The Management Company, a Delaware limited liability company and a registered
investment adviser, and its affiliates (collectively, “ABRY”) provide investment advisory services
to private investment funds. The Management Company commenced operations in 2011.
The following investment advisers serve as general partners to the Funds (defined below)
and are subject to the Advisers Act pursuant to the Management Company’s registration in
accordance with SEC guidance: ABRY Partners VII Co-Investment GP, LLC; ABRY VII Capital
Partners, L.P.; ABRY Partners VIII Co-Investment GP, LLC; ABRY VIII Capital Partners, L.P.;
ABRY Partners VIII Co-Investment GP (Cayman AIV), LLC; ABRY VIII Capital Partners
(Cayman AIV), L.P.; ABRY IX Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY Partners IX Co-Investment GP,
LLC; ABRY Senior Equity Investors IV, L.P.; ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment GP IV, LLC;
ABRY ASF Investors III, L.P.; ABRY ASF Investors IV, L.P.; ABRY Heritage Capital Partners,
L.P.; ABRY Heritage Partners Co-Investment GP, LLC; ABRY Senior Equity Investors V, L.P.;
ABRY Acquisition Manager, LLC; ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment GP V, LLC; ABRY
Heritage Partners Co-Investment GP (Cayman AIV), LLC and ABRY Heritage Capital Partners
(Cayman AIV), L.P. (each a “General Partner” and, together with the Management Company,
the “Advisers”). This Brochure describes the business practices of the Advisers, which operate as
a single advisory business.
The following investment advisers are affiliated with the Advisers: ABRY Partners, LLC;
ABRY Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY V Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY VI Capital Partners, L.P.;
ABRY Mezzanine Investors, L.P.; ABRY Senior Equity Investors II, L.P.; ABRY Senior Equity
Investors III, L.P.; ABRY ASF Investors, L.P.; ABRY ASF Investors II, L.P.; ABRY Investment
GP, LLC; ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment GP, LLC; and ABRY Senior Equity CoInvestment
GP III, LLC (each, an “ABRY I Adviser”). ABRY Partners, LLC is separately registered under
the Advisers Act and each of the other ABRY I Advisers is subject to the Advisers Act pursuant
to ABRY Partners, LLC’s registration in accordance with SEC guidance. The Management
Company’s employees provide services to the ABRY I Advisers.
The Advisers’ clients include the private investment funds listed below (each, a “Fund,”
and together with any other current or future private investment funds to which the Management
Company or its affiliates provide investment advisory services, including Co-Investment Funds
(as defined below), Single Investment Funds (as defined below) and alternative investment
vehicles, the “Private Investment Funds”).
Equity Funds
• ABRY Partners VII, L.P. (“ABRY Partners VII”)
• ABRY Partners VIII, L.P. (together with ABRY Partners VIII (Cayman AIV), L.P.,
“ABRY Partners VIII”)
• ABRY Partners IX, L.P. (“ABRY Partners IX,” and together with ABRY Partners
VII, ABRY Partners VIII and any future funds with a similar investment strategy,
“Equity Funds”)
Senior Equity Funds
• ABRY Senior Equity IV, L.P. (“ABRY Senior Equity IV”)
• ABRY Senior Equity V, L.P. (“ABRY Senior Equity V,” and together with any
future funds with a similar investment strategy, “Senior Equity Funds”)
Senior Debt Funds
• ABRY Advanced Securities Fund III, L.P. (“ABRY ASF Fund III”)
• ABRY Advanced Securities Fund IV, L.P. (“ABRY ASF Fund IV,” and together
with ABRY ASF Fund III and any future funds with a similar investment strategy,
“Senior Debt Funds”)
Co-Investment Funds
• ABRY Partners VII Co-Investment Fund, L.P. (“ABRY VII Co-Investment
Fund”)
• ABRY Partners VIII Co-Investment Fund, L.P. (together with ABRY Partners VIII
CoInvestment (Cayman AIV), L.P., “ABRY VIII Co-Investment Fund”)
• ABRY Partners IX Co-Investment Fund, L.P. (“ABRY IX Co-Investment Fund”)
• ABRY Heritage Partners Co-Investment Fund, L.P. (“ABRY Heritage Co-
Investment Fund”)
• ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment Fund IV, L.P. (“ABRY Senior Equity Co-
Investment Fund IV”)
• ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment Fund V, L.P. (“ABRY Senior Equity Co-
Investment Fund V,” and together with ABRY VII Co-Investment Fund, ABRY
VIII Co-Investment Fund, ABRY IX Co-Investment Fund, ABRY Heritage Co-
Investment Fund, ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment Fund IV and any future
employee coinvestment funds, “Co-Investment Funds”)
Single Investment Funds
• Acrisure Investors FO, LLC (“Acrisure FO”), Acrisure Investors SO, LLC
(“Acrisure SO”), Alliant Investor A, LLC (“Alliant Investor A”), Alliant Investor
B, LLC (“Alliant Investor B”), Accela Investors, LLC (“Accela Investors”) and
Minotaur Aggregator, LLC (“Minotaur,” and, together with Acrisure FO, Acrisure
SO, Alliant Investor A, Alliant Investor B, Accela Investors and any future funds
with a similar investment strategy, “Single Investment Funds”). The Managing
Member of (i) each of Acrisure FO, Alliant Investors A, Alliant Investor B and
Accela Investors is ABRY Senior Equity IV, (ii) Acrisure SO is ABRY Partners
VIII and (iii) Minotaur is ABRY Partners IX, L.P.
Heritage Funds
• ABRY Heritage Partners, L.P. (“ABRY Heritage,” and together with any future
funds with a similar investment strategy, “Heritage Funds”)
Feeder Funds
• ABRY Acquisition Fund, LLC (the “Feeder Fund”)
Pursuant to each Fund’s agreement of limited partnership or, in the case of the Single
Investment Funds and the Feeder Fund, the limited liability company agreement (each, a
“Partnership Agreement”), the applicable General Partner or, in the case of a Single Investment
Fund and the Feeder Fund, the Managing Member, which for ease of reference shall be included
in the term “General Partner” hereunder, unless otherwise specified, has the authority to manage
the business and affairs of the Funds. Each General Partner has delegated, subject to its oversight,
day-to-day responsibility for the management and operations of the applicable Fund to the
Management Company pursuant to management agreements between the General Partners and the
Management Company (each, a “Management Agreement”). Pursuant to a management
agreement between the Management Company and the ABRY I Advisers, the Management
Company provides certain advisory services to the ABRY I Advisers.
Interests in the Funds are privately offered to qualified investors in the United States and
elsewhere. The investment advisory services provided to the Funds by the Advisers consist of
identifying and evaluating investment opportunities, negotiating the terms of investments,
managing and monitoring investments and ultimately selling such investments. The Equity Funds,
the Heritage Funds and the Senior Equity Funds are private equity funds and invest through
negotiated transactions in operating entities. The Senior Debt Funds are private funds that make
investments primarily in senior debt securities generally employing total return swaps (“TRS”)
entered into with unaffiliated counterparties to obtain exposure to such debt securities in lieu of
the applicable Senior Debt Fund holding such securities directly. Except for the Senior Debt Funds,
each Fund invests predominantly in non-public companies, although each Fund may invest in
public companies, subject to certain limitations set forth in such Fund’s Partnership Agreement.
The Equity Funds generally seek to take a controlling position when investing in a portfolio
company, and generally at least one principal (a “Principal”) or other ABRY investment
professional serves on a portfolio company’s board of directors in order to represent the applicable
Fund’s interests in the portfolio company. The Senior Equity Funds typically do not take
controlling positions in portfolio companies but seek to place at least one ABRY Principal or other
ABRY professional on the portfolio company’s board. The Single Investment Funds are formed
for the purpose of making a single portfolio investment, are controlled by the relevant Fund making
such investment, and function as a device to pool the investment of the relevant Fund(s) along with
the investment capital of unaffiliated third-party investors. The Feeder Fund is formed for the
purpose of making investments in one or more Equity Funds, Senior Debt Funds and/or single
portfolio investments.
The Advisers’ advisory services to the Funds are detailed in the applicable private
placement memoranda, the Management Agreements and the Partnership Agreements
(collectively, the “Fund Documents”) and are further described below under “Methods of
Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss.” Investors (references to “limited partners” and
“investors” herein are intended to be interchangeable) in Private Investment Funds participate in
such Fund’s overall investment program, but may be excused from a particular investment due to
legal, regulatory or other applicable constraints. Each Fund or its General Partner may enter into
side letters or other similar agreements with certain investors that have the effect of establishing
rights under, altering or supplementing the Partnership Agreement, the investor’s subscription
agreement or other Fund Documents, including providing informational rights, addressing
regulatory matters with respect to such investors, effectively excusing such investors from
participating in certain types of investments, varying economic terms or fee structures, providing
transfer rights and offering co-investment-related provisions.
Certain of the Advisers serve as an investment manager to Co-Investment Funds structured
to facilitate investments by affiliated co-investors alongside the primary Funds on a fixed pro-rata
basis with the commitments to such vehicles generally being variable on an annual basis. To the
extent that a particular investment opportunity, in the Advisers’ sole discretion, exceeds the desired
allocation to a Fund in the aggregate in view of investment size, type, available capital,
diversification, location, holding period and other relevant considerations, the Advisers may offer
additional co-investment opportunities to other persons or firms who the Advisers or their affiliates
believe will be of benefit to the Funds. The Advisers may also organize one or more co-investment
funds to co-invest alongside the Funds to facilitate personal investments by such persons or firms
and by partners, officers and employees and their related parties and associates of the Advisers or
of control entities, including the Co-Investment Funds. The Advisers may also facilitate co-
investments directly into a portfolio company. The Single Investment Funds were formed for this
purpose and operate in a manner similar to the Co-Investment Funds. Co-Investment Funds
typically invest and dispose of their investments in the applicable portfolio company at the same
time and on the same terms as the Private Investment Fund making the investment. The Advisers
and their affiliates may elect not to charge a management fee to or receive carried interest from
such Co-Investment Funds. While the Advisers and any of their affiliates may charge carried
interest, management and other fees to any co-investors, including the Co-Investment Funds,
certain of the Co-Investment Funds do not pay management fees or carried interest.
In addition to the foregoing, the Advisers serve as the investment managers to a number of
special purpose vehicles through which several Funds have invested. The Advisers generally form
special purpose vehicles to facilitate portfolio investments by Funds for tax, regulatory, or
economic purposes. The Adviser that acts as the investment manager to a particular special purpose
vehicle is determined on the basis of the Fund that invests through such special purpose vehicle.
In addition, the Advisers, either directly or indirectly through a special purpose vehicle, may
engage in TRS which allow the Senior Debt Funds to derive the economic benefit of owning an
asset without retaining legal ownership of such asset. Under the relevant Partnership Agreements,
the relevant General Partners also have the authority to form alternative investment vehicles to
invest in lieu of the applicable Fund (each, an “alternative investment vehicle”), to the extent
appropriate to address tax, regulatory or economic matters, and the limited partners of the relevant
Fund may be admitted as limited partners of such alternative investment vehicles, which generally
contain legal and economic provisions that are similar or equivalent to those of the relevant
Partnership Agreement. Certain of the Advisers currently serve and will serve as investment
managers to such vehicles, if and when formed. Finally, in connection with certain investments,
the Advisers may employ hedging techniques designed to reduce the risks of adverse movements
in interest rates, securities prices, and currency exchange rates.
As of December 31, 2018, the Management Company had approximately $11,361,488,905
in client assets under management. The Management Company is principally owned by Jay M.
Grossman and Peggy J. Koenig. Each of Jay M. Grossman and C.J. Brucato is a co-CEO of the
Management Company.
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In general, the applicable General Partner receives a management fee (the “Management
Fee”) and pays over such Management Fee to the Management Company pursuant to the
applicable Management Agreement and the applicable General Partner receives a carried interest
in connection with advisory services provided to each Private Investment Fund. For each Private
Investment Fund, the carried interest distributed to a General Partner is generally subject to a
potential giveback at the end of the Fund’s life if the General Partner has received excess
cumulative distributions. The Co-Investment Funds generally do not pay a Management Fee or
carried interest. The Single Investment Funds may charge a fee, carried interest, or other economic
consideration, such as a “preferential distribution right.” The Management Company or other
ABRY entities or affiliates may receive additional compensation in connection with management
and other services performed for portfolio companies
(e.g., monitoring and other fees) of the
Private Investment Funds, and the Funds’ pro rata share of such additional compensation is
generally offset in whole against the Management Fees otherwise payable to the Management
Company in accordance with the relevant Fund Document. Fee structures are negotiated on a
vehicle-by-vehicle basis so Investors should review the applicable Fund Documents for details
regarding the fee structures summarized below. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the meanings ascribed to them in the applicable Partnership Agreement.
Management Fees Equity Funds
During an Equity Fund’s active investment period, an Equity Fund generally pays a
Management Fee equal to 2.0% on an annual basis of aggregate investor capital commitments
(“Commitments”). After the active investment period expires (or upon the occurrence of certain
other events set forth in such Fund’s Partnership Agreement), an Equity Fund’s Management Fee
is typically reduced to an amount equal to 2.0% of funded Commitments in respect of investments,
reduced by the cost of realized investments. In the event the Advisers raise a successor Private
Investment Fund to such Equity Fund and/or accrue a Management Fee in respect of such
successor Private Investment Fund, the Management Fee percentage is generally reduced from
2.0% to 1.0%.
Senior Equity Funds
During a Senior Equity Fund’s active investment period, a Senior Equity Fund generally
pays a Management Fee equal to 1.5% on an annual basis of Commitments. After the active
investment period expires or a successor fund is raised and/or the Advisers accrue a Management
Fee in respect of such successor fund (or upon the occurrence of certain other events set forth in
such Fund’s Partnership Agreement), then a Senior Equity Fund’s Management Fee is generally
reduced to an amount equal to 1.5% of funded Commitments in respect of investments, reduced
by the cost of realized investments.
Senior Debt Funds
During a Senior Debt Fund’s active investment period, a Senior Debt Fund generally pays
a Management Fee equal to 2.0% on an annual basis of Commitments. After the active investment
period expires or a successor fund is raised and/or the Advisers accrue a Management Fee in
respect of such successor fund (or upon the occurrence of certain other events set forth in such
Fund’s Partnership Agreement), then a Senior Debt Fund’s Management Fee is typically reduced
to the lower of 2.0% of Commitments or 2.0% of the cost basis or notional principal amount, as
applicable, of investments held by such Fund.
Heritage Funds
During a Heritage Fund’s active investment period, a Heritage Fund generally pays a
Management Fee equal to 2.0% on an annual basis of Commitments. After the active investment
period expires (or upon the occurrence of certain other events set forth in such Fund’s Partnership
Agreement), a Heritage Fund’s Management Fee is typically reduced to an amount equal to 2.0%
of funded Commitments in respect of investments, reduced by the cost of realized investments. In
the event the Advisers raise a successor Private Investment Fund to such Heritage Fund and/or
accrue a Management Fee in respect of such successor Private Investment Fund, the Management
Fee percentage is generally reduced from 2.0% to 1.0%.
Other General Management Fee Information
Management Fees generally are calculated and paid on a quarterly basis. Installments of
the Management Fee payable for any period other than a full quarterly period are adjusted on a pro
rata basis based upon the actual number of days in such period. A Fund’s Management Fee is
generally payable until all Fund assets have been distributed as described in the Partnership
Agreement. Investors participating in a closing after a Private Investment Fund’s initial closing
bear the Management Fee from such initial closing date, with an added interest factor, other than
with respect to ABRY Senior Equity IV, ABRY Senior Equity V and ABRY Heritage, wherein
the interest factor is retroactive to the effective date of such Fund.
As further described in the applicable Fund Documents, a Fund’s Management Fee may
be reduced, although not below zero, by an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the
aggregate amount of directors’ fees, consulting fees, commitment fees, monitoring fees, break-up
fees, closing fees, investment banking fees, placement fees, transaction fees and other similar fees
paid to the Advisers and certain of their affiliates (but not by amounts paid to consultants or Senior
Advisors (as defined below) retained by or providing services to portfolio companies). To the
extent that the Management Fee with respect to any of the Equity Funds, Senior Equity Funds or
the Senior Debt Funds is not reduced as of any given payment date because such Management Fee
installment has been reduced to zero, the excess shall be carried over to the next succeeding
payment date and applied as a reduction of the Management Fee, but not below zero, for such
succeeding payment date. To the extent any such excess remains unapplied upon dissolution of
such Fund, each partner of such Fund will receive its share of such unapplied excess, unless such
partner elects not to receive its share. Funds that do not pay a Management Fee neither receive the
benefit of the management fee offsets nor share in any of such additional fees earned by the
Advisers and their affiliates.
In certain very limited circumstances, monitoring fee arrangements with portfolio
companies may include provisions that permit the acceleration of monitoring fees upon certain
events, such as the initial public offering or strategic sale of a portfolio company. These
acceleration provisions typically require a termination payment by the portfolio company, which
often reflects the net present value at the time of the termination of the fees that would have been
paid for the remaining term of the agreement. Because the monitoring agreements with portfolio
companies often have prolonged terms, the effects of such acceleration is often substantial.
In addition, the Partnership Agreements typically allow the applicable General Partner to
waive all or a portion of the Management Fee it is entitled to receive. Any such waived portion of
the Management Fee reduces the amount of capital such General Partner would otherwise be
required to contribute to such Fund. The limited partners may be required to make a
pro rata
contribution according to their respective Commitments to fund any contribution that would
otherwise be required of the General Partner up to the aggregate amount of any such waiver as
described above, which contribution is then invested for the benefit of the General Partner and, as
a result, the exercise of such waiver may, with respect to certain Funds, result in an acceleration
of investor capital contributions.
The Single Investment Funds formed to date do not charge a Management Fee, but certain
economic benefits, such as priority distributions, may be made for the benefit of the Fund
controlling such vehicle (rather than paid to any of the Advisers). The Feeder Fund does not charge
a Management Fee.
Senior Advisors Certain of the Advisers have engaged, and may in the future engage, certain senior
advisors, consultants, “operating partners,” “executives in residence” and/or similar persons
(collectively, “Senior Advisors”) in order to provide the Advisers, as well as portfolio companies,
with access to experienced professionals with expertise in specific areas, including operational
matters. Senior Advisors may be compensated by and receive fees, incentive equity or other stock
awards from the portfolio companies for their services to such portfolio companies (and
reimbursed by such portfolio companies for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection
with the provision of such services). To the extent such services are provided to the Advisers, the
applicable Advisers will bear the cost of any such services (and any such expenses) provided. The
amount and structure of any such compensation may vary over time and from time to time, may
include profits or equity interest in a portfolio company or other incentive-based compensation,
and may be based on an hourly rate, a flat fee or any combination of any of the foregoing or other
methodologies. Any such fees or other amounts paid to Senior Advisors will not result in offsets
to or reductions of the Management Fee. The use of such Senior Advisors may subject to the
Advisers to conflicts of interest, as discussed under “Conflicts of Interest,” below.
Carried Interest With respect to each Fund, the applicable General Partner is generally entitled to receive a
carried interest equal to a percentage of all realized profits; provided that no carried interest is
payable to the General Partner unless all Partners have received a 9% preferred return,
compounded annually, as more fully described in the applicable Partnership Agreement. The
carried interest to which the General Partner is entitled is: 20% in the case of the Senior Equity
Funds and Senior Debt Funds; and 30% in the case of the Equity Funds and the Heritage Funds.
The carried interest distributed to each General Partner is generally subject to a potential giveback
at the end of the applicable Fund’s life if the General Partner has received excess cumulative
distributions from such Fund. The Single Investment Funds formed to date do not pay a carried
interest to the relevant managing member. Similarly, the Feeder Fund does not pay a carried
interest to its managing member.
Other Information The Funds and other Private Investment Funds invest on a long-term basis. Accordingly,
investment advisory and other fees are expected to be paid, except as otherwise described in the
applicable Fund Documents, over the life of the applicable Fund (or the relevant Private
Investment Fund, as applicable) and investors generally are not permitted to withdraw from or
redeem interests in the Fund (or other relevant Private Investment Fund, as applicable), except in
the case of certain legal or regulatory issues.
Principals or other current or former employees of ABRY may receive salaries and other
compensation derived from, and in certain cases including a portion of, the Management Fee,
carried interest or other compensation received by the Management Company or its affiliates. In
addition, the General Partners typically exempt the Advisers and their affiliates from payment of
all or a portion of Management Fees and/or carried interest. Such exemptions may be made
pursuant to a direct exemption or rebate or through investment in another Private Investment Fund,
such as a Co-Investment Fund that does not charge a fee.
In addition to the Management Fee and carried interest payable to the Advisers, as set forth
in the applicable Fund Documents, each Fund bears certain expenses in connection with the Fund’s
activities, investments and business, to the extent not borne or reimbursed by a portfolio company
or applied to reduce monitoring and other fees, generally including: legal, accounting (including
investment tracking services), auditing, administration, investment banking, bank service fees,
travel (including business class, first class fares and the chartering of private aircrafts (with such
associated cost not in excess of the cost of first class fares) or equivalents), consulting, research,
commissions and brokerage fees or similar charges incurred in connection with the purchase,
holding and sale of securities (including any merger fees payable to third parties), custodial and
administration (including costs and expenses incurred in connection with engaging one or more
administrators and/or similar persons to provide services in connection with anti-money laundering
and “know your client” matters), finder’s fees, third party valuation, appraisal, printing, filing,
preparation and distribution of tax, accounting, and other administrative, regulatory or other Fund-
related reporting or filing, title, transfer, escrow, registration, insurance premiums for liability
insurance to protect the Funds, the General Partners, the Funds’ advisory boards and the affiliates,
officers, directors and employees of the foregoing, advisory board, annual meetings, interest, taxes
and other governmental fees and charges, costs relating to the preparation and issuance of any
press release; litigation, indemnification, extraordinary expenses and other similar fees and
expenses, compliance with “freedom of information act” and other similar requests, expenses
incurred in connection with protecting the confidential or non-public nature of any information or
data, bank service fees, winding up and liquidating the Fund or related entities, all expenses
incurred with respect to proposed or consummated portfolio investments including structuring,
organizing, acquiring, financing, refinancing, managing, operating, holding, valuing, winding up,
liquidating, dissolving and disposing of such investments attributable to the activities of each Fund
(and any associated travel, including, in some cases, the cost of charting private aircraft and
lodging, meals or entertainment), all fees, costs expenses, liabilities and obligations relating to or
attributable to indebtedness of, or guarantees made by, the Funds, the General Partners, or any of
their respective affiliates on behalf of a Fund (including any credit facility, letter of credit or similar
credit support) or seeking to put in place any such indebtedness or guarantee (including any interest
and fees on money borrowed by the Funds, the General Partners, or any of their respective affiliates
on behalf of the Funds), reverse breakup, termination and other similar fees in respect of proposed
portfolio investments, including any such fees attributable to co-investors, unreimbursed costs,
fees and expenses incurred in connection with any transfer or proposed transfer of limited
partnership interests in a Fund, costs, fees and expenses relating to amendments to, and waivers,
consents or approval pursuant to, the Governing Documents of the Funds, including the
preparation, distribution and implementation thereof, all costs and expenses incurred in connection
with the organization, management, operation, dissolution, liquidation and final winding up of
“alternative investment vehicles” (to the extent not borne by such alternative investment vehicles”
formed by the Fund, but not the Adviser’s expenses in connection with maintaining and operating
its offices (such as compensation of its employees, rent, utilities and general office expenses),
except to the extent borne by a portfolio company. The Funds also bear all out-of-pocket fees,
costs and expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the Partnership’s legal and regulatory
compliance with U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other law or regulations.
The Funds also bear expenses indirectly to the extent a portfolio company pays expenses
(including without limitation in connection with the acquisition or closing of a transaction), along
with certain expenses of the Advisers and/or their affiliates. As is typical for closed-end private
equity, senior equity and senior debt funds, the Funds likely bear additional and greater expenses,
directly or indirectly, than many other pooled investment products, such as mutual funds.
Brokerage fees may be incurred in accordance with the practices set forth in “Brokerage Practices.”
From time to time, the Funds may form and fund “platform” companies, where a Fund
forms a portfolio company and recruits a management team to build the portfolio company through
acquisitions and organic growth. Typically after recruiting and partnering with a management team
to lead a new portfolio company, the Fund will commit start-up capital to fund the operations of
the portfolio company which includes the overhead of the management team and any diligence
and related expenses incurred in pursuing acquisition opportunities.
In certain circumstances, one Fund may pay an expense common to multiple Funds
(including without limitation legal expenses for a transaction in which all such Funds participate,
or other fees or expenses in connection with services the benefit of which are received by other
Funds over time), and be reimbursed by the other Funds by their share of such expense, without
interest. The Advisers may also advance amounts related to the foregoing and receive
reimbursement from the Funds to which such expenses relate.
In addition to the Co-Investment Funds, the Advisers may permit certain investors to co-
invest in portfolio companies alongside one or more Funds. Each of the Co-Investment Funds
generally bears, and any other co-invest vehicle formed generally will bear, expenses related to its
formation and operation, many of which are similar in nature to those borne by the primary Funds.
A General Partner may employ a subscription facility maintained by one or more Funds to provide
interim financing in connection with the acquisition of a portfolio company by such Fund or other
Funds (including Co-Investment Funds) and, in such situations, each of the participating Funds
bears their pro rata share of any interest or other charges in connection therewith. In the event that
a transaction in which a co-investment was planned, including a transaction for which a co-
investment was believed necessary in order to consummate such transaction or would otherwise
be beneficial, in the judgment of the General Partner, ultimately is not consummated, all expenses
relating to such proposed transaction will be borne by the Fund(s), and not by any potential co-
investors, that were to have participated in such transaction. However, to the extent that such co-
investors have already invested in a co-invest or other vehicle in connection with such transaction,
such as the Co-Investment Funds, such vehicle bears its share of such expenses.
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As described under “Fees and Compensation,” the relevant General Partner generally
receives a carried interest allocation on realized profits in the Funds. Except for certain Co-
Investment Funds, which are designed to invest alongside the Funds, the Single Investment Funds,
which hold investment interests beneath the Funds and the Feeder Fund, subject to any limitations
in the applicable Fund Documents, the Advisers currently advise only Funds that are charged a
performance-based fee. Because the Co-Investment Funds generally invest
pro rata alongside the
Funds, the Management Company believes that no conflict of interest arises through side-by-side
management of Funds that pay carried interest and Co-Investment Funds that do not. Furthermore,
the Advisers do not make investment allocation decisions based on the likelihood of receiving a
performance-based fee from a particular Fund.
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The Management Company provides investment advice to Private Investment Funds,
which may include investment partnerships or other investment entities formed under domestic or
non-U.S. laws and operated as exempt investment pools under the U.S. Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). The investors participating in Private
Investment Funds may include individuals, banks or thrift institutions, university endowments,
family offices, insurance companies, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates or charitable
organizations, sovereign wealth vehicles, corporations or other business entities or other
investment entities, and may include, directly or indirectly, principals or other employees of the
Management Company and its affiliates or service providers to the Management Company or the
Private Investment Funds (e.g., legal service providers).
The Private Investment Funds may include alternative investment vehicles established
from time to time in order to permit one or more investors to participate in one or more particular
investment opportunities in a manner desirable for tax, regulatory or other reasons. Alternative
investment vehicle sponsors generally have limited discretion to invest the assets of these vehicles
independent of limitations or other procedures set forth in the organizational documents of such
vehicles and the related Private Investment Fund.
Other than the Co-Investment Funds, the Single Investment Funds and the Feeder Fund,
each Private Investment Fund generally has a minimum investment amount ranging from $5 to
$10 million for third-party investors. In most circumstances, investors in the Funds must meet
certain suitability and net worth qualifications prior to making an investment in the Funds.
Generally, investors must be (i) “accredited investors” as defined under Regulation D of the U.S.
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and (ii) in the case of Funds formed more
recently, either “qualified purchasers” or “knowledgeable employees” as defined under the
Investment Company Act. The Advisers may waive such minimum investment amounts and
qualification requirements.
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General The Management Company provides day-to-day investment advisory services to the
Funds, subject to the supervision of the applicable General Partner. The applicable General Partner
has ultimate decision-making authority for each Fund. Since the Advisers have common owners
and personnel, the Advisers’ general investment methodology is described below. Investors should
refer to the applicable Fund Documents for further information regarding investment strategies
employed for a specific Fund.
There can be no assurance that the Advisers will achieve the investment objectives of each
Fund and a loss of investment may be possible.
Investment Strategy and Process The Management Company invests the Private Investment Funds primarily in media,
communication, information and business services companies and related businesses and
industries (collectively, the “Sector”), including the following sub-sectors.
Advertising Services
Broadband / Data Services
Business-to-Business Media
Business-to-Consumer Media
Business Services
Cable Television
Communication Services
Content Distribution
Data Centers
Digital Media
Entertainment
Healthcare Services
Information Security
Information Services
Insurance Services
Internet Services
Marketing Services
Mobile Communications
Motion Picture and
Television
Movie Exhibition
Radio Broadcasting
Satellite Services
Security Monitoring
Software
Telecom Services
Television Broadcasting
Transaction Processing
In each case, the Private Investment Funds may selectively invest outside the Sector when
the Management Company believes it identifies attractive opportunities.
Equity Funds
The Equity Funds follow a consistent thesis-based approach in which the subsectors are
regularly evaluated for their relative attractiveness or lack thereof. Attributes that can move
subsectors into or out of the “high priority” category include regulatory or technological change,
growth prospects, number of opportunities, competitive dynamics, valuation and long-term
operating characteristics, among others. Once a particular subsector has been characterized as
attractive, a dedicated team of Management Company professionals is charged with further
analyzing the prospects and identifying investment opportunities. This work typically entails
interviewing management teams, bankers, brokers, accountants, lawyers and others specializing
in the particular subsector.
The Equity Funds pursue a range of transaction types, including acquisitions, growth
investments, consolidation strategies, cost reductions and turnarounds, and will generally take
controlling positions in portfolio companies in order to exert what it views as the requisite level of
influence over the Fund’s investments. The Equity Funds generally will invest in portfolio
companies with a three-to-seven year investment horizon and individual investments at sizes of
more than $50 million to $200 million.
Senior Equity Funds
The Senior Equity Funds invest primarily in senior equity securities issued by companies
in the Sector. The Senior Equity Funds intend to invest in a diversified portfolio of companies
identified and evaluated by senior professionals at ABRY, including those that are exclusively
dedicated to the Senior Equity Funds.
The Management Company generally causes the Senior Equity Funds to structure
investments to be senior in liquidation preference to a significant amount of underlying common
equity value. In addition, these investments generally are structured with rights, controls and
protective covenants. The Senior Equity Funds expect investments to primarily range in size from
$20 million to $75 million and will typically structure investments as preferred stock with
warrants, but it may also invest in subordinated debt with warrants, common stock offered in
conjunction with senior equity securities, convertible securities and, in limited circumstances, in
publicly-traded subordinated debt securities. The Senior Equity Funds will have the ability, but
not the obligation, to make senior equity investments in many of the transactions sponsored by the
Equity Funds and the Senior Debt Funds.
Senior Debt Funds
The Senior Debt Funds invest primarily in senior debt securities issues by companies in
the Sector. The Senior Debt Funds generally invest in a diversified portfolio of debt securities
identified and evaluated by senior professionals at ABRY, including those that are exclusively
dedicated to the Senior Debt Funds. The Senior Debt Funds’ investments generally consist of loans
held indirectly through the use of TRS with one or more banks, financial institutions or other
parties believed to be creditworthy, but other means through which to make such investments may
be considered from time to time where the Management Company believes the approach may
provide similar access to leverage and preservation of capital. In addition, the Senior Debt Funds
will typically acquire investments with a view to holding the loans to their maturity or earlier
redemption at par, but also employ a limited portion of available capital to gain exposure to more
short-term investments.
The Senior Debt Funds will have the ability, but not the obligation, to make senior debt
investments in some of the transactions sponsored by the Equity Funds and the Senior Equity
Funds. The Senior Debt Funds seek to create a diversified portfolio comprising over 100
companies across multiple sub-sectors and acquired over three-plus years to capture vintage
diversification.
Heritage Funds
The Heritage Funds primarily pursue buyouts and growth equity investments in the Sector
that are neither appropriate investments for ABRY’s private equity funds due to initial equity
commitment size nor ABRY’s Senior Equity Funds due to investment strategy or structure. The
Heritage Funds invest in a diversified portfolio of companies identified and evaluated by
investment professionals at ABRY and generally take controlling positions in order to exert what
they view as the requisite level of influence over such portfolio companies. While investment
strategy and investment objective of certain Private Investment Funds is broadly similar to the
investment strategy and investment objective of the Heritage Funds, the Heritage Funds focus on
smaller investments (i.e., up to $50 million in initial equity commitments) in portfolio companies
in the Sector, compared with certain other Private Investment Funds which generally focus on
investments with initial equity commitments in portfolio companies in the Sector in excess of $50
million in initial equity commitments (although the Heritage Funds may acquire portfolio
companies, each of which is less than $50 million but when combined equals more than $50
million). The Heritage Funds will typically hold an investment over a three- to seven-year period
in order to provide time to implement the Fund’s investment strategy.
Risks of Investment Each Fund and its investors bear the risk of loss that the Advisers’ investment strategy
entails. Although the following risk factors are generally applicable to the Advisers’ Funds,
investors should also refer to each Fund’s private placement memoranda for risk factors specific
to their Fund. The risks involved with the Advisers’ investment strategy and an investment in the
Funds include, but are not limited to:
Business Risks. A Fund’s investment portfolio consists primarily of securities issued
primarily by privately held companies, and operating results in a specified period will be difficult
to predict. Such investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in
substantial losses. An investment in a Fund should only be considered by persons who can afford
a loss of their entire investment in such Fund.
No Assurance of Investment Return. The task of identifying investment opportunities and
managing such investments is difficult. Many organizations operated by persons of competence
and integrity have been unable to make such investments successfully. There is no assurance that
a Fund’s investment objectives will be attained or that the value of the investments will not decline
or that there will be any return of capital.
Availability of, and Competition for, Investment Opportunities. The business of identifying,
structuring and completing private equity, senior equity and senior debt investments is highly
competitive and involves a high degree of uncertainty. The Principals have significant experience
in identifying and structuring various types of financing transactions, including private equity and
mezzanine financings, on behalf of the Funds, but the availability of investment opportunities
generally is subject to many factors outside of their control, such as prevailing market conditions,
as well as the regulatory and political climate. A Fund competes for investment opportunities with
a number of other sources of capital with similar investment objectives, including other private
investment funds, financial institutions and other institutional investors, some of whom have
greater capital and general partners who are more experienced in the private equity or senior debt
financing areas. Additional funds with similar investment objectives may be formed subsequent to
the formation of a Fund by other unrelated parties who similarly may have more relevant
experience, greater financial resources, a greater willingness to take on risk and more personnel
than such Fund. A Fund may also incur significant expenses identifying, investigating and
attempting to make potential investments that are ultimately not consummated. Moreover, a
Fund’s beliefs regarding the availability of investment opportunities for such Fund are based in
part on assumptions regarding the amount of financing that will be available, such Fund’s ability
to participate in such investments and other market, economic and related assumptions, some or
all of which may not materialize as expected. There may be relatively few attractive investment
opportunities at certain times during a Fund’s investment period and there can be no assurance that
such Fund will succeed in obtaining a sufficient number of such investment opportunities, that an
investment ultimately acquired by a Fund will achieve its return objectives or that a Fund will be
able to invest all its available capital. However, limited partners are required to pay annual
management fees during its active investment period based on the entire amount of their
Commitments.
Illiquidity; Lack of Current Distributions. An investment in a Fund should be viewed as
illiquid. It is uncertain as to when profits, if any, will be realized. Losses on unsuccessful
investments may be realized before gains on successful investments are realized. The return of
capital and the realization of gains, if any, generally will occur only upon the partial or complete
disposition of an investment. While an investment may be sold at any time, it is generally expected
that this will not occur for a number of years after the initial investment. Thus, there may be a
number of years when the only income from a Fund is dividend and interest income from its
investments. Such income may not be significant and operating expenses may exceed income
during that period. Before such time, there may be no current return on the investment.
Furthermore, the expenses of operating a Fund (including the annual management fee payable to
a General Partner) may exceed its income, thereby requiring that the difference be paid from a
Fund’s capital, including, without limitation, unfunded Commitments. In addition, there can be no
assurance that a Fund will have sufficient cash flow to permit it to make annual distributions in
the amounts necessary for its investors to pay all tax liabilities resulting from such investors’
ownership of limited partnership interests in such Fund.
Risks of Realization and Lack of Liquidity of Investments. A Fund generally invests in
private companies, the securities of which are not publicly-traded. Unless such a company
subsequently succeeds in obtaining approval from the relevant authorities to list its securities on a
recognized exchange, this avenue to liquidity will not be available to a Fund. Even if the company
completes an initial public offering, certain classes of securities held by a Fund may never become
publicly tradable. Consequently, a Fund must then rely on other means to achieve liquidity. In
addition, a Fund may be precluded from selling any shares of a publicly-traded security for some
time after an initial public offering. Given the nature of the investments contemplated by a Fund,
there is a significant risk that a Fund will be unable to realize its investment objectives by sale or
other disposition at attractive prices or otherwise will be unable to complete any exit strategy. In
particular, these risks could arise from changes in the financial condition or prospects of the
companies in which a Fund’s investments are made, changes in national or international economic
or political conditions (including acts of war, terrorism or other calamity or crisis), adverse
conditions in national or global financial or capital markets, or changes in laws, regulations, fiscal
policies or political conditions of countries in which investments are made.
Prior Investment Results. The prior investment results and returns of a Fund, or any other
Private Investment Fund, are not necessarily indicative of such Fund’s potential investment results.
Such investments (at least in part) were made by vehicles pursuing investments at different stages
of capital structures and/or across different stages of the economic cycle. The nature of, and risks
associated with, a Fund’s investments may differ substantially from those investments and
strategies undertaken historically on behalf of such other Private Investment Funds. In some
instances, return rates targeted by a Fund for its investments will be less than the historical results.
While the General Partners intend for the Funds to make investments that have estimated returns
commensurate with risks undertaken, there can be no assurance that a Fund’s future investments
will perform as well as the past investments managed by the Management Company, or that any
targeted internal rate of return will be achieved. On any given investment or on all investments,
loss of principal is possible.
Investment in Junior Securities. For certain of the Funds (and particularly the Equity
Funds), the securities in which such Fund invests may be among the most junior in a portfolio
company’s capital structure and, thus, subject to the greatest risk of loss. Generally, there will be
no collateral to protect a Fund’s investment once made.
Lack of Unilateral Control. Even if a Fund is the majority investor or controlling
shareholder, as applicable, of a portfolio company, in certain circumstances it may not have
unilateral control of the portfolio company. To the extent the Fund invests alongside third parties,
such as institutional co-investors or private equity funds of other sponsors, or makes a minority
investment, the relevant portfolio companies may be controlled or influenced by persons who have
economic or business interests, investment or operational goals, tax strategies or other
considerations that differ from or are inconsistent with those of the Funds or their limited partners.
Such third parties may be in a position to take action contrary to the Fund’s business, tax or other
interests, and the Fund may not be in a position to limit such contrary actions or otherwise protect
the value of its investment.
Reliance on the General Partner and Portfolio Company Management. Control over the
operation of a Fund is vested with the General Partner, and a Fund’s future profitability depends
largely upon the business and investment acumen of the Principals. The loss or reduction of service
of one or more of the Principals could have an adverse effect on a Fund’s ability to realize its
investment objectives. In addition, the Principals currently, and may in the future, manage other
investment funds besides the Fund and the Principals may need to devote substantial amounts of
their time to the investment activities of such other funds, which may pose conflicts of interest in
the allocation of the time of the Principals. Limited partners generally have no right or power to
take part in the management of a Fund, and as a result, the investment performance of a Fund
depends on the actions of its General Partner. In addition, certain changes in the General Partner
or circumstances relating to the General Partner may have an adverse effect on the Funds or one
or more of their portfolio companies. Although a General Partner monitors the performance of
each of its Fund’s investments, it is primarily the responsibility of each portfolio company’s
management team to operate such portfolio company on a day-to-day basis. Although the Funds
generally intend to invest in companies with strong management or recruit strong management to
such companies, there can be no assurance that the management of such companies will be able or
willing to successfully operate a company in accordance with a Fund’s objectives. There can be
no assurance that the management team of a portfolio company on the date a portfolio investment
is made will remain the same or continue to be affiliated with the portfolio company throughout
the period the portfolio investment is held. Additionally, portfolio companies will need to attract,
retain, and develop executives and members of their management teams. The market for executive
talent is, notwithstanding general unemployment levels or developments within a particular
industry, extremely competitive. There can be no assurance that portfolio companies will be able
to attract, develop, integrate or retain suitable members of their management teams and, as a result,
a Fund and its investments may be adversely affected.
Leveraged Investments. A Fund may make use of leverage by having a portfolio company
incur debt to finance a portion of its investment in such portfolio company, including in respect of
portfolio companies not rated by credit agencies or through investment structures such as TRS.
Leverage generally magnifies both a Fund’s opportunities for gain and its risk of loss from a
particular investment. The cost and availability of TRS, and leverage generally, is highly
dependent on the state of the broader credit markets (and such credit markets may be impacted by
regulatory restrictions and guidelines), which state is difficult to accurately forecast, and at times
it may be difficult to obtain or maintain the desired degree of leverage. The use of leverage also
imposes restrictive financial and operating covenants on a portfolio company, in addition to the
burden of debt service, and may impair its ability to operate its business as desired and/or finance
future operations and capital needs. The leveraged capital structure of companies increases the
exposure of a Fund’s investments to any deterioration in a portfolio company’s condition or
industry, competitive pressures, an adverse economic environment or rising interest rates and
could accelerate and magnify declines in the value of a Fund’s investments in the leveraged
portfolio companies in a down market. In the event any portfolio company cannot generate
adequate cash flow to meet its debt service, a Fund may suffer a partial or total loss of capital
invested in the portfolio company, which could adversely affect the returns of such Fund.
Furthermore, should the credit markets be limited or costly at the time a Fund determines that it is
desirable to sell all or a part of a portfolio company, a Fund may not achieve an exit multiple or
enterprise valuation consistent with its forecasts. Moreover, the companies in which a Fund invests
generally will not be rated by a credit rating agency. Leverage may also be utilized by the Senior
Debt Funds, as described more fully below.
Fund Leverage. A Fund may make use of leverage by incurring debt to finance pending
capital contributions or to meet certain obligations of the Fund, and the Funds generally have the
authority to pledge assets and unfunded capital contributions to support such leverage. The use of
such leverage involves a high degree of financial risk. The extent to which a Fund uses leverage
may have important consequences to investors, including, but not limited to, the following: (i)
greater fluctuations in the net assets of the Fund, (ii) use of cash flow (including capital
contributions) for debt service and related costs and expenses, rather than for additional
investments, distributions, or other purposes, (iii) to the extent that Fund revenues are used to make
principal payments, investors may be allocated income (and therefore incur tax liability) in excess
of cash available for distribution, (iv) in certain circumstances a Fund may be required to
prematurely harvest investments to service its debt obligations and (v) limitations on the flexibility
of a Fund to make distributions to investors or sell assets that are pledged to secure the
indebtedness. There can also be no assurance that a Fund will have sufficient cash flow to meet its
debt service obligations. As a result, a Fund’s exposure to losses may be increased due to the
illiquidity of its investments generally. In addition, there can be no assurance that a Fund will be
able to obtain indebtedness on terms available to any predecessor fund or to competitors, including
terms that may be currently available in the market, or that indebtedness will be accessible by a
Fund at any time, and to the extent that it is available there can be no assurance that such
indebtedness will be on terms favorable to such Fund, including with respect to interest rates, or
that such indebtedness will remain available throughout the term of such Fund. The cost and
availability of leverage is highly dependent on the state of the broader credit markets, which state
is difficult to accurately forecast. During times when credit markets are tight, it may be difficult to
obtain or maintain the desired degree of leverage. A Fund may guaranty indebtedness (such as a
guaranty of a portfolio company’s debt) or otherwise be liable therefor, and in such situations, it
is not expected that such Fund would be compensated for providing such guaranty or exposure to
such liability. While Fund-level borrowings generally will be interim in nature, asset-level
leverage generally will not be subject to any limitations regarding the amount of time such leverage
may remain outstanding.
Subscription Lines. A Fund may enter into a subscription line with one or more lenders in
order to finance its operations (including the acquisition of the Fund’s investments). Fund-level
borrowing subjects limited partners to certain risks and costs. For example, because amounts
borrowed under a subscription line typically are secured by pledges of the relevant General
Partner’s right to call capital from the limited partners, limited partners may be obligated to
contribute capital on an accelerated basis if the Fund fails to repay the amounts borrowed under a
subscription line or experiences an event of default thereunder. Moreover, any limited partner
claim against the Fund would likely be subordinate to the Fund’s obligations to a subscription
line’s creditors.
In addition, Fund-level borrowing will result in incremental partnership expenses that will
be borne by investors. These expenses typically include interest on the amounts borrowed, unused
commitment fees on the committed but unfunded portion of a subscription line, an upfront fee for
establishing a subscription line, and other one-time and recurring fees and/or expenses, as well as
legal fees relating to the establishment and negotiation of the terms of the borrowing facility.
Because a subscription line’s interest rate is based in part on the creditworthiness of the relevant
Fund’s limited partners and the terms of the Fund Documents, it may be higher than the interest
rate a limited partner could obtain individually. To the extent a particular limited partner’s cost of
capital is lower than the Fund’s cost of borrowing, Fund-level borrowing can negatively impact a
limited partner’s overall individual financial returns even if it increases the Fund’s reported net
returns in certain methods of calculation.
A credit agreement may contain other terms that restrict the activities of a Fund and the
limited partners or impose additional obligations on them. For example, a subscription line may
impose restrictions on the relevant General Partner’s ability to consent to the transfer of a limited
partner’s interest in the Fund. In addition, in order to secure a subscription line, the relevant
General Partner may request certain financial information and other documentation from limited
partners to share with lenders. The General Partner will have significant discretion in negotiating
the terms of any subscription line and may agree to terms that are not the most favorable to one or
more limited partners.
Fund-level borrowing involves a number of additional risks. For example, drawing down
on a subscription line allows the General Partner to fund investments and pay partnership expenses
without calling capital, potentially for extended periods of time. Calling a large amount of capital
at once to repay the-then current amount outstanding under a subscription line could cause short-
term liquidity concerns for limited partners that would not arise had the relevant General Partner
called smaller amounts of capital incrementally over time as needed by a Fund. This risk would be
heightened for a limited partner with commitments to other funds that employ similar borrowing
strategies or with respect to other leveraged assets in its portfolio; a single market event could
trigger simultaneous capital calls, requiring the limited partner to meet the accumulated, larger
capital calls at the same time. A Fund may also utilize Fund-level borrowing when the General
Partner expects to repay the amount outstanding through means other than Limited Partner capital,
including as a bridge for equity or debt capital with respect to an investment. If the Fund ultimately
is unable to repay the borrowings through those other means, limited partners would end up with
increased exposure to the underlying investment, which could result in greater losses.
Control Person Liability; Risks of Non-Controlling Investments. The Equity Funds and
Senior Equity Funds are expected to have controlling interests in, or other control rights with
respect to, a number of its portfolio companies. The exercise of control over a company may
impose additional risks of liability for, among other things, environmental damage, product
defects, failure to supervise management, violation of governmental regulations (including
securities laws) or other types of liability in which the limited liability generally characteristic of
business ownership may be ignored. If these liabilities were to arise, a Fund might suffer a
significant loss. A Fund may have a more limited ability to protect its investments in companies
in which a controlling interest has not been obtained.
Limited Diversification and Impact of Regulation. A Fund is focused on investments in
securities issued by companies in the media, communications, information, and business services
industries and related companies, and in a limited number of companies within those industries.
As a result, a Fund’s investment portfolio is likely to be highly concentrated and its aggregate
return may be affected substantially by the performance of a few holdings or an industry sector. If
the overall state of those industries or specific subsectors or companies in which a Fund invests
performs poorly, such Fund may be adversely affected. Media, communications, information, and
business services industries and related companies are regulated by the U.S. Federal
Communications Commission (“FCC”) and other regulatory bodies. Although recent FCC rulings
have created attractive investment opportunities and fueled merger and acquisition activity within
the media industry, there is no assurance that future FCC regulations, or regulations established by
other regulatory bodies, will continue to be favorable to the media industry. Many of the companies
in which a Fund invests will be subject to regulation by the FCC and, in some cases, to other
government regulation in the United States and elsewhere. The products or services of such
companies are dependent upon obtaining regulatory clearances and approvals in various
jurisdictions. The process of obtaining these approvals can be lengthy, expensive and uncertain,
and there is no assurance that these approvals will be obtained. Failure to obtain these approvals
could have a significant adverse effect on a company’s performance or the ability of a Fund to
dispose of its investments in the company at an attractive time or price. Furthermore, to the extent
that the capital raised is less than the targeted amount, a Fund may invest in fewer companies and
thus be less diversified. Moreover, certain other industry segments in which a Fund may invest are
(or may become) (i) highly regulated at both the federal and state levels in the United States and
internationally and (ii) subject to frequent regulatory change. Certain segments may be highly
dependent upon various government (or private) reimbursement programs. While the Funds intend
to invest in companies that seek to comply with applicable laws and regulations, the laws and
regulations relating to certain industries are complex, may be ambiguous or may lack clear judicial
or regulatory interpretive guidance. An adverse review or determination by any applicable judicial
or regulatory authority of any such law or regulation, or an adverse change in applicable regulatory
requirements or reimbursement programs, could have a material adverse effect on the operations
and/or financial performance of the companies in which a Fund invests.
Projections. Following investment, in many cases, a Fund’s General Partner will rely on
the financial information made available by the companies in which such Fund invests. Such
General Partner generally will not have the ability to independently verify such financial
information, and generally will be dependent upon the integrity of both the management of these
companies and the financial reporting process in general. Material losses can occur as a result of
corporate mismanagement, fraud and accounting irregularities. Projected operating results of
companies in which the Funds invest normally will be based primarily on financial projections
prepared by each company’s management, with adjustments to such projections made by a Fund’s
General Partner in its discretion. In all cases, projections are only estimates of future results that
are based upon information received from the company and third parties and assumptions made at
the time the projections are developed. There can be no assurance that the results set forth in the
projections will be attained, and actual results may be significantly different from the projections.
Also, general economic factors, which are not predictable, can have a material impact on the
reliability of projections.
Public Company Holdings. A Fund’s investment portfolio may contain securities issued by
publicly-held companies. Such investments may subject a Fund to risks that differ in type or degree
from those involved with investments in privately-held companies. Such risks include, without
limitation, greater volatility in the valuation of such companies, increased obligations to disclose
information regarding such companies, limitations on the ability of a Fund to dispose of such
securities at certain times, increased likelihood of shareholder litigation and insider trading
allegations against such companies’ executives and board members, including the Principals and
increased costs associated with each of the aforementioned risks.
Director Liability. The Equity Funds typically obtain, and the Senior Equity Funds will
generally seek to obtain, the right to appoint one or more representatives to the board of directors
(or similar governing body) of the companies in which they invest. Serving on the board of
directors (or similar governing body) of a portfolio company exposes a Fund’s representatives,
and ultimately such Fund, to potential liability. Not all portfolio companies may obtain insurance
with respect to such liability, and the insurance that portfolio companies do obtain may be
insufficient to adequately protect officers and directors from such liability. In addition,
involvement in litigation can be time consuming for such persons and can divert the attention of
such persons from the Fund’s investment activities.
Non-U.S. Investments. A Fund may invest, subject to certain limitations set forth in the
applicable Fund Documents, in companies that are organized, headquartered or have substantial
sales or operations outside of the United States, its territories, and possessions. Such investments
may be subject to certain additional risk due to, among other things, potentially unsettled points of
applicable governing law, the risks associated with fluctuating currency exchange rates, capital
repatriation regulations (as such regulations may be given effect during the term of a Fund), the
application of complex U.S. and non-U.S. tax rules to cross-border investments, possible
imposition of non-U.S. taxes on a Fund and/or their Partners with respect to a Fund’s income, and
possible non-U.S. tax return filing requirements for a Fund and/or their Partners. Additional risks
of non-U.S. investments include: (a) economic dislocations in the host country; (b) less publicly
available information, (c) less well-developed regulatory institutions; (d) less extensive regulation
of the securities markets; (e) longer settlement periods for securities transactions; (f) less
developed corporate laws regarding fiduciary duties and the protection of investors; (g) less
reliable and/or more restrictive laws, regulations, regulatory institutions and judicial systems; (h)
greater difficulty of enforcing legal rights in a non-U.S. jurisdiction; (i) civil disturbances and
social, economic and political uncertainty, including war and evolution; (j) governmental
instability, crime, corruption, terrorism and political unrest; (k) nationalization and expropriation
of private assets or confiscatory taxation; (l) governmental involvement in and control over
economies; (m) governmental decisions to discontinue support of economic reform programs
generally and impose centrally planned economies; (n) dependence on exports and the
corresponding importance of international trade; (o) differences between U.S. and non-U.S.
markets, including price fluctuations, market volatility, less liquidity and smaller capitalization of
securities markets; (p) currency exchange rate fluctuations; (q) rates of inflation; (r) controls on,
and changes in controls on, foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital
and on a Fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (s) differences in auditing
and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those that apply to
U.S. companies, that may result in the unavailability of material information about issuers; (t)
certain considerations regarding the maintenance of a Fund’s portfolio securities and cash with
non-U.S. sub-custodians and securities depositories; (u) the possible imposition of non-U.S. taxes
on income and gains recognized with respect to such non-U.S. investments; (v) restrictions and
prohibitions on ownership of property by foreign entities and changes in laws relating thereto and
(w) additional administrative burdens as a result of local legal requirements. Moreover, non-U.S.
companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards,
practices and requirements comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies. A Fund may be
adversely affected by the foregoing factors, or by future adverse developments in global or regional
economic conditions or in the financial or credit markets. Additionally, because the effectiveness
of the judicial systems in the countries in which a Fund may invest varies, a Fund (or any portfolio
company) may have difficulty in foreclosing or successfully pursuing claims in the courts of such
countries, as compared to the United States or other countries. Further, to the extent a Fund or a
portfolio company may obtain a judgment but is required to seek its enforcement in the courts of
one of the countries in which such Fund invests, there can be no assurance that such courts will
enforce such judgment. The laws of many nations often lack the sophistication and consistency
found in the United States with respect to foreclosure, bankruptcy, corporate reorganization and
creditors’ rights.
Reliance on Corporate Management and Financial Reporting. Following investment, in
many cases, a General Partner relies on the financial information made available by the companies
in which its Fund invests. A General Partner generally does not have the ability to independently
verify such financial information, and generally is dependent upon the integrity of both the
management of these companies and the financial reporting process in general. Material losses can
occur as a result of corporate mismanagement, fraud and accounting irregularities. Projected
operating results of a company in which a Fund invests normally will be based primarily on
financial projections prepared by such company’s management, with adjustments to such
projections made by such Fund’s General Partner in its discretion. In all cases, projections are only
estimates of future results that are based upon information received from the company and
assumptions made at the time the projections are developed. There can be no assurance that the
results set forth in the projections will be attained, and actual results may be significantly different
from the projections. Also, general economic factors, which are not predictable, can have a
material effect on the reliability of projections.
Dilution. Limited partners admitted to a Fund at subsequent closings participate in then-
existing investments of such Fund, thereby diluting the interest of existing limited partners in such
investments. Although any such new limited partner is required to contribute its pro rata share of
previously made capital contributions, there can be no assurance that this contribution reflected
the fair value of a Fund’s existing investments at the time of such contributions.
Need for Follow-On Investments. Following its initial investment in the securities of a
company, a Fund may decide to make additional investments in such securities or otherwise
increase its exposure to the securities of such company. There is no assurance that a Fund will
make follow on investments or that a Fund will have sufficient funds to make all or any of such
investments. Any decision by a Fund not to make follow on investments or its inability to make
such investments may have a substantial negative effect on a company in need of such an
investment. Additionally, such failure to make such investments may result in a lost opportunity
for a Fund to increase its participation in a successful company or the dilution of a Fund’s
ownership in a company if a third party invests in such company. In addition, certain of a Fund’s
portfolio investments, particularly those in “platform” phase, may need additional capital to sustain
their working capital needs and/or acquisition strategies. The amount of such additional capital
needed will depend upon the maturity and objectives of the particular portfolio company. Each
such round of financing (whether from a Fund or other investors) is typically intended to provide
a portfolio company with enough capital to reach the next major corporate milestone. If the funds
provided by a Fund are not sufficient, or if a Fund is unable to provide additional capital, a portfolio
company may have to raise further capital at a price unfavorable to existing investors, including
such Fund. To the extent a portfolio company in which a Fund invested receives additional funding
in subsequent financings and such Fund does not participate in such additional financing rounds,
the interests of such Fund in such portfolio company would be diluted.
Recourse to the Fund’s Assets. A Fund’s assets, including any investments and any funds
held by a Fund, are available to satisfy all liabilities and other obligations of such Fund. If a Fund
becomes subject to a liability, parties seeking to have the liability satisfied may have recourse to
such Fund’s assets generally and may not be limited to the particular investment giving rise to the
liability.
Withholding and Other Taxes. Each General Partner intends to structure its Fund’s
investments in a manner that is intended to achieve such Fund’s investment objectives. There can
be no assurance, however, that the structure of any investment will be tax efficient for any
particular investor or that any particular tax result will be achieved. Also, tax reporting
requirements may be imposed on investors under the laws of the jurisdictions in which investors
are liable to taxation or in which a Fund makes portfolio investments. Prospective investors should
consult their own professional advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of an
investment in a Fund under the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are liable to taxation.
Furthermore, a Fund’s returns in respect of its investments may be reduced by withholding or other
taxes imposed by jurisdictions in which a Fund’s companies are organized. In addition, certain of
a Fund’s portfolio investments may be issued with “original issue discount” or may result in the
receipt of ordinary dividend income without a corresponding receipt of cash or property.
Moreover, a Fund may be permitted (but not required) to reinvest, rather than distribute, income
and proceeds during such Fund’s investment period, subject to the terms of such Fund’s
Partnership Agreement. Consequently, an investor’s share of taxable income of a Fund for a
particular period (and possibly the income tax payable with respect to that income) may exceed
the cash or other property distributed by the Fund to such investor in respect of that period.
Inside Information; Other Regulatory Restrictions. From time to time a General Partner or
its affiliates may be in possession of material, nonpublic information concerning the issuer of
securities in which a Fund has invested, or in which it intends to invest. The possession of such
information may limit the ability of a Fund to buy or sell such securities even if such information
was obtained in the context of the investment activities of other Private Investment Funds.
Consequently, a Fund may be restricted from initiating a transaction or selling an investment
which, if such information had not been known to it, may have been undertaken on account of
applicable securities laws or such Fund’s internal policies. Accordingly, a Fund may be required
to refrain from buying or selling such securities or other instruments at times when a General
Partner might otherwise wish such Fund to buy or sell such securities or other instruments.
Similarly, anti-money laundering, anti-boycott and economic and trade sanction laws and
regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions may prevent ABRY or the Funds from
entering into transactions with certain individuals or jurisdictions. The United States Department
of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and other governmental bodies
administer and enforce laws, regulations and other pronouncements that establish economic and
trade sanctions on behalf of the United States. Among other things, these sanctions may prohibit
transactions with or the provision of services to, certain individuals or portfolio companies owned
or operated by such persons, or located in jurisdictions identified from time to time by OFAC.
Additionally, antitrust laws in the United States and other jurisdictions give broad discretion to the
U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the United States Department of Justice and other U.S. and non-
U.S. regulators and governmental bodies to challenge, impose conditions on, or reject certain
transactions. In certain circumstances, antitrust restrictions relating to one Fund’s acquisition of a
portfolio company may preclude other Funds from making an attractive acquisition or require one
or more other Funds to sell all or a portion of certain portfolio companies owned by them.
As a result of any of the foregoing, a Fund may be adversely affected because of ABRY’s
inability or unwillingness to participate in transactions that may violate such laws or regulations,
or by remedies imposed by any regulators or governmental bodies. Any such laws or regulations
may make it difficult or may prevent a Fund from pursuing investment opportunities, require the
sale of part or all of certain portfolio companies on a timeline or in a manner deemed undesirable
by ABRY or may limit the ability of one or more portfolio companies from conducting their
intended business in whole or in part. Consequently, there can be no assurance that any Fund will
be able to participate in all potential investment opportunities that fall within its investment
objectives.
Absence of Statutory Regulation. The Funds are not registered under the Investment
Company Act. Absent regulation, the protections offered by the Investment Company Act will not
be available to the Partners or a Fund.
Enhanced Scrutiny and Certain Effects of Potential Regulatory Changes. There has
recently been significant discussion regarding enhanced governmental scrutiny and increased
regulation of the private funds industry. There can be no assurance that any such scrutiny or
regulation will not have an adverse impact on a Fund’s activities, including the ability of such
Fund to execute its investment strategy or achieve its investment objectives. The combination of
recent scrutiny of private funds firms (along with other alternative asset managers) and their
investments by various politicians, regulators and market commentators, and the public perception
that certain alternative asset managers, including private funds firms, contributed to the recent
downturn in the U.S. and global financial markets, may complicate or prevent a Fund’s efforts to
consummate investments, both in general and relative to competing bidders outside of the
alternative asset space. As a result, a Fund may invest in fewer transactions or incur greater
expenses or delays in completing investments than it otherwise would have.
Additionally, Congress has recently considered proposed legislation that would treat
certain income allocations to service providers by partnerships such as a Fund (including any
carried interest) as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes that under current law is
treated as an allocation of a Fund’s income, which may be taxed at lower rates than ordinary
income. Enactment of any such legislation, whether during or after the initial closing of a Fund,
could adversely affect the Principals, employees or other individuals associated with a Fund or a
General Partner who were or may in the future be granted direct or indirect interests in a General
Partner entitling such persons to benefit from an carried interest. This may reduce such persons’
after-tax returns from a Fund and a General Partner, which could make it more difficult for such
General Partner and its affiliates to incentivize, attract and retain individuals to perform services
for such Fund.
Uncertain Economic, Social and Political Environment. Consumer, corporate and financial
confidence may be adversely affected by current or future tensions around the world, fear of
terrorist activity and/or military conflicts, localized or global financial crises or other sources of
political, social or economic unrest. Such erosion of confidence may lead to or extend a localized
or global economic downturn. A climate of uncertainty may reduce the availability of potential
investment opportunities, and increases the difficulty of modeling market conditions, potentially
reducing the accuracy of financial projections. In addition, limited availability of credit for
consumers, homeowners and businesses, including credit used to acquire businesses, in an
uncertain environment or economic downturn may have an adverse effect on the economy
generally and on the ability of a Fund and its portfolio companies to execute their respective
strategies and to receive an attractive multiple of earnings on the disposition of businesses. This
may slow the rate of future investments by a Fund and result in longer holding periods for
investments. Furthermore, such uncertainty or general economic downturn may have an adverse
effect upon a Fund’s portfolio companies.
Market Conditions. The capital markets have experienced great volatility and financial
turmoil. Moreover, governmental measures undertaken in response to such turmoil (whether
regulatory or financial in nature) may have a negative effect on market conditions. General
fluctuations in the market prices of securities and economic conditions generally may reduce the
availability of attractive investment opportunities for a Fund and may affect a Fund’s ability to
make investments. Instability in the securities markets and economic conditions generally
(including a slow-down in economic growth and/or changes in interest rates or foreign exchange
rates) may also increase the risks inherent in a Fund’s investments and could have a negative
impact on the performance and/or valuation of portfolio companies. A Fund’s performance can be
affected by deterioration in the capital markets and by market events, such as the onset of the credit
crisis in the summer of 2007 or the downgrading of the credit rating of the United States in 2011,
which, among other things, can impact the public market comparable earnings multiples used to
value privately held portfolio companies and investors’ risk-free rate of return. Movements in
foreign exchange rates may adversely affect the value of investments in portfolio companies and
a Fund’s performance. Volatility and illiquidity in the financial sector may have an adverse effect
on the ability of a Fund to sell and/or partially dispose of its portfolio company investments. Such
adverse effects may include the requirement of a Fund to pay break-up, termination or other fees
and expenses in the event a Fund is not able to close a transaction (whether due to the lenders’
unwillingness to provide previously committed financing or otherwise) and/or the inability of a
Fund to dispose of investments at prices that the General Partner believes reflect the fair value of
such investments. The impact of market and other economic events may also affect a Fund’s ability
to raise funding to support its investment objective and also the level of profitability achieved on
realization of investments.
Credit Markets May Affect Ability to Finance and Consummate Investments. The
deterioration of the global credit markets in recent years made it more difficult for investment
funds such as a Fund to obtain favorable financing for investments. Continuation of such
conditions, which had consisted of, in part, a widening of credit spreads, coupled with the
deterioration of the sub-prime and global debt markets and a rise in interest rates, has reduced
investor demand for high yield debt, which in turn has led some investment banks and other lenders
to be unwilling to finance new investments or to only offer committed financing for these
investments on unattractive terms. A Fund’s ability to generate attractive investment returns may
be adversely affected to the extent such Fund is unable to obtain favorable financing terms for its
investments. Moreover, to the extent that such marketplace events continue, they may have an
adverse impact on the availability of credit to businesses generally and could lead to an overall
weakening of the U.S. and global economies. Such marketplace events also may restrict the ability
of a Fund to realize its investments at favorable times or for favorable prices.
General Partner’s Interest. The capital contribution of a General Partner represents only a
small portion of a Fund’s capital. Distributions of income and gains to limited partners may be
proportionally less than those corresponding to their aggregate capital commitments, and the
income and gains to a General Partner may be proportionally greater than those corresponding to
its capital commitment. The fact that a General Partner’s carried interest is based on a percentage
of net profits may create an incentive for such General Partner to cause its Fund to make riskier or
more speculative investments than otherwise would be the case.
Indemnification. A General Partner and certain related persons are entitled to
indemnification from a Fund, except under certain limited circumstances. Any money paid to a
General Partner or certain related persons will reduce amounts that would otherwise be payable to
the limited partners.
Transfer by General Partner. To the extent a General Partner, its partners and/or their
respective affiliates commit to make an investment in a Fund, a participation in or a portion of
such investment may thereafter be transferred to others, subject to certain limitations thereon in
the applicable Partnership Agreement.
Limited Transferability of Fund Interests. There is no public market for Fund interests, and
none is expected to develop. Each Fund investor will be required to represent that it is a qualified
investor under applicable securities laws and that it is acquiring its limited partnership interest in
a Fund for investment purposes and not with a view to resale or distribution. Further, each Fund
investor must represent that it will only sell or transfer its limited partnership interest in the
applicable Fund with the prior written consent from such Fund’s General Partner to a qualified
investor under applicable securities laws and in a manner permitted by the applicable Partnership
Agreement and consistent with those laws. There are substantial restrictions upon the
transferability of Fund interests under the applicable Partnership Agreements and applicable
securities laws. There are substantial restrictions upon the transferability of Fund interests under
the Partnership Agreement and applicable securities laws. In general, withdrawals of Fund
interests are not permitted. In addition, Fund interests are not redeemable. Consequently, Fund
investors may not be able to liquidate their investments prior to the end of a Fund’s life and must
be prepared to bear the risks of an investment in such Fund for an extended period of time.
Significant Adverse Consequences for Default. The Partnership Agreement provides for
significant adverse consequences in the event a limited partner defaults on its Commitment or any
other payment obligation. In addition to losing its right to potential distributions from a Fund, a
defaulting limited partner may be forced to transfer its interest in a Fund for an amount that is less
than the fair market value of such interest and that may be paid over a period of up to ten years,
without interest. If a Fund investor fails to pay when due installments of its commitment to a Fund,
and the contributions made by non-defaulting Fund investors and borrowings by such Fund are
inadequate to cover the defaulted capital contribution, such Fund may be unable to pay its
obligations when due. As a result, such Fund may be subjected to significant penalties that could
materially adversely affect the returns to the Fund investors (including non-defaulting Fund
investors).
U.S. Federal Commodities Regulation. The Funds may trade in instruments regulated by
the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), and in such event (unless
otherwise notified to limited partners) a General Partner and/or its affiliates intend to qualify for
an applicable exemption from registration with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”)
with respect to a Fund pursuant to an exemption under CFTC Regulation 4.13(a)(3), which
requires filing a notice of exemption with National Futures Association and renewing such filing
annually. Unlike a registered CPO, a General Partner of a Fund and/or such affiliates are not
required to deliver a CFTC-compliant disclosure document (as described in Part 4 of the CFTC’s
regulations) and a certified annual report to investors. Nonetheless, each relevant General Partner
does intend to provide investors with annual audited financial statements and the reports described
in the Partnership Agreement. A General Partner and/or its affiliates may pursue an alternative
exemption from CPO registration if 4.13(a)(3) becomes unavailable, or register with the CFTC as
a CPO.
In order to qualify for the exemption from CPO registration pursuant to CFTC Regulation
4.13(a)(3), (i) the relevant limited partner interests must be exempt from registration under the
Securities Act and not publicly marketed in the United States; (ii) with respect to the relevant
Fund’s positions in CFTC-regulated instruments either: (A) the aggregate initial margin and
related amounts required to establish such positions must not exceed 5% of the liquidation value
of the Fund’s portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any
such positions; or (B) the aggregate net notional value of such positions, determined at the time
the most recent position was established, must not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the
Fund’s portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such
positions; and (iii) the General Partner must reasonably believe, at the time of the investment, that
each participant in the Fund is either an “accredited investor,” as that term is defined in Regulation
D under the 1933 Act; a trust that is not an accredited investor but that was formed by an accredited
investor for the benefit of a family member; a “knowledgeable employee,” as defined in Rule 3c-
5 under the Investment Company Act; or a “qualified eligible person,” as that term is defined in
CFTC Regulation 4.7; and (iv) the interests must not be marketed as or in a vehicle for trading in
the commodity futures, commodity options, or swaps markets.
Cyber Security Breaches and Identity Theft. Cyber-attacks and other malicious Internet-
based activity continue to increase in frequency and magnitude. Techniques used to sabotage, or
to obtain unauthorized access to, systems or networks change frequently and generally are not
recognized until launched against a target. Therefore, companies, as well as their third-party
partners (including vendors and portfolio companies), may be unable to anticipate these
techniques, react in a timely manner, or implement adequate preventive measures. The Adviser
and its portfolio companies’ information and technology systems may be vulnerable to actual or
perceived damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and
telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage
errors by their respective professionals, power outages and catastrophic events such as fires,
tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Cyber-attacks may also take the form of socially-
engineered frauds, such as “phishing”. There have been reports of alleged Chinese and Russian
hacking attempts on American corporate intellectual property and the Adviser and its portfolio
companies may be at risk of cyber-attacks. Third parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce
employees, customers, third-party service provides or other users of the Adviser’s systems to
disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to the Adviser’s data or that of the Funds’
investors or portfolio companies. Companies and service providers have also been subject to
“ransomware” attacks. As further evidence of the increasing and potentially significant impact of
cyber security breaches, in 2016 and 2017, the U.S. government and several multinational
companies, including financial institutions and retailers, reported cyber security breaches affecting
their computer systems that resulted in the personal information of millions of citizens, customers
and employees being compromised.
Hedging Arrangements; Related Regulations. The General Partner may (but is not
obligated to) endeavor to manage the Fund’s or any portfolio company’s currency exposures,
interest rate exposures or other exposures, using hedging techniques where available and
appropriate. The Fund may incur costs related to such hedging arrangements, which may be
undertaken in excha
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The Management Company and its management persons have not been subject to any
material legal or disciplinary events required to be discussed in this Brochure.
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The Management Company is affiliated with the following entities, each of which is
subject to the Advisers Act pursuant to the Management Company’s registration: ABRY Partners
VII Co-Investment GP, LLC; ABRY VII Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY Partners VIII Co-
Investment GP, LLC; ABRY VIII Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY Partners VIII Co-Investment GP
(Cayman AIV), LLC; ABRY VIII Capital Partners (Cayman AIV), L.P.; ABRY IX Capital
Partners, L.P.; ABRY Partners IX Co-Investment GP, LLC; ABRY Senior Equity Investors IV,
L.P., ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment GP IV, LLC; ABRY ASF Investors III, L.P.; ABRY
ASF Investors IV, L.P.; ABRY Heritage Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY Heritage Partners Co-
Investment GP, LLC; ABRY Senior Equity Investors V, L.P.; ABRY Acquisition Manager, LLC;
ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment GP V, LLC; ABRY Heritage Partners Co-Investment GP
(Cayman AIV), LLC and ABRY Heritage Capital Partners (Cayman AIV), L.P.
The Management Company is also affiliated with ABRY Partners, LLC and the following
ABRY I Advisers registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act pursuant to ABRY Partners,
LLC’s registration in accordance with SEC guidance: ABRY Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY V
Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY VI Capital Partners, L.P.; ABRY Mezzanine Investors, L.P.; ABRY
Senior Equity Investors II, L.P.; ABRY Senior Equity Investors III, L.P.; ABRY ASF Investors,
L.P.; ABRY ASF Investors II, L.P.; ABRY Investment GP, LLC; ABRY Senior Equity Co-
Investment GP, LLC; and ABRY Senior Equity Co-Investment GP III, LLC. The Management
Company has an arrangement with ABRY Partners, LLC whereby the Management Company
provides employees and back offices services to ABRY Partners, LLC and its affiliated general
partners. The Management Company also shares office space with ABRY Partners, LLC. ABRY
Partners, LLC reimburses the Management Company for the services it provides. Additional
information regarding ABRY Partners, LLC may be found in its Form ADV.
The Management Company is also affiliated with ABRY UK Limited, an English limited
company organized under the laws of England and Wales (“ABRY UK”). ABRY UK provides
advice to the Management Company and its registered affiliates on behalf of both U.S. and non-
U.S. based clients. ABRY UK is not required to be registered under the Advisers Act, but operates
in compliance with certain related requirements and undertakings as prescribed by the SEC.
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TRADING The Advisers have adopted a Code of Ethics and Securities Trading Policy and Procedures
(the “Code”), which sets forth standards of conduct that are expected of Principals, investment
professionals and other employees and addresses conflicts that arise from personal trading. The
Code requires ABRY personnel to:
• report their personal securities transactions;
• pre-clear any proposed purchase of any initial public offering or limited offering;
and
• comply with the policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse
of, or trading upon, material non-public information.
A copy of the Code will be provided to any investor or prospective investor upon request
to ABRY’s Chief Compliance Officer at (617) 859-2959. The Code requires personal securities
transactions to be conducted in a manner that prioritizes the Funds’ (and any other client’s)
interests.
The Advisers and their affiliated persons may come into possession, from time to time, of
material nonpublic or other confidential information about public companies which, if disclosed,
might affect an investor’s decision to buy, sell or hold a security. Under applicable law, the
Advisers and their affiliated persons would be prohibited from improperly disclosing or using such
information for their personal benefit or for the benefit of any person, regardless of whether such
person is a client of the Advisers.
Accordingly, if the Advisers or any of their affiliated persons come into possession of
material nonpublic or other confidential information with respect to any public company, the
Advisers would be prohibited from communicating such information to the Funds (or any other
clients), and the Advisers will have no responsibility or liability for failing to disclose such
information to the Funds (or any other clients) as a result of following the Advisers’ policies and
procedures designed to comply with applicable law. Similar restrictions may be applicable as a
result of the Advisers’ personnel serving as directors of public companies and may restrict trading
on behalf of clients, including the Funds.
Principals and employees of the Management Company and its affiliates may directly or
indirectly own an interest in Private Investment Funds, including through a Co-Investment Fund.
To the extent that Co-Investment Funds exist, such vehicles may invest in one or more of the same
portfolio companies as the Funds, subject to any limitations set forth in the applicable Partnership
Agreements. Each General Partner, directly or indirectly through affiliates, typically commits
approximately 1-3% of aggregate commitments to each Fund.
Additionally, the Funds and other Private Investment Funds may invest together with other
private investment funds advised by an Adviser and/or its affiliates in the manner set forth in each
Fund’s Fund Documents and the Adviser’s Investment Allocations/Co-Investment Policies. In
general, unless otherwise provided for in a Private Investment Fund’s organizational documents,
(a) no investor in a Private Investment Fund has a right to participate in any co-investment
opportunity, (b) decisions regarding whether and to whom to offer co-investment opportunities are
made in the sole discretion of the Advisers or, in certain instances, in consultation with other
participants in the applicable transaction, (c) co-investment opportunities may be offered to some
and not other investors in Private Investment Funds in the sole discretion of the Advisers and (d)
certain persons other than investors in the Funds (e.g., third parties) will, from time to time, be
offered co-investment opportunities in the sole discretion of Advisers.
The Advisers’ policies and procedures permit it to take into consideration a variety of
factors in making determinations with respect to allocating co-investment opportunities. These
factors include, without limitation, (i) expressed interest in co-investment opportunities by the
prospective co-investor, (ii) confidentiality concerns that may arise in connection with providing
the prospective co-investor with specific information relating to the investment opportunity, (iii)
past experiences with the potential co-investor, including the potential co-investor’s willingness
and ability to respond promptly and/or affirmatively to prior co-investment opportunities, (iv) the
size, sophistication and financial resources of the potential co-investor and its ability to efficiently
and expeditiously participate in the investment opportunity, (v) whether the profile and
characteristics of the potential co-investor may have an impact on the viability or terms of the
investment opportunity and the ability of a Fund to take advantage of such investment opportunity,
(vi) potential strategic benefits to the portfolio company if a potential co-investor participates (e.g.,
by virtue of such co-investors experience, expertise, knowledge, relationships or other criteria
deemed relevant by the Advisers) and (vii) any other reason for including a potential co-investor
as determined in the sole discretion of the Advisers. Although a prospective co-investor’s
willingness to invest in future Funds may be considered by ABRY or its affiliates, it generally will
not be the sole determining factor considered by ABRY in identifying co-investors. The Advisers’
allocation of co-investment opportunities among investors may not, and often will not, result in
proportional allocations among investors that have expressed interest in co-investment
opportunities, and it is possible that certain investors may receive multiple opportunities to co-
invest while others expressing interest in co-investments may receive none.
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The Advisers focus on securities transactions of private companies and generally purchase
and sell such companies through privately-negotiated transactions in which the services of a
broker-dealer may be retained. However, the Advisers may also distribute securities to investors
in the Funds or sell such securities, including through using a broker-dealer, if a public trading
market exists. Although the Advisers do not intend to regularly engage in public securities
transactions, to the extent they do so, they would expect to follow the brokerage practices described
below.
If an Adviser sells publicly traded securities for a Fund, it is responsible for directing orders
to broker-dealers to effect securities transactions for accounts managed by the Adviser. In such
event, the Adviser will seek to select brokers on the basis of best price and execution capability.
In selecting a broker to execute client transactions, the Adviser may consider a variety of factors,
including: (i) execution capabilities with respect to the relevant type of order; (ii) commissions
charged; (iii) the reputation of the firm being considered; and (iv) responsiveness to requests for
trade data and other financial information.
The Advisers have no duty or obligation to seek in advance competitive bidding for the
most favorable commission rate applicable to any particular client transaction or to select any
broker on the basis of its purported or “posted” commission rate, but will endeavor to be aware
eligible brokers’ transaction fees and to reduce the expenses incurred for effecting client
transactions to the extent consistent with the interests of such clients. Although the Advisers
generally seek competitive commission rates, the Advisers may not necessarily pay the lowest
commission or commission equivalent. Transactions may involve specialized services on the part
of the broker involved and thereby entail higher commissions or their equivalents than would be
the case with other transactions requiring more routine services.
Consistent with the Advisers seeking to obtain best execution, brokerage commissions on
client transactions may be directed to brokers in recognition of research furnished by them,
although the Management Company generally does not make use of such services at the current
time and has not made use of such services since its inception. As a general matter, any such
research may be shared between the Advisers and their affiliates and may be used to service one
or more of the Private Investment Funds regardless of which Private Investment Fund paid the
brokerage commission being applied toward payment for such research services. There is no
agreement or formula for the allocation of brokerage business on the basis of research services.
The Advisers do not anticipate engaging in significant public securities transactions;
however, to the extent that the Advisers engage in any such transactions, orders for purchase or
sale of securities placed first will be executed first, and within a reasonable amount of time of
order receipt. To the extent that orders for Private Investment Funds are completed independently,
the Advisers may also purchase or sell the same securities or instruments for several Private
Investment Funds simultaneously. From time to time, the Advisers may, but are not obligated to,
purchase or sell securities for several Private Investment Funds at approximately the same time.
Such orders may be combined or “batched” to facilitate obtaining best execution and/or to reduce
brokerage commissions or other costs. Batched transactions are executed in a manner intended to
ensure that no participating Private Investment Fund is favored over any other Private Investment
Fund.
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The investments made by the Private Investment Funds are generally private, illiquid and
long-term in nature. Accordingly, the review process is not directed toward a short-term decision
to dispose of securities. However, the Advisers closely monitor companies in which the Private
Investment Funds invest. The Principals bear and each Fund’s Investment Committee (or
equivalent body) bears the primary responsibility for confirming that each Adviser manages a
private fund in accordance with the private fund’s investment objectives and guidelines. ABRY’s
Chief Compliance Officer periodically will check to confirm that each private fund is being
managed in accordance with its stated objectives.
Each Fund generally provides to its limited partners: (i) annual GAAP audited and
quarterly unaudited financial statements and (ii) annual tax information for each limited partner’s
tax return.
In addition to the information typically provided to all limited partners, the Advisers may
in certain circumstances (e.g., in connection with a co-investment opportunity) provide certain
investors with additional information with respect to a Fund or a portfolio company or more
frequent reports that other investors will not necessarily receive. For example, due to the fact that
potential investors in a Fund may ask different questions and request different information, the
Advisers may provide certain information to one or more prospective investors that the Advisers
do not provide to all prospective investors.
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The Advisers and their affiliates may enter into placement agreements or solicitation
arrangements pursuant to which the Advisers compensate third parties for referrals that result in a
potential investor becoming a limited partner in a Private Investment Fund. When the Advisers
enter into such agreements or arrangements, they generally expect that any fees payable to any
such placement agents would generally be borne by the Advisers directly or indirectly through an
offset against the applicable Private Investment Fund’s Management Fee.
The Management Company and/or its affiliates may provide certain business or consulting
services to a Fund’s portfolio companies and may receive compensation from these companies in
connection with such services. As described in the applicable Partnership Agreement, a portion of
this compensation may, in many cases, offset a portion of the Management Fees paid by such
Fund.
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The Advisers maintain custody of each Fund’s assets held in each Fund’s name with Citi
Private Bank (Citibank, N.A.), a qualified custodian. The Funds are generally subject to a yearend
audit by a major accounting firm that is a member of, and examined by, the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board. Each Fund’s audited financial statements are provided to the
investors in the Fund within 120 days of the Fund’s fiscal year end.
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Pursuant to the terms of the applicable Partnership Agreement, Management Agreement
and powers of attorney executed by the limited partners of a Fund, the Management Company has
discretion to manage investments on behalf of the Funds, subject to the oversight of the relevant
General Partner. As a general policy, the Advisers do not allow clients to place limitations on this
discretionary authority. Pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreements, however, the General
Partners may enter into “side letter” arrangements with certain limited partners whereby the terms
applicable to such limited partner’s Fund investment may be altered or varied, including, in some
cases, the right to opt-out of certain investments for legal, tax, regulatory or other similar reasons.
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The Advisers have adopted the ABRY Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Proxy
Policy”) to address how they will vote proxies, as applicable, for each Fund’s (and any Private
Investment Fund’s) portfolio investments. The Proxy Policy seeks to ensure that the Advisers vote
proxies (or similar instruments) in the best interest of the Funds, including where there may be
material conflicts of interest in voting proxies. The Advisers generally believe their interests are
aligned with those of the Funds’ investors through the Principals’ beneficial ownership interests
in the Funds and therefore generally do not expect to seek investor approval or direction when
voting proxies. In the event that there is or may be a conflict of interest in voting proxies, the Proxy
Policy provides that the Advisers may address the conflict using several alternatives, including by
seeking the approval or concurrence of the Fund’s advisory board on the proposed proxy vote or
through other alternatives set forth in the Proxy Policy. The Advisers do not consider service on
portfolio company boards by ABRY personnel or the Advisers’ receipt of management or other
fees from portfolio companies to create a material conflict of interest in voting proxies with respect
to such companies. In addition, the Proxy Policy sets forth certain specific proxy voting guidelines
followed by the Advisers when voting proxies on behalf of the Funds. Current and prospective
investors who would like a copy of the Advisers’ complete Proxy Policy or information regarding
how the Advisers voted proxies for particular portfolio companies should contact ABRY’s Chief
Compliance Officer at (617) 859-2959, and such information will be provided at no charge.
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The Advisers do not require prepayment of management fees more than six months in
advance or have any other events requiring disclosure under this item of the Brochure.
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