund Return (after deduction of all fees and
expenses(1))
Before Taxes
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Annualized
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Since
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Inception
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Number of
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Capital
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1-Year
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5-Year
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Inception
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Fund
Name(2)
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Date
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investments(3)
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Invested
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(3/31/09 - 3/31/10)
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(3/31/05 - 3/31/10)
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(through 3/31/10)
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HTF II
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4/21/2004
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75
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$
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258 million
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15.3
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%
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13.4
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%
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12.3
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%
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HTF III
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4/21/2004
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60
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$
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177 million
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13.5
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%
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12.8
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%
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11.4
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%
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HTF V
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7/12/2007
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20
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$
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65 million
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13.6
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%
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NA
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12.3
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%
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Footnotes:
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(1)
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The fees and expenses for these
funds differ from the fees and expenses to be paid by us to our
Advisor. See Fees and Expenses.
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(2)
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Horizon Technology Funding Company
I and Horizon Technology Funding Company IV were names
reserved for investment funds that were never funded and no
investments were made by these entities.
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(3)
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HTF II and HTF III co-invested in
transactions during the period March 2004 to December 2006. HTF
V and Compass Horizon co-invested in transactions from March
2008 to December 31, 2008.
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92
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC serves as our
investment advisor and is registered as such under the Advisers
Act. Our Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and also
provides all administrative services necessary for us to operate.
Investment
Management Agreement
Under the terms of our Investment Management Agreement, which we
refer to as the investment management agreement, our Advisor
will:
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determine the composition of our portfolio, the nature and
timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of
implementing such changes;
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identify, evaluate and negotiate the structure of the
investments we make (including performing due diligence on our
prospective portfolio companies); and
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close, monitor and administer the investments we make, including
the exercise of any voting or consent rights.
|
Our Advisors services under the investment management
agreement are not exclusive, and it is free to furnish similar
services to other entities so long as its services to us are not
impaired.
Management
Fee
Pursuant to our investment management agreement, we will pay our
Advisor a fee for investment advisory and management services
consisting of a base management fee and an incentive fee.
Base Management Fee. The base management fee
will be calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross
assets, payable monthly in arrears. For purposes of calculating
the base management fee, the term gross assets
includes any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage.
Incentive Fee. The incentive fee will have two
parts, as follows:
The first part will be calculated and payable quarterly in
arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for
the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose,
pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income,
dividend income and any other income (including any other fees
(other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as
commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting
fees and fees for providing significant managerial assistance or
other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued
during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for
the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable
under the administration agreement (as defined below), and any
interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and
outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee).
Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of
investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original
issue discount, debt instruments with
payment-in-kind
interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we
have not yet received in cash. The incentive fee with respect to
our pre-incentive fee net income will be 20.00% of the amount,
if any, by which our pre-incentive fee net investment income for
the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds a 1.75%
(which is 7.00% annualized) hurdle rate and a
catch-up
provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under
this provision, in any calendar quarter, our Advisor receives no
incentive fee until our net investment income equals the hurdle
rate of 1.75%, but then receives, as a
catch-up,
100.00% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with
respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment
income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than
2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre-incentive
fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar
quarter, our Advisor will receive 20.00% of our pre-incentive
fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply
Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any
realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized
capital appreciation or depreciation. Because of the structure
of the incentive fee, it is possible that we may pay an
incentive fee in a quarter where we incur a loss. For example,
if we receive pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess
of the quarterly minimum hurdle rate, we will pay the applicable
incentive fee even if
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we have incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized and
unrealized capital losses. Our net investment income used to
calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the
amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 2.00% base
management fee. These calculations will be appropriately pro
rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for
any share issuances or repurchases during the current quarter.
The following is a graphical representation of the calculation
of the income-related portion of the incentive fee:
Quarterly
Incentive Fee Based on Net Investment Income
Pre-incentive fee net investment income
(expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets)
Percentage
of pre-incentive fee net investment income allocated to first
part of incentive fee
The second part of the incentive fee will be determined and
payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon
termination of the investment management agreement, as of the
terminate date), commencing on December 31, 2010, and will
equal 20% of our realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative
basis from the date of our election to be a business development
company through the end of each calendar year, computed net of
all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation
on a cumulative basis, less all previous amounts paid in respect
of the capital gain incentive fee provided that the incentive
fee determined as of December 31, 2010 will be calculated
for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into
account any realized capital gains computed net of all realized
capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation for the
period beginning on the date of our election to be a business
development company and ending December 31, 2010.
Examples
of Incentive Fee Calculation
Example
1: Income Related Portion of Incentive Fee for Each Fiscal
Quarter
Alternative
1
Assumptions:
Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) =
1.25%
Hurdle
rate(1) =
1.75%
Management
fee(2) =
0.50%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)(3)
= 0.20%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income − (management fee + other expenses) =
0.55%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed hurdle
rate; therefore, there is no income-related incentive fee.
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Alternative
2
Assumptions:
Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) =
2.80%
Hurdle
rate(1) =
1.75%
Management
fee(2) =
0.50%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)(3)
= 0.20%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income − (management fee + other expenses) =
2.10%
Incentive fee = 100.00% × Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment
Income (subject to
catch-up)(4)
= 100.00% × (2.10% − 1.75%)
= 0.35%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate,
but does not fully satisfy the
catch-up
provision; therefore, the income related portion of the
incentive fee is 0.35%.
Alternative
3
Assumptions:
Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) =
3.00%
Hurdle
rate(1) =
1.75%
Management
fee(2) =
0.50%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)(3)
= 0.20%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income − (management fee + other expenses) =
2.30%
Incentive fee = 100.00% × Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment
Income (subject to
catch-up)(4)
Incentive fee = 100.00% ×
catch-up
+ (20.00% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
− 2.1875%))
Catch up = 2.1875% − 1.75%
= 0.4375%
Incentive fee = (100.00% × 0.4375%) + (20.00% × (2.30%
− 2.1875%))
= 0.4375% + (20.00% × 0.1125%)
= 0.4375% + 0.0225%
= 0.46%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate,
and fully satisfies the
catch-up
provision; therefore, the income related portion of the
incentive fee is 0.46%.
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(1)
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Represents 7.00% annualized hurdle
rate.
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(2)
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Represents 2.00% annualized base
management fee.
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(3)
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Excludes organizational and
offering expenses.
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(4)
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The
catch-up
provision is intended to provide our Advisor with an incentive
fee of 20.00% on all Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income as
if a hurdle rate did not apply when our net investment income
exceeds 2.1875% in any fiscal quarter.
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Example
2: Capital Gains Portion of Incentive Fee
Alternative
1
Assumptions:
Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A
(Investment A), and $30 million investment made
in Company B (Investment B)
Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million and fair market
value (FMV) of Investment B determined to be
$32 million
Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $25 million
Year 4: Investment B sold for $31 million
The capital gains portion of the incentive fee, if any, would be:
Year 1: None (No sales transaction)
Year 2: Capital gains incentive fee of $6 million
($30 million realized capital gains on sale of
Investment A multiplied by 20%)
Year 3: None; $5 million (20% multiplied by
($30 million cumulative capital gains less $5 million
cumulative capital depreciation)) less $6 million (previous
capital gains fee paid in Year 2)
Year 4: Capital gains incentive fee of $200,000;
$6.2 million ($31 million cumulative realized capital
gains multiplied by 20%) less $6 million (capital gains
incentive fee taken in Year 2)
Alternative
2
Assumptions:
Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A
(Investment A), $30 million investment made in
Company B (Investment B) and $25 million
investment made in Company C (Investment C)
Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million, FMV of
Investment B determined to be $25 million and FMV of
Investment C determined to be $25 million
Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $27 million
and Investment C sold for $30 million
Year 4: FMV of Investment B determined to be $35 million
Year 5: Investment B sold for $20 million
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The capital gains incentive fee, if any, would be:
Year 1: None (no sales transaction)
Year 2: $5 million capital gains incentive fee (20%
multiplied by $25 million ($30 million realized
capital gains on Investment A less unrealized capital
depreciation on Investment B))
Year 3: $1.4 million capital gains incentive
fee(1)
($6.4 million (20% multiplied by $32 million
($35 million cumulative realized capital gains less
$3 million unrealized capital depreciation)) less
$5 million capital gains incentive fee received in Year 2
Year 4: None (no sales transaction)
Year 5: None ($5 million (20% multiplied by
$25 million (cumulative realized capital gains of
$35 million less realized capital losses of
$10 million)) less $6.4 million cumulative capital
gains incentive fee paid in Year 2 and Year
3(2)
The hypothetical amounts of returns shown are based on a
percentage of our total net assets and assume no leverage. There
is no guarantee that positive returns will be realized and
actual returns may vary from those shown in this example.
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(1)
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As illustrated in Year 3 of
Alternative 1 above, if we were to be wound up on a date other
than its fiscal year end of any year, we may have paid aggregate
capital gains incentive fees that are more than the amount of
such fees that would be payable if we had been wound up on its
fiscal year end of such year.
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(2)
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As noted above, it is possible that
the cumulative aggregate capital gains fee received by the
Investment Manager ($6.4 million) is effectively greater
than $5 million (20.00% of cumulative aggregate realized
capital gains less net realized capital losses or net unrealized
depreciation ($25 million)).
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Payment
of our expenses
All investment professionals and staff of our Advisor, when and
to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and
management services, and the compensation and routine overhead
expenses of its personnel allocable to such services, will be
provided and paid for by our Advisor. We will bear all other
costs and expenses of our operations and transactions,
including, without limitation, those relating to:
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our organization;
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calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses
of any independent valuation firms);
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expenses, including travel expense, incurred by our Advisor or
payable to third parties performing due diligence on prospective
portfolio companies, monitoring our investments and, if
necessary, enforcing our rights;
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interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our
investments;
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the costs of this and all future offerings of our common stock
and other securities, if any;
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the base management fee and any incentive management fee;
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distributions on our shares;
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administration fees payable under our administration agreement;
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the allocated costs incurred by Advisor as our Administrator in
providing managerial assistance to those portfolio companies
that request it;
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amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated
with, making investments;
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transfer agent and custodial fees;
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registration fees;
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listing fees;
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fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;
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taxes;
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independent director fees and expenses;
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brokerage commissions;
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costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents with
the SEC;
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the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to
our stockholders, including printing costs;
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our allocable portion of the fidelity bond;
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directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance,
and any other insurance premiums;
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indemnification payments;
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direct costs and expenses of administration, including audit and
legal costs; and
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all other expenses incurred by us or the Administrator in
connection with administering our business, such as the
allocable portion of overhead under our administration
agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with
performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of
the costs of compensation and related expenses of our chief
compliance officer and our chief financial officer and their
respective staffs.
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We will reimburse our Advisor for costs and expenses incurred by
our Advisor for office space rental, office equipment and
utilities allocable to the performance by our Advisor of its
duties under the investment management agreement, as well as any
costs and expenses incurred by our Advisor relating to any
non-investment advisory, administrative or operating services
provided by our Advisor to us or in the form of managerial
assistance to portfolio companies that request it.
From time to time, our Advisor may pay amounts owed by us to
third party providers of goods or services. We will subsequently
reimburse our Advisor for such amounts paid on our behalf.
Generally, our expenses will be expensed as incurred in
accordance with GAAP. To the extent we incur costs that should
be capitalized and amortized into expense we will also do so in
accordance with GAAP, which may include amortizing such amount
on a straight line basis over the life of the asset or the life
of the services or product being performed or provided.
Limitation
of liability and indemnification
The investment management agreement provides that our Advisor
and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees,
controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated
with our Advisor will not be liable to us for any act or
omission by it in the supervision or management of our
investment activities or for any loss sustained by us except for
acts or omissions constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under
the investment management agreement. The investment management
agreement also provides for indemnification by us of our Advisor
and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees,
controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated
with our Advisor for liabilities incurred by them in connection
with their services to us (including any liabilities associated
with an action or suit by or in the right of us or our
stockholders), but excluding liabilities for acts or omissions
constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence
or reckless disregard of their duties under the investment
management agreement to certain conditions.
Board
approval of the investment management agreement
Our board of directors held an in-person meeting
on ,
2010, in order to consider and approve our investment management
agreement. In its consideration of the investment management
agreement, the board of directors focused on information it had
received relating to, among other things: (a) the nature,
quality and extent of the advisory and other services to be
provided to us by our Advisor; (b) comparative data with
respect to advisory fees or similar expenses paid by other
business development companies with similar investment
objectives; (c) our
98
projected operating expenses and expense ratio compared to
business development companies with similar investment
objectives; (d) any existing and potential sources of
indirect income to our Advisor or the Administrator from their
relationships with us and the profitability of those
relationships; (e) information about the services to be
performed and the personnel performing such services under the
investment management agreement; (f) the organizational
capability and financial condition of our Advisor and its
affiliates; (g) our Advisors practices regarding the
selection and compensation of brokers that may execute our
portfolio transactions and the brokers provision of
brokerage and research services to our Advisor; and (h) the
possibility of obtaining similar services from other third party
service providers or through an internally managed structure.
Based on the information reviewed and the discussions, the board
of directors, including a majority of the non-interested
directors, concluded that the investment management fee rates
are reasonable in relation to the services to be provided.
Duration
and termination
The investment management agreement was approved by our board of
directors
on ,
2010. Unless terminated earlier as described below, it will
continue in effect for a period of 2 years from its
effective date. It will remain in effect from year to year
thereafter if approved annually by our board of directors or by
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our
outstanding voting securities, including, in either case,
approval by a majority of our directors who are not interested
persons. The investment management agreement will automatically
terminate in the event of its assignment. The investment
management agreement may be terminated by either party without
penalty by delivering upon not more than 60 days
written notice to the other. See Risk Factors
Risks Related to our Business and Structure Our
Advisor can resign on 60 days notice, and we may not
be able to find a suitable replacement within that time,
resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely
affect our business, results or operations or financial
condition. We are dependent upon senior management
personnel of our Advisor for our future success, and if our
Advisor is unable to hire and retain qualified personnel or if
our Advisor loses any member of its senior management team, our
ability to achieve our investment objective could be
significantly harmed.
Administration
Agreement
We have entered into an administration agreement with HTFM, our
Administrator, to provide administrative services to us. For
providing these services, facilities and personnel, we will
reimburse our Administrator for our allocable portion of
overhead and other expenses incurred by our Administrator in
performing its obligations under the administration agreement,
including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing
compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the costs of
compensation and related expenses of our chief compliance
officer and our chief financial officer and their respective
staffs.
From time to time, our Administrator may pay amounts owed by us
to third-party providers of goods or services. We will
subsequently reimburse our Administrator for such amounts paid
on our behalf.
License
Agreement
We have entered into a license agreement with our Advisor
pursuant to which our Advisor has agreed to grant us a
non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the service
mark Horizon Technology Finance. Under this
agreement, we have a right to use the Horizon Technology
Finance service mark for so long as the investment
management agreement with our Advisor is in effect. Other than
with respect to this limited license, we will have no legal
right to the Horizon Technology Finance service mark.
99
CONTROL
PERSONS, PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND THE SELLING
STOCKHOLDER
Following the Share Exchange and immediately prior to the
completion of this offering, we will have shares of common stock
outstanding, all of which will be owned beneficially and of
record by the stockholders listed in the table below. The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to
the beneficial and record ownership of our common stock
immediately prior to the completion of this offering (after
giving effect to the share exchange) and as adjusted to reflect
the sale of shares of common stock offered by this prospectus by:
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each person known to us to own beneficially and of record more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock;
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each of our directors and each of our executive officers;
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all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and
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the selling stockholder.
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Shares Owned
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Shares Owned
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Beneficially
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Beneficially
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and of Record
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and of Record
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Immediately Prior
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Number
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Immediately After
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to This Offering
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of Shares
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This Offering
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Name of Beneficial
Owner
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Number
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Percent
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Being Offered
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Number
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Percent(1)
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Principal Stockholders
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Compass Horizon Partners,
LP(2)
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96.1
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%
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%
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HTF-CHF Holdings
LLC(3)
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3.9
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%
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%
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Directors and Executive Officers
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Robert D. Pomeroy,
Jr.(3)
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Gerald A.
Michaud(3)
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David P. Swanson
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James J. Bottiglieri
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Edmund V. Mahoney
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Brett N. Silvers
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Christopher B. Woodward
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Christopher M.
Mathieu(3)
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John C.
Bombara(3)
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Daniel S.
Devorsetz(3)
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All officers and directors as a group (10 persons)
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(1)
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Assumes the sale
of shares
of our common stock by the selling stockholder and the issuance
of shares
of our common stock in this offering.
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(2)
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Concorde Horizon Holdings LP. is
the limited partner of Compass Horizon Partners, LP and Navco
Management Ltd. is the general partner. Concorde Horizon
Holdings LP. and Navco Management Ltd. are controlled by
Kattegat Trust, a Bermudian charitable trust, the trustee of
which is Kattegat Private Trustees (Bermuda) Limited, a
Bermudian trust company with its principal offices at 2 Reid
Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.
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(3)
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Messrs. Pomeroy, Michaud,
Mathieu, Bombara and Devorsetz each own 33%, 33%, 15.5%, 9.3%
and 6.2% of HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, respectively. The address for
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC is 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032.
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100
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our
securities owned by our directors and employees primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of our investment
portfolio.
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Aggregate Dollar Range of
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Equity Securities in all
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Registered Investment
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Companies Overseen by
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Dollar Range of Equity
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Director in Family of
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Name
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Securities in the
Company(1)
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Investment Companies
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Independent Directors
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Interested Directors
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Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr.
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Gerald A. Michaud
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David P. Swanson
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James J. Bottiglieri
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Edmund V. Mahoney
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Brett N. Silvers
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Christopher B. Woodward
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Portfolio Management Employees
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Christopher M. Mathieu
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John C. Bombara
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Daniel S. Devorsetz
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(1)
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The dollar range of equity
securities beneficially owned in us is based on the assumed
initial offering price of our common stock of
$ per share (the mid-point of the
range set forth on the cover of this prospectus).
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101
DETERMINATION
OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of our outstanding shares of
common stock will be determined quarterly by dividing the value
of total assets minus liabilities by the total number of shares
of common stock outstanding at the date as of which the
determination is made. We will conduct the valuation of our
assets, pursuant to which our net asset value will be
determined, at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act.
In calculating the fair value of our total assets, investments
for which market quotations are readily available will be valued
at such market quotations, which will generally be obtained from
an independent pricing service or one or more broker-dealers or
market makers. However, debt investments with remaining
maturities within 60 days that are not credit impaired will
be valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized
premium, which approximates fair value.
We value our investments at fair value which shall be the market
value of our investments. We expect that there will not be a
readily available market value for many of our portfolio
investments, and we will value those debt and equity securities
that are not publicly traded or whose market value is not
ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by the
board of directors in accordance with our valuation policy. Our
board of directors will employ an independent third party
valuation firms to assist in determining fair value.
The types of factors that the board of directors may take into
account in determining fair value include: comparisons of
financial ratios of the portfolio companies that issued such
private equity securities to peer companies that are public, the
nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio
companys ability to make payments and its earnings and
discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company
does business, and other relevant factors. When an external
event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or
subsequent equity sale occurs, the company will consider the
pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the
private equity valuation.
With respect to investments for which market quotations are not
readily available or for which no indicative prices from pricing
services or brokers or dealers have been received, our board of
directors will undertake a multi-step valuation process each
quarter, as described below:
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the quarterly valuation process will begin with each portfolio
company or investment being initially valued by our
Advisors investment professionals responsible for
monitoring the investment;
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preliminary valuation conclusions will then be documented and
discussed with our Advisors senior management;
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a third-party valuation firm will be engaged by, or on behalf
of, our board of directors to conduct independent appraisals of
all investments at least once annually after reviewing our
Advisors preliminary valuations; and
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our board of directors will then discuss the valuations and
determine in good faith the fair value of each investment in the
portfolio based on the analysis and recommendations of our
Advisor and, when determined by our board of directors, an
independent valuation firm.
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Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of
investments that do not have a readily observable fair value,
and the subjective judgments and estimates involved in those
determinations, the fair value determinations by our board of
directors, even though determined in good faith, may differ
significantly from the values that would have been used had a
readily available market value existed for such investments, and
the differences could be material.
Determinations
in connection with offerings
In connection with certain offerings of shares of our common
stock, our board of directors or one of its committees will be
required to make the determination that we are not selling
shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net
asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is
made. Our board of
102
directors or an applicable committee of our board of directors
will consider the following factors, among others, in making
such determination:
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the net asset value of our common stock most recently disclosed
by us in the most recent periodic report that we filed with the
SEC;
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our managements assessment of whether any material change
in the net asset value of our common stock has occurred
(including through the realization of gains on the sale of our
portfolio securities) during the period beginning on the date of
the most recently disclosed net asset value of our common stock
and ending two days prior to the date of the sale of our common
stock; and
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the magnitude of the difference between (i) the net asset
value of our common stock most recently disclosed by us and our
managements assessment of any material change in the net
asset value of our common stock since that determination, and
(ii) the offering price of the shares of our common stock
in the proposed offering.
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This determination will not require that we calculate the net
asset value of our common stock in connection with each offering
of shares of our common stock, but instead it will involve the
determination by our board of directors or a committee thereof
that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price
below the then current net asset value of our common stock at
the time at which the sale is made or otherwise in violation of
the 1940 Act.
Moreover, to the extent that there is even a remote possibility
that we may (i) issue shares of our common stock at a price
below the then current net asset value of our common stock at
the time at which the sale is made or (ii) trigger the
undertaking (which we provide in certain registration statements
we file with the SEC) to suspend the offering of shares of our
common stock pursuant to this prospectus if the net asset value
of our common stock fluctuates by certain amounts in certain
circumstances until the prospectus is amended, our board of
directors will elect, in the case of clause (i) above,
either to postpone the offering until such time that there is no
longer the possibility of the occurrence of such event or to
undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock
within two days prior to any such sale to ensure that such sale
will not be below our then current net asset value, and, in the
case of clause (ii) above, to comply with such undertaking
or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common
stock to ensure that such undertaking has not been triggered.
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DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT PLAN
We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for
reinvestment of our cash distributions and other distributions
on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to
receive cash as provided below. As a result, if our board of
directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash distribution, then
our stockholders who have not opted out of our
dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distribution
automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common
stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution.
No action is required on the part of a registered stockholder to
have their cash distribution reinvested in shares of our common
stock. A registered stockholder may elect to receive an entire
distribution in cash by
notifying ,
the plan administrator and our transfer agent and registrar, in
writing so that such notice is received by the plan
administrator no later than 10 days prior to the record
date for distributions to stockholders. The plan administrator
will set up an account for shares acquired through the plan for
each stockholder who has not elected to receive dividends or
other distributions in cash and hold such shares in
non-certificated form. Upon request by a stockholder
participating in the plan, received in writing not less than
10 days prior to the record date, the plan administrator
will, instead of crediting shares to the participants
account, issue a certificate registered in the
participants name for the number of whole shares of our
common stock and a check for any fractional share.
Those stockholders whose shares are held by a broker or other
financial intermediary may receive distributions in cash by
notifying their broker or other financial intermediary of their
election.
We intend to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the
plan, whether our shares are trading at a premium or at a
discount to net asset value. However, we reserve the right to
purchase shares in the open market in connection with our
implementation of the plan. The number of shares to be issued to
a stockholder is determined by dividing the total dollar amount
of the dividend payable to such stockholder by the market price
per share of our common stock at the close of regular trading on
The NASDAQ Global Market on the valuation date, which date shall
be as close as practicable to the dividend payment date for such
dividend. Market price per share on that date will be the
closing price for such shares on The NASDAQ Global Market or, if
no sale is reported for such day, at the average of their
reported bid and asked prices. The number of shares of our
common stock to be outstanding after giving effect to payment of
the dividend cannot be established until the value per share at
which additional shares will be issued has been determined and
elections of our stockholders have been tabulated. Stockholders
who do not elect to receive distributions in shares of common
stock may experience accretion to the net asset value of their
shares if our shares are trading at a premium at the time we
issue new shares under the plan and dilution if our shares are
trading at a discount. The level of accretion or discount would
depend on various factors, including the proportion of our
stockholders who participate in the plan, the level of premium
or discount at which our shares are trading and the amount of
the dividend payable to a stockholder.
There will be no brokerage charges or other charges to
stockholders who participate in the plan. The plan
administrators fees under the plan will be paid by us. If
a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator
to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares
held by the plan administrator in the participants account
and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan
administrator is authorized to deduct a $15.00 transaction fee
plus a 10¢ per share trading fee from the proceeds.
Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock are
subject to the same federal income tax consequences as are
stockholders who elect to receive their dividends in cash. A
stockholders basis for determining gain or loss upon the
sale of stock received in a dividend from us will be equal to
the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to the
stockholder. Any stock received in a dividend will have a new
holding period for tax purposes commencing on the day following
the day on which the shares are credited to the
U.S. stockholders account. See Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.
Participants may terminate their accounts under the plan by
notifying the plan agent via its website
at ,
by filling out the transaction request form located at bottom of
their statement and sending it to the plan agent
at
or by calling the plan administrator
at .
The plan may be terminated by us upon notice in writing mailed
to each participant. All correspondence concerning the plan
should be directed to the plan administrator by mail
at .
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If you withdraw or the plan is terminated, the plan
administrator will continue to hold your shares in book-entry
form unless you request that such shares be sold or issued. Upon
receipt of your instructions, a certificate for each whole share
in your account under the plan will be issued and you will
receive a cash payment for any fraction of a share in your
account.
If you hold your common stock with a brokerage firm that does
not participate in the plan, you will not be able to participate
in the plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on
different terms than those described above. Consult your
financial advisor for more information.
105
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
The following description does not purport to be complete and
is subject to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws, forms of which will be filed as exhibits to this
registration statement. The descriptions are qualified in their
entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws and to applicable law.
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our
authorized capital stock will consist solely of
100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$0.001 per share, of
which shares
were outstanding as
of ,
2010 (after giving effect to the Share Exchange and assuming the
mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this
prospectus), and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $0.001 per share, of which no shares were outstanding
as
of ,
2010. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase
our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under any
equity compensation plans. Our board of directors is authorized
to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of stock into
other classes or series of stock without obtaining stockholder
approval. As permitted by Delaware law, the board of directors
may, without any action by our stockholders, amend our
certificate of incorporation from time to time to increase or
decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number
of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority
to issue. Under Delaware law, our stockholders generally are not
personally liable for our debts or obligations.
Common
stock
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, all shares
of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets,
dividends and voting. When they are issued, shares of our common
stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable. Distributions may be paid to the holders of our
common stock if, as and when declared by our board of directors
out of assets legally available therefor, subject to any
preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred stock.
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders,
including the election of directors, and do not have cumulative
voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the shares
of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors
may elect all of the directors standing for election. Upon our
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common
stock are entitled to receive ratably our net assets available
after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject
to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders
of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or
conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of
holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders
of any series of preferred stock which we may designate and
issue in the future. In addition, holders of our common stock
may participate in our dividend reinvestment plan.
We have applied to have our common stock listed on The NASDAQ
Global Market under the ticker symbol HRZN.
Preferred
stock
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our board
of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in
one or more series without stockholder approval. The board has
discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights,
conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation
preferences of each series of preferred stock. Every issuance of
preferred stock will be required to comply with the requirements
of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act limits our flexibility as to
certain rights and preferences of the preferred stock that our
certificate of incorporation may provide and requires, among
other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and
before any distribution is made with respect to our common
stock, and before any purchase of common stock is made, such
preferred stock together with all other senior securities must
not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after
deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase
price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of
preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class
to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of
the directors if and for so long as dividends on the preferred
stock are in arrears by two years or more. Certain matters under
the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any
issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of
preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common
stock on a proposal to cease operations as a business
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development company. The features of the preferred stock will be
further limited by the requirements applicable to regulated
investment companies under the Code. The purpose of authorizing
our board to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and
preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder
vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock,
while providing desirable flexibility in connection with
providing leverage for our investment program, possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could make it more
difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a
third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting
stock.
Anti-takeover
Effects of Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation,
Bylaws, Delaware Law and Other Arrangements
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws, as summarized below, and applicable provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law and certain other agreements to
which we are a party may make it more difficult for or prevent
an unsolicited third party from acquiring control of us or
changing our board of directors and management. These provisions
may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying
changes in our control or in our management. These provisions
are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in
the composition of our board of directors and in the policies
furnished by them and to discourage certain types of
transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change in
our control. The provisions also are intended to discourage
certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. These
provisions, however, could have the effect of discouraging
others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a
consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market
price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored
takeover attempts.
Classified Board; Vacancies; Removal. The
classification of our board of directors and the limitations on
removal of directors and filling of vacancies could have the
effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire
us, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring us. Our
board of directors will be divided into three classes, with the
term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of
stockholders. At each annual meeting, one class of directors is
elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up
to two years the replacement of a majority of the board of
directors.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to the
rights of any holders of preferred stock, any vacancy on the
board of directors, however the vacancy occurs, including a
vacancy due to an enlargement of the board, may only be filled
by vote a majority of the directors then in office.
A director may be removed at any time at a meeting called for
that purpose, but only for cause and only by the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares then entitled
to vote for the election of the respective director.
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and
Director Nominations. Our bylaws provide that
with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations
of person for election to the board of directors and the
proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be
made only (1) by or at the direction of the board of
directors, (2) pursuant to our notice of meeting or
(3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting
and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the
bylaws. Nominations of persons for election to the board of
directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) by or
at the director of the board of directors, or (2) provided
that the board of directors has determined that directors will
be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to
vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice
provisions of the bylaws. The purpose of requiring stockholders
to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is
to afford our board of directors a meaningful opportunity to
consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the
advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent
deemed necessary or desirable by our board of directors, to
inform our stockholders and make recommendations about such
qualifications or business, as well as to prove a more orderly
procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our
bylaws do not give our board of directors any power to
disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors
or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the
effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or
the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures
are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party
from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate
of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to
whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be
harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.
107
Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws. Delawares corporation law provides
generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a
corporations certificate of incorporation or bylaws,
unless a corporations certificate of incorporation or
bylaws requires a greater percentage. Our certificate of
incorporation permits our board of directors to amend or repeal
our bylaws. Our bylaws generally can be amended by approval of
at least
662/3%
of the total number of authorized directors subject to certain
exceptions, including provisions relating to the size of our
board, and certain actions requiring board approval, which
provisions will require the vote of 75% of our board of
directors to be amended. The affirmative vote of the holders of
at least
662/3%
of the shares of our capital stock entitled to vote is required
to amend or repeal any of the provisions of our bylaws.
Calling of Special Meetings by
Stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws also provide that special meetings of the
stockholders may only be called by our board of directors,
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or President.
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law. We will be subject to the provisions of
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law once we
are a public company. In general, the statute prohibits a
publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a
business combination with interested
stockholders for a period of three years after the date of
the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a
prescribed manner. A business combination includes
certain mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in
a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to
certain exceptions, an interested stockholder is a
person who, together with his affiliates and associates, owns,
or within three years did own, 15% or more of the
corporations voting stock.
Approval of Certain Transactions.
To convert us to an open-end investment company, to merge or
consolidate us with any entity or sell all or substantially all
of our assets to any entity in a transaction as a result of
which the governing documents of the surviving entity do not
contain substantially the same anti-takeover provisions as are
provided in our certificate of incorporation, to liquidate and
dissolve us other than in connection with a qualifying merger,
consolidation or sale of assets or to amend any of the
provisions discussed herein, our certificate of incorporation
requires the favorable vote of a majority of our continuing
directors followed by the favorable vote of the holders of at
least 75% of our outstanding shares of each affected class or
series of our shares, voting separately as a class or series,
unless such amendment has been approved by at the holders of
least 80% of the then outstanding shares of our capital stock,
voting together as a single class. If approved in the foregoing
manner, our conversion to an open-end investment company could
not occur until 90 days after the stockholders meeting at
which such conversion was approved and would also require at
least 30 days prior notice to all stockholders. As part of
any such conversion to an open-end investment company,
substantially all of our investment policies and strategies and
portfolio would have to be modified to assure the degree of
portfolio liquidity required for open-end investment companies.
In the event of conversion, the common shares would cease to be
listed on any national securities exchange or market system.
Stockholders of an open-end investment company may require the
company to redeem their shares at any time, except in certain
circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act, at their
net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might
be in effect at the time of a redemption. You should assume that
it is not likely that our board of directors would vote to
convert us to an open-end fund.
The 1940 Act defines a majority of the outstanding voting
securities as the lesser of a majority of the outstanding
shares and 67% of a quorum of a majority of the outstanding
shares. For the purposes of calculating a majority of the
outstanding voting securities under our certificate of
incorporation, each class and series of our shares will vote
together as a single class, except to the extent required by the
1940 Act or our certificate of incorporation, with respect to
any class or series of shares. If a separate class vote is
required, the applicable proportion of shares of the class or
series, voting as a separate class or series, also will be
required.
Our board of directors has determined that provisions with
respect to the board of directors and the stockholder voting
requirements described above, which voting requirements are
greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware law or the
1940 Act, are in the best interest of stockholders generally.
108
Our Credit Facility also contains a covenant that prohibits us
from merging or consolidating with any other person or selling
all or substantially all of our assets without the prior written
consent of WestLB. If we were to engage in such a transaction
without such consent, WestLB could accelerate our repayment
obligations under,
and/or
terminate, our Credit Facility. See Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Borrowings.
In addition, the SBA prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a
change of control of an SBIC. A change of
control is any event which would result in the transfer of
power, direct or indirect, to direct the management and policies
of an SBIC, including through ownership. To the extent that we
form an SBIC subsidiary, this would prohibit a change of control
of us without prior SBA approval.
Limitations
of liability and indemnification
The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to
limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to
corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for
breaches of directors fiduciary duties. Our certificate of
incorporation will include a provision that eliminates the
personal liability of for monetary damages for actions taken as
a director, except for liability:
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for breach of duty of loyalty;
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for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional
misconduct or knowing violation of law;
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under Section 174 of the DGCL (unlawful dividends); or
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for transactions from which the director derived improper
personal benefit.
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Under our certificate of incorporation, we will fully indemnify
any person who was or is involved in any actual or threatened
action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such
person is or was one of our directors or officers. So long as we
are regulated under the 1940 Act, the above indemnification and
limitation of liability is limited by the 1940 Act or by any
valid rule, regulation or order of the SEC thereunder. The 1940
Act provides, among other things, that a company may not
indemnify any director or officer against liability to it or its
security holders to which he or she might otherwise be subject
by reason of his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his or her office unless a determination is made by
final decision of a court, by vote of a majority of a quorum of
directors who are disinterested, non-party directors or by
independent legal counsel that the liability for which
indemnification is sought did not arise out of the foregoing
conduct.
Delaware law also provides that indemnification permitted under
the law shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to
which the directors and officers may be entitled under the
corporations bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders
or otherwise.
We have obtained liability insurance for our officers and
directors.
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SHARES
ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Immediately prior to this offering, there has been no public
market for our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our
unregistered common stock in the public market or the perception
that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the
prevailing market price of our common stock and our future
ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity
securities.
Upon completion of this offering (after giving effect to the
share exchange and assuming the mid-point of the range set forth
on the cover of this
prospectus), shares
of our common stock will be outstanding
(or shares
of our common stock if the underwriters exercise their
over-allotment option in full). Of these shares,
the shares
sold in this offering will be freely tradable without
restrictions or further registration under the Securities Act,
unless those shares are purchased by affiliates as
that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if
registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration
under Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
In conjunction with the Share Exchange, we will enter into a
registration rights agreement with respect
to shares
issued to the selling stockholder and HTF-CHF. As a result and
subject to the terms and conditions of the agreements, at any
time following 180 days after the completion of this
offering the holders of a
majority-in-interest
of the shares subject to the registration rights agreement
(including permitted transferees) can require up to a maximum of
three times that we file a registration statement under the
Securities Act relating to the resale of all or a part of the
shares. In addition, the registration rights agreement also
provides for piggyback registration rights with respect to any
future registrations of our equity securities and the right to
require us to register the resale of their shares on a
shelf
Form N-2
at any time following 180 days after the completion of this
offering. We (and, therefore, indirectly our stockholders) will
bear customary costs and expenses incurred in connection with
the registration of such shares, although the selling
stockholder and HTF-CHF will be responsible for the underwriting
discounts and selling commissions in a demand registration and
their pro rata share of the underwriting discounts and selling
commissions in a piggyback registration.
Rule 144
In general, a person who has beneficially owned restricted
shares of our common stock for at least six months would be
entitled to sell their securities provided that (i) such
person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the
time of, or at any time during the 90 days preceding, a
sale and (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic
reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the
sale. Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of
our common stock for at least six months but who are our
affiliates at the time of, or any time during the 90 days
preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions,
by which such person would be entitled to sell within any
three-month period only a number of securities that does not
exceed the greater of either of the following:
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1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding,
which will equal
approximately shares
immediately after this offering; or
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the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the
NASDAQ Global Market for the four calendar weeks prior to the
sale,
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provided, in each case, that we are subject to the Exchange Act
periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before
the sale. Such sales must also comply with the manner of sale,
current public information and notice provisions of
Rule 144.
Lock-up
Agreements
We and our officers and directors and our existing stockholders
have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain
exceptions, not to (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to
sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any
option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant
to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly
or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common
stock, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of the common stock, (iii) make
any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the
registration of any shares of our common stock or any security
convertible into
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or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock for a period of
180 days after the date of this prospectus without the
prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC.
The 180-day
restricted period described above is subject to extension such
that, in the event that either (a) during the last
17 days of the
180-day
restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs or (b) prior to
the expiration of the
180-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
180-day
period, the
lock-up
restrictions described above will continue to apply until the
expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
occurrence of the material news or material event. See
Underwriters.
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REGULATION
We intend to elect to be regulated as a business development
company under the 1940 Act and intend to elect to be treated as
a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As with other companies
regulated by the 1940 Act, a business development company must
adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. The 1940
Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to
transactions between business development companies and their
affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers),
principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or
underwriters and requires that a majority of the directors be
persons other than interested persons, as that term
is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the 1940 Act provides
that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease
to be, or to withdraw our election as, a business development
company unless approved by a majority of our outstanding
voting securities as defined in the 1940 Act. A majority
of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined
under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of
such companys shares present at a meeting if more than 50%
of the outstanding shares of such company are present and
represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of such company. Our bylaws provide for the
calling of a special meeting of stockholders at which such
action could be considered upon written notice of not less than
ten or more than sixty days before the date of such meeting.
We may invest up to 100% of our assets in securities acquired
directly from issuers in privately negotiated transactions. With
respect to such securities, we may, for the purpose of public
resale, be deemed an underwriter as that term is
defined in the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act. We
also do not intend to acquire securities issued by any
investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940
Act. Under these limits, except for registered money market
funds, we generally cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting
stock of any investment company, invest more than 5% of the
value of our total assets in the securities of one investment
company or invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets
in the securities of more than one investment company. With
regard to that portion of our portfolio invested in securities
issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such
investments might subject our stockholders to additional
expenses. None of our investment policies are fundamental and
any may be changed without stockholder approval.
We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly
participating in certain transactions with our affiliates
without the prior approval of our board of directors who are not
interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the
SEC. For example, under the 1940 Act, absent receipt of
exemptive relief from the SEC, we and our affiliates may be
precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities.
As a result of one or more of these situations, we may not be
able to invest as much as we otherwise would in certain
investments or may not be able to liquidate a position as
quickly.
We expect to be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance
with the 1940 Act.
We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a
reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against
larceny and embezzlement. Furthermore, as a business development
company, we are prohibited from protecting any director or
officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising
from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such
persons office.
We and our Advisor are adopting and implementing written
policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation
of the federal securities laws and will review these policies
and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness
of their implementation. We and our Advisor have designated an
interim chief compliance officer to be responsible for
administering the policies and procedures.
Qualifying
assets
Under the 1940 Act, a business development company may not
acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in
section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as
qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made,
qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the companys
total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets
relevant to our proposed business are the following:
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Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public
offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer
(subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio
company, or from any person who is, or has been during the
preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible
portfolio company, or from
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any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by
the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940
Act as any issuer which:
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is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of
business in, the United States;
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is not an investment company (other than a small business
investment company wholly owned by the business development
company) or a company that would be an investment company but
for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and
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satisfies any of the following:
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has a market capitalization of less than $250 million or
does not have any class of securities listed on a national
securities exchange;
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is controlled by a business development company or a group of
companies including a business development company, the business
development company actually exercises a controlling influence
over the management or policies of the eligible portfolio
company, and, as a result thereof, the business development
company has an affiliated person who is a director of the
eligible portfolio company; or
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is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more
than $4 million and capital and surplus of not less than
$2 million.
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Securities of any eligible portfolio company which we control.
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Securities purchased in a private transaction from a
U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an
affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident
thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to
reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the
purchase of its securities was unable to meet its obligations as
they came due without material assistance other than
conventional lending or financing arrangements.
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Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any
person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for
such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity
of the eligible portfolio company.
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Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with
respect to securities described above, or pursuant to the
exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.
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Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or
high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from
the time of investment.
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The regulations defining qualifying assets may change over time.
We may adjust our investment focus as needed to comply with
and/or take
advantage of any regulatory, legislative, administrative or
judicial actions in this area.
Managerial
assistance to portfolio companies
A business development company must have been organized and have
its principal place of business in the United States and must be
operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of
securities described in Qualifying
assets above. However, in order to count portfolio
securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test,
the business development company must either control the issuer
of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer
of the securities (other than small and solvent companies
described above) significant managerial assistance. Where the
business development company purchases such securities in
conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, the
business development company will satisfy this test if one of
the other persons in the group makes available such managerial
assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among
other things, any arrangement whereby the business development
company, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to
provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance
and counsel concerning the management, operations or business
objectives and policies of a portfolio company.
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Issuance
of Additional Shares
We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at
a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, issue
and sell our common stock, at a price below the current net
asset value of the common stock, or issue and sell warrants,
options or rights to acquire such common stock, at a price below
the current net asset value of the common stock if our board of
directors determines that such sale is in our best interest and
in the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders
have approved our policy and practice of making such sales
within the preceding 12 months. In any such case, the price
at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be
less than a price which, in the determination of our board of
directors, closely approximates the market value of such
securities.
Temporary
investments
Pending investment in other types of qualifying
assets, as described above, our investments may consist of
cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or
high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from
the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as
temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying
assets. Typically, we will invest in highly rated commercial
paper, U.S. Government agency notes, U.S. Treasury
bills or in repurchase agreements relating to such securities
that are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by
the U.S. Government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement
involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified
security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to
repurchase it at an
agreed-upon
future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase
price by an amount that reflects an
agreed-upon
interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the
proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase
agreements. However, if more than 25% of our total assets
constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we
would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as
a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to
enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in
excess of this limit. Our Advisor will monitor the
creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into
repurchase agreement transactions.
Senior
securities; Derivative securities
We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple
classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our
common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act,
is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance.
In addition, while any senior securities are outstanding, we
must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our
stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares
unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time
of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up
to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or
emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a
discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see Risk
Factors Risks Related to our Business and
Structure We will borrow money, which will magnify
the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may
increase the risk of investing in us.
The 1940 Act also limits the amount of warrants, options and
rights to common stock that we may issue and the terms of such
securities. We do not have, and do not anticipate having,
outstanding derivative securities relating to our common shares.
Code of
ethics
We and our Advisor have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant
to
Rule 17j-1
under the 1940 Act and
Rule 204A-1
under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes
procedures for personal investments and restricts certain
personal securities transactions. Personnel subject to each code
may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts,
including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so
long as such investments are made in accordance with the
codes requirements. You may read and copy the code of
ethics at the SECs Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. You may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
(202) 942-8090.
In addition, each code of ethics is attached as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part,
and is available on the SECs Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov.
You may also obtain copies of the code of ethics, after paying a
duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following
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e-mail
address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs
Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C.
20549-0102.
Proxy
voting policies and procedures
We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to our
Advisor. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of our Advisor
are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by
our Advisor and our independent directors, and, accordingly, are
subject to change.
Introduction
Our Advisor is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which we refer to as
the Advisers Act. As an investment adviser registered under the
Advisers Act, our Advisor has fiduciary duties to us. As part of
this duty, our Advisor recognizes that it must vote client
securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and
in our best interests and the best interests of our
stockholders. Our Advisors Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures have been formulated to ensure decision-making
consistent with these fiduciary duties.
These policies and procedures for voting proxies are intended to
comply with Section 206 of, and
Rule 206(4)-6
under, the Advisers Act.
Proxy
policies
Our Advisor votes proxies relating to our portfolio securities
in what our Advisor perceives to be the best interest of our
stockholders. Our Advisor reviews on a
case-by-case
basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine
its effect on the portfolio securities held by us. Although our
Advisor will generally vote against proposals that may have a
negative effect on our portfolio securities, our Advisor may
vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term
reasons to do so.
Our Advisors proxy voting decisions are made by those
senior officers who are responsible for monitoring each of our
investments. To ensure that a vote is not the product of a
conflict of interest, our Advisor requires that (1) anyone
involved in the decision-making process disclose to our Chief
Compliance Officer any potential conflict that he or she is
aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any
interested party regarding a proxy vote and (2) employees
involved in the decision-making process or vote administration
are prohibited from revealing how we intend to vote on a
proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from
interested parties.
Our Advisor has engaged a third-party service provider to assist
it in the voting of proxies. This third-party service provider
makes recommendations to our Advisor, based on its guidelines,
as to how our votes should be cast. These recommendations are
then reviewed by our Advisors employees, one of whom must
approve the proxy vote in writing and return such written
approval to the Administrators operations group. If a vote
may involve a material conflict of interest, prior to approving
such vote, our Advisor must consult with its chief compliance
officer to determine whether the potential conflict is material
and if so, the appropriate method to resolve such conflict. If
the conflict is determined not to be material, our
Advisors employees shall vote the proxy in accordance with
our Advisors proxy voting policy.
Proxy
voting records
You may obtain information about how we voted proxies by making
a written request for proxy voting information to:
Chief Compliance Officer
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
115
Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes a wide variety of
regulatory requirements on publicly held companies and their
insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:
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pursuant to
Rule 13a-14
under the Exchange Act, our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer must certify the accuracy of the
financial statements contained in our periodic reports;
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pursuant to Item 307 under
Regulation S-K,
our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;
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pursuant to
Rule 13a-15
under the Exchange Act, our management must prepare an annual
report regarding its assessment of our internal control over
financial reporting, which must be audited by our independent
registered public accounting firm; and
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pursuant to Item 308 of
Regulation S-K
and
Rule 13a-15
under the Exchange Act, our periodic reports must disclose
whether there were significant changes in our internal controls
over financial reporting or in other factors that could
significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of
their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard
to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
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The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current
policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated under the
act. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all
regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and
will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance
therewith.
Small
Business Investment Company Regulations
On July 14, 2009, our Advisor received a Move Forward
Letter from the Investment Division of the SBA. We expect to
file an application to have a to-be-formed wholly owned
subsidiary be licensed by the SBA as an SBIC under
Section 301(c) of the Small Business Investment Act of
1958. Although we cannot assure you that we will receive SBA
approval, we remain cautiously optimistic that our Advisor will
successfully complete the licensing process. To the extent our
Advisor receives an SBIC license, we will form an SBIC
subsidiary which will be allowed to issue SBA-guaranteed
debentures, subject to the required capitalization of the SBIC
subsidiary.
SBICs are designed to stimulate the flow of private equity
capital to eligible small businesses. Under SBA regulations,
SBICs may make loans to eligible small businesses, invest in the
equity securities of such businesses and provide them with
consulting and advisory services. Under present SBA regulations,
eligible small businesses generally include businesses that
(together with their affiliates) have a tangible net worth not
exceeding $18 million and have average annual net income
after U.S. federal income taxes not exceeding
$6 million (average net income to be computed without
benefit of any carryover loss) for the two most recent fiscal
years. In addition, an SBIC must devote 20% of its investment
activity to smaller concerns as defined by the SBA.
A smaller concern generally includes businesses that have a
tangible net worth not exceeding $6 million and have
average annual net income after U.S. federal income taxes
not exceeding $2 million (average net income to be computed
without benefit of any net carryover loss) for the two most
recent fiscal years. SBA regulations also provide alternative
size standard criteria to determine eligibility for designation
as an eligible small business or smaller concern, which criteria
depend on the primary industry in which the business is engaged
and are based on such factors as the number of employees and
gross revenue. However, once an SBIC has invested in a company,
it may continue to make follow on investments in the company,
regardless of the size of the company at the time of the follow
on investment, up to the time of the companys initial
public offering, if any.
The SBA prohibits an SBIC from providing funds to small
businesses for certain purposes, such as relending or investing
outside the United States, to businesses engaged in a few
prohibited industries and to certain passive (i.e.,
non-operating) companies. In addition, without prior SBA
approval, an SBIC may not invest an amount equal to more than
approximately 30% of the SBICs regulatory capital in any
one company and its affiliates.
The SBA places certain limitations on the financing terms of
investments by SBICs in portfolio companies (such as limiting
the permissible interest rate on debt securities held by an SBIC
in a portfolio company). Although prior regulations prohibited
an SBIC from controlling a small business concern except in
limited circumstances,
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regulations adopted by the SBA in 2002 now allow an SBIC to
exercise control over a small business for a period of up to
seven years from the date on which the SBIC initially acquires
its control position. This control period may be extended for an
additional period of time with the SBAs prior written
approval.
The SBA restricts the ability of an SBIC to lend money to any of
its officers, directors and employees or to invest in affiliates
thereof. The SBA also prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a
change of control of an SBIC or transfers that would
result in any person (or a group of persons acting in concert)
owning 10% or more of a class of capital stock of a licensed
SBIC. A change of control is any event which would
result in the transfer of the power, direct or indirect, to
direct the management and policies of an SBIC, whether through
ownership, contractual arrangements or otherwise. To the extent
that we form an SBIC subsidiary, this would prohibit a change of
control of us without prior SBA approval.
An SBIC (or group of SBICs under common control) may generally
have outstanding debentures guaranteed by the SBA in amounts up
to twice the amount of the privately raised funds of the
SBIC(s). The SBIC regulations currently limit the amount that
the SBIC subsidiary would be permitted to borrow up to a maximum
of $150 million. This means that the SBIC subsidiary could
access the full $150 million maximum available if it were
to have $75 million in regulatory capital. However, we
would not be required to capitalize our SBIC subsidiary with
$75 million and may determine to capitalize it with a
lesser amount. In addition, if we are able to obtain financing
under the SBIC program, the SBIC subsidiary will be subject to
regulation and oversight by the SBA, including requirements with
respect to maintaining certain minimum financial ratios and
other covenants. Debentures guaranteed by the SBA have a
maturity of ten years, require semi-annual payments of interest
and do not require any principal payments prior to maturity.
The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009, or the 2009 Stimulus Bill, contains several provisions
applicable to SBIC funds. One of the key SBIC-related provisions
included in the 2009 Stimulus Bill increased the maximum amount
of combined SBIC leverage, or the SBIC leverage cap, to
$225 million for affiliated SBIC funds. The prior maximum
amount of SBIC leverage available to affiliated SBIC funds was
approximately $137 million, as adjusted annually based upon
changes in the Consumer Price Index. Due to the increase in the
maximum amount of SBIC leverage available to affiliated SBIC
funds, we, through our SBIC subsidiary, would have access to
incremental SBIC leverage to support our future investment
activities.
SBICs must invest idle funds that are not being used to make
loans in investments permitted under SBIC regulations in the
following limited types of securities: (1) direct
obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal and
interest by, the U.S. government, which mature within
15 months from the date of the investment;
(2) repurchase agreements with federally insured
institutions with a maturity of seven days or less (and the
securities underlying the repurchase obligations must be direct
obligations of or guaranteed by the federal government);
(3) certificates of deposit with a maturity of one year or
less, issued by a federally insured institution; (4) a
deposit account in a federally insured institution that is
subject to a withdrawal restriction of one year or less;
(5) a checking account in a federally insured institution;
or (6) a reasonable petty cash fund.
SBICs are periodically examined and audited by the SBAs
staff to determine their compliance with SBIC regulations and
are periodically required to file certain forms with the SBA.
Neither the SBA nor the U.S. government or any of its
agencies or officers has approved any ownership interest to be
issued by us or any obligation that we or any of our
subsidiaries may incur.
In connection with the filing of the SBA license application, we
will be applying for exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us
to exclude the debt of the SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA
from the 200% consolidated asset coverage ratio requirements,
which will enable us to fund more investments with debt capital.
However, there can be no assurance that we will receive the
exemptive relief requested from the SEC.
NASDAQ
Global Market Corporate Governance Regulations
The NASDAQ Global Market has adopted corporate governance
regulations that listed companies must comply with. Upon the
completion of this offering, we intend to be in compliance with
these corporate governance listing standards. We intend to
monitor our compliance with all future listing standards and to
take all necessary actions to ensure that we are in compliance
therewith.
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Privacy
Principles
We are committed to maintaining the privacy of stockholders and
to safeguarding our non-public personal information. The
following information is provided to help you understand what
personal information we collect, how we protect that information
and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select
other parties.
Generally, we do not receive any nonpublic personal information
relating to our stockholders, although certain nonpublic
personal information of our stockholders may become available to
us. We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about
our stockholders or former stockholders to anyone, except as
permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service
stockholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third
party administrator).
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about our
stockholders to our Advisors employees with a legitimate
business need for the information. We maintain physical,
electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the
nonpublic personal information of our stockholders.
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BROKERAGE
ALLOCATIONS AND OTHER PRACTICES
Since we will generally acquire and dispose of our investments
in privately negotiated transactions, we will infrequently use
brokers in the normal course of our business. Subject to
policies established by our board of directors, our Advisor will
be primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly
traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the
allocation of brokerage commissions. Our Advisor does not expect
to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer,
but will seek to obtain the best net results for us, taking into
account such factors as price (including the applicable
brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order,
difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm
and the firms risk and skill in positioning blocks of
securities. While our Advisor generally will seek reasonably
competitive trade execution costs, we will not necessarily pay
the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable
legal requirements, our Advisor may select a broker based partly
upon brokerage or research services provided to it and us and
any other clients. In return for such services, we may pay a
higher commission than other brokers would charge if our Advisor
determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in
relation to the services provided.
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MATERIAL
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a general summary of the material
U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and
to an investment in shares of our common stock. This discussion
is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, which we refer to as the Code, and the
regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury promulgated
thereunder, which we refer to as the Treasury
regulations, each as in effect as of the date of this
prospectus. These provisions are subject to differing
interpretations and change by legislative or administrative
action, and any change may be retroactive. This discussion does
not constitute a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal
income tax aspects affecting us and our stockholders and does
not purport to deal with the U.S. federal income tax
consequences that may be important to particular stockholders in
light of their individual investment circumstances or to some
types of stockholders subject to special tax rules, such as
financial institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies,
tax-exempt organizations, partnerships or other pass-through
entities, persons holding our common stock in connection with a
hedging, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction,
non-U.S. stockholders
(as defined below) engaged in a trade or business in the United
States or persons who have ceased to be U.S. citizens or to
be taxed as resident aliens. This discussion also does not
address any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign,
state or local tax. This discussion assumes that our
stockholders hold their shares of our common stock as capital
assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally,
assets held for investment). No ruling has been or will be
sought from the Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as
the IRS, regarding any matter discussed herein.
For purposes of this discussion:
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a U.S. stockholder means a beneficial owner of
shares of our common stock that is, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes: (1) a person who is a citizen or individual
resident of the United States; (2) a domestic corporation
(or other domestic entity taxable as a corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes); (3) an estate whose
income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of
its source; or (4) a trust if (a) a U.S. court is
able to exercise primary supervision over the trusts
administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized
to control all substantial decisions of the trust or
(b) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated
as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax
purposes; and
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a
non-U.S. stockholder
means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is
not a U.S. stockholder or a partnership (or an entity or
arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal
income tax purposes.
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If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our shares, the
U.S. tax treatment of the partnership and each partner
generally will depend on the status of the partner, the
activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at
the partner level. A stockholder that is a partnership holding
shares of our common stock, and each partner in such a
partnership, should consult their own tax advisers with respect
to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our
common stock.
Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences to
each stockholder of an investment in our shares will depend on
the facts of its particular situation. Stockholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisers to determine the
U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to
them of an investment in our shares, including applicable tax
reporting requirements, the applicability of U.S. federal,
state, local and foreign tax laws, eligibility for the benefits
of any applicable tax treaty, and the effect of any possible
changes in the tax laws.
Taxation
of the company
As a business development company, we intend to elect to be
treated, and intend to qualify, as a RIC under Subchapter M of
the Code commencing with our taxable year ending on
December 31, 2010. As a RIC, we generally will not pay
corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or
capital gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders as
dividends.
To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things,
(a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross
income from dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest),
payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from
the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currencies, other income (including but
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not limited to gain from options, futures or forward contracts)
derived with respect to our business of investing in stock,
securities or currencies, or net income derived from an interest
in a qualified publicly traded partnership (a
QPTP) (the 90% Gross Income Test); and
(b) diversify our holdings so that, at the end of each
quarter of each taxable year (i) at least 50% of the market
value of our total assets is represented by cash and cash items,
U.S. Government securities, the securities of other
regulated investment companies and other securities, with other
securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount
not greater than 5% of the value of our total assets and not
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such
issuer (subject to the exception described below), and
(ii) not more than 25% of the market value of our total
assets is invested in the securities of any issuer (other than
U.S. Government securities and the securities of other
regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or
more issuers that we control and that are determined to be
engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or
businesses, or the securities of one or more QPTPs (the
Diversification Tests). In the case of a RIC that
furnishes capital to development corporations, there is an
exception relating to the Diversification Tests described above.
This exception is available only to registered investment
companies which the SEC determines to be principally engaged in
the furnishing of capital to other corporations which are
principally engaged in the development or exploitation of
inventions, technological improvements, new processes, or
products not previously generally available, which we refer to
as SEC Certification. We have not sought SEC
Certification, but it is possible that we will seek SEC
Certification in future years. If we receive SEC Certification,
we generally will be entitled to include, in the computation of
the 50% value of our assets (described in (b)(i) above), the
value of any securities of an issuer, whether or not we own more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, if
the basis of the securities, when added to our basis of any
other securities of the issuer that we own, does not exceed 5%
of the value of our total assets.
As a RIC, in any fiscal year with respect to which we distribute
an amount equal to at least 90% of the sum of our
(i) investment company taxable income (which includes,
among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net
realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term
capital losses and other taxable income (other than any net
capital gain), reduced by deductible expenses) determined
without regard to the deduction for dividends and distributions
paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (which is the
excess of our gross tax-exempt interest income over certain
disallowed deductions) (the Annual Distribution
Requirement), we (but not our stockholders) generally will
not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on investment
company taxable income and net capital gains that we distribute
to our stockholders. We intend to distribute annually all or
substantially all of such income. To the extent that we retain
our net capital gains for investment or any investment company
taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax. We may choose to retain our net capital gains for
investment or any investment company taxable income, and pay the
associated federal corporate income tax, including the 4%
U.S. federal excise tax described below.
We will be subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal
excise tax on certain of our undistributed income, unless we
timely distribute (or are deemed to have timely distributed) an
amount equal to the sum of:
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at least 98% of our ordinary income (not taking into account any
capital gains or losses) for the calendar year;
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at least 98% of the amount by which our capital gains exceed our
capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a
one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar
year (unless an election is made by us to use our taxable
year); and
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certain undistributed amounts from previous years on which we
paid no U.S. federal income tax.
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While we intend to distribute any income and capital gains in
order to avoid imposition of this 4% U.S. federal excise
tax, we may not be successful in avoiding entirely the
imposition of this tax. In that case, we will be liable for the
tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing
distribution requirement.
If we borrow money, we may be prevented by loan covenants from
declaring and paying dividends in certain circumstances. Limits
on our payment of dividends may prevent us from satisfying
distribution requirements, and may, therefore, jeopardize our
qualification for taxation as a RIC, or subject us to the 4%
U.S. federal excise tax.
Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized
to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy
distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are
not permitted to make distributions to our
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stockholders while any senior securities are outstanding unless
we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios. See
Regulation Senior Securities; Derivative
Securities. Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to
meet our distribution requirements may be limited by
(1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio
and/or
(2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC,
including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in
order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or to avoid
the 4% U.S. federal excise tax, we may make such
dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are
not advantageous.
A RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of
its investment company taxable income (which is,
generally, ordinary income plus the excess of net short-term
capital gains over net long-term capital losses). If our
expenses in a given year exceed investment company taxable
income, we would experience a net operating loss for that year.
However, a RIC is not permitted to carry forward net operating
losses to subsequent years. In addition, expenses can be used
only to offset investment company taxable income, not net
capital gain. Due to these limits on the deductibility of
expenses, we may for tax purposes have aggregate taxable income
for several years that we are required to distribute and that is
taxable to our stockholders even if such income is greater than
the aggregate net income we actually earned during those years.
Such required distributions may be made from our cash assets or
by liquidation of investments, if necessary. We may realize
gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event we realize
net capital gains from such transactions, you may receive a
larger capital gain distribution than you would have received in
the absence of such transactions.
Failure
to qualify as a RIC
If, in any particular taxable year, we do not satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement or otherwise were to fail to qualify as
a RIC (for example, because we fail the 90% Gross Income Test),
all of our taxable income (including our net capital gains) will
be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any
deduction for distributions to stockholders, and distributions
generally will be taxable to the stockholders as ordinary
dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings
and profits. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year,
we would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification
requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and
profits from any year in which we failed to qualify as a RIC.
Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified
as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year
prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later
than the second year following the non-qualifying year, we could
be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the
assets held by us during the period in which we failed to
qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent
10 years, unless we made a special election to pay
corporate-level federal income tax on such built-in gain at the
time of our requalification as a RIC.
We may decide to be taxed as a regular corporation even if we
would otherwise qualify as a RIC if we determine that treatment
as a corporation for a particular year would be in our best
interests.
Company
investments
Certain of our investment practices are subject to special and
complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among
other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the
allowance of certain losses or deductions, including the
dividends received deduction, (ii) convert lower taxed
long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income into
higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income,
(iii) convert ordinary loss or a deduction into capital
loss (the deductibility of which is more limited),
(iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a
corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the
time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is
deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization
of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce
income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the
90% Gross Income Test. We will monitor our transactions and may
make certain tax elections and may be required to borrow money
or dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these rules
and to prevent disqualification of us as a RIC but there can be
no assurance that we will be successful in this regard.
We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances
in which we do not receive cash. For example if we hold debt
instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules as
having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with
payment-in-kind
interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or
issued with warrants), we must include in taxable income each
year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over
the
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life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing
such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Since in
certain cases we may recognize taxable income before or without
receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty
meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement.
Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times
that we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt
or equity capital or forego new investment opportunities or
otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business
(or be unable to take action that are advantageous) in order to
satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to
obtain cash from other sources to satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the federal
income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject
to a corporate-level federal income tax on all our income.
Warrants. Gain or loss realized by us from the
sale or exchange of warrants acquired by us as well as any loss
attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be
treated as capital gain or loss. The treatment of such gain or
loss as long-term or short-term will depend on how long we held
a particular warrant. Upon the exercise of a warrant acquired by
us, our tax basis in the stock purchased under the warrant will
equal the sum of the amount paid for the warrant plus the strike
price paid on the exercise of the warrant.
Foreign Investments. In the event we invest in
foreign securities, we may be subject to withholding and other
foreign taxes with respect to those securities. We do not expect
to satisfy the requirement to pass through to our stockholders
their share of the foreign taxes paid by us.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies. We may
invest in the stock of a foreign corporation which is classified
as a passive foreign investment company (within the
meaning of Section 1297 of the Code) (PFIC). In
general, if a special tax election has not been made, we will be
required to pay tax at ordinary income rates on any gains and
excess distributions with respect to PFIC stock as
if such items had been realized ratably over the period during
which we held the PFIC stock, plus an interest charge. Any
adverse tax consequences of a PFIC investment may be limited if
we are eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect
to such investment. No assurances can be given that any such
election will be available or that, if available, we will make
such an election.
Foreign Currency Transactions. Under the Code,
gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
which occur between the time we accrue income or other
receivables or accrue expenses or other liabilities denominated
in a foreign currency and the time we actually collect such
receivables or pay such liabilities generally are treated as
ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt
instruments and certain other instruments denominated in a
foreign currency, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations
in the value of the foreign currency between the date of
acquisition of the instrument and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses,
referred to under the Code as section 988 gains
or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of our investment
company taxable income to be distributed to our shareholders as
ordinary income.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that we will qualify as
a RIC for each taxable year.
Taxation
of U.S. stockholders
The following discussion only applies to U.S. stockholders.
Prospective investors that are not U.S. stockholders
should refer to Taxation of
non-U.S. stockholders
below and are urged to consult their own tax advisers with
respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an
investment in our shares, including the potential application of
U.S. federal withholding taxes.
Actual and Deemed Distributions. Distributions
we pay to you from our ordinary income or from an excess of net
realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term
capital losses (together referred to hereinafter as
ordinary income dividends) are generally taxable to
you as ordinary income to the extent of our earnings and
profits. Due to our expected investments, in general,
distributions will not be eligible for the dividends received
deduction allowed to corporate U.S. stockholders and will
not qualify for the reduced rates of tax for qualified dividend
income allowed to individuals. Distributions made to you from an
excess of net realized long-term capital gains over net realized
short-term capital losses, which we refer to as capital
gain dividends, including capital gain dividends credited
to you but retained by us, are taxable to you as long-term
capital gains if they have been properly designated by us,
regardless of the length of time you have owned our shares.
Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will first
reduce the adjusted tax basis of your shares and, after the
adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero,
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will constitute capital gains to you (assuming the shares are
held as a capital asset). The maximum U.S. federal tax rate
on long-term capital gains of individuals is generally 15% (5%
for individuals in lower brackets) for such gains realized in
taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010. For
non-corporate taxpayers, ordinary income dividends will
currently be taxed at a maximum rate of 35%, while capital gain
dividends generally will be taxed at a maximum U.S. federal
income tax rate of 15% for such dividends received in taxable
years beginning on or before December 31, 2010. Without
legislation, for non-corporate taxpayers, the maximum
U.S. federal income tax rate will increase to 20% in 2011.
For corporate taxpayers, both ordinary income dividends and
capital gain dividends are currently taxed at a maximum
U.S. federal income tax rate of 35%.
Generally, you will be provided with a written notice
designating the amount of any (i) ordinary income dividends
no later than 30 days after the close of the taxable year,
and (ii) capital gain dividends or other distributions no
later than 60 days after the close of the taxable year.
In the event that we retain any net capital gains, we may
designate the retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in
a written notice to our stockholders provided no later than
60 days after the close of the taxable year. If a
designation is made, U.S. stockholders would include in
income, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate share of
the undistributed amounts, but would be allowed a credit or
refund, as the case may be, for their proportionate share of the
corporate tax paid by us. In addition, the tax basis of shares
owned by a U.S. stockholder would be increased by an amount
equal to the difference between (i) the amount included in
the U.S. stockholders income as long-term capital
gains and (ii) the U.S. stockholders
proportionate share of the corporate tax paid by us.
For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual
Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and
(2) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that
year, we may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a
dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it
had been paid during the taxable year in question. If we make
such an election, the U.S. stockholder will still be
treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which
the distribution is made. However, if we pay you a dividend in
January which was declared in the previous October, November or
December to stockholders of record on a specified date in one of
these months, then the dividend will be treated for tax purposes
as being paid by us and received by you on December 31 of the
year in which the dividend was declared.
If an investor purchases shares of our stock shortly before the
record date of a distribution, the price of the shares will
include the value of the distribution and the investor will be
subject to tax on the distribution even though it represents a
return of its investment.
Alternative Minimum Tax. As a RIC, we will be
subject to alternative minimum tax, also referred to as
AMT, but any items that are treated differently for
AMT purposes must be apportioned between us and our
U.S. stockholders and this may affect the
U.S. stockholders AMT liabilities. Although
regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have
not yet been issued, such items will generally be apportioned in
the same proportion that dividends paid to each
U.S. stockholder bear to our taxable income (determined
without regard to the dividends paid deduction), unless a
different method for particular item is warranted under the
circumstances.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Under the dividend
reinvestment plan, if a U.S. stockholder owns shares of
common stock registered in its own name, the
U.S. stockholder will have all cash distributions
automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock
unless the U.S. stockholder opts out of our dividend
reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our dividend
paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or
distribution. See Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Any
distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless remain
taxable to the U.S. stockholder. The U.S. stockholder
will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares
purchased through the plan equal to the amount of the reinvested
distribution. The additional shares will have a new holding
period commencing on the day following the day on which the
shares are credited to the U.S. stockholders account.
Dispositions. A U.S. stockholder will
recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of shares of our common stock in an amount equal to
the difference between the U.S. stockholders adjusted
basis in the shares disposed of and the amount realized on their
disposition. Generally, gain recognized by a
U.S. stockholder on the disposition of shares of our common
stock will result in capital gain or loss to a
U.S. stockholder, and will be a long-term capital gain or
loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at
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the time of sale. Any loss recognized by a U.S. stockholder
upon the disposition of shares of our common stock held for six
months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to
the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including
amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by
the U.S. stockholder. A loss recognized by a
U.S. stockholder on a disposition of shares of our common
stock will be disallowed as a deduction if the
U.S. stockholder acquires additional shares of our common
stock (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends
or otherwise) within a
61-day
period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days
after the date that the shares are disposed of. In this case,
the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss. Present U.S. law taxes both long-term and
short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates applicable
to ordinary income. Non-corporate U.S. stockholders with
net capital losses for a year (i.e., capital losses in excess of
capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses
against their ordinary income each year; any net capital losses
of a non-corporate U.S. stockholder in excess of $3,000
generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as
provided in the Code. Corporate U.S. stockholders generally
may not deduct any net capital losses for a year, but may carry
back such losses for three years or carry forward such losses
for five years.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under
applicable Treasury regulations, if a U.S. stockholder
recognizes a loss with respect to shares of $2 million or
more for a non-corporate U.S. stockholder or
$10 million or more for a corporate U.S. stockholder
in any single taxable year (or a greater loss over a combination
of years), the U.S. stockholder must file with the IRS a
disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct
U.S. stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases
excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current
guidance, U.S. stockholders of a RIC are not excepted.
Future guidance may extend the current exception from this
reporting requirement to U.S. stockholders of most or all
RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations
does not affect the legal determination of whether the
taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper.
U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers to
determine the applicability of these regulations in light of
their individual circumstances.
Backup Withholding. We are required in certain
circumstances to backup withhold on taxable dividends or
distributions paid to non-corporate U.S. stockholders who
do not furnish us with their correct taxpayer identification
number (in the case of individuals, their social security
number) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject
to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional
tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to you may be
refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that the required information is
timely furnished to the IRS.
U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers
with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding
tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an
investment in shares of our common stock. Additionally, U.S.
stockholders should be aware of recently enacted legislation
that generally imposes, effective for payments made after
December 31, 2012, a 30% federal withholding tax on
dividends and proceeds from the sale of our common stock held by
or through foreign entities, as described below in
Recently Enacted Legislation Affecting Taxation of Our
Common Stock Held By or Through Foreign Entities.
Taxation
of non-U.S.
stockholders
The following discussion only applies to
non-U.S. stockholders.
Whether an investment in shares of our common stock is
appropriate for a
non-U.S. stockholder
will depend upon that persons particular circumstances. An
investment in shares of our common stock by a
non-U.S. stockholder
may have adverse tax consequences.
Non-U.S. stockholders
should consult their own tax advisers before investing in shares
of our common stock.
Actual and Deemed Distributions;
Dispositions. Distributions of ordinary income
dividends to
non-U.S. stockholders,
subject to the discussion below, will generally be subject to
withholding of U.S. federal tax at a 30% rate (or lower
rate provided by an applicable treaty) to the extent of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits even if they are
funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest,
short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and
interest income) that, if paid to a
non-U.S. stockholder
directly, would not be subject to withholding. Different tax
consequences may result if the
non-U.S. stockholder
is engaged in a trade or business in the United States or, in
the case of an individual, is present in the United States for
183 days or more during a taxable year and certain other
conditions are satisfied. Special certification requirements
apply to a
non-U.S. stockholder
that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such
entities are urged to consult their own tax advisers.
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However, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2010
(and for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 if
the pending legislation discussed below in
Proposed Legislation is enacted),
certain interest-related dividends and
short-term capital gain dividends paid by us to
certain
non-U.S. stockholders
are eligible for an exemption from the 30% federal withholding
tax provided that certain requirements are satisfied and that we
elect to follow certain procedures. It is uncertain whether we
will follow those procedures. Interest-related dividends
generally are dividends derived from certain interest income
earned by us that would not be subject to such tax if earned by
non-U.S. stockholders
directly. Short-term capital gain dividends generally are
dividends derived from the excess of our net short-term capital
gains over net long-term capital losses. No assurance can be
given as to whether this exemption will be extended for tax
years beginning on or after January 1, 2010 or whether any
of our distributions will be designated as eligible for this
exemption from withholding tax.
Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gains to a
non-U.S. stockholder,
and gains recognized by a
non-U.S. stockholder
upon the sale of our common stock, generally will not be subject
to federal withholding tax and will not be subject to federal
income tax unless (i) the distributions or gains, as the
case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business of the
non-U.S. stockholder
and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are
attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the
non-U.S. stockholder
in the United States or (ii) in the case of an individual,
the
non-U.S. stockholder
is present in the United States for 183 days or more during
a taxable year and certain other conditions are satisfied.
If we distribute our net capital gains in the form of deemed
rather than actual distributions (which we may do in the
future), a
non-U.S. stockholder
will be entitled to a federal income tax credit or tax refund
equal to the stockholders allocable share of the tax we
pay on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. In
order to obtain the refund, the
non-U.S. stockholder
must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file
a federal income tax return even if the
non-U.S. stockholder
is not otherwise required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer
identification number or file a federal income tax return.
For a corporate
non-U.S. stockholder,
distributions (both actual and deemed), and gains realized upon
the sale of our common stock that are effectively connected with
a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances,
be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a
30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable
tax treaty). Accordingly, investment in shares of our common
stock may not be appropriate for certain
non-U.S. stockholders.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Under our dividend
reinvestment plan, if a
non-U.S. stockholder
owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the
non-U.S. stockholder
will have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in
additional shares of common stock unless it opts out of our
dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our
dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next
dividend or distribution. See Dividend Reinvestment
Plan. If the distribution is a distribution of our
investment company taxable income, is not designated by us as a
short-term capital gains dividend or interest-related dividend
and it is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business of the
non-U.S. stockholder
(or, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is not
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the
non-U.S. stockholder),
the amount distributed (to the extent of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to withholding
of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate
provided by an applicable treaty) and only the net after-tax
amount will be reinvested in common shares. If the distribution
is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of
the
non-U.S. stockholder,
generally the full amount of the distribution will be reinvested
in the plan and will nevertheless be subject to
U.S. federal income tax at the ordinary income rates
applicable to U.S. persons. The
non-U.S. stockholder
will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares
purchased through the plan equal to the amount reinvested. The
additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on
the day following the day on which the shares are credited to
the
non-U.S. stockholders
account.
Backup Withholding. A
non-U.S. stockholder
who is a non-resident alien individual, and who is otherwise
subject to withholding of federal income tax, may be subject to
information reporting and backup withholding of federal income
tax on taxable dividends or distributions unless the
non-U.S. stockholder
provides us or the dividend paying agent with an IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or an acceptable substitute form) or otherwise meets
documentary evidence requirements for establishing that it is a
non-U.S. stockholder
or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld from payments made to
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you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal
income tax liability, if any, provided that the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers
with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax,
and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment
in our shares. Additionally,
non-U.S.
stockholders should be aware of recently enacted legislation
that generally imposes, effective for payments made after
December 31, 2012, a 30% federal withholding tax on
dividends and proceeds from the sale of our common stock held by
or through foreign entities, as described below in
Recently Enacted Legislation Affecting Taxation of Our
Common Stock Held By or Through Foreign Entities.
Recently
Enacted Legislation Affecting Taxation of Our Common Stock Held
By or Through Foreign Entities
President Obama recently signed into law H.R. 2847 (the
Recently Enacted Legislation), which will generally
impose a federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends and the
gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid after
December 31, 2012 to a foreign financial institution unless
such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S.
government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and
provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information
regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which
includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as
well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with
U.S. owners). The Recently Enacted Legislation will also
generally impose a federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends
and the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid
after December 31, 2012 to a
non-financial
foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent
with a certification identifying the direct and indirect U.S.
owners of the entity. Under certain circumstances, a
non-U.S.
stockholder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such
taxes. Stockholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax
advisors regarding the possible implications of the Recently
Enacted Legislation on their investment in our common stock.
Proposed
Legislation
Legislation proposed in Congress would levy an excise tax on
certain securities transactions, including transactions in
stocks, futures, swaps, credit default swaps and options. If
enacted, transactions by us could be subject to this excise tax.
This tax is not proposed to apply to the purchase or sale of an
interest in a RIC. Other legislation proposed in Congress would
permit a temporary exemption from the 30% federal withholding
tax for interest-related dividends and
short-term capital gain dividends paid by us to
non-U.S. stockholders.
Proposed legislation may not become law and, if it does, may not
become law in its current form. Even if the proposed legislation
is enacted, it is unclear what the actual effective date of any
such legislation would be.
127
UNDERWRITERS
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the
underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the
underwriters named below, for whom Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC are acting as
representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we and
the selling stockholder have agreed to sell to them, severally,
the number of shares of common stock indicated below:
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Number
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|
Name
|
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of Shares
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Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
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|
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UBS Securities LLC
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Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
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Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
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RBC Capital Markets Corporation
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BMO Capital Markets Corp.
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Lazard Capital Markets LLC
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Northland Securities, Inc.
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|
|
|
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|
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Total
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|
|
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The underwriters and the representatives are collectively
referred to as the underwriters and the
representatives, respectively. The underwriters are
offering the shares of common stock subject to their acceptance
of the shares from us and the selling stockholder and subject to
prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the
obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept
delivery of the shares of our common stock offered by this
prospectus are subject to the approval of legal matters by their
counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are
obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock
offered by this prospectus if any such shares are taken.
However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for
the shares covered by the underwriters over-allotment
option described below.
The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the shares
of common stock directly to the public at the public offering
price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part to
certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in
excess of $ a share under the
public offering price. Any underwriter may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of
$ a share to other underwriters or
to certain dealers. After the initial offering of the shares of
common stock, the offering price and other selling terms may
from time to time be varied by the representatives.
The underwriters have been granted an option, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to
an aggregate of additional
shares of our common stock at the public offering price listed
on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting
discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this
option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if
any, made in connection with the offering of the shares of our
common stock offered by this prospectus. To the extent the
option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated,
subject to limited conditions, to purchase approximately the
same percentage of the additional shares of our common stock as
the number listed next to the underwriters name in the
preceding table bears to the total number of shares of our
common stock listed next to the names of all underwriters in the
preceding table.
The following table shows the public offering price,
underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us and the
selling stockholder. The information assumes either no exercise
or full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment
option.
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Per Share
|
|
|
Without Option
|
|
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With Option
|
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|
Public offering price
|
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$
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$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Sales load (underwriting discount and commissions)
|
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|
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|
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Proceeds, before expenses, to Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation
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|
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|
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Proceeds, before expenses, to selling stockholder
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|
|
|
|
128
We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, excluding
sales load (underwriting discounts and commissions), will be
approximately $ .
The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend sales
to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total
number of shares of our common stock offered by them.
We have applied to have our common stock approved for listing on
The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol HRZN.
Each of us, our directors, executive officers and our other
existing stockholder has agreed that, without the prior written
consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and UBS
Securities LLC on behalf of the underwriters, each of us will
not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of
this prospectus:
|
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|
|
offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell,
grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or
otherwise transfer or dispose of directly or indirectly, any
shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock; or
|
|
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|
enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to
another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences
of ownership of the common stock,
|
whether any transaction described above is to be settled by
delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or
otherwise.
The restrictions described in the preceding paragraph do not
apply to:
|
|
|
|
|
the sale of shares to the underwriters;
|
|
|
|
the issuance by us of shares of common stock upon the exercise
of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a security
outstanding on the date of this prospectus of which the
underwriters have been advised in writing; or
|
|
|
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transactions by any person other than us relating to shares of
common stock or other securities acquired in open market
transactions after the completion of the offering of the shares.
|
The 180-day
restricted period described above is subject to extension such
that, in the event that either (a) during the last
17 days of the
180-day
restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs or (b) prior to
the expiration of the
180-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
180-day
period, the
lock-up
restrictions described above will continue to apply until the
expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
occurrence of the material news or material event. The release
of any securities subject to these
lock-up
agreements is considered on a
case-by-case
basis. Factors that would be considered by Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC in
determining whether to release securities subject to these
lock-up
agreements may include the length of time before the
lock-up
agreement expires, the number of shares or other securities
involved, the reason for a requested release, market conditions
at the time of the requested release, the trading price of our
common shares, historical trading volumes of our common shares
and whether the person seeking the release is an officer,
director or affiliate of ours.
In order to facilitate the offering of our common stock, the
underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain
or otherwise affect the price of our common stock. Specifically,
the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to
purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short
position in. our common stock for their own account. A short
sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the
number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters
under the over-allotment option. The underwriters can close out
a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or
purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source
of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters
will consider, among other things, the open market price of
shares compared to the price available under the over-allotment
option. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the
over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The
underwriters must close out any naked short position by
purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is
more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that
there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock
in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect
investors who purchase in the offering. In addition, in order to
cover any over-allotments or to stabilize the price of our
common stock, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares
of our common stock in the
129
open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may also
reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a
dealer for distributing our common stock in the offering, if the
syndicate repurchases previously distributed shares of our
common stock to cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize
the price of the common stock. Any of these activities may
stabilize or maintain the market price of our common stock above
independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to
engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities
at any time.
We and our Advisor and the selling stockholder have agreed to
indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute
to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect
of those liabilities.
The underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past
to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and may provide from
time to time in the future in the ordinary course of their
business certain commercial banking, financial advisory,
investment banking and other services to Horizon Technology
Finance Corporation and its affiliates and managed funds and
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation or our portfolio
companies for which they have received or will be entitled to
receive separate fees. In particular, the underwriters or their
affiliates may execute transactions with Horizon Technology
Finance Corporation or on behalf of Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation, or any of our portfolio companies, affiliates
and/or
managed funds. In addition, the underwriters or their affiliates
may act as arrangers, underwriters or placement agents for
companies whose securities are sold to or whose loans are
syndicated to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and its
affiliates and managed funds.
Lazard Frères & Co. LLC referred this transaction to
Lazard Capital Markets LLC and will receive a referral fee from
Lazard Capital Markets LLC in connection therewith. Northland
Capital Markets is the trade name for certain capital markets
and investment banking services of Northland Securities, Inc.,
member FINRA/SIPC.
The principal business address of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated is 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. The
principal business address of UBS Securities LLC is
299 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10171. The principal business
address of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Incorporated is One
Financial Plaza, 501 North Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. The
principal business address of Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
is 50 N. Front Street, 19th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103. The
principal business address of RBC Capital Markets Corporation is
One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108. The principal business
address of BMO Capital Markets Corp. is 3 Times Square, New
York, NY 10036. The principal business address of Lazard Capital
Markets LLC is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020. The
principal business address of Northland Capital Markets is 45
South Seventh Street, Suite 2000, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
European
Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area
which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, each underwriter
has represented and agreed that with effect from and including
the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in
that Member State it has not made and will not make an offer of
our shares to the public in that Member State, except that it
may, with effect from and including such date, make an offer of
our shares to the public in that Member State:
a. at any time to legal entities which are authorized or
regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so
authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to
invest in securities;
b. at any time to any legal entity which has two or more of
(1) an average of at least 250 employees during the
last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than
43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more
than 50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or
consolidated accounts; or
c. at any time in any other circumstances which do not
require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to
Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For the purposes of the above, the expression an offer of
our shares to the public in relation to any shares in any
Member State means the communication in any form and by any
means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and
the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide
to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied
in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus
Directive in that Member State and the expression Prospectus
Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant
implementing measure in that Member State.
130
United
Kingdom
Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has only
communicated or caused to be communicated and will only
communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or
inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning
of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act
2000) in connection with the issue or sale of the shares in
circumstances in which Section 21(1) of such Act does not
apply to us and it has complied and will comply with all
applicable provisions of such Act with respect to anything done
by it in relation to any shares in, from or otherwise involving
the United Kingdom.
Switzerland
The Prospectus does not constitute an issue prospectus pursuant
to Article 652a or Article 1156 of the Swiss Code of
Obligations (CO) and the shares will not be listed
on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Therefore, the Prospectus may not
comply with the disclosure standards of the CO
and/or the
listing rules (including any prospectus schemes) of the SIX
Swiss Exchange. Accordingly, the shares may not be offered to
the public in or from Switzerland, but only to a selected and
limited circle of investors, which do not subscribe to the
shares with a view to distribution.
Australia
This prospectus is not a formal disclosure document and has not
been, nor will be, lodged with the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission. It does not purport to contain all
information that an investor or their professional advisers
would expect to find in a prospectus or other disclosure
document (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia))
for the purposes of Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001
(Australia) or in a product disclosure statement for the
purposes of Part 7.9 of the Corporations Act 2001
(Australia), in either case, in relation to the securities.
The securities are not being offered in Australia to
retail clients as defined in sections 761G and
761GA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia). This offering is
being made in Australia solely to wholesale clients
for the purposes of section 761G of the Corporations Act
2001 (Australia) and, as such, no prospectus, product disclosure
statement or other disclosure document in relation to the
securities has been, or will be, prepared.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer in Australia other
than to wholesale clients. By submitting an application for our
securities, you represent and warrant to us that you are a
wholesale client for the purposes of section 761G of the
Corporations Act 2001 (Australia). If any recipient of this
prospectus is not a wholesale client, no offer of, or invitation
to apply for, our securities shall be deemed to be made to such
recipient and no applications for our securities will be
accepted from such recipient. Any offer to a recipient in
Australia, and any agreement arising from acceptance of such
offer, is personal and may only be accepted by the recipient. In
addition, by applying for our securities you undertake to us
that, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of
the securities, you will not transfer any interest in the
securities to any person in Australia other than to a wholesale
client.
Hong
Kong
Our securities may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means
of this prospectus or any document other than (i) to
professional investors within the meaning of the
Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong)
and any rules made thereunder, or (ii) in circumstances
which do not constitute an offer to the public within the
meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong),
or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the
document being a prospectus within the meaning of
the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong). No
advertisement, invitation or document relating to our securities
may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the
purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or
elsewhere) which is directed at, or the contents of which are
likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong
(except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong
Kong) other than with respect to the securities which are or are
intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or
only to professional investors within the meaning of
the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong
Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
Japan
Our securities have not been and will not be registered under
the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the
Financial Instruments and Exchange Law) and our securities will
not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or to,
or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used
herein means any person
131
resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity
organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering
or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or to a resident of
Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration
requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial
Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws,
regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.
Singapore
This document has not been registered as a prospectus with the
Monetary Authority of Singapore and in Singapore, the offer and
sale of our securities is made pursuant to exemptions provided
in sections 274 and 275 of the Securities and Futures Act,
Chapter 289 of Singapore (SFA). Accordingly,
this prospectus and any other document or material in connection
with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or
purchase, of our securities may not be circulated or
distributed, nor may our securities be offered or sold, or be
made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase,
whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other
than (i) to an institutional investor as defined in
Section 4A of the SFA pursuant to Section 274 of the
SFA, (ii) to a relevant person as defined in
section 275(2) of the SFA pursuant to Section 275(1)
of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of
the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in
Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to,
and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable
provision of the SFA, in each case subject to compliance with
the conditions (if any) set forth in the SFA. Moreover, this
document is not a prospectus as defined in the SFA. Accordingly,
statutory liability under the SFA in relation to the content of
prospectuses would not apply. Prospective investors in Singapore
should consider carefully whether an investment in our
securities is suitable for them.
Where our securities are subscribed or purchased under
Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a) by a corporation (which is not an accredited investor
as defined in Section 4A of the SFA) the sole business of
which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of
which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an
accredited investor; or
(b) for a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited
investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each
beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited
investor,
shares of that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and
interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be
transferable for six months after that corporation or that trust
has acquired the shares under Section 275 of the SFA,
except:
(1) to an institutional investor (for corporations under
Section 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in
Section 275(2) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to an
offer that is made on terms that such shares of that corporation
or such rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a
consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a
foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is
to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other
assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the
conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA;
(2) where no consideration is given for the
transfer; or
(3) where the transfer is by operation of law.
In addition, investors in Singapore should note that the
securities acquired by them are subject to resale and transfer
restrictions specified under Section 276 of the SFA, and
they, therefore, should seek their own legal advice before
effecting any resale or transfer of their securities.
Pricing
of the Offering
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the
shares of our common stock. The initial public offering price
will be determined by negotiations between us and the
representatives of the underwriters. Among the factors to be
considered in determining the initial public offering price will
be our future prospects and our industry in general, sales,
earnings and certain other financial and operating information
in recent periods, and the price-earnings ratios, market prices
of securities and financial and operating information of
companies engaged in activities similar to ours.
132
CUSTODIAN,
TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Our securities are held
by ,
which we refer to as our Custodian, pursuant to a custodian
services agreement. The principal business address
of
is .
will act as our transfer agent, dividend paying agent and
registrar pursuant to a transfer agency agreement. The principal
business address
of
is .
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the common shares will
be passed upon for us by Squire, Sanders & Dempsey
L.L.P., and for the underwriters by Fried, Frank, Harris,
Shriver & Jacobson LLP, New York, New York.
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The consolidated financial statements of Compass Horizon Funding
Company LLC appearing in this prospectus and registration
statement have been audited by McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm located at
One Church St., New Haven, CT 06510, as stated in their report
appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon
such report and upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC on
Form N-2,
together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the
Securities Act relating to the shares of common stock we are
offering pursuant to this prospectus. This prospectus does not
contain all of the information set forth in the registration
statement, including any exhibits and schedules it may contain.
For further information concerning us or the shares we are
offering, please refer to the registration statement. Statements
contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract
or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and
in each instance reference is made to the copy of any contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement. Each statement is qualified in all respects by this
reference.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will file with or
submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic
reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements
and other information, as well as the registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part and the related exhibits and
schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You
may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and
other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating
fee, by electronic request at the following
e-mail
address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs
Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C.
20549-0102.
This information will also be available free of charge by
contacting us at 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032, by telephone at
(800) 676-8654,
or on our website that we expect to establish upon completion of
this offering. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet
website that contains reports, proxy and information statements
and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC at
http://www.sec.gov.
133
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
Loans receivable (Note 3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Venture loans (net of unearned income of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 $1,309,082 and 2009 $1,134,146)
|
|
|
112,650,051
|
|
|
|
107,755,693
|
|
Revolving loans (net of unearned income of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 $12,654 and 2009 $17,323)
|
|
|
2,335,882
|
|
|
|
3,664,546
|
|
Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(1,620,810
|
)
|
|
|
(1,924,034
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
|
113,365,123
|
|
|
|
109,496,205
|
|
Warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
2,935,154
|
|
|
|
2,457,680
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
1,716,182
|
|
|
|
1,451,963
|
|
Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 $2,420,328 and 2009 $2,129,889)
|
|
|
1,064,947
|
|
|
|
1,355,386
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
360,006
|
|
|
|
214,731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
138,590,364
|
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings (Note 4)
|
|
$
|
75,230,251
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
Interest rate swap liability (Note 8)
|
|
|
668,247
|
|
|
|
767,877
|
|
Accrued management fees (Note 11)
|
|
|
183,149
|
|
|
|
181,561
|
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
298,720
|
|
|
|
259,494
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
76,380,367
|
|
|
|
65,375,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5 and 6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital (Note 9)
|
|
|
62,878,244
|
|
|
|
60,260,546
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Unrealized loss on
interest rate swaps
|
|
|
(668,247
|
)
|
|
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
62,209,997
|
|
|
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
$
|
138,590,364
|
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-2
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
3,744,547
|
|
|
$
|
3,213,457
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
|
9,337
|
|
|
|
33,076
|
|
Net unrealized gain on warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
201,765
|
|
|
|
444,777
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
38,852
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
3,994,501
|
|
|
|
3,701,310
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit (provision) for loan losses (Note 3)
|
|
|
303,224
|
|
|
|
(36,413
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after credit (provision) for loan losses
|
|
|
4,297,725
|
|
|
|
3,664,897
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee expense (Note 11)
|
|
|
547,151
|
|
|
|
507,453
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,003,324
|
|
|
|
1,020,808
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
72,962
|
|
|
|
7,750
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
56,590
|
|
|
|
46,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
1,680,027
|
|
|
|
1,582,043
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
2,617,698
|
|
|
$
|
2,082,854
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-3
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Loss
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
50,947,371
|
|
|
$
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
2,082,854
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,082,854
|
|
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(73,780
|
)
|
|
|
(73,780
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,009,074
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
53,030,225
|
|
|
$
|
(1,236,343
|
)
|
|
$
|
51,793,882
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
60,260,546
|
|
|
$
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
2,617,698
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,617,698
|
|
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99,630
|
|
|
|
99,630
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,717,328
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2010
|
|
$
|
62,878,244
|
|
|
$
|
(668,247
|
)
|
|
$
|
62,209,997
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-4
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
2,617,698
|
|
|
$
|
2,082,854
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Credit) provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(303,224
|
)
|
|
|
36,413
|
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs
|
|
|
290,439
|
|
|
|
286,000
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation of warrants during the period
|
|
|
(201,765
|
)
|
|
|
(444,777
|
)
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
(264,219
|
)
|
|
|
(316,068
|
)
|
Decrease in unearned loan income
|
|
|
(105,405
|
)
|
|
|
(10,458
|
)
|
(Increase) decrease in other assets
|
|
|
(145,275
|
)
|
|
|
27,854
|
|
Increase (decrease) in other accrued expenses
|
|
|
39,226
|
|
|
|
(101,400
|
)
|
Increase in accrued management fees
|
|
|
1,588
|
|
|
|
18,094
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
1,929,063
|
|
|
|
1,578,512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans funded
|
|
|
(12,024,588
|
)
|
|
|
(14,117,666
|
)
|
Principal repayments on loans
|
|
|
8,288,590
|
|
|
|
1,458,183
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(3,735,998
|
)
|
|
|
(12,659,483
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in revolving borrowings
|
|
|
11,063,839
|
|
|
|
6,587,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
11,063,839
|
|
|
|
6,587,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
9,256,904
|
|
|
|
(4,493,767
|
)
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period
|
|
$
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
$
|
15,530,641
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
712,884
|
|
|
$
|
705,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants received & recorded as unearned loan income
|
|
$
|
275,709
|
|
|
$
|
135,670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Decrease) increase in interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
(99,630
|
)
|
|
$
|
73,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-5
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC (CHF) was formed
as a Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008
by and between Compass Horizon Partners, LP, an exempted limited
partnership registered in Bermuda (Compass) and
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Horizon). Compass is the only Class A Member,
Horizon is the only Class B Member and there are no other
members of any type. CHF was formed to acquire and manage loans
to, and warrants from, venture capital backed technology
companies in the life sciences and information technology
industries. The Company makes loans to companies in these
industries which are at a range of life cycle stages including
early stage, expansion stage and later stage.
Horizon Credit I LLC (Credit I) was formed as a
Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008,
with CHF as the sole equity member. Credit I is a special
purpose bankruptcy remote entity and is reported herein as a
wholly owned subsidiary of CHF.
CHF and Credit I are collectively referred to herein as the
Company which commenced operations on March 4,
2008. CHF sells certain portfolio transactions to Credit I
(Purchased Assets). Credit I is a separate legal
entity from CHF and the Purchased Assets have been conveyed to
Credit I and are not available for creditors of CHF or any other
entity other than its lenders.
|
|
Note 2.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Basis
of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America for interim financial information and
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
interim information reflects all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the
opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the operating
results for the respective periods. However, these operating
results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected
for the full fiscal year. The notes to the unaudited financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the
Companys December 31, 2009 and 2008 audited financial
statements contained within this registration statement.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, management is
required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the balance
sheet and income and expenses for the period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are
particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term
relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses,
and the valuation of warrants and interest rate swaps.
Principles
of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of CHF and Credit I. All inter-company accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the consolidated
balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows
include bank checking accounts and money market funds with an
original maturity of less than 90 days.
Loans
Loans receivable are stated at current unpaid principal balances
adjusted for the allowance for loan losses, unearned income and
any unamortized deferred fees or costs. The Company has the
ability and intent to hold its loans for the foreseeable future
or until maturity or payoff.
F-6
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Interest on loans is accrued and included in income based on
contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.
Interest income on loans is determined using a method that
results in a level rate of return on principal amounts
outstanding. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due,
or if the Company otherwise does not expect to receive interest
and principal repayments, the loan is placed on non-accrual
status and the recognition of interest income is discontinued.
Interest payments received on loans that are on non-accrual
status are treated as reductions of principal until the
principal is repaid. No loans were on non-accrual status as of
March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
The Company receives a variety of fees from borrowers in the
ordinary course of conducting its business, including advisory
fees, commitment fees, amendment fees, non-utilization fees and
prepayment fees (collectively, the Fees). In a
limited number of cases, the Company may also receive a
non-refundable deposit earned upon the termination of a
transaction. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct
origination costs, are deferred, and along with unearned income,
are amortized as a level yield adjustment over the respective
term of the loan. Fees for counterparty loan commitments with
multiple loans are allocated to each loan based upon each
loans relative fair value. When a loan is placed on
non-accrual, the amortization of the related Fee and unearned
income is discontinued until the loan is returned to accrual
status.
Certain loan agreements also require the borrower to make an
end-of-term payment that is accrued into income over the life of
the loan to the extent such amounts are expected to be
collected. The Company will generally cease accruing the income
if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or the
Company does not expect the borrower to be able to pay all
principal and interest due.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents managements
estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio
as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the allowance is
based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss
experience, the current credit profile of the Companys
borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect
individual borrowers ability to repay, the estimated value
of underlying collateral and general economic conditions. The
loan portfolio is comprised of large balance loans that are
evaluated individually for impairment and are risk-rated based
upon a borrowers individual situation, current economic
conditions, collateral and industry-specific information that
management believes is relevant in determining the potential
occurrence of a loss event and in measuring impairment. The
allowance for loan losses is sensitive to the risk rating
assigned to each of the loans and to corresponding qualitative
loss factors that the Company uses to estimate the allowance.
These factors are applied to the outstanding loan balances in
estimating the allowance for loan losses. If necessary, based on
performance factors related to specific loans, specific
allowance for loan losses is established for individual impaired
loans. Increases or decreases to the allowance for loan losses
are charged or credited to current period earnings through the
provision (credit) for loan losses. Amounts determined to be
uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses,
while amounts recovered on previously charged-off loans increase
the allowance for loan losses.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to
collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.
Factors considered by management in determining impairment
include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of
collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.
Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment
shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management
determines the significance of payment delays and payment
shortfalls on a
case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances
surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of
the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrowers prior
payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to
the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a
loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loans effective
interest rate, the loans observable market price, or the
fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral
dependent.
F-7
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Impaired loans also include loans modified in troubled debt
restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers
experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could
include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment
extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other
actions intended to maximize collection. There have been no
troubled debt restructurings since our inception.
Warrants
In connection with substantially all lending arrangements, the
Company receives warrants to purchase shares of stock from the
borrower. Because the warrant agreements contain net exercise or
cashless exercise provisions, the warrants qualify
as derivative instruments. The warrants are recorded as assets
at estimated fair value on the grant date using the
Black-Scholes valuation model. The warrants are considered loan
fees and are also recorded as unearned loan income on the grant
date. The unearned income is recognized as interest income over
the contractual life of the related loan in accordance with the
Companys income recognition policy. As all the warrants
held are deemed to be derivatives, they are periodically
measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
Any adjustment to fair value is recorded through earnings as net
unrealized gain or loss on warrants. Gains from the disposition
of the warrants or stock acquired from the exercise of warrants,
are recognized as realized gains on warrants.
The Company values the warrant assets incorporating the
following material assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying asset value of the issuer is estimated based on
information available, including any information regarding the
most recent rounds of borrower funding.
|
|
|
|
Volatility, or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the size
of the changes in the warrant price, is based on guideline
publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to
the underlying company issuing the warrant. A total of seven
such indices were used. The weighted average volatility
assumptions used for the warrant valuation at March 31,
2010, December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2009 were 29%,
29% and 25%, respectively.
|
|
|
|
The risk-free interest rates are derived from the
U.S. Treasury yield curve. The risk-free interest rates are
calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest
rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of
the warrant.
|
|
|
|
Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are
estimated based on managements judgment about the general
industry environment.
|
Debt
Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs are fees and other direct incremental costs
incurred by the Company in obtaining debt financing from its
lender and are recognized as assets and are amortized as
interest expense over the term of the related Credit Facility.
The unamortized balance of debt issuance costs as of
March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $1,064,947
and $1,355,386, respectively, and the amortization expense
relating to debt issuance costs during the three months ended
March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 was $290,439 and
$286,000, respectively.
Income
Taxes
The Company is a limited liability company treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a
result, all items of income and expense are passed through to,
and are generally reportable on, the tax returns of the
respective members of each limited liability company. Therefore,
no federal or state income tax provision has been recorded.
The FASB issued new guidance on accounting for uncertainty in
income taxes. The Company adopted this new guidance for the year
ended December 31, 2009. Management evaluated the
Companys tax positions and
F-8
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
concluded that the Company had taken no uncertain tax positions
that require adjustment to the financial statements to comply
with the provisions of this guidance.
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
The Company recognizes its interest rate swap derivatives on the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair
value. Changes in the derivatives fair value are
recognized currently in income unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivatives gains and losses to offset related
results on the hedged item in the statement of operations and
requires the Company to formally document, designate and assess
effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value
through earnings. If the derivative qualifies as a hedge,
depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value
of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair
value of hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through
earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the
hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion
of a derivatives change in fair value, if any, is
immediately recognized as interest expense.
Comprehensive
Income
Accounting principles generally require that recognized income,
expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain
changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized
appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps, are
reported as a separate component of members capital in the
consolidated balance sheet, and such items, along with net
income, are components of comprehensive income.
Fair
Value
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value
adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine
fair value disclosures. Fair value is the price that would be
received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon
quoted market prices. However, in certain instances, there are
no quoted market prices for certain assets or liabilities. In
cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values
are based on estimates using present value or other valuation
techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the
assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not
be realized in an immediate settlement of the asset or liability.
Fair value measurements focus on exit prices in an orderly
transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed
sale) between market participants at the measurement date under
current market conditions. If there has been a significant
decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or
liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of
multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such
instances, determining the price at which willing market
participants would transact at the measurement date under
current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances
and requires the use of significant judgment.
The Companys fair value measurements are classified into a
fair value hierarchy based on the markets in which the assets
and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the
assumptions used to determine fair value. The three categories
within the hierarchy are as follows:
|
|
|
Level 1 |
|
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and
liabilities. |
|
Level 2 |
|
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted
prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets,
quoted prices in markets that are not active, and model-based
valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are
observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
F-9
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
Level 3 |
|
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market
activity and that are significant to the fair value of the
assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities
include financial instruments whose value is determined using
pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar
techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination
of fair value requires significant management judgment or
estimation. |
In February 2010, the FASB issued guidance which amends the
existing guidance related to fair value measurements and
disclosures. The amendments require the following new fair value
disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
Separate disclosure of the significant transfers in and out of
Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and a
description of the reasons for the transfers.
|
|
|
|
In the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair value
measurements (significant unobservable inputs), purchases,
sales, issuances, and settlements should be presented separately
(on a gross basis rather than as one net number).
|
In addition, the amendments clarify existing disclosure
requirements, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value measurements and disclosures should be presented for
each class of assets and liabilities within a line item in the
balance sheet.
|
|
|
|
Reporting entities should provide disclosures about the
valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for
both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that
fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.
|
The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures
are effective for the Companys interim and annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except
for the disclosures included in the roll forward of activity for
Level 3 fair value measurements, for which the effective
date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010,
and for interim periods within those fiscal years.
See Note 10 for additional information regarding fair value.
Transfers
of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when
control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over
transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the
assets have been isolated from the Company put
presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its
creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership,
(2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions
that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge
or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the transferor
does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets
through either (a) an agreement that both entitles and
obligates the transferor to repurchase or redeem the assets
before maturity or (b) the ability to unilaterally cause
the holder to return specific assets, other than through a
cleanup call.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which modified certain
guidance relating to transfers and servicing of financial
assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of qualifying
special purpose entities, provides guidance as to when a portion
of a transferred financial asset can be evaluated for sale
accounting, provides additional guidance with regard to
accounting for transfers of financial assets and requires
additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for the
Company as of January 1, 2010, with adoption applied
prospectively for transfers that occur on and after the
effective date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to
have a material impact on the Companys financial
statements.
Subsequent
Events
The Company has evaluated the subsequent events through
June 4, 2010, the date on which the financial statements
were issued.
F-10
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Loans receivable consist of term loans and revolving loans. The
loans are payable in installments with final maturities ranging
from 24 to 48 months and are generally collateralized by
all assets of the borrower. As of March 31, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, 98.0% and 96.7%, respectively, of the
Companys loans are at fixed rates for their term. The
weighted average interest rate of the loan portfolio was 12.71%
and 12.64% as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009,
respectively. All loans were made to companies based in the
United States of America.
The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for
loan losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,924,034
|
|
|
$
|
1,649,653
|
|
(Credit) provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(303,224
|
)
|
|
|
36,413
|
|
Charge offs, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,620,810
|
|
|
$
|
1,686,066
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit I entered into a $150,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility
(the Credit Facility) with WestLB AG
(WestLB) effective March 4, 2008. The Credit
Facility has a three year initial revolving term and is
renewable on March 3, 2011, subject to agreement between
the Company and WestLB. If the revolving term is not renewed,
the balance will be allowed to amortize over an additional four
year term. The interest rate is based upon the one-month LIBOR
(0.25% and 0.23% as of March 31, 2010 and December 31,
2009, respectively) plus a spread of 2.50%.
The Credit Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit I
and permits an advance rate of up to 75% of eligible loans held
by Credit I. The Credit Facility contains covenants that, among
other things, require the Company to maintain a minimum net
worth and to restrict the loans securing the Credit Facility to
certain criteria for qualified loans and includes portfolio
company concentration limits as defined in the related loan
agreement. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009,
based on assets of Credit I, the Company had borrowing
capacity of approximately $75,800,000 million and
$72,160,000 million, respectively, and had actual
borrowings outstanding of $75,230,251 and $64,166,412,
respectively, on the Credit Facility.
|
|
Note 5.
|
Financial
Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
|
In the normal course of business, the Company is party to
financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the
financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments
include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying
degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount
recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company
attempts to limit its credit risk by conducting extensive due
diligence and obtaining collateral where appropriate.
The balance of unfunded commitments to extend credit was
approximately $16,700,000 and $5,400,000 as of March 31,
2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Commitments to
extend credit consist principally of the unused portions of
commitments that obligate CHF to extend credit, such as
revolving credit arrangements or similar transactions.
Commitments may also include a financial or nonfinancial
milestone that has to be achieved before the commitment can be
drawn. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or
other termination clauses. Since commitments may expire without
being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not
necessarily represent future cash requirements.
F-11
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
Note 6.
|
Concentrations
of Credit Risk
|
The Companys loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to
development-stage companies at various stages of development in
the information technology and life science industries. Many of
these companies may have relatively limited operating histories
and also may experience variation in operating results. Many of
these companies do business in regulated industries and could be
affected by changes in government regulations. Most of the
Companys borrowers will need additional capital to satisfy
their continuing working capital needs and other requirements,
and in many instances to service the interest and principal
payments on the loans.
The largest loans may vary from year to year as new loans are
recorded and repaid. The Companys five largest loans
represented approximately 29% and 28% of total loans outstanding
as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009,
respectively. No single loan represents more than 10% of the
total loans as of March 31, 2010 and December 31,
2009. Loan income, consisting of interest and fees, can
fluctuate significantly upon repayment of large loans. Interest
income from the five largest loans accounted for approximately
18% and 25% of total loan interest and fee income for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009,
respectively.
The Company receives warrants from borrowers in connection with
the loans receivable. These warrants generally do not produce a
current cash return, but are held for potential investment
appreciation and capital gains. For the three months ended
March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, the Company did not
recognize any realized gains, and recognized net unrealized
appreciation of $201,765 and $444,777, respectively, on the
warrants.
|
|
Note 8:
|
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
|
On October 14, 2008, the Company entered into two interest
rate swap agreements (collectively, the Swap) with
WestLB, fixing the rate of $10 million at 3.58% and
$15 million at 3.20% on the first advances of a like amount
of variable rate Credit Facility borrowings. The interest rate
swaps expire in October 2011 and October 2010, respectively. The
Swap is designated as a cash flow hedge and is anticipated to be
highly effective.
The Company utilizes the Swap to manage risks related to
interest rates on the first $25 million of borrowings on
the Companys Credit Facility. Accounting for derivatives
as hedges requires that, at inception and over the term of the
arrangement, the hedged item and related derivative meet the
requirements for hedge accounting.
The objective of the Swap is to hedge the risk of changes in
cash flows associated with the future interest payments on the
first $25 million of the variable rate Credit Facility debt
with a combined notional amount of $25 million. This is a
hedge of future specified cash flows. As a result, these
interest rate swaps are derivatives and were designated as
hedging instruments at the inception of the Swap, and the
Company has applied cash flow hedge accounting. The Swap is
recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, and
any related increases or decreases in the fair value are
recognized on the Companys consolidated balance sheet
within accumulated other comprehensive income.
At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Swap has
been recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet
and the corresponding unrealized loss on the Swap is recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive loss, totaling $668,247 and
$767,877, respectively. The Swap does not contain any credit
risk related contingent features.
The Company assesses the effectiveness of its Swap on a
quarterly basis. The Company has considered the impact of the
current credit crisis in the United States in assessing the risk
of counterparty default. The Company believes that it is still
likely that the counterparty for the Swap will continue to
perform throughout the contract period, and as a result
continues to deem the Swap an effective hedging instrument. As
most of the critical terms of the hedging instruments and hedged
items match, the hedging relationship is considered to be highly
effective. Prospective and retrospective assessments of the
ineffectiveness of the hedge have been and will be made at the
end
F-12
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
of each fiscal quarter. No ineffectiveness on the Swap was
recognized during the three months end March 31, 2010 and
March 31, 2009. During the three months ended
March 31, 2010, $0.2 million was reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense, and
at March 31, 2010, $0.6 million is expected to be
reclassified in the next twelve months.
On March 4, 2008, $50,000,000 of capital was contributed to
CHF. Since inception, there have been no distributions to
members.
As described in Note 1, the Company uses fair value
measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets
and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. A
description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and
liabilities recorded at fair value, and for estimating fair
value for financial and non-financial instruments not recorded
at fair value, is set forth below.
Cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest
receivable: The carrying amount is a reasonable
estimate of fair value. These financial instruments are not
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Loans: For variable rate loans which re-price
frequently and have no significant change in credit risk,
carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair values,
adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolio. The fair
value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future
cash flows using the year end rates at which similar loans would
be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the
same remaining maturities, adjusted for credit losses inherent
in the portfolio. The Company does not record loans at fair
value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time,
nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral-dependent
impaired loans may be recorded to reflect partial write-downs
based on the observable market price or current appraised value
of collateral.
Warrants: The Company values its warrants
using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the
Companys warrants held in publicly traded companies are
determined based on inputs that are readily available in public
markets or can be derived from information available in public
markets. Therefore, the Company has categorized these warrants
as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy described in
Note 2. The fair value of the Companys warrants held
in private companies are determined using both observable and
unobservable inputs and represents managements best
estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the
warrants at the measurement date. Therefore, the Company has
categorized these warrants as Level 3 within the fair value
hierarchy described in Note 2. These financial instruments
are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Borrowings: The carrying amount of borrowings
under the revolving credit facility approximates its fair value
due to the short duration and variable interest rate of this
debt. These financial instruments are not recorded at fair value
on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Company considers its
creditworthiness in determining the fair value of such
borrowings.
Interest rate swap derivatives: The fair value
of the Companys interest rate swap derivative instruments
is the estimated as the amount the Company would pay to
terminate its swaps at the balance sheet date, taking into
account current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the
counterparty for assets and the credit worthiness of the Company
for liabilities. The Company has categorized these derivative
instruments as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy
described in Note 2. These financial instruments are
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Off-balance-sheet instruments: Fair values for
off-balance-sheet lending commitments are based on fees
currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into
account the remaining terms of the
F-13
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
agreements and the counterparties credit standings.
Off-balance-sheet instruments are not recorded at fair value on
a recurring basis.
The following table details the financial instruments that are
carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a recurring
basis as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009,
respectively, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the
valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the
fair value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
|
Active Markets for
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
Identical Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
2,935,154
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
712,654
|
|
|
$
|
2,222,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
668,247
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
668,247
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
|
Active Markets for
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Identical Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
447,417
|
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances for Level 3 assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Three
|
|
|
The Three
|
|
|
|
Months Ended
|
|
|
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
Warrants received and classified as Level 3
|
|
|
275,709
|
|
|
|
135,670
|
|
Unrealized (loss) gains included in earnings
|
|
|
(63,472
|
)
|
|
|
490,847
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, end of period
|
|
$
|
2,222,500
|
|
|
$
|
1,183,270
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company discloses fair value information about financial
instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for
which it is practicable to estimate that value. Certain
financial instruments are excluded from the disclosure
requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
The estimated fair value amounts for 2010 and 2009 have been
measured as of the year-end date, and have not been reevaluated
or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent
to that date. As such, the estimated fair values of these
financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be
different than amounts reported at year-end.
F-14
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The information presented should not be interpreted as an
estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair
value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the
Companys assets and liabilities. Due to the wide range of
valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in
making the estimates, comparisons between the Companys
disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.
As of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the
recorded book balances and estimated fair values of the
Companys financial instruments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
Estimated
|
|
Book
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Balance
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Financial Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash & cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
$
|
19,148,952
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
$
|
113,365,123
|
|
|
$
|
114,650,546
|
|
|
$
|
109,496,205
|
|
|
$
|
110,654,287
|
|
Warrants
|
|
$
|
2,935,154
|
|
|
$
|
2,935,154
|
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
$
|
1,716,182
|
|
|
$
|
1,716,182
|
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
Financial Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
75,230,251
|
|
|
$
|
75,230,251
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
Interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
668,247
|
|
|
$
|
668,247
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
Off-balance-sheet
instruments
The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general
interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal
operations. As a result, the fair values of the Companys
financial instruments will change when interest rate levels
change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to
the Company. Management attempts to match maturities of assets
and liabilities to the extent believed necessary to minimize
interest rate risk. Management monitors rates and maturities of
assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate
risk by adjusting terms of new loans and by investing in
securities with terms that mitigate the Companys overall
interest rate risk.
|
|
Note 11:
|
Related
Party Transactions
|
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC serves as Advisor for
the Company under a Management and Services Agreement which
provides for management fees payable monthly to the Advisor at a
rate of 2.0% per annum of the gross assets of the Company. The
Advisor also generates substantially all investment
opportunities for the Company. Total management fee expense was
$547,151 and $507,453 for the three months ended March 31,
2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively. Accrued management
fees were $183,149 and $181,561 as of March 31, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, respectively.
On March 3, 2010, the Company entered into a certain
Indemnity Agreement with the Advisor whereby the Advisor agreed
to indemnify the Company, solely in the event that the planned
IPO (see Note 12) is not completed prior to June 30,
2011, for certain costs and expenses incurred by the Company in
connection with the preparations for the IPO, up to a maximum
amount of $1.2 million plus 8% annual interest accruing
from the date the Company paid any indemnified amounts. Pursuant
to an agreement among the members of the Advisor, each member
agreed to make its proportional capital contributions to the
Advisor, to the extent necessary, to fund payments required
under the Indemnity Agreement.
F-15
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
Note 12:
|
Subsequent
Events
|
In 2010, the members of the Company intend to exchange their
membership interests in the Company for shares of common stock
of an entity formed by the Company and expected to be named
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (the Share
Exchange). In conjunction with the Share Exchange, Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation plans on completing an initial
public offering (IPO). Immediately prior to the
completion of an IPO, the Company, to the extent there is
available cash on hand at the Company, expects to make a cash
distribution (Pre-IPO Distribution) to its
Class A Member from net income and as a return of capital.
After the Pre-IPO Distribution and immediately prior to the
completion of the IPO, all owners of the Company would exchange
their membership interests in the Company for shares of common
stock of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation. Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation is expected to become the public
corporation upon the completion of the IPO. Upon the completion
of the Share Exchange and the IPO, the Company would become a
wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation.
|
|
Note 13:
|
Financial
Highlights
|
Following is a schedule of financial highlights for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
Members capital at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
Net investment
income(1)
|
|
|
2,112,709
|
|
|
|
1,674,490
|
|
Credit (provision) for loan losses
|
|
|
303,224
|
|
|
|
(36,413
|
)
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
|
201,765
|
|
|
|
444,777
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
|
|
|
99,630
|
|
|
|
(73,780
|
)
|
Members capital at end of period
|
|
$
|
62,209,997
|
|
|
$
|
51,793,882
|
|
Ratios and Supplemental data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Members capital
|
|
$
|
60,732,470
|
|
|
$
|
50,739,004
|
|
Ratio of expenses to average Members capital
|
|
|
11.1
|
%
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment income to average Members capital
|
|
|
13.9
|
%
|
|
|
13.2
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Net investment income is computed
as net income adjusted for (a) credit (provision) for loan
losses and (b) the net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on warrants.
|
F-16
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Members
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC and Subsidiary
Farmington, Connecticut
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC and Subsidiary (the
Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, members
equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009
and the period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to
December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC and Subsidiary
as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the period from March 4, 2008
(inception) to December 31, 2008, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
New Haven, Connecticut
March 19, 2010
F-17
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
Loans receivable (Note 3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Venture loans (net of unearned income of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 $1,134,146 and 2008 $773,125)
|
|
|
107,755,693
|
|
|
|
77,724,006
|
|
Revolving loans (net of unearned income of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 $17,323 and 2008 $120,541)
|
|
|
3,664,546
|
|
|
|
15,405,685
|
|
Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(1,924,034
|
)
|
|
|
(1,649,653
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
|
109,496,205
|
|
|
|
91,480,038
|
|
Warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
|
693,644
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
|
502,915
|
|
Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 $2,129,889 and 2008 $953,331)
|
|
|
1,355,386
|
|
|
|
2,478,667
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
214,731
|
|
|
|
35,216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
$
|
115,214,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings (Note 4)
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
63,673,016
|
|
Interest rate swap liability (Note 8)
|
|
|
767,877
|
|
|
|
1,162,563
|
|
Accrued management fees
|
|
|
181,561
|
|
|
|
159,594
|
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
259,494
|
|
|
|
434,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
65,375,344
|
|
|
|
65,430,080
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5 and 6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital (Note 9)
|
|
|
60,260,546
|
|
|
|
50,947,371
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss Unrealized loss on
interest rate swaps
|
|
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
$
|
115,214,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-18
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
14,987,322
|
|
|
$
|
6,530,464
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
|
67,282
|
|
|
|
358,820
|
|
Net realized gains on warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
21,571
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
(72,641
|
)
|
Other income
|
|
|
271,704
|
|
|
|
131,768
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
16,356,134
|
|
|
|
6,969,982
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses (Note 3)
|
|
|
(274,381
|
)
|
|
|
(1,649,653
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
16,081,753
|
|
|
|
5,320,329
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
2,202,268
|
|
|
|
1,073,083
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
|
2,747,540
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
131,234
|
|
|
|
61,008
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
190,272
|
|
|
|
150,184
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
4,031,815
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
1,288,514
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-19
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Statements of Members Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Loss
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at March 4, 2008
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
1,288,514
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,288,514
|
|
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,951
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contribution (net of direct costs of $341,143)
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
50,947,371
|
|
|
$
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,313,175
|
|
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
394,686
|
|
|
|
394,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,707,861
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
60,260,546
|
|
|
$
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-20
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Inception)
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
1,288,514
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
1,649,653
|
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs
|
|
|
1,123,281
|
|
|
|
953,331
|
|
Net realized gain on settlement of warrants during the period
|
|
|
(137,696
|
)
|
|
|
(21,571
|
)
|
Net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of warrants during
the period
|
|
|
(892,130
|
)
|
|
|
72,641
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
(949,048
|
)
|
|
|
(502,915
|
)
|
(Decrease) increase in unearned loan income
|
|
|
(617,893
|
)
|
|
|
117,455
|
|
Decrease (increase) in other assets
|
|
|
18,754
|
|
|
|
(35,216
|
)
|
(Decrease) increase in other accrued expenses
|
|
|
(175,413
|
)
|
|
|
434,907
|
|
Increase in accrued management fees
|
|
|
21,967
|
|
|
|
159,594
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
7,979,378
|
|
|
|
4,116,393
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans funded
|
|
|
(49,936,243
|
)
|
|
|
(112,177,596
|
)
|
Principal repayments on loans
|
|
|
31,189,623
|
|
|
|
18,154,236
|
|
Proceeds from settlement of warrants
|
|
|
141,486
|
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(18,605,134
|
)
|
|
|
(93,991,860
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
Net increase in revolving borrowings
|
|
|
493,396
|
|
|
|
63,673,016
|
|
Debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,431,998
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
493,396
|
|
|
|
109,899,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(10,132,360
|
)
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
$
|
2,747,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants received & recorded as unearned loan income
|
|
$
|
875,696
|
|
|
$
|
776,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock received in settlement of loan
|
|
$
|
198,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Decrease) increase in interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
(394,686
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-21
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC (CHF) was formed
as a Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008
by and between Compass Horizon Partners, LP, an exempted limited
partnership registered in Bermuda (Compass) and
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Horizon). Compass is the only Class A Member,
Horizon is the only Class B Member and there are no other
members of any type. CHF was formed to acquire and manage loans
to, and warrants from, venture capital backed technology
companies in the life sciences and information technology
industries. The Company makes loans to companies in these
industries which are at a range of life cycle stages including
early stage, expansion stage and later stage.
Horizon Credit I LLC (Credit I) was formed as a
Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008,
with CHF as the sole equity member. Credit I is a special
purpose bankruptcy remote entity and is reported herein as a
wholly owned subsidiary of CHF.
CHF and Credit I are collectively referred to herein as the
Company which commenced operations on March 4,
2008. CHF sells certain portfolio transactions to Credit I
(Purchased Assets). Credit I is a separate legal
entity from CHF and the Purchased Assets have been conveyed to
Credit I and are not available for creditors of CHF or any other
entity other than its lenders.
|
|
Note 2.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Basis
of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. In preparing the consolidated
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, management is required to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities, as of the date of the balance sheet and income and
expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible
to significant change in the near term relate to the
determination of the allowance for loan losses, and the
valuation of warrants and interest rate swaps.
On July 1, 2009, the Accounting Standards Codification
(ASC) became the Financial Accounting Standards
Boards (FASB) single source of authoritative
U.S. accounting and reporting standards applicable to all
public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding
existing authoritative principles and related literature. The
adoption of the ASC changed the applicable citations and naming
conventions used when referencing generally accepted accounting
principles in the Companys financial statements.
Principles
of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of CHF and Credit I. All inter-company accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the consolidated
balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows
includes bank checking accounts and money market funds with an
original maturity of less than 90 days.
Loans
Loans receivable are stated at current unpaid principal balances
adjusted for the allowance for loan losses, unearned income and
any unamortized deferred fees or costs. The Company has the
ability and intent to hold its loans for the foreseeable future
or until maturity or payoff.
F-22
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Interest on loans is accrued and included in income based on
contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.
Interest income on loans is determined using a method that
results in a level rate of return on principal amounts
outstanding. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due,
or if the Company otherwise does not expect to receive interest
and principal repayments, the loan is placed on non-accrual
status and the recognition of interest income is discontinued.
Interest payments received on loans that are on non-accrual
status are treated as reductions of principal until the
principal is repaid. No loans were on non-accrual status as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008.
The Company receives a variety of fees from borrowers in the
ordinary course of conducting its business, including advisory
fees, commitment fees, amendment fees, non-utilization fees and
prepayment fees (collectively, the Fees). In a
limited number of cases, the Company may also receive a
non-refundable deposit earned upon the termination of a
transaction. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct
origination costs, are deferred, and along with unearned income,
are amortized as a level yield adjustment over the respective
term of the loan. Fees for counterparty loan commitments with
multiple loans are allocated to each loan based upon each
loans relative fair value. When a loan is placed on
non-accrual, the amortization of the related Fee and unearned
income is discontinued until the loan is returned to accrual
status.
Certain loan agreements also require the borrower to make an
end-of-term payment that is accrued into income over the life of
the loan to the extent such amounts are expected to be
collected. The Company will generally cease accruing the income
if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or the
Company does not expect the borrower to be able to pay all
principal and interest due.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents managements
estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio
as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the allowance is
based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss
experience, the current credit profile of the Companys
borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect
individual borrowers ability to repay, the estimated value
of underlying collateral and general economic conditions. The
loan portfolio is comprised of large balance loans that are
evaluated individually for impairment and are risk-rated based
upon a borrowers individual situation, current economic
conditions, collateral and industry-specific information that
management believes is relevant in determining the potential
occurrence of a loss event and in measuring impairment. The
allowance for loan losses is sensitive to the risk rating
assigned to each of the loans and to corresponding qualitative
loss factors that the Company uses to estimate the allowance.
These factors are applied to the outstanding loan balances in
estimating the allowance for loan losses. If necessary, based on
performance factors related to specific loans, a specific
allowance for loan losses is established for individual impaired
loans. Increases or decreases to the allowance for loan losses
are charged or credited to current period earnings through the
provision (credit) for loan losses. Amounts determined to be
uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses,
while amounts recovered on previously charged-off loans increase
the allowance for loan losses.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to
collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.
Factors considered by management in determining impairment
include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of
collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.
Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment
shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management
determines the significance of payment delays and payment
shortfalls on a
case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances
surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of
the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrowers prior
payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to
the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a
loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loans effective
interest rate, the loans observable market price, or the
fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral
dependent.
F-23
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Impaired loans also include loans modified in troubled debt
restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers
experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could
include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment
extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other
actions intended to maximize collection. There have been no
troubled debt restructurings during 2009 and 2008.
Warrants
In connection with substantially all lending arrangements, the
Company receives warrants to purchase shares of stock from the
borrower. Because the warrant agreements contain net exercise or
cashless exercise provisions, the warrants qualify
as derivative instruments. The warrants are recorded as assets
at estimated fair value on the grant date using the
Black-Scholes valuation model. The warrants are considered loan
fees and are also recorded as unearned loan income on the grant
date. The unearned income is recognized as interest income over
the contractual life of the related loan in accordance with the
Companys income recognition policy. As all the warrants
held are deemed to be derivatives, they are periodically
measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
Any adjustment to fair value is recorded through earnings as net
unrealized gain or loss on warrants. Gains from the disposition
of the warrants or stock acquired from the exercise of warrants,
are recognized as realized gains on warrants.
The Company values the warrant assets incorporating the
following material assumptions:
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Underlying asset value of the issuer is estimated based on
information available, including any information regarding the
most recent rounds of borrower funding.
|
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|
|
Volatility, or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the size
of the changes in the warrant price, is based on guideline
publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to
the underlying company issuing the warrant. A total of seven
such indices were used. The weighted average volatility
assumptions used for the warrant valuation at December 31,
2009 and 2008 were 29% and 25%, respectively.
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The risk-free interest rates are derived from the
U.S. Treasury yield curve. The risk-free interest rates are
calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest
rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of
the warrant.
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|
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|
Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are
estimated based on managements judgment about the general
industry environment.
|
Debt
Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs are fees and other direct incremental costs
incurred by the Company in obtaining debt financing from its
lender and are recognized as assets and are amortized as
interest expense over the term of the related Credit Facility.
The Company paid total debt issuance costs of $3,431,998 during
the period ended December 31, 2008. The unamortized balance
of debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was
$1,355,386 and $2,478,667, respectively, and the amortization
expense relating to debt issuance costs during the year ended
December 31, 2009 and period ended December 31, 2008
was $1,123,281 and $953,331, respectively.
Income
Taxes
The Company is a limited liability company treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a
result, all items of income and expense are passed through to,
and are generally reportable on, the tax returns of the
respective members of each limited liability company. Therefore,
no federal or state income tax provision has been recorded.
The FASB issued new guidance on accounting for uncertainty in
income taxes. The Company adopted this new guidance for the year
ended December 31, 2009. Management evaluated the
Companys tax positions and
F-24
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
concluded that the Company had taken no uncertain tax positions
that require adjustment to the financial statements to comply
with the provisions of this guidance.
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
The Company recognizes its interest rate swap derivatives on the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair
value. Changes in the derivatives fair value are
recognized currently in income unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivatives gains and losses to offset related
results on the hedged item in the statement of operations and
requires the Company to formally document, designate and assess
effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value
through earnings. If the derivative qualifies as a hedge,
depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value
of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair
value of hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through
earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the
hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion
of a derivatives change in fair value, if any, is
immediately recognized as interest expense.
In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance related to disclosures
about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This
guidance requires enhanced disclosures of an entitys
derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects
on the entitys financial position, financial performance
and cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance in 2009. See
Note 8 for the enhanced disclosures required by this
statement.
Comprehensive
Income
Accounting principles generally require that recognized income,
expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain
changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized
appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps, are
reported as a separate component of members capital in the
consolidated balance sheet, and such items, along with net
income, are components of comprehensive income.
Fair
Value
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value
adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine
fair value disclosures. Fair value is the price that would be
received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon
quoted market prices. However, in certain instances, there are
no quoted market prices for certain assets or liabilities. In
cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values
are based on estimates using present value or other valuation
techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the
assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not
be realized in an immediate settlement of the asset or liability.
Fair value measurements focus on exit prices in an orderly
transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed
sale) between market participants at the measurement date under
current market conditions. If there has been a significant
decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or
liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of
multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such
instances, determining the price at which willing market
participants would transact at the measurement date under
current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances
and requires the use of significant judgment.
The Companys fair value measurements are classified into a
fair value hierarchy based on the markets in which the assets
and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the
assumptions used to determine fair value. The three categories
within the hierarchy are as follows:
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Level 1 |
|
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and
liabilities. |
F-25
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
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Level 2 |
|
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted
prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets,
quoted prices in markets that are not active, and model-based
valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are
observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
|
Level 3 |
|
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market
activity and that are significant to the fair value of the
assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities
include financial instruments whose value is determined using
pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar
techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination
of fair value requires significant management judgment or
estimation. |
Prior to 2009, the fair value guidance only pertained to
financial assets and liabilities. On January 1, 2009, the
provisions of the fair value accounting guidance became
effective for non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company
adopted these provisions in 2009, and there was no impact on the
financial statements as there were no non-financial assets or
liabilities measured at fair value.
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance which addressed concerns
that fair value measurements emphasized the use of an observable
market transaction even when that transaction may not have been
orderly or the market for that transaction may not have been
active. This guidance relates to the following:
(a) determining when the volume and level of activity for
the asset or liability has significantly decreased;
(b) identifying circumstances in which a transaction is not
orderly; and (c) understanding the fair value measurement
implications of both (a) and (b). The Company adopted this
new guidance in 2009, and the adoption had no impact on the
Companys financial statements.
In February 2010, the FASB issued guidance which amends the
existing guidance related to fair value measurements and
disclosures. The amendments will require the following new fair
value disclosures:
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Separate disclosure of the significant transfers in and out of
Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and a
description of the reasons for the transfers.
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In the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair value
measurements (significant unobservable inputs), purchases,
sales, issuances, and settlements should be presented separately
(on a gross basis rather than as one net number).
|
In addition, the amendments clarify existing disclosure
requirements, as follows:
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Fair value measurements and disclosures should be presented for
each class of assets and liabilities within a line item in the
balance sheet.
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Reporting entities should provide disclosures about the
valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for
both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that
fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.
|
The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures
are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning
after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures
included in the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair
value measurements, for which the effective date is for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim
periods within those fiscal years.
See Note 10 for additional information regarding fair value.
Transfers
of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when
control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over
transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the
assets have been isolated from the Company put
presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its
creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership,
(2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions
that constrain it from taking advantage of that
F-26
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and
(3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over
the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement that
both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase or
redeem the assets before maturity or (b) the ability to
unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other
than through a cleanup call.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain
guidance relating to transfers and servicing of financial
assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of qualifying
special purpose entities, provides guidance as to when a portion
of a transferred financial asset can be evaluated for sale
accounting, provides additional guidance with regard to
accounting for transfers of financial assets and requires
additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for the
Company as of January 1, 2010, with adoption applied
prospectively for transfers that occur on and after the
effective date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to
have a material impact on the Companys financial
statements.
Subsequent
Events
In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance relating to accounting
for, and disclosure of, events that occur after the balance
sheet date but before financial statements are issued or
available to be issued. This guidance defines (i) the
period after the balance sheet date during which a reporting
entitys management should evaluate events or transactions
that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the
financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an
entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after
the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and
(iii) the disclosures an entity should make about events or
transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The
guidance became effective for the Company during the year ended
December 31, 2009.
The Company has evaluated the subsequent events through
March 19, 2010, the date on which the financial statements
were issued.
Loans receivable consist of term loans and revolving loans. The
loans are payable in installments with final maturities ranging
from 24 to 48 months and are generally collateralized by
all assets of the borrower. As of December 31, 2009 and
2008, 96.7% and 83.4%, respectively, of the Companys loans
are at fixed rates for their term. The weighted average interest
rate of the loan portfolio was 12.64% and 12.04% as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. All loans were
made to companies based in the United States of America.
The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for
loan losses:
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March 4, 2008
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(inception)
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Year Ended
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through
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December 31,
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December 31,
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2009
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2008
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Balance at beginning of period
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$
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1,649,653
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$
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Provision for loan losses
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274,381
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1,649,653
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Charge offs, net of recoveries
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Balance at end of period
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$
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1,924,034
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$
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1,649,653
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Credit I entered into a $150,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility
(the Credit Facility) with WestLB AG
(WestLB) effective March 4, 2008. The Credit
Facility has a three year initial revolving term and is
renewable on March 3, 2011, subject to agreement between
the Company and WestLB. If the revolving term is not renewed,
the
F-27
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
balance will be allowed to amortize over an additional four year
term. The interest rate is based upon the one-month LIBOR (0.23%
and 0.44% as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
plus a spread of 2.50%.
The Credit Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit I
and permits an advance rate of up to 75% of eligible loans held
by Credit I. The Credit Facility contains covenants that, among
other things, require the Company to maintain a minimum net
worth and to restrict the loans securing the Credit Facility to
certain criteria for qualified loans and includes portfolio
company concentration limits as defined in the related loan
agreement. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, based on assets
of Credit I, the Company had borrowing capacity of
approximately $72,160,000 and $65,800,000, respectively, and had
actual borrowings outstanding of $64,166,412 and $63,673,016,
respectively, on the Credit Facility.
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Note 5.
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Financial
Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
|
In the normal course of business, the Company is party to
financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the
financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments
include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying
degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount
recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company
attempts to limit its credit risk by conducting extensive due
diligence and obtaining collateral where appropriate.
The balance of unfunded commitments to extend credit was
$5,400,000 and $18,200,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively. Commitments to extend credit consist principally
of the unused portions of commitments that obligate CHF to
extend credit, such as revolving credit arrangements or similar
transactions. Commitments may also include a financial or
nonfinancial milestone that has to be achieved before the
commitment can be drawn. Commitments generally have fixed
expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since commitments
may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
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Note 6.
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Concentrations
of Credit Risk
|
The Companys loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to
development-stage companies at various stages of development in
the information technology and life science industries. Many of
these companies may have relatively limited operating histories
and also may experience variation in operating results. Many of
these companies do business in regulated industries and could be
affected by changes in government regulations. Most of the
Companys borrowers will need additional capital to satisfy
their continuing working capital needs and other requirements,
and in many instances to service the interest and principal
payments on the loans.
The largest loans may vary from year to year as new loans are
recorded and repaid. The Companys five largest loans
represented approximately 28% and 29% of total loans outstanding
as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. No single
loan represents more than 10% of the total loans as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008. Loan income, consisting of
interest and fees, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of
large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 23% and 21% of total loan interest
and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the
period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to December 31,
2008, respectively.
The Company receives warrants from borrowers in connection with
the loans receivable. These warrants generally do not produce a
current cash return, but are held for potential investment
appreciation and capital gains. For the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the period ended December 31,
2008, the Company reported realized gains of $137,696 and
$21,571, respectively, and net unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of $892,130 and $72,641, respectively, on the
warrants.
F-28
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
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Note 8:
|
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
|
On October 14, 2008, the Company entered into two interest
rate swap agreements (collectively, the Swap) with
WestLB, fixing the rate of $10 million at 3.58% and
$15 million at 3.2% on the first advances of a like amount
of variable rate Credit Facility borrowings. The interest rate
swaps expire in October 2011 and October 2010, respectively. The
Swap is designated as a cash flow hedge and is anticipated to be
highly effective.
The Company utilizes the Swap to manage risks related to
interest rates on the first $25 million of borrowings on
the Companys Credit Facility. Accounting for derivatives
as hedges requires that, at inception and over the term of the
arrangement, the hedged item and related derivative meet the
requirements for hedge accounting.
The objective of the Swap is to hedge the risk of changes in
cash flows associated with the future interest payments on the
first $25 million of the variable rate Credit Facility debt
with a combined notional amount of $25 million. This is a
hedge of future specified cash flows. As a result, these
interest rate swaps are derivatives and were designated as
hedging instruments at the inception of the Swap, and the
Company has applied cash flow hedge accounting. The Swap is
recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, and
any related increases or decreases in the fair value are
recognized on the Companys consolidated balance sheet
within accumulated other comprehensive income.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Swap has been recorded
as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet and the
corresponding unrealized loss on the Swap is recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive loss, totaling $767,877 and
$1,162,563, respectively. The Swap does not contain any credit
risk related contingent features.
The Company assesses the effectiveness of its Swap on a
quarterly basis. The Company has considered the impact of the
current credit crisis in the United States in assessing the risk
of counterparty default. The Company believes that it is still
likely that the counterparty for the Swap will continue to
perform throughout the contract period, and as a result
continues to deem the Swap an effective hedging instrument. As
most of the critical terms of the hedging instruments and hedged
items match, the hedging relationship is considered to be highly
effective. Prospective and retrospective assessments of the
ineffectiveness of the hedge have been and will be made at the
end of each fiscal quarter.
No ineffectiveness on the Swap was recognized during the year
ended December 31, 2009 and period ended December 31,
2008. During the year ended December 31, 2009, $756,038 was
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into
interest expense, and $571,293 is expected to be reclassified in
the next twelve months.
On March 4, 2008, $50,000,000 of capital was contributed to
CHF. Since inception, there have been no distributions to
members.
As described in Note 1, the Company uses fair value
measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets
and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. A
description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and
liabilities recorded at fair value, and for estimating fair
value for financial and non-financial instruments not recorded
at fair value, is set forth below.
Cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest
receivable: The carrying amount is a reasonable
estimate of fair value. These financial instruments are not
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Loans: For variable rate loans which re-price
frequently and have no significant change in credit risk,
carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair values,
adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolio. The fair
value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future
cash flows using the year end rates at which similar loans would
be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the
same remaining maturities,
F-29
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolio. The
Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring
basis. However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value
adjustments to collateral-dependent impaired loans may be
recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on the observable
market price or current appraised value of collateral.
Warrants: The Company values its warrants
using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the
Companys warrants held in publicly traded companies are
determined based on inputs that are readily available in public
markets or can be derived from information available in public
markets. Therefore, the Company has categorized these warrants
as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy described in
Note 2. The fair value of the Companys warrants held
in private companies are determined using both observable and
unobservable inputs and represents managements best
estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the
warrants at the measurement date. Therefore, the Company has
categorized these warrants as Level 3 within the fair value
hierarchy described in Note 2. These financial instruments
are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Borrowings: The carrying amount of borrowings
under the revolving credit facility approximates its fair value
due to the short duration and variable interest rate of this
debt. These financial instruments are not recorded at fair value
on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Company considers its
creditworthiness in determining the fair value of such
borrowings.
Interest rate swap derivatives: The fair value
of the Companys interest rate swap derivative instruments
is the estimated as the amount the Company would pay to
terminate its swaps at the balance sheet date, taking into
account current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the
counterparty for assets and the credit worthiness of the Company
for liabilities. The Company has categorized these derivative
instruments as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy
described in Note 2. These financial instruments are
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Off-balance-sheet instruments: Fair values for
off-balance-sheet lending commitments are based on fees
currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into
account the remaining terms of the agreements and the
counterparties credit standings. Off-balance-sheet
instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
The following table details the financial instruments that are
carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a recurring
basis as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and
indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques
utilized by the Company to determine the fair value:
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December 31, 2009
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Quoted Prices in
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Significant
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Significant
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Balance as of
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Active Markets for
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Observable
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Unobservable
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December 31,
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Identical Assets
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Inputs
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Inputs
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2009
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|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
447,417
|
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-30
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
|
Active Markets for
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Identical Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
693,644
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
136,891
|
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances for Level 3 assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Warrants received and classified as Level 3
|
|
|
535,034
|
|
|
|
515,037
|
|
Unrealized gains included in earnings
|
|
|
918,476
|
|
|
|
41,716
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, end of period
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company discloses fair value information about financial
instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for
which it is practicable to estimate that value. Certain
financial instruments are excluded from the disclosure
requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
The estimated fair value amounts for 2009 and 2008 have been
measured as of the year-end date, and have not been reevaluated
or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent
to that date. As such, the estimated fair values of these
financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be
different than amounts reported at year-end.
The information presented should not be interpreted as an
estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair
value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the
Companys assets and liabilities. Due to the wide range of
valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in
making the estimates, comparisons between the Companys
disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.
F-31
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the recorded book
balances and estimated fair values of the Companys
financial instruments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Financial Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash & cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
$
|
109,496,205
|
|
|
$
|
110,654,287
|
|
|
$
|
91,480,038
|
|
|
$
|
92,100,589
|
|
Warrants
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
693,644
|
|
|
$
|
693,644
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
$
|
502,915
|
|
|
$
|
502,915
|
|
Financial Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
63,673,016
|
|
|
$
|
63,673,016
|
|
Interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
Off-balance-sheet
instruments
The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general
interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal
operations. As a result, the fair values of the Companys
financial instruments will change when interest rate levels
change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to
the Company. Management attempts to match maturities of assets
and liabilities to the extent believed necessary to minimize
interest rate risk. Management monitors rates and maturities of
assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate
risk by adjusting terms of new loans and by investing in
securities with terms that mitigate the Companys overall
interest rate risk.
|
|
Note 11:
|
Related
Party Transactions
|
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC serves as Advisor for
the Company under a Management and Services Agreement which
provides for management fees payable monthly to the Advisor at a
rate of 2.0% per annum of the gross assets of the Company. The
Advisor also generates substantially all investment
opportunities for the Company. Total management fee expense was
$2,202,268 and $1,073,083 for the year ended December 31,
2009 and the period from March 4, 2008 to December 31,
2008, respectively. Accrued management fees were $181,561 and
$159,594 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
|
|
Note 12:
|
Subsequent
Events
|
In 2010, the members of the Company intend to exchange their
membership interests in the Company for shares of common stock
of an entity formed by the Company and expected to be named
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (the Share
Exchange). In conjunction with the Share Exchange, Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation plans on completing an initial
public offering (IPO). Immediately prior to the
completion of an IPO, the Company, to the extent there is
available cash on hand at the Company, expects to make a cash
distribution (Pre-IPO Distribution) to its
Class A Member from net income and as a return of capital.
After the Pre-IPO Distribution and immediately prior to the
completion of the IPO, all owners of the Company would exchange
their membership interests in the Company for shares of common
stock of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation. Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation is expected to become the public
corporation upon the completion of the IPO. Upon the completion
of the Share Exchange and the IPO, the Company would become a
wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation.
F-32
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
Note 13:
|
Financial
Highlights
|
Following is a schedule of financial highlights for the year
ended December 31, 2009 and the period ended
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Period Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2009
|
|
|
December 31,
2008
|
|
|
Members capital at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Net investment
income(1)
|
|
|
8,557,730
|
|
|
|
2,989,237
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(274,381
|
)
|
|
|
(1,649,653
|
)
|
Net realized gain on warrants
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
21,571
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
(72,641
|
)
|
Capital contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
|
|
|
394,686
|
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
Members capital at end of period
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
Ratios and Supplemental data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Members capital
|
|
$
|
53,937,746
|
|
|
$
|
50,184,871
|
|
Ratio of expenses to average Members capital
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment income to average Members capital
|
|
|
15.9
|
%
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Net investment income is computed
as net income adjusted for (a) provision for loan losses
and (b) the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
warrants.
|
F-33
Through and
including ,
2010 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all
dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or
not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a
prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers obligation
to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with
respect to their unsold allotments or subscription.
Part C
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
|
Item 25.
|
Financial
statements and exhibits
|
1. Financial Statements
The following financial statements of Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation (the Registrant or the
Company) are included in Part A of this
Registration Statement.
INDEX TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010
and December 31, 2009
|
|
|
F-2
|
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009
|
|
|
F-3
|
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Members Capital for
the three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31,
2009
|
|
|
F-4
|
|
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009
|
|
|
F-5
|
|
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-17
|
|
|
|
|
F-18
|
|
|
|
|
F-19
|
|
|
|
|
F-20
|
|
|
|
|
F-21
|
|
|
|
|
F-22
|
|
2. Exhibits
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation(2)
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
Amended and Restated
Bylaws(2)
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
Form of Specimen
Certificate(1)
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
Form of Dividend Reinvestment
Plan(2)
|
|
(f)(1)
|
|
|
Credit and Security Agreement by and among Horizon Credit I LLC,
WestLB AG, New York Branch, U.S. Bank National Association, as
custodian and paying agent, and WestLB AG, New York Branch, as
agent, dated as of March 4,
2008(3)
|
|
(f)(2)
|
|
|
First Amendment of Transaction Documents by and among Horizon
Credit I LLC, West LB AG, New York Branch, U.S. Bank
National Association, as custodian and paying agent, West LB AG,
New York Branch, as agent, Horizon Technology Finance
Management LLC, and Lyon Financial Services, Inc., dated as of
September 30,
2008.(3)
|
|
(f)(3)
|
|
|
Second Amendment of Transaction Documents by and among Horizon
Credit I LLC, West LB AG, New York Branch, as the
lender and agent, and U.S. Bank National Association, as
custodian, dated as of October 7,
2008.(3)
|
C-1
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
(f)(4)
|
|
|
Third Amendment of Transaction Documents by and among Horizon
Credit I LLC, Compass Horizon Financing Company LLC,
West LB AG, New York Branch, as the lender and
agent, and U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian,
dated as of June 25,
2010.(2)
|
|
(f)(5)
|
|
|
Sale and Contribution Agreement by and between Compass Horizon
Funding Company LLC and Horizon Credit I LLC, dated as of
March 4,
2008(2)
|
|
(g)
|
|
|
Form of Investment Management
Agreement(2)
|
|
(h)
|
|
|
Form of Underwriting
Agreement(2)
|
|
(j)(1)
|
|
|
Form of Custody
Agreement(1)
|
|
(k)(1)
|
|
|
Form of Administration
Agreement(2)
|
|
(k)(2)
|
|
|
Form of License Agreement by and between the Registrant and
Horizon Technology Finance Management
LLC(2)
|
|
(k)(3)
|
|
|
Form of Registration Rights Agreement among Compass Horizon
Partners, LP,
HTF-CHF
Holdings LLC and the
Company(2)
|
|
(l)
|
|
|
Opinion and Consent of Counsel to the
Company(1)
|
|
(n)
|
|
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm(2)
|
|
(r)(1)
|
|
|
Code of Ethics of the
Company(1)
|
|
(r)(2)
|
|
|
Code of Ethics of our
Advisor(1)
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
To be filed by amendment.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Filed herewith.
|
|
|
Item 26.
|
Marketing
arrangements
|
The information contained under the heading
Underwriters in this Registration Statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
Item 27.
|
Other
expenses of issuance and distribution
|
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be
incurred in connection with the offering described in this
registration statement:
|
|
|
|
|
SEC registration fee
|
|
$
|
8,912.50
|
|
FINRA filing fee
|
|
|
13,000
|
|
NASDAQ Global Market listing fee
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
Printing (other than certificates)
|
|
|
*
|
|
Engraving and printing certificates
|
|
|
*
|
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Transfer agent fees
|
|
|
*
|
|
Miscellaneous fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
To be furnished by amendment.
|
All of the expenses set forth above shall be borne by the
Registrant.
C-2
|
|
Item 28.
|
Persons
controlled by or under common control with the
registrant
|
Immediately following the completion of the Share Exchange, we
will own 100% of the outstanding equity interests of Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.
|
|
Item 29.
|
Number
of holders of shares
|
The following table sets forth the approximate number of record
holders of the Companys common stock as
of ,
2010:
|
|
|
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Number of Record
Holders
|
|
|
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
|
|
|
|
|
The information contained under the heading Description of
Capital Stock is incorporated herein by reference.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the
Securities Act, may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to
the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
defense of any action suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
again public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant carries liability insurance for the benefit of
its directors and officers (other than with respect to claims
resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his or her office) on a claims-made basis.
The Registrant has agreed to indemnify the underwriters against
specified liabilities for actions taken in their capacities as
such, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
|
|
Item 31.
|
Business
and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
|
A description of any other business, profession, vocation or
employment of a substantial nature in which Horizon Technology
Finance Management LLC, which we refer to as our
Advisor, and each managing director, director or
executive officer of our Advisor, is or has been during the past
two fiscal years, engaged in for his or her own account or in
the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee,
is set forth in Part A of this Registration Statement in
the section entitled Our Advisor. Additional
information regarding our Advisor and its executive officers and
directors is set forth in its Form ADV, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC File
No. 801-71141),
and is incorporated herein by reference. See
Management.
|
|
Item 32.
|
Location
of accounts and records
|
The Registrants accounts, books and other documents are
currently located at the offices of the Registrant,
c/o Advisor,
76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, and at
the offices of the Registrants Custodian and Transfer
Agent, .
|
|
Item 33.
|
Management
services
|
Not Applicable.
C-3
|
|
(1)
|
The Registrant hereby undertakes to suspend the offering of its
common stock until it amends its prospectus if
(a) subsequent to the effective date of its Registration
Statement, the net asset value declines more than 10% from its
net asset value as of the effective date of the Registration
Statement or (b) the net asset value increases to an amount
greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus.
|
|
(2)
|
Not applicable.
|
|
(3)
|
Not applicable.
|
|
(4)
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
(5) (a) |
For the purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of
prospectus filed as part of a registration statement in reliance
upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus
filed by the Registrant under Rule 497(h) under the
Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of the
Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
|
|
|
(b) |
For the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that
contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
|
C-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Farmington, and State of Connecticut,
on the
2nd day
of July, 2010.
Horizon Technology
Finance Corporation
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Robert
D. Pomeroy, Jr.
|
Name: Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr.
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose
signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert D.
Pomeroy, Jr. as true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and
in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign
any and all amendments to this Registration Statement (including
post-effective amendments, or any abbreviated registration
statement and any amendments thereto filed pursuant to
Rule 462(b) and otherwise), and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and agent the full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in and about the foregoing, as to all intents and
purposes as either of them might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities set forth below on July 2, 2010. This
document may be executed by the signatories hereto on any number
of counterparts, all of which constitute one and the same
instrument.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Title
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert
D. Pomeroy, Jr.
Robert
D. Pomeroy, Jr.
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
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*
Gerald
A. Michaud
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President and Director
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*
David
P. Swanson
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Director
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/s/ James
J. Bottiglieri
James
J. Bottiglieri
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Director
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/s/ Edmund
V. Mahoney
Edmund
V. Mahoney
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Director
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/s/ Brett
N. Silvers
Brett
N. Silvers
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Director
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Name
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Title
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/s/ Christopher
B. Woodward
Christopher
B. Woodward
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Director
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/s/ Christopher
M. Mathieu
Christopher
M. Mathieu
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Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
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*By:
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/s/ Robert
D. Pomeroy, Jr.
Attorney-in-fact
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exv99wa
Exhibit
(a)
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION
ARTICLE I
Section 1.1 Name. The name of the Corporation is Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation (the Corporation).
ARTICLE II
Section 2.1 Registered Office and Agent. The address of the registered office of the
Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of
New Castle. The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.
ARTICLE III
Section 3.1 Purpose. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code (the DGCL).
ARTICLE IV
Section 4.1 Authorized Stock. The total number of shares of stock which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is 101,000,000 consisting
of 100,000,000 shares
of common stock (the Common Shares), each having a par value of one one-thousandth of a dollar
($0.001), and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock (the Preferred Shares), each having a par
value of one one-thousandth of a dollar ($0.001).
Section 4.2 Common Shares.
(a) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate of
Incorporation, holders of record of Common Shares shall have one vote in respect of each Common
Share held by such holder of record on the books of the Corporation for the election of directors
and on all other matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
(b) Dividends. Holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to receive proportionately,
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of the assets of the Corporation legally
available therefor, dividends payable either in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock.
(c) Liquidation, Dissolution, or Winding Up. In the event of a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation (Liquidation), holders of Common
Shares shall be entitled, unless otherwise provided by law or this Certificate of Incorporation, to
receive, after payment of all of the liabilities of the Corporation and redemption or other
retirement of all of the Preferred Shares of the Corporation, or after money sufficient
therefore shall have been set aside, all of the remaining assets of the Corporation of whatever
kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of Common
Shares held by them respectively.
Section 4.3 Preferred Shares.
(a) The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to provide for the issuance of all or any
of the Preferred Shares in one or more series, and to fix for each such series such voting powers,
full or limited, or no voting powers, and such distinctive designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by
the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such series and as may be permitted by the
DGCL, including, without limitation, the authority to provide that any such series may be (i)
subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (ii) entitled to receive
dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at such rates, on such conditions, and at
such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any
other class or classes or any other series; (iii) entitled to such rights upon the dissolution of,
or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation; or (iv) convertible into, or
exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of stock, or of any other series of the same
or any other class or classes of stock, of the Corporation at such price or prices or at such rates
of exchange and with such adjustments; all as may be stated in such resolution or resolutions. Any
of the foregoing provisions shall be consistent with the requirements of the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the 1940 Act) to the extent applicable.
(b) Each share of each series of the Preferred Shares shall have the same relative rights and
be identical in all respects with all the other shares of the same series, except that shares of
any one series issued at different times may differ as to the dates, if any, from which dividends
thereon shall be cumulative. Except as otherwise provided by law or specified in this ARTICLE IV,
any series of the Preferred Shares may differ from any other series with respect to any one or more
of the voting powers, designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
other special rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.
(c) Before any dividends on any class of stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the
Preferred Shares (other than dividends payable in shares of any class of stock of the Corporation
ranking junior to the Preferred Shares) shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment, the
holders of shares of each series of the Preferred Shares shall be entitled to such cash dividends,
but only if, when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available
therefor, as they may be entitled to in accordance with the resolution or resolutions adopted by
the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such series, payable on such dates as may be
fixed by or under direction of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
(d) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether
voluntary or involuntary, before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Corporation shall
be made to or set apart for the holders of shares of any class of stock of the Corporation ranking
junior to the Preferred Shares, the holders, or to have set apart, of the
2
shares of each series of the Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive payment of the
amount per share fixed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing
for the issuance of the shares of such series, plus an amount equal to all dividends accumulated
and not yet paid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders. If, upon any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets of the Corporation, or
proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of the shares of the Preferred Shares shall be
insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid, then such assets, or the proceeds
thereof, shall be distributed among such holders ratably in accordance with the respective amounts
which would be payable on such shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. For the
purposes of this paragraph (d), the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of
stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property or assets of
the Corporation or a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with one or more corporations shall
not be deemed to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, voluntary or involuntary.
(e) The term junior stock, as used in relation to the Preferred Shares, shall mean the
Common Shares and any other class of stock of the Corporation hereafter authorized which by its
terms shall rank junior to the Preferred Shares as to dividend rights and as to the distribution of
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
(f) Before the Corporation shall issue any Preferred Shares of any series authorized as
hereinbefore provided, a certificate setting forth a copy of the resolution or resolutions with
respect to such series adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation pursuant to the
foregoing authority vested in said Board of Directors shall be made, filed and recorded in
accordance with the then applicable requirements, if any, of the laws of the State of Delaware, or,
if no certificate is then so required, such certificate shall be signed and acknowledged on behalf
of the Corporation by its president or a vice-president and its corporate seal shall be affixed
thereto and attested by its secretary or an assistant secretary and such certificate shall be filed
and kept on file at the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware and in such
other place or places as the Board of Directors shall designate.
Section 4.4 Shares of any series of the Preferred Shares which shall be issued and thereafter
acquired by the Corporation through purchase, redemption, conversion or otherwise, shall return to
the status of authorized but unissued shares of the Preferred Shares, undesignated as to series,
unless otherwise provided in any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors. Unless
otherwise provided in the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the
issuance thereof, the number of authorized shares of stock of any such series may be increased or
decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by resolution or
resolutions of the Board of Directors and the filing of a certificate complying with the
requirements referred to in subparagraph 4.3(f) above.
ARTICLE V
Section 5.1 Classified Board. The Board of Directors shall be divided into three
classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as possible, and the
term of office of directors of one class shall expire at each annual meeting of stockholders, and
in all cases as to each director when such directors successor shall be elected and shall qualify
or upon such directors earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. Additional
3
directorships resulting from an increase in number of directors shall be apportioned among the
classes as equally as possible. The initial term of office of directors of Class I shall expire at
the first annual meeting of stockholders; that of Class II shall expire at the second annual
meeting; and that of Class III shall expire at the third annual meeting; and in all cases as to
each director when such directors successor shall be elected and shall qualify or upon such
directors earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. Beginning at the first
annual meeting and thereafter at each annual meeting, the number of directors equal to the number
of directors of the class whose term expires at the time of such meeting (or, if more or less, the
number of directors properly nominated and qualified for election) shall be elected to hold office
until the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election.
Section 5.2 Changes. The Board of Directors, by amendment to the Corporations
Bylaws, is expressly authorized to change the number of directors without the consent of the
stockholders to any number between three or nine and to allocate such number of directors among the
classes as evenly as practicable.
Section 5.3 Elections. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless
otherwise provided in the Corporations Bylaws.
Section 5.4 Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of the shares of any series
of Preferred Shares then outstanding, any director may be removed for cause from office by the
action of the holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the then outstanding shares of the
Corporations capital stock entitled to vote for the election of the respective director.
Section 5.5 Vote Required to Amend or Repeal. The affirmative vote of the holders of
at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the then outstanding shares of the Corporations capital
stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class,
shall be required to amend in any respect or repeal this ARTICLE V; provided, however, that if at
least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the continuing directors (as defined in Section
9.1) have approved such amendment or repeal, the affirmative vote required for such amendment or
repeal shall be a majority of such shares.
Section 5.6 Vacancies. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of
Preferred Shares, and unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, all vacancies on the
Board of Directors and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized
number of directors shall be filled exclusively by a majority of the directors then in office,
although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and shall not be filled by the
stockholders.
ARTICLE VI
Section 6.1 The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the
direction of the Board of Directors.
Section 6.2 Limitation on Liability. No director shall be personally liable to the
Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to the
Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the Delaware
General
4
Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. Any repeal or modification of this Section 6.2 by the stockholders of the
Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation
existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring
prior to such repeal or modification.
Section 6.3 In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly
conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such
acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the
provisions of the DGCL and this Certificate of Incorporation
ARTICLE VII
Section 7.1 Special Meetings of Stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders
may be called for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or this
Certificate of Incorporation, only by the chairman, chief executive officer or president or by a
resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors.
Section 7.2 Vote Required to Amend or Repeal. The affirmative vote of the holders of
at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the then outstanding shares of the Corporations capital
stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class,
shall be required to amend in any respect or repeal this ARTICLE VII.
ARTICLE VIII
Section 8.1 Amend or Repeal Bylaws. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to
adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that any adoption,
amendment or repeal of the Bylaws by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of at least
sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the continuing directors (as defined in Section 9.1).
The stockholders shall not have the right to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation.
Section 8.2 Vote Required to Amend or Repeal. The affirmative vote of the holders of
at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the then outstanding shares of the Corporations capital
stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class,
shall be required to amend in any respect or repeal this ARTICLE VIII.
ARTICLE IX
Section 9.1 The conversion of the Corporation from a business development company to a
closed-end investment company or an open-end investment company, the liquidation and dissolution of
the Corporation, the merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any entity in a transaction as
a result of which the governing documents of the surviving entity do not contain substantially the
same provisions as described in Sections 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, and 9.1 of this
Certificate of Incorporation or the amendment of any of the provisions discussed herein shall
require the approval of (i) the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the then outstanding
Shares of the Corporations capital stock, voting together as a single class, or (ii) at least (A)
a
5
majority of the continuing directors and (B) the holders of at least seventy-five percent
(75%) of the then outstanding Shares of each affected class or series of the Corporations capital
stock, voting separately as a class or series. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation,
a continuing director is a director who (x) (A) has been a director of the corporation for at
least twelve months and (B) is not a person or an affiliate of a person who enters into, or
proposes to enter into, a business combination with the Corporation or (y) (A) is a successor to a
continuing director, (B) who was appointed to the Board of Directors by at least a majority of the
continuing directors and (C) is not a person or an affiliate of a person who enters into, or
proposes to enter into, a business combination with the Corporation.
ARTICLE X
Section 10.1 Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as
the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision
contained in the DGCL) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated
from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE XI
Section 11.1 The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
ARTICLE XII
Section 12.1 The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any
provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed
by statute or by this Certificate of Incorporation, and all rights conferred upon stockholders
herein are granted subject to this reservation.
ARTICLE XIII
Section 13.1 The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent
authorized or permitted by law, as now or hereafter in effect, and such right to indemnification
shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and
shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives;
provided, however, that, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the
Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer (or his or her heirs,
executors or personal or legal representatives) in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof)
initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by
the Board of Directors. The right to indemnification conferred by this ARTICLE XIII shall include
the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise
participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition.
Section 13.2 The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of
Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and
agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this ARTICLE XIII to directors and officers
of the Corporation.
6
Section 13.3 The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this
ARTICLE XIII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter
acquire under this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Corporation, any statute,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
Section 13.4 The liability of the directors for monetary damages shall be eliminated to the
fullest extent under the 1940 Act and other applicable law. Subject to Section 13.5, if the DGCL
is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of
directors, then the liability of a director of the corporation shall be eliminated to the fullest
extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.
Section 13.5 Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE XIII to the contrary, the rights to
indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this ARTICLE XIII shall be subject to
the requirements of the 1940 Act to the extent applicable.
Section 13.6 Any repeal or modification of this ARTICLE XIII by the stockholders of the
Corporation shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of
expenses of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or
modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
7
exv99wb
Exhibit (b)
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BYLAWS
OF
HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION
(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
These Amended and Restated Bylaws (these Bylaws) amend and restate the Bylaws of Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation (hereinafter the Corporation), dated as of March 16, 2010, are
made and adopted as of this day of , 2010 pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation
establishing Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, dated as of March 16, 2010, as from time to
time amended (hereinafter the Certificate of Incorporation). All words and terms capitalized in
these Bylaws shall have the meaning or meanings set forth for such words or terms in the
Certificate of Incorporation.
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of
Delaware shall be established and maintained at c/o The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange
Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801 and The Corporation Trust Company
shall be the registered agent of the corporation in charge thereof.
1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both
within and without the State of Delaware as the board of directors of the Corporation (the Board
of Directors) may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS
2.1 Place of Meetings. All meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such time
and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time
by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of
notice thereof.
2.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on such date and
at such time as may be fixed by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, for
the purpose of electing Directors and for the transaction of only such other business as is
properly brought before the meeting in accordance with these bylaws (the Bylaws).
Written notice of an annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting, shall be
given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than
sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting.
To be properly brought before the annual meeting, business must be (i) brought before the
annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) pursuant to the notice of
meeting or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by a stockholder
who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures
of these Bylaws. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly
brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice
thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, the stockholders notice
must be delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or mailed by first class United States
mail, postage or delivery charges prepaid, and received at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the Corporation not earlier than ninety
(90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of the anniversary of the date the
Corporations proxy statement was released to the stockholders in connection with the previous
years annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting
was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than
thirty (30) days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous years proxy statement,
notice by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the
close of business on the later of (x) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (y)
the seventh (7th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is
first made. A stockholders notice to the Secretary shall set forth (i) as to each matter the
stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (a) a brief description of the business
desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the
annual meeting and (b) any material interest of the stockholder in such business, and (ii) as to
the stockholder giving the notice (a) the name and record address of the stockholder and (b) the
class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned
by the stockholder. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be
conducted at the annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section
2.2. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant,
determine and declare to the annual meeting that business was not properly brought before the
annual meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.2, and, if such officer should
so determine, such officer shall so declare to the annual meeting and any such business not
properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
2.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called for any
purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation,
as amended and/or restated from time to time, by the Secretary only at the request of the Chairman
of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President or by a resolution duly adopted by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Board. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of
the proposed meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting shall be limited to matters
relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.
Unless otherwise provided by law, written notice of a special meeting of stockholders, stating
the time, place and purpose or purposes thereof, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to
vote at such meeting, not less than ten (10) or more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for
the meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the
purposes stated in the notice.
Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be made
only (1) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (2) provided that the Board of Directors
has determined that Directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder
2
who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions
of the bylaws.
2.4 Quorum. The holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at
all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by
statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or
represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to
be cast by the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy,
shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement
at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which
a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30)
days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of
the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.
2.5 Organization. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall act as chairman of
meetings of the stockholders. The Board of Directors may designate any other officer or Director
of the Corporation to act as chairman of any meeting in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, and the Board of Directors may further provide for determining who shall act as chairman
of any stockholders meeting in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and such
designee.
The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all meetings of the stockholders,
but, in the absence of the Secretary, the presiding officer may appoint any other person to act as
secretary of any meeting.
2.6 Voting. A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly
called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Each share may be
voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the share
is entitled to be voted. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or
these Bylaws, any question (other than the election of Directors) properly brought before any
meeting of stockholders shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting duly
called for such purpose and entitled to vote thereat. Each stockholder represented at a meeting of
stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of the capital stock entitled to
vote thereat held by such stockholder, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of
Incorporation. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express
consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize any person or
persons to act for him, her or it by proxy. All proxies shall be executed in writing and shall be
filed with the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the day on which exercised. No proxy
shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a
longer period. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation
presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in his or her discretion, may require that any votes cast
at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.
3
2.7 Action of Stockholders Without Meeting. Except as may otherwise be required by
law or in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken by
stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may only be taken if it is
properly brought before such meeting and may not be taken by written action in lieu of a meeting.
2.8 Voting List. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation
shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete
list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing
the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each
stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose
germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days
prior to the election, either at a place within the city, town or village where the election is to
be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not specified, at the
place where said meeting is to be held. The list shall be produced and kept at the time and place
of election during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder of the
Corporation who is present.
2.9 Stock Ledger. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as
to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 2.8
or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
2.10 Adjournment. Any meeting of the stockholders, including one at which Directors
are to be elected, may be adjourned for such periods as the presiding officer of the meeting or the
stockholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall direct.
2.11 Ratification. Any transaction questioned in any stockholders derivative suit,
or any other suit to enforce alleged rights of the Corporation or any of its stockholders, on the
ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of any Director,
officer or stockholder, nondisclosure, miscomputation or the application of improper principles or
practices of accounting may be approved, ratified and confirmed before or after judgment by the
Board of Directors or by the holders of common stock and, if so approved, ratified or confirmed,
shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned transaction had been originally duly
authorized, and said approval, ratification or confirmation shall be binding upon the Corporation
and all of its stockholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in
respect of such questioned transaction.
2.12 Inspectors of Election. The Corporation shall, in advance of any meeting of
stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report
thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any
inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of
stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at
the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign
an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the
best of his ability. The inspector shall: (1) decide upon the qualifications of voters; (2)
ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each; (3) determine the shares
represented at a meeting and the validity of the proxies of ballots; (4) count all votes and
ballots;
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(5) declare the results; (6) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the
disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and (7) certify their
determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting, and their count of all votes and
ballots. The inspectors may appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist the inspectors
in the performance of the duties of the inspectors.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
3.1 Powers; Number; Qualifications. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall
be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided
by law or in the Certificate of Incorporation. The number of Directors which shall constitute the
Board of Directors shall be not less than three (3) nor more than nine (9). The exact number of
Directors shall be fixed from time to time, within the limits specified in this Section 3.1 or in
the Certificate of Incorporation, by a majority of the Board of Directors. Directors need not be
stockholders of the Corporation. The Board of Directors shall be divided into classes as more
fully set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
3.2 Nominations. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the
Corporation at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be made only (i) by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) pursuant to the notice of meeting or (iii) by a
stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice
procedures of these Bylaws. Such nominations by any stockholder shall be made pursuant to timely
notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, the stockholders notice must
be delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or mailed by first class United States
mail, postage or delivery charges prepaid, and received at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the Corporation not earlier than ninety
(90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of the anniversary of the date the
Corporations proxy statement was released to the stockholders in connection with the previous
years annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting
was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than
thirty (30) days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous years proxy statement,
notice by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the
close of business on the later of (x) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (y)
the seventh (7th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is
first made. Such stockholders notice to the Secretary shall set forth (i) as to each person whom
the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Director, (a) the name, age,
business address and residence address of the person, (b) the principal occupation or employment of
the person, (c) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are
beneficially owned by the person and (d) any other information relating to the person that is
required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of Directors pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 14 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (a) the name and
record address of the stockholder and (b) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the
Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder. The Corporation may require any
proposed nominee to furnish such other
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information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of
such proposed nominee to serve as a Director of the Corporation. No person shall be eligible for
election as a Director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set
forth herein. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting shall, if the facts
warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the
foregoing procedure, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the
meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
3.3 Meetings. The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special,
either within or without the State of Delaware. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of
Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the meeting of the stockholders
at which it is elected and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary to the newly elected
Directors in order to legally constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. Regular
meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as shall from
time to time be determined by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors,
or of the Directors who have been determined by the Board of Directors to be independent
directors (any such Director, an Independent Director), may be called by the Chief Executive
Officer, the Lead Director or a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Notice of a special
meeting of the Board of Directors stating the place, date and hour of such meeting shall be given
to each Director either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the
meeting, by telephone, facsimile, telegram or e-mail on twenty-four (24) hours notice, or on such
shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in
the circumstances.
3.4 Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Certificate
of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee
thereof, a majority of the entire Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the Directors
present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a
quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof, a
majority of the Directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice
other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
3.5 Organization of Meetings. The Board of Directors shall elect one of its members
to be Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall lead the
Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities as set forth in these Bylaws, including its
responsibility to oversee the performance of the Corporation, and shall determine the agenda and
perform all other duties and exercise all other powers which are or from time to time may be
delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors.
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or in his or her absence, by the Lead Director, or in the absence of the Chairman of the
Board of Directors and the Lead Director, by such other person as the Board of Directors may
designate or the members present may select.
3.6 Actions of Board of Directors Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at
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any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a
meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be, consent
thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the
Board of Directors or committee.
3.7 Resignations. Any Director may resign at any time by submitting his or her
written resignation to the Board of Directors or Secretary of the Corporation. Such resignation
shall take effect at the time of its receipt by the Corporation unless another time be fixed in the
resignation, in which case it shall become effective at the time so fixed. The acceptance of a
resignation shall not be required to make it effective.
3.8 Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each
committee to consist of one or more of the Directors of the Corporation. In the absence or
disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting
and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may
unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of
any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided by law and in
the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise
all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all
papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference
to amending the Certificate of Incorporation, adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation,
recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the
Corporations property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the
Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution or amending the Bylaws of the Corporation; and, unless
the resolution expressly so provides, no such committee shall have the power or authority to
declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock or to adopt a certificate of ownership and
merger. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board
of Directors when required.
3.9 Lead Director. The Board of Directors may include a Lead Director. The Lead
Director shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which the Chairman of the Board
of Directors is not present, shall preside over the executive sessions of the Independent
Directors, shall serve as a liaison between the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Board of
Directors and shall exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be assigned to the
Lead Director by these Bylaws or the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors determines to
have a Lead Director, the Lead Director shall be an Independent Director and shall be elected by a
majority of the Independent Directors.
3.10 Compensation. Unless restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these
Bylaws, the Directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the
Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed amount (in cash or other form of consideration) for
attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as Director, as determined
by the Board of Directors from time to time. No such payment shall preclude any Director from
serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of
special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings,
as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.
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3.11 Interested Directors. No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one
or more of its Directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation,
partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its Directors or officers
are Directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this
reason, or solely because the Director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of
the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely
because his, her or their votes are counted for such purpose, if (i) the material facts as to his,
her or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are
known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good
faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the
disinterested Directors, even though the disinterested Directors be less than a quorum, (ii) the
material facts as to his, her or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or
transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the
contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders or (iii)
the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved
or ratified, by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or
interested Directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the
Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.
3.12 Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone. Members of the Board of Directors or
any committee designed by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of
Directors or of a committee of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each
other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.12 shall constitute presence in
person at such meeting.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of
Directors and may consist of: a Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Compliance Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also
elect one or more Vice Presidents (including Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents),
Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, a Controller and such other officers as in the
judgment of the Board of Directors may be necessary or desirable. Any number of offices may be
held by the same person and more than one person may hold the same office, unless otherwise
prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. The officers of the
Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation, nor need such officers be Directors of the
Corporation.
4.2 Election. The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each annual
meeting of stockholders shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices
for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until
their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. Any
vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The
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salaries of all officers who are Directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors or a committee thereof.
4.3 Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers
of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the
Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chief Executive
Officer, the President, Chief Financial Officer or any Vice President, and any such officer may, in
the name and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem
advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in
which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any
and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner
thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors
may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.
4.4 Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and to the
control of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer shall have general supervision,
direction and control of the business and the officers of the Corporation. He or she shall have
the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the chief executive officer of a
Corporation, including general supervision, direction and control of the business and supervision
of other officers of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and duties as may be
prescribed by the Board of Directors.
4.5 President. In the absence or disability of the Chief Executive Officer, the
President shall perform all the duties of the Chief Executive Officer and when so acting shall have
all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chief Executive Officer. The
President shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be
prescribed for him or her by the Board of Directors, these Bylaws, the Chief Executive Officer or
the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
4.6 Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer shall have general
responsibility for the compliance matters of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties
and exercise such other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to him or her by the
Board of Directors or these Bylaws, all in accordance with policies as established by and subject
to oversight of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Chief Compliance Officer shall, no less
than annually, (i) provide a written report to the Board of Directors, the content of which shall
comply with Rule 38a-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and meet
separately with the Corporations independent directors.
4.7 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall have general
supervision, direction and control of the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall perform
such other duties and exercise such other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to
him or her by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws, all in accordance with policies as
established by and subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors. In the absence of either a
named Treasurer or Controller, the Chief Financial Officer shall also have the powers and duties of
the Treasurer or Controller, as applicable, as hereinafter set forth and shall be
9
authorized and empowered to sign as Treasurer or Controller, as applicable, in any case where
such officers signature is required.
4.8 Vice Presidents. In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice
Presidents, if any, in order of their rank as fixed by the Board of Directors, or, if not ranked, a
vice president designated by the Board of Directors, shall perform all the duties of the chief
executive officer and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the
restrictions upon, the Chief Executive Officer. The Vice Presidents shall have such other powers
and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for them respectively by the
Board of Directors, these Bylaws, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Chairman of the
Board of Directors.
4.9 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and
all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept
for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when
required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the
stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as
may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, under whose supervision
the Secretary shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given
notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, then any
Assistant Secretary shall perform such actions. If there is no Assistant Secretary, then the Board
of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer may choose another officer to cause such notice to be
given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any
Assistant Secretary, if there is one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument
requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the
signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to
any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his signature.
The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and
records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.
4.10 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and
securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books
belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name
and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of
Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the
Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Chief
Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of
Directors so requires, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial
condition of the Corporation.
4.11 Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise provided in these Bylaws,
Assistant Secretaries, if there are any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from
time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President, any Vice President, if there is one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the
Secretary or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of
the
10
Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the
restrictions upon the Secretary.
4.12 Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there are any, shall perform such
duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors,
the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, if there is one, or the Treasurer,
and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act,
shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be
subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer. If required by the Board of Directors, an
Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties
as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of
his or her office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his or her death,
resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other
property of whatever kind in his or her possession or under his or her control belonging to the
Corporation.
4.13 Controller. The Controller, if there is any, shall establish and maintain the
accounting records of the Corporation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis, maintain proper internal control of the assets of the Corporation
and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President or the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation may prescribe.
4.14 Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall
perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board
of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the
power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.
4.15 Vacancies. The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill any vacancies in
any office occurring from whatever reason.
4.16 Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by submitting his or her
written resignation to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of its
receipt by the Corporation, unless another time be fixed in the resignation, in which case it shall
become effective at the time so fixed. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to
make it effective.
4.17 Removal. Subject to the provisions of any employment agreement approved by the
Board of Directors, any officer of the Corporation may be removed at any time, with or without
cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors.
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ARTICLE V
CAPITAL STOCK
5.1 Form of Certificates. Shares of the capital stock of the corporation may be
certificated or uncertificated, as provided under the laws of the State of Delaware. Any
stockholder, upon written request to the transfer agent of the Corporation, shall be entitled to
have a certificate signed, in the name of the Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board, the
Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or any Vice-President and (ii)
by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by him, her or it in the Corporation.
5.2 Signatures. Any or all of the signatures on a certificate representing shares of
stock may be a facsimile, including signatures of officers of the Corporation, but each such
certificate authenticated by a facsimile of a signature must be countersigned by the transfer agent
of the Corporation and be registered by an incorporated bank or trust company, either domestic or
foreign, as registrar of transfers, before issuance. In case an officer, transfer agent or
registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have
ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be
issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or
registrar at the date of issue.
5.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or
certificates or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates
theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the
making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost,
stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or uncertificated shares,
the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof,
require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his, her or its legal
representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or
to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may
be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen
or destroyed.
5.4 Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner
prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the
Corporation only by the holder of record thereof, or by the holders attorney lawfully constituted
in writing and either (a) in the case of stock represented by a certificate, upon surrender for
cancellation of any such certificate for such shares, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper
evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, or (b) in the case of uncertificated
stock, upon proper instructions from the holder of record of such shares or the holders attorney
lawfully constituted in writing, and with such proof of the authenticity of the signatures as the
Corporation or its agents may reasonably require and with all required stock transfer tax stamps
affixed thereto and cancelled or accompanied by sufficient funds to pay such taxes. Upon surrender
to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it
shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate or uncertificated shares
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to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transactions upon
its books, unless the Corporation has a duty to inquire as to adverse claims with respect to such
transfer which has not been discharged. The Corporation shall have no duty to inquire into adverse
claims with respect to such transfer unless (i) the Corporation has received a written notification
of an adverse claim at a time and in a manner which affords the Corporation a reasonable
opportunity to act on it prior to the issuance of a new, reissued or re-registered share
certificate or new, reissued or re-registered uncertificated shares, and the notification
identifies the claimant, the registered owner and the issue of which the share or shares is a part
and provides an address for communications directed to the claimant or (ii) the Corporation has
required and obtained, with respect to a fiduciary, a copy of a will, trust, indenture, articles of
co-partnership, bylaws or other controlling instruments, for a purpose other than to obtain
appropriate evidence of the appointment or incumbency of the fiduciary, and such documents
indicate, upon reasonable inspection, the existence of an adverse claim. The Corporation may
discharge any duty of inquiry by any reasonable means, including notifying an adverse claimant by
registered or certified mail at the address furnished by him, her or its, if there be no such
address, at his, her or its residence or regular place of business that the security has been
presented for registration of transfer by a named person, and that the transfer will be registered
unless within thirty days from the date of mailing the notification, either (i) an appropriate
restraining order, injunction or other process issues from a court of competent jurisdiction or
(ii) an indemnity bond, sufficient in the Corporations judgment to protect the Corporation and any
transfer agent, registrar or other agent of the Corporation involved from any loss which it or they
may suffer by complying with the adverse claim, is filed with the Corporation.
5.5 Fixing Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders
entitled to notice or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to
express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of
any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights
in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful
action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date
upon which the resolution fixing the record is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record
date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting,
nor more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date of
action with a meeting is adopted by the Board of Directors, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to
any other action. If no record date is fixed:
(a) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting
of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice
is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on
which the meeting is held; or
(b) The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close
of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of
stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of
Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
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5.6 Stock Ledger. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the
office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate share ledger
containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by
such stockholder.
5.7 Fractional Shares. The Board of Directors may issue fractional stock or provide
for the issuance of scrip, all on such terms and under such conditions as they may determine.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the charter or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may
issue units consisting of different securities of the Corporation. Any security issued in a unit
shall have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the Corporation, except
that the Board of Directors may provide that for a specified period securities of the Corporation
issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Corporation only in such unit.
5.8 Registered Stockholders. Prior to due presentment for transfer of any share or
shares, the Corporation shall treat the registered owner thereof as the person exclusively entitled
to vote, to receive notifications and to all other benefits of ownership with respect to such share
or shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such
share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other
notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State Delaware.
ARTICLE VI
NOTICES
6.1 Form of Notice. Notices to Directors and stockholders other than notices to
Directors of special meetings of the Board of Directors which may be given by any means stated in
Section 3.3, shall be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to the Directors or
stockholders at their addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation. Notice by mail shall be
deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be mailed. Notice to Directors may also be
given by telegram.
6.2 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the
provisions of law or the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, a written waiver, signed
by the person or persons entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall
be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of
notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of
objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting
is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of,
any regular, or special meeting of the stockholders, Directors, or members of a committee of
Directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required by the Certificate
of Incorporation.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
7.1 The Corporation shall indemnify to the fullest extend permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law, as may be amended from time to time (the DGCL), any
person who
14
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an
action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
Director or officer of the Corporation against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement actually incurred by him or her in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or
upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that
the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
7.2 The Corporation shall indemnify to the fullest extend permitted by the DGCL any
person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor
by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation against
expenses (including attorneys fees) actually incurred by him or her in connection with the defense
or settlement of such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and except
that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such
person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that
the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon
application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the
case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court
of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
7.3 To the extent that a present or former Director or officer of the Corporation has been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in
Sections 7.1 or 7.2, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she shall be
indemnified to the fullest extend permitted by the DGCL against expenses (including
attorneys fees) actually incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
7.4 Any indemnification under Sections 7.1 or 7.2 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by
the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification
of the Director or officer is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in such section. Such determination shall be made:
(a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who were
not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum;
(b) by a committee of such Directors designated by majority vote of such Directors, even
though less than a quorum;
15
(c) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, if there are no such Directors, or such
Directors so direct; or
(d) by the stockholders.
7.5 Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to indemnification
and advances to Directors under these Bylaws shall be deemed to be contractual rights and shall be
effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the Corporation and the
applicable Director. Any right to indemnification or advances granted by this section to a
Director shall be enforceable by or on behalf of the person holding such right in any court of
competent jurisdiction if (i) the claim for indemnification or advances is denied, in whole or in
part, or (ii) no disposition of such claim is made within ninety (90) days of request therefor. To
the extent permitted by applicable law, the claimant in such enforcement action, if successful in
whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting the claim. In
connection with any action arising from or in respect of a claim for indemnification, the
Corporation shall be entitled to raise as a defense to such action that the claimant has not met
the standards of conduct that make it permissible under the DGCL or any other applicable law for
the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. Neither the failure of the
Corporation (including the Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel or its stockholders)
to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the
claimant is proper in the circumstances because such claimant has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in the DGCL or any other applicable law, nor an actual determination by the
Corporation (including the Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel or its stockholders)
that such claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to such
action or create a presumption that such claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
In any suit brought by a Director to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of
expenses hereunder, the burden of proving that the Director or is not entitled to be indemnified,
or to such advancement of expenses, under this section or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
7.6 Expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by an officer or Director in defending any
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall, to the
fullest extend permitted by the DGCL, be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of
such Director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she
is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this ARTICLE VII. Such
expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon
such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
7.7 The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors,
provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the
Corporation and persons who are or were serving at the request of the Corporation as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, similar to those conferred in this ARTICLE VII to Directors and officers of the
Corporation.
16
7.8 The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to the
other sections of this ARTICLE VII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those
seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote
of stockholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official
capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
7.9 The Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another
Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted
against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her
status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against
such liability under the provisions of this ARTICLE VII.
7.10 For purposes of this ARTICLE VII, references to the Corporation shall include, in
addition to the resulting Corporation, any constituent Corporation (including any constituent of a
constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued,
would have had power and authority to indemnify its Directors, officers, and employees or agents,
so that any person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent
Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent Corporation as a Director,
officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this ARTICLE VII with respect to the resulting
or surviving Corporation as he or she would have with respect to such constituent Corporation of
its separate existence had continued.
7.11 For purposes of this ARTICLE VII, references to other enterprises shall include
employee benefit plans; references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person
with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the
Corporation shall include any service as a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation
which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such Director, officer, employee or agent with
respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in
good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants
and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner not
opposed to the best interests of the Corporation as referred to in this ARTICLE VII.
7.12 The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this
ARTICLE VII shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director, officer, employee or
agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
7.13 No Director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation
or to any stockholder of the Corporation for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
Director or officer, provided that this provision shall not:
17
(a) limit the liability of a Director or officer (i) for any breach of the Directors or the
officers duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in
good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under
Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the Director or officer derived an
improper personal benefit; or
(b) otherwise be effective to protect any Director or officer against liability to the
Corporation or its stockholders to which such Director or officer would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of such Directors or officers office.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Reliance on Books and Records. Each Director, each member of any committee
designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the Corporation, shall, in the
performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of
account or other records of the Corporation, including reports made to the Corporation by any of
its officers, by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser selected with
reasonable care.
8.2 Maintenance and Inspection of Records. The Corporation shall, either at its
principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board of Directors, keep
a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares
held by each stockholder, a copy of these Bylaws, as may be amended to date, minute books,
accounting books and other records.
Any such records maintained by the Corporation may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the
form of, any information storage device or method, provided that the records so kept can be
converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time. The Corporation shall so
convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect such records
pursuant to the provisions of the DGCL. When records are kept in such manner, a clearly legible
paper form produced from or by means of the information storage device or method shall be
admissible in evidence, and accepted for all other purposes, to the same extent as an original
paper form accurately portrays the record.
Any stockholder of record, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon written demand
under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to
inspect for any proper purpose the Corporations stock ledger, a list of its stockholders and its
other books and records and to make copies or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean a
purpose reasonably related to such persons interest as a stockholder. In every instance where an
attorney or other agent is the person who seeks the right to inspection, the demand under oath
shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or such other writing that authorizes the attorney or
other agent to so act on behalf of the stockholder. The demand under
18
oath shall be directed to the Corporation at its registered office in Delaware or at its
principal executive office.
8.3 Inspection by Directors. Any Director shall have the right to examine the
Corporations stock ledger, a list of its stockholders and its other books and records for a
purpose reasonably related to his or her position as a Director.
8.4 Dividends. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any,
dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at
any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in
shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation. Before
payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for
dividends such sum or sums as the Directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think
proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for
repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the
Directors shall think conducive to the interest of the Corporation, and the Directors may modify or
abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
8.5 Annual Statement. The Board of Directors shall present at each annual meeting,
and at any special meeting of the stockholders when called for by vote of the stockholders, a full
and clear statement of the business and condition of the Corporation.
8.6 Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be
signed by such officer or officers or such other persons as the Board of Directors may from time to
time designate.
8.7 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as determined by the
Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors shall fail to do so, the Chief Executive Officer
shall fix the fiscal year.
8.8 Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the
Corporation, the year of its organization and the words Corporate Seal, Delaware. The seal may
be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner
reproduced.
8.9 Amendments. The original or other bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by
the stockholders entitled to vote thereon at any regular or special meeting or, if the Certificate
of Incorporation so provides, by the Board of Directors. The fact that such power has been so
conferred upon the Board of Directors shall not divest the stockholders of the power nor limit
their power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws.
8.10 Interpretation of Bylaws. All words, terms and provisions of these Bylaws shall
be interpreted and defined by and in accordance with the DGCL.
8.11 Conflict with 1940 Act. If and to the extent that any provision of the DGCL or
any provision of these Bylaws shall conflict with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable
provision of the 1940 Act shall control.
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exv99we
Exhibit (e)
FORM OF
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
OF
HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Corporation), hereby
adopts the following plan (the Plan) with respect to dividends and distributions (collectively,
dividends) declared by its Board of Directors on shares of its Common Stock:
1. Unless a stockholder specifically elects to receive cash as set forth below, all dividends
hereafter declared by the Board of Directors shall be payable in shares of the Common Stock of the
Corporation, and no action shall be required on such stockholders part to receive a dividend in
stock.
2. Such dividends shall be payable on such date or dates as may be fixed from time to time by
the Board of Directors to stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date(s)
established by the Board of Directors for the dividend involved.
3. The Corporation shall primarily use newly-issued shares of its Common Stock to implement
the Plan, whether its shares are trading at a premium or at a discount to net asset value. However,
the Corporation reserves the right to direct the Plan Administrator to purchase shares of its
Common Stock in the open market in connection with the implementation of the Plan. The number of
newly-issued shares to be issued to a stockholder shall be determined by dividing the total dollar
amount of the dividend payable to such stockholder by the market price per share of the
Corporations Common Stock at the close of regular trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on the
valuation date fixed by the Board of Directors for such dividend. Market price per share on that
date shall be the closing price for such shares on the NASDAQ Global Market or, if no sale is
reported for such day, at the average of their electronically-reported bid and asked prices. Shares
purchased in open market transactions by (the Plan Administrator) shall be allocated to
each Participant (as defined below) based upon the average purchase price, excluding any brokerage
charges or other charges, of all shares of Common Stock purchased with respect to the applicable
dividend.
4. A stockholder who has not yet reinvested dividends may, however, elect to receive his, her
or its dividends in cash. To exercise this option, such stockholder shall notify the Plan
Administrator, so that such notice is received by the Plan Administrator no later than 10 days
prior to the record date for the dividend fixed by the Board of Directors for the dividend
involved. Such election shall remain in effect until the stockholder shall notify the Plan
Administrator of such stockholders withdrawal of the election, which notice shall be delivered to
the Plan Administrator no later than 10 days prior to the record date for the payment fixed by the
Board of Directors for the next dividend by the Corporation. If the request is received after the
record date then that dividend will be reinvested and all subsequent dividends will be paid out in
cash.
5. The Plan Administrator will set up an account for shares acquired pursuant to the Plan for
each stockholder who has not so elected to receive dividends in cash (each a
Participant). The Plan Administrator may hold each Participants shares, together with the shares
of other Participants, in non-certificated form in the Plan Administrators name or that of its
nominee. Upon request by a Participant, received no later than 10 days prior to the record date,
the Plan Administrator will, instead of crediting shares to and/or carrying shares in a
Participants account, issue, without charge to the Participant, a certificate registered in the
Participants name for the number of whole shares payable to the Participant and a check for any
fractional share. Requests received less than 10 days prior to a record date will have that
dividend reinvested. However, all subsequent dividends will be paid out in cash on all balances.
6. The Plan Administrator will confirm to each Participant each acquisition made pursuant to
the Plan as soon as practicable but not later than 10 business days after the date thereof.
Although each Participant may from time to time have an undivided fractional interest (computed to
four decimal places) in a share of Common Stock of the Corporation, no certificates for a
fractional share will be issued. However, dividends on fractional shares will be credited to each
Participants account. In the event of termination of a Participants account under the Plan, the
Plan Administrator will adjust for any such undivided fractional interest in cash at the market
value of the Corporations shares at the time of termination.
7. The Plan Administrator will forward to each Participant any Corporation related proxy
solicitation materials and each Corporation report or other communication to stockholders, and will
vote any shares held by it under the Plan in accordance with the instructions set forth on proxies
returned by Participants to the Corporation.
8. In the event that the Corporation makes available to its stockholders rights to purchase
additional shares or other securities, the shares held by the Plan Administrator for each
Participant under the Plan will be added to any other shares held by the Participant in
certificated form in calculating the number of rights to be issued to the Participant.
9. The Plan Administrators service fee, if any, and expenses for administering the Plan will
be paid for by the Corporation.
10. Each Participant may terminate his, her or its account under the Plan by so notifying the
Plan Administrator via its website at , by filling out the transaction request form located
at the bottom of such Participants statement and sending it to the Plan Administrator c/o
or by calling the Plan Administrator at . Such termination will be effective immediately if
the Participants notice is received by the Plan Administrator not less than 10 days prior to any
dividend record date; otherwise, such termination will be effective only with respect to any
subsequent dividend. If the request is received less than 10 days prior to the record date then
that dividend will be reinvested and all subsequent dividends will be paid out in cash. The Plan
may be terminated by the Corporation upon notice in writing mailed to each Participant at his or
her address of record. Upon any termination, the Plan Administrator will continue to hold each
Participants shares in book-entry form unless s/he requested them to be sold or issued. Upon
receipt of the Participants instruction, a certificate or certificates will be issued for the full
shares held for the Participant under the Plan and a cash adjustment for any fractional share to be
delivered to the Participant without charge to the Participant. If a Participant elects by his, her
or its written or telephonic notice to the Plan Administrator in advance of termination to have the
Plan Administrator sell part or all of his, her or its shares and remit the proceeds to the
Participant, the Plan Administrator is authorized to deduct a $15.00 transaction fee plus a $0.10
per share trading fee from the proceeds.
11. These terms and conditions may be amended or supplemented by the Corporation at any time
but, except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of
the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority, only by mailing to each
Participant appropriate written notice. The amendment or supplement shall be deemed to be accepted
by each Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Plan Administrator receives
notice of the termination of his, her or its account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include
an appointment by the Plan Administrator in its place and stead of a successor agent under these
terms and conditions, with full power and authority to perform all or any of the acts to be
performed by the Plan Administrator under these terms and conditions. Upon any such appointment of
any agent for the purpose of receiving dividends, the Corporation will be authorized to pay to such
successor agent, for each Participants account, all dividends payable on shares of the Corporation
held in the Participants name or under the Plan for retention or application by such successor
agent as provided in these terms and conditions.
12. The Plan Administrator will at all times act in good faith and use its best efforts within
reasonable limits to ensure its full and timely performance of all services to be performed by it
under this Plan and to comply with applicable law, but assumes no responsibility and shall not be
liable for loss or damage due to errors unless such error is caused by the Plan Administrators
negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct or that of its employees or agents.
13. These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without
regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof, to the extent such principles would require or
permit the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
, 2010
exv99wfw4
Exhibit (f)(4)
Execution Version
CONSENT AND THIRD AMENDMENT OF TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS
THIS CONSENT AND THIRD AMENDMENT OF TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS (this Amendment), made as of June
25, 2010, by and among HORIZON CREDIT I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the Borrower
(in such capacity, the Borrower), and as the Purchaser (in such capacity, the Purchaser)
COMPASS HORIZON FUNDING COMPANY LLC (the Seller), WESTLB AG, NEW YORK BRANCH, as the Lender (in
such capacity, together with its successors and assigns, the Lender) and as the Agent for the
Lender (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns, the Agent), and U.S. BANK
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the Custodian (in such capacity, the Custodian), and as the Paying Agent
(in such capacity, the Paying Agent). All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement (as
defined below).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lender, the Agent, the Custodian and the Paying Agent entered into
that certain Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2008 (as amended, the Credit
Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser entered into that certain Sale and Contribution
Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2008 (as amended, the Sale and Contribution Agreement);
WHEREAS, certain owners of the Seller intend to enter into an exchange transaction (the
Exchange Transaction), more fully described in the Registration Statement (the HRZN Registration
Statement) of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) attached hereto as Exhibit
A;
WHEREAS, the Exchange Transaction would constitute a Change of Control of the Seller under the
Credit Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Seller and the Servicer have requested that the Lender consent to
any Change of Control of the Seller that would result from the Exchange Transaction; and
WHEREAS, the parties to the Credit Agreement have agreed to amend certain provisions of the
Credit Agreement as more fully set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the parties to the Sale and Contribution Agreement have agreed to amend certain
provisions of the Sale and Contribution Agreement as more fully set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties
hereto amend the Credit Agreement, and covenant and agree, as follows:
1. Consent. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment pursuant to Section 4 hereof,
the Lender and the Agent hereby consent to the consummation of the Exchange Transaction and any
Change of Control of Seller that would result therefrom.
2. Modification of the Credit Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this
Amendment pursuant to Section 4 hereof, the following modifications to the Credit Agreement shall
hereby be made:
(a) Section 3.1(l) of the Credit Agreement is replaced in its entirety with the following:
(l) Not an Investment Company. The Borrower is not an investment
company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Borrower is not otherwise subject
to regulation under the 1940 Act, except to the extent described in the HRZN
Registration Statement. The business and other activities of the Borrower,
including but not limited to, the making of the Advances by the Lender, the
application of the proceeds and repayment thereof by the Borrower and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents to which
the Borrower is a party do not result in any violations, with respect to the
Borrower, of the provisions of the 1940 Act or any rules, regulations or orders
issued by the SEC thereunder.
(b) a new Section 5.1(t) of the Credit Agreement is inserted as follows:
(t) Investment Company Act. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
3.1(l), if the Borrower operates in such a manner as to be an investment company
within the meaning of the 1940 Act, the Borrower will register as an investment
company under the 1940 Act immediately upon being required to do so under the 1940
Act and will conduct its business and other activities in compliance with the
provisions of the 1940 Act and any rules, regulations or orders issued by the SEC
thereunder.
(c) a new Section 7.1(x) of the Credit Agreement is inserted as follows:
(x) the business and other activities of the Borrower or the Seller
including but not limited to, the acceptance of the Advances by the Borrower
made by the Lender, the application and use of the proceeds thereof by the Borrower
and the consummation and conduct of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction
Documents to which the Borrower or the Seller is a party result in a
violation by the Borrower, the Seller, or any other Person of the 1940 Act or any
rules, regulations or orders issued by the SEC thereunder;
(d) the definition of 1940 Act is hereby added to Exhibit I to the Credit Agreement in the
proper alphabetical order:
1940 Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or any
successor statute.
(e) the definition of Facility Limit in Exhibit I to the Credit Agreement is replaced in its
entirety by the following new definition:
Facility Limit means One Hundred Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($125,000,000).
(f) the definition of SEC is hereby added to Exhibit I to the Credit Agreement in the proper
alphabetical order:
SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental
Authority succeeding to its principal functions.
2
3. Modification of the Sale and Contribution Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of
this Amendment pursuant to Section 4 hereof, the following modifications to the Sale and
Contribution Agreement shall hereby be made:
(a) Section 4.1(n) of the Sale and Contribution Agreement is replaced in its entirety with the
following:
(n) Not an Investment Company. The Seller is not an investment
company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Seller is not otherwise subject to
regulation under the 1940 Act, except to the extent described in the HRZN
Registration Statement. The business and other activities of the Seller, including
but not limited to, the sale of Venture Loans to the Purchaser and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents to which the Seller is
a party do not result in any violations, with respect to the Seller, of the
provisions of the 1940 Act or any rules, regulations or orders issued by the SEC
thereunder.
(b) a new Section 5.1(y) of the Sale and Contribution Agreement is inserted as follows:
(y) Investment Company Act. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
4.1(n), if the Seller operates in such a manner as to be an investment company
within the meaning of the 1940 Act, the Seller will register as an investment
company under the 1940 Act immediately upon being required to do so under the 1940
Act and will conduct its business and other activities in compliance with the
provisions of the 1940 Act and any rules, regulations or orders issued by the SEC
thereunder.
4. Effective Date; Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness. The consent and
modifications contained in Sections 1, 2 and 3 of this Amendment shall become effective on the date
on which the following conditions precedent have been satisfied or waived by the Agent (the
Effective Date):
(a) no Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would result from the transactions contemplated
by this Amendment or the consummation of the transactions described in the HRZN Registration
Statement;
(b) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from Borrowers execution and
delivery of this Amendment, that would constitute an Early Amortization Event, an Event of Default
or an Unmatured Event of Default;
(c) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.1 of the Credit Agreement and
Section 4.1 of the Sale and Contribution Agreement (in each case, after giving effect to this
Amendment) are true and correct;
(d) each of the Borrower, the Seller and the Purchaser shall have delivered to the Agent and
the Lender such other documents reasonably requested by the Agent in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Amendment including, without limitation, copies of documents
relating to the Exchange Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the HRZN
Registration Statement;
3
(e) each of the Borrower, the Seller and the Purchaser shall have delivered to the Agent a
certificate of its Secretary, certifying (i) as to the names and true signatures of the incumbent
officers of such party authorized to sign this Amendment and (ii) the resolutions of such partys
board of managers approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this
Amendment; and
(f) the transactions described in the HRZN Registration Statement shall have closed and
Compass Horizon Partners LP shall own and control, directly or indirectly, not less than Twenty
Million Dollars ($20,000,000) of the voting shares of HRZN (as calculated on the market value of
HRZN on the Effective Date) as a result of such transactions.
5. Ratification. The Transaction Documents (as amended by this Amendment) are hereby
ratified and remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof and as of the Effective Date.
6. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the
Agent and the Lender that as of the date hereof the representations and warranties contained in
Section 3.1 of the Credit Agreement are true and correct. The Seller hereby represents and
warrants to the Purchaser that as of the date hereof the representations and warranties contained
in Section 4.1 of the Sale and Contribution Agreement are true and correct.
7. Effect of Amendment. On and after the Effective Date, each reference in the Credit
Agreement, to this Agreement, hereof, hereunder or words of like import referring to the
Credit Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as modified, confirmed and
ratified hereby. On and after the Effective Date, each reference in the Sale and Contribution
Agreement, to this Agreement, hereof, hereunder or words of like import referring to the Sale
and Contribution Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Sale and Contribution Agreement as
modified, confirmed and ratified hereby.
8. Termination. This Amendment shall terminate and be of no further force or effect
in the event that the Effective Date has not occurred on or before December 31, 2010.
9. Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall inure to the benefit of the Agent,
the Lender and their respective successors and assigns, and bind the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.
10. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed
to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
11. Governing Law. This Amendment shall, in accordance with section 5-1401 of the
General Obligations Law of the State of New York, be governed by the laws of the State of New York,
without regard to any conflicts of law principles thereof that would call for the application of
the laws of any other jurisdiction.
12. Severability. In the event any term or provision of this Amendment or the
application thereof to any person or entity or circumstance, shall, for any reason or to any extent
be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining terms and provisions of this Amendment, or the
application of any such provision to persons, entities or circumstances other than those as to whom
or which it has been determined to be invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and
every provision of this Amendment shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by
law.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto have caused this CONSENT AND THIRD AMENDMENT OF
TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS to be executed by its duly authorized signatories, as of the date first above
written.
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HORIZON CREDIT I LLC, as the Borrower |
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By: COMPASS HORIZON PARTNERS, LP, its Manager |
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By: Navco Management Ltd., its General Partner |
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By: |
/s/
Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Name: |
Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Title: |
Director/Treasurer |
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Address:
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76 Batterson Park Road |
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Farmington, CT 06032 |
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Attention:
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Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr. |
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Fax:
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(860) 676-8655 |
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Telephone:
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(860) 676-8656 |
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Email:
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rob@horizontechfinance.com |
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HORIZON CREDIT I LLC, as the Purchaser
By: COMPASS HORIZON PARTNERS, LP, its Manager
By: Navco Management Ltd., its General Partner |
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By: |
/s/
Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Name: |
Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Title: |
Director/Treasurer |
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Address:
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76 Batterson Park Road |
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Farmington, CT 06032 |
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Attention:
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Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr. |
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Fax:
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(860) 676-8655 |
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Telephone:
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(860) 676-8656 |
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Email:
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rob@horizontechfinance.com |
Signature Page to Consent and
Third Amendment of Transaction Documents
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COMPASS HORIZON FUNDING COMPANY LLC, as the Seller |
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By: COMPASS HORIZON PARTNERS, LP, its Manager |
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By: Navco Management Ltd., its General Partner |
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By: |
/s/
Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Name: |
Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Title: |
Director/Treasurer |
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Address:
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76 Batterson Park Road |
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Farmington, CT 06032 |
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Attention:
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Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr. |
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Fax:
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(860) 676-8655 |
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Telephone:
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(860) 676-8656 |
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Email:
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rob@horizontechfinance.com |
Signature Page to Consent and
Third Amendment of Transaction Documents
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WESTLB AG, NEW YORK BRANCH, as the Lender
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By: |
/s/
Michael OConnor |
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Name: |
Michael OConnor |
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Title: |
Executive Director |
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By: |
/s/
Steven Berman |
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Name: |
Steven Berman |
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Title: |
Director |
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Address:
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250 Greenwich Street |
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New York, New York 10007 |
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Attention:
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Portfolio Exit Group |
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Fax:
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212-789-0087 |
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WESTLB AG, NEW YORK BRANCH, as the
Agent
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By: |
/s/
Michael OConnor |
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Name: |
Michael OConnor |
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Title: |
Executive Director |
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By: |
/s/
Steven Berman |
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Name: |
Steven Berman |
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Title: |
Director |
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Address:
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250 Greenwich Street |
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New York, New York 10007 |
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Attention:
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Portfolio Exit Group |
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Fax:
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212-789-0087 |
Signature Page to Consent and
Third Amendment of Transaction Documents
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as the Custodian
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By: |
/s/
Melissa A. Rosal |
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Name: |
Melissa A. Rosal |
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Title: |
Vice President |
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Address:
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1133 Rankin Street |
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St. Paul, Minnesota 55116 |
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Attention:
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Receiving Group Horizon Credit I LLC |
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Fax:
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(651) 695-6102 |
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Telephone:
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(651) 695-5867 |
For all notices send copies to:
U.S. Bank National Association
209 S. LaSalle Street, Ste. 300,
Chicago, Illinois, 60604
Attn: Structured Finance, Horizon Credit I LLC
Fax: (312) 325-8905
Tel.: (312) 325-8904
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as the Paying Agent
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By: |
/s/
Melissa A. Rosal |
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Name: |
Melissa A. Rosal |
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Title: |
Vice President |
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Address:
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209 S. LaSalle Street, Ste. 300 |
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Chicago, Illinois, 60604 |
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Attention:
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Structured Finance, Horizon Credit I LLC |
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Fax:
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(312) 325-8905 |
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Telephone:
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(312) 325-8904 |
Signature Page to Consent and
Third Amendment of Transaction Documents
exv99wfw5
Exhibit (f)(5)
EXECUTION COPY
SALE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
by and between
COMPASS HORIZON FUNDING COMPANY LLC
as Seller,
and
HORIZON CREDIT I LLC
as Purchaser
dated as of
March 4, 2008
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Article I DEFINITIONS |
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1 |
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Section 1.1 Incorporation of Defined Terms |
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1 |
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Section 1.2 Additional Definitions |
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1 |
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Section 1.3 Other Definitional Provisions |
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4 |
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Article II AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE THE PURCHASED ASSETS |
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4 |
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Section 2.1 Contribution; Purchases and Sales |
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4 |
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Section 2.2 Loan Files |
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6 |
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Section 2.3 Defective Venture Loans |
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7 |
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Section 2.4 Repurchase of Defective Venture Loans |
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8 |
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Section 2.5 Substitution of Venture Loans |
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9 |
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Article III CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT |
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10 |
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Section 3.1 Purchase Price |
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10 |
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Article IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
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10 |
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Section 4.1 Seller Representations and Warranties |
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10 |
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Section 4.2 Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the
Venture Loans and Warrants |
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15 |
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Section 4.3 Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser |
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15 |
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Article V COVENANTS OF THE SELLER |
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17 |
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Section 5.1 Seller Covenants |
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17 |
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Article VI INDEMNITIES |
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24 |
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Section 6.1 Indemnities given by the Seller |
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24 |
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Section 6.2 Procedure for Indemnification |
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26 |
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Section 6.3 Other Costs and Expenses |
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27 |
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Article VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT |
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28 |
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Section 7.1 Conditions to the Purchasers Obligations on the Initial Funding
Date |
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28 |
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Section 7.2 Conditions to the Purchasers Obligations on a Subsequent Transfer
Date |
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30 |
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Article VIII TERM |
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32 |
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Section 8.1 Term |
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32 |
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Article IX MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
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32 |
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Section 9.1 Waivers and Amendment |
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32 |
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Section 9.2 Governing law |
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33 |
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Section 9.3 CONSENT TO JURISDICTION |
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33 |
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Section 9.4 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL |
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33 |
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Section 9.5 Notices |
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33 |
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Section 9.6 Severability of Provisions |
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34 |
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Section 9.7 Payments; Waiver of Set-Off |
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34 |
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Section 9.8 Counterparts |
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34 |
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Section 9.9 Binding Effect; Third-Party Beneficiaries |
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35 |
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Section 9.10 Merger and Integration |
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35 |
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Section 9.11 Headings |
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35 |
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Section 9.12 Schedules and Exhibits |
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35 |
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Section 9.13 Survival of Representations and Warranties |
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35 |
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Section 9.14 Protection of Ownership Interests of Purchaser |
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35 |
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Section 9.15 Confidentiality |
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36 |
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Section 9.16 Bankruptcy Petition |
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37 |
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Schedule 1 Initial Eligible Venture Loan Schedule |
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Schedule 2 Notice Addresses |
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Schedule 3 Venture Loan and Warrant Representations and Warranties |
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Schedule 4 Loan Files |
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Exhibit A [intentionally omitted] |
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Exhibit B Subsequent Transfer Instrument |
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Exhibit C Underwriting Guidelines |
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SALE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
SALE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, dated as of March 4, 2008, by and between COMPASS HORIZON
FUNDING COMPANY LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Seller) and HORIZON CREDIT
I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Purchaser).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Purchaser desires to purchase certain Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants
owned by the Seller;
WHEREAS, the Seller desires to sell certain Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants to the
Purchaser;
WHEREAS, it is contemplated that the Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants purchased
hereunder will be pledged by the Purchaser to the Agent, as defined below, for the benefit of the
Secured Parties, as defined below;
WHEREAS, the Seller agrees that all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made
by the Seller herein with respect to the Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants shall also be
for the benefit of the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed by and between the Purchaser and the Seller as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Incorporation of Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit and Security Agreement
referred to below, or, if not defined therein, then in the Servicing Agreement referred to below.
Section 1.2 Additional Definitions. The following words and phrases shall have the
following meanings:
Agent means WestLB AG, New York Branch, in its capacity as agent under the Credit
and Security Agreement, and any successor thereto in such capacity and permitted assigns.
Agreement means this Sale and Contribution Agreement and all amendments hereof and
supplements hereto.
Approved Sectors means the industry sectors to which the Seller may make Venture
Loans, which sectors shall include initially the following industries: software,
telecommunications, networking equipment, semi-conductors, computers and peripherals,
electronics, IT services, media and entertainment, biotechnology, medical devices and
equipment, healthcare services, business products and services, consumer products and services,
industrial/energy, financial services, and retailing/distribution, and such other industry sectors
as the Agent may agree in writing.
Business with respect to each Venture Loan, means the business operations being
conducted by the related Obligor, which is described in the Venture Investment Summary.
Credit and Security Agreement means the Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of
the Closing Date, among the Purchaser, as borrower, WestLB AG, New York Branch, as lender and as
agent, and the Custodian, as custodian, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified
from time to time in accordance with its terms.
Cure Period has the meaning as set forth in Section 2.3(a).
Debt Service Reduction means any reduction of the Scheduled Payments which an
Obligor is obligated to pay with respect to a Venture Loan, as a result of any proceeding under the
Federal Bankruptcy Code or any other similar state law or other proceeding.
Default Rate means LIBO Rate plus 4.50% per annum.
Governmental Authority means any court, board, agency, commission, office or other
authority of any nature whatsoever for any governmental unit (foreign, federal, state, county,
district, municipal, city, or otherwise) whether now or hereafter in existence.
Indemnified Amounts has the meaning specified in Section 6.1.
Indemnified Party has the meaning specified in Section 6.1.
Officers Certificate means a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer,
President, an Executive Vice President, a Senior Vice President, a Vice President, the Treasurer,
Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary or any other authorized officer or
manager of the Seller, as the case may be, and delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent.
Purchased Assets has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).
Purchase Price means the purchase price to be paid by the Purchaser for the
Purchased Assets corresponding to the Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants, or Subsequent
Seller Advances, as set forth in Section 3.1.
Purchaser has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.
Scheduled Payment means, with respect to a Venture Loan, the scheduled periodic
payment on such Venture Loan due on any Due Date allocable to principal and/or interest and, unless
otherwise specified herein, as adjusted pursuant to any Debt Service Reduction that affects the
amount of such periodic payment due on such Venture Loan.
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Securities Laws means all federal, state and local statutes, regulations, rules,
requirements or other laws that are applicable to the offer, sale, issuance, registration,
marketing, assignment, pledge, ownership and other activities involving securities, including
without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended.
Seller has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.
Seller Material Adverse Effect means any material adverse effect on (i) the
financial condition or operations of the Seller or (ii) the ability of the Seller to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
Servicing Agreement means that certain Servicing Agreement, dated the Closing Date,
by and among the Purchaser, as owner, Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, as Servicer,
WestLB AG, New York Branch, as the Agent, and Lyon Financial Services, Inc. (d/b/a U.S. Bank
Portfolio Services), as Back-up Servicer, as such agreement may be amended, restated, supplemented
or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.
Subsequent Seller Advance means a subsequent advance of funds to an Obligor under an
existing Venture Loan agreement which Venture Loan has already been transferred to Purchaser
hereunder as a Purchased Asset. For purposes of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, a
Subsequent Seller Advance shall constitute a Subsequent Venture Loan.
Substitute Venture Loan means a loan that is an Eligible Venture Loan as of the
related Transfer Date, that is tendered to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 2.5 of this
Agreement, and: (i) which has a Principal Balance as of the related Transfer Date not greater
than, nor materially less than, the Principal Balance as of the related Transfer Date of the
Eligible Venture Loan for which it is to be substituted; (ii) which has an Interest Rate as of the
related Transfer Date not less than, and not materially greater than, the Interest Rate as of the
related Transfer Date for the Venture Loan for which it is to be substituted; (iii) which has a
maturity date not materially earlier or later than the Venture Loan for which it is to be
substituted and not later than the latest maturity date of any Eligible Venture Loan; (iv) which is
of the same classification type and Loan Type as the Venture Loan for which it is to be
substituted; (v) which is current in payment of principal and interest as of the date of its
substitution hereunder; and (vi) as to which the payment terms do not vary in any material respect
from the payment terms of the Venture Loan for which it is to be substituted.
Transfer means any sale, transfer, assignment or conveyance to the Purchaser
pursuant to this Agreement and/or a Subsequent Transfer Instrument.
Transfer Papers means this Agreement, each Subsequent Transfer Instrument and any
other document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto and thereto.
Venture Investment Summary means a final summary of the investment in the Venture
Loans and the related Warrants, in a format that has been reasonably approved by the Agent, and
which has been duly completed by the Seller and delivered to the Agent.
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Section 1.3 Other Definitional Provisions.
(a) All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the same meanings defined when used in any
Subsequent Transfer Instrument, certificate, or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or
thereto unless otherwise defined therein.
(b) When used in this Agreement, the words hereof, herein and hereunder and words of
similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
Agreement; and Section, Subsection, Schedule and Exhibit references contained in this Agreement are
references to Sections, Subsections, Schedules and Exhibits in or to this Agreement unless
otherwise specified.
(c) All determinations of the principal or finance charge balance of the Venture Loan, and of
any collections thereof, shall be made in accordance with the Servicing Agreement.
ARTICLE II
AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE THE PURCHASED ASSETS
Section 2.1 Contribution; Purchases and Sales.
(a) The Seller, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement with respect to
the Initial Eligible Venture Loans, and concurrently with the execution and delivery of the related
Subsequent Transfer Instrument with respect to the Subsequent Venture Loans, and as applicable
Subsequent Seller Advances, does hereby sell, transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to
the Purchaser, without recourse, except as otherwise set forth herein, all of its right, title and
interest in, to and under the following property and the Purchaser agrees to purchase: (i) each
such Eligible Venture Loan, any related Warrant, and all collateral related thereto, but
specifically excluding the obligations to make Subsequent Seller Advances (or any other payments)
under any such Eligible Venture Loans, (ii) all payments in respect of interest and principal
received, collected or otherwise recovered and all other proceeds received with respect to each
such Eligible Venture Loan, any related Warrant, and all collateral related thereto, but excluding
any Excluded Amounts, (iii) all documents required to be included in the Loan Files and other
Records relating to each such Eligible Venture Loan, any related Warrants, and all collateral
related thereto, including without limitation all monies due or to become due thereunder or in
connection therewith, (iv) all guaranties, letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, supporting
obligations and other agreements or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting
or securing payment of each such Eligible Venture Loan, whether pursuant to a document contained in
the Loan File related to such Eligible Venture Loan or otherwise, (v) all Transaction Documents to
which the Seller is a party (including without limitation, all rights of indemnification arising
thereunder and all UCC financing statements filed pursuant thereto), (vi) all other rights and
payments relating to the Venture Loans and related Warrants and all other Collateral, (vii) all
bank and similar accounts relating to collections on and proceeds of the Venture Loans, Transferred
hereunder (whether now existing or hereafter established), and all cash, investment property,
instruments, financial
- 4 -
assets and other property that are held or required to be deposited in such accounts, and all
investments in and income from the investment of funds in such accounts related to such Venture
Loans, and (viii) all proceeds (including, without limitation, proceeds as defined in Article 9
of the UCC as in effect in the State of New York) of any of the foregoing, including without
limitation interest, dividends, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received,
receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for or on account of the sale or
other disposition of any or all of such items (collectively, the Purchased Assets). Each
reference to a Venture Loan or Subsequent Venture Loan shall include all Subsequent Seller Advances
made thereunder, as the case may be, which are identified in a Subsequent Transfer Instrument. For
the avoidance of doubt, the Purchaser shall not assume hereunder any obligation to make Subsequent
Seller Advances (or any other payments) under any Venture Loan or Subsequent Venture Loan.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the term Purchased Asset shall not include any
agreement between an Obligor and the Seller (or any other originator of a Venture Loan) for the
Seller (or any other originator of a Venture Loan) to participate in purchases of Obligors equity
relating to an equity financing of such Obligor.
(b) The parties hereto intend that each Transfer shall constitute an absolute sale, conveying
good title to the relevant Purchased Assets from the Seller to the Purchaser free and clear of any
Adverse Claims (other than Permitted Liens), and that the Purchased Assets shall not be part of the
Sellers estate in the event of the insolvency of the Seller or a conservatorship, receivership or
similar event with respect to the Seller and that neither Purchaser nor Seller intends the
transactions contemplated hereunder to be, or for any purpose to be characterized as, loans from
Purchaser to Seller. In the event that, notwithstanding such intention, any Transfer is
characterized by a court of competent jurisdiction as a pledge or a financing rather than a sale,
or any Transfer shall for any reason be ineffective or unenforceable, then (i) this Agreement shall
constitute a security agreement under applicable law, (ii) the Seller shall be deemed to have
granted to the Purchaser, and the Seller hereby does grant to the Purchaser, a first priority
security interest in all of the Sellers right, title and interest in, to and under the related
Purchased Assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, in order to secure all of the
Sellers obligations hereunder, (iii) the possession by the Custodian of Venture Notes, Warrant
certificates, and such other items of property as constitute instruments, money, negotiable
documents or chattel paper or securities as applicable (each as defined in the applicable UCC)
shall be deemed to be possession by the secured party for purposes of perfecting the security
interest in such item of property pursuant to Section 9-313 (or comparable provision) of the
applicable UCC, and (iv) notifications to persons holding such property, and acknowledgments,
receipts or confirmations from persons holding such property, shall be deemed notifications to, or
acknowledgments, receipts or confirmations from, financial intermediaries, bailees or agents (as
applicable) of the Purchaser for the purpose of perfecting such security interest under applicable
law. Any assignment of the interest of the Purchaser pursuant to any provision hereof or pursuant
to the Credit and Security Agreement shall also be deemed to be an assignment of any security
interest created hereby. The Seller and the Purchaser shall, to the extent consistent with this
Agreement, take such actions as may be reasonably necessary to ensure that, if this Agreement were
deemed to create a security interest in the Purchased Assets, such security interest would be
deemed to be a perfected security interest of first priority (subject to Permitted Liens) under
applicable law and will be maintained as such throughout the term of the Credit and Security
Agreement.
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(c) In connection with the Transfers, the Seller agrees (i) to record and file, at its own
expense, any financing statements (and continuation statements with respect to such financing
statements, when applicable) with respect to the Purchased Assets, as to which financing statements
can be filed meeting the requirements of applicable state law in such manner and in such
jurisdictions as are necessary to perfect (by filing of a financing statement) the Purchasers and
the Agents right, title and interest in the Transfers of such Purchased Assets from the Seller to
the Purchaser, and as are necessary to maintain the perfection of such filings, (ii) that such
financing statements shall name the Seller, as seller/debtor, the Purchaser, as
buyer/assignor/secured party, and the Agent, as assignee/secured party, of the Purchased Assets and
(iii) to deliver a file-stamped copy of such financing statements or other evidence of such filings
to the Purchaser and the Agent promptly upon becoming available after the related Transfer Date.
(d) Seller and Purchaser shall keep customary computer records by which the Seller and the
Purchaser record the ownership of Eligible Venture Loans. Therefore, in connection with the
Transfers hereunder, the Seller further agrees that it will, at its own expense, on or prior to the
related Transfer Date, (i) note in its computer files that the applicable Purchased Assets have
been sold to the Purchaser and that the Purchaser has granted to the Agent a first priority
(subject to Permitted Liens) perfected security interest in such Purchased Assets on such date, by
including an appropriate code for such Venture Loans and related Warrants, if any, in such computer
file and (ii) deliver to the Purchaser and the Agent a computer file or electronic or magnetic tape
list containing a true and complete list of all such (x) Venture Loans, specifying for each such
Venture Loan the items required to be included in the Venture Loan Schedule and (y) Warrants. The
Seller further agrees not to, and to not allow the Servicer to, alter the code referenced in clause
(i) of this paragraph with respect to any of the Venture Loans or Warrants purchased by the
Purchaser during the term of this Agreement unless and until such Venture Loan has been reconveyed
to the Seller in accordance with this Agreement. In addition, the Seller shall maintain in its
internal written records documents which indicate that the related Purchased Assets have been sold
to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement and that the Purchaser has granted a first priority
(subject to Permitted Liens) perfected security interest in such Purchased Assets in favor of the
Agent under the Credit and Security Agreement.
(e) The Seller, promptly following the transfer of a Defective Venture Loan, Delinquent
Venture Loan or Defaulted Venture Loan, and related Warrants, if any, from the Purchaser to the
Seller in accordance with Section 2.4, or the replacement of a Defective Venture Loan, and related
Warrants, if any, with a Substitute Venture Loan upon the transfer thereof by the Seller to the
Purchaser in accordance with Section 2.5, or any sale or distribution of any Venture Loan or
related Warrant permitted pursuant to the terms of the Credit and Security Agreement, shall cause
the Servicer to amend the Venture Loan Schedule and deliver a copy of such amended Venture Loan
Schedule to the Purchaser and the Agent, and each of the Seller and Purchaser shall make, and the
Seller shall cause the Servicer to make, appropriate entries in their respective general account
records to reflect such transfer.
Section 2.2 Loan Files.
(a) On or prior to the second (2nd) Business Day prior to the related Transfer
Date, the Seller shall deliver to the Custodian (as agent on behalf of the Purchaser and the Agent)
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each of the documents and instruments in the related Loan Files, as listed in Schedule
4 hereto, with respect to each Venture Loan and Warrant to be transferred by the Seller to the
Purchaser on such date.
(b) The Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser, the Agent and the Lender, as
of the Initial Funding Date with respect to the Initial Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants
and if applicable, Subsequent Seller Advances, and hereby agrees and acknowledges that on each
Subsequent Transfer Date and (with respect to Substitute Venture Loans) on each related Transfer
Date it shall be deemed to have represented and warranted, as of such date with respect to the
related Subsequent Venture Loans and related Warrants and Substitute Venture Loans and related
Warrants (as the case may be), that: (i) the Custodian is in possession of all Loan Files with
respect to the Venture Loans and Warrants sold or transferred by it hereunder and under the related
Subsequent Transfer Instrument, as the case may be, on such date, and each such Loan File contains
all documents composing such Loan File as set forth in Section 2.2(a); and (ii) the Seller has made
(and has caused the Servicer to make) the appropriate entries in its general accounting records to
indicate that the related Venture Loans and Warrants have been transferred to the Purchaser on such
date and constitute part of the Purchased Assets in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Each of the Purchaser and the Agent is hereby appointed as the attorney in-fact of the
Seller with the power to prepare, execute and record assignments of the Venture Loans and the
assignments of any related Warrants, and to otherwise act as set forth in Section 9.14(b), in the
event that the Seller fails to do so on a timely basis as provided in this Section 2.2.
(d) No later than two (2) Business Days prior to the related Transfer Date, the Seller
covenants that it will make the related Loan Files available to the Purchaser or its agent for
examination. The fact that the Purchaser or its agent has conducted or has failed to conduct any
partial or complete examination of the Loan Files shall not affect the Purchasers rights to demand
cure, repurchase, substitution or other relief as provided in this Agreement. In furtherance of
the foregoing, the Seller shall make the Loan Files available to the Purchaser and the Agent and
their respective agents from time to time during normal business hours so as to permit the
Purchaser and the Agent to confirm the Sellers compliance with the delivery and recordation
requirements of this Agreement. In addition, upon the reasonable request of the Purchaser or the
Agent, the Seller agrees to provide to the Purchaser and the Agent (as the case may be) written
information regarding the Venture Loans and related Warrants and their origination, processing,
administration and servicing, to make the documents required to be included in the Loan Files
available to the Purchaser and the Agent and to make available personnel knowledgeable about the
Venture Loans and related Warrants and their origination, processing, administration and servicing
for discussions with the Purchaser and the Agent, and to otherwise permit the Purchaser and the
Agent to conduct such due diligence with respect to the Seller and the Venture Loans and related
Warrants as any such party believes is appropriate.
Section 2.3 Defective Venture Loans.
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(a) If at any time, either the Custodian, the Purchaser, the Seller, the Servicer, the Back-up
Servicer, the Agent or the Lender discovers a Defective Venture Loan, the party so discovering the
breach shall give prompt written notice to the other Persons set forth in this sentence. The
Seller shall have a period of thirty (30) days to correct or cure any such defect or omission from
the earlier of either (i) receipt by the Purchaser or the Seller of a notice to correct or cure any
such defect or omission, or (ii) the discovery by the Seller of a Defective Venture Loan provided
that, in the case of any omission or defect that the Seller has determined is susceptible to cure
but cannot be cured through the exercise of reasonable diligence within thirty (30) days and the
Seller commences such cure within the thirty 30 days and diligently prosecutes same to completion,
then such thirty (30) day period shall be extended for such additional period of time as may be
reasonably necessary to cure same, but in no event shall such cure period exceed forty-five (45)
days in total (the Cure Period).
(b) If the Seller fails to correct or cure such defect or omission with respect to the
Defective Venture Loan prior to the expiration of the relevant Cure Period pursuant to Section
2.3(a), the Seller shall either (x) repurchase such Defective Venture Loan at the related
Repurchase Price pursuant to Section 2.4 or (y) replace such Venture Loan with a Substitute
Venture Loan pursuant to Section 2.5.
Section 2.4 Repurchase of Defective Venture Loans.
(a) The Repurchase Price for any Defective Venture Loan and related Warrant that is to be
purchased by the Seller pursuant to this Article II shall be remitted to the Custodian for
deposit in the Collection Account as soon as practicable following the expiration of the Cure
Period relating thereto, but in any event no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the next
succeeding Settlement Date after the expiration of the Cure Period. Upon receipt by the Purchaser
and the Agent of a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Custodian confirming that such
Repurchase Price has been so remitted and deposited, the documents included in the related Venture
Loan File shall be released to the Seller, and the Purchaser shall execute such documents and
instruments of transfer or assignment (and shall cause the Agent, at the Purchasers expense, to
execute such documents as shall be prepared by the Purchaser and necessary to release the Agents
security interest in such Defective Venture Loan and related Warrant) as shall be prepared by, and
take such other actions (in each case at the sole expense of the Seller) as shall reasonably be
requested by, the Seller to effect the conveyance from the Purchaser to the Seller of such
Defective Venture Loan and related Warrant pursuant to this Article II. The Seller, promptly
following the transfer of a Defective Venture Loan and related Warrant from the Purchaser to the
Seller in accordance with this Article II, shall cause the Servicer to amend the Loan Schedule and
deliver a copy of such amended Loan Schedule to the Purchaser, the Lender, the Seller, the
Custodian, the Back-up Servicer and the Agent, and each of the Seller and the Purchaser shall make
(and the Seller shall cause the Servicer to make) appropriate entries in its general account
records to reflect such transfer.
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Section 2.5 Substitution of Venture Loans.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (but subject to the provisions
of paragraph (b) below), in lieu of purchasing a Defective Venture Loan pursuant to Section 2.4 of
this Agreement, the Seller may, no later than the date by which such purchase by the Seller would
otherwise be required, tender to the Purchaser a Substitute Venture Loan and related Warrants,
accompanied by the Loan File related to such Substitute Venture Loan and an Officers Certificate
of the Seller, delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent, that such Substitute Venture Loan conforms
to the requirements set forth in the definition of Substitute Venture Loan herein. Simultaneous
with such tender, the Seller shall provide to the Custodian for deposit in the Collection Account
the amount, if any, by which (x) the Venture Loan Principal Balance as of the next preceding Due
Date of the Venture Loan for which substitution is being made (after giving effect to Scheduled
Payments due on such Defective Venture Loan on such date) exceeds (y) the Venture Loan Principal
Balance as of such date of the related Substitute Venture Loan (after giving effect to Scheduled
Payments due on such Substitute Venture Loan on such date), which amount shall be treated for the
purposes of this Agreement as if it was the payment by the Seller to the Purchaser of the
Repurchase Price for the purchase of a Defective Venture Loan, and related Warrant, if any, by the
Seller. After the delivery of such certification to the Purchaser and the Agent and, if there
exists any such excess amount as set forth in the preceding sentence, then following receipt by the
Agent and the Purchaser of a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Custodian confirming that
an amount equal to such excess has been so deposited in the Collection Account, the Purchaser shall
accept such Substitute Venture Loan, and related Warrants and the related Loan File and shall cause
such Venture Loan, and related Warrants and Loan File to be delivered to the Custodian, and
thereafter such Venture Loan (and related Warrant) and Loan File shall be deemed to be a Venture
Loan (and related Warrant) and a Loan File hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents. In
the event of such a substitution, the Scheduled Payments on a Substitute Venture Loan due on its
related Due Date in the month of substitution shall be the property of the Purchaser, and the
Scheduled Payments on the Defective Venture Loan for which the substitution is made due on its
related Due Date in such month of substitution shall be the property of the Seller.
(b) Upon acceptance of a Substitute Venture Loan, and related Warrant (and delivery to the
Purchaser and the Custodian of a request to release the Loan File relating to the Venture Loan for
which such substitution was made), the Purchaser shall release (and shall cause the Custodian to
release) to the Seller such Loan File, and the Purchaser shall execute and deliver all instruments
of transfer or assignment, without recourse, in form as provided to it at the Sellers expense by
the Seller as are necessary to vest in the Seller title to and rights under any such released
Venture Loan and related Warrant. The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement
with respect to a Venture Loan and related Warrant, shall be deemed to have been made (as
applicable) by the Seller with respect to each Substitute Venture Loan and related Warrant as of
the related date of acceptance of such Venture Loan and related Warrants, by the Purchaser and the
Custodian. The Purchaser and the Seller, promptly following the release of a Defective Venture
Loan and related Warrant, and substitution of a Substitute Venture Loan and related Warrant, in
accordance with this Section 2.5, shall cause the Servicer to (i) amend the Venture Loan Schedule
to reflect the release of the related Defective Venture Loan and related Warrant, by the Purchaser
to the Seller and the transfer of the related Substitute Venture Loan
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and related Warrant, by the Seller to the Purchaser, and (ii) provide a copy of such amended
Venture Loan Schedule to the Purchaser, the Seller, the Agent, the Lender and the Custodian.
ARTICLE III
CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT
Section 3.1 Purchase Price.
(a) Following the satisfaction in full of all conditions set forth in Section 7.1, the
Purchaser shall pay to the Seller the Purchase Price for the Purchased Assets relating to each
Initial Eligible Venture Loan and related Warrant to be conveyed hereunder on the Initial Funding
Date. The Purchase Price for the Initial Eligible Venture Loans shall be an amount equal to the
aggregate Venture Loan Principal Balance of such Initial Eligible Venture Loan plus an amount equal
to the accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on each such Initial Eligible Venture Loan as of the
Initial Funding Date (which amount the Purchaser and the Seller hereby acknowledge represents the
fair value of each such Initial Eligible Venture Loan).
(b) Following the satisfaction in full of all conditions set forth in Section 7.2, the
Purchaser shall pay to the Seller the Purchase Price for the Purchased Assets relating to each
Subsequent Venture Loans and related Warrants, to be conveyed hereunder and pursuant to the related
Subsequent Transfer Instrument on the related Subsequent Transfer Date. The Purchase Price for
the Subsequent Venture Loans shall be an amount equal to the aggregate Venture Loan Principal
Balance of such Subsequent Venture Loans plus an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on
such Subsequent Venture Loan as of the related Subsequent Transfer Date plus the fair market value
of any related Warrant (which amount the Purchaser and the Seller acknowledge represents the fair
value of such Subsequent Venture Loan and related Warrant).
(c) The Purchaser shall pay to the Seller the Purchase Price for each Subsequent Seller
Advance with respect to a Venture Loan on the date on which such Subsequent Seller Advance arises.
The Purchase Price for a Subsequent Seller Advance shall be an amount equal to the principal
amount of such Subsequent Seller Advance and shall be paid to the Seller (i) by delivery of
immediately available funds to the extent of funds made available to the Purchaser under the Credit
and Security Agreement on such date or other cash on hand, and (ii) the balance, accepting such
Subsequent Seller Advance as a contribution to the Purchasers capital in an amount equal to the
remaining unpaid balance of such Purchase Price.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 4.1 Seller Representations and Warranties. The Seller hereby represents and
warrants to, and agrees with, the Purchaser as of the Closing Date, the Initial Funding Date and
each other Transfer Date that:
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(a) Existence and Power. The Sellers jurisdiction of organization is correctly set
forth in the preamble to this Agreement. The Seller is duly organized under the laws of that
jurisdiction and no other state or jurisdiction. The Seller is validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its state of organization. The Seller is duly qualified to do business
and is in good standing as a foreign entity, and has and holds all organizational power and all
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals of Governmental Authorities and tax, regulatory,
accounting and licensing bodies required to carry on its business, and to originate, administer,
process, acquire, own and sell the Venture Loans and related Warrants, and to perform its
obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, in each jurisdiction in which
its business is conducted except where the failure to so qualify or so hold would not reasonably be
expected to have a Seller Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Power and Authority; Due Authorization, Execution and Delivery. The execution and
delivery by the Seller of this Agreement, each Subsequent Transfer Instrument and each other
Transfer Paper to which it is a party, and the performance of its obligations hereunder and
thereunder and the Sellers use of proceeds of purchases made hereunder, are within its
organizational powers and authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary organizational
action on its part. This Agreement, each Subsequent Transfer Instrument and each other Transfer
Paper to which the Seller is a party has been and will be, as the case may be, duly executed and
delivered by the Seller.
(c) No Conflict. The execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement, each
Subsequent Transfer Instrument and each other Transfer Paper to which it is a party, and the
performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, do not and will not contravene or violate
(i) any of its organization documents, (ii) any law, rule or regulation applicable to it, (iii) any
restrictions under any material agreement, contract or instrument to which it is a party or by
which it or any of its property or assets is bound, or (iv) any order, writ, judgment, award,
injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, court, arbitrator or tax, accounting,
regulatory or licensing body or other body binding on or affecting it or its property or assets, or
result in the creation or imposition of any Adverse Claim on assets of the Seller (except as
created hereunder); and no transaction contemplated hereby requires compliance with any bulk sales
act or similar law.
(d) Governmental Authorization. Other than the filing of the financing statements
required hereunder, no authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing or
registration with, any Governmental Authority or regulatory, tax, licensing or accounting body is
required for the due execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement, any Subsequent
Transfer Instrument and each other Transfer Paper to which it is a party and the performance of its
obligations hereunder and thereunder, except for such authorizations, approvals, notice or filings,
if any, that have been obtained prior to the date hereof.
(e) Actions; Suits. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the
Sellers knowledge, threatened in writing against or affecting the Seller, or any of its properties
or assets, in or before any court, arbitrator, Governmental Authority, or any tax, licensing,
accounting or regulatory body or other body that have had, or would reasonably be expected to have,
a Seller Material Adverse Effect. The Seller is not in default with respect to any order, writ,
judgment, award, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, court or
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arbitrator or any tax, accounting, regulatory or licensing body or other body binding on or
affecting it or any of its properties or assets to the extent that any such default has had, or
could reasonably be expected to have, a Seller Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Binding Effect. This Agreement and each Subsequent Transfer Instrument to which
the Seller is a party constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Seller,
enforceable against the Seller in accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws affecting creditors rights
generally, subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law), and subject to state laws that restrict the enforcement of
remedies.
(g) Accuracy of Information. All information heretofore, or hereafter furnished in
writing by the Seller (or any of its Affiliates) to the Purchaser, the Lender and the Agent for
purposes of or in connection with this Agreement, any Subsequent Transfer Instrument, or any of the
other Transaction Documents or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby is, and all such
written information hereafter furnished by the Seller (or any of its Affiliates, agents,
representatives, members, consultants, accountants, legal counsel, managers, employees, or
officers) to the Purchaser, the Lender or the Agent is or will be, as the case may be, true and
accurate in all material respects on the date such information is stated or certified and does not
and will not contain any material misstatement of a material fact or be otherwise misleading in
light of the circumstances under which such information was furnished. There is no material fact
that the Seller has not disclosed to the Purchaser and the Agent in writing which would reasonably
be expected to have a Seller Material Adverse Effect.
(h) Compliance with Law. The Purchaser has fully complied with all applicable laws,
rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees or awards to which it may be
subject, other than to the extent that any such non-compliance has not had, and could not
reasonably be expected to have, a Seller Material Adverse Effect.
(i) Use of Proceeds. No proceeds of any purchase hereunder will be used by Seller (i)
for a purpose that violates, or would be inconsistent with, Regulation T, U or X promulgated by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from time to time or (ii) to acquire any security
in any transaction which is subject to Section 12, 13 or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
(j) Good Title; Perfection of Security Interest. Immediately prior to the purchase of
any Venture Loans or related Warrants by the Purchaser from the Seller, such Venture Loans and
related Warrants are free and clear of any Adverse Claim and are not subject to any rights of
setoff, any prior sale, transfer, assignment, or participation by any Person or any agreement by
the Seller (subject to the rights of the related Participant under a Permitted Participation
Arrangement) to assign, convey, transfer or participate, in whole or in part, such Venture Loans
and related Warrants, and the Seller is the sole legal record and beneficial owner of and owns and
(subject to the rights of the related Participant under a Permitted Participation Arrangement) has
the right to sell and transfer such Venture Loans and related Warrants to the Purchaser. There are
(A) no outstanding rights, options, warrants or agreements on the part of the Seller for a
purchase, sale or issuance, in connection with any Venture Loan conveyed by the
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Seller to the Purchaser hereunder, and (B) no agreements on the part of the Seller to issue,
sell or distribute any Venture Loan or related Warrants conveyed by the Seller to the Purchaser
hereunder except pursuant to the Transaction Documents. After giving effect to each Transfer
hereunder or under each Subsequent Transfer Instrument, as the case may be, the Purchaser shall be
the legal and beneficial owner of the related Venture Loans and any related Warrants and other
related Purchased Assets, free and clear of any Adverse Claim. With respect to each Initial
Eligible Venture Loan and related Warrant, there has been, as of the Initial Funding Date, and with
respect to each Subsequent Venture Loan and related Warrant, and each Substitute Venture Loan and
related Warrant, and if applicable, Subsequent Seller Advances, there will be, as of the related
Transfer Date, duly filed all financing statements or other similar instruments or documents
necessary under the UCC (or any comparable law) of all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect the
Purchasers ownership interest in each related Venture Loan, any related Warrants, and if
applicable, Subsequent Seller Advances, and the other related Purchased Assets.
(k) Places of Business and Locations of Records. The principal places of business and
chief executive office of the Seller and the offices where it keeps all of its Records are and
shall be located at 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Ct., 06032, or such other locations of
which the Purchaser and the Agent have been and shall be notified in accordance with Section 5.1.
The Seller agrees to provide prior written notice to the Purchaser and the Agent of any change to
such address in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Sellers Federal Employer
Identification Number and its Delaware state organizational identification number are 26-1971727
and 4493270, respectively.
(l) Seller Material Adverse Effect. As to the initial Transfer hereunder, since
December 31, 2007 and to each subsequent Transfer, since the most recent Transfer Date, no event
relating to the Seller has occurred that could have a Seller Material Adverse Effect.
(m) Names. The name in which the Seller has executed this Agreement and each related
Transfer Paper and the name in which the Seller shall execute the related Subsequent Transfer
Instrument shall be identical to the name of the Seller as indicated on the public record of the
state in which the Seller was organized. Since the date of its organization, the Seller has not
changed its form of organization or its jurisdiction of organization and has not used any corporate
names, trade names, fictious names, doing business as, or assumed names other than the name in
which it has executed this Agreement.
(n) Not an Investment Company. With respect to the Closing Date and the Initial
Funding Date the Seller is not, and with respect to the related Transfer Date the Seller shall not
be an investment company or a company controlled by an investment company within the meaning of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or any successor statute, and is not otherwise
subject to regulation thereunder.
(o) Compliance with Law. The Seller has fully complied with all applicable laws,
rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees or awards to which it may be
subject, other than to the extent that any such non-compliance has not had, and would not
reasonably be expected to have, a Seller Material Adverse Effect.
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(p) Compliance with the Underwriting Guidelines and the Collection Policy. The Seller
has complied in all material respects with the Underwriting Guidelines attached hereto as
Exhibit C and the Collection Policy with regard to each Venture Loan and related Warrant.
(q) Accounting. The manner in which the Seller accounts for the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is consistent with the assumptions set forth in the true sale and
non-consolidation analyses set forth in the opinion letters of Morrison Cohen LLP, counsel to the
Seller, dated the Initial Funding Date and delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent on the Initial
Funding Date.
(r) No Fraudulent Transfer. The Seller has, as of the related Transfer Date, adequate
capital for the normal obligations reasonably foreseeable in a business of its size and character
and in light of its contemplated business operations. The Seller has been solvent at all relevant
times prior to, and will not be rendered insolvent by, the Transfer of the Purchased Assets on or
after the related Transfer Date. As of the related Transfer Date, the Seller does not intend that
it will incur debts or obligations beyond its ability to pay as such debts and obligations mature.
The Seller is generally able to pay, and as of the related Transfer Date is paying, its debts as
they come due. The Seller is not presently financially insolvent nor will the Seller be made
insolvent within the meaning of the Federal Bankruptcy Code or the insolvency laws of any
jurisdiction, or be left with unreasonably small assets of capital (as of, and immediately
following, the related Transfer Date) with which to conduct its business, by virtue of the Sellers
execution of or performance under any of the Transaction Documents. The Seller has not entered
into any Transaction Document in contemplation of insolvency or with intent to hinder, delay or
defraud any creditor. The Transfer of the Purchased Assets by the Seller to the Purchaser does not
and will not constitute a transfer of property in connection with any pre-existing indebtedness.
(s) Taxes. The Seller has filed all tax returns which would be delinquent if they had
not been filed on or before the related Transfer Date and has paid all taxes, fees or other charges
imposed on it or any of its assets by any Governmental Authority or tax, accounting, regulatory or
licensing body, in each case due and payable on or before the related Transfer Date except for
those taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of which it has
notified in writing Purchaser and Agent and has established proper reserves on its books. The
Seller is not liable for the taxes payable by any other Person. No tax lien or similar adverse
claim has been filed, and no claim is being asserted, with respect to any tax, assessment, fee or
other governmental charge paid or payable by the Seller or any Affiliate thereof. Any taxes,
assessments, fees and other governmental charges payable by the Seller in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby have been paid, except for taxes not yet due. There is no agreement
or understanding among any of or all of the Servicer, the Purchaser, and the Seller, providing for
the allocation or sharing of obligations to make payments or otherwise in respect of any taxes,
fees, assessments or other governmental charges, except (i) as provided under the Transaction
Documents, and (ii) tax sharing agreements among any or all of the Servicer, the Purchaser, the
Seller and any of the Sellers Affiliates, under which appropriate and customary allocation of tax
sharing responsibilities has been made which reflects economic realities.
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Section 4.2 Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the Venture Loans and
Warrants.
The Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as of each Transfer Date relating to
such Venture Loan and Warrant (and, to the extent expressly stated on Schedule 3 hereto, at
such other time) the accuracy and completeness of the representations and warranties set forth on
Schedule 3 hereto.
Section 4.3 Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser. The Purchaser hereby
represents and warrants to the Seller as of the Closing Date, the Initial Funding Date and the
related Transfer Date that:
(a) Existence and Power. The Purchasers jurisdiction of organization is correctly
set forth in the preamble to this Agreement. The Purchaser is duly organized under the laws of
that jurisdiction and no other state or jurisdiction. The Purchaser is validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of its state of organization. The Purchaser is duly qualified to do
business and is in good standing as a foreign entity, and has and holds all organizational power
and all licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals from Governmental Authorities and tax,
regulatory, accounting and licensing bodies required to carry on its business, acquire and own the
Venture Loans, and related Warrants, and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents, in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted except where the
failure to so qualify or so hold individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Power and Authority; Due Authorization, Execution and Delivery. The execution and
delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and each Subsequent Transfer Instrument to which it is
a party, and the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, are within its limited
liability company powers and authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary limited
liability company action on its part. This Agreement and each Subsequent Transfer Instrument to
which the Purchaser is a party has been and will be, as the case may be, duly executed and
delivered by the Purchaser.
(c) No Conflict. The execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and
the related Subsequent Transfer Instrument to which it is a party, and the performance of its
obligations hereunder and thereunder, do not contravene or violate (i) any of its organizational
documents, (ii) any law, rule or regulation applicable to it, (iii) any restrictions under any
material agreement, contract or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its
property or assets is bound, or (iv) any order, writ, judgment, award, injunction or decree of any
Governmental Authority, court or arbitrator or tax, accounting, regulatory or licensing body or
other body binding on or affecting it or its property or assets or result in the creation or
imposition of any Adverse Claim on assets of the Purchaser. No transaction contemplated hereby
requires compliance with any bulk sales act.
(d) Government Authorization. No authorization or approval or other action by, and no
notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or regulatory, tax, accounting, licensing or
other body is required for the due execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and
any related Subsequent Transfer Instrument to which it is a party and the
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performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, except for such authorizations,
approvals, notice or filings, if any, which have been obtained prior to the date hereof.
(e) Actions; Suits. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or to the
Purchasers knowledge, threatened in writing against or affecting the Purchaser, or any of its
properties or assets, in or before any court, arbitrator or Governmental Authority or any
regulatory, tax, accounting or licensing body or other body that have had, or would reasonably be
expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect. The Purchaser is not in default with respect to any
order, writ, judgment, award, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, court or
arbitrator or any regulatory, tax, accounting or licensing body or other body binding on or
affecting it or any of its properties or assets to the extent that any such default has had, or
would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Binding Effect. This Agreement, each Subsequent Transfer Instrument and each
other Transfer Paper to which the Purchaser is a party constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Purchaser enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with their respective
terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws
affecting creditors rights generally, subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and subject to state laws that restrict
the enforcement of remedies.
(g) Accuracy of Information. All information heretofore furnished in writing by the
Purchaser (or any of its Affiliates) to the Seller, the Lender and the Agent for purposes of or in
connection with this Agreement, the related Subsequent Transfer Instrument, or any of the other
Transaction Documents or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby is, and all such written
information hereafter furnished by the Purchaser (or any of its Affiliates, agents,
representatives, members, consultants, accountants, legal counsel, managers, or employees) to the
Seller, the Lender or the Agent will be, true and accurate on the date such information is stated
or certified and does not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or be
otherwise misleading in light of the circumstances under which such information was furnished.
There is no material fact that the Purchaser has not disclosed to the Seller and the Agent in
writing which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(h) Compliance with Law. The Purchaser has fully complied with all applicable laws,
rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees or awards to which it may be
subject, other than to the extent that any such non-compliance has not had, and would not
reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
(i) No Fraudulent Transfer. The Purchaser has, as of the related Transfer Date,
adequate capital for the normal obligations reasonably foreseeable in a business of its size and
character and in light of its contemplated business operations. The Purchaser is generally able to
pay, and as of the related Transfer Date is paying, its debts as they come due. The Purchaser is
not presently financially insolvent nor will the Purchaser be made insolvent by virtue of the
Purchasers execution of or performance under any of the Transaction Documents within the meaning
of the Federal Bankruptcy Code or the insolvency laws of any jurisdiction. The Purchaser has not
entered into any Transaction Document in contemplation of insolvency or with intent to hinder,
delay or defraud any creditor.
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The representations and warranties set forth in this Article IV shall survive the Transfer of
the Venture Loans and related Warrants to the Purchaser and the termination of the rights and
obligations of the Purchaser and the Seller under this Agreement, any Subsequent Transfer
Instrument and any other Transaction Document.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE SELLER
Section 5.1 Seller Covenants. The Seller hereby covenants and agrees with the
Purchaser as follows:
(a) Financial Statements. The Seller will maintain and consistently apply, for
itself, a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and furnish or
cause to be furnished to the Purchaser and the Agent:
(i) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any case no later than
one hundred eighty (180) days after the close of each of its fiscal years occurring during the term
of this Agreement, audited, unqualified financial statements (which shall include balance sheets of
the Seller as of the end of such fiscal year, and statements of income, stockholders equity and
cash flow of the Seller and any consolidated Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, in each case)
setting forth in comparative form the figures for the related previous fiscal year and accompanied
by an opinion of (A) Grant Thornton, LLP or (B) another firm of Independent certified public
accountants of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and the Agent,
in each instance stating that such financial statements present fairly the financial condition of
the Seller and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied.
(ii) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any case no later
than forty-five (45) days after the close of the first three (3) quarterly periods of each of its
fiscal years occurring during the term of this Agreement, balance sheets and statements of cash
flows of the Seller and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the close of each such period and
statements of income and retained earnings for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to
the end of such quarter, setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the
comparable period one year prior thereto, which balance sheets and statements shall be prepared and
presented in accordance with, and provide all necessary disclosure required by, GAAP (but without
footnotes, and subject to normal year-end audit adjustments) and shall be accompanied by a
certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of the applicable party stating that such balance
sheets and statements present fairly the financial condition and results of operations of the such
party and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (but without footnotes,
and subject to normal year-end audit adjustments).
(b) Reporting. The Seller will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Purchaser, the
Lender and the Agent:
(i) At least ten (10) days prior to the effectiveness of any material change in, or material
amendment to, the Underwriting Guidelines or the Collection Policy, a
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copy of the Underwriting Guidelines or the Collection Policy (as the case may be) then in
effect and a notice (1) indicating such change or amendment, and (2) if such proposed change or
amendment would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the collectibility of a Venture Loan or
related Warrant, or materially change the credit criteria set forth therein in a manner that will
materially and adversely affect the overall credit quality of the portfolio of Venture Loans,
requesting the Purchasers and the Agents written consent thereto.
(ii) Promptly, from time to time, such other information, documents, records or reports
relating to the Venture Loans and related Warrants or the condition or operations, financial or
otherwise, of the Seller as the Purchaser or the Agent may from time to time reasonably request in
order to protect the interests of the Purchaser, the Lender or the Agent under or as contemplated
by the Transaction Documents.
(iii) Promptly upon its receipt of (A) any management letter submitted to the Seller by its
accountants and (B) any notice, request for consent, financial statements, certification, report or
other material communication under or in connection with any Transaction Document from any Person
other than the Agent or the Lender, copies of the same.
(iv) On each anniversary of the date of this Agreement, following the Lenders or the Agents
written request with respect thereto, a UCC search report against the Seller, issued by the state
of its organization.
(c) Notices. The Seller will notify the Purchaser and the Agent in writing, by means
of an Officers Certificate, promptly upon (and in any event no later than five (5) days after) an
Authorized Officer of the Seller obtaining actual knowledge of the occurrence of any of the
following, describing the same and, if applicable, the steps being taken with respect thereto:
(i) Any event or condition that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material
Adverse Effect.
(ii) The entry of any judgment or decree or the institution of any litigation, arbitration
proceeding or proceeding of any Governmental Authority or any regulatory, accounting, tax or
licensing body or other body by or against the Seller to the extent the same has had or would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(iii) Each Early Amortization Event, each Event of Default and each Unmatured Event of
Default.
(iv) A default or an event of default under any other financing arrangement for borrowed money
which leads to the acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to which the Seller is a debtor or
obligor in a principal amount in excess of One Million U.S. Dollars ($1,000,000).
(v) Any change in the accountants of the Seller, or any change in the Sellers accounting
policy which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(d) Compliance with Laws and Preservation of Corporate Existence. The Seller will
fully comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions,
decrees or awards to which it may be subject, other than to the extent that any such non-compliance
has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect. The Seller
will comply with all material procedures required by its organizational documents, other than to
the extent that any such non-compliance has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have,
a Material Adverse Effect. The Seller will preserve and maintain its licenses, limited liability
company existence, rights, franchises and privileges in the jurisdiction of its formation, and
qualify and remain qualified in good standing as a foreign limited liability company in each other
jurisdiction where its business is conducted, except where the failure to so preserve and maintain
or qualify would not reasonably be expected to have a Servicer Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Audits. The Seller will, from time to time as requested by the Purchaser and at
the sole cost of (1) the Purchaser (prior to the occurrence and continuation of an Event of
Default) and (2) the Seller (upon and following the occurrence and continuation of an Event of
Default), permit or cause to be permitted the Purchaser and the Agent, and their respective agents
or representatives, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice to Seller:
(i) to examine and make copies of and abstracts from all Records in the possession or under
the control of the Seller relating to the Purchased Assets, including, without limitation, the
documents included in the related Loan Files;
(ii) to examine the systems used in the origination, processing, administration and servicing
of the Venture Loans and related Warrants, including, without limitation, the Sellers
record-keeping, accounting, auditing and other internal control systems related thereto; and
(iii) to visit the offices and properties of the Seller for the purpose of examining such
materials described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and to discuss matters relating to the Sellers
financial condition, the Purchased Assets, the Sellers performance under the Transaction Documents
and any of the Transfer Papers or the Sellers performance under the documents comprising the Loan
Files;
in each case, with any of the officers, managers, accountants, representatives, auditors, legal
advisors and employees of the Seller or the Custodian having knowledge of such matters;
provided, however, that if there is no Early Amortization Event such audit shall
occur only on an annual basis, which may coincide with the audit performed pursuant to the control
procedures set out in the Credit and Security Agreement, but shall not replace such procedures.
Expenses of the Agent under all Transaction Documents associated with such audit shall not exceed
$20,000 in the aggregate.
The Seller agrees to provide its accountants and auditors with a copy of this Agreement
promptly after the execution hereof and will instruct its accountants and auditors to cooperate in
good faith in answering any and all questions that any authorized representative of the Purchaser,
the Agent or the Lender may address to them from time to time, in reference to the financial
condition or affairs of the Seller.
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(f) Keeping and Marking of Records and Books.
(i) The Seller will maintain and implement administrative and operating procedures (including,
without limitation, an ability to recreate records evidencing Venture Loans and Warrants in the
event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain all documents, books,
records and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all amounts
owed under the Venture Loans (including, without limitation, records adequate to permit the
immediate identification of all adjustments to each Venture Loan) with no less a degree of prudence
than if the Venture Loans and Warrants were held by the Seller for its own account. The Seller
will give the Purchaser and the Agent notice of any material change in the administrative and
operating procedures referred to in the previous sentence.
(ii) The Seller will, on or prior to the related Transfer Date, mark its master data
processing records and other books and records relating to the Venture Loans and Warrants being
sold or transferred to the Purchaser on such Transfer Date with a legend, which shall read in
substantially the form of the following: The [loan/warrant/participation agreement] evidenced by
this document/listed herein has been sold to Horizon Credit I LLC and is subject to a security
interest in favor of WestLB AG, New York Branch, as Agent under that certain Credit and Security
Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2008, by and among Horizon Credit I LLC, as Borrower, WestLB AG,
New York Branch, as Lender and Agent, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Custodian and Paying
Agent thereunder, or such other legend as is reasonably acceptable to the Agent, describing the
security interest of the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in the related Collateral and
describing the Purchasers ownership in the related Purchased Assets.
(g) Compliance with Loan Files, Underwriting Guidelines and Collection Policy. The
Seller will timely and fully (i) perform and comply with all material provisions, covenants and
other promises required to be observed by it under the documents comprising the Loan Files, and
(ii) comply with the Underwriting Guidelines and the Collection Policy in regard to each Venture
Loan and Warrant and the related documents comprising the Loan Files.
(h) Performance and Enforcement of this Agreement. The Seller shall perform its
obligations and undertakings under and pursuant to this Agreement and will purchase Venture Loans
and Warrants hereunder and under the Subsequent Transfer Instruments and related Transfer Papers in
strict compliance with the terms hereof and thereof.
(i) Ownership. The Seller will take all necessary action to (i) vest legal and
equitable title to the related Purchased Assets irrevocably in the Purchaser, free and clear of any
Adverse Claims, including, without limitation, the filing of all financing statements or other
similar instruments or documents necessary under the UCC (or any comparable law) of all appropriate
jurisdictions to perfect the Purchasers interest in such Purchased Assets and such other action to
perfect, protect or more fully evidence the interest of the Purchaser therein as set forth in
Section 2.1 and as the Purchaser or the Agent may request, and (ii) establish and maintain, in
favor of the Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a valid and perfected first priority
security interest in all Purchased Assets, free and clear of any Adverse Claims, including, without
limitation, the filing of all financing statements or other similar instruments or
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documents, and delivering the documents required to be included in the Loan Files to the
Custodian pursuant to the Custodial Agreement and Section 6.1 of the Credit and Security Agreement,
necessary under the UCC (or any comparable law) of all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect the
first priority security interest (subject only to Permitted Liens) of the Agent (for the benefit of
the Secured Parties) in the Purchased Assets and such other action to perfect, protect or more
fully evidence the interest of the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in the Purchased
Assets and under the Transaction Documents as the Agent may reasonably request. Other than as set
forth in Section 2.3, Section 2.4 and Section 2.5, the Seller shall not take any action which would
directly or indirectly impair or adversely affect the Purchasers title, right and interest in the
Venture Loans and related Warrants; provided, however, that Seller shall provide
the Purchaser with notice and instructions on when and how to exercise the rights under the
Warrants conveyed hereunder such that Purchaser shall acquire the equity positions available to
Purchaser under the Warrants in the underlying Obligors, as applicable, in a timely manner.
(j) Taxes. The Seller will file all tax returns and reports required by law to be
filed by it and will promptly pay when due all taxes and governmental charges at any time owing;
provided, that the foregoing shall not require the Seller to pay any such tax or charge so long as
it contests such tax or charge in good faith by appropriate proceedings and has, with respect to
such tax or charge, set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP. At no time
will Seller enter any agreement or understanding among any or all of the Servicer, the Purchaser,
and the Seller, providing for the allocation or sharing of obligations to make payments or
otherwise in respect of any taxes, fees, assessments, or other governmental changes, except as
provided under the Transaction Documents.
(k) Name Change and Offices. The Seller will not change its name, jurisdiction of
organization or form of organization (within the meaning of any applicable enactment of the UCC),
or use any trade names, fictitious names, assumed names, doing business as names or other names,
or relocate its chief executive office at any time during the term of the Credit and Security
Agreement, unless prior to the effective date of such change or relocation, it shall at its own
expense have: (i) given the Purchaser and the Agent at least thirty (30) days prior written
notice thereof and (ii) delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent all financing statements,
instruments, opinions of counsel and other documents requested by the Purchaser or the Agent,
prepared by the Seller at its sole expense, in connection with such change or relocation to
maintain perfection of Agents security interest in the Collateral for the benefit of the Secured
Parties.
(l) Modifications to Venture Documents, Underwriting Guidelines and Collection Policy.
Except as otherwise permitted in the Transaction Documents, the Seller will not (i) make any
material change in the character of its business or to the Underwriting Guidelines or the
Collection Policy without prior written notice to the Agent and (ii) make any such change that
would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the collectibility of the Venture Loans, or
materially change the credit criteria set forth herein in a manner that will materially or
adversely affect the overall credit quality of the portfolio of Venture Loans, without the prior
written consent of the Agent.
(m) Sales, Liens. Except as otherwise permitted in the Transaction Documents, the
Seller will not sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise
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dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, or create or suffer to exist any Adverse
Claim upon (including, without limitation, the filing of any financing statement) or with respect
to, any of the Purchased Assets, or assign any right to receive income with respect thereto (other
than, in each case, the Transfers provided for herein), and the Seller will defend at its sole
expense the right, title and interest of the Purchaser and the Agent in, to and under any of the
Purchased Assets, against all claims of third parties claiming through or under the Seller.
(n) Prohibition on Additional Negative Pledges. The Seller will not enter into or
assume any agreement (other than this Agreement and the other Transfer Papers) permitting the
creation or assumption of any Adverse Claim upon the Purchased Assets except as contemplated by the
Transfer Papers, or otherwise prohibiting or restricting any transaction contemplated hereby or by
the other Transfer Papers.
(o) Proper Conduct of Business. The Seller shall conduct its business in the ordinary
course and in accordance with customary and usual procedures of institutions which originate,
administer, process and service Venture Loans and related Warrants, respectively, including without
limitation in accordance and compliance with the Underwriting Guidelines and the Collection Policy.
(p) Disclosure. The Seller shall disclose in appropriate regulatory filings and
public announcements, to the extent required by applicable law, all material transactions
associated with this transaction. The annual financial statements of the Seller (including any
consolidated financial statements) shall disclose the effects of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement in accordance with GAAP as a sale of the related Venture Loans and related Warrants
to the Purchaser. Such financial statements will include disclosure that the Purchaser is a
separate Subsidiary of the Seller and will include a footnote indicating that the Purchased Assets
have been conveyed to the Purchaser and are not available for creditors of the Seller. Neither the
accounting records of the Seller nor the financial statements of the Seller shall indicate that the
assets of the Purchaser are available to pay creditors of the Seller or any other entity.
(q) Collections. On and after the Closing Date, if the Seller receives any
collections on or proceeds of the Purchased Assets, or any other Collateral, then the Seller shall
remit such collections and such proceeds to the Paying Agent for deposit into the Collection
Account as soon as practicable and in any event within two (2) Business Days following the Sellers
receipt thereof.
(r) Insurance Policies. The Seller shall take all actions necessary to ensure that (i)
the loss payee under each Insurance Policy with respect to the related Venture Loan which has been
procured by the related Obligor or otherwise is Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC and/or
its successors or assigns and (ii) at all times during the term of this Agreement such Insurance
Policies are in full force and effect.
(s) Protection of Security. At any time following the occurrence of an Early
Amortization Event, Event of Default, or Servicer Termination Event, and to the extent such actions
may be taken pursuant to the loan agreements, participation agreements, intercreditor agreements
and subordination agreements governing the Venture Loans, the Seller shall allow
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each of the Purchaser, the Agent and the Lender, or any of their respective agents acting on
its behalf, upon reasonable notice: (1) to inspect any property, relating to a Venture Loan; (2) to
appear in or intervene in any proceeding or matter affecting any Venture Loan or other Purchased
Asset or the value thereof; (3) to initiate, commence, appear in and defend any foreclosure,
action, bankruptcy or proceeding which could affect the rights and powers of the Purchaser, the
Agent or the Lender; (4) to contest by litigation or otherwise any lien asserted against the
Venture Loans or other Purchased Asset or against the related property identified therein; and/or
(5) to make payments on account of such encumbrances, charges, or liens and take any action it may
deem appropriate to collect any Purchased Asset or any part thereof or to enforce any rights with
respect thereto. All costs and expenses, including attorneys fees (including, but not limited to,
those incurred on appeal), that the Purchaser, the Agent or the Lender may incur with respect to
any of the foregoing and any expenditures they may make to protect or preserve the Purchased Assets
or the rights of the Purchaser, the Agent and the Lender, shall be for the account of the Seller.
The Seller shall repay the same to the Purchaser, the Agent or the Lender, as the case may be,
immediately upon demand with interest, at the Default Rate, from the date any such expenditure
shall have been made until it is repaid.
(t) Payment Instructions. The Seller shall not direct any Obligor, any insurer or any
other payor on or with respect to the Venture Loans, the Warrants, or any other Collateral to make
any payments relating thereto to any account or Person other than to the Paying Agent for deposit
into the Lockbox Account unless the Seller has received prior written consent from the Agent with
respect to the making of any such payment to any such other account or Person, which consent the
Agent may give or withhold in its sole discretion.
(u) True Sale. The Seller shall not account for or treat (whether in financial
statements or otherwise) the Transfers contemplated by this Agreement or any Subsequent Transfer
Instrument, in any manner other than as a sale and absolute assignment of the Venture Loans and
related Warrants to the Purchaser constituting a true sale for bankruptcy purposes.
(v) Amendment. Until the Obligations are paid in full, the Seller shall not amend,
modify, waive or terminate any terms or conditions of any Transaction Document without the written
consent of the Agent, which consent the Agent may grant or withhold in its sole discretion.
(w) No Sale, Assignment or Merger. Without in each case the prior written consent of
the Agent, which consent the Agent may grant or withhold in its sole discretion, the Seller will
not:
(i) merge or consolidate with any Person;
(ii) convey, sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise), transfer, lease or otherwise
dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of
its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or assign any right to receive all or
substantially all income with respect thereto, or grant any option to do any of the foregoing;
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(iii) acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or the capital stock or other
ownership interests in, any Person, unless, as a result of such acquisition (A) the voting and
ownership control of the Seller shall not change from the voting and ownership control status of
the Seller in place immediately before such acquisition, and (B) each of Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr. and
Gerald A. Michaud (x) are employed in senior management positions at Horizon Technology Finance
Management LLC, (y) are involved in the day-to-day operations of Horizon Technology Finance
Management LLC, and (C) are able to perform substantially all of their respective duties as an
employee or officer of Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC; or
(iv) transfer, sell or assign its one hundred percent (100%) membership interest (or any
portion thereof) in the Purchaser.
(x) Substantive Non-Consolidation. The Seller has complied and shall comply with all
assumptions made with respect to the Seller in the substantive non-consolidation opinion, dated the
Initial Funding Date, of Morrison Cohen LLP, counsel to the Purchaser, and delivered by such
counsel to the Agent and the Purchaser on the Initial Funding Date in connection with the execution
of the Credit and Security Agreement, including, but not limited to, any exhibits attached thereto.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNITIES
Section 6.1 Indemnities given by the Seller. Without limiting any other rights that
the Purchaser or any other Person may have hereunder or under applicable law, the Seller hereby
agrees to indemnify (and pay upon demand to) the Purchaser and each of the assigns, officers,
managers, agents and employees of the Purchaser (each, an Indemnified Party) from and against any
and all damages, losses, claims, taxes, liabilities, costs, expenses and all other amounts which
may become payable, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements (all of the foregoing
being collectively referred to as Indemnified Amounts) or to which any of them may become subject
or may be awarded against or incurred by any of them arising out of or as a result of this
Agreement, any Subsequent Transfer Instrument, any Transfer Paper or any other Transaction
Document, or the acquisition, either directly or indirectly, of an interest in the Venture Loans or
other Purchased Assets, excluding, however, in all of the foregoing instances:
(i) Indemnified Amounts to the extent such Indemnified Amounts resulted from gross
negligence or willful misconduct on the part of an Indemnified Party; or
(ii) Indemnified Amounts to the extent comprising income, franchise and similar taxes
levied on the related Indemnified Party;
provided, however, that nothing contained in the foregoing clauses shall limit the liability of the
Seller or limit the recourse of an Indemnified Party for amounts specifically provided to be paid
by the Seller under the terms of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents. Except as
provided in the succeeding sentence, Indemnification Amounts do not include losses in respect of
uncollectible Venture Loans. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing
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indemnification, but subject in full to the provisions thereof, the Seller shall indemnify each
Indemnified Party for Indemnified Amounts (including, without limitation, losses in respect of
uncollectible Venture Loans, regardless of whether reimbursement therefor would constitute recourse
to the Seller) relating to or resulting from:
(1) any representation or warranty made by the Seller (or any manager,
Affiliate, officer or employee of the Seller) under or in connection with this
Agreement, any other Transaction Document or Transfer Paper or any other written
information or report delivered by any of the foregoing pursuant hereto or thereto,
which shall have been false or incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed
made;
(2) the failure by the Seller to comply with any applicable law, rule or
regulation with respect to any Venture Loan, Warrant, or other Collateral or
document required to be included in the Venture Loan File related thereto, or the
nonconformity of any Venture Loan, Warrant, or other Collateral or document required
to be included in the Venture Loan File with any such applicable law, rule or
regulation, or any failure of the Seller, the Servicer or the Seller to keep or
perform any of its obligations, express or implied, with respect to any Collateral;
(3) any failure of the Seller to perform its duties, covenants or other
obligations in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or any other
Transaction Document or Transfer Paper;
(4) any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than discharge in bankruptcy
of the related Obligor or a dispute, claim, offset or defense arising out of acts or
omissions by any party other than the Seller occurring after the related Transfer
Date) to the payment of any Venture Loan (including, without limitation, a defense
based on such Venture Loan or related document required to be included in the
related Loan File, or otherwise, not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of
such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms);
(5) any investigation, litigation or proceeding (A) related to or arising from
the Sellers administration of the Venture Loans or the Purchased Assets or (B)
relating to the Seller, in each case in which any Indemnified Party becomes involved
as a result of any of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;
(6) any inability to litigate any claim that arose prior to the relevant
Transfer Date of such Purchased Asset against any Obligor in respect of any Venture
Loan or Warrant as a result of such Obligor being immune from civil and commercial
law and suit on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise from any legal action, suit
or proceeding;
(7) any failure of the Seller to Transfer legal and equitable title to, and
ownership of, any of the Purchased Assets to the Purchaser, free and clear of any
Adverse Claim;
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(8) any failure to vest in the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or
to transfer to the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to Section
2.1(b) hereof, a valid first priority perfected security interest in all Purchased
Assets, free and clear of any Adverse Claim, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement
with respect thereto, at the time of any Transfer;
(9) the failure to have filed, or any delay in filing, financing statements or
other similar instruments or documents under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction
or other applicable laws with respect to any Purchased Asset, and the proceeds
thereof, pursuant to Section 2.1(c) hereof, at the time of any Transfer;
(10) any action or omission by the Seller which reduces or impairs the rights
of the Purchaser with respect to any Purchased Assets or the value of any Purchased
Asset;
(11) any attempt by the Seller, or any Affiliate thereof to void any Transfer
of the Venture Loans or other Purchased Asset or the Purchasers ownership interest
in the Purchased Assets under statutory provisions or common law or equitable
action, including without limitation any provision of the Federal Bankruptcy Code;
(12) any failure of the Seller or any of its agents or representatives to
timely remit to the Lockbox Account or the Collection Account, collections on or
proceeds of or relating to the Venture Loans, the Venture Warrant and all other
Purchased Assets that have been remitted to any such Person;
(13) any Venture Loan represented or certified by the Seller pursuant to the
Transaction Documents to be an Eligible Loan which is not at the applicable time an
Eligible Loan, unless an Early Amortization Event would not result; and
(14) the failure of the Seller to have paid when due any taxes relating to a
Venture Loan, Venture Warrant or other Purchased Asset, to the extent such payment
was due from or on behalf of the Seller on or prior to the related Transfer Date.
Section 6.2 Procedure for Indemnification. The procedure for indemnification shall be as
follows:
(a) The Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Seller (the Indemnifying Party),
as applicable, of any claim, whether between the parties or brought by a third party, specifying
(i) the factual basis for such claim, and (ii) the amount of the claim. If the claim relates to an
action, suit or proceeding filed by a third party against such Indemnified Party, such notice shall
be given by such Indemnified Party within fifteen (15) Business Days after written notice of such
action, suit or proceeding was received by such Indemnified Party; provided, that failure to
deliver notice shall not affect an Indemnified Partys right to indemnification hereunder.
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(b) Following receipt of notice from an Indemnified Party of a claim, the Indemnifying Party
shall have thirty (30) days to make such investigation of the claim as the Seller deems necessary
or desirable. For the purposes of such investigation, the Indemnified Party agrees to make
available to the Indemnifying Party and/or its authorized representative(s) the information relied
upon by such Indemnified Party to substantiate the claim. If the Indemnified Party and the
Indemnifying Party agree at or prior to the expiration of said thirty (30) day period (or any
mutually-agreed-upon extension thereof) to the validity and amount of such claim, the Indemnifying
Party shall immediately pay to such Indemnified Party the full amount of the claim and the
Indemnifying Party shall thereupon be released from any further indemnification obligations with
respect to such claim. If the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party do not agree within said
period (or any mutually-agreed-upon extension thereof), the Indemnified Party may seek appropriate
legal remedy.
(c) With respect to any claim by a third party as to which an Indemnified Party is entitled to
indemnification hereunder, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right, at its own expense, to
participate in or assume control of the defense of such claim, and the Indemnified Party shall
cooperate fully with the Indemnifying Party, subject to reimbursement for all expenses incurred by
such Indemnified Party. If the Indemnifying Party elects to assume control of the defense of any
third-party claim, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in the defense of such
claim at its own expense; provided that such expense shall be the expense of the Indemnifying Party
if (i) the Indemnifying Party has authorized such expense in writing, (ii) the Indemnifying Party
has not employed counsel with respect to the defense of such claim within a reasonable amount of
time after such election or (iii) the Indemnified Party has been advised by counsel that one or
more defenses may be available to it that are different from or additional to those available to
the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party does not elect to assume control or otherwise
participate in the defense of any third party claim, it shall be bound by the results obtained by
the Indemnified Party with respect to such claim and the Indemnifying Party shall immediately
reimburse the Indemnified Party for any and all expenses incurred by it in defending such third
party claim. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to settle any third party claim without
the consent of the Indemnified Party so long as the settlement fully and unconditionally releases
such Indemnified Party from any and all liability with respect to such claim and the settlement
does not impose any then-current or continuing obligation or liability on any Indemnified Party.
Section 6.3 Other Costs and Expenses
(a) In addition to the rights of indemnification granted to the Indemnified Parties under
Section 6.1 hereof, the Indemnifying Party shall pay to the Agent for the benefit of the Secured
Parties on demand all costs and out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and
expenses) incurred in connection with (i) the preparation, execution, delivery, closing and
administration of, and due diligence conducted in connection with this Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents, the transactions contemplated hereby and the other documents to be delivered
hereunder and thereunder, as set forth in (and subject to the limitations set forth in) Section 4
of the Engagement Agreement, (ii) the preparation, execution, delivery, closing and administration
of any waiver or consent issued or amendment prepared in connection with this Agreement and the
other Transaction Documents, the transactions contemplated hereby and the other documents to be
delivered hereunder and thereunder, that is necessary or requested by any
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of the Lender or the Agent or made necessary or desirable as a result of the actions of any
regulatory, tax, licensing or accounting body affecting the Lender, the Agent and any of their
respective Affiliates, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out of pocket
expenses of counsel for the Paying Agent, the Custodian, the Agent and the Lender with respect
thereto, (iii) the Agents or the Lenders auditors auditing the books and records and procedures
of the Indemnifying Party following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Unmatured Event
of Default or an Event of Default, (iv) the Agent or the Lender performing, or causing the
performance of, any obligation of the relevant Indemnifying Party hereunder or under any other
Transaction Document upon the relevant Indemnifying Partys failure to so perform, (v) the delivery
of the AUP Letter and the performance of any and all duties, obligations and responsibilities
thereunder and (vi) advising the Paying Agent and the Custodian and their respective assigns,
Affiliates, officers, directors, agents and employees as to their respective rights and remedies
under this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the other documents to be delivered
hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith.
(b) The Indemnifying Party shall pay to the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties on
demand any and all costs and expenses of the Agent and the Lender, if any, including without
limitation reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys, appraisers, engineers, investment bankers,
surveyors or other experts, in connection with UCC searches, recording, title examination, the
enforcement of this Agreement and the other documents delivered hereunder and in connection with
any restructuring or workout of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or such
documents.
(c) The Indemnifying Party shall pay to the Agent for the benefit of the Lender, within ten
Business Days from Agents written demand therefor, any and all stamp, sales, excise and other
taxes and fees payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution, delivery,
filing and recording of this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or the other documents to be
delivered hereunder and thereunder.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Section 7.1 Conditions to the Purchasers Obligations on the Initial Funding Date.
The obligation of the Purchaser to purchase any Initial Eligible Venture Loan or related Warrant,
or Subsequent Seller Advance on the Initial Funding Date shall be subject to the satisfaction of
the following conditions:
(a) the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.2, and in Schedule
3 hereto, shall be true and correct as of such date;
(b) the Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent the Venture Loan Schedule
relating to the Initial Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants (and as applicable, Subsequent
Seller Advances) and a computer file or electronic or magnetic tape list containing a true and
complete list of all information specified in Section 2.1(d) hereof with
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respect to the Initial Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants (and as applicable,
Subsequent Seller Advances);
(c) the Seller shall have performed all other obligations required to be performed by it on or
before the Closing Date and the Initial Funding Date (as applicable) pursuant to the provisions of
this Agreement;
(d) the Seller shall have prepared for recording and filing, at its expense, each financing
statement meeting the requirements of applicable state law in such manner and in such jurisdictions
as would be necessary to perfect the Purchasers first priority security interest (subject to any
Permitted Liens) in all of the Sellers right, title and interest in, to and under the Initial
Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants, and the related Purchased Assets pursuant to the terms
hereof, and shall have delivered a file-stamped copy of such financing statements or other evidence
of such filings to the Purchaser and the Agent;
(e) all of the conditions to the effectiveness of the Credit and Security Agreement and to the
making of the Initial Advance thereunder shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the
terms thereof;
(f) no Event of Default, or Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(g) all corporate and legal proceedings and all instruments in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance
to the Purchaser and the Agent, and each of the Purchaser and the Agent shall have received from
the Seller copies of all documents (including, without limitation, records of corporate
proceedings) relevant to the transactions herein contemplated as the Purchaser or the Agent may
have requested;
(h) all fees and expenses associated with the closing of the Transfer of the related Purchased
Assets on the Initial Funding Date shall have been paid by the party incurring such expenses or the
party liable to pay for such expenses;
(i) there has not occurred (A) a general suspension of trading on major stock exchanges, or
(B) a disruption in or moratorium on commercial banking activities or securities settlement
services;
(j) the due diligence review, audit and credit approval of the Seller and the Purchaser by the
Lender and the Agent shall have been completed;
(k) no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred;
(l) the Custodian shall have received on or before the Initial Funding Date all of the
documents required to be included in the related Loan Files and other documents required to be
delivered to it on or before the Initial Funding Date pursuant to the terms of the Transaction
Documents, and the Custodian shall have delivered to the Seller, the Purchaser and the Agent a
written certification as to such receipt;
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(m) all other acts and conditions (including, without limitation, the obtaining of any
necessary regulatory approvals and the making of any required filings, recordings or registrations)
required to be done and performed and to have happened prior to the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all documents related hereto and
thereto and to constitute the same legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance
with their respective terms, shall have been done and performed and shall have happened in
compliance with all applicable laws;
(n) no law or regulation shall prohibit, and no order, judgment or decree of any federal,
state or local court or Governmental Authority or any regulatory, accounting, tax or licensing body
or other body shall prohibit or enjoin, the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby or any
Transaction Document in accordance with the provisions hereof or thereof;
(o) the Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent a complete copy of the
Collection Policy and the Underwriting Guidelines;
(p) the Seller shall have furnished to the Purchaser and the Agent such further information,
certificates and documents as the Purchaser and the Agent may have requested;
(q) the Seller shall have delivered to the Agent and the Lender true, complete and correct
copies of the letters that the Seller has delivered to the Obligors, insurers and any other Person
making any payments relating to each Initial Eligible Venture Loan, the related Warrants or the
related Purchased Assets, which letters direct such Persons to make all payments on such Initial
Eligible Venture Loan (and all payments relating to the related Warrants or the related Purchased
Assets) to the Lockbox Account; and
(r) the Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent an Officers Certificate to
the effect that all conditions precedent to the closing of the Transfer of the related Purchased
Assets on the Initial Funding Date have been satisfied.
Section 7.2 Conditions to the Purchasers Obligations on a Subsequent Transfer Date.
The obligation of the Purchaser to purchase any Subsequent Venture Loan and related Warrants on
a Subsequent Transfer Date shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.2, and in Schedule
3 hereto, shall be true and correct as of such date (both before and after giving effect to
such Transfer);
(b) the Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent the Venture Loan Schedule
relating to the related Subsequent Venture Loans and related Warrants (and as applicable,
Subsequent Seller Advances) and a computer file or electronic or magnetic tape list containing a
true and complete list of all information specified in Section 2.1(d) hereof with respect to such
Subsequent Venture Loans and related Warrants (and as applicable, Subsequent Seller Advances);
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(c) the Seller shall have performed all other obligations required to be performed by it on or
before the related Subsequent Transfer Date pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement;
(d) the Seller shall have prepared for recording and filing, at its expense, each financing
statement meeting the requirements of applicable state law in such manner and in such jurisdictions
as would be necessary to perfect the Purchasers first priority security interest (subject to any
Permitted Liens) in all of the Sellers right, title and interest in, to and under the related
Subsequent Venture Loans and related Warrants, (and as applicable, Subsequent Seller Advances) and
the related Purchased Assets, pursuant to the terms hereof, and shall have delivered a file-stamped
copy of such financing statements or other evidence of such filings to the Purchaser and the Agent;
(e) all of the conditions to the making of the related Subsequent Advance pursuant to the
Credit and Security Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms
thereof;
(f) no Event of Default, or Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(g) all corporate and legal proceedings and all instruments in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement relating to the related Subsequent Transfer Instrument
shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser and the Agent, and each of
the Purchaser and the Agent shall have received from the Seller copies of all documents (including,
without limitation, records of corporate proceedings) relevant to the transactions contemplated in
the related Subsequent Transfer Instrument with respect to such transfer as the Purchaser or the
Agent may have requested;
(h) all fees and expenses associated with the closing of the Transfer of the related Purchased
Assets on the related Subsequent Transfer Date shall have been paid by the party incurring such
expenses or the party liable to pay for such expenses;
(i) there has not occurred (A) a general suspension of trading on major stock exchanges, or
(B) a disruption in or moratorium on commercial banking activities or securities settlement
services;
(j) no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred;
(k) the Custodian shall have received on or before the related Subsequent Transfer Date all of
the documents required to be included in the related Loan Files and other documents required to be
delivered to it on or before the related Subsequent Transfer Date pursuant to the terms of the
Transaction Documents, and the Custodian shall have delivered to the Seller, the Purchaser and the
Agent a written certification as to such receipt;
(l) all other acts and conditions (including, without limitation, the obtaining of any
necessary regulatory approvals and the making of any required filings, recordings or registrations)
required to be done and performed and to have happened prior to the execution, delivery and
performance of the related Subsequent Transfer Instrument, the other Transaction
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Documents and all documents related hereto and thereto and to constitute the same legal, valid
and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, shall have been
done and performed and shall have happened in compliance with all applicable laws;
(m) no law or regulation shall prohibit, and no order, judgment or decree of any federal,
state or local court or Governmental Authority or any tax, accounting, regulatory or licensing body
or other body shall prohibit or enjoin, the closing of the transactions contemplated by the related
Subsequent Transfer Instrument and any other Transaction Document in accordance with the provisions
thereof;
(n) the Seller shall have furnished to the Purchaser and the Agent such further information,
certificates and documents as the Purchaser and the Agent may have reasonably requested;
(o) the Seller shall have delivered to the Agent and the Lender true, correct and complete
copies of the letters that the Seller has delivered to the Obligors, insurers and any other Person
making any payments relating to each related Subsequent Venture Loan, each related Warrant, or the
related Purchased Assets, which letters direct each such Person to make all payments on such
Subsequent Venture Loan and related Warrants, or the related Purchased Assets, to the Lockbox
Account; and
(p) the Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser and the Agent an Officers Certificate to
the effect that all conditions precedent to the closing of the Transfer of the related Purchased
Assets on the related Subsequent Transfer Date have been satisfied.
ARTICLE VIII
TERM
Section 8.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence as of the date of execution and
delivery hereof and shall continue until the later of (i) the day immediately following the Final
Payout Date or (ii) the date on which all Eligible Venture Loans and related Warrants transferred
to Purchaser shall have been collected in full; provided, that (x) the rights and remedies with
respect to any breach of any representation and warranty made by the Seller pursuant to Article IV
and (y) the indemnification and payment provisions of Article VI and the provisions of Section 9.16
shall be continuing and shall survive any termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3)
years immediately following the Final Payout Date.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 9.1 Waivers and Amendment. No failure or delay on the part of the Purchaser
or any other Indemnified Party in exercising any power, right or remedy under this Agreement or any
Subsequent Transfer Instrument shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such power, right or remedy preclude any other further exercise thereof or the
exercise of any other power, right or remedy. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be
cumulative and nonexclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law. Any waiver of this
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Agreement or any Subsequent Transfer Instrument shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given. No provision of this Agreement or
any Subsequent Transfer Instrument may be amended, supplemented, modified or waived except in
writing signed by Seller, the Purchaser and the Agent.
Section 9.2 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 5-1401 OF
THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF THAT WOULD CALL FOR THE APPLICATION
OF THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VALIDITY OR PERFECTION OF THE
INTERESTS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE AGENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LENDER IN THE PURCHASED ASSETS, OR
REMEDIES HEREUNDER, IN RESPECT THEREOF, ARE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE
STATE OF NEW YORK.
Section 9.3 CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH SUBSEQUENT
TRANSFER INSTRUMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES
FEDERAL OR NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, SUCH SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER INSTRUMENT, OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION
DOCUMENT. EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR
PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT
MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A
COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY THE SELLER AGAINST
THE PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER INDEMNIFIED PARTY INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY
WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, ANY SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER
INSTRUMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN NEW YORK, NEW
YORK.
Section 9.4 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH SUBSEQUENT
TRANSFER INSTRUMENT HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF,
RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, SUCH SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER INSTRUMENT, ANY OTHER
TRANSACTION DOCUMENT OR THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.
Section 9.5 Notices. All communications and notices provided for hereunder or under
the related Subsequent Transfer Instrument shall be in writing (including telecopy or electronic
facsimile transmission or similar writing) and shall be given to the other parties hereto and
thereto at their respective addresses or telecopy numbers set forth on Schedule 2 or at such other
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address or telecopy number as such Person may hereafter specify for the purpose of notice to
each of the other parties hereto and thereto and to the Agent. Each such notice or other
communication shall be deemed effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon written confirmation of
transmittal and the receipt thereof, (ii) if given by mail, three (3) Business Days after the time
such communication is deposited in the mail properly addressed and with first class postage
prepaid, (iii) if given by overnight courier or similar overnight delivery, one (1) Business Day
after the time such communication is properly addressed and delivered to such delivery service, or
(iv) if given by any other means, when received at the address for notices specified in this
Section 9.5.
Section 9.6 Severability of Provisions. If any one or more of the covenants,
agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement or any Subsequent Transfer Instrument shall for
any reason whatsoever be held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall
be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions and terms of this
Agreement or such Subsequent Transfer Instrument and shall in no way affect the validity or
enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement or such Subsequent Transfer Instrument.
Section 9.7 Payments; Waiver of Set-Off. The Seller expressly acknowledges and agrees
that (A) the Seller shall remit to the Paying Agent, for its direct deposit into the Lockbox
Account, or (B) the Servicer, for its direct deposit (subject to the terms of the Servicing
Agreement with respect thereto) into the Lockbox Account, all amounts payable by the Seller to the
Purchaser hereunder (including without limitation collections on and proceeds of or relating to the
Venture Loans, the related Warrants, the Purchased Assets and all other Collateral) that have been
remitted to the Seller. All such amounts shall be paid or deposited in accordance with the terms
hereof on the day when due in immediately available funds. If the Seller fails to pay or deposit
any such amount when due, the Seller shall remit to the Lockbox Bank, for its direct deposit into
the Lockbox Account, on demand of the Purchaser or the Agent, interest on such amount from the time
when such amount became due until the date such amount is paid or deposited in full in accordance
with the terms hereof, at a rate of interest (computed for the actual number of days elapsed based
on a year of 360 days) equal to the Default Rate; provided that in no event shall such rate exceed
the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. The obligations and liabilities of the Seller under
this Agreement and the Subsequent Transfer Instruments (collectively, the Seller Obligations)
shall not be subject to deduction of any kind or type. The Seller hereby waives any right it may
now or at any time hereafter have to set-off the Seller Obligations against any obligation of the
Purchaser (including, without limitation, any obligation of the Purchaser in respect of the payment
of the Purchase Price for any Purchased Assets).
Section 9.8 Counterparts. This Agreement and each Subsequent Transfer Instrument may
be executed in two or more counterparts (and by different parties on separate counterparts), each
of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement or the
Subsequent Transfer Instruments by facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed
counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement, such Subsequent Transfer Instrument, as the case
may be.
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Section 9.9 Binding Effect; Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the
Subsequent Transfer Instruments shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and thereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, that
the Seller may not assign its rights or obligations hereunder and thereunder or any interest herein
or therein without the prior written consent of the Purchaser and the Agent. The Purchaser shall
collaterally assign all of its rights and obligations hereunder and thereunder to the Agent for the
benefit of the Secured Parties. The Agent and the Lender and any assignee thereof shall be third
party beneficiaries of, and shall be entitled to enforce the Purchasers rights, remedies and
powers under, this Agreement and the Subsequent Transfer Instruments to the same extent as if they
were parties hereto and thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Seller
hereby acknowledges that the Purchaser has granted a security interest in all such rights, remedies
and powers to the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to the Credit and Security
Agreement. The Seller agrees that the Agent shall have the right to enforce this Agreement and the
Subsequent Transfer Instruments and to exercise directly all of the Purchasers rights and remedies
under this Agreement and the Subsequent Transfer Instruments (including, without limitation, the
right to give or withhold any consents or approvals of the Purchaser to be given or withheld
hereunder and thereunder, as the case may be) and the Seller agrees to cooperate fully with the
Agent in the exercise of such rights, remedies and powers.
Section 9.10 Merger and Integration. Except as specifically stated otherwise herein,
this Agreement and the Subsequent Transfer Instruments set forth and will set forth the entire
understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings,
written or oral, are superseded by this Agreement and the Subsequent Transfer Instruments.
Section 9.11 Headings. The headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not
otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.
Section 9.12 Schedules and Exhibits. The schedules and exhibits attached hereto and
referred to herein shall constitute a part of this Agreement and are incorporated into this
Agreement for all purposes.
Section 9.13 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations,
warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement, the Subsequent Transfer Instruments, or
contained in certificates of officers of the Seller submitted pursuant hereto or thereto, or
contained in any assignment permitted hereunder and thereunder, shall remain operative and in full
force and effect and shall survive each Transfer hereunder and thereunder and each transfer of, or
grant of a security interest in, the related Purchased Assets by the Purchaser to any other Person.
Section 9.14 Protection of Ownership Interests of Purchaser.
(a) The Seller agrees that from time to time, at its expense, it will promptly execute and
deliver all instruments and documents, and take all actions, that may be necessary or desirable, or
that the Purchaser or the Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect, defend or more fully
evidence the ownership interest of the Purchaser (and its assigns) in the Purchased Assets, or to
enable the Purchaser and the Agent to exercise and enforce their rights and
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remedies hereunder and under the Subsequent Transfer Instruments (including, without
limitation, to enforce any of the Venture Loans or related Warrants).
(b) If the Seller fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder or under any Subsequent
Transfer Instrument, the Purchaser or the Agent may (but shall not be required to) perform, or
cause performance of, such obligations, and the Purchasers and the Agents costs and expenses
incurred in connection therewith shall be immediately payable by the Seller upon demand by the
Purchaser or the Agent therefor.
(c) The Seller irrevocably authorizes each of the Purchaser and the Agent at any time and from
time to time in the sole discretion of the Purchaser or the Agent, and appoints each of the
Purchaser and the Agent as its attorney-in-fact, to act on behalf of the Seller to file financing
statements and other instruments and documents necessary or desirable in the Purchasers or the
Agents reasonable discretion to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the
interest of the Purchaser, the Agent and their respective assigns in the Purchased Assets. This
appointment is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable. The Seller hereby authorizes the
Purchaser and the Agent to file such financing statements (including any amendments thereto or
continuation or termination statements thereof), without the signature or other authorization of
the Seller, in such form and in such offices as the Purchaser or the Agent determines to be
appropriate to perfect or maintain the perfection of the interest of the Purchaser, the Agent and
their respective assigns in the Purchased Assets. The Seller hereby acknowledges and agrees that
it is not authorized to, and will not, file financing statements or other filing or recording
documents with respect to the Venture Loans, Warrants or other Purchased Assets (including any
amendments thereto or continuation or termination statements thereof) without the express prior
written approval of the Purchaser and the Agent, consenting to the form and substance of such
filing or recording document. The Seller hereby approves, authorizes and ratifies any filings or
recordings made by or on behalf of the Purchaser or the Agent in connection with the perfection of
the interest of the Purchaser, the Agent and their respective assigns in the Purchased Assets.
Section 9.15 Confidentiality.
(a) Each of the Seller and the Purchaser shall maintain, and shall cause each of its
employees, managers, members, Affiliates, consultants, advisors, accountants, auditors, legal
counsel, agents, representatives and officers to maintain, the confidentiality of this Agreement
and the other confidential or proprietary information with respect to each other, the Agent and the
Lender and their respective businesses obtained by it or them in connection with the structuring,
negotiating and execution of the transactions contemplated herein, except that each such party and
its officers and employees may disclose such information to such partys external accountants and
attorneys and as required by any applicable law or order of any judicial or administrative
proceeding provided that such partys external accountants and attorneys are informed of the
confidential nature of such information. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) the
Seller, the Purchaser, each Indemnified Party and any successor or assign of any of the foregoing
(and each employee, representative or other agent of any of the foregoing) may disclose to any and
all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure (in each case,
within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4) of the transactions contemplated herein
and all materials of any kind (including
- 36 -
opinions or other tax analyses) that are or have been provided to any of the foregoing
relating to such tax treatment or tax structure, and it is hereby confirmed that each of the
foregoing has been so authorized since the commencement of discussions regarding the transactions
contemplated herein, (ii) the Purchaser may (A) generally disclose the existence of the Agreement,
the size of the Facility Limit and the identity of the Lender and (B) disclose the Transaction
Documents to existing and potential investors in the Purchaser, the Seller or the Servicer and
(iii) each Person bound by provisions of this Section 9.15 may make disclosure that is otherwise
prohibited by this Section 9.15 if such disclosure is required by legal proceedings provided that
such Person shall provide prompt written notice to the Parties hereto so that they may seek a
protective order or other appropriate remedy.
(b) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Seller hereby consents to the
disclosure of any nonpublic information by the Agent or the Lender with respect to the Seller or
any of the Collateral (i) to any other lender, assignee or participant or potential lender,
assignee or participant, and to each other, and (ii) to the extent reasonably necessary to perform
the transactions contemplated herein and provided any such disclosure includes informing such
parties of the highly confidential nature of such information to any rating agency or provider of a
surety, guaranty or credit or liquidity enhancement to the Lender or any entity organized for the
purpose of purchasing, or making loans secured by, financial assets for which WestLB AG, New York
Branch acts as administrative agent and to any officers, directors, employees, managers, agents,
outside accountants and attorneys of any of the foregoing. In addition the parties hereto may
disclose any such confidential or proprietary information: (A) pursuant to any law, rule,
regulation, direction, request or order of any judicial, administrative, tax, licensing, accounting
or regulatory body or Governmental Authority (whether or not having the force or effect of law),
(B) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Transaction
Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction
Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (C) with the prior written consent
of the party hereto to whom such information relates or (D) to the extent such information (i)
becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 9.15 or (ii) becomes
available to a party hereto from a source other than the party hereto to whom such information
relates.
Section 9.16 Bankruptcy Petition. The Seller hereby covenants and agrees that, prior
to the date that is one year and one day after the Final Payout Date, it will not institute
against, or join any other Person in instituting against, the Purchaser any bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings or other similar proceeding
under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States.
[Signature page follows]
- 37 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Purchaser and the Seller have caused this Sale and Contribution
Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers as of the day and year first above
written.
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Horizon Credit I LLC, as the Purchaser |
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Compass Horizon Partners, LP, its Manager |
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/s/ Cora
Lee Starzomski |
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Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Title: Director/Treasurer |
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Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC, as the Seller |
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Compass Horizon Partners, LP, its Manager |
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Cora Lee Starzomski |
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Title: Director/Treasurer |
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exv99wg
Exhibit (g)
FORM OF
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
This
Agreement (Agreement) is made as of by and between HORIZON TECHNOLOGY
FINANCE CORPORATION a Delaware Corporation (the Company), and HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE
MANAGEMENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Company is a newly organized closed-end management investment fund that may in
the future elect to be treated as a business development company (BDC) under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act);
WHEREAS, the Advisor has registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the
Advisers Act); and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Advisor to furnish investment advisory services to
the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and the Advisor wishes to be
retained to provide such services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable
consideration, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Duties of the Advisor.
(a) The Company hereby employs the Advisor to act as the investment adviser to the Company and
to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Company, subject to the supervision
of the Board of Directors of the Company, for the period and upon the terms herein set forth, (i)
in accordance with the investment objective, policies and restrictions applicable to the Company as
set forth in the Companys Registration Statement on Form N-2 dated March 19, 2010 (the
Registration Statement), as amended from time to time; (ii) during the term of this
Agreement in accordance with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations,
and the Companys charter and bylaws; and (iii) if the Company elects to be regulated as a BDC, the
Advisor will manage the assets of the Company in accordance with the Investment Company Act.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Advisor shall, during the term and subject to
the provisions of this Agreement, (i) determine the composition of the portfolio of the Company,
the nature and timing of the changes therein and the manner of implementing such changes; (ii)
identify, evaluate and negotiate the structure of the investments made by the Company; (iii) close
and monitor the Companys investments; (iv) determine the securities and other assets that the
Company will purchase, retain, or sell; (v) perform due diligence on prospective portfolio
companies; and (vi) provide the Company with such other investment advisory, research and related
services as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably require for the investment of its funds.
The Advisor shall have the power and authority on behalf of the Company to effectuate its
investment decisions for the Company, including the execution and delivery of all documents
relating to the Companys investments and the placing of orders for other purchase or sale
transactions on behalf of the Company. In the event that the Company determines to acquire debt
financing, the Advisor will arrange for such financing on the Companys behalf, subject to the
oversight and approval of the Companys Board of Directors. If it is necessary for the Advisor to
make investments on behalf of the Company through a special purpose vehicle, the Advisor shall have
authority to create or arrange for the creation of such special purpose vehicle and to make such
investments through such
special purpose vehicle (in accordance with the Investment Company Act to the extent that the
Company elects to be treated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act).
(b) The Advisor hereby accepts such employment and agrees during the term hereof to render the
services described herein for the compensation provided herein.
(c) The Advisor is hereby authorized to enter into one or more sub-advisory agreements with
other investment advisers (each, a Sub-Advisor) pursuant to which the Advisor may obtain
the services of the Sub-Advisor(s) to assist the Advisor in fulfilling its responsibilities
hereunder. Specifically, the Advisor may retain a Sub-Advisor to recommend specific securities or
other investments based upon the Companys investment objective
and policies, and work, along with
the Advisor, in structuring, negotiating, arranging or effecting the acquisition or disposition of
such investments and monitoring investments on behalf of the Company, subject to the oversight of
the Advisor and the Company. The Company shall be responsible for any compensation payable to any
Sub-Advisor.
If the Company elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, any
sub-advisory agreement entered into by the Advisor shall be in accordance with the requirements of
the Investment Company Act and other applicable federal and state law.
(d) The Advisor shall for all purposes herein provided be deemed to be an independent
contractor and, except as expressly provided or authorized herein, shall have no authority to act
for or represent the Company in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Company.
(e) If the Company elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, the
Advisor shall keep and preserve for the period required by the Investment Company Act any books and
records relevant to the provision of its investment advisory services to the Company and shall
specifically maintain all books and records with respect to the Companys portfolio transactions
and shall render to the Companys Board of Directors such periodic and special reports as the Board
may reasonably request. The Advisor agrees that all records that it maintains for the Company are
the property of the Company and will surrender promptly to the Company any such records upon the
Companys request, provided that the Advisor may retain a copy of such records.
2. Companys Responsibilities and Expenses Payable by the Company.
All investment professionals of the Advisor and their respective staffs, when and to the
extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services hereunder, and the
compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, will be
provided and paid for by the Advisor and not by the Company. The Company will bear all other costs
and expenses of its operations, administration and transactions pursuant to that certain
Administration Agreement, dated as of , 2010, by and between the Company and Horizon
Technology Finance Management LLC, the Companys Administrator.
3. Compensation of the Advisor.
The Company agrees to pay, and the Advisor agrees to accept, as compensation for the
services provided by the Advisor hereunder, a base management fee (Base Management Fee) and an
incentive fee (Incentive Fee) as hereinafter set forth. The Company shall make any
payments due hereunder to the Advisor or to the Advisors designee as the Advisor may otherwise
direct. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Advisor may elect, or the Company may adopt
a deferred compensation plan pursuant to which the Advisor may elect, to defer all or a portion of
its fees hereunder for a specified period of time.
(a) The Base Management Fee shall be calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of the
Companys gross assets, including any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage, payable
monthly in arrears. Base Management Fees for any partial month will be appropriately pro rated.
(b) The Incentive Fee shall consist of two parts, as follows:
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One part will be calculated and payable quarterly in arrears
based on the pre-Incentive Fee net investment income for the immediately
preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-Incentive Fee net investment
income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including
any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as
commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees and fees
for providing significant managerial assistance or other fees that the Company
receives from portfolio companies) accrued by the Company during the calendar
quarter, minus the Companys operating expenses for the quarter (including the
Base Management Fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement to the
Administrator, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and
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outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the Incentive Fee). Pre-Incentive
Fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred
interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with pay in
kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet
received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee net investment income does not include any
realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital
appreciation or depreciation. Pre-Incentive Fee net investment income,
expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Companys net assets at the
end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, will be compared to a
hurdle rate of 1.75% per quarter (7.00% annualized). The Companys net
investment income used to calculate this part of the Incentive Fee is also
included in the amount of its gross assets used to calculate the 2.00% base
management fee. The Company will pay the Advisor an Incentive Fee with respect
to the Companys pre-Incentive Fee net investment income in each calendar
quarter as follows: (1) no Incentive Fee in any calendar quarter in which the
Companys pre-Incentive Fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle
rate of 1.75%; (2) 100% of the Companys pre-Incentive Fee net investment
income with respect to that portion of such pre-Incentive Fee net investment
income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875% in any
calendar quarter (8.75% annualized); we refer to this
portion of our pre-Incentive Fee net investment income (which exceeds the
hurdle but is less than 2.1875%) as the catch-up. The catch-up is meant
to provide our investment adviser with 20% of our pre-Incentive Fee net
investment income as if a hurdle did not apply if this net investment income
exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and (3) 20% of the amount of the
Companys pre-Incentive Fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds
2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) payable to the Advisor
(once the hurdle is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20% of all
pre-Incentive Fee investment income thereafter is allocated to the Advisor).
These calculations will be appropriately pro rated for any period of less
than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during
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The second part of the Incentive Fee (the Capital Gains Fee)
will be determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year
(or upon termination of this Agreement as set forth below), commencing on
December 31, 2010, and will equal 20.0% of the Companys realized capital
gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from the date of the Companys election to
be a BDC through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized
capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less
the amount of any previously paid capital gain Incentive Fees, with respect to
each of the investments in our portfolio; provided that the Incentive Fee
determined as of December 31, 2010 will be calculated for a period of shorter
than twelve calendar months to take into account any realized capital gains
computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation
from the date of the Companys election to be a BDC. In the event that this
Agreement shall terminate as of a date that is not a calendar year end, the
termination date shall be treated as though it were a calendar year end for
purposes of calculating and paying a Capital Gains Fee. |
4. Covenants of the Advisor.
The Advisor covenants that it is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers
Act. The Advisor agrees that its activities will at all times be in compliance in all material
respects with all applicable federal and state laws governing its operations and investments.
5. Excess Brokerage Commissions.
The Advisor is hereby authorized, to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by
law, to cause the Company to pay a member of a national securities exchange, broker or dealer an
amount of commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess of the amount of commission
another member of such exchange, broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that
transaction, if the Advisor determines in good faith, taking into
3
account such factors as price
(including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of
execution, and operational facilities of the firm and the firms risk and skill in positioning
blocks of securities, that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and/or research services provided by such member, broker or dealer, viewed in terms of
either that particular transaction or its overall responsibilities with respect to the Companys
portfolio, and constitutes the best net results for the Company.
6. Limitations on the Employment of the Advisor.
The services of the Advisor to the Company are not exclusive, and the Advisor may engage
in any other business or render similar or different services to others including, without
limitation, the direct or indirect sponsorship or management of other investment based accounts or
commingled pools of capital, however structured, having investment objectives similar to those of
the Company, so long as its services to the Company hereunder are not impaired thereby, and nothing
in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any manager, partner, officer or employee of
the Advisor to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to
any other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to receive any fees or
compensation in connection therewith (including fees for serving as a director of, or providing
consulting services to, one or more of the Companys portfolio companies, subject to applicable
law). So long as this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment remains in effect, the
Advisor shall be the only investment adviser for the Company, subject to the Advisors right to
enter into sub-advisory agreements. The Advisor assumes no responsibility under this Agreement
other than to render the services called for hereunder. It is understood that directors, officers,
employees and stockholders of the Company are or may become interested in the Advisor and its
affiliates, as directors, officers, employees, partners, stockholders, members, managers or
otherwise, and that the Advisor and directors, officers, employees, partners, stockholders, members
and managers of the Advisor and its affiliates are or may become similarly interested in the
Company as stockholders or otherwise.
7. Responsibility of Dual Directors, Officers and/or Employees.
If any person who is a manager, partner, officer or employee of the Advisor is or becomes
a director, officer and/or employee of the Company and acts as such in any business of the Company,
then such manager, partner, officer and/or employee of the Advisor shall be deemed to be acting in
such capacity solely for the Company, and not as a manager, partner, officer or employee of the
Advisor or under the control or direction of the Advisor, even if paid by the Advisor.
8. Limitation of Liability of the Advisor; Indemnification.
The Advisor (and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling
persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Advisor) shall not be liable to
the Company for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Advisor in connection with the
performance of any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement or otherwise as an investment
adviser of the Company (except to the extent specified in Section 36(b) of the Investment Company
Act concerning loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty (as the same is finally determined by
judicial proceedings) with respect to the receipt of compensation for services to the extent the
Company elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act), and the Company shall
indemnify, defend and protect the Advisor (and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees,
controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Advisor, each of
whom shall be deemed a third party beneficiary hereof) (collectively, the Indemnified
Parties) and hold them harmless from and against all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses
(including reasonable attorneys fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by the
Indemnified Parties in or by reason of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit,
investigation or other proceeding (including an action or suit by or in the right of the Company or
its security holders) arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of the
Advisors duties or obligations under this Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the
Company. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence of this Section 8 to the contrary, nothing
contained herein shall protect or be deemed to protect the Indemnified Parties against or entitle
or be deemed to entitle the Indemnified Parties to indemnification in respect of, any liability to
the Company or its security holders to which the Indemnified Parties would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Advisors
duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of the Advisors duties and obligations under this
Agreement (as the same shall be determined in accordance with the Investment Company Act and any
interpretations or guidance by the Securities and Exchange
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Commission or its staff thereunder to
the extent the Company elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act).
9. Effectiveness, Duration and Termination of Agreement.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective as of the first date above written. This Agreement
shall remain in effect for an indefinite period; provided, however, that to the extent the Company
elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, then this Agreement may be
terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon not more than 60 days written
notice, by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company or by the
vote of the Companys Directors or by the Advisor. The provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect, and the Advisor shall remain entitled to the benefits
thereof, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement. Further, notwithstanding the
termination or expiration of this Agreement as aforesaid, the Advisor shall be entitled to any
amounts owed under Section 3 through the date of termination or expiration and Section 8 shall
continue in force and effect and apply to the Advisor and its representatives as and to the extent
applicable.
(b) If the Company elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act:
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This Agreement shall continue in effect for two years from the
date hereof, or to the extent consistent with the requirements of the
Investment Company Act, from the date of the Companys election to be regulated
as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by (A) the vote of the Companys Board
of Directors, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Company and (B) the vote of a majority of the Companys Directors who
are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons (as such term is
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act) of any such party,
in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act; |
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The Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the
payment of any penalty, upon not more than 60 days written notice, by the vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, or by the
vote of the Companys Directors or by the Advisor; |
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This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment (as such term is defined for purposes of Section 15(a)(4) of the
Investment Company Act). |
(c) The provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and
the Advisor shall remain entitled to the benefits thereof, notwithstanding any termination of this
Agreement. Further, notwithstanding the termination or expiration of this Agreement as aforesaid,
the Advisor shall be entitled to any amounts owed under Section 3 through the date of termination
or expiration and Section 8 shall continue in force and effect and apply to the Advisor and its
representatives as and to the extent applicable.
10. Notices.
Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing, addressed and delivered or
mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party at its principal office.
11. Amendments.
This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent. If the Company elects to be regulated as
a BDC under the Investment Company Act, the consent of the Company must be obtained in conformity
with the requirements of the Investment Company Act.
12. Entire Agreement; Governing Law.
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This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior
agreements, understandings and arrangements with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. If the Company
elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, this Agreement shall also be
construed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act. In such case,
to the extent the applicable laws of the State of New York or any of the provisions herein,
conflict with the provisions of the Investment Company Act, the latter shall control.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on the
date above written.
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HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION
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HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE MANAGEMENT LLC
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6
exv99wh
Exhibit
(h)
Shares
HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.001 PER SHARE
FORM OF
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
, 2010
,2010
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
UBS Securities LLC
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
1585 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
UBS Securities LLC
299 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10171
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), proposes to
issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the Underwriters), for
whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (Morgan Stanley) and UBS Securities
LLC (UBS) are acting
as representatives (in such capacity, the Representatives), and Compass Horizon Partners, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership (the Selling Shareholder), hereto severally proposes to sell to
the several Underwriters, an aggregate of shares of the common stock, par value $0.001 per
share of the Company (the Firm Shares), of which shares are to
be issued and sold by the
Company and shares are to be sold by the Selling Shareholder.
The Company also proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters not more than an
additional shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Additional Shares)
if and to the extent that the Representatives shall have determined to exercise, on behalf of the
Underwriters, the right to purchase such shares of common stock granted to the Underwriters in
Section 4 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively referred
to as the Shares. The shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Company to be
outstanding after giving effect to the sales contemplated hereby are hereinafter referred to as the
Common Stock. The Company and the Selling Shareholder are hereinafter sometimes collectively
referred to as the Sellers.
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) a
registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-165570), including a prospectus, relating to the
Shares. The registration statement as amended at the time it becomes effective, including the
information (if any) (the Rule 430A Information) deemed to be part of the registration statement
at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act), is hereinafter referred to as the Registration Statement;
the prospectus in the form first used to confirm sales of Shares is hereinafter referred to as the
Prospectus. If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement to register
additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the Rule 462
Registration Statement), then any reference herein to the term Registration Statement shall be
deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement.
A Form N-6F Notice of Intent to Elect to be Subject to Sections 55 through 65 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (File No. 814-00802) (the Notice of Intent) was filed, pursuant to
Section 6(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations
thereunder (collectively, the Investment Company Act) with the Commission on March 19, 2010. A
Form N-54A Notification of Election to be Subject to Sections 55 Through 65 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 filed pursuant to Section 54(a) of the Investment Company Act (File No. 814- ) (the Notification of Election) was filed under the Investment Company Act with the Commission
on , 2010.
The Company has entered into an Investment Management Agreement, dated as of , 2010
(the Investment Management Agreement), with Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company registered as an investment adviser (the Adviser) under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended and the rules and regulations
thereunder (the Advisers Act).
The Company has also entered into an Administration Agreement, dated as of , 2010 (the
Administration Agreement) with the Adviser.
Prior to the execution of this Agreement, Compass Horizon Funding Company, LLC (Compass
Horizon) made a cash distribution to Compass Horizon Partners, LP, one of its members, of $
(the Pre-IPO Distribution) and Compass Horizon Partners, LP and HTF-CHF Holdings LLC exchanged
their membership interests in Compass Horizon for shares of Common Stock (the Share
Exchange).
For purposes of this Agreement, Time of Sale Prospectus means the preliminary prospectus
together with the information included on Schedule II hereto, and broadly available road show
means any road show (as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act).
1. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to, and
agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:
(a) The Registration Statement has become effective; no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect, and no
2
proceedings for such purpose are pending before or threatened by the Commission.
(b) (i) The Company is eligible to use Form N-2. The Registration Statement, when it became
effective, did not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus comply and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will comply in all material
respects with the Securities Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
and the Investment Company Act, (iii) the Time of Sale Prospectus does not, and at the time of each
sale of the Shares in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to
prospective purchasers and at the Closing Date (as defined in Section 6), the Time of Sale
Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will not, contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,
(iv) each broadly available road show, if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale
Prospectus, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading and (v) the Prospectus does not contain and, as amended or supplemented,
if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading, except that the representations and warranties set forth in this
paragraph do not apply to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale
Prospectus or the Prospectus based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the
Company in writing by any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.
(c) The financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale
Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related schedules and notes, present fairly the
financial position of the Company at the date indicated and the consolidated statement of
operations, statement of stockholders equity and statement of cash flows of the Company for the
periods indicated; there are no financial statements that are required to be included in the
Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus that are not included as
required; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) applied on a consistent basis throughout the
periods involved. The Selected Financial Data included in the Registration Statement, the Time of
Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, the information shown
therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements
included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. The
financial data set forth in the
3
Time of Sale Prospectus and in the Prospectus under the caption Capitalization fairly
presents the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial
statements and related notes thereto contained in the Registration Statement. The pro forma
financial information with respect to the Company included under the captions Unaudited Selected
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Data, Unaudited Pro Forma Per Share Data and
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and elsewhere in the Registration
Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly in all material respects
the information contained therein, has been prepared in accordance with the Commissions rules and
guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements and has been properly presented on the
bases described therein, and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the
adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances
referred to therein. There is no other pro forma financial information that is required to be
included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus that is not
included as required.
(d) The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the corporate power and
authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale
Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction
in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such
qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing
would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(e) Each subsidiary of the Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the
corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the
Time of Sale Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires
such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing
would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; all
of the issued shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly
authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned directly by the Company,
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims.
(f) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(g) The Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement have each been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the
4
Company and are valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company
in accordance with their terms.
(h) The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to legal matters to the
description thereof contained in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(i) The shares of Common Stock (including the Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder)
outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized
and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
(j) The Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and
delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable, and the issuance of such Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar
rights.
(k) The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its
obligations under, this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration
Agreement will not contravene any provision of applicable law or the certificate of incorporation
or by-laws of the Company or any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of
its subsidiaries that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or any
judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the
Company or any subsidiary, and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification
with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the Company of its
obligations under this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement or the Administration
Agreement, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states
in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.
(l) There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a
prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings,
business or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth
in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(m) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Company
or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material
respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and proceedings that would not have a material adverse
effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the power or ability of the
Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement or the
Administration Agreement or to consummate the
5
transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be
described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described; and there are
no statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement
that are not described or filed as required.
(n) Each preliminary prospectus filed as part of the registration statement as originally
filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act,
complied when so filed in all material respects with the Securities Act, the applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission thereunder and the Investment Company Act.
(o) When the Notification of Election was filed with the Commission, it (i) contained all
statements required to be stated therein in accordance with, and complied in all material respects
with the requirements of, the Investment Company Act and (ii) did not include any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading.
(p) The Company will not, as of the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, have filed with
the Commission any notice of withdrawal of the Notification of Election pursuant to Section 54(c)
of the Investment Company Act. The Notification of Election is effective and no order of suspension
or revocation of such election has been issued or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the best
knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission.
(q) (A) The Company has duly elected to be treated by the Commission under the Investment
Company Act as a business development company, such election is effective and the Company has not
withdrawn such election and, to the Companys knowledge, the Commission has not ordered such
election to be withdrawn nor, to our knowledge have proceedings to effectuate such withdrawal been
initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all action required of the Company under the
Securities Act and the Investment Company Act to make the public offering and consummate the sale
of the Shares as provided in this Agreement has been taken; (B) the provisions of the corporate
charter and by-laws of the Company and the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the
Company described in the Prospectus, assuming they are implemented as described, will comply in all
material respects with the requirements of the Investment Company Act; and (C) as of the time of
each sale of Shares, as of the Closing Date and as of any Option Closing Date, the operations of
the Company are in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the Investment
Company Act applicable to business development companies.
6
(r) The Company is not, and after giving effect to the (i) Pre-IPO Distribution and Share
Exchange, (ii) the offering and sale of the Shares and (iii) the application of the proceeds
thereof as described in the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an investment company
as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act.
(s) Each subsidiary of the Company qualifies, and after giving effect to the (i) Pre-IPO
Distribution and Share Exchange, (ii) the offering and sale of the Shares and (iii) the application
of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus will qualify, for the exclusion from the
definition of investment company in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company
Act.
(t) The Company and each of its subsidiaries are, and at all times through the completion of
the transactions contemplated hereby will be, in compliance in all material respects with the
applicable terms and conditions of the Securities Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder and the Investment Company Act. No person is serving or acting as an officer,
director or investment adviser of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company except in accordance
with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Advisers Act. The Company is
not aware that any executive, key employee or significant group of employees of the Company plans
to terminate employment with the Company.
(u) The Company and its subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable
foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health
and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants
(Environmental Laws), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of
them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) are in
compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where such
noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other
approvals or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals
would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(v) There are no costs or liabilities associated with Environmental Laws (including, without
limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or
compliance with Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval, any related constraints on
operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties) which would, singly or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
7
(w) Except as disclosed in the Time of Sale Prospectus, there are no contracts, agreements or
understandings between the Company and any person granting such person the right to require the
Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of
the Company or to require the Company to include such securities with the Shares registered
pursuant to the Registration Statement.
(x) Neither the Company nor any of the Companys subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any director,
officer, or employee of the Company, nor, to the Companys knowledge, any agent or representative
of the Company or any of the Companys subsidiaries or affiliates, has taken or will take any
action in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization or approval of the
payment or giving of money, property, gifts or anything else of value, directly or indirectly, to
any government official (including any officer or employee of a government or government-owned or
controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official
capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or
candidate for political office) to influence official action or secure an improper advantage; and
the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with
applicable anti-corruption laws and have instituted and maintain and will continue to maintain
policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws and with the
representation and warranty contained herein.
(y) The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all
times in material compliance with all applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting
requirements, including those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and
Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism
Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), and the applicable anti-money laundering statutes of jurisdictions
where the Company and its subsidiaries conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and
any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any
governmental agency (collectively, the Anti-Money Laundering Laws), and no action, suit or
proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator
involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is
pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(z) (i) The Company represents that neither the Company nor any of the Companys subsidiaries
(collectively, the Company Entity) or any director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or
representative of the Company Entity, is an individual or entity (Person) that is, or is owned or
controlled by a Person that is:
8
(A) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S.
Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) (collectively,
Sanctions), nor
(B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the
subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, Burma/Myanmar, Cuba, Iran,
North Korea, Sudan and Syria).
(ii) The Company Entity represents and covenants that it will not, directly or indirectly,
use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to
any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person:
(A) to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person
or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation,
is the subject of Sanctions; or
(B) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any
Person (including any Person participating in the offering, whether as
underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise).
(iii) The Company Entity represents and covenants that it has not knowingly engaged in, is
not now knowingly engaged in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any Person,
or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the
subject of Sanctions.
(aa) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the
Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, (i) the Company and its
subsidiaries have not incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor
entered into any material transaction; (ii) the Company has not purchased any of its outstanding
capital stock, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its
capital stock other than ordinary and customary dividends; and (iii) there has not been any
material change in the capital stock, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company and its
subsidiaries, except in each case as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of
Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, respectively.
(bb) The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real
property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them which is material to
the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or such as do
not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and
proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its subsidiaries; and any real property and
buildings held under lease by the Company and its subsidiaries are held by them under valid,
subsisting and enforceable leases with
9
such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be
made of such property and buildings by the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case except as
described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(cc) The Company and its subsidiaries own or possess, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all
material patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade
secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems
or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names currently employed by them in connection
with the business now operated by them, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has
received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to
any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision,
ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole.
(dd) No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
exists, except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is
imminent; and the Company is not aware of any existing, threatened or imminent labor disturbance by
the employees of any of its principal suppliers, manufacturers or contractors that could have a
material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(ee) The Company and each of its subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial
responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in
the businesses in which they are engaged; neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has been
refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance
coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as
may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not have a material adverse effect
on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as described in the Time of Sale
Prospectus.
(ff) The Company and its subsidiaries possess all certificates, authorizations and permits
issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct
their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any
notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate,
authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable
decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(gg) There are no business relationships or related party transactions involving the Company
or any other person required to be described in the Prospectus which have not been described as
required.
10
(hh) The Company has not, directly or indirectly, extended credit, arranged to extend credit
or renewed any extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan, to or for any director or
executive officer of the Company, or to or for any family member or affiliate of any director or
executive officer of the Company.
(ii) Any statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Time
of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company
believes to be reliable and accurate, and the Company has obtained the written consent to the use
of such data from such sources to the extent required.
(jj) The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting
controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in
accordance with managements general or specific authorizations and with the investment objectives,
policies and restrictions of the Company and the applicable requirements of the Investment Company
Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code); (ii) transactions are recorded
as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, to calculate net asset value, and to maintain asset accountability, and to
maintain material compliance with the books and records requirements under the Investment Company
Act; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific
authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets
at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as
described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, since the end of the Companys most recent audited fiscal
year, there has been (i) no material weakness in the Companys internal control over financial
reporting (whether or not remediated) and (ii) no change in the Companys internal control over
financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
Companys internal control over financial reporting.
(kk) There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company and any of the Companys
directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith.
(ll) The Company has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably
designed to prevent violation of the Federal Securities Laws (as that term is defined in Rule 38a-1
under the Investment Company Act) by the Company, including policies and procedures that provide
oversight of compliance by each investment adviser, administrator and transfer agent of the
Company.
(mm) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Company has not sold, issued or
distributed any shares of Common Stock during the six-
11
month period preceding the date hereof, including any sales pursuant to Rule 144A
under, or Regulation D or S of, the Securities Act, other than shares issued pursuant to employee
benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee compensation plans or pursuant to
outstanding options, rights or warrants.
(nn) The Pre-IPO Distribution and the Share Exchange have been consummated in a manner
consistent in all material respects with the description thereof in each of the Time of Sale
Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(oo) McGladrey & Pullen LLP, who has certified the financial statements of the Company and
delivered its report with respect to the audited financial statements included in the Registration
Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public
accounting firm with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, the
applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and the Investment Company Act.
(pp) The Company intends to (i) operate its business so as to qualify as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, and (ii) direct the investment of the proceeds
of the offering of the Shares in such a manner as to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M
of the Code.
(qq) The Company (i) has filed or has caused to be filed all foreign, federal, state and local
tax returns required to be filed or has properly requested extensions thereof (except in any case
in which the failure so to file would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole), and (ii) has paid all taxes required to be paid by it and any
other assessment, fine or penalty levied against it, to the extent that any of the foregoing is due
and payable, except for any such assessment, fine or penalty that is currently being contested in
good faith or as would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole.
(rr) The Company is not aware that any executive, key employee or significant group of
employees of the Company is subject to any non-compete, nondisclosure, confidentiality, employment,
consulting or similar agreement that would be violated by the present or proposed business
activities of the Company or the Adviser except where such violation would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
2. Representations and Warranties of the Adviser. The Adviser represents and warrants to, and
agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:
(a) The Adviser has been duly organized, is validly existing as a limited liability company in
good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has the limited liability
company power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the
Time of Sale Prospectus
12
and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such
qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing
would not have a material adverse effect on the Adviser.
(b) The Adviser is duly registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the
Advisers Act and the Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the Investment Company Act
from acting under the Investment Management Agreement as an investment adviser to the Company, as
contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. There does not exist any
proceeding or, to the Advisers knowledge, any facts or circumstances, the existence of which could
lead to any proceeding which might adversely affect the registration of the Adviser with the
Commission.
(c) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Adviser.
(d) The Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement have each been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Adviser and are valid and binding obligations of the
Adviser, as applicable, enforceable against the Adviser in accordance with their terms.
(e) No person is serving as an officer, director or investment adviser of the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company except in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Investment
Company Act and the Advisers Act. The Adviser is not aware that any executive, key employee or
significant group of employees of the Adviser plans to terminate employment with the Adviser.
(f) The Adviser has the financial resources available to it necessary for the performance of
its services and obligations as contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and
under this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement, as
applicable.
(g) The execution and delivery by the Adviser of, and the performance by the Adviser of its
obligations under, this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration
Agreement will not contravene any provision of applicable law or the certificate of formation or
limited liability company agreement of the Adviser or any agreement or other instrument binding
upon the Adviser that is material to the Adviser, taken as a whole, or any judgment, order or
decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Adviser, and no
consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or
agency is required for the performance by the Adviser of its obligations under this Agreement, the
Investment Management Agreement or the Administration Agreement, except
13
such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection
with the offer and sale of the Shares.
(h) There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a
prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings,
business or operations of the Adviser from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(i) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Adviser
is a party or to which any of the properties of the Adviser is subject (i) other than proceedings
accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and proceedings that
would not have a material adverse effect on the Adviser or on the power or ability of the Adviser
to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement or the
Administration Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale
Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus and are not so described.
(j) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the
Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, (i) the Adviser has not
incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material
transaction; (ii) the Adviser has not purchased any of its outstanding limited liability company
interests, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its
limited liability company interests other than ordinary and customary dividends; and (iii) there
has not been any material change in the limited liability company interests, short-term debt or
long-term debt of the Adviser, except as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Time
of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, respectively.
(k) The Adviser possesses all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the
appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct its business, and
the Adviser has not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification
of any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject
of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the Adviser,
except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(l) The description of the Adviser and the information on the other funds managed by the
Adviser (including performance information) contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of
Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus does not, and prior to the time of purchase will not, contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
14
(m) The Adviser has not taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would
constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or
otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate
the sale or resale of the Shares, and the Adviser is not aware of any such action taken or to be
taken by any affiliates of the Adviser.
(n) The Adviser maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide
reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with its managements general
or specific authorization and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the
Company and the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act and the Code; (ii)
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the Companys financial statements
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to calculate net asset value, and to
maintain asset accountability, and to maintain material compliance with the books and records
requirements under the Investment Company Act; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in
accordance with its managements general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded
accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate
action is taken with respect to any differences.
(o) The Adviser is not aware that any executive, key employee or significant group of
employees of the Adviser is subject to any non-compete, nondisclosure, confidentiality, employment,
consulting or similar agreement that would be violated by the present or proposed business
activities of the Company or the Adviser except where such violation would not have a material
adverse effect on the Adviser.
(p) Neither the Adviser nor any of the Advisers subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any director,
officer, or employee of the Adviser, nor, to the Advisers knowledge, any agent or representative
of the Adviser or of any of the Advisers subsidiaries or affiliates, has taken or will take any
action in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization or approval of the
payment or giving of money, property, gifts or anything else of value, directly or indirectly, to
any government official (including any officer or employee of a government or government-owned or
controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official
capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or
candidate for political office) to influence official action or secure an improper advantage; and
the Adviser and its respective subsidiaries and affiliates have conducted their businesses in
compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have instituted and maintain and will continue
to maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws and
with the representation and warranty contained herein.
15
(q) (i) The Adviser represents that neither the Adviser nor any of the Advisers subsidiaries
(collectively, the Adviser Entity) or any director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or
representative of the Adviser Entity, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person
that is:
(A) the subject of any Sanctions, nor
(B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject
of Sanctions (including, without limitation, Burma/Myanmar, Cuba, Iran, North Korea,
Sudan and Syria).
(ii) The Adviser Entity represents and covenants that it will not, directly or
indirectly, use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make
available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person:
(A) to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person or in
any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the
subject of Sanctions; or
(B) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person
(including any Person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor,
investor or otherwise).
(iii) The Adviser Entity represents and covenants that it has not knowingly engaged
in, is not now knowingly engaged in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions
with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or
transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions.
3. Representations and Warranties of the Selling Shareholder. The Selling Shareholder
represents and warrants to and agrees with each of the Underwriters that:
(a) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by or on behalf of the
Selling Shareholder.
(b) The execution and delivery by the Selling Shareholder of, and the performance by the
Selling Shareholder of its obligations under, this Agreement, the Custody Agreement signed by the
Selling Shareholder and [ ], as Custodian, relating to the deposit of the
Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder (the Custody Agreement) and the Power of Attorney
appointing certain individuals as the Selling Shareholders attorney-in-fact to the extent set
forth therein, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Registration Statement
(the Power of Attorney) will not contravene any provision of applicable law, or the certificate
of incorporation or by-laws of the Selling Shareholder (if the Selling Shareholder is a
corporation), or any agreement
16
or other instrument binding upon the Selling Shareholder or any judgment, order or decree of
any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Selling Shareholder, and no
consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or
agency is required for the performance by the Selling Shareholder of its obligations under this
Agreement or the Custody Agreement or Power of Attorney of the Selling Shareholder, except such as
may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with the
offer and sale of the Shares.
(c) The Selling Shareholder has, and on the Closing Date will have, valid title to, or a valid
security entitlement within the meaning of Section 8-501 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code
in respect of, the Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder free and clear of all security
interests, claims, liens, equities or other encumbrances and the legal right and power, and all
authorization and approval required by law, to enter into this Agreement, the Custody Agreement and
the Power of Attorney and to sell, transfer and deliver the Shares to be sold by the Selling
Shareholder or a security entitlement in respect of such Shares.
(d) The Custody Agreement and the Power of Attorney have been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Selling Shareholder and are valid and binding agreements of the Selling
Shareholder.
(e) Upon payment for the Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder pursuant to this
Agreement, delivery of such Shares, as directed by the Underwriters, to Cede & Co. (Cede) or such
other nominee as may be designated by the Depository Trust Company (DTC), registration of such
Shares in the name of Cede or such other nominee and the crediting of such Shares on the books of
DTC to securities accounts of the Underwriters (assuming that neither DTC nor any such Underwriter
has notice of any adverse claim (within the meaning of Section 8-105 of the New York Uniform
Commercial Code (the UCC)) to such Shares), (A) DTC shall be a protected purchaser of such
Shares within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the UCC, (B) under Section 8-501 of the UCC, the
Underwriters will acquire a valid security entitlement in respect of such Shares and (C) no action
based on any adverse claim, within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the UCC, to such Shares may be
asserted against the Underwriters with respect to such security entitlement; for purposes of this
representation, the Selling Shareholder may assume that when such payment, delivery and crediting
occur, (x) such Shares will have been registered in the name of Cede or another nominee designated
by DTC, in each case on the Companys share registry in accordance with its certificate of
incorporation, bylaws and applicable law, (y) DTC will be registered as a clearing corporation
within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the UCC and
17
(z) appropriate entries to the accounts of the several Underwriters on the records of DTC will
have been made pursuant to the UCC.
(f) The Selling Shareholder has no reason to believe that the representations and warranties
of the Company contained in Section 1 of this Agreement and of the Adviser contained in Sections 1
and 2 of this Agreement are not true and correct, is familiar with the Registration Statement, the
Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and has no knowledge of any material fact, condition or
information not disclosed in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that has had, or may
have, a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The Selling
Shareholder is not prompted by any information concerning the Company or its subsidiaries which is
not set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus to sell its Shares pursuant to this Agreement.
(g) (i) The Registration Statement, when it became effective, did not contain and, as amended
or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, (ii) the Time of Sale Prospectus does not, and at the time of each sale of the Shares
in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers
and at the Closing Date (as defined in Section 6), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or
supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (iii) each broadly available road show,
if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (iv) the
Prospectus does not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
provided that the representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph 3(g) are limited to
statements or omissions made in reliance upon information relating to the Selling Shareholder
expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus or any
amendments or supplements thereto.
4. Agreements to Sell and Purchase. Each Seller, severally and not jointly, hereby agrees to
sell to the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and
warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, agrees, severally
and not jointly, to purchase
18
from such Seller at $ a share (the Purchase Price) the number of Firm Shares
(subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine)
that bears the same proportion to the number of Firm Shares to be sold by such Seller as the number
of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the
total number of Firm Shares.
On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, and subject to
its terms and conditions, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters the Additional Shares, and
the Underwriters shall have the right to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to
Additional Shares at the Purchase Price, provided, however, that the amount paid by the
Underwriters for any Additional Shares shall be reduced by an amount per share equal to any
dividends declared by the Company and payable on the Firm Shares but not payable on such Additional
Shares. The Representatives may exercise this right on behalf of the Underwriters in whole or from
time to time in part by giving written notice not later than 30 days after the date of this
Agreement. Any exercise notice shall specify the number of Additional Shares to be purchased by
the Underwriters and the date on which such shares are to be purchased. Each purchase date must be
at least one business day after the written notice is given and may not be earlier than the closing
date for the Firm Shares nor later than ten business days after the date of such notice.
Additional Shares may be purchased as provided in Section 6 hereof solely for the purpose of
covering over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the Firm Shares. On each day, if
any, that Additional Shares are to be purchased (an Option Closing Date), each Underwriter
agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Additional Shares (subject to such
adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine) that bears the
same proportion to the total number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing
Date as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such
Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.
Each Seller hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on
behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of the
Prospectus, (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or
otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock beneficially
owned (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act)), by the undersigned or any other securities so owned convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the
Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise or (3) file any
registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any
19
shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Common Stock.
The restrictions contained in the preceding paragraph shall not apply to (a) the Shares to be
sold hereunder, (b) the issuance by the Company of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of an
option or warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof of which the
Underwriters have been advised in writing, (c) transactions by the Selling Shareholder relating to
shares of Common Stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the
completion of the offering of the Shares, provided that no filing under Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of
Common Stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions, (d) transfers by a
Selling Shareholder of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into Common Stock as a
bona fide gift, (e) distributions by a Selling Shareholder of shares of Common Stock or any
security convertible into Common Stock to limited partners or stockholders of the Selling
Shareholder; provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (d) or
(e), (i) each donee or distributee shall enter into a written agreement accepting the restrictions
set forth in the preceding paragraph and this paragraph as if it were a Selling Shareholder and
(ii) no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial
ownership of shares of Common Stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in respect of
the transfer or distribution during the 180-day restricted period, or (f) the establishment of a
trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Common
Stock, provided that such plan does not provide for the transfer of Common Stock during the 180-day
restricted period and no public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act regarding the
establishment of such plan shall be required of or voluntarily made by or on behalf of the
undersigned or the Company. In addition, the Selling Shareholder, agrees that, without the prior
written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the
period ending 180 days after the date of the Prospectus, make any demand for, or exercise any right
with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock. The Selling Shareholder consents to the entry of
stop transfer instructions with the Companys transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of
any Shares held by the Selling Shareholder except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period the
Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company
occurs; or (2) prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, the Company announces that
it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 180-day
period, the restrictions imposed by this agreement shall continue to apply until the expiration of
the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the
material news or material event. The Company shall promptly
20
notify the Representatives of any earnings release, news or event that may give rise to an
extension of the initial 180-day restricted period.
5. Terms of Public Offering. The Sellers are advised by the Representatives that the
Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Shares as soon
after the Registration Statement and this Agreement have become effective as in the
Representatives judgment is advisable. The Sellers are further advised by the Representatives
that the Shares are to be offered to the public initially at
$ a share (the Public Offering
Price) and to certain dealers selected by the Representatives at a price that represents a
concession not in excess of $ a share under the Public Offering Price, and that any
Underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession,
not in excess of $ a
share, to any Underwriter or to certain other dealers.
6. Payment and Delivery. Payment for the Firm Shares to be sold by each Seller shall be made
to such Seller in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City against delivery of
such Firm Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at the offices of Fried,
Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, One New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004, or at such other
places as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, at 10:00 a.m., New York City
time, on , 2010, or at such other time on the same or such other date, not later than ,
2010, as shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. The time and date of such
payment are hereinafter referred to as the Closing Date.
Payment for any Additional Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds
immediately available in New York City against delivery of such Additional Shares for the
respective accounts of the several Underwriters at the above-mentioned offices, or at such other
place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, at 10:00 a.m., New York City
time, on the date specified in the corresponding notice described in Section 4 or at such other
time on the same or on such other date, in any event not later than
, 2010, as shall be
designated in writing by the Representatives.
The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be registered in such names and in such
denominations as the Representatives shall request in writing not later than one full business day
prior to the Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be. The Firm
Shares and Additional Shares shall be delivered to the Representatives on the Closing Date or an
Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters,
with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer of the Shares to the Underwriters
duly paid, against payment of the Purchase Price therefor.
7. Conditions to the Underwriters Obligations. The obligations of the Sellers to sell the
Shares to the Underwriters and the several obligations of the
21
Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares on the Closing Date are subject to the
condition that the Registration Statement shall have become effective not later than
(New York City time) on the date hereof.
The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the following further conditions:
(a) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date:
(i) there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been
given of any intended or potential downgrading or of any review for a possible change that
does not indicate the direction of the possible change, in the rating accorded any of the
securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any nationally recognized
statistical rating organization, as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2)
under the Securities Act;
(ii) there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a
prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business
or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth
in the Time of Sale Prospectus as of the date of this Agreement that, in the judgment of
the Representatives, is material and adverse and that makes it, in the judgment of the
Representatives, impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner
contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus; and
(iii) there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a
prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the business or
operations of the Adviser from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus as of the
date of this Agreement that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and
adverse and that makes it, in the judgment of the Representatives, impracticable to market
the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(b) (i) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the
Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Company, to the effect set forth in Section
7(a)(i) above and to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in
this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Company has complied with
all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied
hereunder on or before the Closing Date.
(ii) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing
Date and signed by an executive officer of the Adviser, to the effect that the representations and
warranties of the Adviser
22
contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Adviser
has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be
performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date.
The officer signing and delivering such certificates may rely upon the best of his or her
knowledge as to proceedings threatened.
(c) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date:
(i) an opinion of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P., outside counsel for the Company, dated the
Closing Date, to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto;
(ii) an opinion of Morrison Cohen LLP, counsel for the Selling Shareholder, dated the Closing
Date, to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto;
(iii) an opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, counsel for the
Underwriters, dated the Closing Date.
With respect to opinion (xxv) of Exhibit A hereto, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. and Fried,
Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, and with respect to opinion (vi) of Exhibit B hereto,
Morrison Cohen LLP, may state that their opinions and beliefs are based upon their participation in
the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and
any amendments or supplements thereto and review and discussion of the contents thereof, but are
without independent check or verification, except as specified. With respect to clause (c)(ii)
above, Morrison Cohen LLP may rely upon an opinion or opinions of other counsel for the Selling
Shareholder and, with respect to factual matters and to the extent such counsel deems appropriate,
upon the representations of the Selling Shareholder contained herein and in the Custody Agreement
and Power of Attorney of the Selling Shareholder and in other documents and instruments; provided
that (A) each such counsel for the Selling Shareholder is satisfactory to counsel for the
Underwriters, (B) a copy of each opinion so relied upon is delivered to the Underwriters and is in
form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, (C) copies of such Custody
Agreements and Powers of Attorney and of any such other documents and instruments shall be
delivered to the Underwriters and shall be in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the
Underwriters and (D) Morrison Cohen LLP shall state in their opinion that they are justified in
relying on each such other opinion.
The opinions of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. and Morrison Cohen LLP described in clauses
(c)(i) and (c)(ii) above (and any opinions of counsel for the Selling Shareholder referred to in
the immediately preceding paragraph) shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the
Company or the Selling Shareholder, as the case may be, and shall so state therein.
23
(d) The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof and the Closing Date, a
letter dated the date hereof or the Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Underwriters, from McGladrey & Pullen LLP, independent public accountants,
containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants comfort
letters to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information
contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; provided
that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a cut-off date not earlier than the date
hereof.
(e) The lock-up agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, between the
Underwriters and certain shareholders, officers and directors of the Company relating to sales and
certain other dispositions of shares of Common Stock or certain other securities, delivered to the
Underwriters on or before the date hereof, shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date.
The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase Additional Shares hereunder are
subject to the delivery to the Underwriters on the applicable Option Closing Date of such documents
as the Representatives may reasonably request with respect to the good standing of the Company, the
due authorization and issuance of the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date and
other matters related to the issuance of such Additional Shares.
8. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
(a) To furnish to the Representatives, without charge, signed copies of the
Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and for delivery to each other Underwriter a
conformed copy of the Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and to furnish to the
Representatives in New York City, without charge, prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the
business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period mentioned in Section
8(d) or 8(e) below, as many copies of the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and any
supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as the Representatives may
reasonably request.
(b) Before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus
or the Prospectus, to furnish to the Representatives a copy of each such proposed amendment or
supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives
reasonably object, and to file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule
497(h) under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant to such Rule.
24
(c) To furnish to the Representatives a copy of all promotional materials (including road
show slides or road show scripts) prepared by the Company or the Adviser for use in connection
with the offering and sale of the Shares and not to use or refer to any such materials to which the
Representatives reasonably object.
(d) If the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Shares at a time
when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and any event shall occur or
condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale
Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not
misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale
Prospectus conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or
if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time
of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission
and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either
amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale
Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Time
of Sale Prospectus is delivered to a prospective purchaser, be misleading or so that the Time of
Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer conflict with the Registration
Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with
applicable law.
(e) If, during such period after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the
opinion of counsel for the Underwriters the Prospectus is required by law to be delivered in
connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a
result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a
purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary
to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file
with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose
names and addresses the Representatives will furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been
sold by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request,
either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so
amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is
delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will
comply with applicable law.
(f) To endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws
of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request.
25
(g) To make generally available to the Companys security holders and to the Representatives
as soon as practicable an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve months beginning
with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the date of this Agreement which shall
satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder.
(h) To use reasonable efforts to maintain its status as a business development company under
the Investment Company Act; provided, however, that the Company may only cease to be, or withdraw
its election to be treated as, a business development company with the approval of its Board of
Directors and a vote of stockholders as required by Section 58 of the Investment Company Act.
(i) To use reasonable efforts to qualify and elect to be treated as a regulated investment
company under Subchapter M of the Code and to maintain such qualification and election in effect
for each full fiscal year during which it is a business development company under the Investment
Company Act.
(j) To retain qualified accountants and qualified tax experts (i) to test procedures and
conduct annual compliance reviews designed to determine compliance with the regulated investment
company provisions of the Code and the Companys exempt status under the Investment Company Act and
(ii) to otherwise assist the Company in monitoring appropriate accounting systems and procedures
designed to determine compliance with the regulated investment company provisions of the Code and
the Companys exempt status under the Investment Company Act.
9. Expenses. Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated
or this Agreement is terminated, the Sellers agree to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident
to the performance of their obligations under this Agreement, including: (i) the fees,
disbursements and expenses of the Companys counsel, the Companys accountants and counsel for the
Selling Shareholder in connection with the registration and delivery of the Shares under the
Securities Act and all other fees or expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and
amendments and supplements to any of the foregoing, including all printing costs associated
therewith, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers, in the
quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses related to the transfer and delivery
of the Shares to the Underwriters, including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the
cost of printing or producing any Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum in connection with the
offer and sale of the Shares under state securities laws and all expenses in connection with the
qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section
8(f) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Underwriters in connection with such
26
qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum, (iv) all
filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incurred in
connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares by the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., (v) all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation
and filing of the registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the Common Stock and all costs and
expenses incident to listing the Shares on the NASDAQ Global Market, (vi) the cost of printing
certificates representing the Shares, (vii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent, registrar
or depositary, (viii) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on
any road show undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares,
including, without limitation, expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any
electronic road show, expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics,
fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with
the prior approval of the Company, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers
of the Company and any such consultants, and the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with
the road show, (ix) the document production charges and expenses associated with printing this
Agreement, and (x) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of
the Company hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section. It is understood,
however, that except as provided in this Section, Section 10 entitled Indemnity and Contribution
and the last paragraph of Section 12 below, the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and
expenses, including fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on resale
of any of the Shares by them and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.
The provisions of this Section shall not supersede or otherwise affect any agreement that the
Sellers may otherwise have for the allocation of such expenses among themselves.
10. Indemnity and Contribution. (a) The Company and the Adviser, jointly and severally, agree
to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter
within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act,
and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act from
and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any
legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such
action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the
Time of Sale Prospectus, any road show, or the
Prospectus or any
27
amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any
such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon information
relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the
Representatives expressly for use therein.
(b) The Selling Shareholder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each
person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages
and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in
connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any
amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any road show, or the
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, but only with reference to information relating to the Selling Shareholder
furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Selling Shareholder expressly for use in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement
thereto. The liability of the Selling Shareholder under the indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph shall be limited to an amount equal to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Shares
sold by the Selling Shareholder under this Agreement.
(c) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, the Selling Shareholder, the directors of the Company, the officers of the Company who
sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company or the Selling
Shareholder within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including,
without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or
investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any
preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented
if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto), or caused by any
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only with reference to information
relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the
Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any
28
preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, or the Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto.
(d) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted
involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 10(a), 10(b)
or 10(c), such person (the indemnified party) shall promptly notify the person against whom such
indemnity may be sought (the indemnifying party) in writing and the indemnifying party, upon
request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified
party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in
such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such
proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own
counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified
party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the
retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded
parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both
parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests
between them. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal
expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the
same jurisdiction, be liable for (i) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in
addition to any local counsel) for all Underwriters and all persons, if any, who control any
Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act or who are affiliates of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
Securities Act, (ii) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local
counsel) for the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and each
person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either such Section and (iii) the
fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for the Selling
Shareholder and all persons, if any, who control the Selling Shareholder within the meaning of
either such Section, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred.
In the case of any such separate firm for the Underwriters and such control persons and affiliates
of any Underwriters, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. In the case
of any such separate firm for the Company, and such directors, officers and control persons of the
Company, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Company. In the case of any such separate
firm for the Selling Shareholder and such control persons of the Selling Shareholder, such firm
shall be designated in writing by the person named as attorney-in-fact for the Selling Shareholder
under the Power of Attorney. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any
proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a
final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party
from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding
the foregoing sentence, if at any
29
time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the
indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third
sentences of this paragraph, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any
settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered
into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii)
such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such
request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior
written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened
proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity
could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an
unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject
matter of such proceeding.
(e) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 10(a), 10(b) or 10(c) is
unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or
liabilities referred to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of
indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by
such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or
parties on the one hand and the indemnified party or parties on the other hand from the offering of
the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 10(e)(i) above is not permitted by
applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
referred to in clause 10(e)(i) above but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party or
parties on the one hand and of the indemnified party or parties on the other hand in connection
with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as
well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Sellers
on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the offering of the
Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the
offering of the Shares (before deducting expenses) received by each Seller and the total
underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in
the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the
Shares. The relative fault of the Sellers on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand
shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates
to information supplied by the Sellers or by the Underwriters and the parties relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The Underwriters respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 10 are several in
proportion to the respective number of Shares they have purchased hereunder, and not joint. The
liability of the Selling Shareholder under the contribution agreement contained in this paragraph
shall be
30
limited to an amount equal to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Shares sold by the
Selling Shareholder under this Agreement.
(f) The Sellers and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just or equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 10 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the
Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that
does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 10(e). The amount
paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities
referred to in Section 10(e) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth
above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
Section 10, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by
which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were
offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been
required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of
the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in this Section 10 are not exclusive and
shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at
law or in equity.
(g) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 10 and the
representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the Selling Shareholder
contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i)
any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter,
any person controlling any Underwriter or any affiliate of any Underwriter, the Selling Shareholder
or any person controlling the Selling Shareholder, or the Company, its officers or directors or any
person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 10, no party shall be entitled to
indemnification or contribution under this Agreement in violation of Section 17(i) of the
Investment Company Act.
11. Termination. The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement by notice given by the
Representatives to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to
the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on, or by,
as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ
Global Market, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or the
Chicago Board of Trade or other relevant exchanges, (ii) trading of any securities of the Company
shall have been suspended on any exchange or
31
in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment
or clearance services in the United States or other relevant jurisdiction shall have occurred, (iv)
any moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by Federal or New York
State authorities or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or
any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in the judgment of the
Representatives, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event
specified in this clause (v), makes it, in the judgment of the Representatives, impracticable or
inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Shares on the terms and in the
manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.
12. Effectiveness; Defaulting Underwriters. This Agreement shall become effective upon the
execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.
If, on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the
Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it has or they have agreed to purchase
hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate
number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated
severally in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective
names in Schedule I bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of
all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as the Representatives may
specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed
or refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of Shares that any
Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to this Agreement be increased pursuant to this Section
12 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such
Underwriter. If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to
purchase Firm Shares and the aggregate number of Firm Shares with respect to which such default
occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Firm Shares to be purchased on such date,
and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives, the Company and the Selling Shareholder for
the purchase of such Firm Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement
shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter, the Company or the
Selling Shareholder. In any such case either the Representatives or the relevant Sellers shall
have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order
that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement, in the Time of Sale Prospectus,
in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. If, on an Option
Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Additional Shares
and the aggregate number of Additional Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more
than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing
Date, the non-defaulting
32
Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation hereunder to purchase the
Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date or (ii) purchase not less than the number
of Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have been obligated to purchase in
the absence of such default. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any
defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this
Agreement.
If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of them, because of any
failure or refusal on the part of any Seller to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the
conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason any Seller shall be unable to perform its
obligations under this Agreement, the Sellers will reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters
as have so terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all out-of-pocket
expenses (including the fees and disbursements of their counsel) reasonably incurred by such
Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder.
13. Entire Agreement. (a)This Agreement, together with any contemporaneous written agreements
and any prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement) that relate to
the offering of the Shares, represents the entire agreement between the Company and the Selling
Shareholder, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the preparation
of any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the conduct of the
offering, and the purchase and sale of the Shares.
(b) The Company acknowledges that in connection with the offering of the Shares: (i) the
Underwriters have acted at arms length, are not agents of, and owe no fiduciary duties to, the
Company or any other person, (ii) the Underwriters owe the Company only those duties and
obligations set forth in this Agreement and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded
by this Agreement), if any, (iii) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the
Company and (iv) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice
with respect to the offering contemplated hereby and the Company has consulted its own legal,
accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate. The Company waives to
the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising
from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the offering of the Shares.
14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which
shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the
same instrument.
15. Tax Disclosure. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, from the
commencement of discussions with respect to the
33
transactions contemplated hereby, the Company (and each employee, representative or other
agent of the Company) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax
treatment and tax structure (as such terms are used in Sections 6011, 6111 and 6112 of the Code and
the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided relating
to such tax treatment and tax structure.
16. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
internal laws of the State of New York.
17. Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for
convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.
18. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt
and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered, mailed or sent to the Representatives in care of
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, Attention: Equity
Syndicate Desk, with a copy to the Legal Department, and UBS Securities LLC, 299 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10171, with a copy to ; if to the Company shall be delivered, mailed or sent to
John C. Bombara, 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, and if to the Selling
Shareholder shall be delivered, mailed or sent to .
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Very truly yours,
HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE
CORPORATION
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Accepted as of the date hereof
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
UBS Securities LLC
Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several
Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
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35
exv99wkw1
Exhibit (k)(1)
FORM OF
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
This Agreement (Agreement) is made as of by and between HORIZON
TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION a Delaware Corporation (the Company), and HORIZON
TECHNOLOGY FINANCE MANAGEMENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
Administrator).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company is a newly organized finance company that may elect to be treated as a
business development company (BDC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
Investment Company Act);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Administrator to provide administrative services to
the Company in the manner and on the terms hereinafter set forth;
WHEREAS, the Companys investment adviser (the Advisor) is also the Administrator;
and
WHEREAS, the Administrator is willing to provide administrative services to the Company on the
terms and conditions hereafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants hereinafter contained and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Company and the Administrator hereby agree as follows:
1. Duties of the Administrator
(a) Employment of Administrator. The Company hereby employs the Administrator to act
as administrator of the Company, and to furnish, or arrange for others to furnish, the
administrative services, personnel and facilities described below, subject to review by and the
overall control of the Board of Directors of the Company, for the period and on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement. The Administrator hereby accepts such employment and agrees
during such period to render, or arrange for the rendering of, such services and to assume the
obligations herein set forth subject to the reimbursement of costs and expenses provided for below.
The Administrator and such others shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be independent
contractors and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized herein, have no authority
to act for or represent the Company in any way or otherwise be deemed agents of the Company.
(b) Services. The Administrator shall perform (or oversee, or arrange for, the
performance of) the administrative services necessary for the operation of the Company. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator shall provide the Company with office
facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities and
such other services as the Administrator, subject to review by the Board of Directors of the
Company, shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations
under this Agreement. The Administrator shall also, on behalf of the Company, conduct relations
with custodians, depositories, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, other stockholder
servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries,
insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or
desirable. The Administrator shall make reports to the Board of Directors of the Company of its
performance of obligations hereunder and furnish advice and recommendations with respect to such
other aspects of the business and affairs of the Company as it shall determine to be desirable;
provided that nothing herein shall be construed to require the Administrator to, and the
Administrator shall not, provide any advice or recommendation relating to the securities and other
assets that the Company should purchase, retain or sell or any other investment advisory services
to the Company. The Administrator shall be responsible for the financial and other records that the
Company is required to maintain and, to the extent that the Company elects to be treated as a BDC
under the Investment Company Act, shall prepare, print and disseminate reports to stockholders, and
reports and other materials filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
The Administrator will provide on the Companys behalf significant managerial assistance to those
portfolio companies to which the Company is required to provide such assistance. In addition, the
Administrator will assist the Company in determining and
publishing the Companys net asset value, overseeing the preparation and filing of the
Companys tax returns, and generally overseeing the payment of the Companys expenses and the
performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Company by others.
2. Records
To the extent that the Company elects to be treated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act,
the Administrator agrees to maintain and keep all books, accounts and other records of the Company
that relate to activities performed by the Administrator hereunder and will maintain and keep such
books, accounts and records in accordance with the Investment Company Act. In compliance with the
requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the Investment Company Act, the Administrator agrees that all
records which it maintains for the Company shall at all times remain the property of the Company,
shall be readily accessible during normal business hours, and shall be promptly surrendered upon
the termination of the Agreement or otherwise on written request. The Administrator further agrees
that all records which it maintains for the Company pursuant to Rule 31a-1 under the Investment
Company Act will be preserved for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the Investment Company
Act unless any such records are earlier surrendered as provided above. Records shall be surrendered
in usable machine-readable form. The Administrator shall have the right to retain copies of such
records subject to observance of its confidentiality obligations under this Agreement.
3. Confidentiality
The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding its business and
operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto, including nonpublic personal
information (regulated pursuant to Regulation S-P of the SEC, if and to the extent that the Company
elects to be treated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act), shall be used by any other party
hereto solely for the purpose of rendering services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may
be required in carrying out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party, without the
prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information
that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available other than
through a breach of this Agreement, or that is required to be disclosed by any regulatory
authority, any authority or legal counsel of the parties hereto, by judicial or administrative
process or otherwise by applicable law or regulation.
4. Compensation; Allocation of Costs and Expenses
In full consideration of the provision of the services of the Administrator, the Company shall
reimburse the Administrator for the costs and expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing
its obligations and providing personnel and facilities hereunder. The Company will bear all costs
and expenses that are incurred in its operation, administration and transactions and not
specifically assumed by the Advisor, pursuant to that certain Investment Management Agreement,
dated as of by and between the Company and the Advisor. Costs and expenses to be
borne by the Company include, but are not limited to, those relating to: organization and offering;
calculating the Companys net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent
valuation firm); expenses (including travel expense) incurred by the Advisor or payable to third
parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors, in monitoring financial and legal affairs
for the Company and in providing administrative services, monitoring the Companys investments,
and, if necessary enforcing the Companys rights, and performing due diligence on its prospective
portfolio companies; indemnification payments; providing managerial assistance to those portfolio
companies that request it; marketing efforts; interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance
the Companys investments; sales and purchases of the Companys common stock and other securities;
investment advisory and management fees; administration fees, if any, payable under this Agreement;
fees payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors, relating to, or
associated with, evaluating and making investments; transfer agent and custodial fees; federal and
state registration fees; all costs of registration and listing the Companys shares on any
securities exchange; federal, state and local taxes; independent Directors fees and expenses;
costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission; costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to stockholders, including
printing costs; the Companys allocable portion of the fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors
and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; direct costs and expenses of
administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone, copying, secretarial and
other staff, independent auditors and outside legal costs; and all other
2
expenses incurred by the Company or the Administrator in connection with administering the
Companys business, including payments under this Agreement based upon the Companys allocable
portion of the Administrators overhead in performing its obligations under this Agreement,
including rent and the allocable portion of the cost of the Companys chief compliance officer and
chief financial officer and their respective staffs.
5. Limitation of Liability of the Administrator; Indemnification
The Administrator (and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling
persons, members, and any other person or entity affiliated with the Administrator to the extent
they are providing services for or otherwise acting on behalf of the Administrator, Advisor or the
Company) shall not be liable to the Company for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the
Administrator in connection with the performance of any of its duties or obligations under this
Agreement or otherwise as administrator for the Company, and the Company shall indemnify, defend
and protect the Administrator (and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling
persons, members, and any other person or entity affiliated with the Administrator, including
without limitation the Advisor, each of whom shall be deemed a third party beneficiary hereof)
(collectively, the Indemnified Parties) and hold them harmless from and against all
damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees and amounts
reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by the Indemnified Parties in or by reason of any pending,
threatened or completed action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including an action or
suit by or in the right of the Company or its security holders) arising out of or otherwise based
upon the performance of any of the Administrators duties or obligations under this Agreement or
otherwise as administrator for the Company. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence of this Section
5 to the contrary, nothing contained herein shall protect or be deemed to protect the Indemnified
Parties against or entitle or be deemed to entitle the Indemnified Parties to indemnification in
respect of, any liability to the Company or its security holders to which the Indemnified Parties
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the
performance of the Administrators duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of the
Administrators duties and obligations under this Agreement (to the extent applicable, as the same
shall be determined in accordance with the Investment Company Act and any interpretations or
guidance by the SEC or its staff thereunder to the extent that the Company elects to be treated as
a business development company under the Investment Company Act).
6. Activities of the Administrator
The services of the Administrator to the Company are not to be deemed to be exclusive, and the
Administrator and each affiliate is free to render services to others. It is understood that
directors, officers, employees and stockholders of the Company are or may become interested in the
Administrator and its affiliates, as directors, officers, members, managers, employees, partners,
stockholders or otherwise, and that the Administrator and directors, officers, members, managers,
employees, partners and stockholders of the Administrator and its affiliates are or may become
similarly interested in the Company as stockholders or otherwise.
7. Duration and Termination of this Agreement
(a) This Agreement shall become effective as of the first date above written. This Agreement
shall remain in effect for an indefinite period; provided, however, that to the extent the Company
elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, then this Agreement may be
terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon not more than 60 days written
notice, by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company or by the
vote of the Companys Directors or by the Administrator.
(b) If the Company elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act:
(i) This Agreement shall continue in effect for two years from the date hereof, or to the
extent consistent with the requirements of the Investment Company Act, from the date of the
Companys election to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, and thereafter shall
continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by (A) the vote of the Companys Board of Directors, or by
the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and (B) the vote of a
majority of the Companys Directors who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons
(as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act) of any such party, in
accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act;
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(ii) The Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon not
more than 60 days written notice, by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Company, or by the vote of the Companys Directors or by the Administrator.
(c) This Agreement may not be assigned by a party without the consent of the other party;
provided, however, that the rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall not be
deemed to be assigned to a newly-formed entity in the event of the merger of the Company into, or
conveyance of all of the assets of the Company to, such newly-formed entity; provided, further,
however, that the sole purpose of that merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the
Companys legal form into another limited liability entity. The provisions of Section 5 of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and the Administrator shall remain entitled to the
benefits thereof, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement.
8. Amendments of this Agreement
This Agreement may be amended pursuant to a written instrument by mutual consent of the
parties.
9. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. If the
Company elects to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, this Agreement shall also
be construed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act. In such
case, to the extent the applicable laws of the State of New York or any of the provisions herein,
conflict with the provisions of the Investment Company Act, the latter shall control.
10. Entire Agreement
This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties and supercedes all prior
agreements, understandings and arrangements with respect to the subject matter hereof.
11. Notices
Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid, to the other party at its principal office.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the
date first above written.
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exv99wkw2
Exhibit
(k)(2)
FORM OF
TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT
This
TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made and
effective as
of ,
2010 (the Effective Date) by and between Horizon Technology Finance Management, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company (the Licensor), and Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the Company) (each a party, and collectively, the parties).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Licensor is the owner of the service mark HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE and associated
U.S. Registration No. 3217979 (the Licensed Mark) in the United States of America (the
Territory);
WHEREAS, the Company is a closed-end management investment fund that intends to elect to be
treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement to be executed by and between the
Company and Licensor (the Advisory Agreement), the Company will engage the Advisor to act as the
investment adviser to the Company; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to use the Licensed Mark in connection with the operation of its
business, and the Licensor is willing to permit the Company to use the Licensed Mark, subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
LICENSE GRANT
1.1 License. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Licensor hereby
grants to the Company, and the Company hereby accepts from Licensor, a personal, non-exclusive,
royalty-free right and license to use the Licensed Mark solely and exclusively as an element of the
Companys own company name and in connection with the conduct of its business. Except as provided
above, neither the Company nor any affiliate, owner, director, officer, employee, or agent thereof
shall otherwise use the Licensed Mark or any derivative thereof without the prior express written
consent of the Licensor in its sole and absolute discretion. All rights not expressly granted to
the Company hereunder shall remain the exclusive property of Licensor.
1.2 Licensors Use. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Licensor, its affiliates,
or any of its respective successors or assigns from using or permitting other entities to use the
Licensed Mark whether or not such entity directly or indirectly competes or conflicts with the
Companys business in any manner.
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ARTICLE 2
OWNERSHIP
2.1 Ownership. The Company acknowledges and agrees that Licensor is the owner of all
right, title, and interest in and to the Licensed Mark, and all such right, title, and interest
shall remain with the Licensor. The Company shall not contest, dispute, or challenge Licensors
right, title, and interest in and to the Licensed Mark.
2.2 Goodwill. All goodwill and reputation generated by Companys use of the Licensed
Mark shall inure to the benefit of Licensor. The Company shall not by any act or omission use the
Licensed Mark in any manner that disparages or reflects adversely on Licensor or its business or
reputation. Except as expressly provided herein, neither party may use any trademark or service
mark of the other party without that partys prior written consent, which consent shall be given in
that partys sole discretion.
ARTICLE 3
COMPLIANCE
3.1 Quality Control. In order to preserve the inherent value of the Licensed Mark, the
Company agrees to use reasonable efforts to ensure that it maintains the quality of the Companys
business and the operation thereof equal to the standards prevailing in the operation of the
Licensors and the Companys business as of the date of this Agreement. The Company further agrees
to use the Licensed Mark in accordance with such quality standards as may be reasonably established
by Licensor and communicated to the Company from time to time in writing, or as may be agreed to by
Licensor and the Company from time to time in writing.
3.2 Compliance With Laws. The Company agrees that the business operated by it in
connection with the Licensed Mark shall comply with all laws, rules, regulations and requirements
of any governmental body in the Territory or elsewhere as may be applicable to the operation,
advertising and promotion of the business.
3.3 Notification of Infringement. Each party shall immediately notify the other party
and provide to the other party all relevant background facts upon becoming aware of (i) any
registrations of, or applications for registration of, marks in the Territory that do or may
conflict with the Licensed Mark, and (ii) any infringements, imitations, or illegal use or misuse
of the Licensed Mark in the Territory.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Mutual Representations. Each party hereby represents and warrants to the other
party as follows:
(a) Due Authorization. Such party is duly formed and in good standing as of the
Effective Date, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such party has
been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such party.
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(b) Due Execution. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such party
and, with due authorization, execution and delivery by the other party, constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms.
(c) No Conflict. Such partys execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do
not: (i) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of the organizational
documents of such party; (ii) conflict with or violate any law or governmental order applicable to
such party or any of its assets, properties or businesses; or (iii) conflict with, result in any
breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or
both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights of
termination, amendment, acceleration, suspension, revocation or cancellation of any contract,
agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or arrangement to which
it is a party.
ARTICLE 5
TERM AND TERMINATION
5.1 Term. This Agreement shall expire upon expiration or termination of the Advisory
Agreement.
5.2 Upon Termination. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, all rights
granted to the Company under this Agreement with respect to the Licensed Mark shall cease, and the
Company shall immediately discontinue use of the Licensed Mark.
ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither party may assign,
delegate or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without
the prior written consent of the other party. No assignment by either party permitted hereunder
shall relieve the applicable party of its obligations under this Agreement. Any assignment by
either party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be pursuant to a written
assignment agreement in which the assignee expressly assumes the assigning partys rights and
obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the
rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall be deemed to be assigned to a
newly-formed entity in the event of the merger of the Company into, or conveyance of all of the
assets of the Company to, such newly-formed entity; provided, further, however, that the sole
purpose of that merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the Companys legal form into
another form of entity.
6.2 Independent Contractor. Neither party shall have, or shall represent that it has,
any power, right or authority to bind the other party to any obligation or liability, or to assume
or create any obligation or liability on behalf of the other party.
6.3 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly
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given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service (with
signature required), by facsimile, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return
receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses:
If to the Licensor:
Horizon Technology Finance Management, LLC
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
Tel. No.: 860-676-8654
Fax No.: 860-676-8655
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
If to the Company:
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
Tel. No.: 860-676-8654
Fax No.: 860-676-8655
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
6.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law
rules. The parties unconditionally and irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
courts located in the State of Connecticut and waive any objection with respect thereto, for the
purpose of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby.
6.5 Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by an instrument
in writing signed by all parties hereto.
6.6 No Waiver. The failure of either party to enforce at any time for any period the
provisions of or any rights deriving from this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of
such provisions or rights or the right of such party thereafter to enforce such provisions, and no
waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by all parties hereto.
6.7 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal
or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this
Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse
to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or
incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this
Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an
acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally
contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
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6.8 Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience
of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
6.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which when executed shall be deemed to be an original instrument and all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
6.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings,
both written and oral, among the parties with respect to such subject matter.
6.11 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, either express or implied,
is intended to or shall confer upon any third party any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy
of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective
Date by its duly authorized officer.
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exv99wkw3
Exhibit
(k)(3)
FORM OF
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is entered into as of the day of
, 2010, by and among Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
Company), and each of the undersigned parties listed under Investors on the signature page
hereto, or any assignee or transferee pursuant to Section 2.4 below (each, an Investor and
collectively, the Investors).
WHEREAS, on or prior to the date hereof, the Company entered into certain agreements or
arrangements with the Investors pursuant to which the Company issued
or will issue shares
of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, (the Registrable Securities) of the Company to the
Investors;
WHEREAS, the Investors and the Company desire to enter into this Agreement to provide the
Investors with certain rights relating to the registration of the Registrable Securities;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized terms used herein have the following meanings:
Agreement means this Agreement, as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified
from time to time.
Business Day means any day, except a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday on which the banking
institutions in the City of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to
close.
Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or such successor federal agency or
agencies as may be established in lieu thereof.
Company is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
Demand Registration is defined in Section 2.1.1.
Demanding Holder is defined in Section 2.1.1.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Indemnified Party is defined in Section 4.3.
Indemnifying Party is defined in Section 4.3.
Investor is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
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IPO means the initial public offering of any class of equity securities of the Company.
Maximum Number of Securities is defined in Section 2.1.4.
Notices is defined in Section 5.2.
Piggy-Back Registration is defined in Section 2.2.1.
Prospectus means a prospectus relating to a Registration Statement, as amended or
supplemented, and all materials incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
Register, registered and registration mean a registration effected by preparing and
filing a registration statement or similar document under the Securities Act and such registration
statement becoming effective.
Registrable Securities is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
Registration Statement means a registration statement filed by the Company with the
Commission in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder for a public offering and sale of its securities (other than a registration statement on
Form N-14, S-4 or Form S-8, or their successors, or any registration statement covering only
securities proposed to be issued in exchange for securities or assets of another entity).
Release Date means the date that is 365 days after the consummation of IPO. Resale Shelf
Form N-2 is defined in Section 2.3.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Underwriter means a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal
in an underwritten offering and not as part of such dealers market-making activities.
2. REGISTRATION RIGHTS.
2.1 Demand Registration.
2.1.1 General Request for Registration. At any time and from time to time on or after
the Release Date, the holders of a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities may make a
written demand for registration under the Securities Act of all or part of their Registrable
Securities (a Demand Registration). Any demand for a Demand Registration shall specify the
number and type of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold and the intended method(s) of
distribution thereof. The Company will notify all holders of Registrable Securities of any demand
pursuant to this Section 21.1 within five (5) Business Days, and each holder of Registrable
Securities who wishes to include all or a portion of such holders Registrable Securities in such
Demand Registration and is otherwise permitted to do so under this Agreement
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(each such holder
including Registrable Securities in such Demand Registration, a Demanding Holder) shall so notify
the Company within ten (10) Business Days after the receipt by the holder of the notice from the
Company. Upon any such request, the Demanding Holders shall be entitled to have their Registrable
Securities included in the Demand Registration, subject to Section 2.1.4 and the provisions set
forth in Section 3.1.1. The Company shall not be obligated to effect more than an aggregate of
three (3) Demand Registrations under this Section 2.1.1.
2.1.2 Effective Registration. A registration will not count as a Demand Registration
until the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Demand Registration
has been declared effective and the Company has complied with all of its obligations under this
Agreement with respect thereto; provided, however, that if, after such Registration Statement has
been declared effective, the offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Demand Registration
is interfered with by any stop order or injunction of the Commission or any other governmental
agency or court, the Registration Statement with respect to such Demand Registration will be deemed
not to have been declared effective, unless and until (i) such stop order or injunction is removed,
rescinded or otherwise terminated, and (ii) with respect to a Demand Registration, a
majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders thereafter elect to continue the offering; provided,
further, that the Company shall not be obligated to file a second Registration Statement until a
Registration Statement that has been filed is counted as a Demand Registration or is otherwise
terminated.
2.1.3 Underwritten Offering. If a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders so
elect and such holders so advise the Company as part of their written demand for a Demand
Registration or their response to the Companys notice of a demand pursuant to Section 2.1.1, the
offering of such Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration shall be in the form
of an underwritten offering. In each such case, the right of any holder to include such holders
Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon such holders participation
in such underwriting and the inclusion of such holders Registrable Securities in the underwriting
to the extent provided herein. All Demanding Holders who propose to distribute their Registrable
Securities through such an underwriting shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary
form with the Underwriter or Underwriters selected for such underwriting by the Company in its sole
discretion.
2.1.4 Reduction of Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters for a Demand
Registration that is to be an underwritten offering advises the Company and the Demanding Holders
that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities which the Demanding Holders desire to
sell taken together with all securities which the Company desires to sell and the securities, if
any, as to which registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back
registration rights held by other holders of the Companys securities who desire to sell
securities, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of securities that can be sold in
such offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution
method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum
dollar amount or maximum number of securities, as applicable, the Maximum Number of
Securities), then the Company shall include in such registration:
(i) first, in the case of a Demand Registration, the Registrable Securities which the
Demanding Holders have requested be included in such registration (pro
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rata based on the number of
Registrable Securities held by all such holders), without giving effect to any other Registrable
Securities to be included therein that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of
Securities;
(ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under
the foregoing clause (i), the securities that the Company desires to sell that can be sold without
exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under
the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the securities for the account of other persons that the
Company is obligated to register pursuant to written contractual arrangements with such persons and
that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(iv) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities have not been reached under
the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), the securities that other security holders desire to
sell that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.
2.1.5 Withdrawal. In the case of a Demand Registration, if a majority-in-interest of
the Demanding Holders disapprove of the terms of any underwriting or are not entitled to include
all of their Registrable Securities in any offering, such majority-in-interest of the Demanding
Holders may elect to withdraw from such offering by giving written notice to the Company and the
Underwriter or Underwriters of their request to withdraw prior to the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Demand Registration. In such
event, the Company need not seek effectiveness of such Registration Statement for the benefit of
other holders of Registrable Securities. If the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders
withdraws from a proposed offering relating to a Demand Registration in accordance with this
Section 2.1.5, then such registration shall not count as a Demand Registration provided for in
Section 2.1.1 hereof.
2.2 Piggy-Back Registration.
2.2.1 Piggy-Back Rights. If at any time on or after the Release Date the Company
proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of
equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or
convertible into, equity securities, by the Company for its own account or for security holders of
the Company for their account (or by the Company and by security holders of the Company including,
without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.1), other than a Registration Statement (i) filed in
connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for an exchange offer or
offering of securities solely to the Companys existing shareholders, (iii) for an offering of debt
that is convertible into equity securities of the Company or (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan,
then the Company shall (x) give written notice of such proposed filing to the
holders of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable but in no event less than ten (10)
Business Days before the anticipated filing date, which notice shall describe the amount and type
of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name
of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, of the offering, and (y) offer to the
holders of Registrable Securities in such notice the opportunity to register the sale of such
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number and type of Registrable Securities as such holders may request in writing within five (5)
Business Days following receipt of such notice (a Piggy-Back Registration). The Company shall
cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such registration and shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed underwritten
offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested to be included in a Piggy-Back Registration
to be included on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company and to
permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended
method(s) of distribution thereof. All holders of Registrable Securities who propose to distribute
securities through a Piggy-Back Registration that involves an Underwriter or Underwriters shall
enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter or Underwriters
selected for such Piggy-Back Registration.
2.2.2 Reduction of Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters for a
Piggy-Back Registration that is to be an underwritten offering advises the Company and the holders
of Registrable Securities that the dollar amount or number of securities which the Company desires
to sell, taken together with securities, if any, as to which registration has been demanded
pursuant to written contractual arrangements with persons other than the holders of Registrable
Securities hereunder, the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested under
this Section 2.2, and the securities, if any, as to which registration has been requested pursuant
to the written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other security holders of the Company,
exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then the Company shall include in any such registration:
(i) If the registration is undertaken for the Companys account: (A) first, the securities
that the Company desires to sell that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of
Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached
under the foregoing clause (A), the securities, if any, including the Registrable Securities, as to
which registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration
rights of security holders (pro rata in accordance with the number of securities) which each such
person has actually requested to be included in such registration, regardless of the number of
securities with respect to which such persons have the right to request such inclusion) that can be
sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(ii) If the registration is a demand registration undertaken at the demand of persons other
than the holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to written contractual arrangements with such
persons, (A) first, the securities for the account of the demanding persons that can be sold
without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum
Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the securities that the
Company desires to sell that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the
foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the
Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested under this Section 2.2 (pro
rata based on the number of Registrable Securities held by all such requesting holders) without
giving effect to any other Registrable Securities to be included therein that can be sold without
exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number
of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the
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securities, if
any, as to which registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back
registration rights which other security holders desire to sell that can be sold without exceeding
the Maximum Number of Securities.
2.2.3 Withdrawal. Any holder of Registrable Securities may elect to withdraw such
holders request for inclusion of Registrable Securities in any Piggy-Back Registration by giving
written notice to the Company of such request to withdraw prior to the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement. The Company may also elect to withdraw a Registration Statement in any
Piggy-Back Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
Notwithstanding any such withdrawal, the Company shall pay all expenses incurred by the holders of
Registrable Securities in connection with such Piggy-Back Registration as provided in Section 3.3.
2.3 Registrations on Resale Shelf Form N-2. The holders of Registrable Securities may
at any time and from time to time after the Release Date, request in writing that the Company
register the resale of any or all of such Registrable Securities on a shelf Form N-2 under Rule
415 under the Securities Act (the Resale Shelf Form N-2); provided, however, that the Company
shall not be obligated to effect such request through an underwritten offering. Upon receipt of
such written request, the Company will promptly give written notice of the proposed registration to
all other holders of Registrable Securities and, as soon as practicable thereafter, effect the
registration of all or such portion of such holders or holders Registrable Securities, as the
case may be, as are specified in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable
Securities of any other holder or holders joining in such request as are specified in a written
request given within ten (10) Business Days after receipt of such written notice from the Company;
provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to effect any such registration pursuant
to this Section 2.3: (i) if the Resale Shelf Form N-2 is not available for such offering and no
other form is available on which to register such offering; or (ii) if the holders of the
Registrable Securities, together with the holders of any other securities of the Company entitled
to inclusion in such registration, propose to sell Registrable Securities and such other securities
(if any) at any aggregate price to the public of less than $500,000. Registrations effected
pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall not be counted as Demand Registrations effected pursuant to
Section 2.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to effect more than
one (1) registration on the Resale Shelf Form N-2 pursuant to this Section 2.3 during any twelve
(12) month period and shall not be obligated to effect a registration on the Resale Shelf Form N-2
pursuant to this Section 2.3 after the Company has effected three (3) such registrations pursuant
to this Section 2.3 and such registrations have been declared or ordered effective.
2.4 Transfer of Rights. The rights granted pursuant to Sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3
hereunder to cause the Company to register Registrable Securities may be assigned to (i) a
transferee or assignee who acquires at least $1,000,000 Registrable Securities (appropriately
adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations and the like after the date hereof) from an Investor
or the Investors, or (ii) any affiliate, constituent partner (including limited partner), family
member or trust for the benefit of any Investor; provided, however, that (i) written notice of such
assignment is given to the Company, and (ii) any assignee or transferee of such right agrees in
writing to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
6
3. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.
3.1 Filings; Information. Whenever the Company is required to effect the registration
of any Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2, the Company shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the
intended method(s) of distribution thereof as expeditiously as practicable, and in connection with
any such request.
3.1.1 Filing Registration Statement. The Company shall, as expeditiously as possible
and in any event within sixty (60) days after receipt of a request for a Demand Registration
pursuant to Section 2.1, prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement on any form
for which the Company then qualifies or which counsel for the Company shall deem appropriate and
which form shall be available for the sale of all Registrable Securities to be registered
thereunder in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof, and shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become and remain effective
for the period required by Section 3.1.3; provided, however, that the Company shall have the right
to defer any Demand Registration for up to ninety (90) days, and any Piggy-Back Registration for
such period as may be applicable to deferment of any demand registration to which such Piggy-Back
Registration relates, in each case if the Company shall furnish to the holders a certificate signed
by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company stating that, in the good faith judgment of the Board
of Directors of the Company, it would be detrimental to the Company or its security holders for
such Registration Statement to be effected at such time; provided, further, however, that the
Company shall not have the right to exercise the right set forth in the immediately preceding
proviso more than once in any 365-day period in respect of a Demand Registration hereunder;
provided, further, that the holders of Registrable Securities shall provide at least fifteen (15)
Business Days notice of the date on which they wish the Company to prepare and file a Registration
Statement with the Commission.
3.1.2 Copies. The Company shall, prior to filing a Registration Statement or
Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the holders of
Registrable Securities included in such registration, and such holders legal counsel, copies of
such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such
Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by
reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each
preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the holders of Registrable Securities included
in such registration or legal counsel for any such holders may reasonably request in order to
facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such holders.
3.1.3 Amendments and Supplements. The Company shall prepare and file with the
Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements to such
Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep
such Registration Statement effective and in compliance with the provisions of
the Securities Act until all Registrable Securities, and all other securities covered by such
Registration Statement, have been disposed of in accordance with the intended method(s) of
distribution set forth in such Registration Statement (which period shall not exceed the sum of one
hundred eighty (180) days plus any period during which any such disposition is interfered
7
with by
any stop order or injunction of the Commission or any governmental agency or court) or such
securities have been withdrawn.
3.1.4 Notification. After the filing of a Registration Statement, the Company shall
promptly, and in no event more than two (2) Business Days after such filing, notify the holders of
Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement of such filing, and shall further
notify such holders promptly and confirm such advice in writing in all events within two (2)
Business Days of the occurrence of any of the following: (i) when such Registration Statement
becomes effective; (ii) when any post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement becomes
effective; (iii) the issuance or threatened issuance by the Commission of any stop order (and the
Company shall take all actions required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove it if
entered); and (iv) any request by the Commission for any amendment or supplement to such
Registration Statement or any Prospectus relating thereto or for additional information or of the
occurrence of an event requiring the preparation of a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus so
that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the securities covered by such Registration
Statement, such Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, and promptly make available to the holders of Registrable Securities included in such
Registration Statement any such supplement or amendment; except that before filing with the
Commission a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, including
documents incorporated by reference, the Company shall furnish to the holders of Registrable
Securities included in such Registration Statement and to the legal counsel for any such holders,
copies of all such documents proposed to be filed sufficiently in advance of filing to provide such
holders and legal counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review such documents and comment
thereon, and the Company shall not file any Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or
supplement thereto, including documents incorporated by reference, to which such holders or their
legal counsel shall reasonably object.
3.1.5 State Securities Laws Compliance. The Company shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement
under such securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the holders
of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan
of distribution) may request and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable
Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other
State authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and
do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the holders of
Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of
such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be
required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be
required to qualify but for this Section 3.1.5 or subject itself to taxation in any such
jurisdiction.
3.1.6 Agreements for Disposition. The Company shall enter into customary agreements
(including, if applicable, an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions
as are reasonably required in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable
Securities. The representations, warranties and covenants of the Company in
8
any underwriting
agreement which are made to or for the benefit of any Underwriters, to the extent applicable, shall
also be made to and for the benefit of the holders of Registrable Securities included in such
registration statement. For the avoidance of doubt, the holders of Registrable Securities may not
require the Company to accept terms, conditions or provisions in any such agreement which the
Company determines is not reasonably acceptable to the Company, notwithstanding any agreement to
the contrary herein. No holder of Registrable Securities included in such registration statement
shall be required to make any representations or warranties in the underwriting agreement except as
reasonably requested by the Company and, if applicable, with respect to such holders organization,
good standing, authority, title to Registrable Securities, lack of conflict of such sale with such
holders material agreements and organizational documents, and with respect to written information
relating to such holder that such holder has furnished in writing expressly for inclusion in such
Registration Statement.
3.1.7 Cooperation. The principal executive officer of the Company, the principal
financial officer of the Company, the principal accounting officer of the Company and all other
officers and members of the management of the Company shall cooperate fully in any offering of
Registrable Securities hereunder, which cooperation shall include, without limitation, the
preparation of the Registration Statement with respect to such offering and all other offering
materials and related documents, and participation in meetings with Underwriters, attorneys,
accountants and potential investors. Holders of Registrable Securities shall not be required to
make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the Underwriters except
as they may relate to such holders and their intended methods of distribution. Such holders,
however, shall agree to such covenants and indemnification and contribution obligations for selling
stockholders as are customarily contained in agreements of that type. Further, such holders shall
cooperate fully in the preparation of the registration statement and other documents relating to
any offering in which they include securities pursuant to this Agreement. Each holder shall also
furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by such
holder, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as shall be reasonably required
to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities.
3.1.8 Records. The Company shall make available for inspection by the holders of
Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement, any Underwriter participating in
any disposition pursuant to such registration statement and any attorney, accountant or other
professional retained by any holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration
Statement or any Underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and
properties of the Company, as shall be necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence
responsibility, and cause the Companys officers, directors and employees to supply all information
reasonably requested by any of them in connection with such Registration Statement.
3.1.9 Opinions and Comfort Letters. The Company shall furnish to each holder of
Registrable Securities included in any Registration Statement a signed counterpart, addressed to
such holder, of (i) any opinion of counsel to the Company delivered to any Underwriter and
(ii) any comfort letter from the Companys independent public accountants delivered to any
Underwriter. In the event no legal opinion is delivered to any Underwriter, the Company shall
furnish to each holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement, at any
time that such holder elects to use a Prospectus, an opinion of counsel to the Company to the
9
effect that the Registration Statement containing such Prospectus has been declared effective and
that no stop order is in effect.
3.1.10 Earnings Statement. The Company shall comply with all applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission and the Securities Act, and make available to its security holders,
as soon as practicable, an earnings statement covering a period of twelve (12) months, beginning
within six (6) months after the effective date of the registration statement, which earnings
statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158
thereunder.
3.1.11 Listing. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all
Registrable Securities included in any registration to be listed on such exchanges or otherwise
designated for trading in the same manner as similar securities issued by the Company are then
listed or designated or, if no such similar securities are then listed or designated, in a manner
satisfactory to the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities that are included in such
registration.
3.2 Obligation to Suspend Distribution. Upon receipt of any notice from the Company of
the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3.1.4(iv), or, in the case of a resale
registration on the Resale Shelf Form N-2 pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof the occurrence or
existence of any pending corporate development or any other material event that, in the reasonable
judgment of the Company, makes it appropriate to suspend the availability of the Resale Shelf Form
N-2, each holder of Registrable Securities included in any registration shall immediately
discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement
covering such Registrable Securities until such holder receives the supplemented or amended
Prospectus contemplated by Section 3.1.4(iv) or until it is advised in writing by the Company that
the Prospectus may be used, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that
are incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
3.3 Registration Expenses. The Company shall bear all customary costs and expenses
incurred in connection with any Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1, any Piggy-Back
Registration pursuant to Section 2.2, and any registration effected pursuant to Section 2.3, and
all reasonable expenses incurred in performing or complying with its other obligations under this
Agreement, whether or not the Registration Statement becomes effective, including, without
limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees; (ii) fees and expenses of compliance with
securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection
with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities, subject to the limit set forth in
paragraph (ix) below); (iii) printing expenses; (iv) the Companys internal expenses (including,
without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees); (v) the fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities, as required by
Section 3.1.11; (vi) Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) fees; (vii) fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Company and fees and expenses for independent certified public
accountants
retained by the Company (including the expenses or costs associated with the delivery of any
opinions or comfort letters requested pursuant to Section 3.1.9); (viii) the fees and expenses of
any special experts retained by the Company in connection with such registration and (ix) the fees
and expenses of one legal counsel selected by the holders of a majority-in-interest of the
10
Registrable Securities that are included in such registration (not to exceed, including the fees
and disbursements to counsel in paragraph (ii) above, [$30,000]). The Company shall have no
obligation to pay any underwriting discounts or selling commissions attributable to the Registrable
Securities being sold by the holders thereof, which underwriting discounts or selling commissions
shall be borne solely by such holders. Additionally, in an underwritten offering, all selling
security holders and the Company shall bear the expenses of the underwriter pro rata in proportion
to the respective amount of securities each is selling in such offering.
3.4 Information. The holders of Registrable Securities shall provide such information
as may reasonably be requested by the Company, or the managing Underwriter if any, in connection
with the preparation of any Registration Statement, including amendments and supplements thereto,
in order to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities under the Securities Act pursuant
to Section 2 and in connection with the Companys obligation to comply with federal and applicable
state securities laws.
3.5 Holder Obligations.
3.5.1 No holder of Registrable Securities may participate in any underwritten offering
pursuant to this Agreement unless such holder (i) agrees to sell only such holders Registrable
Securities on the basis reasonably provided in any underwriting agreement, and (ii) completes,
executes and delivers any and all questionnaires, powers of attorney, custody agreements,
indemnities (including as set forth in Section 4.2 below), lock-up agreements, opinions,
underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required by or under the terms of any
underwriting agreement or as reasonably requested by the Company or the managing underwriter for
such offering.
3.5.2 For so long as any holder of Registrable Securities holds any Registrable Securities,
each such holder agrees, in the event of any underwritten offering by the Company (whether for the
account of the Company or otherwise) in which such holder has a right to participate to execute and
deliver any lock-up agreements required by or under the terms of any underwriting agreement for
such offering or as reasonably requested by the Company or the managing underwriter for such
offering.
4. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION.
4.1 Indemnification by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
each holder of Registrable Securities, and each of their respective officers, employees,
affiliates, directors, partners, members, attorneys and agents, and, in the case of an underwritten
offering pursuant to this Agreement, each underwriter, their respective partners, members,
directors, officers, affiliates and each person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) a holder of Registrable
Securities or underwriter, as applicable, from and against any expenses, losses, judgments, claims,
damages or liabilities, whether joint or several, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement
(or allegedly untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under
which the sale of such Registrable Securities was registered under the Securities Act, any
preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, or any
amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement, or arising out of or based upon any
11
omission (or alleged omission) to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such expense, loss, claim, damage
or liability arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or allegedly untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission made in such Registration Statement, preliminary Prospectus or final
Prospectus or any such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to the Company, in writing, by such selling holder expressly for use therein.
4.2 Indemnification by Holders of Registrable Securities. Each selling holder of
Registrable Securities will, with respect to any Registration Statement where Registrable
Securities were registered under the Securities Act, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each
of its directors and officers, and, in the case of an underwritten offering pursuant to this
Agreement, each underwriter, their respective partners, members, directors, officers, affiliates
and each other person, if any, who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) or underwriter, as applicable, against any
losses, claims, judgments, damages or liabilities, whether joint or several, insofar as such
losses, claims, judgments, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or
are based upon any untrue statement or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in
any Registration Statement under which the sale of such Registrable Securities was registered under
the Securities Act, any preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus contained in the Registration
Statement, or any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, or arise out of or are
based upon any omission or the alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statement therein not misleading, if the statement or omission was
made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by
such selling holder expressly for use therein, and shall reimburse the Company, its directors and
officers, and each such controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by
any of them in connection with investigation or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability
or action. Each selling holders indemnification obligations hereunder shall be several and not
joint and shall be limited to the amount of any net proceeds actually received by such selling
holder from the sale of Registrable Securities which gave rise to such indemnification obligation.
4.3 Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Promptly after receipt by any person of
any notice of any loss, claim, damage or liability or any action in respect of which indemnity may
be sought pursuant to Section 4.1 or 4.2, such person (the Indemnified Party) shall, if a claim
in respect thereof is to be made against any other person for indemnification hereunder, promptly
notify such other person (the Indemnifying Party) in writing of the loss, claim, judgment,
damage, liability or action. If the Indemnified Party is seeking indemnification with respect to
any claim or action brought against the Indemnified Party, then the Indemnifying Party shall be
entitled to participate in such claim or action, and, to the extent that it elects, retain counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to represent the Indemnified Party, and any others
the Indemnifying Party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and
disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, the
Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of
such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless (i) the Indemnified Party and
the Indemnifying Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, or (ii) the
named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the
12
Indemnified
Party and the Indemnifying Party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be
inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interest between them. The Indemnifying Party
shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but
if settled with such consent or there is a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Party
agrees to indemnify the Indemnified Party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such
settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Party
shall have requested an Indemnifying Party to reimburse the Indemnified Party for fees and expenses
of counsel as contemplated in this Section 4.3, the Indemnifying Party agrees that it shall be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such
settlement is entered into more than thirty (30) days after receipt by such Indemnifying Party of
the aforesaid request, and (ii) such Indemnifying Party shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified
Party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement (other than
reimbursement for fees and expenses the Indemnifying Party is contesting in good faith). No
Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, consent to
entry of judgment or effect any settlement of any claim or pending or threatened proceeding in
respect of which the Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been
sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless such judgment or settlement includes an
unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such claim or
proceeding.
4.4 Contribution.
4.4.1 If the indemnification provided for in the foregoing Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 is
unavailable to any Indemnified Party in respect of any loss, claim, damage, liability or action
referred to herein, then each such Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified
Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such
loss, claim, damage, liability or action in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative benefits received by the Indemnified Parties on the one hand and the Indemnifying Parties
on the other from the offering. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding
sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the Indemnified Party failed to give the notice
required under Section 4.3 above, then each Indemnifying Party shall contribute to such amount paid
or payable by such Indemnified Party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such
relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Indemnified Parties on the one hand and the
Indemnifying Parties on the other in connection with the actions or omissions which resulted in
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action, as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations. The relative fault of any Indemnified Party and any Indemnifying Party shall be
determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by such Indemnified Party or such Indemnifying Party and the parties relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
4.4.2 The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section 4.4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of
allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the
immediately preceding Section 4.4.1. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a
result of any loss, claim, damage, liability or action referred to in the immediately preceding
13
paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or
other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any
such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.4, no holder of Registrable
Securities shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the dollar amount of the net
proceeds (after payment of any underwriting fees, discounts, commissions or taxes) actually
received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities which gave rise to such
contribution obligation. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
5. MISCELLANEOUS.
5.1 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the rights, duties
and obligation of the Company hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or
in part. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the holders of Registrable
Securities hereunder may be freely assigned or delegated by such holder of Registrable Securities
in conjunction with and to the extent of any permitted transfer of Registrable Securities by any
such holder in accordance with applicable law. This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be
binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and their respective successors
and the permitted assigns of a holder of Registrable Securities or of any assignee of a holder of
Registrable Securities. This Agreement is not intended to confer any rights or benefits on any
persons that are not a party hereto other than as expressly set forth in Section 4 and this Section
5.1.
5.2 Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals or other
communications (collectively, Notices) required or permitted to be given hereunder or which are
given with respect to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally served, delivered
by reputable air courier service with charges prepaid, or transmitted by hand delivery, telegram,
telex or facsimile, addressed as set forth below, or to such other address as such party shall have
specified most recently by written notice provided in accordance with this Section 5.2. Notice
shall be deemed given on the date of service or transmission if personally served or transmitted by
telegram, telex or facsimile; provided, that if such service or transmission is not on a Business
Day or is after normal business hours, then such notice shall be deemed given on the next Business
Day. Notice otherwise sent as provided herein shall be deemed given on the next Business Day
following timely delivery of such notice to a reputable air courier service with an order for
next-day delivery.
To the Company:
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, CT 06032
Fax No.: (860) 676-8655
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
14
with a copy to:
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
221 E. Fourth Street, Suite 2900
Cincinnati, OH 45202-4095
Fax No.: (513) 361-1201
Attention: Stephen C. Mahon
To an Investor, to the address set forth below such Investors name on the signature pages hereof.
5.3 Severability. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or
unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid
or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part
of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may
be possible and be valid and enforceable.
5.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
5.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all agreements entered into pursuant
hereto and all certificates and instruments delivered pursuant hereto and thereto) constitute the
entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior
and contemporaneous agreements, representations, understandings, negotiations and discussions
between the parties, whether oral or written.
5.6 Modifications and Amendments. No amendment, modification or termination of this
Agreement shall be binding upon any party unless executed in writing by such party.
5.7 Titles and Headings. Titles and headings of sections of this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction of any provision of this Agreement.
5.8 Waivers and Extensions. Any party to this Agreement may waive any right, breach or
default which such party has the right to waive, provided, that such waiver will not be effective
against the waiving party unless it is in writing, is signed by such party, and specifically refers
to this Agreement. Waivers may be made in advance or after the right waived has arisen or the
breach or default waived has occurred. Any waiver may be conditional. No waiver of any breach of
any agreement or provision herein contained shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or succeeding
breach thereof nor of any other agreement or provision herein contained. No waiver or extension of
time for performance of any obligations or acts shall be deemed a waiver or extension of the time
for performance of any other obligations or acts.
5.9 Remedies Cumulative. In the event that the Company fails to observe or perform any
covenant or agreement to be observed or performed under this Agreement, any holder of Registrable
Securities may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity or action at law,
whether for specific performance of any term contained in this Agreement or for an injunction
against the breach of any such term or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this
Agreement or to enforce any other legal or equitable right, or to take any one or more of
15
such
actions, without being required to post a bond. None of the rights, powers or remedies conferred
under this Agreement shall be mutually exclusive, and each such right, power or remedy shall be
cumulative and in addition to any other right, power or remedy, whether conferred by this Agreement
or now or hereafter available at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
5.10 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts formed and to be
performed entirely within the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions
thereof to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws
of another jurisdiction. The Company and the holders of the Registrable Securities irrevocably and
unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York or, if such court does not have jurisdiction, the New York State
Supreme Court in the Borough of Manhattan, in any action arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, agree that all claims in respect of the action may be heard and determined in any such
court and agree not to bring any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other
court. In any action, the Company and the holders of the Registrable Securities irrevocably and
unconditionally waive and agree not to assert by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise any
claims that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of the above court, that such action is brought
in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such action is improper. Without limiting the
foregoing, the Company and the holders of the Registrable Securities agree that service of process
at each parties respective addresses as provided for in Section 5.2 above shall be deemed effective
service of process on such party.
5.11 Waiver of Trial by Jury. Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives
the right to a trial by jury in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating to this Agreement, the
transactions contemplated hereby, or the actions of any party in the negotiation, administration,
performance or enforcement hereof.
5.12 Lock-Up Period. The Investors and their transferees hereby agree that in no
event may any Registrable Securities be offered for resale on behalf of such Investor or
transferees pursuant to the terms hereof except in accordance with the terms and conditions of any
lock-up agreement to which they may be subject from time to time.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be executed
and delivered by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.
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HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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INVESTORS:
COMPASS HORIZON PARTNERS, LP
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By: |
Navco Management, Ltd.
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Address: |
69 Pitts Bay Road
Belvedere Building - 4th Floor
Hamilton HM08, Bermuda |
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HTF-CHF HOLDINGS LLC
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Address: |
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, CT 06032 |
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exv99wn
Exhibit (n)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement (No.
333-165570) on Form N-2 of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation of our report dated March 19,
2010, relating to our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Compass Horizon Funding
Company LLC, appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
We also consent to the reference to our firm under the captions Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm, Selected Financial and Other Data and Senior Securities in such Prospectus.
/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
New Haven, Connecticut
July 1, 2010