Identify your principal owner(s).
Gratia Capital, LLC (“Gratia”) is a Delaware limited liability company that began
operations in April 2012. Gratia is a multi-strategy, value and event-oriented asset
management firm based in Los Angeles, California. Steve Pei is the managing
member and principal owner of Gratia.
Gratia provides discretionary investment management services to its clients (the
“Advisory Clients”), which include the following private investment funds (each
a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):
(i) Gratia Capital Partners Master Fund Ltd., a Cayman Islands
exempted company, which went into formal liquidation on
September 30, 2018;
(ii) Gratia Capital Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership that
acts as an onshore feeder fund for Gratia Capital Partners Master
Fund Ltd., which went into formal liquidation on September 30,
2018;
(iii) Gratia Capital Partners, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted
company that acts as an offshore feeder fund for Gratia Capital
Partners Master Fund Ltd., which went into formal liquidation
on September 30, 2018;
(iv) Gratia Capital Concentrated Master Fund Ltd., a Cayman Islands
exempted company;
(v) Gratia Capital Concentrated Fund, LP, a Delaware limited
partnership that acts as an onshore feeder fund for Gratia Capital
Concentrated Master Fund Ltd.;
(vi) Gratia Capital Concentrated Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands
exempted company that acts as an offshore feeder fund for Gratia
Capital Concentrated Master Fund Ltd.; and
(vii) GCC LT I Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company.
Gratia Capital Partners, LP and Gratia Capital Concentrated Fund, LP are
collectively referred to as the “U.S. Feeders”. Gratia Capital Partners, Ltd. and
Gratia Capital Concentrated Fund, Ltd. are collectively referred to as the
“Offshore Feeders”. The U.S. Feeders and the Offshore Feeders (the “Feeder
Funds”) invest all or substantially all of their assets in, and conduct their
investment activities through their respective master funds, Gratia Capital
Partners Master Fund Ltd. and Gratia Capital Concentrated Master Fund Ltd. (the
“Master Funds”).
Gratia serves as the investment manager to the Funds. An affiliate of Gratia (the
“Affiliated GP”), serves as the general partner of the U.S. Feeders. The Affiliated
GP and its employees and personnel will be subject to the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and the rules thereunder and to all of Gratia’s
compliance policies and procedures. As such, references to Gratia in this
Brochure should also be considered references to the Affiliated GP in the
appropriate context.
In addition, Gratia may in the future provide sub-advisory investment
management services for accounts that are principally managed by an external
investment adviser (“Sub Advisory Accounts).” Such accounts may be pooled
investment vehicles or separately managed accounts.
Each Feeder Fund is governed by a limited partnership agreement, articles of
association, or similar document (as applicable) that sets forth the specific
guidelines and restrictions applicable to each Fund (the “Governing
Documents”). In addition, investors in each Feeder Fund are provided with
offering documents prior to their investment, which also contain information
regarding the intended investment program for such Fund.
specializing in a particular type of advisory service, such as financial planning,
quantitative analysis, or market timing, explain the nature of that service in
greater detail. If you provide investment advice only with respect to limited types
of investments, explain the type of investment advice you offer, and disclose that
your advice is limited to those types of investments.
Gratia generally has broad and flexible investment authority with respect to the
investment portfolios that it manages for Advisory Clients. Gratia seeks to
achieve strong, risk-adjusted returns for its Advisory Clients primarily through
long and short investments in securities. Gratia will attempt to achieve this
objective by investing across the capital structure, with a focus on equities and
corporate credit; other investable securities include but are not limited to
preferred equity, options and credit-default swaps. Gratia will seek to achieve its
objectives through thoughtful, fundamental research of single name investments
(long and short). Please refer to Item 8 of this Brochure for additional information
regarding the investment strategies pursued by Gratia and their associated risks.
The above description is merely a summary and you should not assume that any
descriptions of the specific activities in which the Funds may engage are intended
in any way to limit the types of investment activities which the Funds may
undertake or the allocation of Funds capital among such investments. Gratia and
its affiliates reserve the right to alter any of the Funds’ investment policies or
strategies as deemed appropriate from time to time in its discretion without
obtaining investor approval.
It is critical that investors refer to the relevant Fund’s confidential private offering memorandum, explanatory memorandum and other Governing Documents for a complete understanding of Gratia’s advisory services. The information contained herein is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by such documents. individual needs of
clients. Explain whether
clients may impose restrictions on
investing in certain securities or types of securities.
Gratia neither tailors its advisory services to the individual needs of investors in
the Funds, nor accepts investor-imposed investment restrictions.
Gratia (or its affiliates) may from time to time enter into agreements with certain
investors that may in each case provide for terms of investment that are more
favorable to the terms described in the respective Fund’s governing documents.
Such terms may include, without limitation, the waiver, reduction or rebate of
fees, the provision of additional information or reports, more favorable transfer
rights and more favorable liquidity rights, including additional permitted dates
for withdrawals/redemptions and the waiver or reduction of notice periods. Gratia
(or its affiliates) may also offer additional Series of interests that are subject to
different fee, reporting or liquidity terms.
Each of the Feeder Funds has issued multiple series of interests or shares (as
applicable): Series A and Founders Series. Investors that subscribed for Founders
Series interests or shares of the Feeder Funds are subject to different fee and
liquidity terms, as described in Item 5 below, but are otherwise subject to the
same terms as investors holding Series A interests or shares. The Feeder Funds
may in the future offer additional series of interests or shares (as applicable) that
may subject the holders of such interests or shares to different fee, liquidity or
other terms than those applicable to other series. Please refer to the respective
Feeder Funds’ Governing Documents for additional information.
services, (1) describe the differences, if any, between how you manage wrap fee
accounts and how you manage other accounts, and (2) explain that you receive a
portion of the wrap fee for your services.
Gratia does not participate in wrap fee programs.
discretionary basis and the amount of
client assets you manage on a non-
discretionary basis. Disclose the date “as of” which you calculated the amounts.
As of October 31, 2018 Gratia managed approximately $106,128,724 of client
assets on a discretionary basis. Gratia does not manage any assets on a non-
discretionary basis.
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schedule. Disclose whether the fees are negotiable.
Management Fee
Gratia is generally compensated for its advisory services through an investment
management fee (the “Management Fee”) based on a percentage (generally
1.25% - 2%) of assets under management. The Management Fee will be paid
quarterly in advance, based on the value of the net assets of the Fund as of the
first business day of each calendar quarter. Since the Management Fee will be
paid at the Master Fund level, no management fee will be paid at the Feeder Fund
level. The Management Fee will be prorated for any period that is less than a full
quarter and will be deducted in calculating the net profit or net loss of the Funds.
Incentive Allocation
In addition, consistent with the relevant provisions of the Advisers Act and Rule
205-3 adopted thereunder, at the end of each fiscal year, the Affiliated GP, as the
holder of certain allocation class shares in the Master Funds, is entitled to receive
at the Master Fund level an annual incentive allocation based on a percentage
(generally 15% - 20%) of the net profits (including both realized and unrealized
gains and losses), if any, attributable to each investor (the “Incentive Allocation”).
The Incentive Allocation is subject to loss carryforward provision such that no
allocation will be made with respect to an investor until any net loss allocated to
such investor during the period is first recovered (taking into account interim
withdrawals and distributions).
When calculating the Incentive Allocation at the Master Fund level, net profits
will be reduced by the Management Fee, and all items of income, loss and
expense incurred at the Feeder Fund level will be taken into account. Since the
Affiliated GP will receive the Incentive Allocation at the Master Fund level, no
incentive fee or allocation will be paid or made at the Feeder Fund level.
Fees are negotiable for certain large or strategic investors under certain
circumstances prior to investment. In addition, the Management Fee and/or
Incentive Allocation may be waived or reduced for investors that are members,
employees or affiliates of Gratia, relatives of such persons, and for certain
strategic investors.
It is critical that investors refer to the relevant Fund’s confidential private offering memorandum, explanatory memorandum and other Governing Documents for a complete understanding of how Gratia is compensated for its advisory services. The information contained herein is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by such documents. incurred. If
clients may select either method, disclose this fact. Explain how often
you bill
clients or deduct your fees.
Fees are deducted from each Fund’s assets. Investors do not have the ability to
choose to be billed directly for fees incurred. The Management Fee is generally
payable quarterly in advance and will be prorated in the event of a contribution
or withdrawal during the quarter. The Incentive Allocation is calculated and
charged at the end of each fiscal year (or at the time of an investor withdrawal or
redemption).
It is critical that investors refer to the relevant confidential private placement memorandum, explanatory memorandum and other governing documents for a complete understanding of how fees are deducted from their assets. The information contained herein is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by such documents.
your advisory services, such as custodian fees or mutual fund expenses. Disclose
that
clients will incur brokerage and other transaction costs, and direct
clients to
the section(s) of your
brochure that discuss brokerage.
Gratia will render its services to the Funds at its own expense and will be
responsible for its overhead expenses including: office rent; utilities; furniture
and fixtures; stationery; secretarial/internal administrative services; salaries and
bonuses; entertainment expenses; employee insurance and payroll taxes.
Subject to certain limitations and expense cap policies described in the Governing
Documents, all other expenses will be paid by the Feeder Funds (or by the Master
Funds and allocated to the Feeder Funds) and will include: (i) legal, compliance,
administrator, audit and accounting expenses (including third party accounting
services); (ii) risk management expenses; (iii) Fund-related insurance costs
(including D&O and E&O insurance for Gratia and the Affiliated GP and outside
directorship liability); (iv) research fees and expenses (including research-related
travel); (v) the Management Fee; (vi) investment expenses such as commissions,
interest on margin accounts and other indebtedness; (vii) borrowing charges on
securities sold short; (viii) custodial fees; (ix) bank service fees; and (x) any other
expenses related to the purchase, sale or transmittal of Fund assets.
The Master Funds will bear transaction fees and costs in connection with its
investments and trading. The U.S. Feeders and the Offshore Feeders will each
generally bear its pro rata share of these costs and expenses. To the extent
investment activities occur at the Feeder Fund level, each Feeder Fund will bear
its pro rata share of such costs and expenses.
It is critical that investors refer to the relevant confidential private offering memorandum, explanatory memorandum and other governing documents for a complete understanding of expenses. The information contained herein is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by such documents. Explain how a
client may obtain a refund of a pre-paid fee if the advisory contract
is terminated before the end of the billing period. Explain how you will determine
the amount of the refund.
As described in Item 5.A., the Management Fee is paid quarterly in advance,
adjusted for any contributions made during the quarterly. In the limited
circumstances when a withdrawal is made as of a date other than the end of a
calendar quarter, the Management Fee will be appropriately
prorated and the
excess returned to the investor.
With respect to terminating the advisory relationship, investors generally may
withdraw/redeem all or a portion of its capital account on a quarterly basis,
subject to certain limitations, including but not limited to: required notice periods
(generally 45 days’ prior written notice), suspensions of withdrawal/redemptions,
retentions of reserves, delays in payment and/or distributions in kind.
It is critical that investors refer to the relevant confidential private offering memorandum, explanatory memorandum and other governing documents for a complete understanding of their withdrawal/redemption rights and when fees are charged. The information contained herein is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by such documents.
securities or other investment products, including asset-based sales charges or
service fees from the sale of mutual funds, disclose this fact and respond to
Items 5.E.1, 5.E.2, 5.E.3 and 5.E.4.
Not applicable.
supervised persons an incentive to recommend investment products based on the
compensation received, rather than on a
client’
s needs. Describe generally how
you address conflicts that arise, including your procedures for disclosing the
conflicts to
clients. If you primarily recommend mutual funds, disclose whether
you will recommend “no-load” funds.
Not applicable.
recommend through other brokers or agents that are not affiliated with you.
Not applicable.
and other compensation for the sale of investment products you recommend to
your
clients, including asset-based distribution fees from the sale of mutual funds,
disclose that commissions provide your primary or, if applicable, your exclusive
compensation.
Not applicable.
whether you reduce your advisory fees to offset the commissions or markups.
Not applicable.
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SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT If you or any of your
supervised persons accepts
performance-based fees – that is, fees based on a share of
capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets of a
client (such as a
client that is a hedge fund or other
pooled investment vehicle) – disclose this fact. If you or any of your
supervised persons manage both
accounts that are charged a
performance-based fee and accounts that are charged another type of fee, such
as an hourly or flat fee or an asset-based fee, disclose this fact. Explain the conflicts of interest that you or
your
supervised persons face by managing these accounts at the same time, including that you or your
supervised persons have an incentive to favor accounts for which you or your
supervised persons receive a
performance-based fee, and describe generally how you address these conflicts.
As described in Item 5 above, the Affiliated General Partner is entitled to receive performance-based
compensation from investors in the Funds in the form of an Incentive Allocation at the Master Fund level.
The fact that affiliates of Gratia could receive performance-based compensation creates a potential conflict
of interest in that it may create an incentive for Gratia to effect transactions in investments that are riskier
or more speculative than would be the case if compensation were based solely on a flat percentage of capital.
In addition, the terms of the Incentive Allocation were not the product of an arm’s length negotiation with
any third party. The Incentive Allocation is generally calculated on a basis that includes unrealized
appreciation of the Funds’ assets; such compensation may be greater than if it were based solely on realized
gains.
Gratia presently provides investment management services only to Advisory Clients that are subject to a
performance-based fee or allocation arrangement. As such, the conflict of interest related to managing
accounts that charge performance-based fees alongside accounts that do not charge performance-based fees
does not apply to Gratia.
Gratia recognizes that it is a fiduciary and as such must act in the best interests of its clients. Further, Gratia
recognizes that it must treat all clients fairly and must refrain from favoring one client’s interests over
another’s. Gratia regularly assesses the allocation of its resources, including investment personnel, to ensure
adherence to its fiduciary duties.
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Describe the types of
clients to whom you generally provide investment advice, such as individuals, trusts,
investment companies, or pension plans. If you have any requirements for opening or maintaining an
account, such as a minimum account size, disclose the requirements.
Gratia provides investment advisory services solely to pooled investment vehicles operating as private
investment funds. Each investor in the Gratia Funds must meet certain eligibility provisions.
Interests in the U.S. Feeders will generally be offered and sold only to sophisticated investors that are (i)
“accredited investors” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”), and (ii) “qualified purchasers” as defined in Section 2(a)(51) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Shares in the Offshore
Feeders will generally be offered only to persons who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States
and to a limited number of U.S. investors, consisting of qualified pension, profit sharing and other
retirement trusts, charities and other tax-exempt entities. Admission to the Funds is not open to the general
public.
The minimum initial investment amount is $1,000,000. Gratia or its affiliates may, in their sole discretion,
accept lesser amounts.
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AND RISK OF LOSS investment advice or managing assets. Explain that investing in securities involves
risk of loss that
clients should be prepared to bear.
Methods of Analysis
Gratia’s investment philosophy centers on single-name fundamental value and
event-oriented investing. Gratia invests across the corporate capital structure and
focuses its investments primarily in the consumer, industrials, and real estate
sectors, defined broadly. Gratia’s investment process is driven by a disciplined yet
flexible approach to idea generation, research/analysis, portfolio construction, and
risk management. Gratia utilizes various methods of analysis in formulating its
investment management decisions.
Gratia adopts a fundamental approach to idea generation, focused on due diligence
of individual companies. Internal sources of idea generation include: equity and
credit screens, ongoing top-down idea generation based on themes, bottom-up
tracking of relative and fundamental value in core names that are followed by the
team, opportunities in one part of the capital structure driven by events in another
part of the capital structure (either same company or in peers), and active hedges to
existing positions. External resources include: news flow, buy- and sell-side
research, conferences, management meetings, sector-specific publications, and
industry forums.
Gratia makes use of all publically available information when researching
investments. Gratia may also utilize Bloomberg, trade publications, published
research, industry consultants, newspapers, SEC filings, company presentation
materials, capital market professionals, suppliers and customers, and broadcast
news and internet services. Gratia also makes use of relevant sell-side research
provided by broker-dealers, including macro, sector, and company-specific
research covering both equities and credit.
Investment Strategies
The investment strategies are set forth in the respective offering materials and
governing documents that are provided to investors. Gratia will be highly flexible
in its ability to select and dispose of investments in response to market opportunities
and other circumstances.
Gratia generally pursues a value and event-oriented strategy, focusing on both
individual and thematic investment opportunities (long and short) in three core
sectors: consumer & services, industrials, and real estate. Gratia will also assess
relative value between equity and credit opportunities on a company-specific, sub-
sector specific (among peer groups), and macro level to identify strong, risk-
adjusted investments. Gratia intends to invest opportunistically across the capital
structure and may at times employ equity positions as a hedge to credit positions,
or vice versa.
In general, long position opportunities will be value or event-oriented in nature.
This means that Gratia believes that such investment opportunities exhibit
compelling characteristics that, in Gratia’s opinion, will lead to mark-to-market
price appreciation and/or capital return (dividends, interest, etc.). Generally, Gratia
expects to take long positions in companies that are perceived to have stable
prospects and attractive, growing free cash flow yields and good valuation
multiples. Gratia will prefer shorts in businesses that are perceived to have weak or
declining business prospects, or business prospects dwarfed by peers, with respect
to which Gratia has taken a long position. Gratia may make investments outside of
these general criteria depending on valuation and other factors.
Investments will primarily be focused in the United States although Gratia will
opportunistically invest in other developed markets. In non-U.S. markets, Gratia
will primarily trade equities, and to a limited extent, corporate credit. Most common
non-U.S. markets that Gratia expects to trade in include: Canada, Australia, United
Kingdom, France, and Germany. In normal market conditions, Gratia targets
equity-like returns and, very broadly speaking, will likely hold more gross equity
exposure than gross credit exposure. However, as Gratia seeks to be opportunistic
in its weighting of equity versus credit, the proportions could change. In addition,
Gratia may borrow money to purchase securities on margin.
Gratia has broad and flexible investment authority with respect to the investments
made by the Funds.
Please note that an investment in the Funds is deemed highly speculative and is not
intended as a complete investment program. Investing in the securities markets in
general and in the Funds advised by Gratia in particular involves significant risk.
Investments in the Funds are designed only for experienced and sophisticated
persons who are able to bear the economic risk of the loss of their investment and
who have a limited need for liquidity.
It is critical that investors refer to the relevant confidential private offering memorandum, explanatory memorandum and other governing documents for a complete understanding of Gratia’s investment strategies and methods of analysis. The information contained in this Item 8 is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by such documents. material risks involved. If the method of analysis or strategy involves significant or
unusual risks, discuss these risks in detail. If your primary strategy involves
frequent trading of securities, explain how frequent trading can affect investment
performance, particularly through increased brokerage and other transaction costs
and taxes.
All investing and trading activities risk the loss of capital. While Gratia attempts to
moderate these risks, there can be no assurance that the Funds will be able to invest
fully on attractive terms or that the Funds will not suffer losses. The following
discussion sets forth some of the more significant risks associated with the
investment strategies pursued by Gratia.
Nature of Investments. Gratia has broad discretion in making investments for its
Advisory Clients. Investments will generally consist of equity securities, equity-
related instruments and other assets and financial instruments that may be affected
by business, financial market or legal uncertainties. There can be no assurance that
Gratia will correctly evaluate the nature and magnitude of the various factors that
could affect the value of and return on investments. Prices of investments may be
volatile, and a variety of factors that are inherently difficult to predict, such as
domestic or international economic and political developments, may significantly
affect the results of the Funds’ activities and the value of investments. In addition,
the value of the portfolio may fluctuate as the general level of interest rates
fluctuates.
Concentration in Consumer & Services, Industrials, and Real Estate Sectors.
Because Gratia will focus its investment in securities of U.S. companies in the
consumer & services, industrial and real estate sectors, the value of the portfolio
may rise and fall more than the value of a similar investment vehicle that invests
more broadly. The value of equity securities in these sectors is also affected by
changing commodity prices, which can be highly volatile and are subject to risks of
oversupply and reduced demand. Accordingly, the investment portfolio may be
subject to more rapid change in value than would be the case if it were required to
maintain a wide diversification among industries, types of securities and issuers.
Use of Leverage. As noted above, the Funds may utilize leverage. Leverage
increases returns if the Fund earns a greater return on investments purchased with
borrowed funds than the Fund’s cost of borrowing such funds. However, the use of
leverage exposes the Fund to additional levels of risk, including (i) greater losses
from investments than would otherwise have been the case had the Fund not
borrowed to make the investments, (ii) margin calls or interim margin requirements
which may force premature liquidations of investment positions and (iii) losses on
investments where the investment fails to earn a return that equals or exceeds the
Fund’s cost of borrowing such funds. In the event of a sudden, precipitous drop in
value of the Fund’s assets, the Fund might not be able to liquidate assets quickly
enough to repay its borrowings, further magnifying its losses. In an unsettled credit
environment, Gratia may find it difficult or impossible to obtain leverage for the
Fund. In such event, the Fund could find it difficult to implement its strategy. In
addition, any leverage obtained, if terminated on short notice by the lender, could
result in Gratia being forced to unwind the Fund’s positions quickly and at prices
below what Gratia deems to be fair value for such positions.
Portfolio Turnover. The investment strategy pursued by Gratia may require it to
actively trade Advisory Client portfolios, and as a result, turnover and brokerage
commission expenses may significantly exceed those of other investment entities
of comparable size.
Lack of Diversification. Gratia will invest primarily in securities of U.S. companies
in consumer, retail, industrial and real estate sectors, and is not required to diversify
Advisory Client holdings among a wide range of issuers, industries, geographic
areas or types of securities. Therefore, the investment portfolio of Advisory Clients
may be subject to more rapid change in value than would be the case if Gratia were
required to maintain a wide diversification among issuers, industries, investment
areas, types of securities and issuers.
involved. If the type of security involves significant or unusual risks, discuss these
risks in detail.
Equity Related Instruments and Equity Securities in General. Investments in
equity securities may include a broad variety of issuers and instruments. There will
be no overall requirements with respect to earnings, revenues, market capitalization
or other criteria to limit Gratia’s particular types of equity investments. Accordingly,
equity investments may include many securities which are speculative or are of
higher risk than those of the most mature or prominent companies. Long/short
strategies and other strategies that may be employed, such as pairs trading, depend
largely upon identifying securities with appropriate features of negative correlation,
i.e., that a loss in one position (whether long or short) will be more than outweighed
by a gain in a related position. Similar to various types of arbitrage, if the anticipated
pattern of price correlation does not in fact occur, or if the positions are not
appropriately weighted, losses may occur. Gratia may use equity-related instruments
in its investment program. Certain options and other equity-related instruments may
be subject to various types of risks, including market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty
credit risk, legal risk and operations risk. In addition, equity-related instruments can
involve significant economic leverage and may, in some cases, involve significant
risks of loss.
Short Sales. Short sales can, in certain circumstances, substantially increase the
impact of adverse price movements on the portfolio. A short sale involves the risk
of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the particular investment
sold short, which could result in an inability to cover the short position and a
theoretically unlimited loss. There can be no assurance that securities necessary to
cover a short position will be available for purchase. There is also the risk that the
securities borrowed in connection with a short sale must be returned to the securities
lender on short notice. If a request for return of borrowed securities occurs at a time
when other short sellers of the security are receiving similar requests, a “short
squeeze” can occur, and Gratia may be compelled to replace borrowed securities
previously sold short with purchases on the open market at the most disadvantageous
time, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received in originally
selling the securities short. The inability to continue to borrow securities previously
sold short may also force Gratia to unwind other elements of an investment position,
possibly at a loss. From time to time regulatory or legislative action taken by
regulators around the world may restrict the ability of Gratia to enter into short sales.
Debt Securities. Gratia may take positions in debt securities which rank junior to
other outstanding securities and obligations of the issuer, all or a significant portion
of which may be secured on substantially all of that issuer's assets. Gratia may take
positions in debt securities which are not protected by financial covenants or
limitations on additional indebtedness. Advisory Clients will therefore be subject to
credit and liquidity risks.
Investing in High-Yield Debt Securities and Lower Rated Loans. Gratia may invest
in "high yield" bonds and preferred securities that are rated in the lower rating
categories by the various credit rating agencies (or in comparable non-rated
securities). Securities in the lower rating categories are subject to greater risk of loss
of principal and interest than higher-rated securities and are generally considered to
be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. They are also generally considered to be subject to greater risk than
securities with higher ratings in the case of deterioration of general economic
conditions. Because investors generally perceive that there are greater risks
associated with the lower-rated securities, the yields and prices of such securities
may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher-rated securities. The market for
lower-rated securities is thinner and less active than that for higher-rated securities,
which can adversely affect the prices at which these securities can be sold. In
addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions about lower-rated securities,
whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may be a contributing factor in a
decrease in the value and liquidity of such lower- rated securities.
Investing in Mezzanine Debt Securities. Mezzanine debt securities are generally
unrated or below investment grade rated investments that have greater credit and
liquidity risk than more highly rated debt obligations. Mezzanine debt securities are
typically issued in traditional private placements or in connection with acquisitions
and other business combinations and have no trading market. Moreover, mezzanine
debt securities are generally unsecured and subordinate to other obligations of the
obligor and are subject to many of the same risks as those associated with high-yield
debt securities. Adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor of
mezzanine debt securities or in general economic conditions (including, for example,
a substantial period of rising interest rates or declining earnings) or both may impair
the ability of the obligor to make payment of principal and interest. Issuers of
mezzanine debt securities may be highly leveraged, and their relatively high debt-
to-equity ratios create increased risks that their operations might not generate
sufficient cash flow to service their debt obligations.
Warrants. Warrants are derivative instruments that permit, but do not obligate, the
holder to subscribe for other securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to
dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle the holder to
purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result,
warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types of
investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the
value of the underlying securities or commodities, and a warrant ceases to have value
if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.
Special Situations and Distressed Securities. Gratia may invest in companies
involved in (or the target of) acquisition attempts or tender offers or in companies
involved in work-outs, liquidations, spin-offs, reorganizations, bankruptcies and
similar transactions. In any investment opportunity involving any such type of
special situation, there exists the risk that the contemplated transaction either will be
unsuccessful, take considerable time or will result in a distribution of cash or a new
security the value of which will be less than the purchase price of the security or
other financial instrument in respect of which such distribution is received. Because
there is substantial uncertainty concerning the outcome of transactions involving
financially troubled companies, there is a potential risk of loss of the entire
investment in such companies.
Convertible Securities. Gratia may invest in convertible securities, securities that
may be exchanged or converted into a predetermined number of the issuer's
underlying shares or the shares of another company or that are indexed to an
unmanaged market index at the option of the holder during a specified time period.
Convertible securities may take the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible
bonds or debentures, stock purchase warrants, zero-coupon bonds or liquid-yield
option notes, stock index notes, mandatories, or a combination of the features of
these securities. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the same general
characteristics as non-convertible debt securities. As with all debt securities, the
market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and
conversely, increase as interest rates decline. Convertible securities, however, also
appreciate when the underlying common stock appreciates, and conversely,
depreciate when the underlying common stock depreciates.
Interest Rate Risk. Generally, the value of fixed income securities will change
inversely with changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the market value of
fixed income securities tends to decrease. Conversely, as interest rates fall, the
market value of fixed income securities tends to increase. This risk will be greater
for long-term securities than for short-term securities. The Investment Manager may
attempt to minimize the exposure of the portfolios to interest rate changes through
the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate futures and/or interest rate options.
However, there can be no guarantee that the Investment Manager will be successful
in fully mitigating the impact of interest rate changes.
Non-U.S. Securities. Investing in securities of non-U.S. governments and
companies that are generally denominated in non-U.S. currencies and utilization of
options on non-U.S. securities involves certain considerations comprising both risks
and opportunities not typically associated with investing in securities of the United
States government or United States companies. These considerations include
changes in exchange rates and exchange control regulations, political and social
instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less
available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher
transaction costs, foreign government restrictions, less government supervision of
exchanges, brokers and issuers, greater risks associated with counterparties and
settlement, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform
accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility.
Currency Risks. Investments that are denominated in a foreign currency are subject
to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or
more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade
balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of
similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment, capital
appreciation and political developments. The General Partner may try to hedge these
risks, but there can be no assurance that it will implement a hedging strategy, or if it
implements one, that it will be effective.
Derivatives and Counterparty Risk. To the extent that Gratia invests in swaps,
derivative or synthetic instruments, repurchase agreements or other over-the-counter
transactions or, in certain circumstances, non-U.S. securities, there may be a credit
risk with regard to parties with whom it trades and may also bear the risk of
settlement default. These risks may differ materially from those entailed in
exchange-traded transactions that generally are backed by clearing organization
guarantees, daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum
capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered directly
between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections and
expose the parties to the risk of counterparty default.
Credit Default Swap Agreements. The "buyer" in a credit default contract is
obligated to pay the "seller" a periodic stream of payments over the term of the
contract in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event
with respect to an underlying reference obligation. Generally, a credit event means
bankruptcy, failure to pay or obligation acceleration. If a credit event occurs, the
seller typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which is typically the
"par value" (full notional value) of the reference obligation. The contingent payment
may be a cash settlement or by physical delivery of the reference obligation in return
for payment of the face amount of the obligation. If no credit event occurs, the buyer
may lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if a credit event occurs, the
buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have
little or no value. The seller receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of
the contract, which typically is between one month and five years, provided that no
credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the seller may pay the buyer the full
notional value of the reference obligations. Credit default swaps involve greater risks
than an investment in the reference obligation directly. In addition to general market
risks, credit default swaps are subject to liquidity risk and credit risk. A buyer also
may lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event occur. If a credit
event were to occur, the value of the reference obligation received by the seller,
coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full
notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value.
Options. The purchase or sale of an option involves the payment or receipt of a
premium by the investor and the corresponding right or obligation, as the case may
be, to either purchase or sell the underlying security, commodity or other instrument
for a specific price at a certain time or during a certain period. Purchasing options
involves the risk that the underlying instrument will not change price in the manner
expected, so that the investor loses its premium. Selling options involves potentially
greater risk because the investor is exposed to the extent of the actual price
movement in the underlying security rather than only the premium payment received
(which could result in a potentially unlimited loss). Over-the-counter options also
involve counterparty solvency risk.
It is critical that investors refer to the relevant confidential private offering memorandum, explanatory memorandum and other governing documents for a complete understanding of the material risks involved in relation to the types of securities that Gratia invests in on behalf of the Funds. The information contained herein is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by such documents.
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If there are legal or disciplinary events that are material to a
client’
s or prospective
client’
s evaluation of
your advisory business or the integrity of your management, disclose all material facts regarding those
events.
Gratia is required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary events that would be
material to an investor’s evaluation of Gratia or the integrity of its management. Gratia has no legal or
disciplinary information to disclose at this time.
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ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-
dealer, disclose this fact.
Not applicable. Neither Gratia nor any of its management persons are registered,
or have an application pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered
representative of a broker-dealer.
pending to register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator,
a commodity trading advisor, or an associated person of the foregoing entities,
disclose this fact.
Not applicable. Neither Gratia nor any of its management persons are registered,
or have an application pending to register, as a futures commission merchant,
commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor, or an associated person of
such entities. Gratia is exempted from registration as a commodity pool operator
according to CFTC Rule 4.13(a)(3).
business or to your
clients that you or any of your
management persons have with
any
related person listed below. Identify the
related person and if the relationship
or arrangement creates a material conflict of interest with
clients, describe the
nature of the conflict and how you address it
.
1. broker-dealer, municipal securities dealer, or government securities
dealer or broker
2. investment company or other pooled investment vehicle (including a
mutual fund, closed-end investment company, unit investment trust,
private investment company or “hedge fund,” and offshore fund)
3. other investment adviser or financial planner
4. futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or
commodity trading advisor
5. banking or thrift institution
6. accountant or accounting firm
7. lawyer or law firm
8. insurance company or agency
9. pension consultant
10. real estate broker or dealer
11. sponsor or syndicator of limited partnerships
Gratia serves as the investment manager to the Funds. Gratia, its employees,
affiliates or their related persons may also invest directly in some or all of the
Funds. An affiliate of Gratia serves as the general partner of the U.S. Feeders.
Gratia has entered into a revenue sharing agreement with an unaffiliated third-
party which requires Gratia to pay a portion of its revenues to the third-party.
receive compensation directly or indirectly from those advisers that creates a
material conflict of interest, or if you have other business relationships with those
advisers that create a material conflict of interest, describe these practices and
discuss the material conflicts of interest these practices create and how you
address them.
Not applicable.
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CLIENT TRANSACTIONS AND PERSONAL TRADING pursuant to SEC rule 204A-1 or similar state rules. Explain that you will provide
a copy of your code of ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
Gratia has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”), which is a part of Gratia’s
compliance manual and has been designed to comply with Rule 204A-1 of the
Advisers Act. The Code applies to Gratia’s “Access Persons.” Access Persons
include, generally, any partner, officer or director of Gratia and any employee or
other supervised person of Gratia who, in relation to the Funds, (1) has access to
non-public information regarding any purchase or sale of securities, or non-public
information regarding securities holdings or (2) is involved in making securities
recommendations, executing securities recommendations, or has access to such
recommendations that are non-public. All of Gratia’s employees are deemed to
be Access Persons.
The Code sets forth a standard of business conduct that takes into account Gratia’s
status as a fiduciary and requires Access Persons to place the interests of Advisory
Clients and investors above their own interests. The Code is designed to: (i)
establish guidelines for professional conduct and personal trading procedures; (ii)
prevent improper personal trading by Gratia’s Access Persons; (iii) prevent
improper use of material, non-public information about securities
recommendations made by Gratia or securities holdings of the Funds; (iv) identify
conflicts of interest; and (v) provide a means to resolve any actual or potential
conflict in favor of the Funds and their investors.
The Code requires Access Persons to comply with applicable federal securities
laws. Further, Access Persons are required to promptly bring violations of the
Code to the attention of Gratia’s Chief Compliance Officer. All Access Persons
are provided with a copy of the Code and are required to acknowledge receipt of
the Code on at least an annual basis.
The Code also sets forth certain reporting and pre-clearance requirements with
respect to personal trading by Access Persons. It should be noted that Access
Persons are generally prohibited from purchasing single name public securities
(“Stocks”) without the preapproval of the Chief Compliance Officer, subject to
certain exceptions in the Code of Ethics, including an exception for Stocks held
in a “blind account”, an account managed entirely by a third-party money
manager pursuant to a written agreement. In addition, Access Persons must
provide the Chief Compliance Officer with a list of their personal accounts and
an initial holdings report within 10 days of becoming an Access Person and must
provide annual holdings reports and quarterly transaction reports in accordance
with Advisers Act Rule 204A-1.
Investors or prospective investors may obtain a copy of Gratia’s Code of Ethics
by contacting the Chief Compliance Officer at 310-733-2500.
accounts, securities in which you or a
related person has a material financial
interest, describe your practice and discuss the conflicts of interest it presents.
Describe generally how you address conflicts that arise.
As explained in Item 10.C above, Gratia serves as the investment adviser to the
Funds. Gratia, its employees, affiliates or their related persons may also invest
directly in any one, some or all of the Funds. An affiliate of Gratia serves as the
general partner of certain of the Funds.
The fact that Gratia, its employees, affiliates or their related persons have a
financial ownership interest in the Funds creates a potential conflict in that it
could cause Gratia to make different investment decisions than if they did not
have such a financial ownership interest. Further, Gratia charges fees based on a
percentage of assets under management. Such asset-based fee is payable without
regard to the overall success or income earned by the Advisory Clients and
therefore may create an incentive on the part of Gratia to raise or otherwise
increase assets under management to a higher level than would be the case if
Gratia were receiving a lower or no management fee. The receipt of performance-
based compensation by the Affiliated General Partner may create an incentive for
Gratia to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than would be
case in the absence of a performance-based fee structure.
Such potential conflicts are discussed in Item 6 and addressed by the personal
securities transaction pre-clearance and reporting requirements described in Item
11.A. and 11.C.
warrants, options or futures) that you or a
related person recommends to
clients,
describe your practice and discuss the conflicts of interest this presents and
generally how you address the conflicts that arise in connection with personal
trading.
In certain circumstances, Access Persons may transact in the same securities that
are recommended to an Advisory Client. Access Persons are subject to
preclearance requirements with respect to certain transactions in personal
accounts, including transaction in the same securities that are recommended to an
Advisory Client. Access Persons must obtain the prior written approval of the
Chief Compliance Officer before engaging in any direct or indirect purchase or
sale of beneficial ownership in a security on Gratia’s Restricted List, in a limited
offering or an initial public offering.
Gratia maintains a “Restricted List” of companies about which a determination
has been made that it is prudent to restrict trading activity. Securities included on
the Restricted List may include securities held by or being considered for
purchase or sale on behalf of an Advisory Client or securities of a company about
which investment personnel may have acquired material nonpublic information
or a position where Gratia may have a securities filing obligation. In general,
transactions in the securities of a company appearing on the Restricted List
(whether on behalf of Advisory Clients or in personal accounts of Access
Persons) will not be allowed except with the prior written approval of Gratia’s
Chief Compliance Officer or his designee.
securities for
client accounts, at or about the same time that you or a
related
person buys or sells the same securities for your own (or the
related person's
own) account, describe your practice and discuss the conflicts of interest it
presents. Describe generally how you address conflicts that arise.
Gratia and its related persons conduct investment activities for their own accounts
and may serve as investment advisers or investment managers to other clients in
the future. Such other activities or accounts may have investment objectives or
may implement investment strategies similar to those of the Advisory Clients.
Gratia and its principal owners have a significant investment in certain Gratia
Funds and may have investments in certain other entities managed by Gratia or
its affiliates from time to time.
In addition, Gratia may, at some point in the future, provide discretionary
investment advisory services to additional accounts. The trades made by any
other funds or accounts managed by Gratia or its affiliates in the future, may
compete with trades for the Advisory Clients’ portfolios. Gratia will generally
determine the allocation of assets pro rata based on assets under management or
in some other manner which Gratia determines is fair and equitable under the
circumstances.
Please see Item 11.C above for a description of how Gratia manages the personal
trading aspect of this conflict via its Code of Ethics.
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dealers for
client transactions and determining the reasonableness of their
compensation (
e.g., commissions).
When performing investment management services for the Funds, Gratia has full
discretion to place buy and sell orders with or through such brokers or dealers as
it may deem appropriate. It is the policy and practice of Gratia to strive for the
best price and execution that are competitive in relation to the value of the
transaction (“best execution”). In seeking best execution, the determinative factor
is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the overall
best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-
dealer’s services.
Gratia will place trades for execution only with approved brokers or dealers. In
selecting a broker, dealer or other intermediary, Gratia will consider such factors
that in good faith and judgment it deems reasonable under the circumstances.
Some of the factors Gratia considers in selecting a broker or dealer include
without limitation: (i) price, (ii) the broker-dealer’s facilities, reliability and
financial responsibility, (iii) the ability of the broker-dealer to effect securities
transactions, particularly with regard to such aspects as timing, order size and
execution of orders and (iv) the research, brokerage and other services provided
by such broker-dealer.
or services other than execution from a broker-dealer or a third party in
connection with client securities transactions (“soft dollar benefits”), disclose
your practices and discuss the conflicts of interest they create.
a. Explain that when you use
client brokerage commissions (or markups or
markdowns) to obtain research or other products or services, you receive
a benefit because you do not have to produce or pay for the research,
products or services.
b. Disclose that you may have an incentive to select or recommend a
broker-dealer based on your interest in receiving the research or other
products or services, rather than on your
clients’ interest in receiving
most favorable execution.
c. If you may cause
clients to pay commissions (or markups or
markdowns) higher than those charged by other broker-dealers in return
for soft dollar benefits (known as paying-up), disclose this fact.
d. Disclose whether you use soft dollar benefits to service all of your
clients’ accounts or only those that paid for the benefits. Disclose
whether you seek to allocate soft dollar benefits to
client accounts
proportionately to the soft dollar credits the accounts generate.
e. Describe the types of products and services you or any of your
related
persons acquired with
client brokerage commissions (or markups or
markdowns) within your last fiscal year.
f. Explain the procedures you used during your last fiscal year to direct
client transactions to a particular broker-dealer in return for soft dollar
benefits you received.
In selecting brokers or dealers to execute transactions, Gratia need not solicit
competitive bids and does not have an obligation to seek the lowest available
commission cost. Gratia may select a broker-dealer in recognition of the value of
various services or products, beyond transaction execution, that such broker-
dealer provides where, considering all relevant factors, it believes the broker-
dealer can provide best execution. The amount of compensation paid to such
broker-dealer may be higher than what another, equally capable broker-dealer
might charge. Selecting a broker-dealer in recognition of the provision of
services or products other than transaction execution is known as paying for those
services or products with “soft dollars.”
Gratia currently has soft dollar arrangements in place. Although customary, these
arrangements present potential conflicts of interest in allocating securities
transactional business to broker-dealers in exchange for soft dollar benefits,
including an incentive to select a broker-dealer based on Gratia’s interest in
receiving research or other products or services, rather than on the Funds’ interest
in receiving the most favorable execution.
Pursuant to Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
Gratia may use soft dollars to acquire a variety of research and brokerage services
and products from a broker-dealer, provided that the commissions paid are
reasonable in light of the value of the brokerage and research products or services
provided, as determined by Gratia in good faith. Gratia will generally limit the
use of “soft dollars” to obtain research and brokerage services which constitute
eligible research and brokerage within the meaning of Section 28(e). For these
purposes, eligible “brokerage” services and products are those used to effect
securities transactions for the Funds or to assist in effecting those transactions.
Eligible “research” means services or products used to provide lawful and
appropriate assistance to Gratia in making investment decisions for the Funds.
Research services may involve research reports on particular industries and
companies, economic surveys, securities recommendations, and other services
providing lawful assistance to Gratia in making investment decisions.
In the event any products or services obtained by Gratia with client commissions
have “mixed uses,” (
i.e., for research and non-research purposes), Gratia will
make a good faith and reasonable allocation of the cost of the product according to
its use, in accordance with the SEC’s interpretive guidance. Although Gratia will
make a good faith and reasonable allocation of the eligible costs of the product or
service for brokerage or research, the allocation determination itself poses a
potential conflict of interest since Gratia may have an incentive to overestimate the
soft dollar portion allocated to the “mixed use” product or service in order to avoid
paying for such brokerage or research with hard dollars.
Gratia has established prime brokerage arrangements on behalf of the Funds with
one or more registered broker-dealers (each a “Prime Broker”). Under these
arrangements, the Prime Broker, among other things, settles and clears trades,
extends margin and securities loans, maintains custody of cash and securities held
by the Funds, and provides detailed portfolio and related reports. Gratia and its
affiliates may, in their sole discretion, change the Prime Brokers, alter the terms
of the arrangements with the Prime Brokers, or make alternative arrangements to
receive the services provided by the Prime Brokers. Gratia may also use
additional brokers (in addition to the Prime Brokers) to execute transactions.
Gratia periodically evaluates the execution performance of broker-dealers to
ensure that the services provided are consistent with best execution.
broker-dealers, whether you or a
related person receives
client referrals from a
broker-dealer or third party, disclose this practice and discuss the conflicts of
interest it creates.
a. Disclose that you may have an incentive to select or recommend a
broker-dealer based on your interest in receiving
client referrals, rather
than on your
clients’ interest in receiving most favorable execution.
b. Explain the procedures you used during your last fiscal year to direct
client transactions to a particular broker-dealer in return for
client
referrals.
Gratia may place transactions with a broker or dealer that (i) provides Gratia with
the opportunity to participate in capital introduction events sponsored by the
broker-dealer or (ii) refers investors to the Funds or other products advised by
Gratia (or an affiliate), if otherwise consistent with seeking best execution;
provided Gratia is not selecting the broker-dealer in recognition of the
opportunity to participate in such capital introduction events or the referral of
investors.
Because such referrals, if any, are likely to benefit Gratia and its affiliates but
may provide an insignificant (if any) benefit to investors, Gratia will have a
conflict of interest with the Funds when allocating brokerage business to a broker
who has referred investors to the Funds. To prevent brokerage commissions from
being used to pay investor referral fees, Gratia will not allocate Fund brokerage
business to a referring broker unless Gratia determines in good faith that the
commissions payable to such broker is consistent with seeking best execution.
a. If you routinely recommend, request or require that a
client direct you
to execute transactions through a specified broker-dealer, describe your
practice or policy. Explain that not all advisers require their
clients to
direct brokerage. If you and the broker-dealer are affiliates or have
another economic relationship that creates a material conflict of interest,
describe the relationship and discuss the conflicts of interest it presents.
Explain that by directing brokerage you may be unable to achieve most
favorable execution of
client transactions, and that this practice may cost
clients more money.
b. If you permit a
client to direct brokerage, describe your practice. If
applicable, explain that you may be unable to achieve most favorable
execution of
client transactions. Explain that directing brokerage may
cost
clients more money. For example, in a directed brokerage account,
the
client may pay higher brokerage commissions because you may not
be able to aggregate orders to reduce transaction costs, or the
client may
receive less favorable prices.
Gratia does not permit or require clients to direct brokerage. Gratia has complete
discretion in deciding what brokers and dealers the Funds will use and in
negotiating the rates of compensation the Funds will pay. As noted above, a prime
brokerage relationship has been established on behalf of the Funds.
Gratia is not required to allocate either a stated dollar or stated percentage of
transactions to any broker-dealer for any minimum time period, and will review
such relationships periodically. As outlined above, Gratia recognizes its duty to
seek “best execution” in effecting transactions on behalf of the Funds.
securities for various
client accounts. If you do not aggregate orders when you
have the opportunity to do so, explain your practice and describe the costs to
clients of not aggregating.
When appropriate, Gratia may, but is not required to, aggregate purchase and sale
orders of securities held by the Funds with similar orders being made
simultaneously for other accounts to achieve more efficient execution or to
provide for equitable treatment among accounts. Accounts participating in
aggregated trades will generally be allocated securities based on the average price
achieved for such trades. Gratia makes investment allocations among the
accounts in any manner which it considers to be fair under the circumstances,
including, without limitation, allocations based on relative account sizes,
available cash, the degree of risk involved in the securities acquired and the extent
to which a position in such securities is consistent with the investment policies
and strategies of the various accounts involved.
In addition, Gratia may (but generally does not and is not obligated to) cause the
Funds to effect “cross” transactions with one another (i.e., cause an Advisory
Client to buy or sell securities directly from or to another Advisory Client),
subject to applicable law or regulation. Gratia may effect such transactions if it
believes that the cross transaction will be beneficial to both parties.
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do, describe the frequency and nature of the review, and the titles of the
supervised persons who conduct the review.
The Funds’ portfolios are under ongoing review by Gratia’s investment team and
portfolio review meetings are held weekly. In addition, Gratia’s Chief Investment
Officer and Chief Risk Officer hold quarterly Risk Management meetings.
The investment team reviews the portfolios on an ongoing basis to assure
conformity with the Funds’ objectives and guidelines. In addition, all portfolios
are reviewed in light of emerging trends and developments as well as market
volatility. Further, the Chief Compliance Officer periodically reviews the firm’s
trading to ensure consistency with applicable laws and regulations.
that trigger a review
Please see Item 13.A above. The accounts are reviewed regularly.
clients regarding their accounts. State whether these reports are written.
Each investor in the Funds will receive monthly unaudited reports of the
performance and risk, quarterly letters detailing events of the previous quarter,
and annual audited year-end financial statements. Gratia will also communicate
changes in key personnel, changes in its ownership structure, changes in
investment strategy and changes in service providers, if any, as soon as is
practicably possible.
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investment advice or other advisory services to your
clients, generally describe
the arrangement, explain the conflicts of interest, and describe how you address
the conflicts of interest. For purposes of this Item, economic benefits include any
sales awards or other prizes.
Not applicable.
not your
supervised person for
client referrals, describe the arrangement and the
compensation.
Gratia has not currently entered into arrangements pursuant to which it
compensates third parties for investor referrals; however, Gratia may enter into
such arrangements in the future. All such agreements will be conducted in a
manner that is consistent with relevant SEC guidance. All fees paid to solicitors,
if any, will be fully disclosed to investors consistent with applicable law.
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If you have
custody of
client funds or securities and a qualified custodian sends quarterly, or more frequent,
account statements directly to your
clients, explain that
clients will receive account statements from the
broker-dealer, bank or other qualified custodian and that
clients should carefully review those statements.
If your
clients also receive account statements from you, your explanation must include a statement urging
clients to compare the account statements they receive from the qualified custodian with those they receive
from you.
Gratia will be deemed to have custody of Advisory Client assets because the Affiliated GP is a related
person of Gratia that acts as general partner (or the equivalent) of one or more Funds, and in such capacity
has legal ownership of, or access to, Advisory Client funds or securities.
The qualified custodians presently utilized for the Funds’ cash and securities are detailed on our ADV Part
1.
To ensure compliance with Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act, Gratia will ensure that the Funds are
subject to annual audit by an independent public accountant that is registered with, and subject to regular
inspection by, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in accordance with its rules and that the
Funds’ audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
are distributed to all investors within 120 days of the end of each fiscal year. The Funds are also subject to
audit upon liquidation and the audited financial statements are distributed to all investors promptly after the
completion of such audit. Investors should carefully review such audited financial statements.
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If you accept discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of clients, disclose this fact
and describe any limitations clients may (or customarily do) place on this authority. Describe the procedures
you follow before you assume this authority (e.g., execution of a power of attorney).
Gratia has discretionary authority to manage the Funds. Gratia is authorized to make purchase and sale
decisions for the Funds. Investors in the Funds do not have the ability to impose limitations on Gratia’s
discretionary authority.
Each Fund’s investment strategy is set forth in detail in such Fund’s offering memorandum (or similar
document). Prospective investors are provided with an offering memorandum prior to their investment and
are encouraged to carefully review the offering memorandum, along with all other relevant offering
materials, to be sure that the proposed investment is consistent with their investment goals and tolerance
for risk. Prospective investors should also consult with their legal, tax, or other advisors prior to making
any investment. Prospective investors must also execute a subscription agreement, in which they make
various representations, including representations regarding their suitability to invest in a high-risk
investment.
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voting policies and procedures, including those adopted pursuant to SEC rule
206(4)-6. Describe whether (and, if so, how) your
clients can direct your vote in
a particular solicitation. Describe how you address conflicts of interest between
you and your
clients with respect to voting their securities. Describe how
clients
may obtain information from you about how you voted their securities. Explain
to
clients that they may obtain a copy of your proxy voting policies and
procedures upon request.
Gratia provides investment advisory services to its Advisory Clients, and invests
Advisory Client assets in securities issued by public and private issuers. Gratia
has authority to vote proxies relating to such securities on behalf of Advisory
Clients.
Gratia understands and appreciates the importance of proxy voting. To the extent
that Gratia has discretion to vote proxies on behalf of Advisory Clients, Gratia’s
policy is to vote any such proxies in a manner that serves the best interests of the
Advisory Clients, as determined by Gratia in its discretion, and taking into
account relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
the impact on the value of the securities;
the anticipated costs and benefits associated with the proposal;
the effect on liquidity; and
customary industry and business practices.
In evaluating proxy issues, Gratia will use information gathered as a result of the
in-depth research and ongoing company analyses performed by our investment
team in making buy, sell and hold decisions for our Advisory Client portfolios.
This process includes periodic meetings with senior management of portfolio
companies. Gratia may also consider information from other sources, including
the management of a company presenting a proposal, shareholder groups, and
other independent proxy research services. Unless a particular proposal or the
particular circumstances of a company suggest otherwise, proposals regarding
routine matters (such as the election or re-election of Board members, changes in
capitalization, and the approval of auditors) generally shall be voted in
accordance with voting guidelines that have been formulated by our investment
team. Non-routine matters may be reviewed and voted by Gratia on a case-by-
case basis.
Proxies for securities on loan through securities lending programs will generally
not be voted, unless Gratia can obtain these securities in advance of the relevant
record date.
Prior to voting any proxies, Gratia will determine if there are any conflicts of
interest related to the proxy in question. If a conflict is identified, the Chief
Compliance Officer will then make a determination (which may be in
consultation with outside legal counsel) as to whether the conflict is material or
not. If no material conflict is identified pursuant to its set procedures, the Chief
Compliance Officer, with input from Gratia’s investment team, will make a
decision on how to vote the proxy in question. In cases where a conflict of interest
has been determined to exist, Gratia generally will have no discretion to vote any
portion of the proxy.
Gratia keeps a record of its proxy voting policies and procedures, proxy
statements received, votes cast, all communications received and internal
documents created that were material to voting decisions and each client request
for proxy voting records and Gratia’s response for the previous five years.
If you have any questions about Gratia’s proxy policy, its proxy record-keeping
procedures or if you would like any detailed information about how proxies were
actually voted, please call the Chief Compliance Officer at 310-733-2500.
whether
clients will receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their
custodian or a transfer agent or from you, and discuss whether (and, if so, how)
clients can contact you with questions about a particular solicitation.
Not applicable.
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months or more in advance, include a balance sheet for your most recent fiscal
year.
1. The balance sheet must be prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, audited by an independent public
accountant, and accompanied by a note stating the principles used to
prepare it, the basis of securities included, and any other explanations
required for clarity.
2. Show parenthetically the market or fair value of securities included at
cost.
3. Qualifications of the independent public accountant and any
accompanying independent public accountant’s report must conform to
Article 2 of SEC Regulation S-X.
Not applicable.
require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per
client, six months
or more in advance, disclose any financial condition that is reasonably likely to
impair your ability to meet contractual commitments to
clients.
Gratia is not currently aware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely
to impair its ability to meet contractual commitments to its Advisory Clients.
ten years, disclose this fact, the date the petition was first brought, and the current
status.
Not applicable.
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Open Brochure from SEC website