UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. _____)
Filed by the Registrant | [X] |
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant | [ ] |
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
[ ] | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
[X] | Definitive Proxy Statement |
[ ] | Definitive Additional Materials |
[ ] | Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
EXCELSIOR Private Markets FUND III (Master), LLC
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] | No fee required. |
[ ] | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
(1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: _______________ |
(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: _______________ |
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): _____________________________________________________ |
(4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ______________________ |
(5) | Total fee paid: ____________________________________________________ |
[ ] | Fee previously paid with preliminary materials. |
[ ] | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
(1) | Amount previously paid: ___________________________________________ |
(2) | Form, schedule or registration statement no.: ___________________________ |
(3) | Filing party: _____________________________________________________ |
(4) | Date filed: ______________________________________________________ |
EXCELSIOR
Private Markets FUND III (TI), LLC
EXCELSIOR Private Markets FUND III (TE), LLC
(each, a “Feeder Fund”)
And
EXCELSIOR Private Markets FUND III (MASTER), LLC
(the “Master Fund,” and together with the Feeder Funds, the “Funds”)
One Bryant Park
New York, NY 10036
July 23, 2015
Dear Member:
I am writing to inform you of a Joint Special Meeting (the “Meeting”) of Members of the Funds (“Members”) that will be held on August 6, 2015 at the offices of Bank of America, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). The formal notice of the Meeting and related materials are enclosed. At the Meeting, Members of the Feeder Funds will vote on (i) a proposal to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Master Fund and Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NBM”), pursuant to which NBM would replace Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC (“MLAI”) as the investment adviser of the Master Fund (the “New Advisory Agreement”), (ii) a proposal to approve an investment sub-advisory agreement between NBM and NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (“NBAA,” and together with NBM, “Neuberger Berman”), pursuant to which NBAA would serve as investment sub-adviser of the Master Fund (the “New Sub-Advisory Agreement”), and (iii) a proposal to elect two nominees proposed by the Board of Managers of each Fund (collectively, the “Board”) to serve as Managers of each Fund.
On June 22, 2015, MLAI entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Neuberger Berman. Neuberger Berman is a global alternative asset manager with $251 billion in total funds under management as of March 31, 2015. Under the Purchase Agreement, MLAI agreed to sell to Neuberger Berman certain assets relating to the management and operation of various registered and unregistered investment companies operating principally as private equity funds of funds (“Funds of Funds”) currently managed by MLAI, including assets relating to the management and operations of the Funds, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions (the “Transaction”). MLAI’s decision to sell these assets was based on its determination that serving as the investment adviser of these Funds of Funds is no longer consistent with MLAI’s primary business focus. NBM was selected by MLAI as the purchaser of MLAI’s Fund of Funds management business based on NBM’s interest in purchasing that business and following a due diligence process that assessed the investment expertise of Neuberger Berman, the quality of Neuberger Berman’s personnel and investment process and its ability to service investors.
In December 2014, MLAI advised the Board of its decision to sell its Fund of Funds business. After consideration of potential buyers, MLAI advised the Board that it believes that it would be in the best interests of each Fund and its Members for NBM to assume the role of
investment adviser of the Master Fund. This proposal was thereafter carefully considered by the Board, and at a meeting of the Board held on June 15, 2015, the Board approved (i) the New Advisory Agreement for the Master Fund with NBM pursuant to which NBM would serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser and (ii) the New Sub-Advisory Agreement between NBM and NBAA pursuant to which NBAA would serve as the Master Fund’s investment sub-adviser. MLAI and NBM also proposed that the Board approve new management agreements between each of the Feeder Funds and NBM (the “New Management Agreement”) in order to enable NBM to assume responsibility for providing non-investment advisory management-related services that are currently provided to the Feeder Funds by MLAI and are necessary for the operations of the Feeder Funds.
After giving consideration to all relevant factors and based, in part, on its review of the nature, scope and quality of services that are expected to be provided by Neuberger Berman, the Board determined to approve various matters necessary for NBM to succeed MLAI as investment adviser of the Master Fund, for NBAA to serve as sub-adviser to the Master Fund and for NBM to provide management-related services to the Feeder Funds. Among other things, the Board approved the New Advisory Agreement, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement and the New Management Agreements to enable NBM to serve as investment adviser of the Master Fund and NBAA to serve as the sub-adviser to the Master Fund and to assume responsibility for providing all of the services that are now provided to the Funds by MLAI. Each of the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement will become effective only if they are approved by the vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Master Fund, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), all of which are held by the Feeder Funds.1 In this regard, the Feeder Funds will cause their respective interests in the Master Fund to be voted on the proposal to approve the New Advisory Agreement in the same proportion for and against that proposal as Members of the Feeder Funds vote their interests. The terms of the New Advisory Agreement are materially the same as those of the Master Fund’s current investment advisory agreement with MLAI (the “Current Advisory Agreement”), except for the fact that NBM (rather than MLAI) will serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser and be authorized, to the extent permitted by the Board and the 1940 Act, to engage an affiliate as sub-adviser. The Master Fund does not currently have a sub-adviser. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides for NBAA to serve as sub-adviser to the Master Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board and NBM. There will be no change in the fees payable by any of the Funds under the New Advisory Agreement or the New Management Agreements, nor any expected increase in the expenses of any Fund as a result of the New Advisory Agreement or the New Management Agreement. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides for fees to be payable by NBM to NBAA, but not additional fees to be payable by the Funds. In addition, Neuberger Berman has advised the Board that it does not expect to propose any change to the investment objective or investment policies of the Funds or otherwise to implement any material changes in the Funds’ investment program.
1 In the case of the Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC, all of the voting shares of the Master Fund are held indirectly through the Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Offshore), LDC, in which Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC invests.
- 2 - |
If the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement are approved at the Meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), they will become effective upon consummation of the Transaction. The New Management Agreements are not subject to approval by Members and will become effective upon the approval of the New Advisory Agreement by Members of the Master Fund. In the event that Members do not approve both the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Transaction will not be completed, and MLAI will continue to serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser in accordance with the Current Advisory Agreement and the current management agreements will continue in effect with respect to the Feeder Funds. In such event, MLAI and the Board will consider other options with respect to the management of the Funds.
The enclosed Proxy Statement, which you should read carefully, provides more detailed information about the proposals that will be acted upon at the Meeting and solicits your proxy to be voted at the Meeting.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote “For” approval of the New Advisory Agreement, “For” approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement and “For” the election of the two nominees proposed by the Board to serve as Managers of each Fund. Approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement is contingent upon Member approval of the New Advisory Agreement. Approval of the two Board nominees is not contingent upon the approval of the New Advisory Agreement or the New Sub-Advisory Agreement.
You may vote at the Meeting if you were a Member of record of a Fund as of the close of business on June 29, 2015. Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, you can vote in one of three ways: (i) by marking, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed prepaid envelope; (ii) via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com and following the on-screen directions; or (iii) by using your touch-tone telephone. (Please see the enclosed information, as well as your proxy card, for additional instructions on how to vote.) You may also vote in person at the Meeting. Please call (866) 637-2587 for directions if you are planning to attend the Meeting. If you vote by Internet or by telephone, you do not need to mail your proxy card. If after voting you want to change your vote, you may do so by submitting a new proxy card, by submitting a new vote by touch-tone telephone or the Internet, or by revoking your proxy and voting in person at the Meeting.
Please call us at (866) 637-2587 if you have any questions regarding voting procedures.
It is important that your vote be represented. Please mark, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the envelope provided by mail or vote using the Internet or touch-tone telephone.
Thank you for your confidence and support.
Very truly yours, | ||
/s/ Marina Belaya | ||
Name: | Marina Belaya | |
Title: | Secretary |
- 3 - |
EXCELSIOR
Private Markets FUND III (TI), LLC
EXCELSIOR Private Markets FUND III (TE), LLC
(each, a “Feeder Fund”)
And
EXCELSIOR Private Markets FUND III (MASTER), LLC
(the “Master Fund,” and together with the Feeder Funds, the “Funds”)
One Bryant Park
New York, NY 10036
NOTICE OF JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
To be Held on August 6, 2015
To Members:
A Joint Special Meeting of Members of the Funds (“Members”) will be held on August 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) at the offices of Bank of America, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 (the “Meeting”).
The Meeting has been called to (i) approve a new Investment Advisory Agreement (the “New Advisory Agreement”) between the Master Fund and Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NBM”) pursuant to which NBM would serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser, (ii) approve a new investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the “New Sub-Advisory Agreement”) between NBM and NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (“NBAA”) pursuant to which NBAA would serve as the Master Fund’s investment sub-adviser and (iii) elect two nominees proposed by the Board of Managers of each Fund (collectively, the “Board”) to serve as Managers of each Fund. These proposals are discussed in greater detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
You may vote at the Meeting if you were a Member of record of a Fund as of the close of business on June 29, 2015. If you attend the Meeting, you may vote in person. If you would like to attend the Meeting in person, please obtain directions by calling (866) 637-2587. Members who do not expect to attend the Meeting are urged to vote in one of three ways: (i) by marking, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed prepaid envelope; (ii) via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com and following the on-screen directions; or (iii) by using your touch-tone telephone. Signed but unmarked proxy cards will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at the Meeting and will be voted “For” approval of the New Advisory Agreement, “For” approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, “For” the election of the two nominees proposed by the Board to serve as Managers of each Fund and, in the discretion of the persons named as proxies, in connection with any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice is also available along with the proxy card and any other proxy materials at www.proxyvote.com by entering the control number that appears on your proxy card.
Each Fund will furnish, without charge, copies of its most recent annual and semi-annual reports to Members upon request. To request copies of these reports, please call (866) 637-2587
or write to Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC, 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10080. You may also view or obtain these reports from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): (i) in person: at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; (ii) by phone: 1-800-SEC-0330; (iii) by mail: Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 (duplicating fee required); (iv) by e-mail: publicinfo@sec.gov; or (v) by Internet: www.sec.gov.
If you have any questions, please call the Funds at (866) 637-2587.
By Order of the
Board of Managers
Each Member’s vote is important. The Meeting may be adjourned without conducting any business if a quorum is not present. In the event that a quorum is not present at the Meeting or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve the New Advisory Agreement, approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement or elect each of the two nominees to serve as Managers of each Fund are not received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies.
Your vote could be critical to enable the Funds to hold the Meeting as scheduled, so please vote in one of three ways: (i) by marking, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed prepaid envelope; (ii) via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com and following the on-screen directions; or (iii) by using your touch-tone telephone. Please see your proxy card for additional instructions on how to vote.
- 2 - |
EXCELSIOR
Private Markets FUND III (TI), LLC
EXCELSIOR Private Markets FUND III (TE), LLC
(each, a “Feeder Fund”)
And
EXCELSIOR Private Markets FUND III (Master), LLC
(the “Master Fund,” and together with the Feeder Funds, the “Funds”)
One Bryant Park
New York, NY 10036
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
To Be Held on August 6, 2015
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to members of the Funds (“Members”) by the Boards of Managers of each Fund (collectively, the “Board”). The Board is requesting your proxy for use at a Joint Special Meeting of Members (the “Meeting”) to be held at the offices of Bank of America, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, on August 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Your proxy may also be voted at any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting.
At the Meeting, Members will vote on (i) a proposal (the “New Advisory Agreement Proposal”) to approve a new investment advisory agreement for the Master Fund (the “New Advisory Agreement”) with Neuberger Berman Management LLC (“NBM”) pursuant to which NBM would serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser, (ii) a proposal (the “New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal”) to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement between NBM and NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (“NBAA” and together with NBM, “Neuberger Berman”), pursuant to which NBAA would serve as the Master Fund’s investment sub-adviser and (iii) a proposal (the “Board Nominee Proposal,” and together with the New Advisory Agreement Proposal and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal, the “Proposals”) to elect two nominees proposed by the Board to serve as Managers of each Fund. Implementation of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal is contingent upon the approval of the New Advisory Agreement Proposal.
This Proxy Statement is first being mailed to Members on or about July 23, 2015. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, officers of Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC (“MLAI”), the Master Fund’s current investment adviser, and personnel of MLAI’s affiliates may solicit proxies by telephone or in person, without special compensation. MLAI has retained Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), a third-party solicitor, to solicit proxies from Members. Broadridge may solicit proxies in person, by Internet or by telephone. The fees and expenses of the proxy solicitor (which are expected to be approximately $0, $700, and $360 for the Master Fund, TI Fund and TE Fund, respectively), as well as all other costs associated with the solicitation and preparation of the Proxy Statement and with the Meeting, are being paid by both NBM and MLAI.
- 1 - |
All properly executed proxies received before the Meeting will be voted at the Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof in accordance with the instructions marked thereon or otherwise as provided therein. If no instructions are marked, proxies will be voted “For” the New Advisory Agreement Proposal, “For” the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal and “For” the Board Nominee Proposal, and will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons appointed as proxies on any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Members who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them in person at the Meeting or by written notice received by the applicable Fund at any time before they are voted. Proxies given by telephone or over the Internet may be revoked at any time before they are voted in the same manner that proxies submitted by mail may be revoked. In addition, you may revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Meeting. See “Voting Information – Revocation of Proxies and Abstentions.”
If a quorum is not present at the Meeting or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve the New Advisory Agreement Proposal, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal or the Board Nominee Proposal are not received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. See “Voting Information – Adjournments.”
The close of business on June 29, 2015 has been fixed as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of Members entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
Members are entitled to one vote with respect to each unit of limited liability company interests (“Units”) of a Fund held by the Member as of the Record Date (and a proportionate fractional vote in the case of fractional Units). As of the close of business on the Record Date, each Fund had outstanding Units as follows:
Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TI), LLC (“TI Fund”) | 7,516.62 |
Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC (“TE Fund”) | 5,734.11 |
Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC (“Master Fund”) | 10,320.77 |
Copies of each Fund’s most recent annual report and semi-annual report are available upon request, without charge, by calling (866) 637-2587 or by writing to MLAI, One Bryant Park, New York, NY 10036. You may also view or obtain these reports from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): (i) in person: at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; (ii) by phone: 1-800-SEC-0330; (iii) by mail: Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 (duplicating fee required); (iv) by e-mail: publicinfo@sec.gov; or (v) by Internet: www.sec.gov.
Information regarding persons known to own five percent or more of outstanding Units and information regarding the ownership of Units by persons serving on the Board (“Managers”) is contained in Exhibit 1 to this Proxy Statement.
- 2 - |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for Joint Special Meeting of Members To Be Held on August 6, 2015
The following materials and information relating to this Proxy Statement are available at www.proxyvote.com by entering the control number that appears on your proxy card: (i) the Proxy Statement and accompanying Notice of Joint Special Meeting of Members; (ii) proxy cards and any other proxy materials; and (iii) information on how to obtain directions to attend the Meeting in person.
- 3 - |
Table of Contents
Page
- 4 - |
I. | Proposal 1: Approval of a New Investment Advisory Agreement. |
After a review of the nature and goals of its business, MLAI recently determined to limit the focus of its alternative investments business of providing advice, guidance and distribution services relating to Funds of Funds, and to cease providing investment advice to or managing the Funds of Funds. Following that determination, MLAI sought to identify a buyer for its assets relating to the management and operation of the Funds of Funds. Neuberger Berman was selected by MLAI as the purchaser of MLAI’s Funds of Funds management business based on Neuberger Berman’s interest in purchasing that business and following a due diligence process that assessed the investment expertise of NBM, the quality of NBM’s personnel and investment process and its ability to service investors. Thereafter, on June 22, 2015, MLAI entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Neuberger Berman, pursuant to which MLAI agreed to sell to Neuberger Berman certain assets relating to the management and operation of various Funds of Funds, including the Fund, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions (the “Transaction”).
In December 2014, MLAI advised the Board of its decision to sell its Funds of Funds business. MLAI initiated a search process to identify qualified candidates to serve as successor to MLAI to operate the Funds of Funds business. The Board subsequently met on March 26, 2015 to hear presentations from the multiple identified potential buyers. After consideration of these potential buyers, MLAI determined, and recommended to the Board that, it would be in the best interests of each Fund and its Members for NBM to assume the role of investment adviser to the Master Fund. To enable the Funds to continue receiving the full suite of advisory and non-investment advisory management-related services currently provided by MLAI and necessary for the operations of the Funds, MLAI also recommended to the Board approval of (i) the New Sub-Advisory Agreement between NBM and NBAA (as described in the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal) and (ii) the New Management Agreements between the Feeder Funds and NBM. On May 13, 2015, the Board held a telephonic meeting with MLAI and NBM to discuss these proposed arrangements. MLAI and Neuberger Berman have agreed to take various actions to facilitate the Transaction and to obtain necessary approvals of the Board and Members.
The New Advisory Agreement was thereafter carefully considered by the Board, and at a meeting of the Board held on June 15, 2015, the Board approved the New Advisory Agreement pursuant to which NBM would provide the Master Fund with investment advisory services. The Board also considered that, as described in the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal, NBM intends to engage its affiliate, NBAA, as sub-adviser pursuant to the New Sub-Advisory Agreement which provides that NBAA will provide the Master Fund with investment advisory services under the supervision of NBM and the Board. To become effective, the New Advisory Agreement must be approved by Members in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The terms of the New Advisory Agreement are materially the same as those of the Master Fund’s current investment advisory agreement with MLAI (the “Current Advisory Agreement”), except for the fact that NBM (rather than MLAI) will serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser and be authorized, to the extent permitted by the Board and the 1940 Act, to engage an affiliate as sub-adviser. A copy of the New Advisory Agreement is contained in Exhibit 2 to this Proxy Statement.
There will be no change in the investment advisory fee payable by the Master Fund, the management fee payable by each Feeder Fund, nor any expected increase in the expenses of each
5 |
Fund as a result of the Transaction. Like MLAI, NBM has agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or management fee to the extent necessary to limit such combined advisory fee and management fee to the amount that would have been payable using the annual rate of 1.5% of investors’ aggregate commitments, measured over the life of the applicable Fund as described in the relevant Fund’s registration statement on Form N-2. In addition, NBM has advised the Board that it does not expect to propose any change to the investment objective or investment policies of the Funds or otherwise to implement any material changes in the Funds’ investment program. NBM expects to propose that the Board appoint new officers for each Fund, effective upon the effectiveness of the New Advisory Agreement. Upon closing, NB Jupiter Associates LLC (“NBJA”), an affiliate of NBM, will become the Special Member of each Fund and, as such, will be entitled to collect an Incentive Carried Interest (as defined below) pursuant to such Fund’s limited liability company agreement and as described in the New Advisory Agreement.
The New Advisory Agreement was considered by the Board at a meeting held on June 15, 2015. At the meeting, the Board reviewed information relating to NBM, including materials relating to NBM’s business, personnel and financial resources, and met with and asked questions of senior personnel of NBM. The Board also reviewed the terms of the New Advisory Agreement.
The Board is currently comprised solely of persons who are not “interested persons,” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Funds or MLAI (the “Independent Managers”), and in connection with its deliberations regarding matters relating to the New Advisory Agreement and the Transaction, the Independent Managers were represented and assisted by independent legal counsel.
After careful consideration of various matters, and evaluation of all factors deemed relevant, which are described below under “Board Consideration of New Advisory Agreement,” the New Advisory Agreement was unanimously approved by the Board at an in-person meeting held on June 15, 2015. The Board also approved the termination of the Current Advisory Agreement, effective upon the effectiveness of the New Advisory Agreement. If approved by Members, the New Advisory Agreement will become effective upon consummation of the Transaction, which is expected to occur on August 14, 2015 or as soon as practicable thereafter.
1940 Act Requirements.
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act prohibits any person from serving as an investment adviser of a registered investment company, such as the Master Fund, except pursuant to a written contract that has been approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the investment company. Therefore, the approval of the New Advisory Agreement by Members of the Master Fund is required. Pursuant to the requirements of agreements between the Feeder Funds and the Master Fund (and, in the case of TE Fund, between the Master Fund and Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Offshore), LDC (the “Offshore Fund”), through which the TE Fund indirectly invests in the Master Fund), each Feeder Fund (and the Offshore Fund) will vote its interest in the Master Fund proportionately for and against approval of the New Advisory Agreement in accordance with the votes cast by Members of the Feeder Funds at the Meeting for
6 |
and against the proposal to approve the New Advisory Agreement.2 If Members do not approve the New Advisory Agreement, MLAI will continue to serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser in accordance with the Current Advisory Agreement and, in such event, MLAI and the Board will consider other options with respect to the management of the Funds.
If both the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement are approved by Members, the New Advisory Agreement will become effective and will have an initial term expiring two years from the date of its execution. The New Advisory Agreement may continue in effect from year to year after its initial term, provided that each such continuance is approved by: (i) the Board; or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Master Fund; and that, in either event, such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Independent Managers, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
Neuberger Berman Management LLC.
NBM is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“NBG”) and provides investment advisory services to the Neuberger Berman open- and closed-end funds that are registered under the 1940 Act. NBG’s voting equity is owned by NBSH Acquisition, LLC (“NBSH”). NBSH is owned by portfolio managers, members of the NBG’s management team and certain of NBG’s key employees and senior professionals.3 Neuberger Berman’s private equity activities are conducted through NBAA, which is also an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of NBG and would serve as sub-adviser to the Fund. The offices of NBM and NBG are located at 605 Third Avenue, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10158.
The following chart sets forth the name, address and principal occupation of the senior professionals of NBM:
Name* | Principal Occupation |
Robert Conti | President and Chief Executive Officer |
Brian Kerrane | Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer |
John McGovern | Senior Vice President and Head of Mutual Fund Administration |
Chamaine Williams | Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
Andrew Allard | Senior Vice President and General Counsel |
*The address of each individual listed is 605 Third Avenue, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10158.
Description of the New Advisory Agreement and Current Advisory Agreement.
MLAI (or a predecessor or affiliate of MLAI) has served as investment adviser of the Master Fund since commencement of the Master Fund’s operations on October 25, 2013. The Current Advisory Agreement was approved by the Board on April 15, 2013 and a restatement of the Current Advisory Agreement was approved on November 25, 2013 to reflect the transfer of the agreement from Bank of America Capital Advisors LLC (“BACA”), which along with MLAI
2 The TE Fund holds all of the voting shares of the Offshore Fund. In accordance with the master/feeder agreement between the Offshore Fund and the TE Fund, the Offshore Fund will vote its interest in the Master Fund for and against approval of the New Advisory Agreement in the same proportion as the vote of Members of the TE Fund.
3 Employee ownership includes employees, recently retired employees and their permitted transferees.
7 |
is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, to MLAI effective December 31, 2013. As the successor of BACA, MLAI assumed all responsibilities for serving as the investment adviser of the Master Fund under the terms of the Current Advisory Agreement. The transfer of the advisory agreement from BACA to MLAI was not deemed to constitute an “assignment” of the Current Advisory Agreement. After its initial term of two years from the date of its execution, the Current Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year to year thereafter; provided that such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Master Fund, and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Independent Managers, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Such continuance was last approved at a meeting held on June 26, 2015.
The terms of the Current Advisory Agreement and the New Advisory Agreement are described generally below.
Advisory Services. Under the Current Advisory Agreement, MLAI is responsible for managing the investment activities of the Master Fund, subject to the supervision of the Master Fund Board, in a manner consistent with the Master Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, and for determining the investments to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of by the Master Fund. The Current Advisory Agreement also requires MLAI to provide various other management, administrative and other services to the Master Fund, including, among others: to supervise the entities retained to provide accounting, custody and other services to the Master Fund; to respond to inquiries of Members regarding their investments and account balances; to assist in the preparation and mailing of subscription materials to prospective investors and of reports and other information to Members; to assist in the preparation of regulatory filings; to monitor compliance with regulatory requirements; to review the accounting records of the Master Fund and to assist in the preparation of and review financial reports of the Master Fund; to review and arrange for the payment of Master Fund expenses; to coordinate and organize meetings of the Board and meetings of Members, and to prepare materials and reports for use at meetings of the Board; and to review subscription documents and to assist in the processing of subscriptions for Units. The sole Members of the Master Fund are the Feeder Funds. The members of the Feeder Funds receive similar management, administrative and other services from MLAI for an additional fee pursuant to the current management agreements (as described below). In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Current Advisory Agreement, MLAI provides the services of persons employed by MLAI to serve as officers of the Master Fund and assists the Master Fund in routine regulatory examinations and in responding to any litigation, investigations or regulatory matters. The New Advisory Agreement requires that NBM provide these same services either directly or, if authorized by the Board and the 1940 Act, through an affiliated sub-adviser subject to NBM’s supervision. As described in the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal, if approved by Members, NBM intends to engage its affiliate, NBAA, as sub-adviser to the Master Fund pursuant to the New Sub-Advisory Agreement to provide a subset of these advisory services subject to the supervision of NBM and the Board.
MLAI provides management services to the Feeder Funds pursuant to the current management agreement between each Feeder Fund and MLAI. At its meeting on June 15, 2015, the Board, which consists solely of Independent Managers, unanimously approved the New Management Agreements between each Feeder Fund and NBM, which is substantially the same
8 |
as the currently effective management agreements except for the replacement of MLAI, the date of its effectiveness and the post-termination survival of certain contractual provisions. In this regard, there will be no change in fees or in the nature or scope of services required to be provided to the Feeder Funds under the New Management Agreements. The New Management Agreements are not subject to approval by Members and will become effective upon the approval of the New Advisory Agreement by Members of the Master Fund. If the New Advisory Agreement is not approved, the current management agreements will continue in effect as MLAI and the Board consider other options with respect to the management of the Funds.
Advisory Fee. In consideration of services provided by MLAI under the Current Advisory Agreement, the Master Fund pays MLAI a fee quarterly in arrears at the annual rate of 1.0% as follows: (i) during the period from the initial subscription closing until the fifth anniversary of the final subscription closing (“Final Closing Date”), based on the total capital commitments (the “Underlying Commitments”) entered into by the Master Fund with respect to: (a) investments in portfolio funds and (b) direct private equity investments in portfolio companies; and (ii) beginning on the fifth anniversary of the final closing and thereafter, based on the net asset value (exclusive of assets held in cash and cash equivalents) of the Master Fund as of the last day of the applicable quarter (the “Advisory Fee”). The Final Closing occurred on October 25, 2014, which means that the Advisory Fee will continue to be calculated pursuant to clause (i) above until October 25, 2019. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, the Master Fund incurred Advisory Fees totaling $486,198, of which $208,052 was allocated to the TE Fund and $278,146 was allocated to the TI Fund.
MLAI is also entitled to collect an Incentive Carried Interest (as defined below) from each Feeder Fund after the fourth anniversary of the Final Closing. Under the Current Advisory Agreement, after Members of a Feeder Fund have received distributions equal to 125% of their drawn commitments, all future distributions will be split 95% to Members (including MLAI) of such Feeder Fund pro rata in accordance with their respective drawn commitments and 5% to MLAI (the “Incentive Carried Interest”). The Incentive Carried Interest is paid in addition to the Advisory Fee. At March 31, 2015, the accrued and unpaid Incentive Carried Interest for the TE Fund and the TI Fund was $0 and $0, respectively. The same Advisory Fee and Incentive Carried Interest will be payable to NBM and NBJA, respectively, under the New Advisory Agreement.
In consideration for the services provided under the current management agreements, each Feeder Fund pays MLAI a management fee quarterly in arrears at the annual rate of 0.50% as follows: (i) during the period from the initial subscription closing until the fifth anniversary of the Final Closing, based on the Underlying Commitments attributable to the Feeder Fund (based on such Feeder Fund’s commitments to the Master Fund relative to those of the Feeder Funds invested in the Master Fund) and (ii) beginning on the fifth anniversary of the Final Closing and thereafter, based on the net asset value of the Master Fund. The management fee will not exceed 0.50% of total commitments from Members of the Feeder Funds. For the year ended March 31, 2015, the TE Fund and the TI Fund incurred management fees totaling $105,620 and $137,479, respectively.
Liability and Indemnification. The Current Advisory Agreement requires that MLAI use its best efforts in the supervision and management of the investment activities of the Master
9 |
Fund and in providing services, but provides that, in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under the Current Advisory Agreement, MLAI (and its directors, officers and employees and its affiliates, successors or other legal representatives) shall not be liable to the Master Fund for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law, for any act or omission by MLAI or any of its affiliates or for any loss suffered by the Master Fund. In addition, the Current Advisory Agreement requires that the Master Fund indemnify MLAI and its directors, officers or employees and their respective affiliates, executors, heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives against any and all costs, losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, resulting in any way from the performance or non-performance of any such person’s duties with respect to the Master Fund, except those resulting from their willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence or their reckless disregard of such duties, and in the case of criminal proceedings, unless they had reasonable cause to believe their actions unlawful. The provisions of the New Advisory Agreement relating to liability and indemnification are the same as those of the Current Advisory Agreement.
Effective Date and Term. The Current Advisory Agreement was approved by the Board on April 15, 2013, had an initial term of two years from the date of its execution, and continues in effect from year to year thereafter; provided that such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Master Fund (as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder), and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Independent Managers, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The provisions of the New Advisory Agreement relating to the term of effectiveness of the New Advisory Agreement are the same as those of the Current Advisory Agreement, except that the New Advisory Agreement will become effective upon consummation of the Transaction and will have an initial term expiring two years from the date of its execution.
Termination. The Master Fund has the right, at any time and without payment of any penalty, to terminate the Current Advisory Agreement upon sixty days’ prior written notice to MLAI, either by majority vote of the Board or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Master Fund (as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder). MLAI has a similar right to terminate the Current Advisory Agreement upon sixty days’ prior written notice to the Master Fund. In addition, the Current Advisory Agreement provides for its automatic termination in the event of its assignment (to the extent required by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) unless such automatic termination is prevented by an exemptive order or rule of the SEC. The New Advisory Agreement has the same termination provisions.
Board Consideration of New Advisory Agreement.
In determining whether to approve the New Advisory Agreement and to recommend its approval by Members, the Board requested, received and considered all information it deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate and to assess the terms of the New Advisory Agreement and the qualifications and ability of NBM to provide or, to the extent delegated to an affiliated sub-adviser, supervise the provision of all necessary services to the Master Fund and achieve a level of quality comparable to the quality of services now provided to the Master Fund by MLAI. The Board, which is comprised solely of the Independent Managers, reviewed various materials furnished to it by NBM, including information regarding Neuberger Berman, its personnel and
10 |
affiliates (especially its affiliated sub-adviser, NBAA, as described in the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal), its experience in providing investment advisory services to investment companies (including those registered under the 1940 Act), its operations, and its financial condition and resources. The Board also reviewed written evaluations from a third-party due diligence firm (the “Due Diligence Firm”) and MLAI representatives, including from the Funds’ chief compliance officer, of Neuberger Berman’s operational, legal and compliance capabilities, as well as other due diligence reports prepared by MLAI representatives initially for the review of MLAI’s senior management. The Board held two in-person meetings and one telephonic conference during which it discussed and considered the New Advisory Agreement Proposal and to retain NBM as the investment adviser of the Master Fund. In connection with these deliberations, the Independent Managers were advised by and received assistance from independent counsel. They also met in executive sessions with their independent counsel to review the New Advisory Agreement Proposal and to receive the advice of such counsel on various matters relating to the New Advisory Agreement Proposal.
At its meetings to consider this matter, the Board met with representatives of Neuberger Berman and discussed with them various matters relating to the operations of the Master Fund, Feeder Funds and NBM, including the plans of NBM relating to the management of the Funds’ investment program and its intentions regarding the allocation of appropriate financial, operational and personnel resources to assure the quality of services provided to the Funds. In particular, the Board discussed NBM’s intention to engage NBAA as sub-adviser to provide the advisory services to the Master Fund, subject to NBM’s supervision. The representatives of Neuberger Berman provided information to the Independent Managers regarding, and reviewed the experience and qualifications of, Neuberger Berman’s key personnel who would be responsible for providing investment, accounting and compliance related services to the Funds and involved in the Funds’ day-to-day operations, and those individuals made presentations to the Board indicating, among other items, that NBM does not contemplate material changes to the Funds’ investment program. Representatives of Neuberger Berman responded to questions of the Independent Managers regarding these matters and the plans of Neuberger Berman relating to the staffing and the resources that would be available to support the various functions required in connection with the Master Fund’s operations (including investment selection, portfolio construction, operational due diligence, financial accounting and reporting, and regulatory and tax compliance).
The Board also met with representatives of the Due Diligence Firm and MLAI who had conducted due diligence reviews of the operations of NBM and reviewed with such representatives their observations and findings regarding the experience, operations, systems, compliance infrastructure and staffing of Neuberger Berman and the qualifications of NBM to serve as investment adviser and NBAA to serve as sub-adviser of the Master Fund. The Due Diligence Firm and MLAI representatives responded to questions of the Independent Managers with respect to these matters. The Board also understood that both MLAI and the Due Diligence Firm were completing further business, legal and compliance due diligence on Neuberger Berman, to be presented to the Board at a later date, and the Board advised Neuberger Berman and MLAI, and each agreed, that Neuberger Berman would not assume its role replacing MLAI until such due diligence was completed and its results were satisfactory to the Board.
11 |
Based on its review, which included consideration of the written materials provided to the Board, consideration of various commitments and assurances provided by representatives of NBM and MLAI, and consideration of all other pertinent factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in this Proxy Statement, the Board determined the New Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of each Fund and its Members and unanimously approved the New Advisory Agreement. In approving the New Advisory Agreement, the Board determined that NBM through its affiliate, NBAA, can be expected to provide all necessary investment advisory services to the Master Fund and to provide services of appropriate quality and also determined that the New Advisory Agreement, together with the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, will enable the Master Fund to continue to receive investment advisory and related services at a cost that is reasonable and appropriate. No single factor was considered in isolation in making this determination, nor was any single factor considered to be determinative to the Board’s decision to approve the New Advisory Agreement.
In considering the New Advisory Agreement, the Board evaluated the nature, extent and expected quality of operations and services to be provided by Neuberger Berman to the Master Fund. The Board determined, in this regard, that NBM, through NBAA, and its personnel had significant experience in serving as the investment adviser of investment companies that pursue investment programs similar to that of the Master Fund. After consideration of relevant information, and based on the commitments and assurances that have been provided by NBM and MLAI, the Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, expected quality and extent of services to be provided by NBM.
The Board also considered the terms of the New Advisory Agreement and noted that the Current Advisory Agreement and the New Advisory Agreement are the same in all material respects and that there will be no change in the fees payable by the Master Fund for investment advisory services. In this regard, the Board compared the advisory fee payable by the Master Fund and overall expense level of the Master Fund to those of similar funds, including other registered and unregistered investment companies advised by NBM and its affiliates (“NBM Funds”). The Board also considered other compensation and fees to be received by Neuberger Berman, including the fees payable by the Feeder Funds under the New Management Agreements. The Board noted that there will be no change in the management fee payable by each Feeder Fund. Based on this review, the Board determined that the anticipated fees and expense ratio of the Master Fund supported their approval of the New Advisory Agreement.
The Board reviewed and discussed the investment performance of NBM Funds that have investment programs similar to that of the Master Fund, and determined that the historical performance of these funds supported its approval of the New Advisory Agreement. Because Neuberger Berman had not commenced services under the New Advisory Agreement, the Board was unable to consider historical information about the profitability of the Funds to Neuberger Berman. However, the Board noted that such profitability information would be provided and reviewed in connection with future proposed continuances of the New Advisory Agreement and that the aggregate fee rate remained unchanged. Similarly, the Board recognized its responsibility to consider the possibility of future economies of scale, which principally are predicated on the extent to which the Master Fund’s assets increase after the transition to Neuberger Berman is completed. The potential benefits to Neuberger Berman of its relationship with the Master Fund, including fees payable under the New Management Agreements as
12 |
described above, were also considered. The Board also considered information relating to the financial condition and financial resources of Neuberger Berman and determined it relevant that, Neuberger Berman can be expected to have the financial resources necessary to support and assure the quality of services provided to the Master Fund. The Board also considered that certain of MLAI’s senior investment personnel currently engaged in the operations and management of the Funds are expected to accept employment with Neuberger Berman upon the consummation of the Transaction and will continue to perform certain portfolio management services for the Funds.
Based on its consideration of and determinations with respect to the foregoing information and factors, the Board unanimously determined to approve the New Advisory Agreement and determined to recommend that it be approved by Members.
Required Vote.
Approval of the New Advisory Agreement by Members of the Master Fund requires the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Master Fund, which, for this purpose, means the affirmative vote of: (1) holders of 67% or more of outstanding Units in the Master Fund present (in person or represented by proxy) at the Meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of outstanding Units are present or represented by proxy at the Meeting, or (2) holders of more than 50% of outstanding Units of the Master Fund, whichever is less. In connection with the vote of Members of the Master Fund on the New Advisory Agreement, each Feeder Fund (and the Offshore Fund) will vote its Units in the Master Fund proportionately for and against approval in accordance with the votes of its Members at the Meeting for and against the proposal to approve the New Advisory Agreement. Thus, if Members of the Feeder Funds representing 50% or more of the aggregate outstanding Units of the Feeder Funds vote to approve the New Advisory Agreement (or if Members of the Feeder Funds representing 67% or more of the aggregate outstanding Units of the Feeder Funds vote to approve the New Advisory Agreement and Members holding more than 50% of the outstanding Units of the Feeder Funds are represented at the Meeting), the New Advisory Agreement will be approved by Members of the Master Fund. In the event that Members of the Master Fund do not approve both the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, MLAI will continue to serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser in accordance with the Current Advisory Agreement and, in such event, MLAI and the Board will consider other options with respect to the management of the Funds.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT MEMBERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT.
II. | Proposal 2: Approval of a New Sub-Advisory Agreement. |
As noted above, at a meeting of the Board held on June 15, 2015, the Board, including all of the Board’s Independent Managers, approved the New Advisory Agreement between the Master Fund and NBM and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement between NBM and NBAA, pursuant to which NBAA would serve as the Master Fund’s investment sub-adviser. In approving the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board noted that there will be no change in the investment advisory fee payable by the Master Fund,
13 |
nor any expected increase in the expenses of the Funds as a result of the New Advisory Agreement or the New Sub-Advisory Agreement. The terms of the New Advisory Agreement, including the fees payable by the Master Fund under the New Advisory Agreement, are substantively identical to those of the Current Advisory Agreement, with no additional fees borne by the Funds under the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, and, for this reason, the implementation of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement between NBM and NBAA would not increase the overall advisory fees paid by the Funds. A copy of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement is contained in Exhibit 3 to this Proxy Statement.
The New Sub-Advisory Agreement was considered by the Board at a meeting held on June 15, 2015. At the meeting, the Board reviewed information relating to Neuberger Berman, including NBAA, including materials relating to Neuberger Berman’s business, personnel and financial resources, and met with and asked questions of senior personnel of Neuberger Berman, including NBAA. The Board also reviewed the terms of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Board is currently comprised solely of persons who are not “interested persons,” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Funds or MLAI, and in connection with its deliberations regarding matters relating to the New Sub-Advisory Agreement and the Transaction, the Independent Managers were represented and assisted by independent legal counsel.
After careful consideration of various matters, and evaluation of all factors deemed relevant, which are described below under “Board Consideration of New Sub-Advisory Agreement,” the New Sub-Advisory Agreement was unanimously approved by the Board at an in-person meeting held on June 15, 2015. If approved by Members, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement will become effective upon consummation of the Transaction, which is expected to occur on August 14, 2015 or as soon as practicable thereafter. Approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement is contingent upon Member approval of the New Advisory Agreement.
1940 Act Requirements.
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act prohibits any person from serving as an investment adviser, including as a sub-adviser, of a registered investment company, such as the Master Fund, except pursuant to a written contract that has been approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the investment company. Therefore, the approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement by Members of the Master Fund is required. Pursuant to the requirements of agreements between the Feeder Funds and the Master Fund (and, in the case of TE Fund, between the Master Fund and the Offshore Fund, through which the TE Fund indirectly invests in the Master Fund), each Feeder Fund (and the Offshore Fund) will vote its interest in the Master Fund proportionately for and against approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement in accordance with the votes cast by Members of the Feeder Funds for and against the proposal to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement.4 If Members do not approve the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, MLAI will continue to serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser in accordance with the Current Advisory Agreement and, in such
4 The TE Fund holds all of the voting shares of the Offshore Fund. In accordance with the master/feeder agreement between the Offshore Fund and the TE Fund, the Offshore Fund will vote its interest in the Master Fund for and against approval of the New Advisory Agreement in the same proportion as the vote of Members of the TE Fund.
14 |
event, MLAI and the Board will consider other options with respect to the management of the Funds.
If the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement are approved by Members, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement will become effective and will have an initial term expiring two years from the date of its execution. The New Advisory Agreement may continue in effect from year to year after its initial term, provided that each such continuance is approved by: (i) the Board; or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Master Fund; and that, in either event, such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Independent Managers, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
NB Alternatives Advisers LLC.
NBAA is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of NBG, and manages the private equity activities of Neuberger Berman. NBG’s voting equity is owned by NBSH. NBSH is owned by portfolio managers, members of the NBG’s management team and certain of NBG’s key employees and senior professionals.5 NBAA (through a predecessor in interest) managed its first private equity fund portfolio beginning in 1987, and currently manages over $25 billion of investor commitments across primary funds, co-investments, secondary investments and direct strategies. NBAA’s Private Investment Portfolios group, with over $13 billion of assets, is responsible for the implementation of NBAA’s strategic partnerships and commingled funds composed of primaries, secondaries and co-investments. NBAA maintains active relationships with over 200 private equity firms. Over the last five years, NBAA has committed on average approximately $1 billion of capital to private equity funds and direct investments annually. Its global-, over 70 person-investment team is experienced across private equity classes such as primary and secondary fund investing, co-investing in equity and debt securities of private companies, and directly sourcing and executing private equity and private debt investments.
The offices of NBAA and NBG are located at 605 Third Avenue, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10158.
The following chart sets forth the name, address and principal occupation of the senior professionals of NBAA:
Name* | Principal Occupation |
Anthony Tutrone | Managing Director and Global Head of Neuberger Berman Alternatives |
Peter Von Lehe | Managing Director |
Christian Neira | Managing Director and General Counsel of Neuberger Berman Alternatives |
Yonah Feder | Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
*The address of each individual listed is 605 Third Avenue, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10158.
Description of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement.
5 Employee ownership includes employees, recently retired employees and their permitted transferees.
15 |
The Master Fund does not currently have a sub-adviser. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides for NBAA to serve as the sub-adviser of the Master Fund. The terms of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement are described generally below.
Sub-Advisory Services. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that, subject to the supervision of the Board and NBM, NBAA will be responsible for providing a continuous investment program for the Master Fund and for determining the composition of the assets of the Master Fund, including the determination of the purchase, retention or sale of the securities or instruments, cash and other investments contained in the Fund’s portfolio. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement also provides that NBAA will conduct investment research and a continuous program of evaluation, investment, sales and reinvestment of the Master Fund’s assets. NBAA will also work with and assist NBM with any administrative functions that NBM is required to perform under the New Advisory Agreement and the New Management Agreements.
Sub-Advisory Fee. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that NBM will pay to NBAA a sub-advisory fee in an amount to be determined from time to time by NBM and NBAA but in no event in excess of the amount that NBM actually received for providing services to the Master Fund pursuant to the New Advisory Agreement. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that NBM will initially pay to NBAA in respect to the Master Fund, on a monthly basis, a sub-advisory fee equal to 90% of the Advisory Fee received by NBM from the Master Fund per annum under the New Advisory Agreement.
Liability and Indemnification. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that NBAA will use its best efforts in the supervision and management of the investment activities of the Master Fund and in providing services under the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, but in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, NBAA, its directors, officers or employees and its affiliates, successors or other legal representatives (“NBAA Affiliates”), will not be liable to the Master Fund for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law, for any act or omission by NBAA or any NBAA Affiliate or for any loss suffered by the Master Fund. The Master Fund will not be deemed to have waived any rights it may have against NBAA under federal or state securities laws. The Master Fund will indemnify NBAA and its directors, officers or employees and their respective affiliates, executors, heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives against any and all costs, losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, resulting in any way from the performance of non-performance of any indemnified person’s duties with respect to the Master Fund, except those resulting from the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of an indemnified person or the indemnified person’s reckless disregard of such duties, and in the case of criminal proceedings, unless such indemnified person had reasonable cause to believes its actions unlawful.
Effective Date and Term. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides for an initial term of two years from the date of its execution, and continues in effect from year to year thereafter; provided that such continuance is approved in the manner required by the 1940 Act.
16 |
Termination. The New Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board, by a vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of the Master Fund or by NBM on not less than sixty days’ written notice to NBAA. NBAA has a similar right to terminate the New Sub-Advisory Agreement on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ written notice to NBM. In addition, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement provides for its automatic termination in the event of its assignment or upon the termination of the New Advisory Agreement.
Board Consideration of New Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Based on its consideration of and determinations with respect to the foregoing information and factors, including the approvals set forth above under the caption “Board Consideration of New Advisory Agreement,” the Board unanimously determined to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement and determined to recommend that it be approved by Members.
Required Vote.
Approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement by Members of the Master Fund requires the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Master Fund, which, for this purpose, means the affirmative vote of: (1) holders of 67% or more of outstanding Units present (in person or represented by proxy) at the Meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of outstanding Units of the Master Fund are present or represented by proxy at the Meeting, or (2) holders of more than 50% of outstanding Units of the Master Fund, whichever is less. In connection with the vote of Members of the Master Fund on the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, each Feeder Fund (and the Offshore Fund) will vote its Units in the Master Fund proportionately for and against approval in accordance with the votes of its Members at the Meeting for and against the proposal to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement. Thus, if Members of the Feeder Funds representing 50% or more of the aggregate outstanding Units of the Feeder Funds vote to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement (or if Members of the Feeder Funds representing 67% or more of the aggregate outstanding Units of the Feeder Funds vote to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreement and Members holding more than 50% of the outstanding Units of the Feeder Funds are represented at the Meeting), the New Sub-Advisory Agreement will be approved by Members of the Master Fund. In the event that Members do not approve both the New Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, MLAI will continue to serve as the Master Fund’s investment adviser in accordance with the Current Advisory Agreement and, in such event, MLAI and the Board will consider other options with respect to the management of the Funds.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT MEMBERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT. APPROVAL OF THE NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON MEMBER APPROVAL OF THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT.
III. | Proposal 3: Election of Two Nominees to Serve as Managers of each Fund. |
At the Meeting, Members will vote on a proposal to elect two persons nominated by the Board to serve as Managers of each Fund. The nominees are: Virginia G. Breen and Thomas F.
17 |
McDevitt. Ms. Breen and Mr. McDevitt currently serve as members of the board of managers of another fund that is also advised by MLAI. If elected, Ms. Breen and Mr. McDevitt would be an Independent Manager of each Fund. The existing Managers, each of which has served as an Independent Manager of each Fund since its inception, are Alan Brott, Victor F. Imbimbo, Stephen V. Murphy and Thomas G. Yellin, and they will continue to serve as such irrespective of whether Ms. Breen and Mr. McDevitt are elected. Prior to July 1, 2015, John C. Hover II served as an additional Independent Manager of each Fund, and as of such date resigned as a Manager of each Fund.
The provisions of the 1940 Act require that a majority of the Managers be elected by Members and allow the appointment of a new Manager by the Board to fill a vacancy on the Board only if, after such appointment, at least two-thirds of the Managers have been elected by Members. In order for Ms. Breen and Mr. McDevitt to qualify as Managers toward this two-thirds majority, the Funds are seeking your vote.
The persons named as proxies on the accompanying proxy card intend, in the absence of contrary instructions, to vote all proxies they are entitled to vote in favor of the election of the two nominees named above. The nominees each have consented to stand for election and to serve if elected. If elected, a nominee will serve for a term of indefinite duration until his successor is approved and elected, unless he is sooner removed, sooner resigns or sooner is incapacitated, as the case may be. If any nominee should be unable to serve, an event that is not now anticipated, the persons named as proxies will vote for such replacement nominee as may be designated by the Board.
Biographical Information.
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with each Fund | Term of Office/ Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Manager* |
|||||
Board Nominees | |||||||||
Virginia G. Breen c/o Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 (Born 1964) |
N/A | N/A | Partner, Chelsea Partners (7/11 to present); Partner, Sienna Ventures (2003 to 12/11); Partner, Blue Rock Capital (8/95 to 12/11). Also a director of Modus Link Global Solutions, Inc. (4/01 to 12/13); a director of Jones Lang LaSalle Property Trust, Inc., and manager of A&Q Aggregated Alpha Strategies Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Aggregated Alpha Strategies LLC), A&Q Alternative Fixed-Income Strategies Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Alternative Fixed-Income Strategies LLC and O’Connor Fund of Funds: Long/Short Credit Strategies LLC), A&Q Equity Opportunity Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Equity Opportunity LLC), A&Q Event Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Event LLC), A&Q Long/Short Strategies Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Long/Short Equity Strategies LLC), A&Q Masters Fund (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Masters), A&Q Technology Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Technology LLC), A&Q Multi-Strategy Fund (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Multi-Strategy) and UST Global Private Markets Fund, LLC. | 7 |
18 |
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with each Fund | Term of Office/ Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Manager* |
|||||
|
O’Connor Fund of Funds: Equity Opportunity LLC), A&Q Event Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Event LLC), A&Q Long/Short Strategies Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Long/Short Equity Strategies LLC), A&Q Masters Fund (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Masters), A&Q Technology Fund LLC (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Technology LLC), A&Q Multi-Strategy Fund (formerly, O’Connor Fund of Funds: Multi-Strategy) and UST Global Private Markets Fund, LLC. | ||||||||
Thomas F. McDevitt c/o Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 (Born 1960) |
N/A | N/A | Managing Partner of Edgewood Capital Partners and President of Edgewood Capital Advisors (5/02 to present); also a director of Jones Lang LaSalle Property Trust, Inc. and serves as a manager of UST Global Private Markets Fund, LLC. | 7 | |||||
Independent Managers | |||||||||
Alan Brott c/o Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 (Born 1942) |
Manager |
Term Indefinite; Length- since inception |
Consultant (since 10/91); Associate Professor, Columbia University (since 2000); Former Partner of Ernst & Young. Mr. Brott serves as a manager of Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TI), LLC and Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TE), LLC. He is also a director of Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Master Fund, LLC, Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Fund (TI 1), LLC, Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Fund (TI 2), LLC, and Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Fund (W), LLC, a director of Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC, and a director of Stone Harbor Investment Funds (5 funds), Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund. | 8 | |||||
Victor F. Imbimbo, Jr. c/o Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 (Born 1952) |
Manager |
Term Indefinite; Length- since inception |
President and CEO of Caring Today, LLC, a leading information resource for the family caregivers market; Former Executive Vice President of TBWA/New York and Former President for North America with TBWA/WorldHealth, a division of Omnicon Group. Mr. Imbimbo serves as a manager of Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TE), LLC and Excelsior Venture Partners III, LLC, and a director of Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC. | 8 |
19 |
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with each Fund | Term of Office/ Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Manager* |
|||||
Stephen V. Murphy c/o Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 (Born 1945) |
Manager (Chair) |
Term Indefinite; Length- since inception |
President of S.V. Murphy & Co, Inc., an investment banking firm. Mr. Murphy serves as a manager of Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TE), LLC and Excelsior Venture Partners III, LLC, a director of Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC, and a director of The First of Long Island Corporation, The First National Bank of Long Island and former director of Bowne & Co., Inc. (1/06 to 11/10). | 8 | |||||
Thomas G. Yellin c/o Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC 225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 (Born 1954)
|
Manager |
Term Indefinite; Length- since inception |
President of The Documentary Group (since 6/06); Former President of PJ Productions (from 8/02 to 6/06); Former Executive Producer of ABC News (from 8/89 to 12/02). Mr. Yellin serves as a manager of Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TI), LLC and Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TE), LLC. He is also a director of Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Master Fund, LLC, Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Fund (TI 1), LLC, Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Fund (TI 2), LLC, and Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Fund (W), LLC and a director of Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC. | 7 | |||||
Executive Officers Who Are Not Managers | |||||||||
James D. Bowden Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110 (Born 1953) |
Chief Executive Officer and President | Term — Indefinite; Length — since inception | Managing Director, Bank of America; Manager and Vice President, Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC (12/13 to present); Executive Vice President, Bank of America Capital Advisors LLC (1998 to 12/13). | N/A | |||||
Steven L. Suss Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | Term — Indefinite; Length — since inception | Managing Director, Bank of America (7/07 to present); Manager and Vice President, Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC (05/12 to present); Senior Vice President Bank of America Capital Advisors LLC (7/07 to 12/13); Director, Chief | N/A |
20 |
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with each Fund | Term of Office/ Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Manager* |
|||||
225 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06905 (Born 1960)
|
Financial Officer and Treasurer (10/07 to 03/10) and Senior Vice President (6/07 to 3/10) of U.S. Trust Hedge Fund Management, Inc. | ||||||||
Mathew J. Ahern Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110 (Born 1967) |
Senior Vice President | Term — Indefinite; Length — since inception | Senior Vice President and Director, Bank of America; Vice President, Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC (12/13 to present); Senior Vice President, Bank of America Capital Advisors LLC (12/02 to 12/13). | N/A | |||||
Marina Belaya 758 State Route 15 South Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 (Born 1967) |
Secretary | Term — Indefinite; Length — since inception | Assistant General Counsel, Bank of America (7/07 to present). | N/A | |||||
Brian Woldow Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC 250 Vesey Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10080 (Born 1976) |
Chief Compliance Officer | Term — Indefinite; Length — since July 2014 | Managing Director (2/14 to Present) and Director (7/11 to 1/14) and GWIM Compliance Executive, Bank of America; Assistant General Counsel, Bank of America (11/05 to 7/11); Associate, O’Melveny & Myers, LLP (3/04 to 11/05); Attorney, NASD, Inc. (n/k/a FINRA) (10/01 to 3/04). | N/A | |||||
* | Information in this table is provided as of June 30, 2015, on which date the “Fund Complex” consisted of Excelsior Venture Partners III, LLC, UST Global Private Markets Fund, LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TE), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TI), LLC, and Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC. In connection with the election of the Board Nominees as Managers of the Fund, it is expected that Mr. Brott will become a manager of Excelsior Venture Partners III, LLC and Messrs. Brott, Imbimbo, Murphy and Yellin will become managers of UST Global Private Markets Fund, LLC, such that, following the Meeting, each of the Managers and Board Nominees will serve as a Manager of each of the funds in the Fund Complex, except that Messrs. Brott, Imbimbo and Murphy will serve as the managers of Excelsior Venture Partners III, LLC. |
21 |
** | All officers of each Fund are employees and/or officers of MLAI. Officers of each Fund are elected by the Managers and hold office until their death, resignation or removal. |
The Role of the Board
The Board oversees the management and operations of the Funds. As is the case with virtually all investment companies (as distinguished from operating companies), service providers to the Funds, primarily the investment adviser, have responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the Funds. For example, the investment adviser has responsibility with respect to the investment of the Master Fund’s assets in accordance with the Master Fund’s investment policies and restrictions and provides the Funds with certain management, administrative and other services. The Board does not have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Funds, and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Funds’ investments or activities.
The Board has appointed various individuals of the investment adviser as officers of the Funds with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Funds’ operations. In conducting its oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and from other senior officers of the investment adviser regarding the Funds’ operations. For example, the Chief Financial Officer of the Funds provides reports as to financial reporting matters and the Funds’ portfolio manager periodically reports as to the Funds’ investment activities and performance. Some of these reports are provided as part of scheduled Board meetings, which are typically held quarterly in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent Fund operations. From time to time one or more members of the Board may also interact informally with management between scheduled Board meetings to discuss various topics.
Board Structure, Leadership
The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to perform its oversight function effectively. All of the Funds’ Managers, including the Chairman of the Board, are Independent Managers, which are Managers that are not affiliated with the investment adviser and, if elected, each of the nominees would be an Independent Manager of the Funds.
The Independent Managers have engaged their own independent counsel to advise them on matters relating to their responsibilities in connection with the Funds. The Board has determined that its structure, in which all of the Managers, including the Chairman of the Board, are Independent Managers, is appropriate in view of the significant advisory and management services that the investment adviser provides to the Funds and potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the Funds’ relationship with the investment adviser.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various reports relating to risk management. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many different elements (including, among other things, investment risk, valuation risk, credit risk, compliance and regulatory risk, business continuity risk and operational risk), Board oversight of different
22 |
types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the full Board receives and reviews reports from senior personnel of the investment adviser (including senior compliance, financial reporting and investment personnel) or their affiliates regarding various types of risks, such as operational, compliance and investment risk, and how they are being managed. The Audit Committee participates in the oversight of risk management in certain areas, including meeting with the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer and with the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, annual audits of the Funds’ financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon and the auditor’s annual report on internal control.
Information about Each Nominee and Manager’s Qualifications, Experience, Attributes or Skills
The Board believes that each of the nominees and Managers has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills (“Manager Attributes”) appropriate to his or her service as a Manager of the Funds in view of the Funds’ business and structure. In addition to a demonstrated record of business and/or professional accomplishment, each of the nominees and Managers has served on boards for organizations other than the Funds and has significant board experience. In addition, in their service to the Funds and other registered investment companies in the Fund Complex, they have gained substantial insight as to the operation of the Funds and have demonstrated a commitment to discharging their oversight responsibilities as Managers. The Board annually conducts a “self-assessment” wherein the performance of the Board and the effectiveness of the Board’s committee structure is reviewed.
In addition to the information provided in the chart above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular nominee and Manager and certain of his or her Manager Attributes. The information provided below, and in the chart above, is not all-inclusive. Many Manager Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, work ethic, the ability to work together, to communicate effectively, to exercise judgment, to ask incisive questions, and to manage people and problems or to develop solutions.
Nominees
Virginia G. Breen has substantial private equity experience as well as substantial board experience, including board experience with alternative investment funds.
Thomas F. McDevitt has substantial real estate and mortgage investment experience, including his experience with commercial mortgage backed securitizations, commercial mortgage syndications and investment banking. His also has experience as a director of a publicly traded real estate investment trust.
Managers
Alan Brott has substantial knowledge and experience in financial accounting, as well as significant board experience, including board experience with other registered investment companies.
23 |
Victor F. Imbimbo, Jr. has substantial senior executive experience with a number of entities, as well as significant board experience, including board experience with a public company and with other registered investment companies.
Stephen V. Murphy has substantial investment banking and corporate finance experience, as well as significant board experience, including board experience with a public company and with other registered investment companies.
Thomas G. Yellin has substantial senior executive experience, as well as significant board experience, including board experience with other registered investment companies.
Board Meetings and Committees.
Audit Committee. Currently, the members of the Audit Committee are: Messrs. Brott, Imbimbo, Murphy and Yellin. Prior to July 1, 2015, Mr. Hover also served as a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Brott serves as the chair of the Audit Committee, and Mr. Brott and Mr. Murphy are each “audit committee financial expert,” as the Securities and Exchange Commission has defined that term in Item 407 of Regulation S-K. Ms. Breen and Mr. McDevitt will serve as additional members of the Audit Committee if they are elected.
The Audit Committee is comprised solely of Independent Managers. Though Units of the Funds are not listed on a national securities exchange or on any inter-dealer quotation system, each member of the Audit Committee and each Board Nominee satisfies the current independence standards promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and as defined in Section 303A of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.
The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The Funds do not provide the Audit Committee charter on a website, but a copy of the Funds’ Audit Committee charter is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit 4.
The function of the Audit Committee, pursuant to its adopted written charter, most recently revised and approved by the Audit Committee on September 25, 2013, is to (a) assist the Board in its oversight of each Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; (b) assist the Board in its oversight of the quality and objectivity of each Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit thereof; and (c) select, oversee and set the compensation of each Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and to act as liaison between the independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board.
During the most recent fiscal year of each Fund, which ended on March 31, 2015, the Board held four regular meetings and one special meeting and the Audit Committee of the Board held four meetings. Each Manager attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and the Audit Committee of the Board held during the fiscal year. The Board strongly encourages, but does not require, each member of the Board to attend each meeting of the Funds’ Members. No annual meeting of Members was held in 2014.
24 |
Nominating Committee. The Board has also formed a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee currently consists of Messrs. Brott, Imbimbo, Murphy and Yellin. Prior to July 1, 2015, Mr. Hover also served as a member of the Nominating Committee. Ms. Breen and Mr. McDevitt will serve as additional members of the Nominating Committee if they are elected. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating Committee. The Funds do not provide the Nominating Committee charter on a website, but a copy of the Nominating Committee charter is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit 5. The duties and functions of the Nominating Committee include selecting and nominating persons for election or appointment by the Board. The Board believes that a Manager’s qualifications, experience, attributes and skills involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, work ethic, the ability to work together, to communicate effectively, to exercise judgment, to ask incisive questions, and to manage people and problems or to develop solutions. In evaluating potential Manager nominees (including any nominees recommended by Fund investors as provided below), and to address certain legal and other requirements and considerations associated with composition of the Board, the Committee will consider, among other factors it may deem relevant:
· | the character and integrity of the person; |
· | whether or not the person is qualified under applicable laws and regulations to serve as a Manager of the Fund; |
· | whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his or her service on the Board; |
· | whether nomination of the person would be consistent with Fund policy and applicable laws and regulations regarding the number and percentage of Independent Managers on the Board; |
· | whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise affiliated with, competing financial service organizations or their related fund complexes; |
· | whether or not the person is willing to serve and is willing and able to commit the time necessary for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of a Manager of the Fund; |
· | for nomination of a current Manager, whether or not the Manager has demonstrated a commitment to discharging the oversight responsibilities of a Manager; and |
· | a demonstrated record of professional accomplishment. |
When evaluating candidates for a position on the Board, the Committee will consider the potential impact of the candidate, along with his/her particular experiences, on the Board as a whole. The diversity of a candidate’s background, experiences or individual qualities and attributes, when considered in comparison to those of other members of the Board, may or may not impact the Committee’s view as to the candidate.
The Nominating Committee does not have a policy with regard to the consideration of any Manager candidates recommended by Members, as the Funds do not hold annual meetings to elect Managers. However, the Nominating Committee may consider nominees
25 |
recommended by Members. Members who wish to recommend a nominee should send such recommendations to the Secretary of the Funds that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Managers. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected.
Report of the Audit Committee of the Fund.
In discharging its duties, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, the Audit Committee has met with and held discussions with MLAI and with the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”). PwC has represented that each Fund’s financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee also discussed with PwC the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit Committees). PwC provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and the Audit Committee discussed with representatives of PwC their firm’s independence with respect to each Fund.
The function of the Audit Committee is oversight; it is management’s responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal controls, and PwC’s responsibility to plan and carry out the audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Members of the Audit Committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to them and on the representations made by management and PwC. Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and internal controls or that the audit of each Fund’s financial statements has been carried out in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.
Based on the Audit Committee’s review and discussions of the audited financial statements of each Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 with Fund management and PwC, the Audit Committee approved the inclusion of the audited financial statements of each Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 in such Fund’s Annual Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE FUNDS.
Alan Brott, Chairman
Victor F. Imbimbo
John C. Hover II
Stephen V. Murphy
Thomas G. Yellin
Compensation of Managers.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation received by the Managers, all of whom are Independent Managers, for the fiscal year ended March 31,
26 |
2015 from each Fund and from the Fund Complex. No compensation is paid by the Funds to Managers who are “interested persons,” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Funds.
Name
of |
Aggregate Compensation from the Master Fund* |
Pension
or |
Estimated
|
Total
| ||||
Alan Brott, Manager | $40,000 | $0 | $0 | $120,000 (7) | ||||
Victor F. Imbimbo, Jr., Manager | $40,000 | $0 | $0 | $142,500 (8) | ||||
Stephen V. Murphy, Chairman | $40,000 | $0 | $0 | $144,000 (8) | ||||
Thomas G. Yellin, Manager | $40,000 | $0 | $0 | $120,000 (7) | ||||
Virginia G. Breen, Board Nominee | N/A | N/A | N/A | $19,000 (1) | ||||
Thomas F. McDevitt, Board Nominee | N/A | N/A | N/A | $16,000 (1) |
* No compensation is paid directly by either Feeder Fund to the Managers. However, as Members of the Master Fund, each Feeder Fund bears a pro rata share of the Master Fund’s expenses, which include the fees paid by the Master Fund to the Independent Managers.
** The total compensation paid to such persons by the Funds and Fund Complex for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. The parenthetical number represents the number of investment companies (including the Funds) from which such person receives compensation. As of March 31, 2015, the “Fund Complex” consisted of Excelsior Venture Partners III, LLC, UST Global Private Markets Fund, LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TE), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC and Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC (formerly Excelsior Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund of Funds LLC). As of April 1, 2015, Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC is advised by FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC and is no longer part of the Fund Complex.
27 |
Currently, the Independent Managers are each paid by the Master Fund an annual retainer of $40,000, which amount is expensed and allocated pro rata to the TI Fund and TE Fund. The Independent Managers are also reimbursed for travel-related expenses. The Managers do not receive any pension or retirement benefits from the Funds.
Manager and Nominee Equity Ownership.
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2015, with respect to each nominee, certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of equity securities of each Fund and of all registered investment companies overseen by the nominee, if elected, within the same family of investment companies as the Fund.
Name of Manager or Nominee | Dollar Range of Equity Securities of the TI Fund(1) | Dollar Range of Equity Securities of the TE Fund(1) | Dollar Range of Equity Securities of the Master Fund(1) | Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities of All Funds Overseen or To Be Overseen by Nominee in Family of Investment Companies(1)(2) | |
Virginia G. Breen | None | None | None | None | |
Alan Brott | None | None | None | $50,001 - $100,000 | |
Victor F. Imbimbo, Jr. | None | None | None | $1 - $10,000 | |
Thomas F. McDevitt | None | None | None | None | |
Stephen V. Murphy | None | None | None | Over $100,000 | |
Thomas G. Yellin | None | None | None | None |
(1) | Dollar ranges are as follows: none, $1 – $10,000, $10,001 – $50,000, $50,001 – $100,000, or over $100,000. | |
(2) |
Information in this table is provided as of March 31, 2015, on which date the “Family of Investment Companies” consisted of Excelsior Venture Partners III, LLC, UST Global Private Markets Fund, LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund II (TE), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC and Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC (formerly Excelsior Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund of Funds, LLC). As of April 1, 2015, Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC is advised by FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC and is no longer part of the Family of Investment Companies.
|
Compensation of Executive Officers.
None of the officers receive direct compensation from the Funds. The compensation of the officers is paid by the Investment Adviser.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and Section 30(h) of the 1940 Act, taken together, require the Managers, beneficial owners of more than 10% of the equity securities of a Fund, the investment adviser and officers of the Funds
28 |
(“Reporting Persons”) to file with the SEC reports of their ownership and changes in their ownership of such Fund’s securities. The Funds believes that each of the Reporting Persons who was a Reporting Person during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 has complied with applicable filing requirements.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The engagement of PwC as the independent registered public accounting firm (“Independent Auditors”) of each Fund for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016 was approved by the Audit Committee of the Funds, and the selection of PwC as Independent Auditors was unanimously approved by the Board, including the separate vote of all of the Independent Managers at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Board held on June 25, 2015. PwC, with offices at 125 High Street, Boston, MA 02110, has served in such capacity since each Fund’s inception.
During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and 2015 and through the date hereof, there were no disagreements between a Fund and PwC on any matter of accounting principle or practice, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports; and there were no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K.
Since each Fund complies with the provisions of Rule 32a-4 under the 1940 Act, each Fund is not required to submit the selection of its independent registered public accounting firm to Members for ratification.
Representatives of PwC are not expected to be present at the Meeting, but have been given an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.
Audit Fees.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, the aggregate fees billed by PwC for professional services rendered for the annual audit of each Fund’s financial statements were:
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 | Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2015 | |
TI Fund | $5,614 | $11,036 |
TE Fund | $4,455 | $8,295 |
Master Fund | $24,270 | $43,012 |
Audit-Related Fees.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, there were no fees billed by PwC for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements.
29 |
During its regularly-scheduled periodic meetings, the Audit Committee of the Funds pre-approve all audit, audit-related, tax and other services to be provided by the Independent Auditors to each Fund. The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to its chairman for any subsequent new engagements that arise between regularly scheduled meeting dates, provided that any such pre-approved fees are presented to the Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Tax Fees.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, there were no fees billed by PwC for tax return preparation and other tax-related services provided to each Fund.
All Other Fees.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, there were no fees billed by PwC for services provided to each Fund other than those described above.
Aggregate Non-Audit Fees.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, there were no non-audit fees billed by PwC for services rendered to each Fund.
Required Vote.
Election of the nominees requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the Units voting at the meeting. Approval of the Board Nominee Proposal is not contingent upon the approval of the New Advisory Agreement Proposal or the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal. Accordingly, if the Board Nominee Proposal is approved, nominees that are elected as Managers of each Fund will become Managers notwithstanding the outcome of the voting on the New Advisory Agreement Proposal or the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT MEMBERS VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE TO THE FUND’S BOARD OF MANAGERS.
IV. | Voting Information. |
Proxy Solicitation
If you properly authorize your proxy through the Internet or telephonically, or by marking, executing and returning the enclosed proxy card, and your proxy is not subsequently revoked, your vote will be cast at the Meeting. If you give instructions, your votes will be cast in accordance with your instructions. If you return your signed proxy card without instructions, your vote will be cast FOR the approval of the New Advisory Agreement, FOR the approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement and FOR the election of each of the two nominees proposed by the Board to serve as Managers of each Fund. Your vote will be cast in the discretion of the
30 |
proxy holders on any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting, including, but not limited to, proposing and/or voting on any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting.
Revocation of Proxies and Abstentions
A Member giving a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by: (i) submitting a written notice of revocation; (ii) submitting a subsequently executed proxy in writing or via the Internet; (iii) attending the Meeting and voting in person; or (iv) providing notice of revocation via the Internet or by touch-tone telephone.
If a proxy (i) is properly executed and returned marked with an abstention or (ii) represents a broker “non-vote” (that is, a proxy from a broker or nominee indicating that such person has not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other person entitled to vote on a particular matter with respect to which the broker or nominee does not have discretionary power to vote) (collectively, “abstentions”), the Units represented thereby will be considered to be present at the Meeting for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum for the transaction of business. If a proxy is properly executed and returned and is marked with an abstention, the proxy will not be voted on the New Advisory Agreement Proposal, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal or the Board Nominee Proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “Against” the New Advisory Agreement Proposal and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of voting on the Board Nominee Proposal.
Quorum Requirements
A quorum of Members of a Fund is necessary to properly convene the Meeting with respect to such Fund. For each of the Funds, the presence in person or by proxy of Members owning more than 50% of the Units outstanding of such Fund as of the Record Date constitutes a quorum.
Adjournments
If a quorum for any Fund is not present at the Meeting or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve the New Advisory Agreement Proposal, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal and/or the Board Nominee Proposal are not received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. For each Fund, the Meeting may be adjourned by an officer of the Fund or the Managers. At any adjourned Meeting at which a quorum is present, the Funds may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original Meeting without additional notice.
V. | Other Matters and Additional Information. |
Investment Adviser and Administrator
MLAI is a Delaware limited liability company and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. MLAI is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, a financial holding company, which has its principal
31 |
executive offices at 101 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255. MLAI currently serves as the manager or investment adviser of registered and unregistered investment companies and private investment companies. The offices of MLAI are located at Merrill Lynch Alternative Investments LLC, 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10080, and its telephone number is (866) 637-2587.
UMB Fund Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”) provides accounting and certain administrative and investor services to the Funds. The offices of the Administrator are located at 2225 Washington Blvd, Suite 300, Ogden, UT 84401.
Other Business at the Meeting
The Board does not intend to bring any matters before the Meeting other than as stated in this Proxy Statement and is not aware that any other matters will be presented for action at the Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment, unless specific restrictions have been given.
Future Member Proposals
Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC under the 1934 Act, Members may request inclusion in a Fund’s proxy statement for a meeting of Members certain proposals for action that they intend to introduce at such meeting. Any Member proposals must be presented a reasonable time before the proxy materials for the next meeting of Members are sent to Members. The submission of a proposal does not guarantee its inclusion in the proxy statement and is subject to limitations under the 1934 Act. Because the Funds do not hold regular meetings of Members, no anticipated date for the next meeting of Members can be provided. Any Member wishing to present a proposal for inclusion in the proxy materials for the next meeting of Members should submit such proposal to the Funds’ Secretary.
Communication with the Board
Members wishing to submit written communications to the Board should send their communications to the Secretary of the Funds at the principal office of the Funds. Any such communications received will be reviewed by the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Appraisal Rights
Members do not have any appraisal rights in connection with the New Advisory Agreement Proposal, the New Sub-Advisory Agreement Proposal or the Board Nominee Proposal.
Results of Voting
Members will be informed of the results of voting at the Meeting in each Fund’s Semi-Annual Report to Members for the semi-annual period ending September 30, 2015, which will be sent to Members on or before November 27, 2015.
32 |
Contacting the Funds
Members may contact
the Funds by calling (866) 637-2587.
33 |
MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO MARK, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH NEEDS NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES YOU MAY USE TO VOTE ARE DESCRIBED ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
By Order of the Board of Managers | ||
/s/ Marina Belaya | ||
Name: | Marina Belaya | |
Title: | Secretary | |
Dated: | July 23, 2015 |
34 |
EXHIBIT 1
To the knowledge of the Funds, the following are the only persons who owned of record or beneficially, five percent or more of the respective Fund’s outstanding Units, as of the Record Date:
MASTER FUND
Name and Address of Owner | Amount of Outstanding Units | Percentage of Outstanding Units |
Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC MA1-225-04-07 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110-2804 |
4,416.42 | 42.79% |
Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TI), LLC MA1-225-04-07 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110-2804 |
5,904.34 | 57.21% |
TI FUND
Name and Address of Owner | Amount of Outstanding Units | Percentage of Outstanding Units |
BANK OF AMERICA (MLTC) SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEE OF THE 1945 WILLIAM D HAAS TR-AI P.O. BOX 1524 PENNINGTON, NJ 08534-0685 |
1,412.7358 | 18.79% |
BANK OF AMERICA (MLTC) SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEE OF THE 1956 WILLIAM D HAAS TR-AI P.O. BOX 1524 PENNINGTON, NJ 08534-0685 |
1,033.0164 | 13.74% |
HARRY LEBENSFELD 1965 TRUST MSP Bank of America 100 Federal St., MA5-100-07-12 Boston, MA 02110 |
747.4793 | 9.94% |
TE FUND
Name and Address of Owner | Amount of Outstanding Units | Percentage of Outstanding Units |
UW EUGENE HIGGINS CHAR TRUST NMA 114 W 47th St Ste C-1 Bank of America New York, NY 10036-1592 |
457.3983 | 7.98% |
Lawson, TUW Victor F. Trust US Trust/Bank of America 135 S. LaSalle Street IL4-135-14-04 Chicago, IL 60603 |
320.1788 | 5.58% |
Martha Dana Mercer Trust US Trust Bank of America MA1-225-04-02 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110-2804 |
304.9322 | 5.32% |
IR SUC CO TUA Anderson CH FDN Attn: Bradford Robb 114 West 7th St., Suite 1200 Austin, TX 78701 |
304.9322 | 5.32% |
As of the Record Date, U.S. Trust is the beneficial owner of the following outstanding Units of the TI Fund and TE Fund by virtue of its power to exercise voting rights with respect to those Units. Through the exercise of its voting rights with respect to Units, U.S. Trust may determine the outcome of voting on the Proposals. U.S. Trust’s address is 114 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036.
Amount of Outstanding Units | Percentage
of Outstanding Units | |
TI Fund | 7,422.77 | 98.75% |
TE Fund | 5,610.30 | 97.84% |
As of the Record Date, the officers and Managers of the Funds as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding Units.
EXHIBIT 2
FORM OF
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made the _______ 2015, by and between Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC (the “Company”) and Neuberger Berman Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investment Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Company intends to engage in business as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company, and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser is an investment adviser registered as such under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Investment Adviser to act as its investment adviser pursuant to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser desires to be retained to act as investment adviser to the Company pursuant to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement contains the same fees, and is substantially the same as the previous agreement with a different adviser, dated January 1, 2014;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed, by and between the parties, as follows:
1. The Company hereby retains the Investment Adviser to:
(a) act as its investment adviser and, subject to the supervision and control of the Board of Managers of the Company (the “Board,’” and each member of the Board, a “Manager”), manage the investment activities of the Company as hereinafter set forth. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Adviser shall: obtain and evaluate such information and advice relating to the economy, securities markets, and securities as it deems necessary or useful to discharge its duties hereunder; continuously manage the assets of the Company in a manner consistent with the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Company, as set forth in the Confidential Memorandum of the Company and as may be adopted from time to time by the Board, and applicable laws and regulations; determine the securities to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of by the Company and the timing of such purchases, sales and dispositions; invest discrete portions of the Company’s assets (which may constitute, in the aggregate, all of the Company’s assets) in unregistered investment funds or other investment vehicles (“Portfolio Funds”), which are managed by investment managers (“Portfolio Managers”), including Portfolio Managers for which separate investment vehicles have been created in which the Portfolio Managers serve as general partners or managing members and the Company is the sole investor (“Portfolio Accounts”) and Portfolio Managers who are retained to
manage the Company’s assets directly through separate managed accounts (Portfolio Managers of Portfolio Accounts and of managed accounts are collectively referred to as “Sub-Managers”), and take such further action, including the placing of purchase and sale orders and the voting of securities on behalf of the Company, as the Investment Adviser shall deem necessary or appropriate. The Investment Adviser shall furnish to or place at the disposal of the Company such of the information, evaluations, analyses and opinions formulated or obtained by the Investment Adviser in the discharge of its duties as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably request; and
(b) provide, and the Investment Adviser hereby agrees to provide, certain management, administrative and other services to the Company. Notwithstanding the appointment of the Investment Adviser to provide such services hereunder, the Board shall remain responsible for supervising and controlling the management, business and affairs of the Company. The management, administrative and other services to be provided by the Investment Adviser shall include any of the following and/or such other management or administrative services as may be agreed upon by the parties from time to time:
(i) | providing office space, telephone and utilities; |
(ii) | providing administrative and secretarial, clerical and other personnel as necessary to provide the services required to be provided under this Agreement; |
(iii) | supervising the entities which are retained by the Company to provide administration, custody and other services to the Company; |
(iv) | handling investor inquiries regarding the Company and providing investors with information concerning their investments in the Company and capital account balances; |
(v) | monitoring relations and communications between investors and the Company; |
(vi) | assisting in the drafting and updating of disclosure documents relating to the Company and assisting in the preparation of offering materials; |
(vii) | maintaining and updating investor information, such as change of address and employment; |
(viii) | assisting in the preparation and mailing of investor subscription documents and confirming the receipt of such documents; |
(ix) | assisting in the preparation of any regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators and other Federal and state regulatory authorities; |
(x) | preparing reports to and other informational materials for members and assisting in the preparation of proxy statements and other member communications; |
(xi) | monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and with the Company’s investment objective, policies and restrictions as established by the Board: |
(xii) | reviewing accounting records and financial reports of the Company, assisting with the preparation of the financial reports of the Company and acting as liaison with the Company’s accounting agent and independent auditors; |
(xiii) | assisting in the preparation and filing of tax returns; |
(xiv) | coordinating and organizing meetings of the Board and meetings of the members of the Company, in each case when called by such persons; |
(xv) | preparing materials and reports for use in connection with meetings of the Board; |
(xvi) | maintaining and preserving those books and records of the Company not maintained by any sub-adviser or the Company’s administrator, accounting agent or custodian (which books and records shall be the property of the Company and shall be surrendered to the Company promptly upon request); |
(xvii) | reviewing and arranging for payment of the expenses of the Company; |
(xviii) | reviewing and approving all regulatory filings of the Company required under applicable law; |
(xix) | reviewing investor qualifications and subscription documentation and otherwise assisting in administrative matters relating to the processing of subscriptions for interests in the Company; and |
(xx) | working closely with any counsel of the Company (which shall be retained at the sole expense of the Company) in response to any litigation, investigations or regulatory matters. |
2. Provided that the Investment Adviser shall not be entitled to any compensation for services other than as provided by the terms of this Agreement or such other agreements as may be entered into from time to time between the Company and the Investment Adviser, the Investment Adviser is authorized: (i) to obtain investment information, research or assistance from any other person, firm or corporation to supplement, update or otherwise improve its investment management services; and (ii) to the extent authorized by the Board and permitted under the 1940 Act, to enter into investment sub-advisory agreements with any affiliated registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act (a “Sub-Adviser”), delegating any or all of
the investment advisory services required to be provided by the Investment Adviser under Paragraph 1(a) hereof, subject to the supervision of the Investment Adviser.
3. Without limiting the generality of Section 1 hereof, the Investment Adviser (and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser) shall be authorized to open, maintain and close accounts in the name and on behalf of the Company with brokers and dealers as it determines are appropriate; to select and place orders with brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries for the execution, clearance or settlement of any transactions on behalf of the Company on such terms as the Investment Adviser (or the Sub-Adviser) considers appropriate and that are consistent with the policies of the Company; and, subject to any policies adopted by the Board and to the provisions of applicable law, to agree to such commissions, fees and other charges on behalf of the Company as it shall deem reasonable in the circumstances taking into account all such factors as it deems relevant (including the quality of research and other services made available to it even if such services are not for the exclusive benefit of the Company and the cost of such services does not represent the lowest cost available) and shall be under no obligation to combine or arrange orders so as to obtain reduced charges unless otherwise required under the federal securities laws; to pursue and implement the investment policies and strategies of the Company, assess the most appropriate investment vehicles (general or limited partnerships, separate managed accounts or other investment vehicles (pooled or otherwise), and determine the assets to be committed to each Portfolio Fund. The Investment Adviser (or the Sub-Adviser) may, subject to such procedures as may be adopted by the Board, use affiliates of the Investment Adviser as brokers to effect the Company’s securities transactions and the Company may pay such commissions to such brokers in such amounts as are permissible under applicable law.
4. Advisory Fee; Expenses
(a) In consideration of the services provided by the Investment Adviser under this Agreement, the Company will pay the Investment Adviser a fee as indicated on Exhibit A (the “Advisory Fee”).
(b) In addition, the Investment Adviser (or an affiliate) shall be entitled to a carried interest (the “Carried Interest’’) payable by certain feeder funds that invest in the Company, directly or indirectly, as described on Exhibit A.
(c) The Advisory Fee is payable quarterly in arrears, based on (i) during the period from the initial closing until the fifth anniversary of the final closing, the total commitments entered into by the Company with respect to (a) investments in Portfolio Funds and (b) direct private equity investments in portfolio companies, and (n) beginning on the fifth anniversary of the final closing and thereafter, the net asset value (exclusive of assets held in cash and cash equivalents) of the Company as of the last day of the applicable quarter (the “Investment NAV”).
(d) Except as provided herein or in another agreement between the Company and the Investment Adviser is responsible for all costs and expenses associated with the provision of its services hereunder. The Investment Adviser shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as may be necessary to render the services required to be provided by the Investment Adviser or furnished
to the Company under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the staff and personnel of the Investment Adviser shall be deemed to include persons employed or otherwise retained by the Investment Adviser or made available to the Investment Adviser.
5. The Company will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make available to the Investment Adviser such financial reports, proxy statements, policies and procedures and other information relating to the business and affairs of the Company as the Investment Adviser may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations hereunder.
6. Except as provided herein or in another agreement between the Company and the Investment Adviser, the Company shall bear all of its own expenses, including: all investment related expenses (including, but not limited to, fees paid directly or indirectly to Portfolio Managers, all costs and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Company’s account such as direct and indirect expenses associated with the Company’s investments, transfer taxes and premiums, taxes withheld on foreign dividends and, if applicable in the event the Company utilizes a Portfolio Account, brokerage commissions, interest and commitment fees on loans and debit balances, borrowing charges on securities sold short, dividends on securities sold but not yet purchased and margin fees); all expenses (including financing, due diligence, travel and other costs) related to the acquisition, holding, monitoring and disposition of the Portfolio Funds (including expenses associated with potential investments or dispositions that are not consummated); all costs and expenses associated with the establishment of Portfolio Accounts; any non-investment related interest expense; fees and disbursements of any attorneys and accountants engaged by the Company; audit and tax preparation fees and expenses of the Company; administrative expenses and fees; custody and escrow fees and expenses; the costs of an errors and omissions/directors and officers liability insurance policy and a fidelity bond; the fee payable to the Investment Adviser; fees and travel expenses of Managers; all costs and charges for equipment or services used in communicating information regarding the Company’s transactions among the Investment Adviser and any custodian or other agent engaged by the Company; and any extraordinary expenses.
7. The Investment Adviser will use its best efforts in the supervision and management of the investment activities of the Company and in providing services hereunder, but in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations hereunder, the Investment Adviser, its directors, officers or employees and its affiliates, successors or other legal representatives (collectively, the “Affiliates’’) shall not be liable to the Company for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law, for any act or omission by the Investment Adviser or any of the Affiliates or by any Sub-Adviser or Sub-Manager or for any loss suffered by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be deemed to have waived any rights it may have against the Investment Adviser, Sub-Adviser or Sub-Manager under federal or state securities laws.
8. Indemnification
(a) The Company shall indemnify the Investment Adviser and its directors, officers or employees and their respective affiliates, executors, heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives (each an “Indemnified Person”) against any and all costs, losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees
and disbursements, resulting in any way from the performance or non-performance of any Indemnified Person’s duties with respect to the Company, except those resulting from the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of an Indemnified Person or the Indemnified Person’s reckless disregard of such duties, and in the case of criminal proceedings, unless such Indemnified Person had reasonable cause to believe its actions unlawful (collectively, “disabling conduct”). Indemnification shall be made following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that the Indemnified Person was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (ii) a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts and reached by (A) the vote of a majority of the Managers who are not parties to the proceeding or (B) legal counsel selected by a vote of a majority of the Board in a written advice, that the Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification hereunder. The Company shall advance to an Indemnified Person (to the extent that it has available assets and need not borrow to do so) reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with defense of any action or proceeding arising out of such performance or non-performance. The Investment Adviser agrees, and each other Indemnified Person will agree as a condition to any such advance, that in the event the Indemnified Person receives any such advance, the Indemnified Person shall reimburse the Company for such fees, costs and expenses to the extent that it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person was not entitled to indemnification under this Section 8.
(b) Notwithstanding any of the foregoing to the contrary, the provisions of this Section 8 shall not be construed so as to relieve the Indemnified Person of, or provide indemnification with respect to, any liability (including liability under Federal Securities laws, which, under certain circumstances, impose liability even on persons who act in good faith) to the extent (but only to the extent) that such liability may not be waived, limited or modified under applicable law or that such indemnification would be in violation of applicable law, but shall be construed so as to effectuate the provisions of this Section 8 to the fullest extent permitted by law.
9. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Investment Adviser or any affiliated person of the Investment Adviser from acting as investment adviser or manager for any other person, firm or corporation and except as required by applicable law (including Rule 17j-l under the 1940 Act) shall not in any way bind or restrict the Investment Adviser or any such affiliated person from buying, selling or trading any securities or commodities for their own accounts or for the account of others for whom they may be acting. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any member, officer or employee of the Investment Adviser to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business whether of a similar or dissimilar nature.
10. Term
(a) This Agreement will take effect on the date first set forth above. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to this paragraph, this Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of two (2) years from such date and shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, or by the Board; and provided that in either event such continuance is also approved by a majority of Managers
who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) of any such party (the “Independent Managers”), by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Company may at any time, without payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon sixty days’ prior written notice to the Investment Adviser, either by majority vote of the Board or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder). The Investment Adviser may at any time, without payment of penalty, terminate this Agreement upon sixty days’ prior written notice to the Company.
(b) If terminated, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to the pro rated portion (number of days that this Agreement was in effect during the quarter in which the termination of this Agreement was effective, divided by the number of days in the quarter in which the termination of this Agreement was effective) of any unpaid fee pursuant to Section 4(a).
(c) The Company acknowledges that, if this Agreement is terminated for any reason, the Investment Adviser (or an affiliate) will still be entitled to collect the Carried Interest, if any, from the feeder funds that invest in the Company, for any investments made during the term of this Agreement.
11. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each party hereto, each indemnified party and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (to the extent required by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) unless such automatic termination shall be prevented by an exemptive order or rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
12. Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or facsimile or five days after mailed by certified mail, post-paid, by return receipt requested to the other party at the principal office of such party.
13. This Agreement may be amended only by written agreement of the parties. Any amendment shall be required to be approved by the Board and by a majority of the Independent Managers in accordance with the provisions of Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. If required by the 1940 Act, any amendment shall also be required to be approved by such vote of members of the Company as is required by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
14. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the applicable provisions of the Advisers Act. To the extent the applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
15. The Company represents that this Agreement has been duly approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Managers, and the sole initial member of the Company, in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
16. The parties to this Agreement agree that the obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall not be binding upon any of the Managers, any members of the Company or
their affiliates, any officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, of the Company, individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Company.
17. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding of the parties.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III By: _______________________________________ | |
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC By: _______________________________________ |
EXHIBIT A
Effective as of [___]
Investment Advisory Agreement
Following is the Advisory Fee that is the subject of this Agreement:
Advisory Fee
1.0 % as follows: (i) during the period from the initial closing until the fifth anniversary of the final closing, based on the total commitments entered into by the Company with respect to: (a) investments in Portfolio Funds and (b) direct private equity investments in portfolio companies; and (ii) beginning on the fifth anniversary of the final closing and thereafter, based on the net asset value (exclusive of assets held in cash and cash equivalents) of the Company as of the last day of the applicable quarter.
Carried Interest
In addition to the Advisory Fee payable by the Company, the Investment Adviser or an affiliate, acting as special member to Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TI), LLC and Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC (each a feeder fund that invests directly or indirectly in the Company), shall receive a Carried Interest from each such feeder fund, in accordance with Section 8.2(a)(ii) of each such feeder fund’s Limited Liability Company Agreement (or any successor provision thereto), equal to 5% of distributions after the members of each such feeder fund have received a 125% return of all drawn commitments, with any such Carried Interest distribution accrued prior to the fourth anniversary of a feeder fund’s final closing to be retained until such date.
EXHIBIT 3
FORM OF
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III (MASTER), LLC
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
605 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10158-0006
NB Alternatives Advisers LLC
605 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10158-3698
Dear Sirs:
We have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC (“Fund”) pursuant to which we are to act as investment adviser to such Fund. We hereby agree with you as follows:
1. | Subject to the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Managers (“Board”) and the Adviser, the Subadviser will provide a continuous investment program for the Fund and determine the composition of the assets of the Fund, including determination of the purchase, retention or sale of the securities or instruments, cash and other investments contained in the portfolio. The Subadviser will conduct investment research and conduct a continuous program of evaluation, investment, sales and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets by determining the securities and other investments that shall be purchased, entered into, sold, closed or exchanged for the Fund, when these transactions should be executed, and what portion of the Fund should be held in the various securities and other investments in which it may invest, and the Subadviser is hereby authorized to execute and perform such services on behalf of the Fund. The Subadviser will provide the services under this Agreement in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions as stated in the Fund’s registration statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (the “ICA”) or the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, as delivered to the Subadviser from time to time. The Subadviser will also work with and assist the Adviser with any administrative functions that the Adviser is required to perform under the Investment Advisory Agreement. |
2. | For the services rendered, the Adviser shall pay to the Sub-adviser a fee with respect to the Fund in an amount to be determined from time to time by the Adviser and the Sub-adviser but in no event in excess of the amount that the Adviser actually received for providing services to the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under this current Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser shall pay to the Sub-Adviser 90% of the Advisory fee received from the Fund per annum. This amount will be payable on a monthly basis. |
3. | As used in this Agreement, the terms “assignment” and “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall have the meanings given to them by Section 2(a)(4) and 2(a)(42), respectively, of the ICA. |
4. | This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the undersigned. |
This agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Managers of the Fund, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of the Fund or by the undersigned on not less than sixty days’ written notice addressed to you at your principal place of business; and (b) by you, without the payment of any penalty, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ written notice addressed to you at your principal place of business.
This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect with respect to the Fund from the date hereof until __________________ unless sooner terminated as provided above) and from year to year thereafter only so long as its continuance is approved in the manner required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as from time to time amended.
5. | The Subadviser will use its best efforts in the supervision and management of the investment activities of the Fund and in providing services hereunder, but in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations hereunder, the Subadviser, its directors, officers or employees and its affiliates, successors or other legal representatives (collectively, the “Affiliates’’) shall not be liable to the Fund for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law, for any act or omission by the Subadviser or any of the Affiliates or for any loss suffered by the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund shall not be deemed to have waived any rights it may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. |
6. | The Fund shall indemnify the Subadviser and its directors, officers or employees and their respective affiliates, executors, heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives (each an “Indemnified Person”) against any and all costs, losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, resulting in any way from the performance or non-performance of any Indemnified Person’s duties with respect to the Fund, except those resulting from the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of an Indemnified Person or the Indemnified Person’s reckless disregard of such duties, and in the case of criminal proceedings, unless such Indemnified Person had reasonable cause to believe its actions unlawful (collectively, “disabling conduct”). Indemnification shall be made following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that the Indemnified Person was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (ii) a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts and reached by (A) the vote of a majority of the Managers who are not parties to the proceeding or (B) legal counsel selected by a vote of a majority of the Board in a written advice, that the Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification hereunder. The Fund shall advance to an Indemnified Person (to the extent that it has available assets and need not borrow to do so) reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with defense of any action or proceeding arising out of such performance or non-performance. The Subadviser agrees, and each other Indemnified Person will agree as a condition to any such advance, that in the event the Indemnified Person receives any such advance, the Indemnified Person shall reimburse the Fund for such fees, costs and expenses to the extent that it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person was not entitled to indemnification under this Section 6. |
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing to the contrary, the provisions of this Section 6 shall not be
construed so as to relieve the Indemnified Person of, or provide indemnification with respect to, any liability (including liability under Federal Securities laws, which, under certain circumstances, impose liability even on persons who act in good faith) to the extent (but only to the extent) that such liability may not be waived, limited or modified under applicable law or that such indemnification would be in violation of applicable law, but shall be construed so as to effectuate the provisions of this Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law.
7. | The sole parties to this Agreement in its entirety are the Adviser and the Subadviser. The Fund is a limited party to this Agreement, as solely a party to the indemnification provision in Section 6 of this Agreement The parties to this Agreement do not intend for this Agreement to benefit any beneficial owner of interests in the Fund or to be enforceable by such beneficial owners. |
If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of acceptance on the enclose counterpart hereof and return the same to us.
The foregoing is hereby accepted as of the date hereof.
Very truly yours,
NEUBERGER BERMAN MANAGEMENT LLC
_________________________________________
By:
Title:
NB ALTERNATIVES ADVISERS LLC
_________________________________________
By:
Title:
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III (MASTER), LLC (solely as party to the indemnification in Section 6 of this Agreement)
_________________________________________
By:
Title:
EXHIBIT 4
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III (TI), LLC
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III (TE), LLC
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III (MASTER), LLC
September 25, 2013
This charter sets forth the purpose, authority and responsibilities of the Audit Committee of the Board of Managers (the “Board”) of Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TI), LLC, Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (TE), LLC and Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC (each, a “Company”).
Purposes
The Audit Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) has, as its primary purpose, oversight responsibility with respect to: (a) the adequacy of the Company’s financial reporting; (b) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) the adequacy of the Company’s overall system of internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; (d) the Company’s compliance with certain legal and regulatory requirements; and(e) determining the qualification and independence of the Company’s independent auditors.
Authority
The Committee has been duly established by the Board and shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including the authority to retain counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Company. The Committee has the authority and responsibility to retain and terminate the Company’s independent auditors. In connection therewith, the Committee must evaluate the independence of the Company’s independent auditors and receive the auditors’ specific representations as to their independence.
Composition and Term of Committee Members
The Committee shall be comprised of the Managers who are “Independent Managers,” which term shall mean each Manager (i) who is not an “interested person,” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, of the Company; and (ii) who has not accepted directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Company (other than fees for serving as a Manager or member of such Company’s Audit Committee). Each Manager serving on the Committee shall have no relationship to the Company or its investment adviser that may interfere with the exercise of independence from management and the Company. The members of the Committee shall designate one member to serve as Chairman of the Committee.
Each member of the Committee shall serve until a successor is appointed.
The Board shall determine whether: (i) the Committee has at least one member who is an “audit committee financial expert,” (“ACFE”) as such term is defined in the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Committee (the “SEC”) to implement Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The designation of a person as an ACFE shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on that person than the responsibility and liability imposed on such person as a member of the Committee, nor does it decrease the duties and obligations of other Committee members or the Board.
Meetings
The Committee shall meet on a regular basis and no less frequently than semi-annually. Periodically, the Committee shall meet to discuss with management the annual audited financial statements and quarterly or semi-annual financial statements. Periodically, the Committee should meet separately with management, the Company’s administrator and independent auditors to discuss any matters that the Committee or any of these persons or firms believe should be discussed privately. The Committee may request any officer or employee of the Company’s investment adviser or the Company’s legal counsel (or counsel to the Independent Managers of the Board) or independent auditors to attend a meeting of the Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Committee.
Minutes of each meeting will be taken and circulated to all members of the Committee in a timely manner.
Any action of the Committee requires the vote of a majority of the Committee members present, whether in person or otherwise, at the meeting at which such action is considered. At any meeting of the Committee, one member of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of taking any action. The Committee will endeavor to ensure that as many members as possible participate in each meeting.
Duties and Powers and of the Committee
The duties and powers of the Committee include, but are not limited to, the following:
· | bear direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Company’s independent auditors (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company, and the independent auditors must report directly to the Committee; |
· | set the compensation of the independent auditors, such amount to be paid by the Company; |
· | evaluate the independence of the Company’s independent auditors and receive the auditors’ specific representations as to their independence; |
· | to the extent required by applicable law, pre-approve: (i) all audit and non-audit services that the Company’s independent auditors provide to the Company, and (ii) all non-audit |
services that the Company’s independent auditors provide to the Company’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Company, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Company;
· | meet with the Company’s independent auditors, including private meetings, as necessary to (i) review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit and any special audits; (ii) discuss any matters of concern relating to the Company’s financial statements, including any adjustments to such statements recommended by the auditors, or other results of the audit; (iii) consider the auditor’s comments with respect to the Company’s financial policies, procedures and internal accounting controls and management’s responses thereto; and (iv) review the form of opinion the auditors propose to render to the Managers and the members of the Company; |
· | review reports prepared by the Company’s independent auditors detailing the fees paid to the Company’s independent auditors for: (i) audit services (includes all services necessary to perform an audit, services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements and other services generally provided by independent auditors, such as comfort letters, statutory audits, attest services, consents and assistance with, and review of, documents filed with the SEC; (ii) audit-related services (covers assurance and due diligence services, including, employee benefit plan audits, due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, consultations and audits in connection with acquisitions, internal control reviews and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards); (iii) tax services (services performed by a professional staff in the accounting firm’s tax division, except those services related to the audit, including tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice); and (iv) other services (includes financial information systems implementation and design); |
· | ensure that the Company’s independent auditors prepare and deliver annually to the Committee a written statement describing: (i) the auditors’ internal quality control procedures; (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review or peer review of the auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (iii) all relationships between the independent auditors and the Company; |
· | receive and review periodic written reports or updates from the Company’s independent auditors regarding any: (i) critical accounting policies to be used; (ii) alternative accounting treatments that have been discussed with the Company’s management along with a description of the ramifications of the use of such alternative treatments and the treatment preferred by the independent auditors; (iii) material written communications between the auditor and management of the Company; and (iv) all non-audit services provided to any entity in the Company’s investment company complex that were not pre-approved by the Committee; |
· | review results of the Company’s annual audit and semi-annual financial statements, including any reports on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Receive reports made by the Company’s chief financial officer or members of his staff concerning the internal accounting of the Company’s custodian, investment adviser and administrator;
· | receive reports, either directly or through the Company’s chief compliance officer, after an internal audit of the Company’s investment adviser and affiliated service providers, to the Company that discuss significant risks and exposures, if any, to the Company’s risk management processes and system of internal control, and the steps taken to monitor and minimize such risks; |
· | review of any issues brought to the Committee’s attention by independent auditors or the Company’s management, including those relating to any deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data, any material weaknesses in internal controls and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls; |
· | review and evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of the lead partner of the Company’s independent auditors; |
· | require the Company’s independent auditors to report any instance of an audit partner of those auditors earning or receiving compensation based on that partner procuring engagements with the Company to provide any services other than audit, review or attest services; |
· | resolve any disagreements between the Company’s management and independent auditors concerning the Company’s financial reporting; |
· | to the extent there are Managers who are not members of the Committee, report its activities to the full Board on a regular basis and make such recommendations with respect to the above and other matters as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate; |
· | review the Committee’s charter at least annually and recommend any material changes to the Board; and |
· | review such other matters as may be appropriately delegated to the Committee by the Board. |
EXHIBIT 5
NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKET FUND III (TI), LLC
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKET FUND III (TE), LLC
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKET FUND III (MASTER), LLC
(collectively, the “Excelsior Private Market Funds III”)
Nominating Committee Charter and Procedures
Organization
The Nominating Committee (the “Committee”) of each fund referred to above (each, the “Fund”) shall be composed solely of members of the Board of Managers (“Managers”) who are not “interested persons” of the Fund as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Independent Managers”). The Board of Managers (the “Board”) shall select the members of the Committee and each member shall serve until a successor is duly elected or such member is removed or resigns. The Board shall also designate the Chairperson of the Committee. The Committee shall meet with such frequency, and at such times, as determined by the Chairperson of the Committee or a majority of the Committee members. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Committee. The Committee may meet in person or by telephone, or other communication method by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. The Chairperson will cause notice of each meeting, together with the agenda and any related materials, to be sent to each member, normally at least one week before the meeting. The Chairperson will cause minutes of each Committee meeting to be prepared and distributed to Committee members for approval. The Committee may ask legal counsel, representatives of the investment adviser, or others to attend Committee meetings and provide pertinent information as necessary.
Responsibilities
The Committee shall select and nominate persons for election or appointment by the Board as Managers of the Fund.
Evaluation of Potential Nominees
The Board believes that a Manager’s qualifications, experience, attributes and skills involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, work ethic, the ability to work together, to communicate effectively, to exercise judgment, to ask incisive questions, and to manage people and problems or to develop solutions. In evaluating potential Manager nominees (including any nominees recommended by Fund investors as provided below) in light of this standard, and to address certain legal and other requirements and considerations associated with composition of the Board, the Committee shall consider, among other factors it may deem relevant:
· | the character and integrity of the person; |
· | whether or not the person is qualified under applicable laws and regulations to serve as a Manager of the Fund; |
· | whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his or her service on the Board; |
· | whether nomination of the person would be consistent with Fund policy and applicable laws and regulations regarding the number and percentage of Independent Managers on the Board; |
· | whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise affiliated with, competing financial service organizations or their related fund complexes; |
· | whether or not the person is willing to serve and is willing and able to commit the time necessary for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of a Manager of the Fund; |
· | for nomination of a current Manager, whether or not the Manager has demonstrated a commitment to discharging the oversight responsibilities of a Manager; and |
· | a demonstrated record of professional accomplishment. |
When evaluating candidates for a position on the Board, the Committee shall consider the potential impact of the candidate, along with his/her particular experiences, on the Board as a whole. The diversity of a candidate’s background, experiences or individual qualities and attributes, when considered in comparison to those of other members of the Board, may or may not impact the Committee’s view as to the candidate.
Sources for Identification of Nominees
In identifying potential nominees for the Board, the Committee may consider candidates recommended by one or more of the following sources: (1) the Fund’s current Managers, (2) the Fund’s officers, (3) the Fund’s investors (see below) and (4) any other source the Committee deems to be appropriate. The Committee may, but is not required to, retain a third party search firm, at the Fund’s expense, to identify potential candidates.
Submission of Nominations
While the Committee is solely responsible for the selection and nomination of Managers, the Committee may consider nominees recommended by Fund investors. The Committee will consider recommendations for nominees from Fund investors sent to the Secretary of the Fund, Marina Belaya, at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. A nomination submission must include all information relating to the recommended nominee that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 22(b) of Schedule 14A, as well as information sufficient to evaluate the factors listed above. Nomination submissions must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by Fund investors, and such additional information must be provided regarding the recommended nominee as reasonably requested by the Committee.
Nomination of Managers
After a determination by the Committee that a person should be selected and nominated as a Manager of the Fund, the Committee shall present its recommendation to the full Board for its consideration.
Procedural Matters
The Committee shall meet periodically as it deems necessary, and shall prepare minutes of and report to the Board on its meetings.
The Committee shall have the authority to make reasonable expenditures, including expenditures to retain experts and counsel, related to the aforementioned duties and tasks that will be reimbursed by the Fund.
The Committee shall review the Charter and Procedures from time to time, as it considers appropriate.
Adopted: April 15, 2013
PROXY TABULATOR
P.O. BOX 9112
FARMINGDALE, NY 11735
To vote by Internet
1) Read the Proxy Statement and have the proxy card below at hand.
2) Go to website www.proxyvote.com
3) Follow the instructions provided on the website.
To vote by Telephone
1) Read the Proxy Statement and have the proxy card below at hand.
2) Call 1-800-690-6903
3) Follow the instructions.
To vote by Mail
1) Read the Proxy Statement.
2) Check the appropriate boxes on the proxy card below.
3) Sign and date the proxy card.
4) Return the proxy card in the envelope provided.
PLEASE DO
NOT VOTE USING MORE THAN ONE METHOD DO
NOT MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD IF YOU VOTE BY
INTERNET
OR TELEPHONE
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: |
M83842-S29572 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III (MASTER), LLC
Proposals – The Board of Managers recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and the election of Managers in Proposal 3. | For | Against | Abstain |
1. Approval of New Advisory Agreement | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
2. Approval of New Sub-Advisory Agreement | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
For | Withhold | ||
3. Election of Managers | |||
Virginia G. Breen | ☐ | ☐ | |
Thomas F. McDevitt | ☐ | ☐ | |
4. In their discretion, on such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
If
this proxy is properly executed and received by the Fund prior to the Meeting, the units in the Fund represented hereby will be
voted in the manner directed
on this proxy card. If no directions are given, this proxy will be voted “FOR” Proposals 1, 2 and the election
of Managers in Proposal 3.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY, USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Please date and sign exactly as name appears on this proxy card. Individuals, joint tenants and IRA investors, please sign exactly as name appears on this proxy
card. With respect to entity investors, each person required to sign under the investor's governing documents must sign. Executors, administrators, trustees,
etc. should give their full title. If more than one authorized signatory is required, each signatory should sign. If units in the Fund are held jointly, each holder
should sign.
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] | Date | Signature [Joint Owners] | Date |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting:
The
Notice of Special Meeting of Members, Proxy
Statement, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report are
available at www.proxyvote.com.
M83843-S29572
EXCELSIOR PRIVATE MARKETS FUND III (MASTER), LLC
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF MANAGERS FOR THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 6, 2015
The undersigned hereby appoints James D. Bowden and Mark J. Bonner as proxy, with full power to appoint one or more substitutes, and hereby authorizes each of them (with full power to act alone) to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, the units in Excelsior Private Markets Fund III (Master), LLC (the “Fund”) held of record by the undersigned on June 29, 2015, at the Special Meeting (the “Meeting”) of Members of the Fund to be held at the offices of Bank of America, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 on August 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) and at any and all adjournments and postponements thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present at such Meeting, and hereby revokes any proxies that may previously have been given by the undersigned with respect to the units in the Fund covered hereby. Without limiting the general authorization given by this Proxy, the proxies are, and each of them is, instructed to vote or act as specified on the reverse side on the proposals set forth in the Proxy. I acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting of Members and the Proxy Statement dated July 22, 2015.
Only
properly executed proxies received before the Meeting
will be voted at the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof.