Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp.

GOLDMAN SACHS PRIVATE CREDIT CORP.

Date: May 18, 2023

/s/ David Pessah

Name: David Pessah

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

10-12G/A 1 d410243d1012ga.htm GOLDMAN SACHS PRIVATE CREDIT CORP. Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp.

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2023

File No. 000-56531

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 1

FORM 10

GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)


Delaware		92-3241797
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or registration)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

200 West Street New York, New York		10282
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(312) 655-4419

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

with copies to:

Joshua Wechsler, Esq.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver &

Jacobson LLP

One New York Plaza

New York, New York 10004

Telephone: (212) 859-8000

Facsimile: (212) 859-4000

Thomas J. Friedmann, Esq.

William Bielefeld, Esq.

Dechert LLP

One International Place

40th Floor

100 Oliver Street

Boston, MA 02110

Telephone: (617) 728-7100

Facsimile: (617) 426-6567

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

None

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

Class I Shares, par value $0.001 per share

(Title of class)

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


Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☒	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒

TABLE OF CONTENTS


EXPLANATORY NOTE		1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		3
ITEM 1.	BUSINESS	5
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	50
ITEM 2.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	90
ITEM 3.	PROPERTIES	98
ITEM 4.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT	99
ITEM 5.	DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS	100
ITEM 6.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	112
ITEM 7.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	113
ITEM 8.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	127
ITEM 9.	MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	128
ITEM 10.	RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES	135
ITEM 11.	DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED	136
ITEM 12.	INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS	148
ITEM 13.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	149
ITEM 14.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	149
ITEM 15.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS	149
ANNEX A	GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY	A-1

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp. (f/k/a Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC) is filing this registration statement on Form 10 (this “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on a voluntary basis in connection with its election to be regulated as a business development company (a “BDC”), under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and to provide current information to the investment community while conducting a private offering of its securities. In this Registration Statement, the “Fund,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC for the periods prior to consummation of the BDC Conversion (as defined below), and refer to Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp., a Delaware corporation, for the periods following the BDC Conversion. The “Investment Adviser” refers to Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM” or “Goldman Sachs Asset Management”), unless otherwise specified. Goldman Sachs Asset Management in certain instances also refers to the Asset & Wealth Management business within Goldman Sachs (as defined below). “GS Group Inc.” refers to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. GS Group Inc., together with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (including its predecessors, “GS & Co.”), the Investment Adviser and its other respective subsidiaries and affiliates, are referred to collectively herein as “Goldman Sachs.”

Goldman Sachs advises clients in all markets and transactions and purchases, sells, holds and recommends a broad array of investments for its own accounts and for the accounts of clients and of its personnel, through client accounts and the relationships and products it sponsors, manages and advises (such as Goldman Sachs or other client accounts (including the Fund, Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., a publicly traded BDC (“GS BDC”), Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC (“GS PMMC”), a private BDC that commenced operations in the third quarter of 2016, Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit II LLC (“GS PMMC II”), a private BDC that commenced operations in the second quarter of 2019, Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp. II (“GS MMLC II”), a private BDC that commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2021, and Phillip Street Middle Market Lending Fund LLC (“PSLF”), a private BDC that commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2022), relationships and products sponsored, managed or advised by the Investment Adviser, collectively, the “Accounts”). The Investment Adviser, through Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit (as defined below), manages certain Accounts, including the Fund, GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF, and may manage one or more additional BDCs or other Accounts. The Investment Adviser through Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit may in the future establish additional Accounts, which will pursue strategies similar to ours.

We are an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. As a result, we are eligible to take advantage of certain reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies including, but not limited to, not being subject to the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). See “Item 1(c). Business—Compliance with the JOBS Act.”

Once this Registration Statement is effective, we will be subject to the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which will require us, among other things, to file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, and we will be required to comply with all other obligations of the Exchange Act applicable to issuers filing registration statements pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. Upon effectiveness of this Registration Statement, we will also be subject to the proxy rules in Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and we and our directors, officers and principal stockholders will be subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 and 16 of the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains an Internet Website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the reports mentioned in this section.

Following the initial filing of this Registration Statement, we filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act and are subject to the Investment Company Act requirements applicable to BDCs. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for the taxable year that includes the Initial Issuance Date (as defined below), and we intend to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC annually thereafter.

Investing in our Shares (as defined below) involves a high degree of risk. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” beginning on page 50 of this Registration Statement. Also consider the following:

•

We are a new company with a limited operating history, and there is no assurance that we will achieve our investment objective.

•

This is a “blind pool” offering, and thus you will not have the opportunity to evaluate our investments before we make them.

•

You should not expect to be able to sell your Shares regardless of how we perform.

•

You should consider that you may not have access to the money you invest for an extended period of time.

•

We do not intend to list our Shares on any national securities exchange, and we do not expect a secondary market in our Shares to develop prior to any listing.

•

Because you may be unable to sell your Shares, you will be unable to reduce your exposure in any market downturn.

•

We intend to implement a share repurchase program, but only a limited number of Shares will be eligible for repurchase, and repurchases will be subject to available liquidity and other significant restrictions. See “Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Stockholder Matters—Share Repurchase Program.”

•

An investment in our Shares is not suitable for you if you need access to the money you invest.

•

We cannot guarantee that we will make distributions. If we do, we may fund such distributions from sources other than cash flow from operations, including sales of assets, borrowings, or returns of capital. We have no limits on the amounts we may pay from such sources.

•

We expect to use leverage, which will magnify the potential for loss on amounts invested in us. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—We may borrow money, which may magnify the potential for gain or loss and may increase the risk of investing in us.”

•

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”), and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our Shares less attractive to investors.

•

We intend to invest primarily in securities that are rated below investment grade by rating agencies or that would be rated below investment grade if they were rated. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as “junk,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. They may also be illiquid and difficult to value.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Registration Statement contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives of, or other variations on, these terms or comparable terminology. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our stockholders. Our forward-looking statements include information in this Registration Statement regarding general domestic and global economic conditions, our future financing plans, our ability to operate as a BDC and the expected performance of our portfolio companies. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control.

The factors listed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” as well as any cautionary language in this Registration Statement, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in the forward-looking statements contained in this Registration Statement. The occurrence of the events described in these risk factors and elsewhere in this Registration Statement could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Registration Statement speaks only as of its date. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. You are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we in the future may file with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Under Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to the forward-looking statements made in this Registration Statement or in reports we file under the Exchange Act, because we are an investment company.

The following factors are among those that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this Registration Statement:

•

our future operating results;

•

disruptions in the capital markets, market conditions, and general economic uncertainty;

•

changes in political, economic, social or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or conditions affecting the financial and capital markets, including the effect of any pandemic or epidemic;

•

uncertainty surrounding the financial and political stability of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and China, and the war between Russia and Ukraine;

•

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

•

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

•

the impact of increased competition;

•

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

•

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

•

the ability of our current and prospective portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

•

the relative and absolute performance of the Investment Adviser;

•

the use of borrowed money to finance a portion of our investments;

•

our ability to make distributions;

•

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

•

changes in interest rates, including the decommissioning of London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”);

•

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

•

the impact of future acquisitions and divestitures;

•

the effect of changes in tax laws and regulations and interpretations thereof;

•

our ability to maintain our status as a BDC;

•

our ability to maintain our status under Subchapter M of the Code as a RIC and our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC;

•

actual and potential conflicts of interest with the Investment Adviser and its affiliates;

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the ability of the Investment Adviser to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

•

the impact on our business from new or amended legislation or regulations, including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022;

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the availability of credit and/or our ability to access the equity and capital markets;

•

currency fluctuations, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars;

•

the impact of rising inflation and the risk of recession on our portfolio companies;

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the effect of global climate change on our portfolio companies;

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the impact of interruptions in the supply chain on our portfolio companies; and

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the increased public scrutiny of and regulation related to corporate social responsibility.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS.

(a) General Development of Business

We were formed as a Delaware limited liability company on March 25, 2022 with the name Goldman Sachs Loan Fund LLC, which we changed to Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC on May 18, 2022. An affiliate of the Investment Adviser made an initial capital contribution to us of $1,000 and became our initial member. In connection with the Initial Issuance Date (as defined below), the equity interest of the initial member of Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC was cancelled. Effective April 6, 2023, Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC was converted from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation named Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp., which succeeded to the business of, and by operation of law is deemed for purposes of Delaware law to be the same entity as, Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC (the “BDC Conversion”).

We are a newly organized, externally managed specialty finance company that is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company, which elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. We are externally managed by the Investment Adviser and seek to invest primarily in directly originated senior secured corporate credit issued by private companies.

We also intend to elect to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with our taxable year that includes the date of the initial closing of the private offering of our Shares on April 6, 2023 (as described below) (the “Initial Issuance Date”). As a BDC and a RIC, we will be required to comply with certain tax and regulatory requirements. See “Item 1(c). Description of Business—Regulation as a Business Development Company” and “Item 1(c). Description of Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

We are offering shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Shares”), on a continuous basis in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Regulation D and Regulation S thereunder. We are currently only offering Class I shares for sale. We have submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an application for an exemptive order to permit us to offer multiple classes of Shares. Subject to receiving a satisfactory exemptive order from the SEC, we intend to offer to sell any combination of three classes of Shares, Class S shares, Class D shares, and Class I shares, which have different ongoing stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees. See “Item 1(c). Description of Business—The Private Offering” and “Item 11. Description of the Registrant’s Securities to be Registered.”

On April 6, 2023, we completed the initial closing of the private offering of our Shares, pursuant to which we issued and sold approximately 10,081,173 Class I shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $252,029,333, satisfied our minimum offering amount of $100,000,000 and broke escrow for the private offering of our Shares, and commenced operations. On May 1, 2023, we completed our subsequent monthly closing of the private offering of our Shares, pursuant to which we issued and sold Class I shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $75,890,000.

On April 6, 2023, we also completed a private offering of shares of our 12.0% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), to accredited investors in reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act, pursuant to which we issued and sold 515 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $515,000. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are subject to certain dividend, voting, liquidation and other rights. See “Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered—Preferred Stock.”

(b) Financial Information about Industry Segments

Our operations comprise only a single reportable segment. See “Item 2. Financial Information.”

The Fund – Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp.

Our investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. Our investment strategy is consistent with that of the broader Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit platform with a focus on capital preservation and capital appreciation and includes:

•

Leveraging Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s position within GSAM: The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team, which is responsible for sourcing, diligencing, negotiating, structuring, monitoring and harvesting investment opportunities for the private credit portion of the Fund, is able to draw on the broader Goldman Sachs platform, network and relationships across the investment lifecycle to identify potentially attractive opportunities. Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial services firm and one of the world’s most experienced alternatives investors, and the Fund is expected to benefit not only from the Goldman Sachs network and relationships to identify potentially attractive opportunities, but also from a broad range of other resources offered by Goldman Sachs, including market insights, structuring capabilities and industry experts whose insights can enhance due diligence, structuring and investment monitoring processes.

•

Direct origination with borrowers: Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit believes that evaluating investment opportunities through direct discussions with borrowers leads to a better understanding of the underlying drivers of performance and business risks. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s direct origination platform has been developed over its more-than-25-year history of private credit investing and includes approximately 165 investment professionals as of March 31, 2023. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s investment team’s local relationships with companies, private equity sponsors and advisors combined with deep industry expertise provides us with access to a wide range of opportunities and allows us to gain early and direct access to due diligence materials and management teams. We will seek to lead the structuring and negotiation of the loans or securities in which we invest with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.

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Prudent investment selection with intensive due diligence and credit analysis: We believe that Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s substantial flow of potential investment opportunities, in combination with diligence practices developed over its more-than-25-year history of private credit investing, will enable us to invest in and selectively develop a diversified portfolio of high-quality companies. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s seasoned team and underwriting approach reflects deep sector expertise and seeks to identify attractive trends and pursue investments accordingly, through its approach to fundamental credit analysis driven by intensive investment research.

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Provision of large-sized commitments: We believe that Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s capability to hold large-sized, directly originated investments drives our ability to source, negotiate and commit capital in attractive opportunities. We intend to invest substantially alongside institutional and retail-focused private credit Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs, which we believe will provide us with access to a wide range of opportunities and allow us to commit to larger investment across the Goldman Sachs Asset Management platform.

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Structuring expertise with a focus on risk mitigation: Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit has significant structuring capabilities with a seasoned team of investment professionals, including the Private Credit Investment Committee (as defined below), who have over 20 years of experience on average. We seek to mitigate risk by investing primarily in senior secured debt, which is secured by a collateral package that often results in a higher rate of recovery in the event of default as compared to unsecured and subordinated investments. Senior secured debt has favorable characteristics that typically include a senior ranking in the capital structure of the borrower with priority of repayment, security of collateral and protective contractual rights that may include affirmative and negative covenants that restrict the borrower’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments or execute other transactions or implement changes that may be negative to lenders. In addition, Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit has experience investing across the capital structure which will enable us to consider different investment structures and expand our opportunity funnel.

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Rigorous portfolio management: Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s active approach to portfolio management centers on team continuity through the lifecycle of an investment, from sourcing and underwriting through investment monitoring and maturity. Investment professionals actively monitor portfolio companies’ activities and financial condition, and senior secured loan agreements typically provide for regular reporting which includes borrower performance, compliance and notification of adverse events. We believe the Goldman Sachs platform adds additional value to our portfolio companies through its extensive network, research capabilities and connectivity across the global capital markets.

•

Focus on companies with attractive business fundamentals: Capital preservation is central to our investment strategy. Generally, we will seek to target companies with the following characteristics: (i) strong and defensible market positions, (ii) stable or growing revenues and free cash flow, (iii) attractive business models, (iv) experienced and well-regarded management teams, (v) reputable private equity or private family sponsors, as applicable, (vi) a meaningful amount of equity cushion or junior capital (i.e., any equity or debt in the capital structure that is subordinated to the Fund’s investment) and (vii) viable exit strategies. We intend to make investments in companies located primarily in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in non-US jurisdictions.

Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets (which include net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes) in private credit instruments, which may include loans, notes, bonds and other corporate debt securities issued by corporate issuers. If we change our 80% test, we will provide stockholders with at least 60 days’ notice of such change.

We will invest primarily in private companies based in the United States, but we also expect to invest, to a lesser extent, in non-U.S. based companies (subject to compliance with BDC requirements to invest at least 70% of our assets in U.S. companies). We intend to focus our lending across a spectrum of directly sourced opportunities in companies ranging from lower middle market to large capitalization in size. We may invest in companies of any size or capitalization. We will generally seek to lead the origination of our investments as the primary lender, and we may participate in club deals (which are generally investments made by a small group of firms). Subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act, we may invest in loans or other securities, the proceeds of which may refinance or otherwise repay debt or securities of companies whose debt is owned by other Goldman Sachs credit funds or affiliates. We also intend to invest alongside institutional and retail-focused private credit Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs. See “Item 1. Business—Allocation of Investment Opportunities—Co-Investments Alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts; the Relief.” In addition, we expect to acquire or originate revolving credit facilities from time to time in connection with our investments in other assets.

The loans in which we invest will generally pay floating interest rates based on a variable base rate. We generally expect the senior secured loans, unitranche loans and senior secured bonds in which we invest to have stated terms of five to eight years, and our mezzanine, unsecured or subordinated debt investments may have stated terms of up to ten years, but will generally have an expected average life of between three and five years. However, there is no limit on the maturity or duration of the loans or securities we may hold in our portfolio. We may also originate “covenant-lite” loans, which are loans with fewer financial maintenance covenants than other obligations, or no financial maintenance covenants. We expect the loans and securities that we purchase in the secondary market to have generally shorter remaining terms to maturity than newly issued investments. Our debt investments may be rated by one or more NRSROs and, in such cases, generally will carry ratings below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services). We may also invest in debt instruments that are not rated by an NRSRO, though we expect that our unrated debt investments will generally have credit quality consistent with below investment grade instruments. These securities, which may be referred to as “junk bonds,” “high yield bonds” or “leveraged loans,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

Our investment strategy will also allocate a portion of the overall portfolio to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, to provide the portfolio with additional liquidity and to manage our payment obligations under our share repurchase program. These more liquid credit instruments may include senior secured loans, senior secured high yield bonds, senior unsecured high yield bonds, and fixed-income ETFs and government securities. We intend to use these investments to maintain liquidity for our share repurchase program and manage cash before investing subscription proceeds into originated loans, while also seeking attractive investment returns. Prior to raising or investing sufficient capital, the portfolio may display a greater percentage of assets within more liquid credit investments or government securities than we otherwise would expect for a fully invested portfolio. Investment decisions related to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, will be made by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management High Yield and Bank Loan team within the Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

“Unitranche” loans are first lien loans that extend deeper in a borrower’s capital structure than traditional first lien debt and may provide for a waterfall of cash flow priority between different lenders in such loan. In a number of instances, we may find another lender to provide the “first-out” portion of a unitranche loan while we retain the “last-out” portion of such loan, in which case, the “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to the payment of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder as compared to the “last-out” portion that we would continue to hold. In exchange for taking greater risk of loss, the “last-out” portion generally earns a higher interest rate than the “first-out” portion of the loan. We use the term “mezzanine” to refer to debt that ranks senior in right of payment only to a borrower’s equity securities and ranks junior in right of payment to all of such borrower’s other indebtedness. We may make multiple investments in the same portfolio company.

We seek to privately negotiate credit documentation. We may originate loans that have one or two financial maintenance covenants. We may also originate “covenant-lite” loans, which are loans with fewer financial maintenance covenants than other obligations, or no financial maintenance covenants. Such covenant-lite loans may not include terms that allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower or to declare a default if certain criteria are breached. These flexible covenants (or the absence of covenants) could permit borrowers to experience a significant downturn in their results of operations without triggering any default that would permit holders of their debt (such as the Fund) to accelerate indebtedness or negotiate terms and pricing. In the event of default, covenant-lite loans may recover less value than traditional loans as the lender may not have an opportunity to negotiate with the borrower prior to such default. Accordingly, to the extent we invest in “covenant-lite” loans, we may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants. Therefore, our investments may result in an above-average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal. We also may invest in other assets, including U.S. government securities and structured securities. These investments entail additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns.

We may, but are not required to, enter into interest rate, foreign exchange or other derivative agreements to hedge interest rate, currency, credit or other risks, but we do not intend to enter into any such derivative agreements for speculative purposes. These hedging activities, which comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, may include the use of futures, options and forward contracts. We will bear any costs incurred in connection with entering into, administering and settling any such derivative contracts. There can be no assurance any hedging strategy we employ will be successful.

We do not currently intend to invest more than 15% of our net assets in entities that rely on the exclusions from the definition of an “investment company” in Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act.

In compliance with the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act, we intend to employ leverage as market conditions permit and at the discretion of the Investment Adviser. Our initial member and our Board of Directors (“Board of Directors” or “Board”) each approved a proposal that permits us to have an asset coverage ratio of 150% under the Investment Company Act. As a result, we are currently subject to an asset coverage ratio of 150%, which represents an approximately 2:1 debt-to-equity ratio. This means that, generally, we can borrow up to $2 for every $1 of investor equity. We intend to use leverage in the form of borrowings, including loans from financial institutions as well as the issuance of debt securities. We also intend to use leverage in the form of the issuance of preferred shares, including the Series A Preferred Stock. In determining whether to borrow money, we will analyze the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of the proposed borrowings as well as the risks of such borrowings compared to our investment outlook. Leverage may be incurred by us or by any of our subsidiaries. Any such leverage, if incurred, would be expected to increase the total capital available for investment by the Fund. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—We may borrow money, which may magnify the potential for gain or loss and may increase the risk of investing in us.”

If we form or acquire a wholly owned subsidiary through which we make any investments, we expect such subsidiary would be organized as a corporation or limited liability company, and would not be registered under the Investment Company Act. We do not currently intend to create or acquire primary control of any entity which primarily engages in investment activities in securities or other assets, other than entities wholly owned by us. Our wholly owned subsidiaries may be formed to enable us to maintain favorable RIC tax treatment or to obtain financing on favorable terms due to their bankruptcy-remote characteristics. The Board of Directors has oversight responsibility for our investment activities, including our investment in any subsidiary, and our role as sole stockholder of any subsidiary. To the extent applicable to the investment activities of a subsidiary, the subsidiary would follow the same compliance policies and procedures that we follow. We would “look through” any such subsidiary to determine compliance with our investment policies, and would generally expect to consolidate any such wholly owned subsidiary for purposes of our financial statements and compliance with the Investment Company Act. Furthermore, we intend to comply with the current requirements under the Code and Treasury Regulations (defined below) for income derived from our investment in the subsidiary to be treated as “qualifying income” from which a RIC must derive at least 90% of its annual gross income. See “Item 1(c). Business—Description of Business—Regulation as a Business Development Company” and “Item 1(c). Description of Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

For a further description of our ability to borrow, please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Regulations governing our operations as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.”

Our investments are subject to a number of risks. There can be no assurance that our investment objective will be achieved or that the investment strategies employed by the Investment Adviser will be successful. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

The Investment Adviser

Goldman Sachs Asset Management serves as our Investment Adviser and has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990. Subject to the supervision of our Board of Directors, a majority of which is made up of Independent Directors (as defined below) (including an independent Chairman), Goldman Sachs Asset Management manages our day-to-day operations and provides us with investment advisory and management services and certain administrative services. Goldman Sachs Asset Management is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of GS Group Inc. and an affiliate of GS & Co. Founded in 1869, GS Group Inc. is a publicly held financial holding company (“FHC”) and a leading global financial institution that provides investment banking, securities and investment management services to a diversified client base, including companies and high net worth individuals, among others. GS & Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of GS Group Inc., serves as the placement agent for us in connection with the private offering of our Shares to U.S. persons and Goldman Sachs International, a wholly owned subsidiary of GS Group Inc., serves as a sub-placement agent for us in connection with the private offering of our Shares to non-U.S. persons. See “Item 1(c). Business—Description of Business—The Private Offering.”

As a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), the Investment Adviser is required to file a Form ADV with the SEC. Form ADV contains information about assets under management, types of fee arrangements, types of investments, potential conflicts of interest and other relevant information regarding the Investment Adviser. A copy of Part 1 and Part 2A of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV is available on the SEC’s website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

GSAM is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of GS Group Inc., and an affiliate of GS & Co. GS Group Inc. is a leading global financial institution that provides a broad range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base, including companies and high net worth individuals, among others. The firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices across the United States and in all major financial centers around the world. Goldman Sachs, with approximately $2.67 trillion in firmwide assets under supervision as of March 31, 2023, provides investment management services to a diverse set of clients worldwide, including private institutions, public entities and individuals.

The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team

The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team is dedicated to the direct origination investment strategy of the Fund and other Accounts that share a similar investment strategy with us. The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team is comprised of approximately 165 investment professionals as of March 31, 2023. Within the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team, there are approximately 79 private credit investment professionals across six offices in the Americas led by Alex Chi and David Miller, our Co-CEOs and Co-Presidents, who oversee and lead our day-to-day portfolio management. The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team is responsible for identifying investment opportunities, conducting research and due diligence on prospective investments, and negotiating, structuring, monitoring, and servicing our investments. In addition, the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs have risk management, legal, accounting, tax, information technology and compliance personnel, among other personnel, who provide services to us. We benefit from the expertise provided by these personnel in our operations.

The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team utilizes a bottom-up, fundamental research approach to lending. The managing directors of this team had an average industry experience of over 19 years coupled with an average tenure at Goldman Sachs of over 12 years as of March 31, 2023.

The Goldman Sachs Asset Management High Yield and Bank Loan team within the Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management is responsible for investing in more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, for the Fund.

The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team and the Goldman Sachs Asset Management High Yield and Bank Loan team are subject to information barriers established by Goldman Sachs. As a result, each team will at times be restricted from sharing with one another certain information relating to their portfolio holdings and investment process.

Private Credit Investment Committee

All investment decisions related to directly originated private credit opportunities will be made by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Investment Committee or a sub-committee thereof (the “Private Credit Investment Committee”). The Private Credit Investment Committee currently consists of 12 investment professionals across Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s leadership as well as representatives from Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s Real Estate and Corporate Equity investing businesses, and representatives from five Goldman Sachs control-side divisions (Controllers, Compliance, Credit Risk, Legal, and Tax).

The Private Credit Investment Committee has an average Goldman Sachs tenure of 20-plus years and has cumulative investing experience of greater than 250 years. Investment professionals on the Private Credit Investment Committee are currently Julian Salisbury, Rich Friedman, Greg Olafson, James Reynolds, Kevin Sterling, Alex Chi, David Miller, Beat Cabiallavetta, Nicole Agnew, Stephanie Rader, Moritz Jobke, and Greg Watts. The name, structure, size, membership, voting rights and the authority of the members of the Private Credit Investment Committee and the sub-committees thereof are subject to change from time to time without prior notice.

Investments with certain middle-market characteristics may be referred to a Private Credit Investment Committee sub-committee, which would comprise, in addition to certain members of Private Credit Investment Committee, other senior investment professionals from the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit business.

The size, membership, authority and voting rights of members of the Private Credit Investment Committee and its sub-committees are subject to change from time to time without prior notice.

The purpose of the Private Credit Investment Committee and its sub-committees is to evaluate and approve investments by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit. The Private Credit Investment Committee process is intended to bring the diverse experience and perspectives of the Private Credit Investment Committee’s members to the analysis and consideration of investments. The Private Credit Investment Committee also serves to provide investment consistency and adherence to the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund and other Accounts. The Private Credit Investment Committee also determines appropriate investment sizing.

High Yield and Bank Loan Team

The High Yield and Bank Loan team currently is comprised of approximately 42 dedicated professionals across the High Yield, Bank Loans and Opportunistic Credit asset classes. In managing our more liquid credit investments, the High Yield and Bank Loan team will employ the broad resources and expertise of the whole Goldman Sachs Asset Management Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions team, which in total comprises over 444 professionals located across Bengaluru, Boston, Burlington, Hong Kong, London, New York, Salt Lake City, Singapore, The Hague and Tokyo, as of March 31, 2023.

The investment culture of the High Yield and Bank Loan team encourages strong dialogue and debate among research analysts, traders and portfolio managers, resulting in a research-intensive process where each team member feels accountable for the strategy’s performance. The investment decisions of the High Yield and Bank Loan team are supported by the Fixed Income Strategy Group (the “FISG”), which comprises the senior members of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions team. The FISG provides direction, context and oversight for the team to work within. The FISG will consider global growth, inflation, interest rates amongst other inputs to deliver a macro backdrop for the investment strategy teams. The FISG’s members average over 22 years of experience and more than 14 years at Goldman Sachs Asset Management as of March 31, 2023.

Investments

We will invest primarily in private companies based in the United States, but we also expect to invest, to a lesser extent, in non-U.S. based companies (subject to compliance with BDC requirements to invest at least 70% of our assets in U.S. companies). We intend to focus our lending across a spectrum of directly sourced opportunities in companies ranging from lower middle market to large capitalization in size. We may invest in companies of any size or capitalization. We will generally seek to lead the origination of our investments as the primary lender, and we may participate in club deals (which are generally investments made by a small group of firms). Subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act, we may invest in loans or other securities, the proceeds of which may refinance or otherwise repay debt or securities of companies whose debt is owned by other Goldman Sachs credit funds or affiliates. We also intend to invest alongside institutional and retail-focused private credit Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs. See “—Co-Investments Alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts; the Relief.” In addition, we expect to acquire or originate revolving credit facilities from time to time in connection with our investments in other assets.

In the future, we may also securitize a portion of our investments in any or all of our assets. We expect that our primary use of funds will be to make investments in portfolio companies, distribute cash to holders of our Shares and pay our operating expenses, including debt service to the extent we borrow or issue senior securities to fund our investments.

In certain circumstances, we can make negotiated co-investments pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. On November 16, 2022, the SEC granted to the Investment Adviser, the BDCs advised by the Investment Adviser and certain other affiliated applicants exemptive relief on which we expect to rely to co-invest alongside certain other Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs, in a manner consistent with our investment objectives and strategies, certain Board-established criteria, the conditions of such exemptive relief and other pertinent factors (the “Relief”). Additionally, if our Investment Adviser forms other funds in the future, we may co-invest alongside such other affiliates, subject to compliance with the Relief, applicable regulations and regulatory guidance, as well as applicable allocation procedures. As a result of the Relief, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of other Accounts, including, in some cases, proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs. See “Item 1(c). Business—Allocation of Investment Opportunities—Co-Investments Alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts; the Relief.”

In addition, we have filed an application to amend the Relief to permit us to participate in follow-on investments in our existing portfolio companies with certain affiliates covered by the Relief if such affiliates, that are not BDCs or registered investment companies, did not have an investment in such existing portfolio company. There can be no assurance if and when we will receive the amended exemptive order.

Investment Criteria

We seek to manage our portfolio for income distribution, capital preservation and capital appreciation. Our evaluation and management of directly originated investments is subject to a process framework that applies to all opportunities across Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit. Sourcing, investment diligence, approvals and ultimately investment management are undertaken across Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit in a manner that emphasizes governance and oversight of deal teams to ensure that opportunities are in line with our investing philosophy and objectives. Our process draws on the expertise of our seasoned team as well as other subject matter experts, including legal, tax, compliance, environmental, and other stakeholders.

With respect to opportunity identification and diligence, the criteria outlined below provide general guidelines for the companies in which we may seek to invest, though not all of these criteria may be met by each prospective portfolio company in which we choose to invest. Generally, we seek to use our experience and access to market information to identify investment candidates and to structure investments efficiently and effectively.

•

Strong and defensible competitive market position. We seek to invest in companies that have developed leading market positions within their respective markets and are well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities. We also seek companies that we believe demonstrate significant competitive advantages versus their peers. We believe such competitive advantages will help our portfolio companies to preserve their market positions and profitability while enabling us to seek to protect our principal and avoid capital losses.

•

Stable or growing revenues and free cash flow. We seek to invest in companies that we believe will generate a steady stream of cash flow to pay interest (and ultimately principal) on our investments. We evaluate companies’ historical revenue, margin and cash flow profiles to inform our forecasts and understand how our investments would be repaid. We consider factors including revenue drivers, fixed and variable costs, and unit level economics.

•

Experienced and well-regarded management teams. We generally seek to invest in companies we believe have experienced, well-regarded management teams. We conduct background checks, inquire about prior lending relationships, often seek references, and prefer that the owners and management teams have capital invested in the business.

•

Backed by reputable financial sponsors, as applicable. Our diligence of investment opportunities in companies backed by financial sponsors extends to the financial sponsors themselves; we seek to invest in companies backed by reputable financial sponsors with a history of value creation, although not all of our investments will be in financial sponsor-backed companies.

•

Viable exit strategies. We seek to invest in companies whose business models and expected future cash flows offer what we believe to be attractive exit possibilities. Potential exits may include acquisition by other industry participants and / or initial public offerings of common stock or other capital markets transactions that could result in the repayment of our investments.

Our due diligence process typically includes, but is not limited to: (i) review of historical and projected financial and operating performance; (ii) review of the capital structure; (iii) analysis of the business and industry in which the company operates; (iv) research relating to the portfolio company’s management, industry, markets, products and services and competitors; (v) on-site visits; (vi) interviews with company management of the potential portfolio company and industry experts; and (vii) background checks. Our underwriting process also emphasizes terms and document negotiation. We typically include negative covenants (including but not limited to restrictions on incurring debt, incurring liens, and making restricted payments), affirmative covenants (including but not limited to financial reporting, notices of material events, and books and records) and financial maintenance covenants in the documents governing our investments, as applicable. However, some of our investments may be “covenant-lite” loans, which are loans with fewer financial maintenance covenants than other obligations, or no financial maintenance covenants.

The Investment Adviser may integrate environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) risk considerations within its process for originating loans and investing directly in credit obligations and related instruments. As part of its due diligence process, the Investment Adviser may consider, alongside other relevant factors, ESG risks, events or conditions that have or could have a material negative impact on the operating and performance metrics of these borrowers in the portfolio. The Investment Adviser may utilize proprietary research to assess ESG risks that are relevant to our investment. In addition, the Investment Adviser may invest in a security or sector without integrating ESG considerations into its process for originating loans. No one factor or consideration is determinative in the investment process. The Investment Adviser may originate loans and invest directly in credit obligations and related instruments without integrating ESG risk considerations into its investment process.

Upon the completion of due diligence and finalizing investment structure, the deal team will seek approval to pursue the potential investment from the Private Credit Investment Committee or a subcommittee thereof, depending on deal characteristics, subject to any other internal or external approvals as necessary. The members of the Private Credit Investment Committee do not receive separate compensation from us or our Investment Adviser for serving on the Private Credit Investment Committee or a sub-committee thereof. Additional due diligence with respect to any investment may be conducted on our behalf (and at our expense) by attorneys prior to the closing of the investment, as well as other outside advisers, as appropriate.

Investment Structure

Once we determine that a prospective portfolio company is suitable for investment, we work with the management of that company and its other capital providers, including senior, junior and equity capital providers, to structure an investment. We negotiate among these parties and seek to use creative and flexible approaches to structure our investment relative to the other capital in the portfolio company’s capital structure.

We also invest in “unitranche” loans, which are first lien loans that extend deeper in a borrower’s capital structure than traditional first lien debt and may provide for a waterfall of cash flow priority between different lenders in such loan. In a number of instances, we may find another lender to provide the “first-out” portion of a unitranche loan while we retain the “last-out” portion of such loan, in which case, the “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to the payment of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder as compared to the “last-out” portion that we would continue to hold. In exchange for taking greater risk of loss, the “last-out” portion generally earns a higher interest rate than the “first-out” portion of the loan. We use the term “mezzanine” to refer to debt that ranks senior in right of payment only to a borrower’s equity securities and ranks junior in right of payment to all of such borrower’s other indebtedness. We may make multiple investments in the same portfolio company.

In the case of our secured debt and unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt investments, we seek to tailor the terms of the investments to the facts and circumstances of the transactions and the prospective portfolio companies, negotiating a structure that seeks to protect our rights and manage our risk while creating incentives for the portfolio companies to achieve their business plan and improve their profitability. For example, in addition to seeking a senior position in the capital structure of our portfolio companies, we may seek to limit the downside potential of our investments by (i) requiring a total return on our investments (including both interest and potential equity appreciation) that compensates us for credit risk; (ii) incorporating “put” rights and call protection into the investment structure; and (iii) negotiating covenants in connection with our investments that afford our portfolio companies as much flexibility in managing their businesses as possible, consistent with preservation of our capital. Such covenants may include affirmative and negative covenants, default penalties, lien protection, change of control provisions and board rights, including either observation or participation rights. We may not be able to negotiate to get any or all of these protections with respect to our investments. Our investments may include equity features, such as direct investments in the equity or convertible securities of portfolio companies or warrants or options to buy a minority interest in a portfolio company. Any warrants we may receive with our debt securities generally require only a nominal cost to exercise, so as a portfolio company appreciates in value, we may achieve additional investment return from these equity investments. We may structure the warrants to provide provisions protecting our rights as a minority-interest holder, as well as puts, or rights to sell such securities back to the company, upon the occurrence of specified events. In many cases, we may also obtain registration rights in connection with these equity investments, which may include demand and “piggyback” registration rights.

We expect to hold most of our investments to maturity or repayment but may sell certain investments earlier if a liquidity event takes place, such as the sale or refinancing of a portfolio company. We also may turn over our investments to better position the portfolio as market conditions change or to raise liquidity.

Warehouse Investments

The Fund entered into multiple purchase agreements (as amended, the “Purchase Agreements”) with Macquarie Bank Limited (the “Financing Provider”) and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, whereby we agreed, subject to certain conditions, to purchase certain assets from the Financing Provider (the “Warehousing Transactions”), as described below. On April 10, 2023, we satisfied the Warehouse Conditions (as defined below) and purchased the Warehouse Investments (as defined below) from the Financing Provider. The Warehousing Transactions were designed to assist the Fund in deploying capital quickly upon receipt of subscription proceeds.

Under the Purchase Agreements, the Fund had a forward obligation to settle the purchase of certain investments (the “Warehouse Investments”), including those set forth below, from the Financing Provider, and the Financing Provider was obligated to settle the sale of such investments to the Fund. The obligations of the Fund and the Financing Provider under the Purchase Agreements were subject to the following conditions: (a) that the Fund received aggregate subscriptions of at least $200 million that were deposited in its custody account and (b) that the Board approved the purchase of the specific Warehouse Investments (collectively, the “Warehouse Conditions”). Prior to the satisfaction of the Warehouse Conditions, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser was the primary obligor of the Purchase Agreements, and the Fund’s obligations to the Financing Provider under the Purchase Agreements were guaranteed by such affiliate of the Investment Adviser. The Warehouse Investments primarily consist of directly originated, first lien senior secured floating rate debt of companies located in the United States.

After we met the Warehouse Conditions, we were obligated to purchase the Warehouse Investments from the Financing Provider at the price determined under the Purchase Agreements. As a general matter, the price we paid to purchase any Warehouse Investment equaled the cash amount paid by the Financing Provider for the Warehouse Investments, subject to an increase for a financing fee paid by the Fund to the Financing Provider. The cash amount at which the Fund purchased the Warehouse Investments could be greater than the fair value of such Warehouse Investments at the time when they were purchased by the Financing Provider. In addition, at the time of our purchase of the Warehouse Investment, the Financing Provider remitted to us any interest and fees it received during the warehousing period for the Warehouse Investments.

The Financing Provider had purchased and held the Warehouse Investments pursuant to requests we made prior to our election to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. The Financing Provider retained full discretion whether to purchase the Warehouse Investments in accordance with our requests. After we elected to be regulated as a BDC, (i) we would not enter into any additional Warehousing Transactions pursuant to the Purchase Agreements; (ii) we imposed on ourselves a requirement, not an option (subject to Board approval, as set forth in the Purchase Agreements), to purchase the then-existing Warehouse Investments from the Financing Provider at such time as we had sufficient assets to purchase all of the Warehouse Investments in whole; and (iii) we would comply with the requirements of Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act with respect to our obligation to purchase the Warehouse Investments when triggered. We may rely on the Relief only with respect to investments we purchase concurrently with other Accounts. As a result, we may not rely on the Relief with respect to Warehouse Investments that we hold solely due to the purchase of such assets from the Financing Provider under the Purchase Agreements.

As of April 10, 2023, there were 26 Warehouse Investments across 12 portfolio companies, with an aggregate cost of $384.46 million and an aggregate fair value of $383.90 million, that we purchased from the Financing Provider as described above, which are set forth in the following table:


Investment	Industry	Reference Rate + Spread ⁽¹⁾	Maturity		Currency		Par⁽²⁾		Cost ($)			Fair Value ($)			Percentage of Fair Value (%)
Computer Services, Inc.	Diversified Financial Services	S + 6.75%		11/15/29		$		50,000		48,500			48,500			12.63
Coretrust Purchasing Group LLC	Diversified Financial Services	S + 6.75%		10/01/29				37,853		36,711			36,717			9.56
Coretrust Purchasing Group LLC⁽³⁾	Diversified Financial Services	S + 6.75%		10/01/29				5,526		(83	)		(166	)		(0.04	)
Coretrust Purchasing Group LLC⁽³⁾	Diversified Financial Services	S + 6.75%		10/01/29				5,526		(166	)		(166	)		(0.04	)
CST Buyer Company (dba Intoxalock)	Diversified Consumer Services	S + 6.75%		11/01/28				45,575		44,208			44,208			11.51
CST Buyer Company (dba Intoxalock) ⁽³⁾	Diversified Consumer Services	S + 6.75%		11/01/28				4,310		302			302			0.08
DFS Holding Company, Inc.	Distributors	S + 7.00%		01/31/29				40,552		39,335			39,943			10.40
DFS Holding Company, Inc.⁽³⁾	Distributors	S + 7.00%		01/31/29				8,448		(127	)		(127	)		(0.03	)
Frontgrade Technologies Holdings Inc.	Aerospace & Defense	S + 6.75%		01/09/30				35,658		34,588			34,588			9.01
Frontgrade Technologies Holdings Inc.⁽³⁾	Aerospace & Defense	S + 6.75%		01/09/28				3,689		(111	)		(111	)		(0.03	)
Groundworks, LLC	Diversified Consumer Services	S + 6.50%		03/14/30				8,584		8,326			8,326			2.17
Groundworks, LLC⁽³⁾	Diversified Consumer Services	S + 6.50%		03/14/29				501		(15	)		(15	)		(0.00	)
Groundworks, LLC⁽³⁾	Diversified Consumer Services	S + 6.50%		03/14/30				1,566		(23	)		(23	)		(0.01	)
iCIMS, Inc.	Professional Services	S + 7.25% (Incl. 3.88% PIK)		08/18/28				32,534		31,965			31,314			8.16
iCIMS, Inc.	Professional Services	S + 7.25%		08/18/28				6,000		5,895			5,895			1.54
iCIMS, Inc.⁽³⁾	Professional Services	S + 7.25% (Incl. 3.88% PIK)		08/18/28				3,067		(54	)		(115	)		(0.03	)
iCIMS, Inc.⁽³⁾	Professional Services	S + 7.25% (Incl. 3.88% PIK)		08/18/28				8,225		-			(308	)		(0.08	)
iWave Information Systems, Inc.	Software	S + 6.75%		11/23/28				19,560		19,071			19,071			4.97
iWave Information Systems, Inc.⁽³⁾	Software	S + 6.75%		11/23/28				2,391		(60	)		(60	)		(0.02	)
LCG Vardiman Black, LLC (dba Specialty Dental Brands)⁽³⁾	Health Care Providers & Services	S + 7.00%		03/18/27				27,329		25,582			25,582			6.66
Solaris (dba Urology Management Holdings, Inc.)	Health Care Providers & Services	S + 6.25%		06/15/26				14,836		14,392			14,391			3.75
Solaris (dba Urology Management Holdings, Inc.)⁽³⁾	Health Care Providers & Services	S + 6.25%		06/15/26				7,437		(223	)		(223	)		(0.06	)
Spotless Brands, LLC	Diversified Consumer Services	S + 6.75%		07/25/28				32,769		31,781			31,786			8.28
Spotless Brands, LLC⁽³⁾	Diversified Consumer Services	S + 6.75%		07/25/28				5,067		(76	)		(152	)		(0.04	)
Trader Corporation	Automobiles	C + 6.75%		12/21/29		CAD		62,113		44,829			44,829			11.68
Trader Corporation⁽³⁾	Automobiles	C + 6.75%		12/22/28		CAD		4,658		(86	)		(86	)		(0.02	)

Total									$	384,461		$	383,900			100.00

(1)

Variable rate loans bear interest at a rate that may be determined by the larger of the floor or the reference to either SOFR including SOFR adjustment, if any, (“S”), SONIA (“SN”), CDOR (“C”) or alternate base rate (commonly based on the U.S. Prime Rate (“P”), unless otherwise noted) at the borrower’s option, which reset periodically based on the terms of the credit agreement. S loans are typically indexed to 12 month, 6 month, 3 month or 1 month S rates.

(2)	Par amount is denominated in U.S. Dollars (“$”) unless otherwise noted for Canadian dollar (“CAD”).

(3)

Position or portion thereof is an unfunded loan commitment, and no interest is being earned on the unfunded portion. The unfunded loan commitment may be subject to a commitment termination date that may expire prior to the maturity date stated. The negative cost, if applicable, is the result of the capitalized discount being greater than the principal amount outstanding on the loan. The negative fair value, if applicable, is the result of the capitalized discount on the loan.

PIK	Payment-In-Kind.

Although there can be no assurances, we may in the future enter into additional warehousing transactions, from time to time, with third parties, subject to compliance with the Investment Company Act.

Allocation of Investment Opportunities

To address these and other potential conflicts, a selection of which are outlined below, the Investment Adviser has developed allocation policies and procedures that provide that personnel of our Investment Adviser making portfolio decisions for Accounts will make purchase and sale decisions and allocate investment opportunities among Accounts consistent with their fiduciary obligations. To the extent permitted by applicable law, these policies and procedures may result in the pro rata allocation of limited opportunities across eligible Accounts managed by a particular portfolio management team, but in many other cases the allocations may reflect numerous other factors as described below. There will be cases where certain Accounts receive an allocation of an investment opportunity when we do not, and vice versa.

In some cases, due to information barriers that may be in place, other Accounts may compete with us for specific investment opportunities without being aware that we are competing against each other. Goldman Sachs has a conflicts system in place in addition to these information barriers to identify potential conflicts early in the process and determine if an allocation decision needs to be made. If the conflicts system detects a potential conflict with respect to a particular investment opportunity, such investment opportunity will be assessed to determine whether it must be allocated to, or prohibited from being allocated to, a particular Account.

Personnel of our Investment Adviser involved in decision-making for Accounts may make allocation related decisions in accordance with the Investment Adviser’s allocations policies and procedures for us and Accounts by reference to one or more factors, including but not limited to: the strategy, objectives, guidelines and restrictions (including legal and regulatory restrictions) of potentially in-scope Accounts, as well as those Accounts’ current portfolios and investment horizons; strategic fit and other portfolio management considerations, including different desired levels of investment for different strategies; the expected future capacity of the potentially in-scope Accounts; cash and liquidity considerations; and the availability of other appropriate investment opportunities. The Investment Adviser may also consider reputational matters and other factors. The application of these considerations may cause differences in the portfolios and performance of different Accounts that have similar strategies. In addition, in some cases the Investment Adviser may make investment recommendations to Accounts where the Accounts make the investment independently of our Investment Adviser, which may result in a reduction in the availability of the investment opportunity for other Accounts (including us), irrespective of our Investment Adviser’s policies regarding allocation of investments. Additional information about our Investment Adviser’s allocation policies is set forth in Item 6 (“Performance-based Fees and Side-by-Side Management—Side-by-Side Management of Advisory Accounts; Allocation of Opportunities”) of our Investment Adviser’s Form ADV.

The Investment Adviser, including the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team, may develop and implement new trading strategies or seek to participate in new investment opportunities and strategies. These opportunities and strategies may not be employed in all Accounts even if the opportunity or strategy is consistent with the objectives of such Accounts.

During periods of unusual market conditions, our Investment Adviser may deviate from its normal trade allocation practices. For example, this may occur with respect to the management of unlevered and/or long-only Accounts that are typically managed on a side-by-side basis with levered and/or long-short Accounts.

We may or may not receive opportunities referred by Goldman Sachs businesses and affiliates, but in no event do we have any rights with respect to such opportunities. Subject to applicable law, including the Investment Company Act, such opportunities or any portion thereof may be offered to other Accounts, Goldman Sachs, certain of our investors, or such other persons or entities as determined by Goldman Sachs in its sole discretion. We will have no rights and will not receive any compensation related to such opportunities. Certain of such opportunities may be referred to us by employees or other personnel of Goldman Sachs, or by third parties. If we invest in any such opportunities, Goldman Sachs may be entitled, to the extent permitted by applicable law, including the limitations set forth in Section 57(k) of the Investment Company Act, to receive compensation from us or from the borrowers in connection with such investments. Any compensation we pay in connection with such referrals will be an operating expense and will accordingly be borne by us (and will not serve to offset any Management Fee (as defined below) or Incentive Fee (as defined below) payable to the Investment Adviser).

In connection with certain of our investments, the Investment Adviser may determine that the appropriate amount to allocate to us and other Accounts may be less than the full amount of the investment opportunity, due to considerations related to, among other things, diversification, portfolio management, leverage management, investment profile, risk tolerance or other exposure guidelines or limitations, cash flow or other considerations. In such situations, “excess amounts” that can be allocated may be offered to other persons or entities. Subject to applicable law, such opportunities may be structured as an investment alongside us or as a purchase of a portion of the investment from us (through a syndication, participation or otherwise).

In all cases, subject to applicable law, our Investment Adviser has broad discretion in determining to whom and in what relative amounts to offer such opportunities, and factors our Investment Adviser may take into account, in its sole discretion, include whether such potential recipient is able to assist or provide a benefit to us in connection with the potential transaction or otherwise, whether our Investment Adviser believes the potential recipient is able to execute a transaction quickly, whether the potential recipient is expected to provide expertise or other advantages in connection with a particular investment, whether our Investment Adviser is aware of such potential recipient’s expertise or interest in these types of opportunities generally or in a subset of such opportunities or, the potential recipient’s target investment sizing. Recipients of these opportunities may, in accordance with applicable law, include one or more investors in us, one or more investors in other funds managed by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team, clients or potential clients of Goldman Sachs, or funds or Accounts established for any such persons. These opportunities may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. These opportunities will be offered to the recipients thereof on such terms as our Investment Adviser determines in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, including on a no-fee basis or at prices higher or lower than those paid by us. As a result of these and other reasons, returns with respect to an opportunity may exceed investors’ returns with respect to our investment in the same opportunity.

Transactions with affiliates. We are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our Independent Directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of our outstanding voting securities is our affiliate for purposes of the Investment Company Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any assets from or to, or entering into, certain “joint” transactions (which could include investments in the same portfolio company) with such affiliates, absent the prior approval of the Independent Directors. Our Investment Adviser and its affiliates, including persons that control, or are under common control with, us or our Investment Adviser, are also considered our affiliates under the Investment Company Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any assets from or to, or entering into “joint” transactions with, such affiliates without exemptive relief from the SEC.

Co-Investments Alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts; the Relief. Subject to applicable law, we may invest alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts. In certain circumstances, we and such other Accounts (which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs) can make negotiated co-investments pursuant to the Relief permitting us to do so. Additionally, if our Investment Adviser forms other funds in the future, co-investments may be made alongside those other affiliates, subject to compliance with the Relief, applicable regulations and regulatory guidance, as well as applicable allocation procedures. Any such co-investments are subject to certain conditions, including that co-investments are made in a manner consistent with our investment objectives and strategies, certain Board-established criteria, and the other applicable conditions of the Relief. Under the terms of the Relief, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the Investment Company Act) of the Fund’s Independent Directors must make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (i) the terms of the proposed transaction are reasonable and fair to the Fund and the Fund’s stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Fund or its stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (ii) the transaction is consistent with the interests of the Fund’s stockholders and is consistent with the then-current investment objectives and strategies of the Fund. As a result of the Relief, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of other Accounts, including, in some cases, proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs.

If our Investment Adviser identifies an investment and we are unable to rely on the Relief for that particular opportunity, our Investment Adviser will be required to determine which Accounts should make the investment at the potential exclusion of other Accounts. In such circumstances, the Investment Adviser will adhere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine the Accounts to which to allocate investment opportunities. Accordingly, it is possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by other Accounts.

We may invest alongside other Accounts advised by our Investment Adviser in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with applicable law and SEC staff guidance and interpretations. For example, we may invest alongside such Accounts consistent with guidance promulgated by the staff of the SEC permitting us and such other Accounts to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that our Investment Adviser, acting on our behalf and on behalf of its other clients, negotiates no term other than price. We may also invest alongside our Investment Adviser’s other clients as otherwise permissible under SEC staff guidance and interpretations, applicable regulations and the allocation policy of our Investment Adviser.

For a further explanation of the allocation of opportunities and other conflicts and the risks related thereto, please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Relating to Our Business and Structure—Potential conflicts of interest with other businesses of Goldman Sachs could impact our investment returns.”

Market Opportunity

We believe the market opportunity for direct origination of private credit is significant and attractive. We expect the following factors to drive demand for private credit:

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Future Senior Secured Debt Maturities. According to LCD News as of December 31, 2022, approximately $1.6 trillion of leveraged loans in North America and Europe outstanding will mature by 2029, which is expected to drive significant new debt issuance in the coming years. According to Preqin as of December 31, 2022, the global private credit market represents $1.4 trillion in assets under management and is now on par with the $1.3 trillion market values of the Bloomberg USD HY Corporate Index and the S&P LSTA Leveraged Loan Index.

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Increasing Financial Sponsor Activity, as Indicated by Amount of Private Equity Capital Raised and “Dry Powder” Available for Investment. Private equity fundraising has increased considerably since the most recent low in 2010 and, as of December 31, 2022, private equity dry powder was at its highest level since the great financial crisis, with, according to Preqin data as of December 2022, over $950 billion of committed buyout private equity capital available to fund new leveraged buyout (“LBO”) transactions (including global buyout fundraising). We expect this substantial pool of investment capital to drive strong levels of sponsor-led buyout activity, which, in turn, will fuel demand for private credit, including senior secured debt.

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Changes in Business Strategy by Banks Further Reducing the Supply of Capital to Private Companies. The trend of consolidation of regional banks into money center banks has reduced the focus of these businesses on private lending. Money center banks traditionally focus on lending and providing other services to large listed corporate clients to whom they can deploy larger amounts of capital more efficiently. The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team believes that this has resulted in fewer bank lenders to U.S. private companies and reduced the availability of debt capital to the companies that we expect to target.

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Advantageous Positioning of Direct Lenders. We anticipate additional borrowing needs as LBO and corporate acquisition activity continues. At the same time, we expect several factors to limit borrowers’ ability to issue senior secured debt in the syndicated credit markets, including regulatory constraints, the overall health of and outlook for the economy, volatility in end markets exposed to commodity price fluctuations and idiosyncratic events impacting specific industry sectors. Each of these factors may contribute to overall credit market volatility and dislocation. As a result, senior secured debt market participants, including banks, may become less willing to provide attractive syndicated loans to borrowers. We believe that the Fund is well-positioned to provide financing in response to the next wave of maturities and can provide attractive financing alternatives if banks elect to reduce their exposure to senior secured debt.

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Increase in Size and Frequency of Private Market Transactions. More deal flow migrated to the private market in 2022 as the liquid credit market seized mid-year. Annual volume in the KBRA DLD Private Data set closed at $144.8 billion, up from $110.3 billion in 2021. Two main trends drove the 31% increase: (i) jumbo loans took a larger share; and (ii) the private market remained open as volatility shut down syndicated loans and high yield. According to Direct Lending Deals as of February 2022, this trend has continued into 2022, demonstrating that borrowers can turn to private financing providers to manage large hold sizes while also providing dry powder for future growth. We expect demand will remain robust following a record year of fundraising and continued uncertainty around inflation and COVID-related disruptions, emphasizing the appeal of the private market.

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Barriers to Entry for New Lending Platforms. While the private market is a very large component of the U.S. economy, it is a highly fragmented space with thousands of companies operating in many different geographies and industries. Typically, companies that need capital find lenders and investors based on pre-existing relationships, referrals and word of mouth. Developing the many relationships and widespread recognition required to become source of capital is a time consuming, highly resource-intensive endeavor. As a result, the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team believes that it is difficult for new lending platforms to successfully enter the private market, thereby providing insulation from rapid shifts in the supply of capital to the private market that might otherwise disrupt pricing of capital.

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If Interest Rates Rise, Attractiveness of Floating Rate Instruments Increases. The U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates multiple times in 2022 and suggested additional rate increases into 2023. We expect key base interest rates, such as SOFR, to fluctuate over time as well. We expect to target investments in cash-paying floating rate instruments and should therefore remain relatively insulated from future increases in interest rates.

Competitive Advantages

GS Group Inc. is a leading global financial institution that provides a broad range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base, including companies and high net worth individuals, among others. The firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices across the United States and in all major financial centers around the world. Goldman Sachs, with approximately $2.67 trillion in firmwide assets under supervision as of March 31, 2023, provides investment management services to a diverse set of clients worldwide, including private institutions, public entities and individuals.

Within GSAM, the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team is the primary center for private credit investing. Since 1996, Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit and its predecessors have invested over $170 billion, leveraging Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s deep expertise and long-standing relationships with financial sponsors, companies, investors, entrepreneurs and financial intermediaries globally. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit invests across senior credit, mezzanine, hybrid capital and asset finance strategies and has significant experience investing in debt instruments across industries, geographic regions, economic cycles and financing structures.

We believe our competitive advantages and strengths include: (i) alignment of interest between the Fund and the Goldman Sachs private credit platform through side by side investments alongside institutional and retail-focused private credit Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs, (ii) Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s embeddedness within Goldman Sachs, given the associated relationship, sourcing and expertise advantages, (iii) Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s experience and breadth as an investor, (iv) Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s experienced team and history of investment performance and (v) Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s depth, breadth and duration of relationships with financial sponsors, companies, borrowers and other industry participants. For a further discussion of our competitive strengths, see “Item 1(c). Business—Competition.”

Investment Management Agreement

We have entered into an Investment Management Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Investment Management Agreement”), with the Investment Adviser.

Pursuant to the terms of our Investment Management Agreement, the Investment Adviser, subject to the overall supervision of our Board, manages our day-to-day investment-related operations and provides investment management services to us. We will pay the Investment Adviser a fee for its services under the Investment Management Agreement consisting of two components: a management fee (the “Management Fee”) and an incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”).

Subject to compliance with applicable law and published SEC guidance, nothing contained in the Investment Management Agreement in any way precludes, restricts or limits the activities of our Investment Adviser or any of its respective subsidiaries or affiliated parties. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Our Investment Adviser, its principals, investment professionals and employees and the members of its Private Credit Investment Committee may have certain conflicts of interest.”

Management Fee

The Management Fee is payable monthly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.25% of the value of our net assets as of the beginning of the first calendar day of the applicable month. For purposes of the Investment Management Agreement, net assets means our total assets less liabilities determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. For the first calendar month in which we have operations, net assets will be measured as the beginning net assets as of the date on which the Fund broke escrow. The Investment Adviser has agreed to waive the Management Fee for the first two fiscal quarters of our operations, commencing on and including the date on which we broke escrow for the private offering of the Shares. The waiver of the Management Fee is expected to end on September 30, 2023.

Incentive Fee

The Incentive Fee will consist of two components that are independent of each other, with the result that one component may be payable even if the other is not. A portion of the Incentive Fee is based on a percentage of our income and a portion is based on a percentage of our capital gains, each as described below.

Incentive Fee Based on Income

The portion based on our income is based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns. “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns” means, as the context requires, either the dollar value of, or percentage rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediate preceding quarter from, interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses accrued for the quarter (including the Management Fee and any interest expense or fees on any credit facilities or outstanding debt and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred shares, but excluding the incentive fee and any distribution and/or stockholder servicing fees).

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns include, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as OID, debt instruments with PIK interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns do not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediate preceding quarter, is compared to a “hurdle rate” of return of 1.25% per quarter (5.0% annualized).

We will pay the Investment Adviser an incentive fee quarterly in arrears with respect to our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns in each calendar quarter as follows:

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No incentive fee based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns in any calendar quarter in which our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns do not exceed the hurdle rate of 1.25% per quarter (5.0% annualized);

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100% of the dollar amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than a rate of return of 1.43% (5.72% annualized). We refer to this portion of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns (which exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 1.43%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide the Investment Adviser with approximately 12.5% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns as if a hurdle rate did not apply if this net investment income exceeds 1.43% in any calendar quarter; and

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12.5% of the dollar amount of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns, if any, that exceed a rate of return of 1.43% (5.72% annualized). This reflects that once the hurdle rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 12.5% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns thereafter are allocated to the Investment Adviser.

The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the Incentive Fee based on income.

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income

(expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets per quarter)

LOGO

Percentage of Pre-Incentive Fee Investment Income

Allocated to Quarterly Incentive Fee

These calculations are pro-rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the relevant quarter. You should be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee hurdle rate and may result in a substantial increase of the amount of incentive fees payable to the Investment Adviser with respect to Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns. Because of the structure of the incentive fee, it is possible that we may pay an incentive fee in a calendar quarter in which we incur an overall loss taking into account capital account losses. For example, if we receive Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns in excess of the quarterly hurdle rate, we will pay the applicable incentive fee even if we have incurred a loss in that calendar quarter due to realized and unrealized capital losses.

The Investment Adviser has agreed to waive the Incentive Fee based on income for the first two fiscal quarters of our operations, commencing on and including the date on which we broke escrow for the private offering of the Shares. The waiver of the Incentive Fee on income is expected to end on September 30, 2023.

Incentive Fee Based on Capital Gains

The second component of the Incentive Fee, the capital gains incentive fee, is payable at the end of each calendar year in arrears. The amount payable equals:

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12.5% of cumulative realized capital gains from inception through the end of such calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid incentive fee on capital gains as calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Each year, the fee paid for the capital gains incentive fee is net of the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gains incentive fee for all prior periods. We will accrue, but will not pay, a capital gains incentive fee with respect to unrealized appreciation because a capital gains incentive fee would be owed to the Investment Adviser if we were to sell the relevant investment and realize a capital gain. In no event will the capital gains incentive fee payable pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement be in excess of the amount permitted by the Advisers Act, including Section 205 thereof.

The fees that are payable under the Investment Management Agreement for any partial period will be appropriately prorated.

Board Approval of the Investment Management Agreement

Our Board, including the Independent Directors, determined to approve the Investment Management Agreement at a meeting held in person on August 3, 2022. Our initial member approved the Investment Management Agreement on December 19, 2022. In its consideration of the Investment Management Agreement, the Board focused on information it had received relating to, among other things:

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the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services to be provided to us by the Investment Adviser;

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the contractual terms of the Investment Management Agreement, including the structure of the Management Fee imposed on net assets and the Incentive Fee imposed on net investment income and capital gains;

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comparative data with respect to advisory fees and other expenses paid by other externally managed BDCs with similar investment objectives and strategies;

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information about the services to be performed and the personnel performing such services under the Investment Management Agreement;

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our projected operating expenses and expense ratio, and a comparison of expenses borne by other externally managed BDCs with similar investment objectives and strategies;

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the Investment Adviser’s anticipated revenues and pre-tax profit margins with respect to its management of us;

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any existing and potential benefits to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates from its relationship with us;

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other potential benefits to us as a result of our relationship with the Investment Adviser; and

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such other matter as our Board determined was relevant to their consideration of the Investment Management Agreement.

In connection with its consideration of approving the Investment Management Agreement, our Board gave weight to each of the factors described above, but did not identify any one particular factor as controlling its decision. After deliberation and consideration of all of the information provided, including the factors described above, the Board concluded, in the exercise of its business judgment, that the management fees to be paid by us are reasonable in light of the services to be provided to us by the Investment Adviser, the Investment Adviser’s anticipated costs, and our reasonably foreseeable asset levels. The Board, including all of the directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act), unanimously concluded that the Investment Adviser’s management of us pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement likely would benefit us and our stockholders and that the Investment Management Agreement should be approved.

Duration and Termination

The Investment Management Agreement will remain in full force and effect for an initial period of two years from its effective date, and thereafter will continue for successive annual periods, but only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (a) the vote of a majority of our Independent Directors and (b) a vote of a majority of our Board or of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act. The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated in its entirety at any time on 60 days’ written notice by us, by our Board, or by vote of a majority of our outstanding voting Shares without the payment of any penalty. In addition, the Investment Management Agreement may be terminated in its entirety at any time on 120 days’ written notice by our Investment Adviser without the payment of penalty. The Investment Management Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Competition—We depend upon management personnel of our Investment Adviser for our future success.”

Limitation of Liability of Our Investment Adviser and the Fund

The Investment Management Agreement provides that our Investment Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by us in connection with the matters to which the Investment Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from our Investment Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by our Investment Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Investment Management Agreement. Any person, even though also employed by our Investment Adviser, who may be or become an employee of and paid by us will be deemed, when acting within the scope of such employment, to be acting in such employment solely for us and not as our Investment Adviser’s employee or agent. These protections may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—The Investment Adviser faces conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.”

Expenses

Our Investment Adviser pays all costs incurred by it in connection with the performance of its duties under the Investment Management Agreement. Our Investment Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all its personnel and makes available, without expense to us, the services of such of its partners, officers and employees as may duly be elected as our officers or directors, subject to their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law. Our Investment Adviser is not required to pay any of our expenses other than those specifically allocated to it, including as set forth below. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, our Investment Adviser is not required to pay: (i) organization and offering expenses associated with the private offering of the Shares and other securities, including the Series A Preferred Stock, (including legal, accounting, printing, mailing, subscription processing and filing fees and expenses and other offering expenses, including costs associated with technology integration between the Fund’s systems and those of participating intermediaries, reasonable bona fide due diligence expenses of participating intermediaries supported by detailed and itemized invoices, costs in connection with preparing sales materials and other marketing expenses, design and website expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s Transfer Agent, fees to attend retail seminars sponsored by participating intermediaries, if any, and costs, expenses and reimbursements for travel, meals, accommodations, entertainment and other similar expenses related to meetings or events with prospective investors, intermediaries, registered investment advisors or financial or other advisors, but excluding the stockholder servicing fee); (ii) fees and expenses, including travel expenses, incurred by our Investment Adviser or payable to third parties related to our investments, including, among others, professional fees (including the fees and expenses of consultants and experts) and fees and expenses from evaluating, monitoring, researching and performing due diligence on investments and prospective investments; (iii) interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments; (iv) fees and expenses incurred by us in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (v) brokers’ commissions; (vi) fees and expenses associated with calculating our NAV (including the costs and expenses of any independent valuation firm); (vii) legal, auditing or accounting expenses; (viii) taxes or governmental fees; (ix) the fees and expenses of our Administrator, Transfer Agent or sub-transfer agent; (x) the cost of preparing share certificates or any other expenses, including clerical expenses of issue, redemption or repurchase of our Shares; (xi) the expenses of and fees for registering or qualifying our Shares for sale and of maintaining our federal and/or state registration or exemptions, and registering us as a broker or a dealer, as applicable; (xii) the fees and expenses of our directors (the “Directors”) who are not affiliated with our Investment Adviser; (xiii) the cost of preparing and distributing reports, proxy statements and notices to our stockholders, the SEC and other regulatory authorities; (xiv) costs of holding stockholder meetings; (xv) the fees or disbursements of custodians of our assets, including expenses incurred in the performance of any obligations enumerated by our certificate of incorporation or bylaws insofar as they govern agreements with any such custodian; (xvi) insurance premiums; or (xvii) costs incurred in connection with any claim, litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigation or dispute in connection with our business and the amount of any judgment or settlement paid in connection therewith, or the enforcement of our rights against any person and indemnification or contribution expenses payable by us to any person and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of our business. Our Investment Adviser is not required to pay expenses of activities which are primarily intended to result in sales of our Shares, including, all costs and expenses associated with the preparation and distribution of any private placement memorandum, subscription agreements, registration statements, prospectuses or stockholder application forms, including any amendments, restatements and/or supplements thereto.

Our Investment Adviser may impose a voluntary cap on the amount of expenses that will be borne by us on a monthly or annual basis. Any such expense cap may be increased, decreased, waived or eliminated at any time at our Investment Adviser’s sole discretion.

To the extent that expenses to be borne by us pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement are paid by our Investment Adviser, we will reimburse our Investment Adviser for such expenses, provided, however, that our Investment Adviser may elect, from time to time and in its sole discretion, to bear certain of our expenses set forth above, including organizational and other expenses.

With respect to the expenses of the private offering of Shares, the Investment Adviser has agreed to advance all of our organization, offering and other operating expenses on our behalf through the date on which we broke escrow for the private offering of the Shares. Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Investment Adviser may elect to pay certain of our expenses on our behalf, provided that no portion of the payment will be used to pay any interest expense or distribution and/or stockholder servicing fees of the Fund. We may reimburse the Investment Adviser for such advanced expenses only if certain conditions are met. See “—Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement.” Any reimbursements will not exceed actual expenses incurred by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates.

From time to time, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (in its capacity as the Investment Adviser) or its affiliates may pay third-party providers of goods or services. We will reimburse Goldman Sachs Asset Management (in its capacity as the Investment Adviser) or such affiliates thereof for any such amounts paid on our behalf. From time to time, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (in its capacity as the Investment Adviser) may defer or waive fees and/or rights to be reimbursed for expenses. All of the foregoing expenses will ultimately be borne by our stockholders.

Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement

We have entered into an Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Expense Support Agreement”), with the Investment Adviser. Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Investment Adviser may elect to pay certain of our expenses on our behalf (each, an “Expense Payment”), provided that no portion of the payment will be used to pay any interest expense or distribution and/or stockholder servicing fees of the Fund. Any Expense Payment must be paid by the Investment Adviser to us in any combination of cash or other immediately available funds and/or offset against amounts due from us to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates.

Following any calendar month in which Available Operating Funds (as defined below) exceed the cumulative distributions accrued to the Fund’s common stockholders based on distributions declared with respect to record dates occurring in such calendar month (the amount of such excess being hereinafter referred to as “Excess Operating Funds”), we will pay such Excess Operating Funds, or a portion thereof, to the Investment Adviser until such time as all Expense Payments made by the Investment Adviser to the Fund within three years prior to the last business day of such calendar month have been reimbursed. Any payments required to be made by the Fund will be referred to herein as a “Reimbursement Payment.” “Available Operating Funds” means the sum of (i) our net investment company income and (ii) dividends and other distributions paid to us on account of investments in portfolio companies (to the extent such amounts listed in clause (ii) are not included under clause (i) above).

The Fund’s obligation to make a Reimbursement Payment will automatically become a liability of the Fund on the last business day of the applicable calendar month, except to the extent the Investment Adviser has waived its right to receive such payment for the applicable month.

Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Registrar

Our assets, including any assets of our wholly owned subsidiaries, are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) pursuant to an Amended and Restated Custody Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023 in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act. State Street also acts as our administrator (the “Administrator”) and provides us with various accounting and administrative services. See “—Administration Agreement.” The principal business address of State Street is One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.

GS & Co. serves as the Fund’s transfer agent, distribution paying agent and registrar (the “Transfer Agent”) pursuant to a transfer agency agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023 (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”). The principal business address of GS & Co. is 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282. Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent will: (i) record the issuance, transfer and repurchase of shares of our common stock and preferred stock; (ii) provide purchase and repurchase confirmations, as well as certain other statements; (iii) provide dividend crediting and certain disbursing agent services; (iv) maintain stockholder accounts; and (v) render certain other miscellaneous services. Under the terms of the Transfer Agency Agreement, we will indemnify and hold harmless the Transfer Agent, its affiliates and any agent under certain circumstances and to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act. We compensate the Transfer Agent at an annual rate of 0.05% of our average NAV at the end of the then-current quarter and the prior calendar quarter (and, in the case of the Fund’s first quarter, our NAV as of such quarter-end) for serving as our transfer agent. As our transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, GS & Co. expects to engage a third party to assist in certain related functions. The Transfer Agency Agreement provides that we generally bear all expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent or us in connection with the performance of the Transfer Agent’s duties pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement (including any costs associated with engaging such third parties). The amount of such expenses that will be borne by us is capped at the quarterly fee payable under the Transfer Agency Agreement and will reduce the fee otherwise owed for such quarter on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Administration Agreement

We have entered into an Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Administration Agreement”), with the Administrator. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, our Administrator will be responsible for providing various accounting and administrative services to us. The Administration Agreement provides that the Administrator is not liable to us for any damages or other losses arising out of the performance of its services thereunder, except under certain circumstances, and contains provisions for the indemnification of the Administrator by us against liabilities to other parties arising in connection with the performance of its services to us. We pay the Administrator fees for its services as we determine are commercially reasonable in our sole discretion. We also reimburse the Administrator for all reasonable expenses. To the extent that our Administrator outsources any of its functions, the Administrator pays any compensation associated with such functions. We are not obligated to retain our Administrator. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party. The terms of any administration agreement that we may enter with any subsequent administrator may differ materially from the terms of the Administration Agreement with our Administrator in effect prior to such retention, including providing for a fee structure that results in us, directly or indirectly, bearing higher fees for similar services and other terms that are potentially less advantageous to us. Our stockholders will not be entitled to receive prior notice of the engagement of an alternate administrator or of the terms of any agreement that is entered into with such administrator.

License Agreement

We have entered into a license agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “License Agreement”), with an affiliate of Goldman Sachs pursuant to which we have been granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the “Goldman Sachs” name. Under this agreement, we do not have a right to use the Goldman Sachs name if Goldman Sachs Asset Management or another affiliate of Goldman Sachs is not our Investment Adviser or if our continued use of such license results in a violation of applicable law, results in a regulatory burden or has adverse regulatory consequences. Other than with respect to this limited license, we have no legal right to the “Goldman Sachs” name.

Revolving Credit Facility

On April 6, 2023, we entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Truist Revolving Credit Facility”) with Truist Bank, as administrative agent, and the lenders and issuing banks party thereto. As of April 10, 2023, there was approximately USD $98.01 million and CAD 60.68 million in total outstanding borrowings under the Truist Credit Facility.

Borrowings thereunder denominated in U.S. dollars (“USD”), including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest (at our election) of either (i) term SOFR plus a margin of either 2.00% or 1.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions), plus an additional 0.10% credit adjustment spread, (ii) an alternate base rate, which is the highest of (x) Prime Rate in effect on such day, (y) Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day plus 1/2 of 1.00% and (z) term SOFR for an interest period of one (1) month plus 1.00%, plus a margin of either 1.00% or 0.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions). Borrowings thereunder denominated in non-USD bear interest of the applicable term benchmark rate or daily simple risk-free rate (“RFR”) plus a margin of either 2.00% or 1.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions), plus, in the case of borrowings denominated in Pound Sterling (GBP) only, an additional 0.0326% credit adjustment spread or 0.1193% credit adjustment spread, for 1-month tenor and 3-months tenor borrowings, respectively. With respect to borrowings denominated in USD, we may elect either term SOFR, or an alternative base rate at the time of borrowing, and such borrowings may be converted from one benchmark to another at any time, subject to certain conditions.

Any amounts borrowed under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable, on April 6, 2028.

The Truist Revolving Credit Facility may be guaranteed by certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries that are formed or acquired by us in the future. Proceeds from borrowings may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments.

Our obligations to the lenders under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of our portfolio of investments and cash, with certain exceptions. The Truist Revolving Credit Facility contains certain customary covenants, including: (i) maintaining a minimum shareholders’ equity, (ii) maintaining an asset coverage ratio of at least 1.50 to 1 and (iii) restrictions on industry concentrations in our investment portfolio. As of April 10, 2023, we are in compliance with these covenants.

The Truist Revolving Credit Facility also includes customary representations and warranties, conditions precedent to funding of draws and events of default (including a change in control event of default trigger).

Prohibited Activities

Our activities are subject to compliance with the Investment Company Act. In addition, effective upon the commencement of a public offering of our Shares registered under the Securities Act, if at all, in which our Shares are not listed for trading on a national securities exchange (a “Public Offering of Non-Listed Shares”), our certificate of incorporation prohibits the following activities among us, our Investment Adviser and its affiliates, to the extent required under the Omnibus Guidelines Statement of Policy adopted by the North American Securities Administrators Association on March 29, 1992 and as amended on May 7, 2007 and from time to time (the “Omnibus Guidelines), and otherwise subject to compliance with the Investment Company Act:

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We may not purchase or lease assets in which our Investment Adviser or its affiliates has an interest unless (i) we disclose the terms of the transaction to our stockholders, the terms are reasonable to us and the price does not exceed the lesser of cost or fair market value, as determined by an independent expert or (ii) such purchase or lease of assets is consistent with the Investment Company Act or an exemptive order under the Investment Company Act issued to us by the SEC;

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We may not invest in general partnerships or joint ventures with affiliates and non-affiliates unless certain conditions are met;

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The Investment Adviser and its affiliates may not acquire assets from us unless (i) approved by our stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter or (ii) such acquisition is consistent with the Investment Company Act or an exemptive order under the Investment Company Act issued to us by the SEC;

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We may not lease assets to our Investment Adviser or its affiliates unless we disclose the terms of the transaction to our stockholders and such terms are fair and reasonable to us;

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We may not make any loans, credit facilities, credit agreements or otherwise to our Investment Adviser or its affiliates except for the advancement of funds as permitted by our certificate of incorporation or unless otherwise permitted by the Investment Company Act or applicable guidance or exemptive relief of the SEC;

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We may not acquire assets from our affiliates in exchange for our common stock without approval of a majority of our Board, including a majority of our Independent Directors;

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We may not pay a commission or fee, either directly or indirectly to our Investment Adviser or its affiliates, except as otherwise permitted by our certificate of incorporation, in connection with the reinvestment of cash flows from operations and available reserves or of the proceeds of the resale, exchange or refinancing of our assets;

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The Investment Adviser may not charge duplicate fees to us; and

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The Investment Adviser may not provide financing to us with a term in excess of 12 months.

In addition, in the Investment Management Agreement, our Investment Adviser agrees that its activities will at all times be in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws governing its operations and investments.

Compliance with the Omnibus Guidelines

Rebates, Kickbacks and Reciprocal Arrangements

Effective upon the commencement of a Public Offering of Non-Listed Shares and to the extent required under the Omnibus Guidelines, our certificate of incorporation prohibits our Investment Adviser from: (i) receiving or accepting any rebate, give-ups or similar arrangement that is prohibited under applicable federal or state securities laws, (ii) participating in any reciprocal business arrangement that would circumvent provisions of applicable federal or state securities laws and the Omnibus Guidelines governing conflicts of interest or investment restrictions, or (iii) entering into any agreement, arrangement or understanding that would circumvent the restrictions against dealing with affiliates or promoters under applicable federal or state securities laws and the Omnibus Guidelines. In addition, our Investment Adviser may not directly or indirectly pay or award any fees or commissions or other compensation to any person or entity engaged to sell our stock or give investment advice to a potential stockholder; provided, however, that our Investment Adviser may pay a registered broker-dealer or other properly licensed agent a sales commission or other compensation (including cash compensation and non-cash compensation (as such terms are defined under FINRA Rule 2310)) for selling or distributing our common stock, including out of the Investment Adviser’s own assets, including those amounts paid to the Investment Adviser under the Investment Management Agreement.

Commingling

The Investment Adviser may not permit our funds to be commingled with the funds of any other entity.

Competition

We generally have two sources of competition – the syndicated loan market and other private credit investors.

Our platform’s ability to hold large sized investments on a “buy and hold” basis as an alternative to a syndicated loan solution provides borrowers with numerous benefits, including customized financings, greater certainty of pricing and closing, speed of execution, ability to make long-dated commitments and on-going support post-close. Furthermore, our willingness to serve as a significant lender across market environments, particularly during periods of market volatility and dislocation, is valuable to lenders considering syndicated solutions that would be subject to loan market dynamics.

With respect to other private credit investors, our primary competitors invest in directly originated, first lien senior secured, floating rate debt of private companies and include other BDCs, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, private funds, including hedge funds, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Some of our existing and potential competitors may have certain advantages including lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us.

In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on us as a BDC.

While we expect to use the industry information to which we have access to assess investment risks and determine appropriate pricing for our investments in portfolio companies, we do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management believes that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. Rather, we compete with our peers based on our reputation in the market, our existing investment platform, the seasoned investment professionals of our Investment Adviser, our experience and focus on directly originated senior secured corporate credit, our disciplined investment philosophy, its extensive industry focus and relationships and our flexible transaction structuring.

Employees

We do not currently have any employees and do not expect to have any employees. Services necessary to execute our business are provided by individuals who are employees of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement. Each of our executive officers described under “Item 5. Directors and Executive Officers” is employed by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates. Our day-to-day investment operations will be managed by the Investment Adviser. The services necessary for the sourcing of our investment portfolio will be provided by investment professionals employed by the Investment Adviser. The investment team will focus on origination and transaction development and the ongoing monitoring of our investments.

The Private Offering

We are offering our Shares on a continuous, “best efforts” basis through GS & Co. as placement agent (the “Placement Agent”), and any sub-placement agent appointed thereby, including Goldman Sachs International. Because this is a “best efforts” offering, the Placement Agent must only use its best efforts to sell the Shares, which means that no placement agent, broker or other person will be obligated to purchase any Shares. The Placement Agent is headquartered at 200 West Street New York, New York 10282.

On April 6, 2023, we completed the initial closing of the private offering of our Shares, pursuant to which we issued and sold approximately 10,081,173 Class I shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $252,029,333, satisfied our minimum offering amount of $100,000,000 and broke escrow for the private offering of our Shares. See “—Escrow Arrangement.” On May 1, 2023, we completed our subsequent monthly closing of the private offering of our Shares, pursuant to which we issued and sold Class I shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $75,890,000.

The Fund intends that the Shares offered will not be listed on any national securities exchange, and neither the Placement Agent nor any participating brokers intend to act as market-makers with respect to our Shares. Because no public market is expected for the shares, stockholders will likely have limited ability to sell their shares.

We are currently only offering Class I shares for sale. We have submitted to the SEC an application for an exemptive order to permit us to offer multiple classes of Shares. Subject to receiving a satisfactory exemptive order from the SEC, we intend to offer to sell any combination of three classes of Shares: Class S shares, Class D shares and Class I shares. These share classes have different ongoing stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees. Commencing upon receipt of such exemptive order from the SEC, we expect to elect to conduct the private offering of our Shares in compliance with FINRA Rule 2310 as a condition to such exemptive relief. There is no assurance we will obtain this exemptive relief.

Class S shares, when offered, will be available for purchase in the private offering of the Shares through brokerage and transaction-based accounts.

Class D shares, when offered, generally will be available for purchase in the private offering of the Shares only (1) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, sponsored by participating brokers or other intermediaries that provide access to Class D shares, (2) through participating brokers that have alternative fee arrangements with their clients to provide access to Class D shares, (3) through transaction/ brokerage platforms at participating brokers, (4) through certain registered investment advisers, (5) through bank trust departments or any other organization or person authorized to act in a fiduciary capacity for its clients or customers or (6) by other categories of investors that we name in an amendment or supplement to the private placement memorandum relating to the private offering of the Shares (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “Private Placement Memorandum”).

Class I shares are generally available for purchase in the private offering of the Shares only (1) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, sponsored by participating brokers or other intermediaries that provide access to Class I shares, (2) by endowments, foundations, pension funds and other institutional investors, (3) through participating brokers that have alternative fee arrangements with their clients to provide access to Class I shares, (4) through transaction/brokerage platforms at participating brokers, (5) by our executive officers and directors and their immediate family members, as well as officers and employees of the Investment Adviser or other affiliates and their immediate family members, and, if approved by our Board, joint venture partners, consultants and other service providers, (6) by Goldman Sachs’ private wealth management clients or (7) by other categories of investors that we name in an amendment or supplement to the Private Placement Memorandum.

In certain cases, where a holder of Class S or Class D shares exits (when such classes of shares are offered and sold) a relationship with a participating broker for the private offering of the Shares and does not enter into a new relationship with a participating broker for the private offering of the Shares, such holder’s shares may be exchanged into an equivalent NAV amount of Class I shares. We intend to also offer Class I shares to certain feeder vehicles primarily created to hold our Class I shares, which, in turn, will offer interests in themselves to qualified investors. We expect to conduct such offerings pursuant to available exemptions from registration under the Securities Act. Such feeder vehicles may have additional costs and expenses, which would be disclosed in connection with the offering of their interests. We may also offer Class I shares to other investment vehicles.

As of the date of this Registration Statement, the Fund is only offering Class I shares for sale. To purchase Class I shares in the private offering of Shares, an investor must make a minimum initial investment of $2,500, unless waived by the Placement Agent. To purchase Class S or Class D shares when available for sale in any private offering of Shares, an investor must make a minimum initial investment in our Shares of $2,500, unless waived by the Placement Agent. All subsequent purchases of Class I, Class S, or Class D shares, except for those made under our distribution reinvestment plan, are subject to a minimum investment size of $500 per transaction. The Placement Agent can waive the initial or subsequent minimum investment at its discretion.

Without limiting the foregoing, the Placement Agent will waive or reduce to $10,000 or less Class I share investment minimums for purchases: (1) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, sponsored by participating brokers or other intermediaries that provide access to Class I shares, (2) by endowments, foundations, pension funds and other institutional investors, (3) through participating brokers that have alternative fee arrangements with their clients to provide access to Class I shares, (4) through transaction/brokerage platforms at participating brokers, (5) by our executive officers and directors and their immediate family members, as well as officers and employees of the Investment Adviser or other affiliates and their immediate family members, and, if approved by our Board, joint venture partners, consultants and other service providers, (6) by Goldman Sachs’ private wealth management clients, and (7) by other categories of investors that we name in an amendment or supplement to the Private Placement Memorandum. The foregoing categories of investors who are granted waivers or reductions by the Placement Agent from the Class I investment minimums include investors described in the foregoing sentence who make purchases for eligible retirement plans and IRAs. Waivers and reductions are subject to the terms and conditions of agreements that the Placement Agent enters into with participating intermediaries, as applicable.

If an investor is eligible to purchase all three classes of shares, the investor should be aware that Class I shares have no stockholder servicing or distribution fees, as described below, which will reduce the NAV or distributions of the other share classes. However, Class I shares will not receive stockholder services.

Before making an investment decision, investors should consult with their investment adviser regarding their account type and the classes of Shares they may be eligible to purchase. Neither the Placement Agent nor its affiliates will directly or indirectly compensate any person engaged as an investment advisor or bank trust department by a potential investor as an inducement for such investment advisor or bank trust department to advise favorably for an investment in us.

We reserve the right to terminate the private offering of the Shares at any time and to extend our offering term to the extent permissible under applicable law.

Purchase Price

During the escrow period, the per share purchase price for the class of shares purchased was $25.00. Following the close of the escrow period, shares are sold at the then-current NAV per share. Each class of shares may have a different NAV per share because stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees differ with respect to each class.

If an investor participates in our distribution reinvestment plan, the cash distributions attributable to the class of shares that the investor purchased in our primary offering will be automatically invested in additional shares of the same class. The purchase price for Shares purchased under our distribution reinvestment plan will be equal to the most recent available NAV per share for such shares at the time the distribution is payable.

We will generally adhere to the following procedures relating to purchases of Shares in the continuous private offering of our Shares:

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On each business day, our Transfer Agent will collect purchase orders. Notwithstanding the submission of an initial purchase order, we can reject purchase orders, in whole or in part, for any reason. Investors may only purchase our Shares pursuant to accepted subscription orders as of the first day of each month (based on the NAV per share as determined as of the previous day, being the last day of the preceding month), and to be accepted, a subscription request must be made with a completed and executed subscription agreement in good order at least ten business days prior to the first day of the month (unless waived by the Placement Agent) and payment of the full purchase price of our Shares being subscribed for at least seven business days prior to the first day of the month (unless waived by the Placement Agent), provided that for the initial closing of the private offering of our Shares, payment of the full purchase price for our Shares must have been made at least ten business days prior to the date on which we broke escrow for the private offering of our Shares (unless waived), which occurred on April 6, 2023. If a purchase order is received less than ten business days prior to the first day of the month, unless waived by the Placement Agent, the purchase order will be executed in the next month’s closing at the transaction price applicable to that month. At its discretion, the Placement Agent may include a purchase order from a prior month in a subsequent monthly closing. As a result of this process, the price per share at which an investor’s order is executed may be different than the price per share for the month in which the investor submitted its purchase order.

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Generally, within 20 business days after the first calendar day of each month, we will determine our NAV per share for each share class as of the last calendar day of the immediately preceding month, which will be the purchase price for Shares purchased with that effective date.

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Subscribers are not committed to purchase Shares at the time their subscription orders are submitted, and any subscription may be cancelled at any time before the time it has been accepted, as described above, or at such other time as permitted in our sole discretion. An investor may withdraw its purchase request by notifying the Transfer Agent through your financial intermediary.

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Investors will receive a confirmation statement of each new transaction in their account from us or their financial advisor, participating broker or financial intermediary as soon as practicable but generally not later than seven business days after the stockholder transactions are settled when the applicable NAV per share is determined.

Our NAV may vary significantly from one month to the next.

In contrast to securities traded on an exchange or over-the-counter, where the price often fluctuates as a result of, among other things, the supply and demand of securities in the trading market, our NAV is calculated once monthly using our valuation methodology, and the price at which we sell new shares and repurchase outstanding shares will not change depending on the level of demand by investors or the volume of requests for repurchases.

Escrow Arrangement

We accepted purchase orders and held investors’ funds in an escrow account until we received purchase orders for at least $100,000,000, excluding Shares purchased by our Investment Adviser, its affiliates and our Directors and officers, in any combination of purchases of Class S shares, Class D shares, and Class I shares, and our Board authorized the release to us of funds in the escrow account. On April 6, 2023, we satisfied the minimum offering amount of $100,000,000 and broke escrow for the private offering of our Shares.

Placement Compensation

We have entered into a Placement Agent Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Placement Agent Agreement”) with the Placement Agent, pursuant to which the Placement Agent has agreed to, among other things, assist us in conducting the private offering of the Shares, including managing our relationships with third-party brokers engaged by the Placement Agent to participate in the distribution of Shares, which we refer to as “participating brokers,” and financial advisors. The Placement Agent will also coordinate our marketing and distribution efforts with participating brokers and their registered representatives with respect to communications related to the terms of the private offering of the Shares, our investment strategies, material aspects of our operations and subscription procedures. The Placement Agent is not expected to be compensated by us for its services, but may charge stockholders certain stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees and stockholders may be charged fees by their financial intermediaries with respect to their investment in us, as discussed below and elsewhere in this Registration Statement. See “Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered.” We will not pay referral or similar fees to any accountants, attorneys or other persons in connection with the distribution of our Shares.

Upfront Sales Loads

No upfront sales load will be paid with respect to Class S shares, Class D shares or Class I shares. However, if an investor purchases Class S shares or Class D shares, when offered, or Class I shares, through certain third-party financial intermediaries, they may directly charge investors transaction or other fees, including upfront placement fees or brokerage commissions, in such amounts as they may determine, provided that they limit such charges to a 3.5% cap on NAV for Class S shares, a 1.5% cap on NAV for Class D shares, and a 3.5% cap on NAV for Class I shares.

Stockholder Servicing and/or Distribution Fees — Class S, Class D and Class I

The following table shows the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees we will pay the Placement Agent with respect to the Class S, Class D and Class I shares on an annualized basis as a percentage of our NAV for such class, assuming all of such classes are available for sale in the private offering of the Shares. The stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees will be paid monthly in arrears, calculated using the NAV of the applicable class as of the beginning of the first calendar day of the month.


	Stockholder Servicing and/or Distribution Fee as a % of NAV
Class S shares		0.85	%
Class D shares		0.25	%
Class I shares		—	%

Subject to FINRA and other limitations on underwriting compensation described in “—Limitations on Placement Compensation” below, we will pay a stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee equal to 0.85% per annum of the aggregate NAV for the Class S shares, and a stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee equal to 0.25% per annum of the aggregate NAV for the Class D shares, in each case, payable monthly in arrears. No stockholder servicing or distribution fees will be paid with respect to the Class I shares. Commencing upon receipt of an exemptive order from the SEC permitting us to offer multiple classes of Shares, we expect to elect to be subject to FINRA limitations on underwriting compensation as a condition to such exemptive relief. There is no assurance we will obtain this exemptive relief.

The stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees will be paid monthly in arrears. The Placement Agent will reallow (pay) all or a portion of the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees to participating brokers and servicing brokers for ongoing stockholder services performed by such brokers, and will waive stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees to the extent a broker is not eligible to receive it for failure to provide such services. Because the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees with respect to Class S shares and Class D shares, when offered, will be calculated based on the aggregate NAV for all of the outstanding shares of each such class, it will reduce the NAV with respect to all shares of each such class, including shares issued under our distribution reinvestment plan.

Eligibility to receive the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee is conditioned on a broker providing the following ongoing services with respect to the Class S or Class D shares, which may include the following: assistance with recordkeeping, answering investor inquiries regarding us, including regarding distribution payments and reinvestments, helping investors understand their investments upon their request, and assistance with share repurchase requests. If the applicable broker is not eligible to receive the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee due to failure to provide these services, the Placement Agent will waive the stockholder servicing fee and/or distribution that broker would have otherwise been eligible to receive. The stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees are ongoing fees that are not paid at the time of purchase.

Other Compensation

We or the Investment Adviser may also pay directly, or reimburse the Placement Agent if the Placement Agent pays on our behalf, any organization and offering expenses (other than any upfront selling commissions and stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees).

Limitations on Placement Compensation

We will cease paying the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee on the Class S shares and Class D shares, when offered, on the earlier to occur of the following: (i) a listing of Class I shares, (ii) our merger or consolidation with or into another entity, or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets or (iii) the date following the completion of the primary portion of the private offering of Shares on which, in the aggregate, underwriting compensation from all sources in connection with the private offering of Shares, including the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee and other underwriting compensation, is equal to 10% of the gross proceeds from our primary offering.

Commencing upon receipt of an exemptive order from the SEC permitting us to offer multiple classes of Shares, we expect to elect to conduct the private offering of Shares in compliance with FINRA Rule 2310 as a condition to such exemptive relief. There is no assurance we will obtain this exemptive relief. As required by such exemptive relief, at the end of the month in which the Placement Agent in conjunction with the Transfer Agent determines that total transaction or other fees, including upfront placement fees or brokerage commissions, and stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees paid with respect to any single share held in a stockholder’s account would exceed, in the aggregate, 10% of the gross proceeds from the sale of such share (or a lower limit as determined by the Placement Agent or the applicable selling agent), we will cease paying the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee on either (i) each such share that would exceed such limit or (ii) all Class S shares and Class D shares in such stockholder’s account. We may modify this requirement if permitted by applicable exemptive relief. At the end of such month, the applicable Class S shares or Class D shares in such stockholder’s account will convert into a number of Class I shares (including any fractional shares), with an equivalent aggregate NAV as such Class S or Class D shares.

Under the rules of FINRA, as and when applied to us, all items of underwriting compensation, including any upfront selling commissions, Placement Agent fees, reimbursement fees for bona fide due diligence expenses, training and education expenses, non-transaction based compensation paid to registered persons associated with the Placement Agent in connection with the wholesaling of our offering and all other forms of underwriting compensation, will not exceed 10% of the gross offering proceeds (excluding Shares purchased through our distribution reinvestment plan).

Term of the Placement Agent Agreement

Unless terminated earlier, as described below, the Placement Agent Agreement will automatically continue in effect for successive one-year terms, beginning with the one-year anniversary of its effective date. Either party may terminate the Placement Agent Agreement by providing written notice to the other party at least 60 days’ prior to the end of the then current term of the Placement Agent Agreement or immediately upon notice to the other party in the event such other party failed to comply with a material provision of the Placement Agent Agreement. Our obligations under the Placement Agent Agreement to pay the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees with respect to the Class S and Class D shares when distributed in the private offering of the Shares as described therein will survive termination of the agreement until such shares are no longer outstanding (including such shares that have been converted into Class I shares, as described above).

Indemnification

To the extent permitted by law and our certificate of incorporation, we will indemnify the participating brokers and the Placement Agent against some civil liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act, and liabilities arising from an untrue statement of material fact contained in, or omission to state a material fact in, the Private Placement Memorandum, blue sky applications or approved sales literature.

Share Distribution Channels and Special Discounts

We expect our Placement Agent to use multiple distribution channels to sell our Shares. These channels may charge different brokerage fees for purchases of our Shares. Our Placement Agent is expected to engage participating brokers in connection with the sale of the Shares in connection with the private offering of the Shares in accordance with participating broker agreements.

Share Repurchase Program

Beginning no later than the first full calendar quarter from the date on which we broke escrow for the private offering of the Shares, and at the discretion of our Board, we intend to commence a share repurchase program in which we intend to repurchase, in each quarter, up to 5% of our Shares outstanding (by number of shares) as of the close of the previous calendar quarter. For additional information, see “Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Maters—Share Repurchase Program.”

Non-Exchange Traded, Perpetual-Life BDC

The Fund is non-exchange traded, meaning its Shares are not listed for trading on a national securities exchange. The Fund is also a perpetual-life BDC, meaning it is an investment vehicle of indefinite duration, whose Shares are intended to be sold by the Fund monthly on a continuous basis at a price generally equal to its monthly NAV per share. The Fund’s Shares are privately offered in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In our perpetual-life structure, we may, at our discretion, offer investors an opportunity to have their Shares repurchased by us on a quarterly basis, but we are not obligated to offer to repurchase any in any particular quarter. We believe that our perpetual nature enables us to execute a patient and opportunistic strategy and be able to invest across different market environments. This may reduce the risk of the Fund being a forced seller of assets in market downturns compared to non-perpetual funds. We do not intend to undertake a liquidity event, and we are not obligated by our certificate of incorporation or otherwise to effect a liquidity event at any time.

Regulation as a Business Development Company

The following discussion is a general summary of the material prohibitions and restrictions governing BDCs generally. It does not purport to be a complete description of all of the laws and regulations affecting BDCs.

Regulation

We have elected to be treated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. As with other companies regulated by the Investment Company Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. The Investment Company Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters and requires that a majority of the directors be persons other than “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, the Investment Company Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a BDC unless approved by a majority of our outstanding voting securities. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the Investment Company Act as the vote: (i) of 67% or more of the voting securities present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company, whichever is less.

Any issuance of preferred shares must comply with the requirements of the Investment Company Act. The Investment Company Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution is made with respect to our Shares and before any purchase of Shares is made, such preferred shares together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of preferred shares, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred shares are in arrears by two full years or more. Certain other matters under the Investment Company Act require a separate class vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred shares. For example, holders of preferred shares would be entitled to vote separately as a class from the holders of Shares on a proposal involving a plan of reorganization adversely affecting such securities.

We may invest up to 100% of our assets in securities acquired directly from issuers in privately negotiated transactions. With respect to such securities, we may, for the purpose of public resale, be deemed an “underwriter” as that term is defined under the Securities Act. As such, we would be prospectively liable for any material misstatements or omissions made by us in connection with any resale of such securities. We may purchase or otherwise receive warrants, which offer an opportunity (not a requirement) to purchase common stock of a portfolio company in connection with an acquisition financing or other investments. Similarly, we may acquire rights that obligate an issuer of acquired securities or their affiliates to repurchase the securities at certain times, under certain circumstances. We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company whereby our investment would exceed the limits imposed by the Investment Company Act. Under these limits, we generally cannot (1) acquire more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any registered investment company, (2) invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one registered investment company or (3) invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of registered investment companies in general. These limitations do not apply where we acquire interests in a money market fund as long as we do not pay a sales charge or service fee in connection with the purchase. With respect to the portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such investments might subject our stockholders to additional expenses. None of our policies described above are fundamental and each such policy may be changed without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the Investment Company Act.

Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” pursuant to either Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act and certain other unregistered investment companies are also subject to certain of the limits under the Investment Company Act noted above. Specifically, except as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act, such private funds and other unregistered investment companies may not acquire directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock other than in accordance with the Investment Company Act (measured at the time of the acquisition, including through conversion of convertible securities). Investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act and BDCs are also subject to this restriction as well as other regulatory limitations that restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. As a result, certain investors may be precluded from acquiring additional shares at a time that they might desire to do so.

Qualifying Assets

Under the Investment Company Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act, which are referred to as “qualifying assets,” unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets (not including certain assets specified in the Investment Company Act) represent at least 70% of the company’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our proposed business are the following:

(1)

Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding thirteen months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the Investment Company Act as any issuer that:

(a)

is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;

(b)

is not an investment company (other than a SBIC wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the Investment Company Act; and

(c)

satisfies any of the following:

•

does not have any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange but has an aggregate market value of outstanding common equity of less than $250 million;

•

is controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC, and the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company; or

•

is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more than $4 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2 million.

(2)

Securities of any eligible portfolio company that we control.

(3)

Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.

(4)

Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own at least 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.

(5)

Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (4) above, or pursuant to the exercise of options, warrants or rights relating to such securities.

(6)

Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

A BDC must be organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in (1), (2) or (3) above under “—Qualifying Assets.” However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must also either control the issuer of the securities or offer to make available to the issuer of the securities (other than small and solvent companies described above) significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance (as long as the BDC does not make available significant managerial assistance solely in this fashion). Making available significant managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

Temporary Investments

As a BDC, pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. We may invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our total assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would generally not meet the asset diversification requirements in order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our Investment Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.

Indebtedness and Senior Securities

As a BDC, we are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of shares of stock senior, including the Series A Preferred Stock, to our common stock if our asset coverage ratio, as defined under the Investment Company Act, is at least equal to 150% immediately after each such issuance. The Small Business Credit Availability Act modified the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act to reduce the required asset coverage ratio applicable to BDCs from 200% to 150%, subject to certain approval and disclosure requirements. Our Board and initial member approved the application of the 150% asset coverage ratio to us in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act. While the leverage we employ may be greater or less than these levels from time to time, we intend to comply with the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act, which currently allows us to borrow up to $2 of debt for each $1 of equity. In addition, except in limited circumstances, while any indebtedness and senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or stock unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. A loan is presumed to be made for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed; otherwise, it is presumed to not be for temporary purposes. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Regulations governing our operations as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.” See “Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities” and see “Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered—Preferred Shares.”

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) in compliance with Section 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, and we have also approved our Investment Adviser’s Code of Ethics that it adopted in accordance with Rule 17j-1 and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act. These Codes of Ethics establish, among other things, procedures for personal investments and restrict certain personal securities transactions, including transactions in securities that are held by us. Personnel subject to each code may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code’s requirements. The Codes of Ethics are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

We have delegated the voting of portfolio securities to our Investment Adviser. For client accounts for which our Investment Adviser has voting discretion, our Board has adopted policies and procedures (the “Proxy Voting Policy”) for the voting of proxies. Under the Proxy Voting Policy, our Investment Adviser’s guiding principles in performing proxy voting are to make decisions that favor proposals that tend to maximize a company’s stockholder value and are not influenced by conflicts of interest. To implement these guiding principles for investments in publicly traded equities, our Investment Adviser has developed customized proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) that it generally applies when voting on behalf of client accounts. Attached as Annex A is a summary of the Guidelines. These Guidelines address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, stockholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, issues of corporate social responsibility and various stockholder proposals.

The Proxy Voting Policy, including the Guidelines, is reviewed periodically to assure that it continues to be consistent with our Investment Adviser’s guiding principles. The Guidelines embody the positions and factors our Investment Adviser generally considers important in casting proxy votes.

Our Investment Adviser has retained a third-party proxy voting service (the “Proxy Service”), currently Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc., to assist in the implementation and administration of certain proxy voting-related functions including operational, recordkeeping, and reporting services. The Proxy Service also prepares a written analysis and recommendation (a “Recommendation”) of each proxy vote that reflects the Proxy Service’s application of the Guidelines to particular proxy issues. While it is our Investment Adviser’s policy generally to follow the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service, our Investment Adviser’s portfolio management teams may, on certain proxy votes, seek approval to diverge from the Guidelines or a Recommendation by following an “override” process. Such decisions are subject to a review and approval process, including a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of interest. A portfolio management team that receives approval through the override process to cast a proxy vote that diverges from the Guidelines and/or a Recommendation may vote differently than other portfolio management teams that did not seek to override the vote. In forming their views on particular matters, the portfolio management teams are also permitted to consider applicable regional rules and practices, including codes of conduct and other guides, regarding proxy voting, in addition to the Guidelines and Recommendations. Our Investment Adviser may hire other service providers to replace or supplement the Proxy Service with respect to any of the services our Investment Adviser currently receives from the Proxy Service.

From time to time, our Investment Adviser may face regulatory, compliance, legal or logistical limits with respect to voting securities that it may purchase or hold for client accounts, which can affect our Investment Adviser’s ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. Among other limits, federal, state and foreign regulatory restrictions or company specific ownership limits, as well as legal matters related to consolidated groups, may restrict the total percentage of an issuer’s voting securities that our Investment Adviser can hold for clients and the nature of our Investment Adviser’s voting in such securities. Our Investment Adviser’s ability to vote proxies may also be affected by, among other things: (i) late receipt of meeting notices; (ii) requirements to vote proxies in person; (iii) restrictions on a foreigner’s ability to exercise votes; (iv) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; (v) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions; and (vi) requirements that investors who exercise their voting rights surrender the right to dispose of their holdings for some specified period in proximity to the stockholder meeting.

Our Investment Adviser conducts periodic due diligence meetings with the Proxy Service which include a review of the Proxy Service’s general organizational structure, new developments with respect to research and technology, work flow improvements and internal due diligence with respect to conflicts of interest.

Our Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing its proxy voting decisions that our Investment Adviser makes on behalf of a client account and to help assure that such decisions are made in accordance with our Investment Adviser’s fiduciary obligations to its clients. These policies and procedures include our Investment Adviser’s use of the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service and the override approval process previously discussed Notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions of our Investment Adviser may have the effect of benefitting the interest of other clients or businesses of other divisions or units of Goldman Sachs and/or its affiliates; provided that our Investment Adviser believes such voting decisions to be in accordance with its fiduciary obligations.

Voting decisions with respect to fixed income securities and the securities of privately held issuers generally will be made by our Investment Adviser based on its assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.

Privacy Principles

The following information is provided to help investors understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

We generally will not receive any nonpublic personal information relating to stockholders who purchase our Shares. We may collect nonpublic personal information regarding our existing investors from sources such as subscription agreements, investor questionnaires and other forms; individual investors’ account histories; and correspondence between us and individual investors. We may share information that we collect regarding an investor with our affiliates and the employees of such affiliates for everyday business purposes, for example, to service the investor’s accounts and, unless an investor opts out, provide the investor with information about other products and services offered by us or our affiliates that may be of interest to the investor. In addition, we may disclose information that we collect regarding investors to third parties who are not affiliated with us (i) as authorized by our investors in investor subscription agreements or our organizational documents; (ii) as required by applicable law or in connection with a properly authorized legal or regulatory investigation, subpoena or summons, or to respond to judicial process or government regulatory authorities having property jurisdiction; (iii) as required to fulfill investor instructions; or (iv) as otherwise permitted by applicable law to perform support services for investor accounts or process investor transactions with us or our affiliates.

Any party not affiliated with us that receives nonpublic personal information relating to investors from us is required to adhere to confidentiality agreements and to maintain appropriate safeguards to protect your information. Additionally, for officers, employees and agents of ours and our affiliates, access to such information is restricted to those who need such access to provide services to us and investors. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to seek to guard investor nonpublic personal information. For a discussion of the risks associated with cyber incidents, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Operations—Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies by causing a disruption to our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or the confidential information of our portfolio companies and/or damage to our business relationships or the business relationships of our portfolio companies, all of which could negatively impact the business, financial condition and operating results of us or our portfolio companies.”

Other

We may also be prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of the members of our Board who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC. The SEC has interpreted the prohibition on transactions by BDCs with affiliates to prohibit “joint” transactions among entities that share a common investment adviser or are under common control with the investment adviser. The staff of the SEC has granted no-action relief permitting purchases of a single class of privately placed securities provided that the adviser negotiates no term other than price and certain other conditions are met. Except in certain limited circumstances, we will be unable to invest in any issuer in which Goldman Sachs or another client sponsored or managed by our Investment Adviser has previously invested, including certain Accounts.
See “—Co-Investments Alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts; the Relief.”

As a BDC, the SEC will periodically examine us for compliance with the Investment Company Act.

We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company, to protect against larceny and embezzlement, covering each of our officers and employees, who may singly, or jointly with others, have access to our securities or funds. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director, officer, investment adviser or underwriter against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office.

We and our Investment Adviser are each required to adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws, review these policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and designate a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures.

Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly held companies and their insiders. Once this Registration Statement becomes effective, we will be subject to many of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all future regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.

Compliance with the JOBS Act

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined by the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting and disclosure requirements that are applicable to public reporting companies that are not emerging growth companies. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to:

•

have an auditor attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

•

submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes pursuant to the “say on frequency” and “say on pay” provisions (requiring a non-binding stockholder vote to approve compensation of certain executive officers) and the “say on golden parachute” provisions (requiring a non-binding stockholder vote to approve golden parachute arrangements for certain executive officers in connection with mergers and certain other business combinations) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”); or

•

disclose certain executive compensation related items, such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officer’s compensation to median employee compensation.

In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company may take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies. This means that an emerging growth company can delay adopting certain accounting standards until such standards are otherwise applicable to private companies.

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of: (1) the last date of the fiscal year during which we had total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more; (2) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt; (3) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined under Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act; or (4) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common equity securities pursuant to an effective Securities Act registration statement.

We do not believe that being an emerging growth company will have a significant impact on our business or the private offering of the Shares. We have elected to opt in to the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards available to emerging growth companies. Also, because we are not a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer under Section 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and will not be for so long as our Shares are not traded on a national securities exchange, we will not be subject to auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act even once we are no longer an emerging growth company. In addition, so long as we are externally managed by the Investment Adviser and we do not directly compensate our executive officers, or reimburse the Investment Adviser or its affiliates for the salaries, bonuses, benefits and severance payments for persons who also serve as our executive officers or as executive officers of the Investment Adviser, we do not expect to include disclosures relating to executive compensation in our periodic reports or proxy statements. As a result, we do not expect to be required to seek stockholder approval of executive compensation and golden parachute compensation arrangements pursuant to Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act.

Compliance with the Bank Holding Company Act (the “BHCA”)

As a bank holding company (“BHC”) and FHC, the activities of GS Group Inc. and its affiliates are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the BHCA and related regulations. BHCs and FHCs are subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board (the “Federal Reserve”). Because GS Group Inc. may be deemed to “control” us within the meaning of the BHCA, restrictions under the BHCA could apply to us as well. Accordingly, the BHCA and other applicable banking laws, rules, regulations and guidelines, and their interpretation and administration by the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, may restrict our investments, transactions and operations and may restrict the transactions and relationships between our Investment Adviser, GS Group Inc. and their affiliates, on the one hand, and us on the other hand. For example, the BHCA regulations applicable to GS Group Inc. and us may, among other things, restrict our ability to make certain investments or the size of certain investments, impose a maximum holding period on some or all of our investments and restrict our and our Investment Adviser’s ability to participate in the management and operations of the companies in which we invest. In addition, certain BHCA regulations may require aggregation of the positions owned, held or controlled by related entities. Thus, in certain circumstances, positions held by GS Group Inc. and its affiliates (including our Investment Adviser) for client and proprietary accounts may need to be aggregated with positions held by us. In this case, where BHCA regulations impose a cap on the amount of a position that may be held, Goldman Sachs may utilize available capacity to make investments for its proprietary accounts or for the accounts of other clients, which may require us to limit and/or liquidate certain investments. Additionally, Goldman Sachs may in the future, in its sole discretion and without notice to investors, engage in activities impacting us and/or our Investment Adviser in order to comply with the BHCA or other legal requirements applicable to, or reduce or eliminate the impact or applicability of any bank regulatory or other restrictions on, Goldman Sachs, us or other funds and accounts managed by our Investment Adviser and its affiliates. In addition, Goldman Sachs may cease in the future to qualify as a FHC, which may subject us to additional restrictions. Moreover, we can offer no assurance that the bank regulatory requirements applicable to Goldman Sachs and us, or the interpretation thereof, will not change, or that any such change will not have a material adverse effect on us. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Our activities may be limited as a result of potentially being deemed to be controlled by GS Group Inc., a bank holding company.”

U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940

The Investment Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC pursuant to the Advisers Act. The principal executive offices of our Investment Adviser are located at 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282.

Reporting Obligations

In order to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, we have filed this Registration Statement for our Shares with the SEC under the Exchange Act.

Once this Registration Statement is effective, we will be subject to the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which will require us, among other things, to file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and we will be required to comply with all other obligations of the Exchange Act applicable to issuers filing registration statements pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. Upon effectiveness of this Registration Statement, we will also be subject to the proxy rules in Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and we and our directors, officers and principal stockholders will be subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 and 16 of the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains an Internet Website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the reports mentioned in this section.

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

GOLDMAN SACHS DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL, TAX OR ACCOUNTING ADVICE. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD OBTAIN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVICE BASED ON ITS PARTICULAR SITUATION.

The following discussion is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and an investment in shares of our common stock or preferred stock. The discussion is based upon the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the “Code,” the regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury promulgated thereunder, which we refer to as the “Treasury regulations,” the legislative history of the Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS, which we refer to as the “IRS” (including administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers that requested and received those rulings) and judicial decisions, each as of the date of this Registration Statement and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. Subsequent developments and changes in the tax laws of the United States and any countries in which we directly or indirectly invest could have a material effect on the tax consequences to us, beneficial owners of shares of our common stock or preferred stock, which we refer to as “stockholders,” and/or any intermediate vehicle through which we invest. We have not sought, and will not seek, any ruling from the IRS or any other U.S. federal, state, local, or non-U.S. taxing authority with respect to any of the tax issues affecting us, or our stockholders, or regarding any other matter discussed in this summary, and this summary is not binding on the IRS. Accordingly, we can offer no assurance that the IRS or any other taxing authority will not assert, and a court will not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax considerations discussed below.

You should note that this summary is necessarily general and does not purport to be a complete description of all the tax aspects affecting us or our stockholders. For example, this summary does not describe all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences and other considerations that may be relevant to certain types of stockholders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including stockholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, partnerships or other pass-through entities and their owners, Non-U.S. stockholders (as defined below) engaged in a trade or business in the United States or entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty, persons who have ceased to be U.S. citizens or to be taxed as residents of the United States, U.S. stockholders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not USD, persons holding our common stock or preferred stock in connection with a hedging, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction, dealers in securities, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings, pension plans, trusts, and financial institutions. This summary assumes that our stockholders hold shares of our common stock or preferred stock as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment). This summary does not discuss any aspects of U.S. estate or gift taxation, U.S. state or local taxation or non-U.S. taxation. It does not discuss the special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws that could result if we invest in tax-exempt securities or certain other investment assets.

U.S. stockholders that use an accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally are required to include certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on certain applicable financial statements. The application of this rule may require the accrual of income earlier than would be the case under the general U.S. federal income tax rules described below, although it is not clear to what types of income this rule applies. U.S. stockholders that use an accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential applicability of this rule to their particular situation.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. stockholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock or preferred stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

•

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

•

a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, including, for this purpose, the District of Columbia;

•

a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more “United States persons” (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantive decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or

•

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

For purposes of this discussion, a “Non-U.S. stockholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock or preferred stock that is not a U.S. stockholder and not a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our common stock or preferred stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. A stockholder that is a partnership holding shares of our common stock or preferred stock, and each partner in such a partnership, should consult his, her or its own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock or preferred stock.

If we issue preferred stock that may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for securities or other property or preferred stock with other terms that may have different U.S. federal income tax consequences than those described in this summary, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of such preferred stock will be described in the relevant amendment or supplement to the Private Placement Memorandum. This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in our subscription rights, debt securities or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our preferred stock, common stock or debt securities. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in the relevant amendment or supplement to the Private Placement Memorandum.

Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences to each stockholder of the ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock or preferred stock will depend on the facts of his, her or its particular situation. You should consult your own tax adviser regarding the specific tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock or preferred stock to you, including tax reporting requirements, the applicability of U.S. federal, state and local tax laws and non-U.S. tax laws, eligibility for the benefits of any applicable income tax treaty and the effect of any possible changes in the tax laws.

We intend to pay monthly distributions to our common stockholders and semi-annual distributions to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock out of assets legally available for distribution, but will reinvest distributions on behalf of those common stockholders that do not elect to receive their distributions in cash. See “Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters—Distributions” and “Item 9. Market Price of Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters—Distribution Reinvestment Plan” for a description of our dividend policy and obligations.

Election to be Taxed as a RIC

We will elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for the taxable year that includes the Initial Issuance Date, and we intend to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC annually thereafter. As a RIC, we generally will not be required to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any investment company taxable income or net capital gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders as dividends. Rather, dividends we distribute generally will be taxable to our stockholders, and any net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other of our tax attributes generally will not pass through to our stockholders, subject to special rules for certain items such as net capital gains and qualified dividend income we recognize. See “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders” and “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders” below.

To maintain our status as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, to maintain our status as a RIC, we must satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement.

Taxation as a RIC

If we maintain our status as a RIC and satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, then we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (generally, realized net long-term capital gain in excess of realized net short-term capital loss) that we timely distribute (or are deemed to timely distribute) to our stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.

We generally will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income for a calendar year unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any net ordinary income and capital gains in excess of capital losses recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). We will not be subject to the U.S. federal excise tax on amounts on which we are required to pay U.S. federal income tax (such as retained net capital gains). Depending upon the level of taxable income and net capital gain earned in a year, we may retain certain net capital gain for reinvestment and carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable tax.

In order to maintain our status as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:

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have in effect an election to be treated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act at all times during each taxable year;

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derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, gains from the sale of stock or other securities or foreign currencies, net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (as defined in the Code), or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities or foreign currencies (the “90% Income Test”); and

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diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

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at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and

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no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in (a) the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer or of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (b) the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (the “Diversification Tests”).

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable U.S. federal income tax rules as having OID (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, that have increasing interest rates or are issued with warrants), we must include in our taxable income in each year a portion of the OID that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether we receive cash representing such income in the same taxable year. We may also be required to include in our taxable income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as accruals on a contingent payment debt instrument, accruals of interest income and/or OID on defaulted debt or deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Moreover, we generally will be required to take certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on our financial statements. Because such OID or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make distributions to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and/or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, even though we will have not received any corresponding cash payments. Accordingly, to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may need to sell some of our assets at times and/or at prices that we would not consider advantageous, we may need to raise additional equity or debt capital or we may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to our business). If we are unable to obtain cash in the amount required for us to make, or if we are restricted from making, sufficient distributions to our stockholders to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable state and local taxes).

Because we expect to use debt financing, we may be prevented by covenants contained in our debt financing agreements from making distributions to our stockholders in certain circumstances. In addition, under the Investment Company Act, we are generally not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. See “Item 1. Business—Regulation.” See also “Item 1. Business—Indebtedness and Senior Securities.” Restrictions on our ability to make distributions to our stockholders may prevent us from satisfying the Annual Distribution Requirement and, therefore, may jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a RIC, or subject us to the 4% U.S. federal excise tax.

Although we do not presently expect to do so, we may borrow funds and sell assets in order to make distributions to our stockholders that are sufficient for us to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. However, our ability to dispose of assets may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times and/or values that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous. Alternatively, although we currently do not intend to do so, to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may declare a taxable dividend payable in our stock or cash at the election of each stockholder. In such case, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in our common stock will generally be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of our stock. See “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders” below for a discussion of the tax consequences to stockholders upon receipt of such dividends.

A RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of its investment company taxable income. If our expenses in a given year exceed our investment company taxable income, we would experience a net operating loss for that year. However, a RIC is not permitted to carry forward net operating losses to subsequent years and such net operating losses do not pass through to its stockholders. In addition, expenses can be used only to offset investment company taxable income, not net capital gain. A RIC may not use any net capital losses (that is, realized capital losses in excess of realized capital gains) to offset the RIC’s investment company taxable income, but may carry forward such losses, and use them to offset future capital gains, indefinitely. As a result of these limits on the deductibility of expenses and net capital losses, we may for tax purposes have aggregate taxable income for several years that we are required to distribute and that is taxable to our stockholders even if such income is greater than the aggregate net income we actually earned during those years. In addition, if future capital gains are offset by carried forward capital losses, such future capital gains are not subject to any corporate-level U.S. federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to our stockholders. Accordingly, we do not expect to distribute any such offsetting capital gains.

Distributions we make to our stockholders may be made from our cash assets or by liquidation of our investments, if necessary. We may recognize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event we recognize net capital gains from such transactions, you may receive a larger capital gain distribution than you would have received in the absence of such transactions.

Failure to Qualify as a RIC

If we were to fail to satisfy the 90% Income Test for any taxable year or the Diversification Tests for any quarter of a taxable year, we might nevertheless continue to qualify as a RIC for such year if certain relief provisions of the Code applied (which might, among other things, require us to pay certain corporate-level U.S. federal taxes or to dispose of certain assets). If we were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC and such relief provisions did not apply to us, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate U.S. federal income tax rates (and we also would be subject to any applicable state and local taxes), regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. We would not be able to deduct distributions to our stockholders, nor would distributions to our stockholders be required to be made for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any distributions we make generally would be taxable to our U.S. stockholders as ordinary dividend income and, subject to certain limitations under the Code, would be eligible for the 20% maximum rate applicable to individuals and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders, to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, U.S. stockholders that are corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital that would reduce the stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its common stock or preferred stock (and correspondingly increase such stockholder’s gain, or reduce such stockholder’s loss, on disposition of such common stock or preferred stock), and any remaining distributions in excess of the stockholder’s adjusted tax basis would be treated as a capital gain.

Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, we could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by us during the period in which we failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized during the 5-year period after our requalification as a RIC, unless we made a special election to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on such net built-in gains at the time of our requalification as a RIC. We may decide to be taxed as a regular corporation even if we would otherwise qualify as a RIC if we determine that treatment as a corporation for a particular year would be in our best interests.

Our Investments—General

Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (1) treat dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income as non-qualified dividend income, (2) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (3) convert lower-taxed long-term capital gain into higher-taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (4) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (5) cause us to recognize income or gain without receipt of a corresponding cash payment, (6) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (7) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (8) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test. We intend to monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions, but we can offer no assurance that we will be eligible for any such tax elections or that any adverse effects of these provisions will be mitigated.

We expect to invest a portion of our assets in below investment grade instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for us. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when we may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. We intend to address these and other issues to the extent necessary in order to seek to ensure that we distribute sufficient income to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and/or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement.

Gain or loss recognized by us from warrants or other securities acquired by us, as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants, generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term depending on how long we held a particular warrant or security.

A portfolio company in which we invest may face financial difficulties that require us to work-out, modify or otherwise restructure our investment in the portfolio company. Any such transaction could, depending upon the specific terms of the transaction, result in unusable capital losses and future non-cash income. Any such transaction could also result in our receiving assets that give rise to non-qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test or otherwise would not count toward satisfying the Diversification Tests.

Our investment in non-U.S. securities may be subject to non-U.S. income, withholding and other taxes. In that case, our yield on those securities would be decreased. Stockholders generally will not be entitled to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit or deduction with respect to non-U.S. taxes paid by us.

If we purchase shares in a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”), we may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” received on, or any gain from the disposition of, such shares even if we distribute such income as a taxable dividend to our stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest generally will be imposed on us in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distribution or gain. If we invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code (a “QEF”), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, we will be required to include in income each year our proportionate share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed by the QEF. Alternatively, we may be able to elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year our shares in a PFIC; in this case, we will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares, and as ordinary loss any decrease in such value to the extent that any such decrease does not exceed prior increases included in our income. Our ability to make a QEF election will depend on factors beyond our control, and is subject to restrictions which may limit the availability of the benefit of this election. Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a year income in excess of any distributions we receive from PFICs and any proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and such income will nevertheless be subject to the Annual Distribution Requirement and will be taken into account for purposes of determining whether we satisfy the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement. See “—Taxation as a RIC” above.

Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time we accrue income, expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time we actually collect such income or pay such expenses or liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts and the disposition of debt obligations denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss.

Some of the income that we might otherwise earn, such as fees for providing managerial assistance, certain fees earned with respect to our investments, income recognized in a work-out or restructuring of a portfolio investment or income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test. To manage the risk that such income might disqualify us as a RIC for failure to satisfy the 90% Income Test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related asset. Such subsidiary entities will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the yield to our stockholders on such fees and income.

The remainder of this discussion assumes that we qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

Taxation of U.S. Stockholders

The following discussion only applies to U.S. stockholders. Prospective stockholders that are not U.S. stockholders should refer to “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders” below.

Distributions

Distributions by us (including distributions where stockholders can elect to receive cash or stock) generally are taxable to U.S. stockholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of our investment company taxable income will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. stockholders to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or stock. To the extent that such distributions paid by us to non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals) are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, such distributions (“Qualifying Dividends”) may be eligible for a reduced maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%. In this regard, it is anticipated that our distributions generally will not be attributable to dividends received by us and, therefore, generally will not qualify for the 20% maximum rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends. Distributions of net capital gain (which is generally realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) properly reported by us as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to U.S. stockholders as long-term capital gains (currently taxable at a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20% in the case of non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals)), regardless of the U.S. stockholder’s holding period for his, her or its common stock or preferred stock and regardless of whether paid in cash or stock. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in such stockholder’s common stock or preferred stock and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. stockholder.

Certain distributions reported by us as Section 163(j) interest dividends may be treated as interest income by U.S. stockholders for purposes of the tax rules applicable to interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. Such treatment by U.S. stockholders is generally subject to holding period requirements and other potential limitations, although the holding period requirements are generally not applicable to dividends declared by money market funds and certain other funds that declare dividends daily and pay such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. The amount that we are eligible to report as a Section 163(j) dividend for a tax year is generally limited to the excess of our business interest income over the sum of our (i) business interest expense and (ii) other deductions properly allocable to our business interest income.

We may decide to retain some or all of our net capital gain for reinvestment, but designate the retained net capital gain as a “deemed distribution.” In that case, among other consequences, (i) we will pay tax on the retained amount, (ii) each U.S. stockholder will be required to include his, her or its share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been actually distributed to the U.S. stockholder and (iii) the U.S. stockholder will be entitled to claim a credit equal to his, her or its allocable share of the tax paid thereon by us. Because we expect to pay tax on any retained net capital gains at the regular corporate U.S. federal income tax rate, and because that rate is in excess of the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate currently payable by individuals (and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders) on long-term capital gains, the amount of tax that individuals (and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders) will be treated as having paid will exceed the tax they owe on the capital gain distribution. Such excess generally may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s other federal income tax obligations or may be refunded to the extent it exceeds the U.S. stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of the deemed distribution net of such tax will be added to the U.S. stockholder’s tax basis for his, her or its common stock or preferred stock. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, we must provide written notice to our stockholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. We cannot treat any of our investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution.”

For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and (2) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, under certain circumstances, we may elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question.

If we make such an election, U.S. stockholders will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by our U.S. stockholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

Although we currently do not intend to do so, we have the ability to declare a large portion of a distribution in shares of our stock. We are not subject to restrictions on the circumstances in which we may declare a portion of a distribution in shares of our stock, but would generally anticipate doing so only in unusual situations, such as, for example, if we did not have sufficient cash to meet our RIC distribution requirements under the Code. Generally, were we to declare such a distribution, we would allow stockholders to elect payment in cash and/or shares of equivalent value. Under published IRS guidance, the entire distribution by a publicly offered RIC will generally be treated as a taxable distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and count towards RIC distribution requirements under the Code, if certain conditions are satisfied. Among other things, the aggregate amount of cash available to be distributed to all stockholders is required to be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution is required to be allocated among the stockholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock) under a formula provided in the applicable IRS guidance. Each stockholder electing to receive cash would be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to at least the lesser of (i) the portion of the distribution such stockholder elected to receive in cash and (ii) such stockholder’s entire distribution multiplied by the percentage limitation on cash available for distribution. The number of shares of our stock distributed would thus depend on the applicable percentage limitation on cash available for distribution, the stockholders’ individual elections to receive cash or stock, and the value of the shares of stock. Each U.S. stockholder generally would be treated as having received a taxable distribution on the date the distribution is received in an amount equal to the cash that such U.S. stockholder would have received if the entire distribution had been paid in cash, even if such U.S. stockholder received all or most of the distribution in shares of our stock. This may result in a U.S. stockholder having to pay tax on such distribution, even if no cash is received.

We expect to be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company” (within the meaning of Section 67 of the Code) as a result of shares of our common stock and our preferred stock collectively being held by at least 500 persons at all times during a taxable year. However, we cannot assure you that we will be treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for any tax year. In particular, we may not be treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for our first taxable year. If we are not treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for any calendar year, for purposes of computing the taxable income of U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates, (i) our earnings and profits will be computed without taking into account such U.S. stockholders’ allocable shares of the management and incentive fees paid to our Investment Adviser and certain of our other expenses, (ii) each such U.S. stockholder will be treated as having received or accrued a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for the calendar year, (iii) each such U.S. stockholder will be treated as having paid or incurred such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses for the calendar year, and (iv) each such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions by such U.S. stockholder. Miscellaneous itemized deductions of a U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate are disallowed for tax years beginning before January 1, 2026, and thereafter generally are (i) deductible by such U.S. stockholders only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S. stockholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and (iii) subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under Section 67 of the Code. In addition, if we are not treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company, we will be subject to limitations on the deductibility of certain “preferential dividends” that are distributed to stockholders on a non-pro rata basis.

If an investor purchases shares of our common stock or preferred stock shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the shares will include the value of the distribution, and the investor will be subject to tax on the distribution, even though economically it may represent a return of his, her or its investment. We have the potential to build up large amounts of unrealized gain which, when realized and distributed, could have the effect of a taxable return of capital to U.S. stockholders.

The IRS currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income and capital gains) based upon the percentage of total dividends paid to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, if we issue preferred stock, we intend each year to allocate capital gain dividends, if any, between our shares of common stock and shares of preferred stock in proportion to the total dividends paid to each class with respect to such tax year.

Each U.S. stockholder will receive, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice reporting the amounts includible in such U.S. stockholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the U.S. federal tax status of each year’s distributions from us generally will be reported to the IRS (including the amount of any distributions that are Qualifying Dividends eligible for the 20% maximum capital gains tax rate). Dividends paid by us generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction or the preferential tax rate applicable to Qualifying Dividends because our income generally will not consist of dividends. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and non-U.S. taxes depending on a U.S. stockholder’s particular situation.

We have adopted a distribution reinvestment plan under which stockholders who do not “opt out” will receive distributions in the form of additional shares instead of in cash. If a U.S. stockholder reinvests distributions in additional shares, such U.S. stockholder will generally be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as if it had received a distribution in cash and, for this purpose, a U.S. stockholder receiving a distribution in the form of additional shares will generally be treated as receiving a distribution in the amount of cash that the U.S. stockholder would have received if it had elected to receive the distribution in cash (or the fair market value of the distributed shares if we issue additional shares with a fair market value equal to or greater than net asset value). Any such additional shares will have a tax basis equal to the amount treated as a distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the U.S. stockholder’s account.

Dispositions

A U.S. stockholder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss if the U.S. stockholder sells or otherwise disposes of his, her or its shares of our common stock or preferred stock. The amount of gain or loss will be measured by the difference between such stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in the common stock or preferred stock sold and the amount of the proceeds received in exchange for such stock. Any gain or loss arising from such sale or disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. stockholder has held his, her or its shares for more than one year; otherwise, any such gain or loss will be classified as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or disposition of shares of our common stock or preferred stock held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received, or undistributed capital gain deemed received, with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of shares of our common stock or preferred stock may be disallowed if other shares of such common stock or preferred stock are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition.

From time to time, we may offer to repurchase shares of our common stock or preferred stock (if any). U.S. stockholders who tender all shares held, or considered to be held, by them will be treated as having sold such shares and generally will realize a capital gain or loss. If a stockholder tenders fewer than all of its shares or fewer than all shares tendered are repurchased, such stockholder may be treated as having received a taxable dividend upon the tender of such shares. In such a case, there is a risk that non-tendering stockholders, and stockholders who tender some but not all of their shares or fewer than all of whose shares are repurchased, in each case whose percentage interests in us increase as a result of such tender, will be treated as having received a taxable distribution from us. The extent of such risk will vary depending upon the particular circumstances of the share repurchase program, and in particular whether such program is a single and isolated event or is part of a plan for periodically redeeming shares.

In general, non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals) currently are subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20% on their net capital gain (i.e., the excess of realized net long-term capital gains over realized net short-term capital losses), including any long-term capital gain derived from an investment in shares of our common stock or preferred stock. Such rate is lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income currently payable by individuals. Corporate U.S. stockholders currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on net capital gain at the maximum 21% rate also applied to ordinary income. Non-corporate U.S. stockholders (including individuals) with net capital losses for a year (i.e., capital losses in excess of capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against their ordinary income each year; any net capital losses of a non-corporate U.S. stockholder (including an individual) in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as provided in the Code. Corporate U.S. stockholders generally may not deduct any net capital losses for a year, but may carry back such losses for three years or carry forward such losses for five years.

We or your financial intermediary is also generally required by law to report to each U.S. stockholder and to the IRS cost basis information for shares of our stock sold by or redeemed from the U.S. stockholder. This information includes the adjusted cost basis of the shares, the gross proceeds from disposition and whether the gain or loss is long-term or short-term. The adjusted cost basis of shares will be based on the default cost basis reporting method selected by us, unless a U.S. stockholder, before the sale or redemption, informs us that it has selected a different IRS-accepted method offered by us. These requirements, however, will not apply for investments through an IRA or other tax-advantaged account. U.S. stockholders should consult their financial intermediaries and tax advisers to determine the best cost basis method for their tax situation, and to obtain more information about how these cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income

A U.S. stockholder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, will generally be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. stockholder’s “net investment income” (or “undistributed net investment income” for an estate or trust) for a taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. stockholder’s modified adjusted gross income for such taxable year, over a certain threshold, which for individuals is $200,000 in the case of single filers ($250,000 in the case of joint filers). For these purposes, “net investment income” will generally include taxable distributions and deemed distributions paid with respect to stock, including our common stock or preferred stock, and net gain attributable to the disposition of stock, including our common stock or preferred stock (in each case, unless such stock is held in connection with certain trades or businesses), but will be reduced by any deductions properly allocable to such distributions or net gain.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations

Under applicable Treasury regulations, if a U.S. stockholder recognizes a loss with respect to our common stock or preferred stock of $2 million or more for a non-corporate U.S. stockholder or $10 million or more for a corporate U.S. stockholder in any single taxable year (or a greater loss over a combination of years), the U.S. stockholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct U.S. stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but, under current guidance, U.S. stockholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to U.S. stockholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Significant monetary penalties apply to a failure to comply with this reporting requirement. States may also have a similar reporting requirement. U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers to determine the applicability of these Treasury regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Backup Withholding

The relevant withholding agent may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax (“Backup Withholding”), at a current rate of 24%, from any taxable distribution to a U.S. stockholder (other than a corporation, a financial institution or a stockholder that otherwise qualifies for an exemption) (1) that fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or a certification that such stockholder is exempt from Backup Withholding or (2) with respect to whom the IRS notifies the withholding agent that such stockholder has failed to properly report certain interest and dividend income to the IRS and to respond to notices to that effect. An individual’s taxpayer identification number is his or her social security number. Backup Withholding is not an additional tax, and any amount withheld under the Backup Withholding rules is allowed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (which may entitle the U.S. stockholder to a refund), provided that proper information is timely provided to the IRS.

Withholding and Information Reporting on Foreign Financial Accounts

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act rules of the Code and applicable Treasury regulations (collectively referred to as “FATCA”), the applicable withholding agent generally will be required to withhold 30% of (a) any dividends on our common stock or preferred stock and (b) the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock or preferred stock, in each case, paid to (i) a non-U.S. financial institution (whether such financial institution is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) unless such non-U.S. financial institution agrees to verify, report and disclose its U.S. accountholders and meets certain other specified requirements or (ii) a non-financial non-U.S. entity (whether such entity is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) unless such entity certifies that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner and such entity meets certain other specified requirements. Proposed Treasury regulations that may be relied on pending finalization provide that FATCA withholding on gross proceeds will be eliminated and, consequently, this withholding tax on gross proceeds is not currently expected to apply. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations or other guidance, may modify these requirements. We will not pay any additional amounts in respect of any amounts withheld.

Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Stockholders

A U.S. stockholder that is a tax-exempt organization for U.S. federal income tax purposes and therefore generally exempt from U.S. federal income taxation may nevertheless be subject to taxation to the extent that it is considered to derive unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). The direct conduct by a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder of the activities that we propose to conduct could give rise to UBTI. However, a RIC is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and its business activities generally will not be attributed to its stockholders for purposes of determining their treatment under current law. Therefore, a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation solely as a result of such stockholder’s direct or indirect ownership of our shares and receipt of distributions with respect to such shares (regardless of whether we incur indebtedness). Moreover, under current law, if we incur indebtedness, such indebtedness will not be attributed to a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder. Therefore, a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder should not be treated as earning income from “debt-financed property” and distributions we pay should not be treated as “unrelated debt-financed income” solely as a result of indebtedness that it incurs. Certain tax-exempt private universities are subject to an additional 1.4% excise tax on their “net investment income,” including income from interest, dividends, and capital gains. Proposals periodically are made to change the treatment of “blocker” investment vehicles interposed between tax-exempt investors and non-qualifying investments. In the event that any such proposals were to be adopted and applied to RICs, the treatment of dividends payable to tax-exempt investors could be adversely affected. In addition, special rules would apply if we were to invest in certain real estate mortgage investment conduits or taxable mortgage pools, which we do not currently plan to do, that could result in a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder recognizing income that would be treated as UBTI.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders

The following discussion applies only to Non-U.S. stockholders. Whether an investment in shares of our common stock or preferred stock is appropriate for a Non-U.S. stockholder will depend upon that stockholder’s particular circumstances. An investment in shares of our common stock or preferred stock by a Non-U.S. stockholder may have adverse tax consequences to such Non-U.S. stockholder. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers before investing in our common stock or preferred stock.

Distributions; Dispositions

Subject to the discussion below, distributions of our investment company taxable income to a Non-U.S. stockholder that are not effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty) to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits.

Certain properly reported distributions are generally exempt from withholding of U.S. federal income tax where they are paid in respect of our (i) “qualified net interest income” (generally, U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which we or the Non-U.S. stockholder are at least a 10% stockholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss for such taxable year), and certain other requirements are satisfied. No assurance can be given as to whether any of our distributions will be eligible for this exemption from withholding of U.S. federal income tax or, if eligible, will be reported as such by us. In particular, this exemption will not apply to our distributions paid in respect of our non-U.S. source interest income or our dividend income (or any other type of income other than generally our non-contingent U.S.-source interest income received from unrelated obligors and our qualified short-term capital gains). In the case of our common stock or preferred stock held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold U.S. federal income tax even if we report the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain.

Distributions of our investment company taxable income to a Non-U.S. stockholder that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. stockholder) generally will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax if the Non-U.S. stockholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, although the distributions (to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the rates and in the manner applicable to U.S. stockholders generally.

Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gains to a Non-U.S. stockholder, and gains realized by a Non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale of our common stock or preferred stock, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or any withholding of such tax, unless (a) the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. stockholder), in which case the distributions or gains will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the rates and in the manner applicable to U.S. stockholders generally, or (b) the Non-U.S. stockholder is an individual who has been present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and satisfies certain other conditions, in which case, except as otherwise provided by an applicable income tax treaty, the distributions or gains, which may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses, generally will be subject to a flat 30% U.S. federal income tax, even though the Non-U.S. stockholder is not considered a resident alien under the Code.

If we distribute our net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a Non-U.S. stockholder will be entitled to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the stockholder’s allocable share of the tax we pay on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the Non-U.S. stockholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return, even if the Non-U.S. stockholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.

For a corporate Non-U.S. stockholder, both distributions (actual or deemed) and gains realized upon the sale of our common stock or preferred stock that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable income tax treaty).

Although we currently do not intend to do so, we have the ability to declare a large portion of a distribution in shares of our stock. We are not subject to restrictions on the circumstances in which we may declare a portion of a distribution in shares of our stock, but would generally anticipate doing so only in unusual situations, such as, for example, if we did not have sufficient cash to meet our RIC distribution requirements under the Code. Generally, were we to declare such a distribution, we would allow stockholders to elect payment in cash and/or shares of equivalent value. Under published IRS guidance, the entire distribution by a publicly offered RIC will generally be treated as a taxable distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and count towards our RIC distribution requirements under the Code, if certain conditions are satisfied. Among other things, the aggregate amount of cash available to be distributed to all stockholders is required to be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution is required to be allocated among the stockholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock) under a formula provided in the applicable IRS guidance. Each stockholder electing to receive cash would be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to at least the lesser of (i) the portion of the distribution such stockholder elected to receive in cash and (ii) such stockholder’s entire distribution multiplied by the percentage limitation on cash available for distribution. The number of shares of our stock distributed would thus depend on the applicable percentage limitation on cash available for distribution, the stockholders’ individual elections to receive cash or stock, and the value of the shares of stock. Each Non-U.S. stockholder generally would be treated as having received a taxable distribution (including for purposes of the application of the withholding tax rules discussed above) on the date the distribution is received in an amount equal to the cash that such Non-U.S. stockholder would have received if the entire distribution had been paid in cash, even if such Non-U.S. stockholder received all or most of the distribution in shares of our stock. In such a circumstance, all or substantially all of the cash that would otherwise be distributed to a Non-U.S. stockholder may be withheld or shares of our stock may be withheld and sold to fund the applicable withholding.

We have adopted a distribution reinvestment plan under which stockholders who do not “opt out” receive distributions in the form of additional shares instead of in cash. If a Non-U.S. stockholder reinvests distributions in additional shares, such Non-U.S. stockholder will generally be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as if it had received a distribution in cash and, for this purpose, a Non-U.S. stockholder receiving a distribution in the form of additional shares will generally be treated as receiving a distribution in the amount of cash that the Non-U.S. stockholder would have received if it had elected to receive the distribution in cash (or the fair market value of the distributed shares if we issue additional shares with a fair market value equal to or greater than net asset value). If the distribution is subject to withholding tax as described above, only the net after-tax amount will be reinvested in additional shares. If the distribution is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. stockholder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. stockholder), and the Non-U.S. stockholder complies with the applicable certification and disclosure requirements, the full amount of the distribution generally will be reinvested in additional shares and will nevertheless be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates and in the manner applicable to U.S. stockholders generally. The Non-U.S. stockholder will have an adjusted tax basis in the additional shares of our common stock purchased through the distribution reinvestment plan equal to the total dollar amount treated as a distribution (net of any withholding tax, as described above) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the Non-U.S. stockholder’s account.

Jurisdiction of Tax Residence

The tax treatment of a Non-U.S. stockholder in its jurisdiction of tax residence will depend entirely on the laws of such jurisdiction, and may vary considerably from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Depending on (i) the laws of such Non-U.S. stockholder’s jurisdiction of tax residence, (ii) how we are treated in such jurisdiction, and (iii) our activities, an investment in us could result in such Non-U.S. stockholder recognizing adverse tax consequences in its jurisdiction of tax residence, including with respect to any generally required or additional tax filings and/or additional disclosure required in such filings in relation to the treatment for tax purposes in the relevant jurisdiction of an interest in us and/or of distributions from us and any uncertainties arising in that respect (our not being established under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction), the possibility of taxable income significantly in excess of cash distributed to a Non-U.S. stockholder, and possibly in excess of our actual economic income, the possibilities of losing deductions or the ability to utilize tax basis and of sums invested being returned in the form of taxable income or gains, and the possibility of being subject to tax at unfavorable tax rates. A Non-U.S. stockholder may also be subject to restrictions on the use of its share of our deductions and losses in its jurisdiction of tax residence. Each Non-U.S. stockholder is urged to consult its own tax advisers with respect to the tax and tax filing consequences, if any, in its jurisdiction of tax residence of an investment in us, as well as any other jurisdiction in which such Non-U.S. stockholder is subject to taxation.

Backup Withholding

A Non-U.S. stockholder generally will be subject to information reporting and may be subject to Backup Withholding on taxable distributions unless the Non-U.S. stockholder provides the applicable withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or an acceptable substitute form or otherwise establishes an exemption from Backup Withholding. Backup Withholding is not an additional tax, and any amount withheld under the Backup Withholding rules is allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (which may entitle the Non-U.S. stockholder to a refund), provided that proper information is timely provided to the IRS.

Withholding and Information Reporting on Foreign Financial Accounts

Under FATCA, the applicable withholding agent generally will be required to withhold 30% of (a) any dividends on our common stock or preferred stock and (b) the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock or preferred stock, in each case, paid to (i) a non-U.S. financial institution (whether such financial institution is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) unless such non-U.S. financial institution agrees to verify, report and disclose its U.S. accountholders and meets certain other specified requirements or (ii) a non-financial non-U.S. entity (whether such entity is the beneficial owner or an intermediary) unless such entity certifies that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner and such entity meets certain other specified requirements. Proposed Treasury regulations that may be relied on pending finalization provide that FATCA withholding on gross proceeds will be eliminated and, consequently, this withholding tax on gross proceeds is not currently expected to apply. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations or other guidance, may modify these requirements. If payment of this withholding tax is made, Non-U.S. stockholders that are otherwise eligible for an exemption from, or a reduction in, withholding of U.S. federal income taxes with respect to such dividends or proceeds will be required to seek a credit or refund from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction. We will not pay any additional amounts in respect of any amounts withheld.

Each Non-U.S. stockholder should consult its own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal income and withholding tax consequences, and state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences, of an investment in shares of our common stock or preferred stock.

Change in Tax Laws

Each prospective investor should be aware that tax laws and regulations are changing on an ongoing basis, and such laws and/or regulations may be changed with retroactive effect. Moreover, the interpretation and/or application of tax laws and regulations by certain tax authorities may not be clear, consistent or transparent. Uncertainty in the tax law may require us to accrue potential tax liabilities even in situations in which we and/or our stockholders do not expect to be ultimately subject to such tax liabilities. In that regard, accounting standards and/or related tax reporting obligations may change, giving rise to additional accrual and/or other obligations.

Developments in the tax laws of the United States or other jurisdictions could have a material effect on the tax consequences to the stockholders, us, and/or our direct and indirect subsidiaries, and stockholders may be required to provide certain additional information to us (which may be provided to the IRS or other taxing authorities) and may be subject to other adverse consequences as a result of such change in tax laws. In the event of any such change in tax law, each stockholder is urged to consult its own advisors.

Certain ERISA Considerations

Each prospective investor that is, or is acting on behalf of, any (i) “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) subject to Title I of ERISA, (ii) “plan” described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code, subject to Section 4975 of the Code (including for e.g., IRA and a “Keogh” plan), (iii) plan, account or other arrangement that is subject to provisions under any Similar Laws, or (iv) entity whose underlying assets are considered to include the assets of any of the foregoing described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), pursuant to ERISA or otherwise (each of the foregoing described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) referred to herein as a “Plan”), must independently determine that our Shares are an appropriate investment, taking into account its obligations under ERISA, the Code and applicable Similar Laws.

In contemplating an investment in the Fund, each fiduciary of the Plan who is responsible for making such an investment should carefully consider, taking into account the facts and circumstances of the Plan, whether such investment is consistent with the applicable provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any Similar Law relating to a fiduciary’s duties to the Plan including, without limitation, the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any other applicable Similar Laws. Furthermore, absent satisfying all the requirements of a prohibited transaction exemption, the fiduciaries of a Plan should not invest in the Fund with the assets of any Plan if the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to such assets of the Plan. Each purchaser of Shares that is or may become a Plan is responsible for determining the extent, if any, to which the purchase and holding of Shares will constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any Similar Laws, and otherwise for determining compliance with ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any applicable Similar Law.

In contemplating an investment in the Fund, fiduciaries of a Plan that is a Benefit Plan Investor (defined below) subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code should also carefully consider the definition of the term “plan assets” in ERISA and the Plan Assets Regulation. Under ERISA and the Plan Assets Regulation, when a Benefit Plan Investor invests in an equity interest of an entity that is neither a “publicly-offered security” (within the meaning of the Plan Assets Regulation) nor a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act, the Benefit Plan Investor’s assets include both the equity interest and an undivided interest in each of the entity’s underlying assets, unless it is established that the entity is an “operating company” or that equity participation in the entity by Benefit Plan Investors is not “significant” (each within the meaning of the Plan Assets Regulation). The term “Benefit Plan Investor” is defined in the Plan Assets Regulation to include (i) any employee benefit plan (as defined in section 3(3) of ERISA) subject to the provisions of Title I of ERISA, (ii) any plan described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code subject to Section 4975 of the Code, and (iii) any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of such an employee benefit plan’s or plan’s investment in the entity.

Under the Plan Assets Regulation, equity participation in an entity by Benefit Plan Investors is “significant” on any date if, immediately after the most recent acquisition of any equity interest in the entity, 25% or more of the total value of any class of equity interests is held by Benefit Plan Investors. For purposes of this determination, the value of equity interests held by a person (other than a Benefit Plan Investor) who has discretionary authority or control with respect to the assets of the entity or that provides investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) with respect to such assets (or any affiliate of such a person) is disregarded (each such person, a “Controlling Person”). The Plan Assets Regulation defines the term “publicly-offered security” as a security that is “widely-held,” “freely transferrable” and either part of a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act or sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act if the securities are registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the public offering occurred. A security is considered “widely held” only if it is part of a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of one another. A security will not fail to be “widely held” because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial public offering as a result of events beyond the issuer’s control. The Plan Assets Regulation provides that whether a security is “freely transferable” is a factual question to be determined on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances. It is noted that the Plan Assets Regulation only establishes a presumption in favor of the finding of free transferability where the restrictions are consistent with the particular types of restrictions listed in the Plan Assets Regulation.

If the assets of the Fund were deemed to be “plan assets” under the Plan Assets Regulation, the obligations and other responsibilities of Plan sponsors, Plan fiduciaries and Plan administrators, and of parties in interest and disqualified persons, under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, as applicable, may be expanded, and there may be an increase in their liability under these and other provisions of ERISA and the Code (except to the extent (if any) that a favorable statutory or administrative exemption or exception applies); in addition, various providers of fiduciary or other services to the entity, and any other parties with authority or control with respect to the entity, could be deemed to be Plan fiduciaries or otherwise parties in interest or disqualified persons by virtue of their provision of such services (and there could be an improper delegation of authority to such providers). Additionally, if the assets of the Fund were deemed to be “plan assets,” this would result, among other things, in (i) the application of the prudence and other fiduciary responsibility standards of ERISA to investments made by the Fund, and (ii) the possibility that certain transactions in which the Fund might seek to engage could constitute “prohibited transactions” under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code. If a prohibited transaction occurs for which no exemption is available, the Investment Adviser and/or any other fiduciary that has engaged in the prohibited transaction could be required to (i) restore to the covered Plan any profit realized on the transaction and (ii) reimburse the Benefit Plan Investor for any losses suffered by the Benefit Plan Investor as a result of the investment. In addition, each disqualified person (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code) involved could be subject to an excise tax equal to 15% of the amount involved in the prohibited transaction for each year the transaction continues and, unless the transaction is corrected within statutorily required periods, to an additional tax of 100%. Fiduciaries of Benefit Plan Investors who decide to invest in the Fund could, under certain circumstances, be liable for prohibited transactions or other violations as a result of their investment in the Fund or as co-fiduciaries for actions taken by or on behalf of the Fund or the Adviser. With respect to an IRA that invests in the Fund, the occurrence of a prohibited transaction involving the individual who established the IRA, or his or her beneficiaries, would cause the IRA to lose its tax-exempt status.

Accordingly, for so long as our Shares are not considered a “publicly-offered security” within the meaning of the Plan Assets Regulation, the Fund will endeavor to limit investments such that Benefit Plan Investors in the aggregate hold less than 25% of the value of each class of our Shares, disregarding equity interests held by Controlling Persons, based on assurances provided by investors, within the meaning of the Plan Assets Regulation. In this respect, in order to avoid the possibility that our assets could be treated as “plan assets,” within the meaning of the Plan Assets Regulation, until such time as each class of our Shares constitutes “publicly-offered securities” within the meaning of the Plan Assets Regulation (i) we may require any person proposing to acquire Shares to furnish such information as may be necessary to determine whether such person is a Benefit Plan Investor or a Controlling Person and (ii) we will have the power to take any actions deemed reasonably necessary to prevent the assets of the Fund from being considered “plan assets,” which actions may include (a) excluding any stockholder or potential stockholder from purchasing Shares; (b) prohibiting any redemption of Shares; and (c) redeeming some or all Shares held by any holder if, and to the extent that, our Board determines that there is a substantial likelihood that such holder’s purchase, ownership or redemption of Shares would result in any portion of our assets being characterized as plan assets for purposes of the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. After such time as our Shares constitute “publicly-offered securities” under the Plan Assets Regulation, the assets of the Fund would not be considered to be plan assets.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS.

Investing in our Shares involves certain risks relating to our structure and investment objective. The following information is a discussion of the material risk factors associated with an investment in our Shares specifically, as well as those factors generally associated with an investment in a company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to ours. In addition to the other information contained in this Registration Statement, you should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in our Shares. The risks set forth below are not the only risks we face, and we may face other risks that we have not yet identified, which we do not currently deem material or which are not yet predictable. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the NAV of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. In addition, as our investment program develops and changes over time, an investment in the Shares may be subject to additional and different risk factors.

Summary Risk Factors

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The following is a summary of certain of the principal risks that should be carefully considered before investing in our securities:

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The capital markets are currently in a period of disruption and economic uncertainty. Such market conditions have materially and adversely affected debt and equity capital markets, which have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our business and operations.

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Political, social and economic uncertainty, including uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, create and exacerbate risks.

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Terrorist attacks, acts of war, global health emergencies or natural disasters may impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

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Our operation as a BDC imposes numerous constraints on us and significantly reduces our operating flexibility. In addition, if we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions.

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We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes) on all of our income if we are unable to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

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Regulations governing our operations as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.

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Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.

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Our activities may be limited as a result of potentially being deemed to be controlled by GS Group Inc., a bank holding company.

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Commodity Futures Trading Commission rules may have a negative impact on us and our Investment Adviser.

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Our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.

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Certain investors are limited in their ability to make significant investments in us.

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We are subject to risks related to being an “emerging growth company”.

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We are subject to risks arising from compliance with Regulation Best Interest.

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We depend upon management personnel of our Investment Adviser for our future success.

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We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities.

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Failures in information systems and cyber incidents may have adverse impacts on us and/or our portfolio companies.

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We are a new company and have a limited operating history. Investors have limited information to evaluate historical data or assess any of our investments prior to participating in the private offering of the Shares.

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Global economic, political and market conditions may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our revenue growth and profitability.

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Our Investment Adviser, its principals, investment professionals and employees and the members of its Private Credit Investment Committee may have certain conflicts of interest.

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Goldman Sachs’s financial and other interests may incentivize our Investment Adviser to favor other Accounts.

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Our financial condition and results depend on our Investment Adviser’s ability to manage our future growth effectively.

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Our ability to grow depends on our access to adequate capital.

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We may borrow money, which may magnify the potential for gain or loss and may increase the risk of investing in us.

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The Investment Adviser faces conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.

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We may be obligated to pay the Investment Adviser incentive compensation even if we incur a net loss due to a decline in the value of our portfolio.

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Potential conflicts of interest with other businesses of Goldman Sachs could impact our investment returns.

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Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval.

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We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

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Our investments will be very risky and highly speculative.

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We will have exposure to credit risk and other risks related to credit investments.

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Inflation may adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.

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We will be exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment.

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Many of our portfolio securities do not have a readily available market price, and we will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with the Investment Company Act, which valuation is inherently subjective and may not reflect what we may actually realize for the sale of the investment.

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The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

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Our portfolio may be focused initially in a limited number of portfolio companies, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.

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We may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.

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We may be subject to various risks associated with our debt investments.

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Our portfolio companies may prepay loans, which may reduce stated yields in the future if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.

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Declines in market prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would affect our results of operations.

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Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.

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Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged.

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We face risks associated with the deployment of our capital.

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Investing in our securities involves an above-average degree of risk.

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Investors purchasing Shares after the initial closing could receive fewer Shares than anticipated.

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Our Shares and shares of our Series A Preferred Stock will be subject to significant transfer restrictions, and an investment in such shares generally will be illiquid.

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The NAV of our Shares may fluctuate significantly.

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Our stockholders may experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our distribution reinvestment plan.

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Our stockholders that do not opt out of our distribution reinvestment plan should generally expect to have current tax liabilities without receiving cash to pay such liabilities.

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Our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock and any additional series of preferred stock we may determine to issue in the future, could adversely affect the value of our common stock.

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Our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will be subject to a risk of early redemption, and holders may not be able to reinvest their funds.

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Holders of any preferred stock we issue, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will have the right to elect members of the Board and class voting rights on certain matters.

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Investors may face various tax risks and consequences as a result of their investment in us.

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Investors may face various risks and consequences related to repurchases of Shares by us.

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To the extent OID and PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash representing such income.

Risks Relating to Market Developments and General Business Environment

From time to time, capital markets experience periods of disruption and instability. Social and political tensions in the United States and around the world, may contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme disruption since the global outbreak of COVID-19. Such disruptions have been evidenced by volatility in global stock markets as a result of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the fluctuating price of commodities such as oil, and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. Despite remedial actions of the U.S. federal government and foreign governments, these events have contributed to worsening general economic conditions that are materially and adversely impacting broader financial and credit markets and reducing the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole. These and any other unfavorable economic conditions could increase our funding costs and/or limit our access to the capital markets. These conditions could continue for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future.

Significant changes or volatility in the capital markets may negatively affect the valuations of our investments. While we expect that approximately 80% of our investments will not be publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan to hold an investment to maturity). Significant changes in the capital markets may also affect the pace of our investment activity and the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. Our valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, fluctuate over short periods of time and are often based on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information that may not reflect the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, and measures taken in response thereto. Any public health emergency, including the COVID-19 pandemic or an outbreak of other existing or new epidemic diseases, or the threat thereof, and the resulting financial and economic market uncertainty could have a significant adverse impact on us and the fair value of our investments and our portfolio companies.

Disruptions in economic activity, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, have limited and could continue to limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow, increase our funding costs, and have a material negative impact on our and our portfolio companies’ operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments. Additionally, the recent disruption in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine has had, and may continue to have, a negative effect on the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments to access capital, if required. As a result, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments if we were required to sell them to increase our liquidity. An inability on our part to raise incremental capital, and any required sale of all or a portion of our investments as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Current market conditions may make it difficult to raise equity capital, extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness or obtain new indebtedness with similar terms and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, market conditions (including inflation, supply chain issues and decreased consumer demand) could adversely impact, and could in the future have further negative impact on the operations of certain of our portfolio companies. The debt capital available to us in the future, if available at all, may bear a higher interest rate and may be available only on terms and conditions less favorable than those of our existing debt and such debt may need to be incurred in a rising interest rate environment. If we are unable to raise new debt or refinance our existing debt, then our equity investors will not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage, and we may be unable to make new commitments or to fund existing commitments to our portfolio companies. Any inability to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing debt, or to obtain new debt, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Political, social and economic uncertainty, including uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, create and exacerbate risks.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and China (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, military conflicts and social unrest) may occur that create uncertainty and have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which companies and their investments are exposed.

The uncertainties caused by these conditions and events could result in or coincide with, among other things: increased volatility in the financial markets for securities, derivatives, loans, credit and currency; a decrease in the reliability of market prices and difficulty in valuing assets (including portfolio company assets); greater fluctuations in spreads on debt investments and currency exchange rates; increased risk of default (by both government and private obligors and issuers); changes to governmental regulation and supervision of the loan, securities, derivatives and currency markets and market participants; limitations on the activities of investors in the financial markets; and substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation, which can last many years and have substantial negative effects on credit and securities markets.

While financial markets have rebounded from the significant declines that occurred early in the pandemic and global economic conditions generally improved in 2021, certain of the circumstances that arose or became more pronounced after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have persisted, including (i) relatively weak consumer confidence; (ii) ongoing heightened credit risk with regard to industries that have been most severely impacted by the pandemic, including, at times, oil and gas, gaming and lodging, and airlines; (iii) higher cyber security, information security and operational risks; and (iv) interruptions in the supply chain that have adversely affected many businesses and have contributed to higher rates of inflation. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has created disruptions in supply chains and economic activity and contributed to labor difficulties.

Depending on the duration and severity of the pandemic going forward, as well as the effects of the pandemic on consumer and corporate confidence, the conditions noted above could continue for an extended period and other adverse developments may occur or reoccur, including (i) the decline in value and performance of us and our portfolio companies, (ii) the ability of our borrowers to continue to meet loan covenants or repay loans provided by us on a timely basis or at all, which may require us to restructure our investments or write down the value of our investments, (iii) our ability to comply with the covenants and other terms of our debt obligations and to repay such obligations, on a timely basis or at all, (iv) our ability to comply with certain regulatory requirements, such as asset coverage requirements under the Investment Company Act, (v) our ability to maintain our distributions at their current level or to pay them at all, or (vi) our ability to source, manage and divest investments and achieve our investment objectives, all of which could result in significant losses to us. We will also be negatively affected if the operations and effectiveness of any of our portfolio companies (or any of the key personnel or service providers of the foregoing) is compromised or if necessary or beneficial systems and processes are disrupted. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy, as well as most other major economies, may experience economic recession, and we anticipate our businesses could be materially and adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the United States and other major global markets. See “—The capital markets are currently in a period of disruption and economic uncertainty. Such market conditions have materially and adversely affected debt and equity capital markets, which have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our business and operations.”

Disruptions in the capital markets, including disruptions resulting from inflation, a rising interest-rate environment, and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial sector, and re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated market. These and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity can be expected to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions also would be expected to increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and have a material negative impact on our and our portfolio companies’ operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.

In addition, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and corresponding events have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economic markets. Following Russia’s actions, various governments, including the government of the United States, have issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia, including, among other actions, a prohibition on doing business with certain Russian companies, large financial institutions, officials and oligarchs; a commitment by certain countries and the European Union to remove selected Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, the electronic banking network that connects banks globally; and restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of the sanctions. The duration of hostilities and the vast array of sanctions and related events (including cyber incidents and espionage) cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally, which pose potential adverse risks to us and the performance of our investments and operations. Any such market disruptions could affect our portfolio companies’ operations and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Terrorist attacks, acts of war, global health emergencies or natural disasters may impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Terrorist acts, acts of war, global health emergencies or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. See “— Political, social and economic uncertainty, including uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, create and exacerbate risks.” Any market disruptions as a result of such acts could affect our portfolio companies’ operations and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business and the businesses of our portfolio companies are dependent on bank relationships and recent concerns associated with the banking system may adversely impact us.

The financial markets have recently experienced volatility in connection with concerns that some banks, especially small and regional banks, may have significant investment-related losses that might make it difficult to fund demands to withdraw deposits and other liquidity needs. Although the federal government has announced measures to assist certain banks and protect depositors, some banks have already been impacted and others may be adversely impacted, by such volatility. Our business and the businesses of our portfolio companies are dependent on bank relationships and we are proactively monitoring the financial health of these relationships. Continued strain on the banking system may adversely impact the business, financial condition and results of operations of us and our portfolio companies.

Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters

The Investment Company Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs generally are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of qualifying U.S. private companies or thinly traded public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the time of investment. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective. Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on BDCs by the Investment Company Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us and/or expose us to claims of private litigants.

We may be precluded from investing in what our Investment Adviser believes are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we will be prohibited from making any additional investment that is not a qualifying asset and could be forced to forgo attractive investment opportunities. Similarly, these rules could prevent us from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position).

If we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act. This would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions and significantly decrease our operating flexibility. In addition, any such failure could cause us to lose our RIC status or cause an event of default under any outstanding indebtedness we might have, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Although we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC, and we intend to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC annually thereafter, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. To obtain and maintain RIC status and be relieved of U.S. federal income taxes on income and gains distributed to our stockholders, we must meet the annual distribution and source-of-income and quarterly asset diversification requirements described below.

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The annual distribution requirement for a RIC will generally be satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (generally, our net ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction) for each taxable year (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”). Because we intend to use debt financing, we are subject to an asset coverage ratio requirement under the Investment Company Act, and we expect to be subject to certain covenants contained in our credit agreements and other debt financing agreements. This asset coverage ratio requirement and these covenants could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions to our stockholders that are necessary for us to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, and thus are unable to make sufficient distributions to our stockholders, we could fail to maintain our qualification for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes).

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The source-of-income requirement will be satisfied if at least 90% of our gross income for each year is derived from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities or foreign currencies, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities or foreign currencies.

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The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if, at the end of each quarter of our taxable year, at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other acceptable securities, and no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in (i) the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of one issuer, (ii) the securities (other than the securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (iii) the securities of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships.” Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our RIC status. Because most of our investments will be made in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.

If we fail to maintain our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC for any reason, and we do not qualify for certain relief provisions under the Code, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes). In this event, the resulting taxes and any resulting penalties could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of our income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions to our stockholders, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to raise additional capital, and the ways in which we can do so. Raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage, and may result in dilution to our current stockholders. The Investment Company Act limits our ability to borrow amounts or issue debt securities or preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” to amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined under the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% immediately after such borrowing or issuance if certain requirements are met, rather than 200%, as previously required and as described below. Consequently, if the value of our assets declines, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when this may be disadvantageous to us and, as a result, our stockholders. The Small Business Credit Availability Act modified the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act to reduce the required asset coverage ratio applicable to BDCs to 150%, subject to certain approval and disclosure requirements. Under this legislation, BDCs are able to increase their leverage capacity if stockholders approve a proposal to do so. Prior to the commencement of the private offering of the Shares, our Board and our initial member approved a proposal to apply to us the modified asset coverage requirement of 150% set forth in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act to us.

Shares of our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, are another form of leverage and rank “senior” to our common stock in our capital structure. Preferred stockholders will have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders, and the issuance of preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our common stockholders. Holders of our common stock will directly or indirectly bear all of the costs associated with offering and servicing any preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, that we issue. In addition, any interests of preferred stockholders may not necessarily align with the interests of holders of our common stock and the rights of holders of shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, to receive distributions would be senior to those of holders of shares of common stock. Other than our Series A Preferred Stock, which was issued on April 6, 2023, we do not anticipate issuing any additional series of preferred stock in the next 12 months.

We are generally not able to issue and sell our common stock at a price per share below NAV per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current NAV per share of our common stock (i) with the consent of a majority of our common stockholders (and a majority of our common stockholders who are not affiliates of ours), and (ii) if, among other things, a majority of our Independent Directors and a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the transaction determine that a sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders.

We will incur significant costs as a result of being subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act.

We will incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other rules implemented by the SEC, once this Registration Statement on Form 10 becomes effective. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, which requires significant resources and management oversight. See “Item 1. Business—Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.” We will implement procedures, processes, policies and practices for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. These activities may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We expect to incur significant annual expenses related to these steps and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, additional administrative expenses payable to our Administrator to compensate it for hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses associated with being subject to these reporting requirements.

The systems and resources necessary to comply with public company reporting requirements will increase further once we cease to be an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. As long as we remain an emerging growth company we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public reporting companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act involve significant expenditures, and noncompliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may adversely affect us.

While we will not be required to comply with certain requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act until we have been subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for a specified period of time or cease to be classified as an emerging growth company, under current SEC rules, we will be required to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act starting with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Thereafter, we will be required to review on an annual basis our internal control over financial reporting, and on a quarterly and annual basis to evaluate and disclose changes in our internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, our internal control over financial reporting does not currently meet all of the standards contemplated by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that we will eventually be required to meet. We will establish formal procedures, policies, processes and practices related to financial reporting and to the identification of key financial reporting risks, assessment of their potential impact and linkage of those risks to specific areas and activities within our organization.

Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the date on which we are a “large accelerated filer” or an “accelerated filer” or the date we are no longer classified as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act. Because we do not currently have comprehensive documentation of our internal control and have not yet tested our internal control in accordance with Section 404, we cannot conclude, as required by Section 404, that we do not have a material weakness in our internal control or a combination of significant deficiencies that could result in the conclusion that we have a material weakness in our internal control. As a public reporting company under the Exchange Act, we will be required to complete our initial assessment in a timely manner. If we are not able to implement the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, our operations, financial reporting or financial results could be adversely affected. Matters impacting our internal control may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC.

Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations, or any failure by us or our portfolio companies to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our or our portfolio companies’ business practices, negatively impact our or our portfolio companies’ operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies.

We and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation at the local, state, federal and, in some cases, foreign levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, are likely to change from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, or newly enacted laws or regulations, or any failure by us or our portfolio companies to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our or our portfolio companies’ business practices, negatively impact our or our portfolio companies’ operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. In addition to the legal, tax and regulatory changes that are expected to occur, there may be unanticipated changes and uncertainty regarding any such changes. The legal, tax and regulatory environment for BDCs, investment advisers and the instruments that they utilize (including derivative instruments) is continuously evolving. In addition, there is significant uncertainty regarding certain legislation and the regulations that have been adopted (and future regulations that will need to be adopted pursuant to such legislation) and, consequently, the full impact that such legislation will ultimately have on us and the markets in which we trade and invest is not fully known. Such uncertainty and any resulting confusion may itself be detrimental to the efficient functioning of the markets and the success of certain investment strategies.

Legislative and regulatory proposals directed at the financial services industry that are proposed or pending in the U.S. Congress may negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us and our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us and our portfolio companies, intensify the regulatory supervision of us and our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies.

Over the last several years, there also has been an increase in regulatory attention to the extension of credit outside of the traditional banking sector, raising the possibility that some portion of the non-bank financial sector will be subject to new regulation. While we do not know whether any such regulation will be implemented or what form it would take, increased regulation of non-bank credit extension would negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business.

We may be materially affected by market, economic and political conditions globally and in the jurisdictions and sectors in which we invest or operate, including economic outlook, factors affecting interest rates, the availability of credit, currency exchange rates and trade barriers. Recent populist and anti-globalization movements, particularly in the United States, may result in material changes in economic trade and immigration policies, all of which could lead to significant disruption of global markets and could have adverse consequences for our investments.

We cannot predict how new tax legislation will affect us, our investments, or our stockholders, and any such legislation could adversely affect our business.

Legislative or other actions relating to taxes could have a negative effect on us. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury Department. Congress has recently enacted significant changes to the existing U.S. tax rules. The likelihood of any new legislation being enacted in the future is uncertain, but new legislation and any U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting such legislation could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to us and our stockholders of such qualification and could have other adverse consequences. Stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisor regarding tax legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our Shares.

Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.

As a BDC, we are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of a majority of our Independent Directors who have no financial interest in the transaction, or in some cases, the prior approval of the SEC. For example, any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is deemed our affiliate for purposes of the Investment Company Act. If this is the only reason such person is our affiliate, we are generally prohibited from buying any asset from, or selling any asset (other than our capital stock) to, such affiliate, absent the prior approval of such directors. The Investment Company Act also prohibits “joint” transactions with an affiliate, which could include joint investments in the same portfolio company, without approval of our Independent Directors or in some cases the prior approval of the SEC. Moreover, except in certain limited circumstances, we are prohibited from buying any asset from or selling any asset to a holder of more than 25% of our voting securities, absent prior approval of the SEC. The analysis of whether a particular transaction constitutes a joint transaction requires a review of the relevant facts and circumstances then existing.

In certain circumstances, we and other Accounts (which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs) can make negotiated co-investments pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. On November 16, 2022, the SEC granted the Relief to the Investment Adviser, the BDCs advised by the Investment Adviser and certain other affiliated applicants. Additionally, if our Investment Adviser forms other funds in the future, we may co-invest alongside such other affiliates, subject to compliance with the Relief, applicable regulations and regulatory guidance, as well as applicable allocation procedures. As a result of the Relief, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of other Accounts, including, in some cases, proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs.

Our activities may be limited as a result of potentially being deemed to be controlled by GS Group Inc., a bank holding company.

GS Group Inc. is a BHC under the BHCA and therefore subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve. In addition, GS Group Inc. is a FHC under the BHCA, which is a status available to BHCs that meet certain criteria. FHCs may engage in a broader range of activities than BHCs that are not FHCs. However, the activities of FHCs and their affiliates remain subject to certain restrictions imposed by the BHCA and related regulations. Because GS Group Inc. may be deemed to “control” us within the meaning of the BHCA, these restrictions could apply to us as well. Accordingly, the BHCA and other applicable banking laws, rules, regulations and guidelines, and their interpretation and administration by the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, may restrict our investments, transactions and operations and may restrict the transactions and relationships between our Investment Adviser, GS Group Inc. and their respective affiliates, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand. For example, the BHCA regulations applicable to GS Group Inc. and to us may restrict our ability to make certain investments or the size of certain investments, impose a maximum holding period on some or all of our investments and restrict our and our Investment Adviser’s ability to participate in the management and operations of the companies in which we invest. In addition, certain BHCA regulations may require aggregation of the positions owned, held or controlled by related entities. Thus, in certain circumstances, positions held by GS Group Inc. and its affiliates (including our Investment Adviser) for client and proprietary accounts may need to be aggregated with positions held by us. In this case, where BHCA regulations impose a cap on the amount of a position that may be held, GS Group Inc. may utilize available capacity to make investments for its proprietary accounts or for the accounts of other clients, which may require us to limit and/or liquidate certain investments.

These restrictions may materially adversely affect us by affecting our Investment Adviser’s ability to pursue certain strategies within our investment program or trade in certain securities. In addition, GS Group Inc. may cease in the future to qualify as an FHC, which may subject us to additional restrictions. Moreover, we can offer no assurance that the bank regulatory requirements applicable to GS Group Inc. and us, or the interpretation thereof, will not change, or that any such change will not have a material adverse effect on us.

GS Group Inc. may in the future, in its sole discretion and without notice to investors, engage in activities impacting us and/or our Investment Adviser in order to comply with the BHCA or other legal requirements applicable to, or reduce or eliminate the impact or applicability of any bank regulations or other restrictions on, GS Group Inc., us or other accounts managed by our Investment Adviser and its affiliates. GS Group Inc. may seek to accomplish this result by causing Goldman Sachs Asset Management to resign as our Investment Adviser, voting for changes to our Board of Directors, causing Goldman Sachs personnel to resign from our Board of Directors, reducing the amount of GS Group Inc.’s investment in us (if any), revoking our right to use the Goldman Sachs name or any combination of the foregoing, or by such other means as it determines in its sole discretion. Any replacement investment adviser appointed by us may be unaffiliated with Goldman Sachs.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission rules may have a negative impact on us and our Investment Adviser.

The CFTC and the SEC have issued final rules establishing that certain swap transactions are subject to CFTC regulation. Engaging in such swap or other commodity interest transactions such as futures contracts or options on futures contracts may cause us to fall within the definition of “commodity pool” under the Commodity Exchange Act and related CFTC regulations. Our Investment Adviser has claimed relief from CFTC registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator pursuant to CFTC Rule 4.5 with respect to our operations, with the result that we will be limited in our ability to use futures contracts or options on futures contracts or engage in swap transactions. Specifically, CFTC Rule 4.5 imposes strict limitations on using such derivatives other than for hedging purposes, whereby the use of derivatives not used solely for hedging purposes is generally limited to situations where (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions does not exceed five percent of the liquidation value of our portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts it has entered into; or (ii) the aggregate net notional value of such derivatives does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of our portfolio. Moreover, we anticipate entering into transactions involving such derivatives to a very limited extent solely for hedging purposes or otherwise within the limitations of CFTC Rule 4.5.

Our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.

In August 2022, Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, regarding the ability of a BDC (or a registered investment company) to use derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (including reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions), became effective. Under the newly adopted rule, BDCs that make significant use of derivatives are subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, a derivatives risk management program, testing requirements, and requirements related to board reporting. These new requirements will apply unless the BDC qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the rule. Under the new rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. Under the final rule, when we trade reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, we need to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., bank borrowings, if applicable) when calculating our asset coverage ratio. Collectively, these requirements may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts.

Certain investors are limited in their ability to make significant investments in us.

Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” either pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act and certain other unregistered investment companies are restricted from acquiring directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock other than in accordance with the Investment Company Act (measured at the time of the acquisition, including through conversion of convertible securities). Investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act and BDCs are also subject to this restriction as well as other regulatory limitations that restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. As a result, certain investors may be precluded from acquiring additional shares at a time that they might desire to do so.

We are subject to risks related to being an “emerging growth company”.

We are and we will remain an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act until the earliest of: (1) the last date of the fiscal year during which we had total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more; (2) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt; (3) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined under Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act; or (4) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the first sale of our common equity securities pursuant to an effective Securities Act registration statement. For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company,” we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public reporting companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares less attractive because we will rely on some or all of these exemptions. If some investors find our shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our shares and our share price may be more volatile.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the 1933 Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We will take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, which may make it more difficult for investors and securities analysts to evaluate us since our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates and may result in less investor confidence.

We are subject to risks arising from compliance with Regulation Best Interest.

Broker-dealers must comply with Regulation Best Interest, which, among other requirements, enhances the existing standard of conduct for broker-dealers and natural persons who are associated persons of a broker-dealer when recommending to a retail customer any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities to a retail customer. Regulation Best Interest imposes a duty of care for broker-dealers to evaluate reasonably available alternatives in the best interests of their clients. There are likely alternatives to us that are reasonably available to you, through your broker or otherwise, and those alternatives may be less costly or have a lower investment risk. Among other alternatives, listed BDCs may be reasonable alternatives to an investment in our common stock, and may feature characteristics like lower cost, less complexity, and lesser or different risks. Investments in listed securities also often involve nominal or zero commissions at the time of initial purchase. The impact of Regulation Best Interest on broker-dealers participating in our offering cannot be determined at this time, but it may negatively impact whether broker-dealers and their associated persons recommend the private offering of Shares to retail customers. If Regulation Best Interest reduces our ability to raise capital in the private offering of the Shares, it would harm our ability to create a diversified portfolio of investments and achieve our investment objective and would result in our fixed operating costs representing a larger percentage of our gross income.

Risks Relating to Competition

We depend upon management personnel of our Investment Adviser for our future success.

We do not have any employees. We depend on the experience, diligence, skill and network of business contacts of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit, together with other investment professionals that our Investment Adviser currently retains or may subsequently retain, to identify, evaluate, negotiate, structure, close, monitor and manage our investments. Our future success will depend to a significant extent on the continued service and coordination of our Investment Adviser’s senior investment professionals. The departure of any of our Investment Adviser’s key personnel, including members of the Private Credit Investment Committee, or of a significant number of the investment professionals of our Investment Adviser, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure stockholders that our Investment Adviser will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to our Investment Adviser or its investment professionals. See “—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Our Investment Adviser can resign on 120 days’ notice. We may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.”

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities.

A number of entities, including the Accounts and other entities, compete with us to make the types of investments that we make. We compete with other BDCs, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), private funds, including hedge funds, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Many of our competitors are more experienced, substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and/or access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Certain of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on us as a BDC and that the Code imposes on us as a RIC. Additionally, an investment opportunity may be appropriate for one or more of us and other Accounts or any other entities managed by our Investment Adviser, and co-investment may not be possible. In such circumstances, the Investment Adviser will adhere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine the Accounts to which to allocate investment opportunities. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to secure attractive investment opportunities from time to time.

We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer, and the Investment Adviser believes that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. Rather, we believe our competitive strengths include: (i) the positioning of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit within Goldman Sachs, given its associated relationship, sourcing and expertise advantages; (ii) Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s experience and breadth as an investor; (iii) Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s experienced team and history of investment performance; (iv) Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s depth, breadth and duration of relationships with financial sponsors, companies, borrowers and other industry participants; and (v) the alignment of interest between the Fund and the Goldman Sachs private credit platform through side-by-side investments alongside institutional and retail-focused private credit Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs. For a further discussion of our competitive strengths, see “Item 1. Business—Competition.”

We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. If we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit loss. As a result of operating in such a competitive environment, we may make investments that are on less favorable terms than what we may have originally anticipated, which may impact our return on these investments. We cannot assure investors that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Operations

We are dependent on information systems, and systems failures, as well as operating failures, could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

Our business is dependent on our Investment Adviser’s and third parties’ communications and information systems. Any failure or interruption of those systems, including as a result of the termination of the Investment Management Agreement or an agreement with any third-party service providers, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our business. There could be:

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sudden electrical or telecommunications outages;

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natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes;

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disease pandemics;

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events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts and acts of war; and/or

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cyber incidents.

In addition to our dependence on information systems, poor operating performance by our service providers could adversely impact us.

These events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our securities and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies by causing a disruption to our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or the confidential information of our portfolio companies and/or damage to our business relationships or the business relationships of our portfolio companies, all of which could negatively impact the business, financial condition and operating results of us or our portfolio companies.

Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents have been occurring globally at a more frequent and severe level, and will likely continue to increase in frequency in the future. The occurrence of a disaster, such as a cyber incident against us, any of our portfolio companies, or against a third-party that has access to our data or networks, a natural catastrophe, an industrial accident, failure of our disaster recovery systems, or consequential employee error, could have an adverse effect on our ability to communicate or conduct business, negatively impacting our operations and financial condition. This adverse effect can become particularly acute if those events affect our electronic data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems, or impact the availability, integrity, or confidentiality of our data.

We depend, and our portfolio companies may depend, heavily upon computer systems to perform necessary business functions. Despite the implementation of a variety of security measures, computer systems, networks, and data, like those of other companies, could be subject to cyber incidents and unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction, such as from physical and electronic break-ins or unauthorized tampering. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary, and other information processed, stored in, and transmitted through our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in financial losses, litigation, regulatory penalties, client dissatisfaction or loss, reputational damage, and increased costs associated with mitigation of damages and remediation.

Third-party service providers with which we do business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risk. We outsource certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of our information, as well as client, counterparty, employee, and borrower information. While we engage in actions to reduce our exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure, destruction, or other cybersecurity incidents that adversely affects our data, resulting in increased costs and other consequences as described above.

Moreover, the increased use of mobile and cloud technologies due to the proliferation of remote work resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could heighten these and other operational risks as certain aspects of the security of such technologies may be complex and unpredictable. Reliance on mobile or cloud technology or any failure by mobile technology and cloud service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and prevent cyber incidents could disrupt our operations, the operations of a portfolio company or the operations of our or their service providers and result in misappropriation, corruption or loss of personal, confidential or proprietary information or the inability to conduct ordinary business operations. In addition, there is a risk that encryption and other protective measures may be circumvented, particularly to the extent that new computing technologies increase the speed and computing power available. Extended periods of remote working, whether by us, our portfolio companies, or our service providers, could strain technology resources, introduce operational risks and otherwise heighten the risks described above. Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts. Accordingly, the risks described above, are heightened under the current conditions.

Goldman Sachs and these third-party service providers have implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber incident, do not guarantee that a cyber incident will not occur and/or that our financial results, operations or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.

In addition, cybersecurity has become a top priority for lawmakers and regulators around the world, and some jurisdictions have proposed or enacted laws requiring companies to notify regulators and individuals of data security breaches involving certain types of personal data. Compliance with such laws and regulations may result in cost increases due to system changes and the development of new administrative processes. If we or our Investment Adviser or certain of its affiliates, fail to comply with the relevant and increasing laws and regulations, we could suffer financial losses, a disruption of our businesses, liability to investors, regulatory intervention or reputational damage.

Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure

We are a new company with a limited operating history, and as a result, we have minimal financial information on which to evaluate an investment in us or our prior performance. Stockholders must rely on us to implement our investment policies, to evaluate all of our investment opportunities and to structure the terms of our investments rather than evaluating our investments in advance of purchasing Shares. Because stockholders are not able to thoroughly evaluate our investments in advance of purchasing our Shares, the private offering of Shares may entail more risk than other types of offerings. This additional risk may hinder the ability of our investors to achieve their own personal investment objectives related to portfolio diversification, risk-adjusted investment returns and other objectives. Additionally, the results of any other Accounts that have or have had an investment program which is similar to, or different from, our investment program are not indicative of the results that we may achieve. We expect to have a different investment portfolio from other Accounts, although as a result of the Relief, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of other Accounts (which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs). Accordingly, our results may differ from and are independent of the results obtained by such other Accounts. Moreover, past performance is no assurance of future returns.

We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective and that the value of a stockholder’s investment could decline substantially or could become worthless. We anticipate that it could take some time to invest substantially all of the capital we expect to raise due to market conditions generally and the time necessary to identify, evaluate, structure, negotiate and close suitable investments. In order to comply with the RIC diversification requirements during the startup period, we may invest proceeds in temporary investments, such as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the time of investment, which we expect will earn yields substantially lower than the interest, dividend or other income that we seek to receive in respect of suitable portfolio investments. We may not be able to pay any significant distributions during this period, and any such distributions may be substantially lower than the distributions we expect to pay when our portfolio is fully invested. We will pay a Management Fee to our Investment Adviser throughout this interim period irrespective of our performance. If the Management Fee and our other expenses exceed the return on the temporary investments, our equity capital will be eroded.

Global economic, political and market conditions may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our revenue growth and profitability.

The current worldwide financial market situation, as well as various social and political tensions in the United States and around the world, have contributed and may continue to contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets, and may cause economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. We monitor developments and seek to manage our investments in a manner consistent with achieving our investment objective, but we can offer no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.

Our business is directly influenced by the economic cycle, and could be negatively impacted by a downturn in economic activity in the United States as well as globally. Fiscal and monetary actions taken by United States and non-U.S. government and regulatory authorities could have a material adverse impact on our business. To the extent uncertainty regarding the U.S. or global economy negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Moreover, Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, along with the general policies of the current Presidential administration, may also adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. These conditions, government actions and future developments may cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may adversely affect our ability to access debt financing on favorable terms and may increase the interest costs of our borrowers, hampering their ability to repay us. Continued or future adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate or inflation, do not progress at a rate consistent with the Federal Reserve’s objectives, the target range for the federal funds rate may increase and cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms and may also increase the costs of our borrowers, hampering their ability to repay us. In addition, in 2022, the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates and has indicated additional interest rate increases may come.

Legislation may be adopted that could significantly affect the regulation of U.S. financial markets. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal include the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and the authority of the Federal Reserve and the Financial Stability Oversight Council. These or other regulatory changes could result in greater competition from banks and other lenders with which we compete for lending and other investment opportunities. The United States may also potentially withdraw from or renegotiate various trade agreements and take other actions that would change current trade policies of the United States. We cannot predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the financial stability of the United States. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our Investment Adviser, its principals, investment professionals and employees and the members of its Private Credit Investment Committee may have certain conflicts of interest.

Our Investment Adviser, its principals, affiliates, investment professionals and employees, the members of its Private Credit Investment Committee and our officers and directors serve and may serve in the future as investment advisers, officers, directors, principals of, or in other capacities with respect to, public or private entities (including other BDCs and other investment funds) that operate in the same or a related line of business as us. Certain of these individuals could have obligations to investors in other Accounts, the fulfillment of which is not in our best interests or the best interests of our stockholders, and we expect that investment opportunities will satisfy the investment criteria for both us and such other Accounts. In addition, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and its affiliates also manage other accounts, and expect to manage other vehicles or accounts in the future, that have investment mandates that are similar, in whole or in part, to ours and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, the Investment Adviser and/or its affiliates may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and such other entities. The fact that our investment advisory fees may be lower than those of certain other funds advised by Goldman Sachs Asset Management could result in this conflict of interest affecting us adversely relative to such other funds.

Subject to applicable law, we may invest alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts.

As a result of the Relief, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of other Accounts, including, in some cases, proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs. In such circumstances, the Investment Adviser will adhere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine the Accounts to which to allocate investment opportunities. If we are unable to rely on the Relief for a particular opportunity, when our Investment Adviser identifies certain investments, it will be required to determine which Accounts should make the investment at the potential exclusion of other Accounts. Accordingly, it is possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by other Accounts. See “—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.”

Goldman Sachs’s financial and other interests may incentivize our Investment Adviser to favor other Accounts.

Our Investment Adviser receives performance-based compensation in respect of its investment management activities on our behalf, which rewards our Investment Adviser for positive performance of our investment portfolio. As a result, our Investment Adviser may make investments for us that present a greater potential for return but also a greater risk of loss or that are more speculative than would be the case in the absence of performance-based compensation. In addition, the Investment Adviser may simultaneously manage other Accounts for which the Investment Adviser may be entitled to receive greater fees or other compensation (as a percentage of performance or otherwise) than it receives in respect of us. In addition, subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs may invest in other Accounts, and such investments may constitute all or substantial percentages of such other Accounts’ outstanding equity interests. Therefore, the Investment Adviser may have an incentive to favor such other Accounts over us. To address these types of conflicts, the Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures under which investment opportunities will be allocated in a manner that it believes is consistent with its obligations as an investment adviser. However, the amount, timing, structuring or terms of an investment by us may differ from, and performance may be different from, the investments and performance of other Accounts.

Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our Investment Adviser’s ability to manage our future growth effectively.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our Investment Adviser’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the structuring of our investment process and the ability of our Investment Adviser to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us. Our executive officers and the members of the Private Credit Investment Committee have substantial responsibilities in connection with their roles at our Investment Adviser, with the Accounts, as well as responsibilities under the Investment Management Agreement. We may also be called upon to provide significant managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order to grow, our Investment Adviser may need to hire, train, supervise, manage and retain new employees. However, we cannot assure investors that they will be able to do so effectively. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to grow depends on our access to adequate capital.

If we do not have adequate capital available for investment, our performance could be adversely affected. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated as a RIC, and we intend to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC annually thereafter. To qualify, and to maintain our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC, among other requirements, we are required to timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for each taxable year. Consequently, such distributions will not be available to fund new investments. We expect to use debt financing and issue additional securities to fund our growth, if any. Unfavorable economic or capital market conditions may increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. An inability to successfully access the capital markets could limit our ability to grow our business and fully execute our business strategy and could decrease our earnings, if any.

We may borrow money, which may magnify the potential for gain or loss and may increase the risk of investing in us.

As part of our business strategy, we may borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders or investors. Holders of these senior securities or other credit facilities will have claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause NAV to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have if we did not employ leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders. In addition, we would have to service any additional debt that we incur, including interest expense on debt and dividends on preferred stock that we may issue, as well as the fees and costs related to the entry into or amendments to debt facilities. These expenses (which may be higher than the expenses on our current borrowings due to the rising interest rate environment) would decrease net investment income, and our ability to pay such expenses will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. Additionally, we will be able to incur additional leverage if we are able to obtain exemptive relief from the SEC to exclude the debt of any small business investment company (“SBIC”) subsidiary we may form in the future from the leverage requirements otherwise applicable to BDCs. We have not yet applied to the Small Business Administration for approval to form a SBIC and may decide not to do so. We can offer no assurances as to whether or when we may form a SBIC subsidiary.

In addition to having claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, any obligations to the lenders will be secured by a first priority security interest in our portfolio of investments and cash. In the case of a liquidation event, those lenders would receive proceeds to the extent of their security interest before any distributions are made to our stockholders.

We may be unable to obtain our desired leverage, which would, in turn, affect a stockholder’s return on investment.

The Investment Adviser faces conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.

The Investment Adviser receives substantial fees from us in return for its services, and these fees could influence the advice provided to us. We pay to the Investment Adviser the Incentive Fee that is based on the performance of our portfolio and the Management Fee that is based on the value of our net assets as of the beginning of the first business day of the month. Because the Incentive Fee is based on the performance of our portfolio, the Investment Adviser may be incentivized to make investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in which the Incentive Fee is determined may also encourage the Investment Adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. The Management Fee is payable even in the event the value of your investment declines. Our compensation arrangements could therefore result in our making riskier or more speculative investments than would otherwise be the case. This could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns.

We may be obligated to pay the Investment Adviser incentive compensation even if we incur a net loss due to a decline in the value of our portfolio.

Our Investment Management Agreement entitles the Investment Adviser to receive Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns regardless of any capital losses. In such case, we may be required to pay the Investment Adviser incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or if we incur a net loss for that quarter.

In addition, any Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns may be computed and paid on income that may include interest that has been accrued but not yet received. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously included in the calculation of the Incentive Fee will become uncollectible. The Investment Adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the Incentive Fee it received that was based on accrued income that we never received as a result of a default by an entity on the obligation that resulted in the accrual of such income, and such circumstances would result in our paying an incentive fee on income we never received. In addition, as leverage generally would magnify positive returns, if any, on our portfolio, the use of leverage may cause our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Returns to exceed the quarterly hurdle rate for the Incentive Fee on income payable to our Investment Adviser at a lower average return on our portfolio.

Potential conflicts of interest with other businesses of Goldman Sachs could impact our investment returns.

There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could negatively impact our investment returns. A number of these potential conflicts of interest with affiliates of our Investment Adviser and GS Group Inc. are discussed in more detail elsewhere in this Registration Statement.

GS Group Inc. is a publicly held FHC and a leading global financial institution that provides investment banking, securities and investment management services to a diversified client base, including companies and high-net-worth individuals, among others. As such, it acts as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, financier, adviser, market maker, trader, prime broker, derivatives dealer, lender, counterparty, agent and principal. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs and its affiliates advise clients in all markets and transactions and purchase, sell, hold and recommend a broad array of investments, including securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, indices, baskets and other financial instruments and products for its own accounts or for the accounts of their customers, and have other direct and indirect interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity, bank loans and other markets in which we invest or may invest. Such additional businesses and interests will likely give rise to potential conflicts of interest and may restrict the way we operate our business. For example, (1) we may not be able to conduct transactions relating to investments in portfolio companies because our Investment Adviser is not permitted to obtain or use material nonpublic information in effecting purchases and sales in public securities transactions for us or (2) Goldman Sachs, the clients it advises, and its personnel may engage (or consider engaging) in commercial arrangements or transactions with us (subject to any limitations under the law), and/or may compete for commercial arrangements or transactions in the same types of companies, assets, securities or other assets or instruments as us. Transactions by, advice to and activities of such accounts (including potentially Goldman Sachs acting on a proprietary basis), may involve the same or related companies, securities or other assets or instruments as those in which we invest and may negatively affect us (including our ability to engage in a transaction or other activities) or the prices or terms at which our transactions or other activities may be affected. For example, Goldman Sachs may be engaged to provide advice to an account that is considering entering into a transaction with us, and Goldman Sachs may advise the account not to pursue the transaction with us, or otherwise in connection with a potential transaction provide advice to the account that would be adverse to us. See “—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Our Investment Adviser, its principals, investment professionals and employees and the members of its Private Credit Investment Committee may have certain conflicts of interest” and “—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.”

In addition, subject to applicable law, GS & Co. may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, including the limitations set forth in Section 57(k) of the Investment Company Act, receive compensation from us or from the borrowers if we make any investments based on opportunities that such employees or personnel of GS & Co. have referred to us. Such compensation might incentivize GS & Co. or its employees or personnel to refer opportunities or to recommend investments that might otherwise be unsuitable for us. Further, any such compensation paid by us, or paid by the borrower (to which we would otherwise have been entitled) in connection with such investments, may negatively impact our returns. Furthermore, Goldman Sachs is currently, and in the future expects to be, raising capital for new public and private investment vehicles that have, or when formed will have, the primary purpose of directly originating senior secured corporate credit. These investment vehicles, as well as existing investment vehicles (including other Accounts), will compete with us for investments. Although our Investment Adviser and its affiliates will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities among its clients, including us, in a fair and equitable manner and consistent with applicable allocation procedures, it is expected that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by other Accounts or that we may participate in such investments to a lesser extent due to participation by such other Accounts.

In addition, Goldman Sachs or another investment account or vehicle managed or controlled by Goldman Sachs or another client of the Investment Adviser may hold securities, loans or other instruments of a portfolio company in a different class or a different part of the capital structure than securities, loans or other instruments of such portfolio company held by us. As a result, Goldman Sachs or such other investment account or vehicle or such other client of the Investment Adviser may pursue or enforce rights or activities, or refrain from pursuing or enforcing rights or activities, on behalf of its own account, that could have an adverse effect on us. In addition, to the extent Goldman Sachs has invested in a portfolio company for its own account, Goldman Sachs may limit the transactions engaged in by us with respect to such portfolio company or issuer for reputational, legal, regulatory or other reasons.

Stockholders should note the matters discussed in “—Legal and Regulatory—Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.”

Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to modify or waive certain of our operating policies and strategies without prior notice (except as required by the Investment Company Act or other applicable laws) and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and market price of our securities. Nevertheless, the effects may adversely affect our business and impact our ability to make distributions or make payments with respect to our indebtedness.

Our Investment Adviser can resign on 120 days’ notice. We may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

Our Investment Adviser has the right, under the Investment Management Agreement, to resign at any time upon 120 days’ written notice, regardless of whether we have found a replacement. If our Investment Adviser resigns, we may not be able to find a new external investment adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 120 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected, and the market price of our securities may decline.

Our Investment Adviser’s responsibilities and its liability to us are limited under the Investment Management Agreement, which may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Our Investment Adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the Investment Management Agreement, and it will not be responsible for any action of our Board of Directors in declining to follow our Investment Adviser’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, our Investment Adviser and its directors, members, stockholders, partners, officers, employees or controlling persons will not be liable to us for its acts under the Investment Management Agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Investment Management Agreement. These protections may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “—The Investment Adviser faces conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.”

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including interest rates payable on debt investments we make, default rates on such investments, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in certain markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods or the full fiscal year.

We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility.

Our business faces increasing public scrutiny related to ESG activities, which are increasingly considered to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a company’s performance. A variety of organizations measure the performance of companies on ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized. In addition, investment in funds that specialize in companies that perform well in such assessments are increasingly popular, and major institutional investors have publicly emphasized the importance of such ESG measures to their investment decisions.

Our brand and reputation may be negatively impacted if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as considering ESG factors in our investment processes. Adverse incidents with respect to ESG activities could impact the value of our brand and our relationships with investors, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Additionally, new regulatory initiatives related to ESG could adversely affect our business. The SEC has proposed rules that, in addition to other matters, would establish a framework for reporting of climate-related risks. For example, the SEC has announced that it may require disclosure of certain ESG-related matters. There is a risk that a significant reorientation in the market following the implementation of these and further measures could be adverse to our portfolio companies if they are perceived to be less valuable as a consequence of, for example, their carbon footprint or “greenwashing” (i.e., the holding out of a product as having green or sustainable characteristics where this is not, in fact, the case). We are, and our portfolio companies may be, or could in the future become subject to the risk that similar measures might be introduced in other jurisdictions in the future. At this time, there is uncertainty regarding the scope of such proposals or when they would become effective (if at all). Compliance with any new laws or regulations increases our regulatory burden and could make compliance more difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we or our portfolio companies conduct our businesses and adversely affect our profitability.

Risks Relating to Our Investments

Our investments will be very risky and highly speculative.

We expect the Fund to hold primarily directly originated, first lien senior secured, floating rate debt of companies located primarily in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in non-US jurisdictions. The Fund may also invest to a lesser extent in second lien loans, unsecured, subordinated or PIK debt and equity and equity-like instruments. Our debt investments may be rated by an NRSRO, and, in such case, generally will carry a rating below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services). We may also invest in debt instruments that are not rated by an NRSRO, though we expect that our unrated debt investments will generally have credit quality consistent with below investment grade instruments. These securities, which may be referred to as “junk bonds,” “high yield bonds” or “leveraged loans,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. These securities are subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated and comparable non-rated securities. They are also generally considered to be subject to greater risk than securities with higher ratings or comparable non-rated securities in the case of deterioration of general economic conditions. Because investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with lower-rated and comparable non-rated securities, the yields and prices of such securities may be more volatile than those for higher-rated and comparable non-rated securities. The market for lower-rated and comparable non-rated securities is thinner, often less liquid and less active than that for higher-rated or comparable non-rated securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which these securities can be sold and may even make it impractical to sell such securities.

In addition, we may also originate “covenant-lite” loans, which are loans with fewer financial maintenance covenants than other obligations, or no financial maintenance covenants. Such covenant-lite loans may not include terms that allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower or to declare a default if certain criteria are breached. These flexible covenants (or the absence of covenants) could permit borrowers to experience a significant downturn in their results of operations without triggering any default that would permit holders of their debt (such as the Fund) to accelerate indebtedness or negotiate terms and pricing. Accordingly, to the extent we invest in “covenant-lite” loans, we may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants. Therefore, our investments may result in an above-average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal. We also may invest in other assets, including U.S. government securities and structured securities. These investments entail additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns.

Secured Debt. When we make a secured debt investment, we generally take a security interest in the available assets of the portfolio company, including the equity interests of any subsidiaries, which we expect to help mitigate the risk that we will not be repaid. However, there is a risk that the collateral securing our debt investment may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital. In some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors, such as trade creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the debt investment. Consequently, the fact that our debt is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the debt investment’s terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan, in full or at all, should we enforce our remedies.

Unsecured Debt, including Mezzanine Debt. Our unsecured debt investments, including mezzanine debt investments, generally will be subordinated to senior debt in the event of an insolvency. This may result in an above average amount of risk and loss of principal.

Revolving Credit Facilities. We intend to acquire or originate revolving credit facilities from time to time in connection with our investments in other assets, which may result in the Fund holding unemployed funds, negatively impacting our returns.

Equity Investments. When we invest in secured debt or unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt, we may acquire equity securities from the company in which we make the investment. In addition, we may invest in the equity securities of portfolio companies independent of any debt investment. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we hold may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.

We will have exposure to credit risk and other risks related to credit investments.

Our investments will be subject to liquidity, market value, credit, interest rate and certain other risks. In addition, we cannot assure you that the Investment Adviser will correctly evaluate the nature and magnitude of the various factors that could affect the value and return of our investments. These risks could be exacerbated to the extent that the portfolio is concentrated in one or more particular types of investments or industry sectors or regions.

Prices of our investments may be volatile and may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors that are inherently difficult to predict, including changes in interest rates, prevailing credit spreads, general economic conditions, financial market conditions, domestic and international economic or political events, developments or trends in any particular industry, and the financial condition of the issuers or obligors of the investments. Investments that become non-performing, or defaulted loans or securities may become subject to a workout negotiation or restructuring. This may entail a substantial reduction in the interest rate, a substantial write-down of principal, and a substantial change in the terms, conditions and covenants of these investments. To the extent that defaulted investments are sold, it is unlikely that the sale proceeds will be equal to the amount of unpaid principal and interest thereon. In addition, we may incur additional expenses to the extent we are required to seek recovery upon a default or to participate in the restructuring of a non-performing or defaulted investment. We can offer no assurance as to the levels of defaults and / or recoveries that may be experienced on the investments.

Secured investments may also be subject to the risk that the security interests granted by the portfolio company obligors in the underlying collateral are not properly or fully perfected in favor of lenders (or their agents). Compounding these risks, the collateral securing the secured investments may be subject to casualty, impairment or devaluation risks.

Portfolio companies may also be permitted to issue additional indebtedness that would increase the overall leverage and fixed charges to which the portfolio companies are subject. Such additional indebtedness could have structural or contractual priority, either as to specific assets or generally, over the ranking of the investments held by us or could rank on a parity or seniority basis with respect to our investments. In the event of any default, restructuring or insolvency event of a portfolio company, we could be subordinated to, or be required to share on a ratable basis with, any recoveries in favor of the holders of such other or additional indebtedness. Our recoveries may be impaired as a result of the rights of holders of other indebtedness under any intercreditor agreement governing the relative rights of the indebtedness.

Our debt investments may also have no amortization and limited interim repayment requirements, which may increase the risk that a portfolio company will not be able to repay or refinance the debt investment when it comes due at its final stated maturity.

Inflation may adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.

Certain of our portfolio companies may be impacted by inflation, such as current inflation related to global supply chain disruptions. Recent inflationary pressures have increased the costs of labor, energy and raw materials and have adversely affected consumer spending, economic growth and our portfolio companies’ operations. Certain of our portfolio companies may be in industries that have been, or are expected to be, affected by inflation. If such portfolio companies are unable to pass any increases in their costs along to their customers, it could adversely affect their results and impact their ability to pay interest and principal on our loans. In addition, any projected future decreases in our portfolio companies’ operating results due to inflation could adversely impact the fair value of those investments. Any decreases in the fair value of our investments could result in unrealized losses and therefore reduce our net assets resulting from operations.

While the United States and other developed economies are experiencing higher-than-normal inflation rates, it remains uncertain whether substantial inflation will be sustained over an extended period of time or have a significant effect on the U.S. economy or other economies. Inflation may affect our investments adversely in a number of ways, including those noted above. During periods of rising inflation, interest and dividend rates of any instruments we or our portfolio companies may have issued could increase, which would tend to reduce returns to our investors. Inflationary expectations or periods of rising inflation could also be accompanied by the rising prices of commodities that are critical to the operation of portfolio companies as noted above. Portfolio companies may have fixed income streams and, therefore, be unable to pay their debts when they become due. The market value of such investments may decline in value in times of higher inflation rates. Some of our portfolio investments may have income linked to inflation through contractual rights or other means. However, as inflation may affect both income and expenses, any increase in income may not be sufficient to cover increases in expenses. Governmental efforts to curb inflation often have negative effects on the level of economic activity. In an attempt to stabilize inflation, certain countries have imposed wage and price controls at times. Past governmental efforts to curb inflation have also involved more drastic economic measures that have had a materially adverse effect on the level of economic activity in the countries where such measures were employed. We can offer no assurance that continued and more widespread inflation in the United States and/or other economies will not become a serious problem in the future and have a material adverse impact on us.

We will be exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment.

Debt investments that we make may be based on floating rates, such as SOFR (as defined below), LIBOR, the Euro Interbank Offered Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate. General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments, the value of our securities and our rate of return on invested capital. It is unclear how increased regulatory oversight and the future of LIBOR may affect market liquidity and the value of the financial obligations to be held by or issued to us that are linked to LIBOR, or how such changes could affect our investments and transactions and financial condition or results of operations. Historically, the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) was the basic rate of interest used in lending transactions between banks on the London interbank market and is widely used as a reference for setting the interest rate on loans globally. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority announced its intention to cease sustaining the LIBOR, by the end of 2021. As of January 1, 2023, US-dollar (“USD”) LIBOR is available in five settings (overnight, one-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month). The ICE Benchmark Administration has stated that it will cease to publish all remaining USD LIBOR settings immediately following their publication on June 30, 2023. Recently the ICE Benchmark Administration further announced that it will publish “synthetic” USD LIBOR rates until September 2024. It is not yet known how synthetic LIBOR will be incorporated into credit facilities, if at all.

In April 2018, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing its alternative rate, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The Bank of England followed suit in April 2018 by publishing its proposed alternative rate, the Sterling Overnight Index Average (“SONIA”). Each of SOFR and SONIA significantly differ from LIBOR in how each rate is calculated and potentially in the actual rate as well. Because we intend to borrow money, and may issue preferred stock to finance investments, our net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds or pay distributions on preferred stock and the rate that our investments yield. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income.

A reduction in the interest rates on new investments relative to interest rates on current investments could also have an adverse impact on our net interest income. However, an increase in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments we hold which earn fixed interest rates, including subordinated loans, senior and junior secured and unsecured debt securities and loans and high yield bonds, and also could increase our interest expense, thereby decreasing our net income. Also, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make an investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to increase our dividend rate, which could reduce the value of our common stock. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if such increases cause our borrowing costs to rise at a rate in excess of the rate that our investments yield.

In 2022, the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates and has indicated additional interest rate increases may come. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from our performance to the extent we are exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility. In periods of rising interest rates, such as the current interest rate environment, to the extent we borrow money subject to a floating interest rate, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if such increases cause our borrowing costs to rise at a rate in excess of the rate that our investments yield. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if we hold investments with floating interest rates, subject to specified minimum interest rates (such as a LIBOR or SOFR floor, as applicable), while at the same time engaging in borrowings subject to floating interest rates not subject to such minimums. In such a scenario, rising interest rates may increase our interest expense, even though our interest income from investments is not increasing in a corresponding manner as a result of such minimum interest rates.

If general interest rates continue to rise, there is a risk that the portfolio companies in which we hold floating rate securities will be unable to pay escalating interest amounts, which could result in a default under their loan documents with us. Rising interest rates could also cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults. In addition, rising interest rates may increase pressure on us to provide fixed rate loans to our portfolio companies, which could adversely affect our net investment income, as increases in our cost of borrowed funds would not be accompanied by increased interest income from such fixed-rate investments.

A change in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to a change in the interest rates we receive on many of our debt investments. Accordingly, a change in the interest rate could make it easier for us to meet or exceed the performance threshold in the Investment Management Agreement and may result in a substantial increase in the amount of incentive fees payable to our Investment Adviser with respect to the portion of the Incentive Fee based on income.

The majority of our investments are, and are expected to continue to be, in debt instruments that do not have readily ascertainable market prices. The fair value of assets that are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available will be determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Investment Adviser, as the valuation designee. As the valuation designee, the Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the valuation of our assets, subject to the oversight of the Board, in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act. As the valuation designee, the Investment Adviser utilizes the services of independent third-party valuation firms (“Independent Valuation Advisors”) engaged by us in determining the fair value of a portion of the securities in our portfolio. Investment professionals from our Investment Adviser will also recommend portfolio company valuations using sources and/or proprietary models depending on the availability of information on our assets and the type of asset being valued, all in accordance with our valuation policy. The participation of our Investment Adviser in our valuation process could result in a conflict of interest because our Investment Adviser is receiving a performance-based Incentive Fee.

In addition, the Investment Adviser may value an identical asset differently than Goldman Sachs, another division or unit within Goldman Sachs, or another Account values the asset, including because Goldman Sachs, or such other division, or unit, or Account has information or uses valuation techniques and models that it does not share with, or that are different from those of the Investment Adviser or from us. These valuation differences for the same asset can result in significant differences in the treatment of such asset by the Investment Adviser, Goldman Sachs, and other divisions or units of Goldman Sachs, and/or among Accounts (for example, with respect to an asset that is a loan, there can be differences when it is determined that such loan is deemed to be on nonaccrual status and/or in default). See “Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Potential Categories of Conflicts of Interest—Management of the Fund by the Investment Adviser—Valuation and Accounting Treatment of the Fund’s Investments.”

Because fair valuations, and particularly fair valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and are often based to a large extent on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information, it may be more difficult for investors to value accurately our investments and could lead to undervaluation or overvaluation of our common stock. In addition, the valuation of these types of securities may result in substantial write-downs and earnings volatility.

On December 3, 2020, the SEC announced that it adopted Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, which establishes an updated regulatory framework for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the Investment Company Act. The new rule clarifies how fund boards can satisfy their valuation obligations in light of recent market developments. The rule will permit boards, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions, to designate certain parties to perform the fair value determinations. The new rule went into effect on March 8, 2021 and had a compliance date of September 8, 2022. In accordance with this rule and as discussed above, our Board of Directors has designated our Investment Adviser as the valuation designee primarily responsible for the valuation of our assets, subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors, and we are in compliance with this rule.

Our NAV as of a particular date may be materially greater than or less than the value that would be realized if our assets were to be liquidated as of such date. For example, if we were required to sell a certain asset or all or a substantial portion of our assets on a particular date, the actual price that we would realize upon the disposition of such asset or assets could be materially less than the value of such asset or assets as reflected in our NAV. Volatile market conditions could also cause reduced liquidity in the market for certain assets, which could result in liquidation values that are materially less than the values of such assets as reflected in our NAV.

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

Various restrictions will render our investments relatively illiquid, which may adversely affect our business. As we will generally make investments in private companies, substantially all of these investments are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. Our Investment Adviser is not permitted to obtain or use material non-public information in effecting purchases and sales in public securities transactions for us, which could create an additional limitation on the liquidity of our investments. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. Therefore, if we are required to or desire to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments or could be unable to dispose of our investments in a timely manner or at such times as we deem advisable.

We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that we are not limited by the Investment Company Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer, excluding limitations on investments in certain other financial and investment companies. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers or industries, our NAV may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market’s assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. In addition, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment. Additionally, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could significantly affect our aggregate returns. Further, any industry in which we are meaningfully concentrated at any given time could be subject to significant risks that could adversely impact our aggregate returns.

We may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.

We will not generally hold controlling equity positions in our portfolio companies. While we are obligated as a BDC to offer to make managerial assistance available to our portfolio companies, we can offer no assurance that management personnel of our portfolio companies will accept or rely on such assistance. To the extent that we do not hold a controlling equity interest in a portfolio company, we are subject to the risk that such portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and the stockholders and management of such portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity for the debt and equity investments that we may hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.

In addition, we may not be in a position to control any portfolio company by investing in its debt securities. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors.

We may be subject to risks arising from mezzanine debt investments.

Mezzanine debt investments are typically junior in right of payment or by reason of being unsecured or secured on a junior lien basis to the obligations of the entity to senior or senior secured lenders. Mezzanine debt may also be issued by holding companies or by operating companies with subsidiaries that are not guarantors, in which case, such mezzanine debt would be effectively subordinated to all obligations of non-guarantor subsidiaries of any such operating company, including trade creditors and employees. Further, the enforceability or effectiveness of guarantees by subsidiaries of indebtedness of issuers of mezzanine debt may be limited by applicable laws. If a portfolio company defaults on our investment or debt senior to our investment, or in the event of a portfolio company bankruptcy, our mezzanine security may be satisfied only after the senior debt is paid in full. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment, which could result in losses.

Mezzanine debt generally will be subject to the prior repayment of different classes of senior debt that may be “layered” ahead of the debt held by us by reason of being senior in right of payment or secured or secured on a senior basis or issued by subsidiaries of the portfolio company that are not guarantors. In the event of financial difficulty on the part of a portfolio company, such class or classes of senior indebtedness ranking prior to the debt investment held by us, and interest thereon and related expenses, generally must first be repaid in full before any recovery may be had on our mezzanine debt investment. Mezzanine debt investments are characterized by greater credit risks than those associated with the most senior obligations of the same borrower, in particular where those senior obligations are secured. In addition, under certain circumstances the holders of the senior indebtedness will have the right to block the payment of interest and principal on our investment and to prevent us from pursuing remedies on account of such non-payment against the company. Further, in the event of any debt restructuring or workout of the indebtedness of any company, the holders of the senior indebtedness may often exert significant control over the outcome of the creditor side of such negotiations.

Mezzanine debt investments may also be in the form of PIK loans or bonds, where all or a portion of the interest is not paid in cash but is capitalized periodically. These investments typically experience greater volatility in market value due to changes in the interest rates than loans or bonds that provide for regular payments of interest.

We may be subject to risks arising from investing in distressed debt and undervalued debt.

We may invest in distressed debt and portfolios of distressed debt and in debt that the Investment Adviser views as having an attractive risk-reward profile. Although these types of purchases may result in significant returns, they involve a high degree of risk and may not show any return for a considerable period of time, if ever. In addition, certain debt of the Fund may become distressed after investment. If a portfolio company, expected to be stable, deteriorates and becomes involved in a reorganization or liquidation proceeding, we may lose our entire investment or may be required to accept cash or other assets with a value less than our original investment. In addition, distressed investments may require active participation by the Investment Adviser and its representatives. This may expose us to greater litigation risks than may be present with other types of investing or may restrict our ability to dispose of our investment. We may also be required to hold such assets for a substantial period of time before realizing their anticipated value and/or to sell assets which were believed to be undervalued when acquired at a substantial loss if such assets are not in fact undervalued.

We may be subject to risks associated with subordinated debt.

We may acquire and/or originate junior lien or subordinated debt investments. If a borrower defaults on a junior lien or subordinated loan or on debt senior in right of payment or as to the proceeds of collateral to our debt investment, or in the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, the debt investment will be satisfied only after, in the case of junior lien debt, the proceeds of collateral are applied to repay senior lien debt or, in the case of subordinated debt, the senior debt is repaid in full. Under the terms of typical intercreditor or subordination agreements, senior creditors may be able to block the exercise of remedies or the acceleration of the subordinated debt or the exercise by holders of junior lien or subordinated debt of other rights they may have as creditors or in respect of collateral. Accordingly, we may not be able to take the steps necessary or sufficient to protect our investments in a timely manner or at all. In addition, junior lien or subordinated debt may not always be protected by financial covenants or limitations upon additional indebtedness, may have limited liquidity and may not be rated by a credit rating agency. If a borrower declares bankruptcy, we may not have full or any recourse to the assets of the borrower, or the assets of the borrower may not be sufficient to satisfy the loan. Further, the Investment Adviser’s ability to amend the terms of our loans, assign its loans, accept prepayments, exercise its remedies and control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings may be limited by intercreditor arrangements. In addition, the risks associated with junior lien or subordinated debt include a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor or in general economic conditions (including a sustained period of rising interest rates or an economic downturn) may adversely affect the borrower’s ability to pay principal and interest on its debt. Many obligors on junior lien or subordinated loan securities are highly leveraged, and specific developments affecting such obligors, including reduced cash flow from operations or the inability to refinance debt at maturity, may also adversely affect such obligors’ ability to meet debt service obligations. The level of risk associated with investments in subordinated debt increases if such investments are debt of distressed or below investment grade issuers. Default rates for junior lien or subordinated debt securities have historically been higher than has been the case for investment grade securities.

We may be subject to risks associated with unsecured debt.

We may invest in unsecured indebtedness in portfolio companies where a significant portion of such companies’ senior or junior lien indebtedness may be secured. In such situations, our ability to influence such portfolio company’s affairs, especially during periods of financial distress or following an insolvency, is likely to be substantially less than that of senior or junior lien creditors.

We may be subject to risks arising from revolving credit facilities.

We intend to acquire or originate revolving credit facilities from time to time in connection with our investments in other assets, including term loans. A revolving credit facility is a line of credit in which the borrower pays the lender a commitment fee during a commitment period and is then allowed to draw from the line of credit from time to time until the end of such commitment period. The borrower of a revolving credit facility is typically permitted to draw thereunder for any reason, including to fund its operational requirements, to make acquisitions or to reserve cash, so long as certain customary conditions are met. Outstanding draw-downs under such revolving credit facilities can therefore fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, which may generate operational and other costs for us. If the borrower of a revolving credit facility draws down on the facility, we would be obligated to fund the amounts due.

We can offer no assurance that a borrower of a revolving credit facility will fully draw down its available credit thereunder, and in many cases a borrower with sufficient liquidity may forego drawing down its available credit thereunder in favor of obtaining other liquidity sources. As a result, we are likely to hold unemployed funds, and investments in revolving credit facilities may therefore adversely affect our returns.

We may be subject to risks arising from purchases of secondary debt.

We may invest in secondary loans and secondary debt securities. We are unlikely to be able to negotiate the terms of secondary debt as part of its acquisition and, as a result, these investments likely will not include some of the covenants and protections we may generally seek. Even if such covenants and protections are included in the investments, the terms of the investments may provide portfolio companies substantial flexibility in determining compliance with such covenants. In addition, the terms on which secondary debt is traded may represent a combination of the general state of the market for such investments and either favorable or unfavorable assessments of particular investments by the sellers thereof.

We may be subject to risks arising from assignments and participations.

We may acquire investments directly (by way of assignment) or indirectly (by way of participation). As described in more detail below, holders of participation interests are subject to additional risks not applicable to a holder of a direct interest in a debt obligation.

The purchaser of an assignment of a debt obligation typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the selling institution and becomes a party to the applicable documentation relating to the debt obligation. In contrast, participations acquired by us in a portion of a debt obligation held by a seller typically result in a contractual relationship only with such seller, not with the obligor. We would have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled under the participation only from the seller and only upon receipt by the seller of such payments from the obligor. In purchasing a participation, we generally will have neither the right to enforce compliance by the obligor with the terms of the documentation relating to the debt obligation nor any rights of set-off against the obligor, and we may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, we will assume the credit risk of both the obligor and the seller, which will remain the legal owner of record of the applicable debt obligation. In the event of the insolvency of the seller, we may be treated as a general creditor of the seller in respect of the participation, may not benefit from any set-off exercised by the seller against the obligor and may be subject to any set-off exercised by the obligor against the seller. In addition, we may purchase a participation from a seller that does not itself retain any portion of the applicable debt obligation and, therefore, may have limited interest in monitoring the terms of the documentation relating to such debt obligation and the continuing creditworthiness of the borrower.

In addition, when we hold a participation in a debt obligation, we may not have the right to vote to waive enforcement of any default by an obligor. Sellers commonly reserve the right to administer the debt obligations sold by them as they see fit and to amend the documentation relating to such debt obligations in all respects. A seller may have interests different from ours, and the seller might not consider our interests when taking actions with respect to the debt obligation underlying the participation. In addition, some participation agreements that provide voting rights to the participant further provide that if the participant does not vote in favor of amendments, modifications or waivers to the documentation relating to the debt obligation, the seller may repurchase such participation at par. Assignments and participations are typically sold strictly without recourse to the seller thereof, and the seller will generally make no representations or warranties about the underlying debt obligation, the borrowers, the documentation relating to the debt obligations or any collateral securing the debt obligations.

We may be exposed to risks associated with convertible securities.

We may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of equity securities of the same or different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles its holder to receive interest that is generally paid or accrued on debt or a dividend that is paid or accrued on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally (i) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities; (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income characteristics; and (iii) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.

The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying equity securities. To the extent the value of the underlying equity securities approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying equity securities while holding a fixed-income security. Generally, the amount of the premium decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security is called for redemption, we will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective.

The effect of global climate change may impact the operations of our portfolio companies.

There may be evidence of global climate change. Climate change creates physical and financial risk and some of our portfolio companies may be adversely affected by climate change. For example, the needs of customers of energy companies vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of any changes. Increases in the cost of energy could adversely affect the cost of operations of our portfolio companies if the use of energy products or services is material to their business. A decrease in energy use due to weather changes may affect the financial condition of some of our portfolio companies through, for example, decreased revenues. Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions.

We may have difficulty sourcing investment opportunities.

We cannot assure investors that we will be able to identify a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities to allow us to deploy the capital available to us. Privately negotiated investments in loans and illiquid securities of private companies require substantial due diligence and structuring, and we cannot assure investors that we will achieve our anticipated investment pace. Our Investment Adviser will select our investments, and our stockholders will have no input with respect to such investment decisions. These factors increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk, of investing in our Shares. To the extent we are unable to deploy all investments, our investment income and, in turn, our results of operations, will likely be materially adversely affected.

Our failure or inability to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.

Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in order to:

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increase or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage or debt participation;

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exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or

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attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our investment.

We may elect not to, or be unable to, make follow-on investments or may lack sufficient funds to make those investments.

We will have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources and applicable law. The failure to make, or inability to make, follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our concentration of risk, because we prefer other opportunities or because we are inhibited by compliance with BDC requirements, including the conditions of the Relief, compliance with covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness or compliance with the requirements for maintenance of our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC.

Our portfolio companies may prepay loans, which may reduce stated yields in the future if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.

Certain of the loans we make will be prepayable at any time, with some prepayable at no premium to par. We cannot predict when such loans may be prepaid. Whether a loan is prepaid will depend both on the continued positive performance of the portfolio company and the existence of favorable financing market conditions that permit such portfolio company to replace existing financing with less expensive capital. In periods of rising interest rates, the risk of prepayment of floating rate loans may increase if other financing sources are available. As market conditions change frequently, it is unknown when, and if, this may be possible for each portfolio company. In the case of some of these loans, having the loan prepaid early may reduce the achievable yield for us in the future below the current yield disclosed for our portfolio if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.

Investments in common and preferred equity securities, many of which are illiquid with no readily available market, involve a substantial degree of risk.

Although common stock has historically generated higher average total returns than fixed income securities over the long term, common stock also has experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. Our equity investments may fail to appreciate and may decline in value or become worthless, and our ability to recover our investment will depend on our portfolio company’s success. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including:

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any equity investment we make in a portfolio company could be subject to further dilution as a result of the issuance of additional equity interests and to serious risks as a junior security that will be subordinate to all indebtedness (including trade creditors) or senior securities in the event that the issuer is unable to meet its obligations or becomes subject to a bankruptcy process;

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to the extent that the portfolio company requires additional capital and is unable to obtain it, we may not recover our investment; and

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in some cases, equity securities in which we invest will not pay current dividends, and our ability to realize a return on our investment, as well as to recover our investment, will be dependent on the success of the portfolio company.

Even if the portfolio company is successful, our ability to realize the value of our investment may depend on the occurrence of a liquidity event, such as a public offering or the sale of the portfolio company. It is likely to take a significant amount of time before a liquidity event occurs or we can otherwise sell our investment. In addition, the equity securities we receive or invest in may be subject to restrictions on resale during periods in which it could be advantageous to sell them.

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including:

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preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If we own a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, we may be required to report income for tax purposes before we receive such distributions;

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preferred securities are subordinated to debt in terms of priority to income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than debt;

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preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stock or U.S. government securities; and

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generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company, subject to limited exceptions.

Additionally, when we invest in debt securities, we may acquire warrants or other equity securities as well. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.

We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the equity securities of investment funds that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions to the Investment Company Act. To the extent we so invest, we will bear our ratable share of any such company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We will also remain obligated to pay the Management Fee and Incentive Fee to our Investment Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of such companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our common stockholders will bear his or her share of the Management Fee and Incentive Fee due to our Investment Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any such investment funds or advisers.

In the event that we originate loans to companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, we may be exposed to distressed lending risks.

As part of our lending activities, we may originate loans to companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although the terms of such financing may result in significant financial returns to us, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful financing to companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There is no assurance that we will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing our loans or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a company that we fund, we may lose all or part of the amounts advanced to the borrower or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the loan advanced by us to the borrower.

We may be subject to risks related to guarantees of certain investments.

Guarantees by subsidiaries or other affiliates of portfolio companies that are the issuers of debt investments may be subject to fraudulent conveyance or similar avoidance claims made by other creditors of such subsidiaries or other affiliates resulting in such creditors taking priority over our claims under such guarantees. Under U.S. federal or state fraudulent transfer law, a court may void or otherwise decline to enforce such guarantees, and as a result we would no longer have any claim against the applicable guarantor. Sufficient funds to repay the investments may not be otherwise available to the applicable portfolio company that are the issuers thereof. In addition, the court might direct us to repay back to the portfolio company amounts that we already received from the borrower or a guarantor.

The repayment of our investments may depend on cash flow from subsidiaries of portfolio companies that are not themselves guarantors of the parent company’s obligations or that can be released as guarantors of the parent company’s obligations.

We may be exposed to special risks associated with bankruptcy cases.

Many of the events within a bankruptcy case are adversarial and often beyond the control of the creditors. While creditors generally are afforded an opportunity to object to significant actions, we can offer no assurance that a bankruptcy court would not approve actions that may be contrary to our interests. Furthermore, there are instances where creditors can lose their ranking and priority if they are considered to have taken over management of a borrower.

The reorganization of a company can involve substantial legal, professional and administrative costs to a lender and the borrower; it is subject to unpredictable and lengthy delays; and during the process a company’s competitive position may erode, key management may depart and a company may not be able to invest its capital adequately. In some cases, the debtor company may not be able to reorganize and may be required to liquidate assets. The debt of companies in financial reorganization will, in most cases, not pay current interest, may not accrue interest during reorganization and may be adversely affected by an erosion of the issuer’s fundamental value.

In addition, lenders can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them where they become too involved in the borrower’s business or exercise control over the borrower. For example, we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, if a borrower requests significant managerial assistance from us and we provide such assistance as contemplated by the Investment Company Act.

We may be subject to risks related to exit financings.

We may invest in portfolio companies that are in the process of exiting, or that have recently exited, the bankruptcy process. Post-reorganization securities typically entail a higher degree of risk than investments in securities that have not undergone a reorganization or restructuring. Moreover, post-reorganization securities can be subject to heavy selling or downward pricing pressure after the completion of a bankruptcy reorganization or restructuring. If the Investment Adviser’s evaluation of the anticipated outcome of an investment situation should prove incorrect, we could incur substantial losses.

Declines in market prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would affect our results of operations.

As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, as valuation designee. We may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments: the enterprise value of a portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow (taking into consideration current market interest rates and credit spreads), the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can also adversely affect our investment valuations. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio can reduce our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer unrealized losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.

Our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic downturns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, during these periods our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease if we are required to write down the values of our investments. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on the portfolio company’s assets representing collateral for its obligations. This could trigger cross defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold and the value of any equity securities we own.

In addition, we may originate “covenant-lite” loans, which are loans with fewer financial maintenance covenants than other obligations, or no financial maintenance covenants. Such covenant-lite loans may not include terms that allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower or to declare a default if certain criteria are breached. These flexible covenants (or the absence of covenants) could permit borrowers to experience a significant downturn in their results of operations without triggering any default that would permit holders of their debt (such as the Fund) to accelerate indebtedness or negotiate terms and pricing. Accordingly, to the extent we invest in “covenant-lite” loans, we may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants. Therefore, our investments may result in an above-average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal.

Our portfolio companies may have incurred or issued, or may in the future incur or issue, debt or equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies, which could have an adverse effect on us in any liquidation of the portfolio company.

Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt, or issue other equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments. By their terms, such instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of dividends, interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our investments. These debt instruments would usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company typically are entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying such holders, the portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of securities ranking equally with our investments, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other security holders in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.

Additionally, certain loans that we make to portfolio companies may be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior secured debt, which will be secured on a first priority basis. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of and be entitled to receive proceeds from any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. We can offer no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from the sale or sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens. If such proceeds are not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.

The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make to our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that senior obligations are outstanding, we may forfeit certain rights with respect to the collateral to the holders of the senior obligations. These rights may include the right to commence enforcement proceedings against the collateral, the right to control the conduct of such enforcement proceedings, the right to approve amendments to collateral documents, the right to release liens on the collateral and the right to waive past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected. In addition, a bankruptcy court may choose not to enforce an intercreditor agreement or other arrangement with creditors. Similar risks to the foregoing may apply where we hold the last-out piece of a unitranche loan.

We may also make unsecured loans to portfolio companies, meaning that such loans will not benefit from any interest in collateral of such portfolio companies. Liens on such portfolio companies’ collateral, if any, will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under its outstanding secured debt and may secure certain future debt that is permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under its secured loan agreements. The holders of obligations secured by such liens will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of such collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of such collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. We can offer no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of such collateral would be sufficient to satisfy our unsecured loan obligations after payment in full of all secured loan obligations. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay the outstanding secured loan obligations, then the unsecured claims would rank equally with the unpaid portion of such secured creditors’ claims against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.

Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged.

Some of our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these portfolio companies and to us as an investor. These portfolio companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these portfolio companies’ ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these portfolio companies’ flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used.

Our investments in non-U.S. companies may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.

Our investment strategy contemplates potential investments in securities of non-U.S. companies to the extent permissible under the Investment Company Act. Investing in non-U.S. companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of non-U.S. taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. These risks are likely to be more pronounced for investments in companies located in emerging markets.

Although we expect that most of our investments will be denominated in USD, our investments that are denominated in a non-USD currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to the USD. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we cannot assure investors that such strategies will be effective or without risk to us.

We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.

Subject to applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, the regulations promulgated thereunder, and applicable CFTC regulations, we may enter into hedging transactions in a manner consistent with SEC guidance, which may expose us to risks associated with such transactions. Such hedging may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Use of these hedging instruments may include counter-party credit risk. To the extent we have non-U.S. investments, particularly non-USD-denominated investments, our hedging costs may increase.

Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price.

The success of any hedging transactions we may enter into will depend on our ability to correctly predict movements in currencies and interest rates. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. Income derived from hedging transactions also is generally not eligible to be distributed to non-U.S. stockholders free from withholding taxes. Changes to the regulations applicable to the financial instruments we use to accomplish our hedging strategy could impair the effectiveness of that strategy. See also “—Risks Relating to Our Investments—We will be exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment.”

We may form one or more CLOs, which may subject us to certain structured financing risks.

To the extent permissible under risk retention rules adopted pursuant to Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act and applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, to finance investments, we may securitize certain of our investments, including through the formation of one or more CLOs, while retaining all or most of the exposure to the performance of these investments. This would involve contributing a pool of assets to a special purpose entity, and selling debt interests in such entity on a non-recourse or limited-recourse basis to purchasers. Any interest in any such CLO held by us may be considered a “non-qualifying asset” for purposes of Section 55 of the Investment Company Act.

If we create a CLO, we will depend on distributions from the CLO’s assets out of its earnings and cash flows to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders. The ability of a CLO to make distributions will be subject to various limitations, including the terms and covenants of the debt it issues. For example, tests (based on interest coverage or other financial ratios or other criteria) may restrict our ability, as holder of a CLO’s equity interests, to receive cash flow from these investments. There is no assurance any such performance tests will be satisfied. Also, a CLO may take actions that delay distributions in order to preserve ratings and to keep the cost of present and future financings lower or the CLO may be obligated to retain cash or other assets to satisfy over-collateralization requirements commonly provided for holders of the CLO’s debt. As a result, there may be a lag, which could be significant, between the repayment or other realization on a loan or other assets in, and the distribution of cash out of, a CLO, or cash flow may be completely restricted for the life of the CLO. If we do not receive cash flow from any such CLO that is necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement for maintaining our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC, and we are unable to obtain cash from other sources necessary to satisfy this requirement, we could fail to maintain our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

In addition, a decline in the credit quality of loans in a CLO due to poor operating results of the relevant borrower, declines in the value of loan collateral or increases in defaults, among other things, may force a CLO to sell certain assets at a loss, reducing their earnings and, in turn, cash potentially available for distribution to us for distribution to our stockholders.

To the extent that any losses are incurred by the CLO in respect of any collateral, such losses will be borne first by us as owner of equity interests. Finally, any equity interests that we retain in a CLO will not be secured by the assets of the CLO and we will rank behind all creditors of the CLO.

We may initially invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from the private offering of Shares in short-term investments, which will generate lower rates of return than those expected from the interest generated on our intended investment program.

We may initially invest a portion of the net proceeds from the private offering of Shares in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other short-term investments. These securities may earn yields substantially lower than the income that we anticipate receiving once we are fully invested in accordance with our investment objective. As a result, we may not be able to achieve our investment objective and/or pay any dividends during this period or, if we are able to do so, such dividends may be substantially lower than the dividends that we expect to pay when our portfolio is fully invested in accordance with our investment objectives. If we do not realize yields in excess of our expenses, we may incur operating losses.

Risks Relating to Our Securities

There is no public market for our Shares or shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, and we do not expect there to be a market for such shares.

There is no existing trading market for our Shares or shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, and no market for such shares may develop in the future. If developed, any such market may not be sustained. In the absence of a trading market, holders of our Shares and holders of shares of our Series A Preferred Stock may be unable to liquidate an investment in such shares.

Our Shares and shares of our Series A Preferred Stock have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

We face risks associated with the deployment of our capital.

In light of the nature of our continuous offering in relation to our investment strategy and the need to be able to deploy potentially large amounts of capital quickly to capitalize on potential investment opportunities, if we have difficulty identifying investments on attractive terms, there could be a delay between the time we receive net proceeds from the sale of our Shares in the private offering of Shares or any other private offering and the time we invest the net proceeds. Our proportion of privately-negotiated investments may be lower than expected. We may also from time to time hold cash pending deployment into investments or have less than our targeted leverage, which cash or shortfall in target leverage may at times be significant, particularly at times when we are receiving high amounts of offering proceeds and/or times when there are few attractive investment opportunities. Such cash may be held in an account for the benefit of our stockholders that may be invested in money market accounts or other similar temporary investments, each of which are subject to the management fees.

In the event we are unable to find suitable investments such cash may be maintained for longer periods which would be dilutive to overall investment returns. This could cause a substantial delay in the time it takes for your investment to realize its full potential return and could adversely affect our ability to pay regular distributions of cash flow from operations to you. It is not anticipated that the temporary investment of such cash into money market accounts or other similar temporary investments pending deployment into investments will generate significant interest, and investors should understand that such low interest payments on the temporarily invested cash may adversely affect overall returns. In the event we fail to timely invest the net proceeds of sales of our Shares or do not deploy sufficient capital to meet our targeted leverage, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Investing in our securities involves an above-average degree of risk.

The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive. Therefore, an investment in our securities may not be suitable for an investor with a lower risk tolerance.

Investors purchasing Shares after the initial closing could receive fewer Shares than anticipated.

The purchase price per share of our common stock in any closing after the initial closing is expected to be determined to ensure that such price is equal to our then-current NAV per share. As a result, in the event of an increase in our NAV per share, the purchase price for Shares purchased in any closing after the initial closing may be higher than the prior monthly NAV per share, and therefore an investor may receive a smaller number of Shares than if it had purchased Shares in a prior closing.

Our Shares and shares of our Series A Preferred Stock will be subject to significant transfer restrictions, and an investment in such shares generally will be illiquid.

Our Shares and shares of our Series A Preferred Stock are subject to the restrictions on transfer as described in this Registration Statement, in the subscription agreement and as set forth in our certificate of incorporation (as amended, restated and/or supplemented). Purchasers of such shares will be prohibited from selling or otherwise transferring their Shares without our approval and/or compliance with federal, state and other securities laws. For further details about circumstances pursuant to which we will give our approval to such a transfer, eligible offerees and resale restrictions, see “Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered—Transfer and Resale Restrictions; Required Transfers” and “—Preferred Shares—Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock—Transfer Restrictions.” An investment in our Shares and/or shares of our Series A Preferred Stock is of further limited liquidity since such shares are not freely transferable under federal, state and other securities laws. Each investor in such shares must be prepared to bear the economic risk of an investment in such shares for an indefinite period. We have no obligation or intent to conduct a liquidity event, including an IPO and listing of any of such shares on a national securities exchange, at any time.

Our Shares and shares of Series A Preferred Stock have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, under federal and state securities laws, cannot be sold unless such shares are subsequently registered under the Securities Act, state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. See “Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered—Transfer and Resale Restrictions; Required Transfers” and “—Preferred Shares—Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock—Transfer Restrictions.” Our Shares and shares of Series A Preferred Stock are illiquid assets for which there is not a secondary market and there is no guarantee that a secondary market will develop in the future. An investment in such shares is therefore suitable only for certain sophisticated investors that can bear the risks associated with the illiquidity of their shares.

Liquidity for our Shares will be limited to participation in our share repurchase program, which we have no obligation to maintain. When we make quarterly repurchase offers pursuant to the share repurchase program, we will offer to repurchase Shares at a price that is estimated to be equal to our NAV per share on the last calendar day of such quarter, which may be lower than the price that you paid for our Shares. As a result, to the extent you paid a price that includes the related sales load and to the extent you have the ability to sell your Shares pursuant to our share repurchase program, the price at which you may sell Shares may be lower than the amount you paid in connection with the purchase of Shares in the private offering of Shares.

Further, the Investment Adviser, through an affiliate, may determine to make an investment of capital in us. As a result, the Investment Adviser may initially own a substantial amount of our outstanding Shares. The Investment Adviser may periodically elect to tender any or all of its Shares for repurchase under our share repurchase program. Any such tenders by the Investment Adviser could have a negative impact on us, including on our liquidity, and could reduce the opportunity for other stockholders to tender the full amount of their Shares in a given quarter.

The NAV of our Shares may fluctuate significantly.

The NAV and liquidity, if any, of the market for our Shares may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:

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changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;

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any loss of qualification for RIC tax treatment or BDC status;

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changes in earnings or perceived changes or variations in operating results;

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changes or perceived changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;

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changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of our investments;

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any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;

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resignation of the Investment Adviser or departure of certain of its key personnel;

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general economic trends and other external factors; and

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loss of a major funding source.

Our stockholders may experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our distribution reinvestment plan.

We have adopted a distribution reinvestment plan, pursuant to which we will reinvest all cash dividends declared by the Board of Directors on behalf of our stockholders who do not elect to receive their dividends in cash as provided below. As a result, if the Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or other distribution, then our stockholders who have not opted out of our distribution reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional Shares as described below, rather than receiving the cash dividend or other distribution. Stockholders that opt out of our distribution reinvestment plan may experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time. See “Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters—Distribution Reinvestment Plan” for a description of our distribution policy and obligations.

We intend to offer our Shares on a continuous basis for an extended period of time, and holders of our Shares will not have preemptive rights to purchase any shares we issue in the future. As a result, to the extent we issue additional Shares after your purchase in the private offering of Shares, your percentage ownership interest in us may be diluted. In addition, depending upon our NAV per share at the time of any closings subsequent to your purchase, you may also experience dilution in the book value and fair value of your Shares.

Our stockholders that do not opt out of our distribution reinvestment plan should generally expect to have current tax liabilities without receiving cash to pay such liabilities.

Under our distribution reinvestment plan, if we declare a cash dividend, our stockholders who have not elected to “opt out” will have their cash dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distributions. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of Shares generally are subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. However, because their distributions will be reinvested, those stockholders will not receive cash with which to pay any applicable taxes on such reinvested distributions. As a result, stockholders that have not opted out of our distribution reinvestment plan may have to use funds from other sources to pay any tax liabilities imposed upon them based on the value of the Shares received. See “Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters—Distribution Reinvestment Plan.”

Our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock and any additional series of preferred stock we may determine to issue in the future, could adversely affect the value of our common stock.

The issuance of shares of preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock and any additional series of preferred stock we may determine to issue in the future, with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock could adversely affect our common stock by making an investment in the common stock less attractive. In addition, the dividends on any preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, we issue must be cumulative. Payment of dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, must take preference over any distributions or other payments to our common stockholders, and holders of preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference (other than convertible preferred stock that converts into common stock). In addition, under the Investment Company Act, any such preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, would constitute a “senior security” for purposes of the 150% asset coverage test. See “—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Regulations governing our operations as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.”

An investment in our preferred stock with a fixed interest rate, such as the Series A Preferred Stock, will bear interest rate risk.

Our Series A Preferred Stock will pay dividends at a fixed dividend rate. Prices of fixed income investments vary inversely with changes in market yields. The market yields on securities comparable to our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, may increase, which would likely result in a decline in the value of such preferred stock.

Our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will be subject to a risk of early redemption, and holders may not be able to reinvest their funds.

We may voluntarily redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock at any time. We also may be forced to redeem some or all of the outstanding shares of our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, to meet regulatory requirements and the asset coverage requirements of such shares. Any such redemption may occur at a time that is unfavorable to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock. Additionally, pursuant to Rule 23c-2 of the Investment Company Act, if less than all the outstanding securities of a class or series are to be redeemed, such redemption shall be made on a pro rata basis. We may have an incentive to redeem our Series A Preferred Stock if market conditions allow us to issue other preferred stock or debt securities at a rate that is lower than the dividend rate on the outstanding preferred stock. If we redeem shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of such redeemed shares face the risk that the return on an investment purchased with proceeds from such redemption may be lower than the return previously obtained from the investment in our Series A Preferred Stock.

Our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will be subordinate to the rights of holders of senior indebtedness.

While our preferred stockholders, including holders of our Series A Preferred Stock, will have equal liquidation and distribution rights to any other series of our preferred stock, they will be subordinated to the rights of holders of any of other senior indebtedness we may incur. Therefore, dividends, distributions and other payments to preferred stockholders, including holders of our Series A Preferred Stock, in liquidation or otherwise may be subject to prior payments due to the holders of senior indebtedness. In addition, the Investment Company Act may provide debtholders with voting rights that are superior to the voting rights of our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock.

Holders of any preferred stock we issue, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will bear dividend risk.

We may be unable to pay dividends on any preferred stock we issue, including the Series A Preferred Stock, under certain circumstances. The terms of any future indebtedness we may incur could preclude the payment of dividends in respect of equity securities, including preferred stock we may issue, such as the Series A Preferred Stock, under certain conditions.

Holders of any preferred stock we issue, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will have the right to elect members of the Board and class voting rights on certain matters.

Holders of any preferred stock we issue, including the Series A Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single class, will have the right to elect two members of the Board at all times that such preferred stock is outstanding, and in the event that dividends with respect thereto become two full years in arrears will have the right to elect a majority of the members of the Board until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders, including holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the Investment Company Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies or the terms of any credit facility, may impair our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our qualification as a RIC, we can offer no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.

An investor may be subject to filing requirements under the Exchange Act as a result of its investment in us.

When this Registration Statement on Form 10 becomes effective, ownership information for any person or group that beneficially owns more than 5% of the Shares will have to be disclosed in a Schedule 13G or other filings with the SEC. Beneficial ownership for these purposes is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes having voting or investment power over the securities. Although we will provide in our quarterly statements the amount of outstanding Shares, the responsibility for determining the filing obligation and preparing the filing remains with the investor. In addition, beneficial owners of 10% or more of our Shares will be subject to reporting obligations under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

We expect that certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), as well as other aspects of our structure, could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, along with the DGCL, contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us. Among other things, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws:

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provide that our Board of Directors is classified, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our Board of Directors;

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do not provide for cumulative voting;

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provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors, including newly created directorships, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;

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provide that our directors may be removed only for cause, and only by a supermajority vote of the stockholders entitled to elect such directors;

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provide that stockholders may take action only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and may not act by written consent;

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restrict stockholders’ ability to call special meetings;

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require a supermajority vote of stockholders to effect certain amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws; and

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require stockholders to provide advance notice of new business proposals and director nominations under specific procedures.

We have provisions comparable to those of Section 203 of the DGCL (other than with respect to GS Group Inc. and its affiliates and certain of its or their direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party). These provisions generally prohibit us from engaging in mergers, business combinations and certain other types of transactions with “interested stockholders” (generally defined as persons or entities that beneficially own 15% or more of our voting stock), other than the exempt parties as described above, for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder unless, prior to such stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, our Board of Directors has approved the “business combination” that would otherwise be restricted or the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder becoming an interested stockholder or the subsequent transaction with the interested stockholder has been approved by our Board of Directors and 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock (other than voting stock owned by the interested stockholder). Such provisions may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.

These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change of control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price for the common stock. In addition, certain aspects of our structure may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us.

We may not be able to pay distributions to holders of our common stock or preferred stock, our distributions to holders of our common stock or preferred stock may not grow over time, and a portion of our distributions to holders of our common stock or preferred stock may be a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

We intend to pay monthly distributions to our stockholders and semi-annual distributions to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If we are unable to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders will be limited. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, maintenance of our qualification for RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC regulations, compliance with covenants under our debt financing agreements, if any, and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time.

The distributions we pay to our stockholders in a year may exceed our net ordinary income and capital gains for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes that would reduce a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its Shares or shares of preferred stock and correspondingly increase such stockholder’s gain, or reduce such stockholder’s loss, on disposition of such shares. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its Shares or shares of preferred stock will generally constitute capital gains to such stockholder.

Stockholders who periodically receive the payment of a distribution from a RIC consisting of a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be under the impression that they are receiving a distribution of the RIC’s net ordinary income or capital gains when they are not. Accordingly, stockholders should read carefully any written disclosure accompanying a distribution from us and the information about the specific tax characteristics of our distributions provided to stockholders after the end of each calendar year, and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our net ordinary income or capital gains.

The tax treatment of a non-U.S. stockholder in its jurisdiction of tax residence will depend entirely on the laws of such jurisdiction, and may vary considerably from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Depending on (i) the laws of such non-U.S. stockholder’s jurisdiction of tax residence, (ii) how we, the investments and/or any other investment vehicles through which we directly or indirectly invest are treated in such jurisdiction, and (iii) the activities of any such entities, an investment in us could result in such non-U.S. stockholder recognizing adverse tax consequences in its jurisdiction of tax residence, including (a) with respect to any generally required or additional tax filings and/or additional disclosure required in such filings in relation to the treatment for tax purposes in the relevant jurisdiction of an interest in us, the investments and/or any other investment vehicles through which we directly or indirectly invest and/or of distributions from such entities and any uncertainties arising in that respect (such entities not being established under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction), (b) the possibility of taxable income significantly in excess of cash distributed to a non-U.S. stockholder, and possibly in excess of our actual economic income, (c) the possibilities of losing deductions or the ability to utilize tax basis and of sums invested being returned in the form of taxable income or gains, and (d) the possibility of being subject to tax at unfavorable tax rates. A non-U.S. stockholder may also be subject to restrictions on the use of its share of our deductions and losses in its jurisdiction of tax residence. Each prospective investor is urged to consult its own tax advisors with respect to the tax and tax filing consequences, if any, in its jurisdiction of tax residence of an investment in us, as well as any other jurisdiction in which such prospective investor is subject to taxation.

We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as OID, which may occur if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances or contracted PIK interest, which generally represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such OID, which could be significant relative to our overall investment assets, and increases in loan balances as a result of PIK interest will be included in our taxable income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in our taxable income certain other amounts that we have not yet received or will not receive in cash, such as accruals on a contingent payment debt instrument, accruals of interest income and/or OID on defaulted debt, or deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Moreover, we generally will be required to take certain amounts into income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on our financial statements. The credit risk associated with the collectability of deferred payments may be increased as and when a portfolio company increases the amount of interest on which it is deferring cash payment through deferred interest features. Our investments with a deferred interest feature may represent a higher credit risk than loans for which interest must be paid in full in cash on a regular basis. For example, even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is scheduled to occur upon maturity of the obligation.

Because in certain cases we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty making distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary for us to maintain our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC. Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times and/or at prices that we would not consider advantageous, we may need to raise additional equity or debt capital, or we may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to our business) to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash in the amount required for us to make, or if we are restricted from making, sufficient distributions to our stockholders to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes).

Our stockholders may receive Shares or shares of preferred stock as distributions, which could result in adverse tax consequences to them.

In order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement applicable to RICs, we will have the ability to declare a large portion of a distribution in shares of our common stock or preferred stock instead of in cash. We are not subject to restrictions on the circumstances in which we may declare a portion of a distribution in shares of our stock but would generally anticipate doing so only in unusual situations, such as, for example, if we do not have sufficient cash to meet our RIC distribution requirements under the Code. Generally, were we to declare such a distribution, we would allow stockholders to elect payment in cash and/or shares of our stock of equivalent value. Under published IRS guidance, the entire distribution by a publicly offered RIC will generally be treated as a taxable distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and count towards our RIC distribution requirements under the Code, if certain conditions are satisfied. Among other things, the aggregate amount of cash available to be distributed to all stockholders is required to be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution is required to be allocated among the stockholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock) under a formula provided in the applicable IRS guidance. The number of shares of our stock distributed would thus depend on the applicable percentage limitation on cash available for distribution, the stockholders’ individual elections to receive cash or stock, and the value of the shares of our stock. Each stockholder generally would be treated as having received a taxable distribution (including for purposes of the withholding tax rules applicable to a Non-U.S. stockholder) on the date the distribution is received in an amount equal to the cash that such stockholder would have received if the entire distribution had been paid in cash, even if the stockholder received all or most of the distribution in shares of our common stock or preferred stock. We currently do not intend to pay distributions in shares of our common stock or preferred stock, but we can offer no assurance that we will not do so in the future.

If we are not treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates will be taxed as though they received a distribution of some of our expenses.

Non-U.S. stockholders may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax on distributions we pay.

Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” to a non-U.S. stockholder that are not effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States will generally be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty) to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits.

NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN AS TO WHETHER ANY OF OUR DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS EXEMPTION FROM WITHHOLDING OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX. IN PARTICULAR, THIS EXEMPTION WILL NOT APPLY TO OUR DISTRIBUTIONS PAID IN RESPECT OF OUR NON-U.S. SOURCE INTEREST INCOME OR OUR DIVIDEND INCOME (OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF INCOME OTHER THAN GENERALLY OUR NON-CONTINGENT U.S. SOURCE INTEREST INCOME RECEIVED FROM UNRELATED OBLIGORS AND OUR QUALIFIED SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAINS). IN THE CASE OF OUR COMMON STOCK OR PREFERRED STOCK HELD THROUGH AN INTERMEDIARY, THE INTERMEDIARY MAY WITHHOLD U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX EVEN IF WE REPORT THE PAYMENT AS QUALIFIED NET INTEREST INCOME OR QUALIFIED SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAIN.

The Board has the discretion to not repurchase Shares, to suspend the share repurchase program, and to cease repurchases.

Our Board may not adopt a share repurchase program, and if such a program is adopted, may amend, suspend or terminate the share repurchase program at any time in its discretion. You may not be able to sell your Shares at all in the event our Board amends, suspends or terminates the share repurchase program, absent a liquidity event, and we currently do not intend to undertake a liquidity event, and we are not obligated by our certificate of incorporation or otherwise to effect a liquidity event at any time. We will notify you of such developments in our quarterly reports or other filings. If less than the full amount of Shares requested to be repurchased in any given repurchase offer are repurchased, funds will be allocated pro rata based on the total number of Shares being repurchased without regard to class. The share repurchase program has many limitations and should not be relied upon as a method to sell shares promptly or at a desired price.

The timing of repurchases may be disadvantageous.

In the event a stockholder chooses to participate in our share repurchase program, the stockholder will be required to provide us with notice of intent to participate prior to knowing what the NAV per share of the class of shares being repurchased will be on the repurchase date. Although a stockholder will have the ability to withdraw a repurchase request prior to the repurchase date, to the extent a stockholder seeks to sell Shares to us as part of our periodic share repurchase program, the stockholder will be required to do so without knowledge of what the repurchase price of our Shares will be on the repurchase date.

Our investments may include OID instruments and PIK interest arrangements, which represents contractual interest added to a loan balance and due at the end of such loan’s term. To the extent OID or PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we are exposed to typical risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:

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The higher interest rates of OID and PIK instruments reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and OID and PIK instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans.

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Even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is supposed to occur at the maturity of the obligation.

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OID and PIK instruments may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. OID and PIK income may also create uncertainty about the source of our cash distributions.

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For accounting purposes, any cash distributions to stockholders representing OID and PIK income are not treated as coming from paid-in capital, even if the cash to pay them comes from offering proceeds. As a result, despite the fact that a distribution representing OID and PIK income could be paid out of amounts invested by our stockholders, the Investment Company Act does not require that stockholders be given notice of this fact by reporting it as a return of capital.

In addition, investments in PIK and OID instruments may provide certain benefits to the Investment Adviser, including increasing Management Fees and Incentive Fees prior to the receipt of cash with respect to accrued interest payments.

There is a risk that investors in our equity securities may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time and that investors in our debt securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled.

We intend to make distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may in the future be limited in our ability to make distributions. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including possible loss of the tax benefits available to us as a RIC. In addition, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and tax rules, we include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as contractual PIK interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance that becomes due at the end of the loan term, or the accrual of original issue or market discount. Since we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to obtain tax benefits as a RIC.

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income for a calendar year unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years. We will not be subject to excise taxes on amounts on which we are required to pay corporate income taxes (such as retained net capital gains). Finally, if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in our distribution reinvestment plan, we may be forced to liquidate some of our investments and raise cash in order to make cash distribution payments.

ITEM 2.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The information in this section contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Registration Statement.

Overview

We are a newly organized, externally managed specialty finance company that is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. We were formed as a Delaware limited liability company on March 25, 2022 with the name Goldman Sachs Loan Fund LLC, which we changed to Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC on May 18, 2022. Following our election to be regulated as a BDC, we completed the BDC Conversion under which Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp., a Delaware corporation, succeeded to the business of Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC. In connection with the Initial Issuance Date, the equity interest of the member of Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC was cancelled and we commenced our operations. The Investment Adviser is responsible for identifying investment opportunities, conducting research and due diligence on prospective investments, negotiating and structuring such prospective investments, and monitoring our investments for the private credit portion of the Fund. Our Investment Adviser is registered as investment adviser with the SEC. We intend to elect to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for the taxable year that includes the Initial Issuance Date, and we intend to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC annually thereafter.

We entered into the Investment Management Agreement with our Investment Adviser, pursuant to which we will pay the Investment Adviser a Management Fee as well as an Incentive Fee based on our investment performance. Also, under the Administration Agreement, we have agreed to reimburse the Administrator for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including our allocable portion of the costs of compensation and related expenses of our chief compliance officer, chief financial officer and their respective staffs.

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Leveraging Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s position within GSAM: The Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Team, which is responsible for sourcing, diligencing, negotiating, structuring monitoring and harvesting investment opportunities for the private credit portion of the Fund, is able to draw on the broader Goldman Sachs platform, network and relationships across the investment lifecycle to identify potentially attractive opportunities. Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial services firm and one of the world’s most experienced alternatives investors, and the Fund is expected to benefit not only from the Goldman Sachs network and relationships to identify potentially attractive opportunities, but also from a broad range of other resources offered by Goldman Sachs, including market insights, structuring capabilities and industry experts whose insights can enhance due diligence, structuring and investment monitoring processes.

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Direct origination with borrowers: Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit believes that evaluating investment opportunities through direct discussions with borrowers leads to a better understanding of the underlying drivers of performance and business risks. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s direct origination platform has been developed over its more-than-25-year history of private credit investing and includes approximately 165 investment professionals as of March 31, 2023. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s investment team’s local relationships with companies, private equity sponsors and advisors combined with deep industry expertise provides us with access to a wide range of opportunities and allows us to gain early and direct access to due diligence materials and management teams. We seek to lead the structuring and negotiation of the loans or securities in which we invest with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.

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Prudent investment selection with intensive due diligence and credit analysis: We believe that Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s substantial flow of potential investment opportunities, in combination with diligence practices developed over its more-than-25-year history of private credit investing, will enable us to invest in and selectively develop a diversified portfolio of high-quality companies. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s seasoned team and underwriting approach reflects deep sector expertise and seeks to identify attractive trends and pursue investments accordingly through our approach to fundamental credit analysis driven by intensive investment research.

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Provision of large-sized commitments: We believe that Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s capability to hold large-sized, directly originated investments drives our ability to source, negotiate and commit capital in attractive opportunities. We intend to invest alongside institutional and retail-focused private credit Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs, that we believe will provide us with access to a wide range of opportunities and the ability to commit to larger investment across the GSAM platform.

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Structuring expertise with a focus on risk mitigation: Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit has significant structuring capabilities with a seasoned team of investment professionals, including our Private Credit Investment Committee (as defined below), which has over 20 years of experience on average. We seek to mitigate risk by investing primarily in senior secured debt, which is secured by a collateral package that often results in a higher rate of recovery in the event of default as compared to unsecured and subordinated investments. Senior secured debt has favorable characteristics that typically include a senior ranking in the capital structure of the borrower with priority of repayment, security of collateral and protective contractual rights that may include affirmative and negative covenants that restrict the borrower’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments or execute other transactions or implement changes that may be negative to lenders. In addition, Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit has experience investing across the capital structure which will enable us to consider different investment structures and expand our opportunity funnel.

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Focus on companies with attractive business fundamentals: Capital preservation is central to the Fund’s investment strategy. Generally, we seek to target companies with the following characteristics: (i) strong and defensible market positions, (ii) stable or growing revenues and free cash flow, (iii) attractive business models, (iv) experienced and well-regarded management teams, (v) reputable private equity or private family sponsors, as applicable, (vi) a meaningful amount of equity cushion or junior capital, which means any equity or debt in the capital structure that is subordinated to the Fund’s investment and (vii) viable exit strategies. The Fund intends to make investments in companies located primarily in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in non-US jurisdictions.

We will invest primarily in private companies based in the United States, but we also expect to invest, to a lesser extent, in non-U.S. based companies (subject to compliance with BDC requirements to invest at least 70% of our assets in U.S. companies). We intend to focus our lending across a spectrum of directly sourced opportunities in companies ranging from lower middle market to large capitalization in size. We may invest in companies of any size or capitalization. We will generally seek to lead the origination of our investments as the primary lender, and we may participate in club deals (which are generally investments made by a small group of firms). Subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act, we may invest in loans or other securities, the proceeds of which may refinance or otherwise repay debt or securities of companies whose debt is owned by other Goldman Sachs credit funds or affiliates. We also intend to invest alongside institutional and retail-focused private credit Accounts, which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs. See “Item 1. Business—Allocation of Investment Opportunities—Co-Investments Alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts; the Relief.” In addition, we expect to acquire or originate revolving credit facilities from time to time in connection with our investments in other assets.

Our investment strategy also allocates a portion of the overall portfolio to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, to provide the portfolio with additional liquidity and to manage our payment obligations under our share repurchase program. These more liquid credit instruments may include senior secured loans, senior secured high yield bonds, senior unsecured high yield bonds, and fixed-income ETFs and government securities. We intend to use these investments to maintain liquidity for our share repurchase program and manage cash before investing subscription proceeds into originated loans, while also seeking attractive investment returns. Prior to raising or investing sufficient capital, the portfolio may display a greater percentage of assets within more liquid credit investments or government securities than we otherwise would expect for a fully invested portfolio. Investment decisions related to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, will be made by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management High Yield and Bank Loan team within the Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

We intend to employ leverage as market conditions permit and at the discretion of the Investment Adviser, but we intend to comply with the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act, which currently allows us to borrow up to $2 of debt for each $1 of equity. We intend to use leverage in the form of borrowings, including loans from financial institutions as well as the issuance of debt securities. We may also use leverage in the form of preferred shares. In determining whether to borrow money, we will analyze the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of the proposed borrowings as well as the risks of such borrowings compared to our investment outlook. We would expect any such leverage, if incurred, to increase the total capital available for investment by the Fund.

See “Item 1. Business” for more information about our investment strategies. Our investments are subject to a number of risks. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Revenues

We plan to generate revenues in the form of interest income on debt investments and, to a lesser extent, fee income and capital gains and distributions, if any, on equity securities that we may acquire in portfolio companies. Some of our investments may provide for deferred interest payments or PIK income. We expect that principal amount of the debt investments and any accrued but unpaid interest generally will become due at the maturity date.

We expect to generate revenues primarily through receipt of interest income from the investments we hold. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring, syndication, exit fees or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and consulting fees. Portfolio company fees (directors’ fees, consulting fees, administrative fees, tax advisory fees and other similar compensation) will be paid to us, unless, to the extent required by applicable law or exemptive relief, if any, therefrom, we receive our allocable portion of such fees when invested in the same portfolio company as other Accounts. We do not expect to receive material fee income as it is not our principal investment strategy. We will record contractual prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as interest income.

Dividend income on preferred equity investments, if any, will be recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity investments, if any, will be recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies and on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies. Interest and dividend income will be presented net of withholding tax, if any.

Expenses

Our primary operating expenses include the payment of the Management Fee and the Incentive Fee to our Investment Adviser, legal and other professional fees, interest and other debt expenses and other operating related expenses. The Management Fee and Incentive Fee compensate our Investment Adviser for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, structuring, and monitoring our investments. We bear all other expenses of our operations and transactions, including in accordance with the Investment Management Agreement. See “Item 1. Business—Expenses” for additional information.

Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement

We have entered into an Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023, with the Investment Adviser. Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Investment Adviser may elect to pay certain of our expenses on our behalf (each, an “Expense Payment”), provided that no portion of the payment will be used to pay any interest expense or distribution and/or stockholder servicing fees of the Fund. Any Expense Payment must be paid by the Investment Adviser to us in any combination of cash or other immediately available funds and/or offset against amounts due from us to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates. See “Item 1. Business—Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement” for additional information.

Leverage

As a BDC, we are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of shares of stock senior to our common stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, if our asset coverage ratio, as defined under the Investment Company Act, is at least equal to 150% immediately after each such issuance. The Small Business Credit Availability Act modified the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act to reduce the required asset coverage ratio applicable to BDCs from 200% to 150%, subject to certain approval and disclosure requirements. Our Board and initial member approved the application of the 150% asset coverage ratio to us in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act. While the leverage we employ may be greater or less than these levels from time to time, we intend to comply with the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act, which currently allows us to borrow up to $2 of debt for each $1 of equity. In addition, except in limited circumstances, while any indebtedness and senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or stock unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. A loan is presumed to be made for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed; otherwise, it is presumed to not be for temporary purposes. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Regulations governing our operations as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.”

Our leverage may take the form of revolving or term loans from financial institutions, such as the Truist Revolving Credit Facility, secured or unsecured bonds, securitization of portions of our investment portfolio, or preferred shares, such as the Series A Preferred Stock. The Truist Revolving Credit Facility allows us to borrow money and lever our investment portfolio, subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act, with the objective of increasing our yield. This is known as “leverage.” When determining whether to borrow money and assessing the various borrowing structure alternatives, we analyze the maturity, rate structure and covenant package of the proposed borrowings in the context of our investment portfolio, pre-existing borrowings and market outlook. The use of leverage magnifies returns, including losses. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

We expect to generate cash primarily from the net proceeds of the private offering of Shares, the net proceeds of any future offerings of securities, future borrowings and cash flows from operation. On April 6, 2023, we satisfied our minimum offering requirement of $100 million, broke escrow for the private offering of Shares and commenced operations. We are currently selling our Shares on a continuous monthly basis at a per share price equal to the then-current NAV per share. See “Item 1. Business—The Private Offering” for additional information.

Our primary use of funds is expected to be for our investments in portfolio companies, cash distributions to our stockholders or for other general corporate purposes, including paying for operating expenses or debt service to the extent we borrow or issue senior securities.

Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion of our expected operating plans is based upon our expected financial statements, which will be prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements will require our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. In addition to the discussion below, we will describe our critical accounting policies in the notes to our future financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Fund records its investment transactions on a trade date basis, which is the date when the Fund assumes the risks for gains and losses related to that instrument. Realized gains and losses are based on the specific identification method.

Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums to par value on investments purchased are accreted and amortized into interest income over the life of the respective investment using the effective interest method. Loan origination fees, OID and market discounts or premiums are capitalized and amortized into interest income using the effective interest method or straight-line method, as applicable. Exit fees that are receivable upon repayment of a loan or debt security are amortized into interest income over the life of the respective investment. Upon prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment premiums, unamortized upfront loan origination fees and unamortized discounts are recorded as interest income.

Fees received from portfolio companies (directors’ fees, consulting fees, administrative fees, tax advisory fees and other similar compensation) generally are paid to the Fund, unless, to the extent permitted or required by applicable law or exemptive relief, the Fund only receives its allocable portion of such fees when invested in the same portfolio company as another Account or, in the case of certain brokerage or underwriting compensation, such compensation is permitted to be retained by an affiliate of the Fund.

Certain structuring fees, amendment fees, syndication fees and commitment fees are recorded as other income when earned. Administrative agent fees received by the Fund are recorded as other income when the services are rendered over time.

Dividend income on preferred equity investments is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity investments is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies and on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies. Interest and dividend income are presented net of withholding tax, if any.

Certain investments may have contractual PIK interest or dividends. PIK represents accrued interest or accumulated dividends that are added to the principal amount or shares (if equity) of the investment on the respective interest or dividend payment dates rather than being paid in cash and generally becomes due at maturity or upon the investment being called by the issuer. PIK is recorded as interest or dividend income, as applicable. If at any point the Fund believes PIK is not expected to be realized, the investment generating PIK will be placed on non-accrual status. When a PIK investment is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued, uncapitalized interest or dividends are generally reversed through interest or dividend income, respectively.

Non-Accrual Investments

Investments are placed on non-accrual status when it is probable that principal, interest or dividends will not be collected according to the contractual terms. Accrued interest or dividends generally are reversed when an investment is placed on non-accrual status. Interest or dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, principal and interest or dividend payments are likely to remain current.

Valuations

The Fund carries its investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices provided by independent price sources. In the absence of quoted market prices, investments are measured at fair value as determined by the Investment Adviser, as valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act.

Due to the inherent uncertainties of valuation, certain estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realized had a ready market for these investments existed, and these differences could be material.

market maker or a primary market dealer. To assess the continuing appropriateness of pricing sources and methodologies, the Investment Adviser regularly performs price verification procedures and issues challenges as necessary to independent pricing services or brokers, and any differences are reviewed in accordance with the valuation procedures. If the Investment Adviser, as valuation designee, believes any such market quotation does not reflect the fair value of an investment, the Investment Adviser, as valuation designee, may independently value such investment in accordance with valuation procedures for investments for which market quotations are not readily available.

Our investment strategy will also allocate a portion of the overall portfolio to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, to provide the portfolio with additional liquidity and to manage our payment obligations under our share repurchase program. These more liquid credit instruments may include senior secured loans, senior secured high yield bonds, senior unsecured high yield bonds, and fixed-income ETFs and government securities. We intend to use these investments to seek to maintain liquidity for our share repurchase program and manage cash before investing subscription proceeds into originated loans, while also seeking attractive investment returns. Prior to raising or investing sufficient capital, the portfolio may display a greater percentage of assets within more liquid credit investments or government securities than we otherwise would expect for a fully invested portfolio. Investment decisions related to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, will be made by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management High Yield and Bank Loan team within the Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or for which market quotations are deemed not reflective of the fair value, the valuation procedures approved by the Board and adopted by the Valuation Designee, contemplate a multi-step valuation process conducted by the Investment Adviser each quarter and more frequently as needed. As the Valuation Designee, the Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the valuation of the Fund’s assets, subject to the oversight of the Board, as described below:

The quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser responsible for the valuation of the portfolio investment;

The Valuation Designee also engages the Independent Valuation Advisors to provide independent valuations of the investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or are readily available but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment. The Independent Valuation Advisors independently value such investments using quantitative and qualitative information. The Independent Valuation Advisors also provide analyses to support their valuation methodology and calculations. The Independent Valuation Advisors provide an opinion on a final range of values on such investments to the Valuation Designee. The Independent Valuation Advisors define fair value in accordance with ASC 820 and utilize valuation approaches including the market approach, the income approach or both. A portion of the portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, and all investments in the portfolio for which market quotations are not readily available, or are readily available, but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment, are reviewed at least annually by an Independent Valuation Advisor;

The Independent Valuation Advisors’ preliminary valuations are reviewed by the Investment Adviser and the VOG, a team that is part of the controllers group of Goldman Sachs. The Independent Valuation Advisors’ valuation ranges are compared to the Investment Adviser’s valuations to ensure the Investment Adviser’s valuations are reasonable. VOG presents the valuations to the Asset Management Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group of the Asset Management Valuation Committee (the “Asset Management Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group”), which is comprised of a number of representatives from different functions and areas of expertise related to GSAM’s business and controls who are independent of the investment decision making process;

The Asset Management Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group reviews and preliminarily approves the fair valuations and makes fair valuation recommendations to the Asset Management Valuation Committee;

The Asset Management Valuation Committee reviews the valuation information provided by the Asset Management Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group, the VOG, the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser responsible for valuations, and the Independent Valuation Advisors. The Asset Management Valuation Committee then assesses such valuation recommendations; and

Through the Asset Management Valuation Committee, the Valuation Designee discusses the valuations, provides written reports to the Board of Directors on at least a quarterly basis, and, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, determines the fair value of the investments in good faith, based on the inputs of the Asset Management Valuation Committee, the Asset Management Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group, the VOG, the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser responsible for valuations, and the Independent Valuation Advisors.

Foreign Currency Translation

Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars on the following basis: (i) investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars based upon currency exchange rates effective on the last business day of the period; and (ii) purchases and sales of investments, borrowings and repayments of such borrowings, income, and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates.

The Fund does not isolate the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included within the net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments. Fluctuations arising from the translation of non-investment assets and liabilities are included with the net change in unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translations.

Foreign security and currency translations may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies and U.S. government securities. These risks include, but are not limited to, currency fluctuations and revaluations and future adverse political, social and economic developments, which could cause investments in foreign markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or U.S. government securities.

Derivatives

The Fund may enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the Fund’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies. In a foreign currency forward contract, the Fund agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of one currency for another, at a pre-determined price at a future date. Forward foreign currency contracts are marked-to-market at the applicable forward rate. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency forward contracts is recorded by counterparty on a net basis, not taking into account collateral posted which is recorded separately, if applicable. Notional amounts of foreign currency forward contract assets and liabilities are presented separately. Purchases and settlements of foreign currency forward contracts having the same settlement date and counterparty are generally settled net and any realized gains or losses are recognized on the settlement date.

The Fund does not utilize hedge accounting and as such, the Fund recognizes its derivatives at fair value with changes in the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency forward contracts recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

The Fund recognizes tax positions in its consolidated financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. A position that meets this standard is measured at the largest amount of benefit that will more likely than not be realized upon settlement. The Fund reports any interest expense related to income tax matters in income tax expense, and any income tax penalties under expenses.

The Fund’s tax positions have been reviewed based on applicable statutes of limitation for tax assessments, which may vary by jurisdiction, and based on such review, the Fund has concluded that no additional provision for income tax is required in the consolidated financial statements. The Fund is subject to potential examination by certain taxing authorities in various jurisdictions. The Fund’s tax positions are subject to ongoing interpretation of laws and regulations by taxing authorities.

The Fund intends to elect to be treated as a RIC commencing with its taxable year that includes the Initial Issuance Date. So long as the Fund maintains its tax treatment as a RIC, it will generally not be required to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on any investment company taxable income or net capital gain that it distributes at least annually to its stockholders as dividends. As a result, any U.S. federal income tax liability related to income earned and distributed by the Fund represents obligations of the Fund’s stockholders and will not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Fund.

To maintain its tax treatment as a RIC, the Fund must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, its net ordinary income plus the excess of its realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction). In order for the Fund not to be subject to U.S. federal excise taxes, it must distribute annually an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its net ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (iii) any net ordinary income and capital gains in excess of capital losses for preceding years that were not distributed during such years. The Fund, at its discretion, may carry forward taxable income in excess of calendar year dividends and pay a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on this income. If the Fund chooses to do so, this generally would increase expenses and reduce the amount available to be distributed to stockholders.

Certain of the Fund’s expected consolidated subsidiaries are expected to be subject to U.S. federal and state corporate-level income taxes. Income tax expense, if any, is included under the income category for which it applies.

Distributions

Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from those amounts determined in accordance with GAAP. The Fund may pay distributions in excess of its taxable net investment income. This excess would be a tax-free return of capital in the period and reduce the stockholder’s tax basis in its shares. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent they are charged or credited to paid-in capital in excess of par or distributable earnings, as appropriate, in the period that the differences arise. Temporary and permanent differences are primarily attributable to differences in the tax treatment of certain loans and the tax characterization of income and non-deductible expenses. These differences are generally determined in conjunction with the preparation of the Fund’s annual RIC tax return. Distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount to be paid out as a distribution is determined by the Board each month and is generally based upon the earnings estimated by the Investment Adviser. The Fund may pay distributions to its stockholders in a year in excess of its net ordinary income and capital gains for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends to timely distribute to its stockholders substantially all of its annual taxable income for each year, except that the Fund may retain certain net capital gains for reinvestment and may carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable tax. The specific tax characteristics of the Fund’s distributions will be reported to stockholders after the end of the calendar year. All distributions will be subject to available funds, and no assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to declare such distributions in future periods.

The Fund has adopted a distribution reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of all cash distributions declared by the Board unless a stockholder elects to “opt out” of the plan. As a result, if the Board declares a cash distribution, then the stockholders who have not “opted out” of the distribution reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional Shares, rather than receiving the cash distribution. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of Shares will generally be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions and, for this purpose, stockholders receiving distributions in the form of stock will generally be treated as receiving distributions equal to the fair market value of the stock received through the plan. However, since the cash distributions of participants in the plan will be reinvested, those stockholders will not receive cash with which to pay any applicable taxes.

We intend to make dividends and distributions to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock semi-annually on or before June 30 and December 31 of each year. Such dividends and distributions will be payable to such holders of record at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the fifteenth day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on such other date designated by the Board for the payment of dividends to such preferred stockholders that is not more than 30 nor less than ten days prior to such dividend payment date.

Contractual Obligations

We have entered into the Investment Management Agreement with Goldman Sachs Asset Management (in its capacity as the Investment Adviser) to provide us with investment advisory services and the Administration Agreement with State Street (in its capacity as the Administrator) to provide us with administrative services. Payments for investment advisory services under the Investment Management Agreement are described in “Item 1. Business—Investment Management Agreement.”

We may establish credit facilities in addition to the Truist Revolving Credit Facility or enter into other financing arrangements to facilitate investments and the timely payment of our expenses. It is anticipated that any such credit facilities will bear interest at floating rates at to-be-determined spreads over SOFR (or other applicable reference rate). We cannot assure stockholders that we will be able to enter into a credit facility on favorable terms or at all. In connection with a credit facility or other borrowings, lenders may require us to pledge assets, commitments and/or drawdowns (and the ability to enforce the payment thereof) and may ask to comply with positive or negative covenants that could have an effect on our operations.

We entered into the Purchase Agreements with the Financing Provider and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which we purchased the Warehouse Investments from the Financing Provider at the prices determined under the Purchase Agreements. See “Item 1. Business—Warehouse Investments” for additional information.

Revolving Credit Facility

On April 6, 2023, we entered into the Truist Revolving Credit Facility with Truist Bank, as administrative agent, and the lenders and issuing banks party thereto. As of April 10, 2023, there was approximately USD $98.01 million and CAD 60.68 million in total outstanding borrowings under the Truist Credit Facility.

Any amounts borrowed under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable, on April 6, 2028.

Borrowings thereunder denominated in USD, including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest (at our election) of either (i) term SOFR plus a margin of either 2.00% or 1.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions), plus an additional 0.10% credit adjustment spread, (ii) an alternate base rate, which is the highest of (x) Prime Rate in effect on such day, (y) Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day plus 1/2 of 1.00% and (z) term SOFR for an interest period of one (1) month plus 1.00%, plus a margin of either 1.00% or 0.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions). Borrowings thereunder denominated in non-USD bear interest of the applicable term benchmark rate or daily simple RFR plus a margin of either 2.00% or 1.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions), plus, in the case of borrowings denominated in Pound Sterling (GBP) only, an additional 0.0326% credit adjustment spread or 0.1193% credit adjustment spread, for 1-month tenor and 3-months tenor borrowings, respectively. With respect to borrowings denominated in USD, we may elect either term SOFR, or an alternative base rate at the time of borrowing, and such borrowings may be converted from one benchmark to another at any time, subject to certain conditions.

For further information, see “Item 1(c). Description of Business—Revolving Credit Facility.”

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than contractual commitments and other legal contingencies incurred in the normal course of our business, we do not expect to have any off-balance sheet financings or liabilities.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We will be subject to financial market risks, most significantly changes in interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity refers to the change in our earnings that may result from changes in the level of interest rates. Because we expect to fund a portion of our investments with borrowings, our net investment income is expected to be affected by the difference between the rate at which we invest and the rate at which we borrow. As a result, we can offer be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income.

We plan to measure our exposure to interest rate risk quarterly, or more frequently as we determine is needed. We plan to assess interest rate risk and manage our interest rate exposure on an ongoing basis by comparing our interest rate sensitive assets to our interest rate sensitive liabilities.

We may, in the future, hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and forward contracts subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act, applicable CFTC regulations and in a manner consistent with SEC guidance. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in benefits of lower interest rates with respect to our portfolio of investments with fixed interest rates.

We plan to invest primarily in illiquid debt securities of private companies. Most of our investments will not have a readily available market price, and we will value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by the Investment Adviser, as valuation designee, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Investment Adviser, as valuation designee, subject to the oversight of the Board in accordance with our valuation policy. There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. See “Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters—Valuation of Portfolio Investments.” Our investment strategy will also allocate a portion of the overall portfolio to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, to provide the portfolio with additional liquidity and to manage our payment obligations under our share repurchase program. Investment decisions related to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, will be made by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management High Yield and Bank Loan team within the Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

ITEM 3.

PROPERTIES.

We do not own any real estate or other properties materially important to our operations. Our executive offices are located at 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282 and our telephone number is (312) 655-4419. We believe that our office facilities will be suitable and adequate for our business as it is contemplated to be conducted.

ITEM 4.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

Ownership of Equity Securities

The Fund cancelled our initial member’s equity interest in the Fund in connection with and concurrent with the Initial Issuance Date.

The following table sets forth, as of May 17, 2023, certain ownership information with respect to our Class I shares for each of the Fund’s current directors, executive officers, directors and executive officers as a group, and each person known to the Fund to beneficially own 5% or more of the Fund’s outstanding Class I shares. None of our executive officers or directors own shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, and, to our knowledge, no person beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, as of May 17, 2023, 515 shares of which were outstanding as of such date.

Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the Class I shares and the Series A Preferred Stock, respectively. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the number of shares indicated as beneficially owned by them.


	Class I Shares(4)
Name and Address	Type of Ownership		Number of Shares Owned		Percent of Class
5% Owners
GSAM Holdings LLC(1)(2)		Direct		2,000,000		15.27%
Interested Director
Katherine (“Kaysie”) P. Uniacke		—		—		—
Independent Directors
Jaime Ardila		Indirect		3,200		*
Carlos E. Evans		Direct		1,990		*
Ross J. Kari		Indirect		6,400		*
Timothy J. Leach		—		—		—
Richard A. Mark		—		—		—
Susan B. McGee		—		—		—
Executive Officers
Alex Chi		Direct		3,979		*
David Miller		Direct		10,000		*
Stephanie Rader		—		—		—
Gabriella N. Skirnick		—		—		—
David Pessah		—		—		—
Julien Yoo		—		—		—
Caroline Kraus		—		—		—
Justin Betzen		—		—		—
Greg Watts		Direct		6,000		*
Tucker Greene		—		—		—
Jennifer Yang		—		—		—
All officers and directors as a group (18 persons) (2)				31,569		*

*	Less than 1%.

(1)	The address for GSAM Holdings LLC is c/o Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282.

(2)	GSAM Holdings LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of GS Group Inc.

(3)	The address for each of our directors and executive officers is c/o Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282

(4)	The information presented in this table gives effect to the May 2023 issuance of shares of our Class I shares. See Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

ITEM 5.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

Board

The Fund’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board. The Board currently consists of seven members, six of whom are Independent Directors. “Independent Directors” are directors who (1) are not deemed to be “interested persons,” of ours (as defined in the Investment Company Act), (2) meet the definition of “independent directors” under the corporate governance standards of the New York Stock Exchange and (3) meet the independence requirements of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act. The Board elects the Fund’s officers, who serve at the discretion of the Board. The responsibilities of the Board include oversight of valuation of the Fund’s assets, corporate governance activities, oversight of the Fund’s financing arrangements and oversight of its investment activities.

Under our certificate of incorporation, our Board is divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. However, the initial members of the three classes have initial terms of one, two and three years, respectively. At each annual meeting of our stockholders, the successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at such meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Each director will hold office for the term to which he or she is elected and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, removal or disqualification.

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Directors

Information regarding the initial members of the Board is as follows:


Name, Age and Address (1)	Position with the Fund	Length of Service	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Other Directorships
Interested Director^*
Katherine (“Kaysie”) P. Uniacke (62)	Class II Director	Director since May 2022; term expires 2025 (2028 if re-elected)	Ms. Uniacke is Chair of the Board—Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (2013–Present); Director—Goldman Sachs Dublin and Luxembourg family of funds (2013–Present); and Advisory Director—Goldman Sachs (2013–Present). Formerly, she was Global Chief Operating Officer—Goldman Sachs Asset Management (2007–2012); Partner, Goldman Sachs (2002–2012); and Managing Director—Goldman Sachs (1997–2002). Director—the Fund, GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF.	Goldman Sachs Asset Management International; Goldman Sachs Dublin and Luxembourg family of funds; GS BDC; GS PMMC; GS PMMC II; GS MMLC II; PSLF

Name, Age and Address (1)	Position with the Fund	Length of Service	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Other Directorships
Independent Directors
Jaime Ardila (67)	Class II Director	Director since May 2022; term expires 2025 (2028 if re-elected)	Mr. Ardila is retired. He is Director, Accenture plc (2013–Present) and Director, Nexa Resources (2019-Present). Formerly, he was Director of Ecopetrol (2016–2019); and held senior management positions with General Motors Company (an automobile manufacturer) (1984–1996 and 1998–2016), most recently as Executive Vice President, and President of General Motors’ South America region (2010–2016).	Accenture plc (a management consulting services company); Nexa Resources (a mining company); GS BDC; GS PMMC; GS PMMC II; PSLF

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Name, Age and Address (1)	Position with the Fund	Length of Service	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Other Directorships
			Chairman of the Board of Directors —GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and PSLF. Independent Director — the Fund and GS BDC

Carlos E. Evans (71)	Class I Director	Director since May 2022; term expires 2024 (2027 if re-elected)	Mr. Evans is retired. He is Chairman, Highwoods Properties, Inc. (2018–Present); Director, Highwoods Properties, Inc. (2015–2018); Director, National Coatings and Supplies Inc. (2015–Present); Director, Warren Oil Company, LLC (2016–Present); Director, American Welding & Gas Inc. (2015–Present); and Director, Johnson Management (2015–Present). He was formerly Director, Sykes Enterprises, Inc. (2016–2021); Executive Vice President and Group Head of Wells Fargo Eastern Commercial Banking and National Head of Government and Institutional Banking (2009–2014). Independent Director—the Fund, GS BDC and GS MMLC II.	Highwoods Properties, Inc. (a real estate investment trust); National Coatings and Supplies Inc.; Warren Oil Company, LLC; American Welding & Gas Inc.; Johnson Management; GS MMLC II; GS BDC

Ross J. Kari (64)	Class III Director	Director since May 2022; term expires 2023 (2026 if re-elected)	Mr. Kari is retired. Formerly, he was Director, Summit Bank (2014-2022); Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,	GS BDC; GS PMMC; GS PMMC II; PSLF

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Name, Age and Address (1)	Position with the Fund	Length of Service	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Other Directorships
			Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (2009–2013); and was a Member of the Board of Directors of KKR Financial Holdings, LLC (2007–2014). Independent Director—the Fund, GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and PSLF.

Timothy J. Leach (67)	Chairman, Class I Director	Director since May 2022; term expires 2024 (2027 if re-elected)	Mr. Leach is retired. He is Chairman, MN8 Energy Inc. (2021–Present); Chairman, Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County (2019–Present); Director, Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County (2017–2019); and Chairman, GS Renewable Power LLC (2021-Present). He was formerly Chief Investment Officer, US Bank Wealth Management (2008–2016) and Treasurer and Director, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare (2014–2019). Independent Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors—the Fund, GS BDC and GS MMLC II.	Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County; GS Renewable Power LLC; GS BDC; GS MMLC II

Richard A. Mark (69)	Class II Director	Director since May 2022; term expires 2025 (2028 if re-elected)	Mr. Mark is retired. He is Director, Viatris Inc. (2020–Present); and Director, Home Centered Care Institute (2021 – Present). He was formerly Director, Almost Home Kids	Viatris Inc. (a global pharmaceutical company); Home Centered Care Institute; GS BDC; GS MMLC II

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Name, Age and Address (1)	Position with the Fund	Length of Service	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Other Directorships
			(2016–2021); Director, Mylan N.V. (2019–2020); Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (2002–2015) and Chairman and member of the Audit Committee, Katy Industries, Inc. (2015–2016). Independent Director—the Fund, GS BDC and GS MMLC II.

Susan B. McGee (64)	Class I Director	Director since May 2022; term expires 2024 (2027 if re-elected)	Ms. McGee is retired. She is Director, ETTL Engineers and Consultants (2018-Present); and Director, HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd (2021-Present). She was formerly Director, Nobul Corporation (2019-2022) and held senior management positions with U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (an investment management firm), including Chief Compliance Officer (2016–2018), President (1998–2018) and General Counsel (1997–2018). She was also formerly Vice President of the U.S. Global Investors Funds (2016–2018). Independent Director—the Fund, GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and PSLF.	ETTL Engineers and Consultants; HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd; GS BDC; GS PMMC; GS PMMC II; PSLF

Ms. Uniacke is considered to be an “Interested Director” because she holds positions with Goldman Sachs and owns securities issued by GS Group Inc. Ms. Uniacke holds comparable positions with certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or an affiliate thereof is the investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.

(1)	Each director may be contacted by writing to the director, c/o Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282.

The significance or relevance of a Director’s particular experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills is considered by the Board on an individual basis. Experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills common to all Directors include the ability to critically review, evaluate and discuss information provided to them and to interact effectively with the other Directors and with representatives of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, other service providers, legal counsel and the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, the capacity to address financial and legal issues and exercise reasonable business judgment, and a commitment to the representation of the interests of the Fund and the stockholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee’s charter contains certain other factors that are considered by the Governance and Nominating Committee in identifying and evaluating potential nominees to serve as Independent Directors. Below is a brief discussion of the experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills of each Director that led the Board to conclude that such individual should serve as a director.

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Interested Director:

Katherine P. Uniacke. Ms. Uniacke is the sole interested director on the Board and has served in such capacity since May 2022. Ms. Uniacke is the chair of the board of Goldman Sachs Asset Management International; serves on the boards of the Goldman Sachs Luxembourg and Dublin family of funds, several Goldman Sachs Asset Management-managed pooled vehicles organized in the Cayman Islands, GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF; and is an advisory director to GS Group Inc. Previously, she was global chief operating officer of the Investment Adviser’s portfolio management business until 2012 and served on the Investment Management Division Client and Business Standards Committee. Prior to this, she was president of Goldman Sachs Trust, the GS mutual fund family, and was head of the Fiduciary Management business within Global Manager Strategies, responsible for business development and client service globally. Earlier in her career, Ms. Uniacke managed the Investment Adviser’s U.S. and Canadian Distribution groups. In that capacity, she was responsible for overseeing all North American institutional and third-party sales channels, marketing and client service functions, for which client assets exceeded $200 billion. Before that, Ms. Uniacke was head of the Investment Adviser’s Global Cash Services business, where she was responsible for overseeing the management of assets exceeding $100 billion. Ms. Uniacke worked at Goldman Sachs from 1983 to 2012 where she was named managing director in 1997 and partner in 2002. Ms. Uniacke serves on the board of Person-to-Person, a non-profit organization that supports the working poor in lower Fairfield County, CT. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Uniacke is experienced with financial and investment matters, which we believe makes her well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

Independent Directors:

Jaime Ardila. Mr. Ardila is retired. Mr. Ardila has served on the Board of Directors of the Fund since May 2022, including as Chairman of the Board until January 2023. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of GS BDC and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and PSLF. Mr. Ardila is a member of the Board of Directors of Accenture plc, a management consulting services company, where he serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors of Nexa Resources S.A., a mining company. Previously, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Ecopetrol, an integrated oil company, where he served as Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Business Committee and the Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee, from 2016 to 2019. Mr. Ardila also worked for 29 years at General Motors Company, an automobile manufacturer, where he held several senior management positions, most recently as Executive Vice President of the company and President of General Motors’ South America region. Mr. Ardila joined General Motors in 1984. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Ardila served as the managing director, Colombian Operations, of N M Rothschild & Sons Ltd, before rejoining General Motors in 1998. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Ardila is experienced with financial and investment matters, which we believe makes him well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

Carlos E. Evans. Mr. Evans is retired. Mr. Evans has served on the Board of Directors of the Fund since May 2022. He also serves on the Board of Directors of GS BDC and GS MMLC II. Mr. Evans is currently chairman of the Board of Directors of Highwoods Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust, where he serves as chair of the Compensation/Governance Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to his retirement in 2014, Mr. Evans worked for Wells Fargo Bank, most recently serving as executive vice president and group head of the eastern division of Wells Fargo commercial banking. From 2006 until Wachovia Corporation’s merger with Wells Fargo in 2009, Mr. Evans served as wholesale banking executive and an executive vice president for the Wachovia general banking group. Previously, he held senior management positions with First Union National Bank and with Bank of America and its predecessors, including NationsBank, North Carolina National Bank and Bankers Trust of South Carolina, which he joined in 1973. Mr. Evans is chairman emeritus of the board of the Spoleto Festival USA and was previously chairman of the board of the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation. Mr. Evans serves on the boards of four private companies, National Coatings and Supplies Inc., Warren Oil Company, LLC, American Welding & Gas Inc. and Johnson Management. He also previously served on the Board of Directors of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, an international provider of outsourced customer contact management services. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Evans is experienced with financial and investment matters, which we believe makes him well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

Ross J. Kari. Mr. Kari is retired. Mr. Kari has served on the Board of Directors of the Fund since May 2022. He also serves on the Board of Directors of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and PSLF. Previously, Mr. Kari was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), where he worked for four years. Previously, he held senior management positions at SAFECO Corporation, a personal insurance company, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and Wells Fargo & Company, where he began his career and worked for 19 years. Mr. Kari also served as a Director and a member of the Audit Committee and ALCO Chairman of Summit Bank. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Kari is experienced with financial and investment matters, which we believe makes him well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

Timothy J. Leach. Mr. Leach is retired. Mr. Leach has served on the Board of Directors of the Fund since May 2022 and has served as Chairman of the Board since January 2023. He also serves as a member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GS BDC and GS MMLC II. From 2008 until his retirement in July 2016, Mr. Leach served as chief investment officer of US Bank Wealth Management. Prior to joining US Bank, Mr. Leach held senior management positions with U.S. Trust Company and various investment advisers and asset managers, including Wells Fargo Private Investment Advisors, Wells Fargo Alternative Asset Management, ABN Amro Global Asset Management, ABN Amro Asset Management (USA) and Qualivest Capital Management. Mr. Leach currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County and as chairman of the board of directors for GS Renewable Power LLC. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Leach is experienced with financial and investment matters, which we believe makes him well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

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Richard A. Mark. Mr. Mark is retired. Mr. Mark has served on the Board of Directors of the Fund since May 2022. Mr. Mark has been designated as the Board’s “audit committee financial expert” given his extensive accounting and finance experience. He also serves on the Board of Directors and as the chair of the audit committee of GS BDC and GS MMLC II. Prior to his retirement in 2015, Mr. Mark was a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP, most recently leading the corporate development function of the advisory business of Deloitte. Mr. Mark began his career at Arthur Andersen & Co. and held various positions with Arthur Andersen, including audit partner, before joining Deloitte in 2002. Since November 2020, Mr. Mark has served on the Board of Directors of Viatris Inc. (“Viatris”), a global pharmaceuticals company. Prior to the closing of the transaction that combined Mylan N.V. and Pfizer Inc.’s off-patent branded and generic established medicines business which resulted in the formation of Viatris, Mr. Mark served on the Board of Directors of Mylan N.V. from June 2019 until November 2020. Mr. Mark also served from July 2015 until August 2016 as chairman of the board of directors and as a member of the audit committee of Katy Industries, Inc., a manufacturer, importer and distributor of commercial cleaning and consumer storage products. Since December 2021, Mr. Mark has served on the Board of Directors of the Home Centered Care Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on scaling home-based primary care. From May 2016 to December 2021, Mr. Mark served as a Director of Almost Home Kids, an affiliate of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, which provides care to children with complicated health needs. Mr. Mark is a certified public accountant. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Mark is experienced with accounting, financial and investment matters, which we believe makes him well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

Susan B. McGee. Ms. McGee is retired. Ms. McGee has served on the Board of Directors of the Fund since May 2022. She also serves on the Board of Directors of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and PSLF. Ms. McGee also serves on the Board of Directors for ETTL Engineers and Consultants, and HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. Ms. McGee formerly served as a Director for Nobul Corporation, a digital real estate company, from 2019 to 2022. Ms. McGee worked for 26 years at U.S. Global Investors, Inc., an investment management firm, until June 2018, during which time she held several senior management positions, including President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. She has also been involved in the governance of the U.S. Global Investors Funds, serving as Vice President until June 2018. In addition, Ms. McGee serves on the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute and as Chairperson of the Investment Company Institute Small Funds Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Sports Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. Based on the foregoing, Ms. McGee is experienced with financial and investment matters, which we believe makes her well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

Board Composition and Leadership Structure

The Fund’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board. The Board currently consists of seven members, six of whom are Independent Directors. The Board elects the Fund’s officers, who serve at the discretion of the Board. The responsibilities of the Board include oversight of valuation of the Fund’s assets, corporate governance activities, oversight of the Fund’s financing arrangements and oversight of its investment activities.

The Board’s role in the management of the Fund is one of oversight. Oversight of the Fund’s investment activities extends to oversight of the risk management processes employed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management as part of its day-to-day management of the Fund’s investment activities. The Board reviews risk management processes at both regular and special Board meetings throughout the year, consulting with appropriate representatives of Goldman Sachs Asset Management as necessary and periodically requesting the production of risk management reports or presentations. The goal of the Board’s risk oversight function is to ensure that risks associated with the Fund’s investment activities are accurately identified, investigated and responsibly addressed. Stockholders should note, however, that the Board’s oversight function cannot eliminate all risks or ensure that particular events do not adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments. The Board also oversees the valuation of the Fund’s assets.

The Board has established an Audit Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee, Compliance Committee and Contract Review Committee. The scope of each committee’s responsibilities is discussed in greater detail below.

Timothy J. Leach, an Independent Director, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the stockholders for Mr. Leach to lead the Board because of his broad corporate background and experience with financial and investment matters and his significant senior management experience, as described above. Mr. Leach will generally act as a liaison between management, officers and attorneys between meetings of the Board and presides over all executive sessions of the Independent Directors without management. The Board believes that its leadership structure is appropriate because the structure allocates areas of responsibility among the individual directors and the committees in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The Board also believes that its size creates an efficient corporate governance structure that provides opportunity for direct communication and interaction between management and the Board.

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To promote effectiveness of the Board, under normal circumstances Directors are strongly encouraged to attend regularly scheduled Board meetings in person.

Committees of the Board

Audit Committee. The initial members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Evans, Mr. Kari, Mr. Leach, Mr. Mark and Ms. McGee, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Mark serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board and the Audit Committee have determined that Mr. Mark is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing matters relating to the appointment and activities of our auditors, audit plans and procedures, various accounting and financial reporting issues and changes in accounting policies, and reviewing the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by our independent public accountants. The Audit Committee is also responsible for aiding the Board in its oversight of the Investment Adviser’s fair value determinations and processes of our portfolio investments.

Governance and Nominating Committee. The initial members of the Governance and Nominating Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Evans, Mr. Kari, Mr. Leach, Mr. Mark and Ms. McGee, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Leach serves as the Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying, researching and nominating Independent Directors, selecting nominees to fill vacancies on the Board or a committee of the Board, determining, or recommending to the Board for determination, the compensation of the interested Directors, developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the Board and management.

All candidates nominated for an Independent Director position must meet applicable independence requirements and have the capacity to address financial and legal issues and exercise reasonable business judgment. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider a variety of criteria in evaluating candidates (including candidates nominated by a stockholder), including (1) experience in business, financial or investment matters or in other fields of endeavor; (2) financial literacy and/or whether he or she is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K; (3) reputation; (4) ability to attend scheduled Board and committee meetings; (5) general availability to attend to Board business on short notice; (6) actual or potential business, family or other conflicts bearing on either the candidate’s independence or the business of the Fund; (7) length of potential service; (8) commitment to the representation of the interests of the Fund and the stockholders; (9) commitment to maintaining and improving his or her skills and education; (10) experience in corporate governance and best business practices; and (11) the diversity that he or she would bring to the Board’s composition.

The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees properly recommended by a stockholder. Our bylaws provide that for any nomination to be properly brought by a stockholder for a meeting, such stockholder must comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information. Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. Our bylaws further provide that nominations of persons for election to the Board at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected may be made only by or at the direction of the Board or, provided that the Board has determined that Directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.

Compliance Committee. The initial members of the Compliance Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Evans, Mr. Kari, Mr. Leach, Mr. Mark, and Ms. McGee, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Leach serves as Chairman of the Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee is responsible for overseeing our compliance processes, and insofar as they relate to services provided to us, the compliance processes of the Investment Adviser, underwriters (if any), Administrator and Transfer Agent, except that compliance processes relating to the accounting and financial reporting processes and certain related matters are overseen by the Audit Committee. In addition, the Compliance Committee provides assistance to the full Board with respect to compliance matters.

Contract Review Committee. The initial members of the Contract Review Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Evans, Mr. Kari, Mr. Leach, Mr. Mark, and Ms. McGee, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Leach serves as Chairman of the Contract Review Committee. The Contract Review Committee is responsible for overseeing the processes of the Board for reviewing and monitoring performance under our investment management, placement agent (if any), principal underwriting (if any) and certain other agreements with Goldman Sachs Asset Management and its affiliates. The Contract Review Committee also provides appropriate assistance to the Board in connection with the Board’s approval, oversight and review of our other service providers, including our custodian/accounting agent, Transfer Agent, printing firms, and professional firms (other than the our independent auditor, which is the responsibility of the Audit Committee).

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Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

Information regarding our executive officers who are not directors is as follows:


Name	Age	Position(s)
Alex Chi	50	Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President

David Miller	53	Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President

Stephanie Rader	40	Executive Vice President and Head of Business Development

Gabriella N. Skirnick	45	Chief Operating Officer

David Pessah	37	Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

Julien Yoo	51	Chief Compliance Officer

Caroline Kraus	46	Chief Legal Officer

Justin Betzen	43	Vice President

Greg Watts	46	Vice President

Tucker Greene	48	Vice President

Jennifer Yang	39	Vice President

The address for each executive officer is c/o Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next election of officers or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

Alex Chi. Mr. Chi is the co-chief executive officer and co-president of the Fund and has served in such capacity since May 2022. Mr. Chi is also the co-chief executive officer and co-president of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. Mr. Chi is co-head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit in the Americas. Before assuming his current role, Mr. Chi spent 25 years in Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division. Mr. Chi worked in the Financial and Strategic Investors Group from 2006 to 2019, managing Goldman Sachs’ relationships with private equity and related portfolio company clients. Prior to that, Mr. Chi worked in Leveraged Finance, where he spent six years structuring and executing leveraged loan and high yield debt financings for corporate and private equity clients across industries. He also spent three years in Asia focused on mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. Mr. Chi was named managing director in 2006 and partner in 2012.

David Miller. Mr. Miller is the co-chief executive officer and co-president of the Fund and has served in such capacity since May 2022. Mr. Miller is also the co-chief executive officer and co-president of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. Mr. Miller is co-head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit in the Americas. He has spent his nearly 30-year career as an investor in middle market companies and has originated billions of dollars in commitments across all industries to companies in various stages of the lifecycle. He co-founded in 2004 Goldman Sachs’ middle market origination effort investing primarily firm capital and has led that business since 2013. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs in 2004, Mr. Miller was senior vice president of originations for GE Capital, where he was responsible for structuring and originating loans in the media and telecommunications sectors. Previously, Mr. Miller was a director at SunTrust Bank, responsible for originating and managing a portfolio of middle market loans. Mr. Miller was named managing director in 2012 and partner in 2014.

Stephanie Rader. Ms. Rader is the executive vice president and head of business development of the Fund and has served in such capacity since May 2022. Ms. Rader is also the head of business development of PSLF. Ms. Rader is a partner in Client Solutions & Capital Markets within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, serving as global head of capital raising, strategic partnerships and product strategy for the private credit and hedge fund strategies. Prior to her current role, she was head of Distressed and Bank Loan Sales within the Global Markets Division. Ms. Rader joined Goldman Sachs in 2004 in Mortgage Sales within the Industry Sales Group. She moved to the Leveraged Finance Sales Group in 2006, where she covered both asset managers and hedge funds. Ms. Rader was named managing director in 2015 and partner in 2018.

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Gabriella N. Skirnick. Ms. Skirnick is the chief operating officer of the Fund and has served in such capacity since May 2022. Ms. Skirnick also is the chief operating officer of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. Ms. Skirnick is global chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit. Prior to joining the Merchant Banking Division as global chief operating officer of the Private Credit investing platform in 2017, she spent six years in the Investment Banking Division in the Technology, Media and Telecom Group, where she focused on technology mergers and acquisitions, as well as in the Americas Financing Group. Ms. Skirnick joined Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the Communications, Media and Entertainment Group within the Investment Banking Division in 2000 and rejoined the firm in 2010. Before re-joining Goldman Sachs, Ms. Skirnick worked in distressed investing at Aurelius Capital Management and Perella Weinberg Partners. She was named managing director of Goldman Sachs in 2017.

David Pessah. Mr. Pessah is the chief financial officer, treasurer, and principal financial officer of the Fund and has served in such capacity since August 2022. Mr. Pessah has also served as the principal accounting officer since May 2022. Mr. Pessah is also the chief financial officer, treasurer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. Mr. Pessah is a Vice President in Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit. Mr. Pessah is responsible for fund accounting and financial reporting oversight as well as the continuous improvement of our internal control over financial reporting. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs in September 2010, he worked in the audit practice at Ernst & Young LLP.

Caroline Kraus. Ms. Kraus is the chief legal officer and secretary of the Fund and has served in such capacity since August 2022. Ms. Kraus is also a Managing Director and Senior Counsel at GSAM and the chief legal officer and secretary of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF as well as various other Goldman Sachs funds. Ms. Kraus joined Goldman Sachs in 2006. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, she was an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP.

Julien Yoo. Ms. Yoo is the chief compliance officer of the Fund and has served in such capacity since May 2022. Ms. Yoo is also the Managing Director of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Compliance, Head of the U.S. Regulatory Compliance team with Goldman Sachs Asset Management Compliance, and Chief Compliance Officer of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. Ms. Yoo joined Goldman Sachs in 2013. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Ms. Yoo was a Vice President in the legal department of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, she was an associate at Shearman & Sterling, LLP and at Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP.

Justin Betzen. Mr. Betzen is a vice president of the Fund and has served in such capacity since August 2022. Mr. Betzen is also a vice president of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. He is also a managing director and senior underwriter in Private Credit within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, focused on middle market lending in the Americas. He is a member of the BDC Investment Committee and the Private Credit Investment Subcommittee, which focuses on middle market lending primarily via the Goldman Sachs Balance Sheet. Justin initially joined Goldman Sachs in 2006 as an associate and rejoined the firm as a vice president in 2013. He was named managing director in 2019. Prior to rejoining Goldman Sachs, Mr. Betzen worked at Newstone Capital Partners, focused on second lien, mezzanine and minority equity investing. Prior to initially joining Goldman Sachs, he worked at JPMorgan Chase in the Technology Corporate Banking Group, focused on software, services and payments companies.

Greg Watts. Mr. Watts is a vice president of the Fund and has served in such capacity since August 2022. Mr. Watts is also a vice president of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. He also serves as head of underwriting and portfolio management for Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit in the Americas. He has spent greater than 20 years as a credit investor in middle market companies and has overseen billions of dollars of investments from origination to exit as well as a significant amount of experience in workouts and restructurings. Mr. Watts is a member of the BDC Investment Committee and the Private Credit Investment Subcommittee, which focuses on middle market lending primarily via the Goldman Sachs Balance Sheet. Mr. Watts joined Goldman Sachs in 2007 and was named managing director in 2015. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mr. Watts spent five years with GE Capital’s Technology, Media and Telecom Finance Group as a senior vice president and risk team leader in underwriting and portfolio management. Before working at GE Capital, Mr. Watts was an associate at Investcorp International after beginning his career as an investment banking analyst in Salomon Smith Barney’s Mergers and Acquisitions Group.

Tucker Greene. Mr. Greene is a vice president of the Fund and has served in such capacity since August 2022. Mr. Greene is also a vice president of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. He is also a managing director in Private Credit within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. He is focused on the firm’s middle market credit investing strategies, including sourcing, structuring and managing senior credit facilities. Mr. Greene joined Goldman Sachs Asset Management in 2004 in the Specialty Lending Group and was named managing director in 2021. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mr. Greene worked at GE Capital. Previously, he was an associate in underwriting and portfolio management for two years within GE Capital’s Media and Communications Group.

Jennifer Yang. Ms. Yang is a vice president of the Fund and has served in such capacity since August 2022. Ms. Yang is also a vice president of GS BDC, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, GS MMLC II and PSLF. She is also a managing director in Credit Alternatives within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, with oversight of Healthcare. She is responsible for leading and managing the healthcare investment strategy and portfolio. Ms. Yang joined Goldman Sachs in 2018 as a vice president and was named managing director in 2021. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Jennifer was an executive director at Varagon Capital Partners, where she was responsible for structuring, executing and managing credit investments in the healthcare sector. Previously, she was a vice president at Fifth Street Asset Management, focused on healthcare deal execution.

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The Investment Adviser

Private Credit Investment Committee

All investment decisions related to directly originated private credit opportunities will be made by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Investment Committee or a sub-committee thereof. The Private Credit Investment Committee currently consists of 12 investment professionals across Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit’s leadership as well as representatives from Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s Real Estate and Corporate Equity investing businesses, and representatives from five Goldman Sachs control-side divisions (Controllers, Compliance, Credit Risk, Legal, and Tax).

The size, membership, authority and voting rights of members of the Private Credit Investment Committee and its sub-committees are subject to change from time to time without prior notice.

Investment decisions related to more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, will be made by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management High Yield and Bank Loan team within the Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. The High Yield and Bank Loan team currently is comprised of approximately 42 dedicated professionals across the High Yield, Bank Loans and Opportunistic Credit asset classes. In managing our more liquid credit investments, the High Yield and Bank Loan team will employ the broad resources and expertise of the whole Goldman Sachs Asset Management Global Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions team, which in total comprises over 444 professionals located across Bengaluru, Boston, Burlington, Hong Kong, London, New York, Salt Lake City, Singapore, The Hague and Tokyo, as of March 31, 2023.

Members of the Private Credit Investment Committee Who Are Not Our Directors or Executive Officers

Set forth below are biographies of the investment professionals on the Private Credit Investment Committee who are not our directors or executive officers.

Richard A. Friedman. Mr. Friedman is chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. He joined Goldman Sachs in 1981 and became a partner in 1990. He is a member of the Goldman Sachs Management Committee, co-chair of the Firmwide Investment Policy Committee and a member of the Firmwide Business Planning Committee. Mr. Friedman is chairman of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Corporate Investment Committee, co-chairman of the Private Credit Investment Committee, chairman of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Cooperation Fund Investment Committee, chairman of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Infrastructure Investment Committee and co-chairman of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Real Estate Investment Committee. Mr. Friedman received a B.A. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

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Julian Salisbury. Mr. Salisbury is global head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. He joined Goldman Sachs in 1998, became a managing director in 2005 and became a partner in 2008. He is a member of the Goldman Sachs Management Committee, co-chairman of the Firmwide Investment Policy Committee and the Partnership Committee, and a member of the Business Planning Committee. He is co-chairman of the Private Credit Investment Committee, co-chairman of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Real Estate Investment Committee and a member of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Growth Investment Committee. Mr. Salisbury received a B.S. and a M.Sc. from Loughborough University.

Greg Olafson. Mr. Olafson is co-president of Alternatives within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Previously, he was co-head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2001, became a managing director in 2007 and became a partner in 2012. Prior to his current role, Mr. Olafson was the head of the European Special Situations Group (ESSG). He is a member of the Private Credit Investment Committee, the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Growth Investment Committee, and the Firmwide Risk Council. Mr. Olafson received a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from University of Windsor Canada and an M.B.A. from the Darden School of Business at University of Virginia, where he was a Shermet Scholar.

James H. Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds is global co-head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2000, became a managing director in 2007 and became a partner in 2010. He is a member of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Corporate Investment Committee, the Private Credit Investment Committee, and co-chairman of the Goldman Sachs BDC Investment Committee. Mr. Reynolds received a B.S. from the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées and an MSc. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Kevin Sterling. Mr. Sterling is global co-head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit. He joined Goldman Sachs in 1998, was named managing director in 2006 and became a partner in 2014. He is a member of the Private Credit Investment Committee and co-chairman of the Goldman Sachs BDC Investment Committee. Before assuming his current role, Mr. Sterling spent 24 years in Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division, where he most recently was head of Americas Leveraged Finance, served as co-chair of the Firmwide Capital Committee and a member of the Firmwide Risk Council and Investment Banking Division Risk Council. Mr. Sterling earned a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1996.

Beat Cabiallavetta. Mr. Cabiallavetta is head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Hybrid Capital. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2005, became a managing director in 2013, and became a partner in 2018. He is a member of the Private Credit Investment Committee. Mr. Cabiallavetta received a B.S.E. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in Finance and Accounting, and a minor in Mathematics.

Nicole Agnew. Ms. Agnew is focused on consumer private equity investing in the Americas for Goldman Sachs Asset Management. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2005, became a managing director in 2010, and became a partner in 2016. She is a member of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Corporate Investment Committee and the Private Credit Investment Committee. She is also a lead investor for Launch With GS, Goldman Sachs’ $500 million commitment to narrow the gender investing gap. Ms. Agnew received an A.B. from Harvard College.

Moritz Jobke. Mr. Jobke is a partner within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, serving as head of the Hybrid Capital team in Europe. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2007, became a managing director in 2015, and became a partner in 2022. He is a member of the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit Investment Subcommittee. Previously, Mr. Jobke was co-head of European multi-strategy investing in the Merchant Banking Division. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mr. Jobke previously worked at McKinsey & Company in Germany. Mr. Jobke received a lic.oec. in Finance, Accounting and Controlling from the University of St. Gallen in 2003 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2007, where he was a Baker Scholar.

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ITEM 6.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Compensation of Executive Officers

None of our executive officers are currently compensated by us. We do not currently have any employees. Our day-to-day operations are managed by the Investment Adviser.

Compensation of Directors

Each Independent Director will be compensated with a $50,000 (or $100,000 upon the Fund’s NAV being at or above $1,500,000,000) annual fee for his or her services as Director. In addition, the Chairman of the Board will earn an additional annual fee of $12,500 (or $25,000 upon the Fund’s NAV being at or above $1,500,000,000), and the director designated as the “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K, will earn an additional annual fee of $7,500 (or $15,000 upon the Fund’s NAV being at or above $1,500,000,000) for his or her additional services in this capacity. The Independent Directors are reimbursed for travel and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attending Board and committee meetings. The Fund may also pay the incidental costs of a director to attend training or other types of conferences relating to the BDC industry. In addition, the Fund purchases directors’ and officers’ liability insurance on behalf of the Directors. No compensation will be paid to directors who are “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act.

It is the responsibility of the Independent Directors to review their own compensation and recommend to all of the Directors the appropriate level of compensation. This level of compensation may be adjusted from time to time. In conducting their review, the Independent Directors use such information as they deem relevant, including compensation paid to directors of other BDCs of similar size and the time and effort required of the Directors in fulfilling their responsibilities to the Fund.

Compensation of Private Credit Investment Committee

None of the Private Credit Investment Committee members receive any direct compensation from us.

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ITEM 7.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

(a)	Transactions with Related Persons; Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

Shares of Common Stock

On April 6, 2023, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser purchased approximately two million Shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $50 million in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, including Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Regulation D thereunder. This issuance and sale was completed pursuant to the Fund’s subscription agreement, the form of which is included as an exhibit to this Registration Statement. See “Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.”

Investment Management Agreement

We have entered into the Investment Management Agreement with the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which the Investment Adviser manages our investment program and related activities. See “Item 1. Business—Investment Management Agreement.”

License Agreement

We have entered into the License Agreement with an affiliate of Goldman Sachs pursuant to which we have been granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the “Goldman Sachs” name. See “Item 1(c). Business—License Agreement.”

Potential Categories of Conflicts

General Categories of Conflicts Associated with the Fund

Goldman Sachs (which, for purposes of this “Potential Conflicts of Interest” section, means, collectively, GS Group Inc., the Investment Adviser and their affiliates, directors, partners, Directors, managers, members, officers and employees) is a global, full-service investment banking, broker-dealer, asset management and financial services organization and a major participant in global financial markets. As such, it provides a wide range of financial services to a diversified client base. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs advises clients in all markets and transactions and purchases, sells, holds and recommends a broad array of investments for its own accounts and for the accounts of clients and of its personnel, through client accounts and the relationships and products it sponsors, manages and advises. Goldman Sachs has direct and indirect interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equities, bank loan and other markets, and the securities and issuers, in which the Fund may directly and indirectly invest. As a result, Goldman Sachs’ activities and dealings, including on behalf of the Fund, may affect the Fund in ways that may disadvantage or restrict the Fund and/or benefit Goldman Sachs or other Accounts. In managing conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the foregoing, Goldman Sachs Asset Management generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements.

The following are descriptions of certain conflicts and potential conflicts of interest that may be associated with the financial or other interests that the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs may have in transactions effected by, with or on behalf of the Fund. The conflicts herein do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of the conflicts or potential conflicts associated with the financial or other interests the Fund or Goldman Sachs may have now or in the future. Additional information about potential conflicts of interest regarding the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs is set forth in the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV. A copy of Part 1 and Part 2A of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV is available on the SEC’s website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). A copy of Part 2 of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV will be provided to investors or prospective investors upon request.

Other Activities of Goldman Sachs, the Sale of the Fund’s Shares and the Allocation of Investment Opportunities

Sales Incentives and Related Conflicts Arising from Goldman Sachs’ Financial and Other Relationships with Intermediaries

Goldman Sachs and its personnel, including employees of the Investment Adviser, may receive benefits and earn fees and compensation for services provided to Accounts (including the Fund). Moreover, Goldman Sachs and its personnel, including employees of the Investment Adviser, may have relationships (both involving and not involving the Fund, and including without limitation placement, brokerage, advisory and board relationships) with distributors, consultants and others who recommend, or engage in transactions with or for, the Fund. Such distributors, consultants and other parties may receive compensation from Goldman Sachs or the Fund in connection with such relationships. As a result of these relationships, distributors, consultants and other parties may have conflicts that create incentives for them to promote the Fund.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund and Goldman Sachs may make payments to authorized dealers and other financial intermediaries and to salespersons (collectively, “Intermediaries”) from time to time to promote the Fund. These payments may be made out of Goldman Sachs’ assets or amounts payable to Goldman Sachs. These payments may create an incentive for a particular Intermediary to highlight, feature or recommend the Fund.

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Allocation of Investment Opportunities and Expenses Among the Fund and other Accounts

Our investment objectives and investment strategies are similar to those of other Accounts, and an investment appropriate for us may also be appropriate for such other Accounts (which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs). This creates potential conflicts in allocating investment opportunities among us and such Accounts, particularly in circumstances where the availability of such investment opportunities is limited, where the liquidity of such investment opportunities is limited or where co-investments by us and such other Accounts are not permitted under applicable law. To address these and other potential conflicts, a selection of which are outlined below, our Investment Adviser has developed allocation policies and procedures that provide that personnel of our Investment Adviser making portfolio decisions for Accounts will make purchase and sale decisions and allocate investment opportunities among the Accounts consistent with their fiduciary obligations. To the extent permitted by applicable law, these policies and procedures may result in the pro rata allocation of limited opportunities across eligible Accounts managed by a particular portfolio management team, but in many other cases the allocations may reflect numerous other factors as described below. There will be cases where certain Accounts receive an allocation of an investment opportunity when we do not, and vice versa. Accounts managed outside of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit are generally viewed separately for allocation purposes.

In some cases, due to information segregation policies that may be in place, other Accounts may compete with us for specific investment opportunities without being aware that we are competing against each other. Goldman Sachs has a conflicts system in place in addition to these segregation policies to identify potential conflicts early in the process and determine if an allocation decision needs to be made. If the conflicts system detects a potential conflict with respect to a particular investment opportunity, such investment opportunity will be assessed to determine whether it must be allocated to, or prohibited from being allocated to, a particular Account.

Personnel of our Investment Adviser involved in decision-making for Accounts may make allocation related decisions in accordance with the Investment Adviser’s allocations policies and procedures for us and other Accounts by reference to one or more factors, including but not limited to: the strategy, objectives, guidelines and restrictions (including legal and regulatory restrictions) of potentially in-scope Accounts, as well as those Accounts’ current portfolios and investment horizons; strategic fit and other portfolio management considerations, including different desired levels of investment for different strategies; the expected future capacity of the potentially in-scope Accounts; cash and liquidity considerations; and the availability of other appropriate investment opportunities. The Investment Adviser may also consider reputational matters and other considerations. The application of these considerations may cause differences in the portfolios and performance of different Accounts that have similar strategies. In addition, in some cases our Investment Adviser may make investment recommendations to Accounts where such Accounts make the investment independently of our Investment Adviser, which may result in a reduction in the availability of the investment opportunity for other Accounts (including us), irrespective of our Investment Adviser’s policies regarding allocation of investments. Additional information about our Investment Adviser’s allocation policies is set forth in Item 6 (“Performance-based Fees and Side-by-Side Management—Side-by-Side Management of Advisory Accounts; Allocation of Opportunities”) of our Investment Adviser’s Form ADV.

Our Investment Adviser, including Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit, may develop and implement new trading strategies or seek to participate in new investment opportunities and strategies. These opportunities and strategies may not be employed in all Accounts even if the opportunity or strategy is consistent with the objectives of such Accounts.

During periods of unusual market conditions, our Investment Adviser may deviate from its normal trade allocation practices. For example, this may occur with respect to the management of unlevered Accounts that are typically managed on a side-by-side basis with levered Accounts.

We may or may not receive opportunities referred by Goldman Sachs businesses and affiliates, but in no event do we have any rights with respect to such opportunities. Subject to applicable law, including the Investment Company Act, such opportunities or any portion thereof may be offered to other Accounts, Goldman Sachs, certain investors in us, or such other persons or entities as determined by Goldman Sachs in its sole discretion. We will have no rights and will not receive any compensation related to such opportunities. Certain of such opportunities may be referred to us by employees or other personnel of Goldman Sachs, or by third parties. If we invest in any such opportunities, Goldman Sachs or such third parties may be entitled, to the extent permitted by applicable law, including the limitations set forth in Section 57(k) of the Investment Company Act, to receive compensation from us or from the borrowers in connection with such investments. Any compensation we pay in connection with such referrals will be an operating expense and will accordingly be borne by us (and will not serve to offset any Management Fee or Incentive Fee payable to the Investment Adviser).

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In all cases, subject to applicable law, our Investment Adviser has broad discretion in determining to whom and in what relative amounts to offer such opportunities, and factors our Investment Adviser may take into account, in its sole discretion, include whether such potential recipient is able to assist or provide a benefit to us in connection with the potential transaction or otherwise, whether our Investment Adviser believes the potential recipient is able to execute a transaction quickly, whether the potential recipient is expected to provide expertise or other advantages in connection with a particular investment, whether our Investment Adviser is aware of such potential recipient’s expertise or interest in these types of opportunities generally or in a subset of such opportunities or, the potential recipient’s target investment sizing. Recipients of these opportunities may, in accordance with applicable law, include one or more investors in us, one or more investors in other funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Credit, clients or potential clients of Goldman Sachs, or funds or accounts established for any such persons. These opportunities may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. These opportunities will be offered to the recipients thereof on such terms as our Investment Adviser determines in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, including on a no-fee basis or at prices higher or lower than those paid by us. As a result of these and other reasons, returns with respect to an opportunity may exceed investors’ returns with respect to our investment in the same opportunity.

Transactions with affiliates. We are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our Independent Directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of our outstanding voting securities will be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of the Investment Company Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any assets from or to, or entering into, certain “joint” transactions (which could include investments in the same portfolio company) with such affiliates, absent the prior approval of the Independent Directors. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates, including persons that control, or are under common control with, the Fund or the Investment Adviser, are also considered our affiliates under the Investment Company Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any assets from or to, or entering into “joint” transactions with, such affiliates without exemptive relief from the SEC.

Co-Investments Alongside Goldman Sachs and Other Accounts, and the Relief. Subject to applicable law, we may invest alongside Goldman Sachs and other Accounts. In certain circumstances, we and such other Accounts (which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs) can make negotiated co-investments pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. On November 16, 2022, the SEC granted the Relief to the Investment Adviser, the BDCs advised by the Investment Adviser, and certain other affiliated applicants. Additionally, if the Investment Adviser forms other funds in the future, we may co-invest alongside such other affiliates, subject to compliance with the Relief, applicable regulations and regulatory guidance, as well as applicable allocation procedures. Any such co-investments are subject to certain conditions, including that co-investments are made in a manner consistent with our investment objectives and strategies, certain Board-established criteria, and the other applicable conditions of the Relief. Under the terms of the Relief, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the Investment Company Act) of our Independent Directors must reach certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (i) the terms of the proposed transaction are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (ii) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our then-current investment objectives and strategies.

If the Investment Adviser identifies an investment and we are unable to rely on the Relief for that particular opportunity, the Investment Adviser will be required to determine which Accounts should make the investment at the potential exclusion of other Accounts. In such circumstances, the Investment Adviser will adhere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine the Account to which to allocate investment opportunities. Accordingly, it is possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by other Accounts.

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For a further explanation of the allocation of opportunities and other conflicts and the risks related thereto, please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Potential conflicts of interest with other businesses of Goldman Sachs could impact our investment returns.”

Expenses are generally allocated to Accounts (including the Fund) based on whose behalf the expenses are incurred. Where the Fund and one or more other Accounts participate in a particular investment or collectively incur other expenses, the Investment Adviser generally allocates investment-related and other expenses in a manner the Investment Adviser determines to be fair and equitable, which may be pro rata or on a different basis.

We and other Accounts may contract for and incur expenses in connection with certain services provided by third parties, including valuation agents, rating agencies, attorneys, accountants and other professional service providers, while other Accounts that did not contract for such services may not incur such expenses even though they directly or indirectly receive benefit from such services. For example, the work of valuation firms retained by the Fund at the request of our Board benefit certain Accounts that invest in the same assets as the Fund, but because such other Accounts did not request such services, they are not allocated any costs associated therewith. While it is generally expected that the Accounts requesting third party services will bear the full expense associated therewith, GSAM may in its sole discretion determine to bear the portion of such expenses that would be allocable to the non-requesting Accounts had such Accounts requested the services.

Allocation of Personnel, Services and/or Resources.

Conflicts of interest may arise in allocating time, personnel and/or resources of the Investment Adviser among the investment activities of multiple Accounts. The Investment Adviser and other Goldman Sachs personnel who play key roles in managing the Accounts may spend a portion of their time on matters other than or only tangentially related to any particular Account or may leave the Investment Adviser for another investment group of Goldman Sachs (or may leave Goldman Sachs entirely). Time may be spent on other Goldman Sachs investment activities, including without limitation, investments made on behalf of Goldman Sachs. As a result, the other obligations of these individuals could conflict with their responsibilities to us. Further, the Investment Adviser may devote less time, services or resources to sourcing for investments of insufficient size to be expected to be shared with the other Accounts, even where such investment opportunities may be appropriate for the Fund.

Goldman Sachs’ Financial and Other Interests May Incentivize Goldman Sachs to Promote the Sale of Our Shares or Favor Other Accounts.

The Investment Adviser receives performance-based compensation in respect of its investment management activities on the Fund’s behalf, which rewards the Investment Adviser for positive performance of the Fund’s investment portfolio. As a result, the Investment Adviser may make investments for the Fund that present a greater potential for return but also a greater risk of loss or that are more speculative than would be the case in the absence of performance-based compensation. In addition, the Investment Adviser may simultaneously manage other Accounts for which the Investment Adviser may be entitled to receive greater fees or other compensation (as a percentage of performance or otherwise) than it receives in respect of us. In addition, subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs may invest in other Accounts, and such investments may constitute all or substantial percentages of such other Accounts’ outstanding equity interests. Therefore, the Investment Adviser may have an incentive to favor such other Accounts over us. To address these types of conflicts, the Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures under which investment opportunities will be allocated in a manner that it believes is consistent with its obligations as an investment adviser. However, the amount, timing, structuring or terms of an investment by the Fund may differ from, and performance may be different than, the investments and performance of other Accounts.

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Management of the Fund by the Investment Adviser

Considerations Relating to Information Held by Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs has established certain information barriers and other policies to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Goldman Sachs. As a result of information barriers, the Investment Adviser generally will not have access, or will have limited access, to information and personnel in other areas of Goldman Sachs, and generally will not be able to manage the Fund with the benefit of information held by such other areas. Such other areas will have broad access to detailed information that is not available to the Investment Adviser, including information in respect of markets and investments, which, if known to the Investment Adviser, might cause the Investment Adviser to seek to dispose of, retain or increase interests in investments held by the Fund or acquire certain positions on the Fund’s behalf, or take other actions. Goldman Sachs will be under no obligation or fiduciary or other duty to make any such information available to the Investment Adviser or personnel of the Investment Adviser involved in decision-making for the Fund. There may be circumstances in which, as a result of information held by certain of the Investment Adviser’s portfolio management teams, the Investment Adviser limits an activity or a transaction for the Fund, including if the team holding such information is not managing the Fund. In addition, regardless of the existence of information barriers, Goldman Sachs will not have any obligation or other duty to make available any information regarding its trading activities, strategies or views, or the activities, strategies or views used for other Accounts, for the benefit of the Fund. Different areas of the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs may take views, and make decisions or recommendations, that are different than those of other areas of the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs. Different portfolio management teams within the Investment Adviser may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to Accounts they advise in a manner that may be different than with respect, or adverse, to the Fund. Such teams may not share information with the Fund’s portfolio management team, including as a result of certain information barriers and other policies and will not have any obligation to do so.

Valuation and Accounting Treatment of the Fund’s Investments

The Investment Adviser serves as the Board appointed valuation designee and in such capacity is primarily responsible for the valuation of the Fund’s assets, subject to the oversight of the Board. As the valuation designee, the Investment Adviser values the Fund’s securities and assets according to valuation procedures adopted by it and approved by the Board, and may value an identical asset differently than Goldman Sachs, another division or unit within Goldman Sachs or another Account values the asset, including because such other division or unit or Account has information or uses valuation techniques and models that it does not share with, or that are different from those of, the Investment Adviser or the Fund. This is particularly the case in respect of difficult-to-value assets. The Investment Adviser may face a conflict with respect to valuations generally because of their effect on the Investment Adviser’s fees and other compensation.

These valuation differences for the same asset can result in significant differences in the treatment of such asset by the Investment Adviser, Goldman Sachs, and other divisions or units of Goldman Sachs, and/or among Accounts (e.g., with respect to an asset that is a loan, there can be differences when it is determined that such loan is deemed to be on nonaccrual status and/or in default).

Goldman Sachs’ and the Investment Adviser’s Activities on Behalf of Other Accounts

The Investment Adviser’s decisions and actions on behalf of the Fund may differ from those on behalf of other Accounts (which may include proprietary accounts of Goldman Sachs). Advice given to, or investment or voting decisions made for, one or more Accounts, may compete with, affect, differ from, conflict with, or involve timing different from, advice given to or investment or voting decisions made for the Fund.

Goldman Sachs engages in a variety of activities in the global financial markets. The extent of Goldman Sachs’ activities in the global financial markets, including without limitation in its capacity as an investment banker, market maker, financier, lender, investor, prime broker, derivatives dealer, adviser, counterparty, agent, principal and research provider, may have potential adverse effects on the Fund. Goldman Sachs, the clients it advises, and its personnel have interests in and advise accounts which have investment objectives or portfolios similar to, related to or opposed to those of the Fund.

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Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management), the clients it advises, and its personnel have interests in and advise client accounts that have investment objectives or portfolios similar to, related to or opposed to those of the Fund. Goldman Sachs may receive greater fees or other compensation (including performance-based fees) from such accounts than it does from the Fund. In addition, Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management), the clients it advises, and its personnel may engage (or consider engaging) in commercial arrangements or transactions with accounts, and/or may compete for commercial arrangements or transactions in the same types of companies, assets, securities and other instruments, as the Fund. Decisions and actions of the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Fund may differ from those by Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) on behalf of other accounts. Advice given to, or investment or voting decisions made for, the Fund may compete with, affect, differ from, conflict with, or involve timing different from, advice given to, or investment or voting decisions made for, other accounts. Transactions by, advice to and activities of such accounts may involve the same or related companies, securities or other assets or instruments as those in which the Fund invests, and such accounts may engage in a strategy while the Fund is undertaking the same or a differing strategy, any of which could directly or indirectly disadvantage the Fund (including its ability to engage in a transaction or other activities) or the prices or terms at which the Fund’s transactions or other activities may be effected. For example, Goldman Sachs may be engaged to provide advice to an account that is considering entering into a transaction with the Fund, and Goldman Sachs may advise the account not to pursue the transaction with the Fund, or otherwise in connection with a potential transaction provide advice to the account that would be adverse to the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may buy a security and Goldman Sachs may establish a short position in that same security or in similar securities. This short position may result in the impairment of the price of the security that the Fund holds or may be designed to profit from a decline in the price of the security. The Fund could similarly be adversely impacted if it establishes a short position, following which Goldman Sachs takes a long position in the same security or in similar securities. To the extent the Fund engages in transactions in the same or similar types of securities or other investments as other accounts, the Fund and other accounts may compete for such transactions or investments, and transactions or investments by such other accounts may negatively affect the investments of the Fund (including the ability of the Fund to engage in such a transaction or investment or other activities), or the price or terms at which the Fund’s transactions or investments or other activities may be effected. Moreover, Goldman Sachs or accounts, on the one hand, and the Fund, on the other hand, may vote differently on or take or refrain from taking different actions with respect to the same security, which may be disadvantageous to the Fund.

Goldman Sachs (including, as applicable, the Investment Adviser) and its personnel, when acting as an investment banker, market maker, financier, lender, investor, prime broker, derivatives dealer, adviser, counterparty, agent, principal or research provider, or in other capacities, may advise on transactions, may make investment decisions or recommendations, provide differing investment views or have views with respect to research or valuations that are inconsistent with, or adverse to, the Fund’s interests and activities. Stockholders may be offered access to advisory services through several different Goldman Sachs advisory businesses (including GS & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management). Different advisory businesses within Goldman Sachs manage client accounts according to different strategies and may also apply different criteria to the same or similar strategies and may have differing investment views in respect of an issuer or a security or other investment. Similarly, within the Investment Adviser, certain portfolio management teams may have differing or opposite investment views in respect of an issuer or a security, and the actions the Fund’s portfolio management team takes in respect of the Fund’s investments may be inconsistent with, or adversely affected by, the interests and activities of the Accounts advised by other portfolio management teams of the Investment Adviser. Research analyses or viewpoints may be available to clients or potential clients at different times. Goldman Sachs will not have any obligation or other duty to make available to the Fund any research or analysis prior to its public dissemination. The Investment Adviser is responsible for making investment decisions on the Fund’s behalf, and such investment decisions can differ from investment decisions or recommendations by Goldman Sachs on behalf of other client accounts. Goldman Sachs may, on behalf of other client accounts and in accordance with its management of such accounts, implement an investment decision or strategy ahead of, or contemporaneously with, or behind similar investment decisions or strategies made for the Fund. The relative timing for the implementation of investment decisions or strategies among other accounts and the Fund may disadvantage the Fund. Certain factors, for example, market impact, liquidity constraints, or other circumstances, could result in the Fund less favorable trading results or incurring increased costs associated with implementing such investment decisions or strategies, or being otherwise disadvantaged.

Subject to applicable law, the Investment Adviser may cause the Fund to invest in securities, loans or other obligations of companies affiliated with Goldman Sachs or in which Goldman Sachs or client accounts have an equity, debt or other interest, or to engage in investment transactions that may result in other accounts being relieved of obligations or otherwise divesting of investments, which may enhance the profitability of Goldman Sachs’ or other accounts’ investments in and activities with respect to such companies.

Goldman Sachs may, in its discretion, recommend that the Fund have ongoing business dealings, arrangements or agreements with persons who are former employees of Goldman Sachs. The Fund may bear, directly or indirectly, the costs of such dealings, arrangements or agreements. These recommendations and recommendations relating to continuing any such dealings, arrangements or agreements may pose conflicts of interest.

Potential Conflicts Relating to Follow-On Investments

To the extent permitted by law, from time to time, the Investment Adviser may provide opportunities to Accounts (including potentially the Fund) to make investments in companies in which certain Accounts and/or Goldman Sachs have already invested. Such follow-on investments can create conflicts of interest, such as the determination of the terms of the new investment and the allocation of such opportunities among Accounts (including the Fund). Subject to applicable law and the conditions of the Relief, follow-on investment opportunities may be available to the Fund notwithstanding that the Fund has no existing investment in the issuer, resulting in the assets of the Fund potentially providing value to, or otherwise supporting the investments of, other Accounts and/or Goldman Sachs. Accounts (including the Fund) may also participate in releveraging, recapitalization, and similar transactions involving companies in which other Accounts and/or Goldman Sachs have invested or will invest (subject to applicable law). Conflicts of interest in these and other transactions may arise between Accounts (including the Fund) with existing investments in a company and Accounts making subsequent investments in the company, which may have opposing interests regarding pricing and other terms. The subsequent investments may dilute or otherwise adversely affect the interests of the previously-invested Accounts (including the Fund).

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Diverse Interests

The various types of investors in and beneficiaries of the Fund, including to the extent applicable the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, may have conflicting investment, tax and other interests with respect to their interest in the Fund. When considering a potential investment for the Fund, the Investment Adviser will generally consider the investment objectives of the Fund, not the investment objectives of any particular investor or beneficiary. The Investment Adviser may make decisions, including with respect to tax matters, from time to time that may be more beneficial to one type of investor or beneficiary than another, or to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates than to investors or beneficiaries unaffiliated with the Investment Adviser. In addition, Goldman Sachs may face certain tax risks based on positions taken by the Fund, including as a withholding agent. Goldman Sachs reserves the right on behalf of itself and its affiliates to take actions adverse to the Fund or other Accounts in these circumstances, including withholding amounts to cover actual or potential tax liabilities.

Selection of Service Providers

The Fund expects to engage service providers (including attorneys and consultants) that may also provide services to other Goldman Sachs affiliates. The Investment Adviser intends to select and recommend these service providers to the Board based on a number of factors, including expertise and experience, knowledge of related or similar products, quality of service, reputation in the marketplace, relationships with the Investment Adviser, Goldman Sachs or others, and price. These service providers may have business, financial, or other relationships with Goldman Sachs, which may or may not influence the Investment Adviser’s selection of these service providers for the Fund. In such circumstances, there may be a conflict of interest between Goldman Sachs (acting on behalf of the Fund) and the Fund, if the Fund determines not to engage or continue to engage these service providers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the selection of service providers for the Fund will be conducted in accordance with the Investment Adviser’s fiduciary obligations to the Fund. The service providers selected by the Investment Adviser may charge different rates to different recipients based on the specific services provided, the personnel providing the services, or other factors. As a result, the rates paid to these service providers by the Fund, on the one hand, may be more or less favorable than the rates paid by Goldman Sachs or other Accounts, on the other hand. Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) may hold investments in companies that provide services to entities in which the Fund invests generally, and, subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs Asset Management may refer or introduce such companies’ services to entities that have issued securities held by the Fund.

Investments in Goldman Sachs Funds

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may invest in money market and other funds sponsored, managed or advised by Goldman Sachs. The Investment Adviser expects to waive a portion of its management fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to any management fees it earns as an investment adviser for any affiliated money market funds in which the Fund invests (the “Money Market Fund Waiver”). However, the Investment Adviser is not obligated to continue the Money Market Fund Waiver at any time and may in its discretion elect to discontinue the Money Market Fund Waiver in the future. As a result, if the Money Market Fund Waiver is discontinued, there could be “double fees” involved in making an investment in the Fund because Goldman Sachs could receive fees with respect to both the Fund’s management and such money market fund.

Goldman Sachs May In-Source or Outsource

Subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, may from time to time and without notice to investors in-source or outsource certain processes or functions in connection with a variety of services that it provides to the Fund in its administrative or other capacities. Such in-sourcing or outsourcing may give rise to additional conflicts of interest and could result in additional expenses for the Fund.

Potential Merger with or Asset Sale to Another Fund Managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Our Investment Adviser may in the future recommend to the Board that we merge with or acquire all or substantially all of the assets of one or more funds including a fund that could be managed by our Investment Adviser (including another BDC). We do not expect that our Investment Adviser would recommend any such merger or asset purchase unless it determines that it would be in our best interests, with such determination dependent on factors it deems relevant, which may include historical and projected financial performance of us and any proposed merger partner, portfolio composition, potential synergies from the merger or asset purchase, available alternative options and market conditions. In addition, no such merger or asset sale would be consummated absent the meeting of various conditions required by applicable law or contract, at such time, which may include approval of the board of directors and common equity holders of both funds and/or accounts. If our Investment Adviser is the investment adviser of both funds, various conflicts of interest exist with respect to such transaction. Such conflicts of interest may potentially arise from, among other things, differences between the compensation payable to the Investment Adviser by us and by the entity resulting from such a merger or asset purchase or efficiencies or other benefits to our Investment Adviser as a result of managing a single, larger fund or account instead of two separate funds and/or accounts.

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Goldman Sachs May Act in a Capacity Other Than Investment Adviser to the Fund

Investments in Different Parts of an Issuer’s Capital Structure

When permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs or other Accounts, on the one hand, and the Fund, on the other hand, may invest in or extend credit to different classes of securities or different parts of the capital structure of a single issuer. As a result, Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or other Accounts may take actions that adversely affect the Fund. In addition, when permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs Asset Management may advise other Accounts with respect to different parts of the capital structure of the same issuer, or classes of securities that are subordinate or senior to securities, in which the Fund invests. Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) may pursue rights, provide advice or engage in other activities, or refrain from pursuing rights, providing advice or engaging in other activities, on behalf of itself or other Accounts with respect to an issuer in which the Fund has invested, and such actions (or refraining from action) may have a material adverse effect on the Fund.

For example, in the event that Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or another Account holds loans, securities or other positions in the capital structure of an issuer that ranks senior in preference to the holdings of the Fund in the same issuer, and the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges, Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management), acting on behalf of itself or the Account, may seek a liquidation, reorganization or restructuring of the issuer, or terms in connection with the foregoing, that may have an adverse effect on or otherwise conflict with the interests of the Fund’s holdings in the issuer. In connection with any such liquidation, reorganization or restructuring, the Fund’s holdings in the issuer may be extinguished or substantially diluted, while Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or another Account may receive a recovery of some or all of the amounts due to them. In addition, in connection with any lending arrangements involving the issuer in which Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or an Account participates, Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or the Account may seek to exercise its rights under the applicable loan agreement or other document, which may be detrimental to the Fund. Alternatively, in situations in which the Fund holds a more senior position in the capital structure of an issuer experiencing financial or other difficulties as compared to positions held by other Accounts (which may include those of Goldman Sachs, including Goldman Sachs Asset Management), the Investment Adviser may determine not to pursue actions and remedies that may be available to the Fund or particular terms that might be unfavorable to the Accounts holding the less senior position. In addition, in the event that Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or other Accounts hold voting securities of an issuer in which the Fund holds loans, bonds or other credit-related assets or securities, Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or other Accounts may vote on certain matters in a manner that has an adverse effect on the positions held by the Fund. Conversely, Accounts may hold voting securities of an issuer in which Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or other Accounts hold credit-related assets or securities, and the Investment Adviser may determine on behalf of the Accounts not to vote in a manner adverse to Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or the Accounts. These potential issues are examples of conflicts that Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) will face in situations in which the Fund and Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) or other Accounts invest in or extend credit to different parts of the capital structure of a single issuer. Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) addresses these issues based on the circumstances of particular situations. For example, Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) may determine to rely on information barriers between different Goldman Sachs (including Goldman Sachs Asset Management) business units or portfolio management teams. Also, in connection with a conflicted situation regarding the Fund, or an Account other than the Fund or its own account, Goldman Sachs may determine to rely on the actions of similarly situated holders of loans or securities rather than, or in connection with, taking such actions itself on behalf of the Account. As a result of the various conflicts and related issues described in this paragraph, the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and other Accounts achieve profits generally or with respect to particular holdings, or could achieve lower profits or higher losses than would have been the case had the conflicts described above not existed. The negative effects described above may be more pronounced in connection with transactions in, or the Fund’s use of, small capitalization, emerging market, distressed or less liquid strategies.

Cross Transactions

When permitted by applicable law and the Investment Adviser’s and the Fund’s policies, the Investment Adviser, acting on behalf of the Fund, may enter into transactions in securities and other instruments with or through Goldman Sachs or in Accounts managed by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, and may (but is under no obligation or other duty to) cause the Fund to engage in transactions in which the Investment Adviser, advises both sides of a transaction (cross transactions) and acts as broker for, and receives a commission from, the Fund on one side of a transaction and a brokerage account on the other side of the transaction (agency cross transactions). There may be potential conflicts of interest or regulatory restrictions relating to these transactions which could limit the Investment Adviser’s decision to engage in these transactions for the Fund. Goldman Sachs will have potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities to the parties in such transactions, including with respect to a decision to enter into such transactions as well as with respect to valuation, pricing and other terms. The Investment Adviser has developed policies and procedures in relation to such transactions and conflicts. However, we can offer no assurance that such transactions will be effected, or that such transactions will be effected in the manner that is most favorable to the Fund as a party to any such transaction. Cross transactions may disproportionately benefit some Accounts relative to other Accounts, including the Fund, due to the relative amount of market savings obtained by the Accounts. Cross or agency cross transactions will be effected in accordance with fiduciary requirements and applicable law.

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Goldman Sachs May Act in Multiple Commercial Capacities

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or advisor or in other commercial capacities for the Fund or issuers of debt instruments held by the Fund. Goldman Sachs may be entitled to compensation in connection with the provision of such services, and the Fund will not be entitled to any such compensation. Goldman Sachs will have an interest in obtaining fees and other compensation in connection with such services that are favorable to Goldman Sachs, and may take commercial steps in its own interests, or may advise the parties to which it is providing such services to take steps or engage in transactions, that negatively affect the Fund. For example, Goldman Sachs may require repayment of all or part of a loan at any time and from time to time or declare a default under an agreement with the Fund or a portfolio company of the Fund, liquidate the Fund’s assets or redeem positions more rapidly (and at significantly lower prices) than might otherwise be desirable. In addition, due to its access to and knowledge of funds, markets and securities based on its other businesses, Goldman Sachs may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to interests in investments of the kind held directly or indirectly by the Fund in a manner that may be adverse to the Fund. Goldman Sachs may also derive benefits from providing services to the Fund, which may enhance Goldman Sachs’ relationships with various parties, facilitate additional business development and enable Goldman Sachs to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue.

Goldman Sachs has acted in the past, and is expected to act in the future, as an underwriter, placement agent, dealer or in other capacities in connection with fundraising by the Fund. Goldman Sachs has been compensated by the Fund for such activities in the past and would be compensated by the Fund for any such activities undertaken in the future.

Goldman Sachs is frequently engaged as a financial advisor or financing provider to corporations and other entities and their management teams in connection with the sale of those companies or some or all of their assets, and Goldman Sachs’ compensation in connection with these engagements may be substantial. Goldman Sachs’ compensation for those engagements is usually based upon sales proceeds and is contingent, in substantial part, upon a sale. As a result, because sellers generally require Goldman Sachs to act exclusively on their behalf, the Fund will be precluded in many instances from attempting to acquire securities of, or providing financing to, the business being sold or otherwise participate as a buyer in the transaction. Goldman Sachs’ decision to take on seller engagements is based upon a number of factors, including the likelihood in any particular situation that the successful buyer will be a financial purchaser rather than a strategic purchaser, the likelihood that any Account will be involved in the financing of that transaction and the compensation Goldman Sachs might receive by representing the seller. On occasion, Goldman Sachs may be given a choice by a seller of acting as its agent, as a potential purchaser of securities or assets, or as a buyer’s source of financing through the Fund or other Accounts. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to act as the seller’s agent in those circumstances, even where this choice may preclude the Fund from acquiring the relevant securities or assets. Goldman Sachs also represents potential buyers of businesses, including private equity sponsors, and Goldman Sachs’ compensation in connection with these representations may be substantial. In these cases, Goldman Sachs’ compensation is usually a flat fee that is contingent, in substantial part, upon a purchase. Accordingly, Goldman Sachs may have an incentive to direct an acquisition opportunity to one of these parties rather than to the Fund or other Accounts or to form a consortium with one or more of these parties to bid for the acquisition opportunity, thereby eliminating or reducing the investment opportunity available to the Fund. Furthermore, Goldman Sachs may seek to provide acquisition financing to one or more other bidders in these auctions, including in situations where the Fund and/or other Accounts is bidding for the asset. Moreover, Goldman Sachs may provide financing to the Fund in situations where it is also offering financing to one or more other bidders. When Goldman Sachs represents a buyer seeking to acquire a particular business or provides financing to a buyer in connection with an acquisition, the Fund may be precluded from participating in the financing of the acquisition of that business. Goldman Sachs’ buyer and financing assignments may include representation of clients who would not permit either Goldman Sachs or affiliates thereof, potentially including the Fund, to invest in the acquired company. In this case, none of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, including the Fund, would be allowed to participate as an investor. In some cases, a buyer represented by Goldman Sachs may invite the Investment Adviser and certain Accounts to participate in the investment. Alternatively, the Investment Adviser and certain Accounts may be invited to provide financing for this type of purchase. Each of these situations is likely to present difficult competing considerations involving conflicts of interest. In addition, Goldman Sachs may accept buyer advisory assignments in respect of a company in which the Fund and/or other Accounts have an investment. The Fund may be precluded from selling its investment during the assignment. Goldman Sachs evaluates potential buyer assignments in light of factors similar to those that will be considered in engaging in seller assignments.

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Goldman Sachs’ activities on behalf of its clients may also restrict investment opportunities that may be available to the Fund. For example, Goldman Sachs is often engaged by companies as a financial advisor, or to provide financing or other services, in connection with commercial transactions that may be potential investment opportunities for the Fund. There may be circumstances in which the Fund is precluded from participating in such transactions as a result of Goldman Sachs’ engagement by such companies. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to act for these companies in such circumstances, notwithstanding the potential adverse effect on the Fund. Goldman Sachs may also represent creditor or debtor companies in proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (and equivalent non-U.S. bankruptcy laws) or prior to these proceedings. From time to time, Goldman Sachs may serve on creditor or equity committees. These actions, for which Goldman Sachs may be compensated, may limit or preclude the flexibility that the Fund may otherwise have to buy or sell securities issued by those companies, as well as certain other assets. Please also refer to “—Management of the Fund by the Investment Adviser—Considerations Relating to Information Held by Goldman Sachs” above and “—Potential Limitations and Restrictions on Investment Opportunities and Activities of the Investment Adviser and the Fund” below.

Subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs or other Accounts may invest in the Fund and such investments may constitute all or substantial percentages of the Fund’s outstanding equity interests.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs may create, write, sell, issue, invest in or act as placement agent or distributor of derivative instruments related to the Fund, or with respect to the Fund’s underlying securities or assets, or which may be otherwise based on or seek to replicate or hedge the Fund’s performance. Such derivative transactions, and any associated hedging activity, may differ from and be adverse to the interests of the Fund.

Goldman Sachs may make loans or enter into margin, asset-based or other credit facilities or similar transactions that may be secured by a client’s assets or interests, including the Fund’s equity, interests in an Account or assets in which the Fund or another Account has an interest. Some of these borrowers may be public or private companies, or founders, officers or stockholders in companies in which the Fund (directly or indirectly) invests, and such loans may be secured by securities of such companies, which may be the same as, pari passu with, or more senior or junior to, interests held (directly or indirectly) by the Fund. In connection with its rights as lender, Goldman Sachs may take actions that adversely affect the Account and which may in turn adversely affect the Fund (e.g., if the Fund holds the same type of security that is providing the credit support to the borrower Account, such holding may be disadvantaged when the borrower Account liquidates assets in response to an action taken by Goldman Sachs).

Code of Ethics and Personal Trading

Each of the Fund, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, as the Fund’s investment adviser, and GS & Co. and Goldman Sachs International, as principal underwriters (if applicable), has adopted a Code of Ethics in compliance with Section 17(j) of the Investment Company Act designed to provide that the Fund’s directors, personnel of the Investment Adviser, and certain additional Goldman Sachs personnel who support the Investment Adviser, comply with applicable federal securities laws and place the interests of clients first in conducting personal securities transactions. The Code of Ethics imposes certain restrictions on securities transactions in the personal accounts of covered persons to help avoid conflicts of interest. Subject to the limitations of the Code of Ethics, covered persons may buy and sell securities or other investments for their personal accounts, including investments in the Fund, and may also take positions that are the same as, different from, or made at different times than, positions taken by the Fund. Additionally, Goldman Sachs personnel, including personnel of the Investment Adviser, are subject to firm-wide policies and procedures regarding confidential and proprietary information, information barriers, private investments, outside business activities and personal trading.

Related Party Transaction Review Policy

The Audit Committee will review any potential related party transactions brought to its attention and, during these reviews, will consider any conflicts of interest brought to its attention pursuant to the Fund’s Code of Ethics. Each of the Fund’s directors and executive officers completes a questionnaire on an annual basis designed to elicit information about any potential related party transactions.

Proxy Voting by the Investment Adviser

The Investment Adviser has implemented processes designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that it makes on behalf of advisory clients, including the Fund, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with its fiduciary obligations to its clients. Notwithstanding such proxy voting processes, proxy voting decisions made by the Investment Adviser with respect to securities held by the Fund may benefit the interests of Goldman Sachs and Accounts other than the Fund.

Potential Limitations and Restrictions on Investment Opportunities and Activities of the Investment Adviser and the Fund

The Investment Adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of the Fund in various circumstances, including as a result of applicable regulatory requirements, information held by Goldman Sachs, Goldman Sachs’ roles in connection with other clients and in the capital markets (including in connection with advice it may give to such clients or commercial arrangements or transactions that may be undertaken by such clients or by Goldman Sachs), Goldman Sachs’ internal policies and/or potential reputational risk or disadvantage to Accounts, including the Fund, and Goldman Sachs. The Investment Adviser might not engage in transactions or other activities for, or enforce certain rights in favor of, the Fund due to Goldman Sachs’ activities outside services provided to the Fund and regulatory requirements, policies and reputational risk assessments.

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In addition, the Investment Adviser may restrict or limit the amount of the Fund’s investment, or restrict the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Goldman Sachs and other Accounts) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or have other interests. For example, such limitations may exist if a position or transaction could require a filing or license or other regulatory or corporate consent, which could, among other things, result in additional costs and disclosure obligations for, or impose regulatory restrictions on, Goldman Sachs, including Goldman Sachs Asset Management, or on other Accounts, or where exceeding a threshold is prohibited or may result in regulatory or other restrictions. In certain cases, restrictions and limitations will be applied to avoid approaching such threshold. Circumstances in which such restrictions or limitations may arise include, without limitation: (i) a strict prohibition against owning more than a certain percentage of an issuer’s securities; (ii) a “poison pill” that would have a material dilutive impact on the holdings of the Fund in the issuer should a threshold be exceeded; (iii) provisions that would cause Goldman Sachs to be considered an “interested stockholder” of an issuer should a threshold be exceeded; (iv) provisions that may cause Goldman Sachs to be considered an “affiliate” or “control person” of the issuer; and (v) the imposition by an issuer (through charter amendment, contract or otherwise) or governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory organization (through law, rule, regulation, interpretation or other guidance) of other restrictions or limitations.

When faced with the foregoing limitations, Goldman Sachs will generally avoid exceeding the threshold because exceeding the threshold could have an adverse impact on the ability of Goldman Sachs to conduct its business activities. The Investment Adviser may also reduce the Fund’s interest in, or restrict the Fund from participating in, an investment opportunity that has limited availability or where Goldman Sachs has determined to cap its aggregate investment in consideration of certain regulatory or other requirements so that other Accounts that pursue similar investment strategies may be able to acquire an interest in the investment opportunity. The Investment Adviser may determine not to engage in certain transactions or activities which may be beneficial to the Fund because engaging in such transactions or activities in compliance with applicable law would result in significant cost to, or administrative burden on, the Investment Adviser or create the potential risk of trade or other errors. In circumstances in which the Fund and one or more registered investment funds are permitted under applicable law to make side-by-side investments, Goldman Sachs, acting on behalf of the Fund, may be limited in the terms of the transactions that it may negotiate under applicable law. This may have the effect of limiting the ability of the Fund from participating in certain transactions or result in terms to the Fund that are less favorable than would have otherwise been the case.

The Investment Adviser is not permitted to use material non-public information in effecting purchases and sales in public securities transactions for the Fund. The Investment Adviser may limit an activity or transaction (such as a purchase or sale transaction) which might otherwise be engaged in by the Fund, including as a result of information held by Goldman Sachs (including information held by a portfolio management team in Goldman Sachs Asset Management other than the team managing the Fund). For example, directors, officers and employees of Goldman Sachs may take seats on the boards of directors of, or have board of directors observer rights with respect to, companies in which the Investment Adviser invests on behalf of the Fund. To the extent a director, officer or employee of Goldman Sachs were to take a seat on the board of directors of, or have board of directors observer rights with respect to, a public company, the Investment Adviser (or certain of its investment teams) would be limited and/or restricted in its or their ability to trade in the securities of the company.

The Investment Adviser may also limit the activities and transactions engaged in by the Fund, and may limit its exercise of rights on the Fund’s behalf or in respect of the Fund, for reputational or other reasons, including where Goldman Sachs is providing (or may provide) advice or services to an entity involved in such activity or transaction, where Goldman Sachs or another Account is or may be engaged in the same or a related activity or transaction to that being considered on behalf of the Fund, where Goldman Sachs or another Account has an interest in an entity involved in such activity or transaction, or where such activity or transaction or the exercise of such rights on behalf of the Fund or in respect of the Fund could affect Goldman Sachs, the Investment Adviser or their activities.

Furthermore, Goldman Sachs Asset Management operates a program reasonably designed to ensure compliance generally with economic and trade sanctions-related obligations applicable directly to its activities (although such obligations are not necessarily the same obligations that the Fund may be subject to). Such economic and trade sanctions prohibit, among other things, transactions with and the provision of services to, directly or indirectly, certain countries, territories, entities and individuals. These economic and trade sanctions, and the application by Goldman Sachs Asset Management of its compliance program in respect thereof, may significantly restrict or limit the Fund’s intended investment activities.

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In light of the BHCA and the Volcker Rule, the Investment Adviser may be required to, or may choose to, dispose of certain investments on behalf of the Fund earlier or at a different time than the Investment Adviser would otherwise have determined to do so (or earlier or at a different time than may be the case for Accounts that are not pooled investment vehicles).

In order to engage in certain transactions on behalf of the Fund, the Investment Adviser will also be subject to (or cause the Fund to become subject to) the rules, terms and/or conditions of any venues through which it trades securities, derivatives or other instruments. This includes, but is not limited to, where the Investment Adviser and/or the Fund may be required to comply with the rules of certain exchanges, execution platforms, trading facilities, clearinghouses and other venues, or may be required to consent to the jurisdiction of any such venues. The rules, terms and/or conditions of any such venue may result in the Investment Adviser and/or the Fund being subject to, among other things, margin requirements, additional fees and other charges, disciplinary procedures, reporting and recordkeeping, position limits and other restrictions on trading, settlement risks and other related conditions on trading set out by such venues.

From time to time, the Fund, the Investment Adviser or its affiliates and/or their service providers or agents may be required, or may determine that it is advisable, to disclose certain information about the Fund, including, but not limited to, investments held by the Fund, and the names and percentage interest of beneficial owners thereof, to third parties, including local governmental authorities, regulatory organizations, taxing authorities, markets, exchanges, clearing facilities, custodians, brokers and trading counterparties of, or service providers to, the Investment Adviser or the Fund. The Investment Adviser generally expects to comply with requests to disclose such information as it so determines, including through electronic delivery platforms; however, the Investment Adviser may determine to cause the sale of certain assets for the Fund rather than make certain required disclosures, and such sale may be at a time that is inopportune from a pricing or other standpoint.

Pursuant to the BHCA, for so long as Goldman Sachs Asset Management acts as Investment Adviser of the Fund or in certain other capacities, the periods during which certain investments may be held are limited. As a result, the Fund may be required to dispose of investments at an earlier date than would otherwise have been the case had the BHCA not been applicable. In addition, under the Volcker Rule, the size of Goldman Sachs’ and Goldman Sachs’ personnel’s ownership interest in certain types of funds is limited, and as a result, Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs’ personnel may be required to dispose of all or a portion of its investment in the Fund, if applicable, including at times that other investors in the Fund may not have the opportunity to dispose of their investments in the Fund. Any such disposition of Fund interests by Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs’ personnel could reduce the alignment of interest of Goldman Sachs with other investors in the Fund.

Goldman Sachs may become subject to additional restrictions on its business activities that could have an impact on the Fund’s activities. In addition, to the extent permitted by law, the Investment Adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of the Fund and not other Accounts.

Brokerage Transactions

The Investment Adviser may select broker-dealers (including affiliates of the Investment Adviser) that furnish the Investment Adviser, the Fund, their affiliates and other Goldman Sachs personnel with proprietary or third-party brokerage and research services (collectively, “Brokerage and Research Services”) that provide, in the Investment Adviser’s view, appropriate assistance to the Investment Adviser in the investment decision-making process. Subject to applicable law, the Investment Adviser may pay for such Brokerage and Research Services with “soft” or commission dollars.

Subject to applicable law, Brokerage and Research Services may be used to service the Fund and any or all other Accounts, including Accounts that do not pay commissions to the broker-dealer relating to the Brokerage and Research Services arrangements. As a result, the Brokerage and Research Services (including soft dollar benefits) may disproportionately benefit other Accounts relative to the Fund based on the amount of commissions paid by the Fund in comparison to such other Accounts. The Investment Adviser does not attempt to allocate soft dollar benefits proportionately among clients or to track the benefits of Brokerage and Research Services to the commissions associated with a particular Account or group of Accounts.

Since the Fund will generally acquire and dispose of investments in privately negotiated transactions, it will infrequently use brokers in the normal course of its business. Subject to policies established by the Fund’s Board, the Investment Adviser will be primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly traded securities portion of its portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions. The Investment Adviser does not expect to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but will seek to obtain the best net results for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While the Investment Adviser generally will seek reasonably competitive trade execution costs, the Fund will not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, the Investment Adviser may select a broker based partly upon Brokerage and Research Services provided to the Investment Adviser and the Fund and any other Accounts. In return for such services, the Fund may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

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Since we generally acquire and dispose of investments in privately negotiated transactions, we infrequently use brokers in connection with our investments in directly originated senior secured corporate credit issued by private companies. We may use brokers in connection with the portion of our portfolio that is invested in more liquid credit investments, which we expect to be a portion of our overall portfolio. Subject to policies established by our Board, our Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly traded securities and the liquid credit investments portions of our portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions. Our Investment Adviser does not execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but seeks to obtain the best net results for us, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While our Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive trade execution costs, we do not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, our Investment Adviser may select a broker based partly upon Brokerage and Research Services provided to us, our Investment Adviser and any other Accounts. Such Brokerage and Research Services may include research reports on companies, industries and securities; economic and financial data; financial publications; computer data bases; quotation equipment and services; and research-oriented computer hardware, software and other services. In return for such services, we may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if our Investment Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

The Investment Management Agreement permits our Investment Adviser, subject to review by the Board from time to time, to purchase and sell portfolio securities to and from brokers who provide our Investment Adviser with access to supplemental investment and market research and security and economic analyses. Such brokers may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to us than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers on the basis of seeking the most favorable price and efficient execution. Brokerage and Research Services furnished by firms through which we effect our securities transactions may be used by our Investment Adviser in servicing other clients, and not all of these services may be used by our Investment Adviser in connection with the client generating the brokerage credits. The fees received under the Investment Management Agreement are not reduced by reason of an investment adviser receiving such Brokerage and Research Services.

Our portfolio transactions are generally effected at a net price without a broker’s commission (i.e., a dealer is dealing with us as principal and receives compensation equal to the spread between the dealer’s cost for a given security and the resale price of such security). In certain foreign countries, debt securities are traded on exchanges at fixed commission rates. The Investment Management Agreement provides that our Investment Adviser, on occasions when it deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of us as well as other customers, to aggregate, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, the securities to be sold or purchased for us with those to be sold or purchased for other customers in order to obtain the best net price and the most favorable execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, is made by our Investment Adviser in the manner it considers to be equitable. In some instances, this procedure may adversely affect the size and price of the position obtainable for us.

Subject to the above considerations, our Investment Adviser may use an affiliate as our broker. In order for an affiliate, acting as agent, to effect securities or futures transactions for us, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by such affiliate must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar services, securities or futures contracts. Furthermore, our Board, including a majority of our Independent Directors, has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to Goldman Sachs are consistent with the foregoing standard. Brokerage transactions with Goldman Sachs are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon Goldman Sachs by applicable law. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by us may vary substantially from year to year because of differences in portfolio turnover rates and other factors.

Aggregation of Trades by the Investment Adviser

The Investment Adviser follows policies and procedures pursuant to which, subject to applicable law, it may combine or aggregate purchase or sale orders for the same security or other instrument for multiple clients (sometimes referred to as “bunching”) (including Accounts that are proprietary to Goldman Sachs), so that the orders can be executed at the same time and block trade treatment of any such orders can be elected when available. The Investment Adviser aggregates orders, when subject to applicable law, the Investment Adviser considers doing so appropriate and in the interests of its clients generally and may elect block trade treatment when available. In addition, under certain circumstances and subject to applicable law, trades for the Fund may be aggregated with Accounts that contain Goldman Sachs assets.

When a bunched order or block trade is completely filled, or, if the order is only partially filled, at the end of the day, the Investment Adviser generally will allocate the securities or other instruments purchased or the proceeds of any sale pro rata among the participating Accounts, based on the Fund’s relative size order. If an order is filled at several different prices, through multiple trades (whether at a particular broker-dealer or among multiple broker-dealers), generally all participating Accounts will receive the average price and pay the average commission. However, this may not always be the case (due to, e.g., odd lots, rounding, market practice or constraints applicable to particular Accounts).

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Although it may do so in certain circumstances, the Investment Adviser does not always bunch or aggregate orders for different Accounts, elect block trade treatment or net buy and sell orders for the same Account, if portfolio management decisions relating to the orders are made separately, or if bunching, aggregating, electing block trade treatment or netting is not appropriate or practicable from the Investment Adviser’s operational or other perspective. The Investment Adviser may be able to negotiate a better price and lower commission rate on aggregated trades than on trades that are not aggregated and incur lower transaction costs on netted trades than trades that are not netted. Where transactions for an Account are not aggregated with other orders, or not netted against orders for the Fund or other Accounts, the Fund may not benefit from a better price and lower commission rate or lower transaction cost. Aggregation and netting of trades may disproportionately benefit some Accounts relative to other Accounts, including the Fund, due to the relative amount of market savings obtained by the Accounts.

Other present and future activities of Goldman Sachs may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.

Certain Business Relationships

Certain of our current directors and officers are directors or officers of affiliated Goldman Sachs entities.

Indebtedness of Management

None.

(b)	Promoters and Certain Control Persons

The Investment Adviser may be deemed a promoter of us. We have entered into the Investment Management Agreement with the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser, for its services to us, will be entitled to receive Management Fees and Incentive Fees. In addition, under the Investment Management Agreement, we expect, to the extent permitted by applicable law and in the discretion of our Board, to indemnify the Investment Adviser and certain of its affiliates. See “Item 1(c). Description of Business—Investment Management Agreement.”

(c)	Director Independence

For information regarding the independence of our directors, see “Item 5. Directors and Executive Officers.”

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ITEM 8.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us. From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under loans to or other contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

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ITEM 9.

MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Market Information

Our Shares are offered and sold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act under Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Regulation D and Regulation S thereunder. Each purchaser will be required to represent that it is (i) either an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act or, in the case of Shares sold outside the United States, is not a “U.S. person” in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act, and (ii) acquiring the Shares purchased by it for investment and not with a view to resale or distribution.

Because the Shares are being acquired by investors in one or more transactions “not involving a public offering,” they are “restricted securities” and may be required to be held indefinitely. Our Shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise disposed of unless (i) our consent is granted, and (ii) the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or other disposal of Shares is registered under applicable securities laws or specifically exempted from registration (in which case the stockholder may, at our option, be required to provide us with a legal opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to us, that registration is not required). Accordingly, an investor must be willing to bear the economic risk of investment in the Shares until we are liquidated. No sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or other disposition, whether voluntary or involuntary, of Shares may be made except by registration of the transfer on our books. Each purchaser of our Shares will be required to complete and deliver to the appropriate Placement Agent, if any, and us, prior to the acceptance of any order, a subscription agreement substantiating the purchaser’s eligibility to purchase shares and including limitations on resales and transfers of our Shares.

There is currently no public market for the Shares, and we do not expect one to develop in the future.

Stockholders

Please see “Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities” for disclosure regarding the stockholders.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

In accordance with the procedures approved by our Board, the NAV per share of our outstanding Shares is determined by dividing the value of total assets minus liabilities by the total number of Shares outstanding.

As a BDC, we generally invest in illiquid securities, including debt and equity investments, across a spectrum of directly sourced opportunities in companies ranging from lower middle market to large capitalization in size. Market quotations are generally used to assess the value of our investments for which market quotations are readily available. We obtain these market values from independent pricing services based upon trading on national securities markets, or otherwise by a principal market maker or a primary market dealer. If the Investment Adviser, as the Board appointed valuation designee, believes any such market quotation does not reflect the fair value of an Investment, the Investment Adviser, as valuation designee, may independently value such Investments by using the valuation procedure that it uses with respect to assets for which market quotations are not readily available.

As a BDC, we conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our NAV is determined, at all times consistent with GAAP and the Investment Company Act. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, our Board of Directors has designated the Investment Adviser as the Valuation Designee primarily responsible for the valuation of our assets, subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors. The Investment Adviser, through its Asset Management Valuation Committee (the “Asset Management Valuation Committee”), determines the fair value of our assets on at least a quarterly basis, in accordance with such rule and the terms of Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors. Our valuation procedures are described in more detail below.

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ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. For some assets and liabilities, observable market transactions or market information might be available. For other assets and liabilities, observable market transactions and market information might not be available. However, the objective of a fair value measurement in both cases is the same—to estimate the price when an orderly transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (that is, an exit price at the measurement date from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability).

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which ranks the observability of inputs used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instruments and their specific characteristics. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices, or for which fair value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets, generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value. The levels used for classifying investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities.

The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets.

Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in this category include less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category include investments in privately held entities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.

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

We expect the majority of our investments to fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not expect that there will be readily available market values for most of the Investments that will be in our portfolio, and we value such investments at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Valuation Designee using a documented valuation policy, described below, and a consistently applied valuation process. The factors that may be taken into account in pricing our investments at fair value include, as relevant, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, and the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to publicly traded securities and other relevant factors. Available current market data are considered such as applicable market yields and multiples of publicly traded securities, comparison of financial ratios of peer companies, and changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal market, and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, the Valuation Designee will consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate or revise its valuation.

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With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or for which market quotations are deemed not reflective of the fair value, the valuation procedures approved by the Board and adopted by the Valuation Designee, contemplate a multi-step valuation process conducted by the Investment Adviser each quarter and more frequently as needed. As the valuation designee, the Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the valuation of the Fund’s assets, subject to the oversight of the Board, as described below:

The Valuation Designee also engages the Independent Valuation Advisors to provide independent valuations of the investments for which market quotations are not readily available or are readily available but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment. The Independent Valuation Advisors independently value such investments using quantitative and qualitative information. The Independent Valuation Advisors also provide analyses to support their valuation methodology and calculations. The Independent Valuation Advisors provide an opinion on a final range of values on such investments to the Valuation Designee. The Independent Valuation Advisors define fair value in accordance with ASC 820 and utilize valuation approaches including the market approach, the income approach or both. A portion of the portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, and all Investments in the portfolio for which market quotations are not readily available, or are readily available, but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment, are reviewed at least annually by an Independent Valuation Advisor;

The Independent Valuation Advisors’ preliminary valuations are reviewed by the Investment Adviser and the VOG, a team that is part of the controllers group of Goldman Sachs. The Independent Valuation Advisors’ valuation ranges are compared to the Investment Adviser’s valuations to ensure the Investment Adviser’s valuations are reasonable. VOG presents the valuations to the Asset Management Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group, which is comprised of a number of representatives from different functions and areas of expertise related to GSAM’s business and controls who are independent of the investment decision making process;

Through the Asset Management Valuation Committee, the Valuation Designee, discusses the valuations, provides written reports to the Board of Directors on at least a quarterly basis, and, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, determines the fair value of the investments in good faith, based on the inputs of the Asset Management Valuation Committee, the Asset Management Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group, the VOG, the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser responsible for valuations, and the Independent Valuation Advisors.

We expect that Shares will not be issued at a purchase price below the then-current NAV per Share except as permitted by the Investment Company Act.

When our NAV is determined other than on a quarter-end (such as in connection with issuances of Shares on dates occurring mid-quarter), it is determined by our Investment Adviser, as Valuation Designee, acting under delegated authority from, and subject to the supervision of, our Board and in accordance with procedures adopted by our Board. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Investments— Many of our portfolio securities do not have a readily available market price, and we will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with the Investment Company Act, which valuation is inherently subjective and may not reflect what we may actually realize for the sale of the investment.”

Distributions

We expect to pay regular monthly distributions to our common stockholders. Any distributions we make will be at the discretion of our Board, considering factors such as our earnings, cash flow, capital needs and general financial condition and the requirements of Delaware law. As a result, our distribution rates and payment frequency may vary from time to time.

Our Board’s discretion as to the payment of distributions will be directed, in substantial part, by its determination to cause us to comply with the RIC requirements. To maintain our treatment as a RIC, we generally are required to make aggregate annual distributions to our stockholders of at least 90% of investment company taxable income. See “Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered” and “Item 1. Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

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The per share amount of distributions on Class S, Class D, and Class I shares will generally differ because of different class-specific stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees that are deducted from the gross distributions for each share class. Specifically, distributions on Class S shares will be lower than Class D shares and Class I shares, and distributions on Class D shares will be lower than Class I shares because we are required to pay higher ongoing stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees with respect to the Class S shares (compared to Class D shares and Class I shares ), and we are required to pay higher ongoing stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees with respect to Class D shares (compared to Class I shares). As of the date of this Registration Statement, we are only offering Class I shares for sale.

There is no assurance we will pay distributions in any particular amount, if at all. We may fund any distributions from sources other than cash flow from operations, including, without limitation, the sale of assets, borrowings or return of capital, and we have no limits on the amounts we may pay from such sources. The extent to which we pay distributions from sources other than cash flow from operations will depend on various factors, including the level of participation in our distribution reinvestment plan, how quickly we invest the proceeds from this and any future offering and the performance of our investments. Funding distributions from the sales of assets, borrowings, return of capital or proceeds of the private offering of the Shares will result in us having less funds available to acquire investments. As a result, the return you realize on your investment may be reduced. Doing so may also negatively impact our ability to generate cash flows. Likewise, funding distributions from the sale of additional securities will dilute your interest in us on a percentage basis and may impact the value of your investment especially if we sell these securities at prices less than the price you paid for your shares. We believe the likelihood that we pay distributions from sources other than cash flow from operations will be higher in the early stages of the private offering of Shares.

From time to time, we may also pay special interim distributions in the form of cash or Shares at the discretion of our Board.

We have not established limits on the amount of funds we may use from any available sources to make distributions. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve the performance necessary to sustain our distributions or that we will be able to pay distributions at a specific rate or at all. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates have no obligation to waive advisory fees or otherwise reimburse expenses in future periods. See “Item 1. Business.”

Consistent with the Code, stockholders will be notified of the source of our distributions. Our distributions may exceed our earnings and profits, especially during the period before we have substantially invested the proceeds from the private offering of the Shares. As a result, a portion of the distributions we make may represent a return of capital for tax purposes. The tax basis of shares must be reduced by the amount of any return of capital distributions, which will result in an increase in the amount of any taxable gain (or a reduction in any deductible loss) on the sale of shares.

For a period of time following the date of this Registration Statement, which time period may be significant, we expect a portion of our distributions may be funded indirectly through the reimbursement of certain expenses by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates that are subject to conditional reimbursement by us within three years. Any such distributions funded through expense reimbursements are not based on our investment performance, and can only be sustained if we achieve positive investment performance in future periods and/or the Investment Adviser or its affiliates continues to advance such expenses. Our future reimbursement of amounts advanced by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates will reduce the distributions that you would otherwise receive in the future. Other than as set forth in this Registration Statement, the Investment Adviser and its affiliates have no obligation to advance expenses.

We intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for the taxable year that includes the Initial Issuance Date, and we intend to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC annually thereafter. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment, we must distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (net ordinary taxable income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), if any, to our stockholders. A RIC may satisfy the 90% distribution requirement by actually distributing dividends (other than capital gain dividends) during the taxable year. In addition, a RIC may, in certain cases, satisfy the 90% distribution requirement by distributing dividends relating to a taxable year after the close of such taxable year under the “spillback dividend” provisions of Subchapter M. If a RIC makes a spillback dividend, the amounts will be included in a stockholder’s gross income for the year in which the spillback dividend is paid.

We currently intend to distribute net capital gains (i.e., net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually out of the assets legally available for such distributions. However, we may decide in the future to retain such capital gains for investment and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to you. If this happens, you will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if you had received an actual distribution of the capital gains that we retain and reinvested the net after tax proceeds in us. In this situation, you would be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain circumstances, a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to you. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions. See “Item 1. Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

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In addition, we intend to make dividends and distributions to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock semi-annually on or before June 30 and December 31 of each year. Such dividends and distributions will be payable to such holders of record at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the fifteenth day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on such other date designated by the Board for the payment of dividends to such preferred stockholders that is not more than 30 nor less than ten days prior to such dividend payment date.

If we issue senior securities, we may be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the Investment Company Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

We have adopted a distribution reinvestment plan pursuant to which you may elect to have the full amount of your cash distributions reinvested in additional Shares. See “—Distribution Reinvestment Plan.”

On April 26, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a distribution of $0.1736 per share, payable on or about May 30, 2023 to stockholders of record as of April 28, 2023.

Distribution Reinvestment Plan

We have adopted a distribution reinvestment plan, pursuant to which we will reinvest all cash dividends declared by the Board on behalf of our stockholders who do not elect to receive their dividends in cash as provided below. As a result, if the Board authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or other distribution, then our stockholders who have not opted out of our distribution reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares as described below, rather than receiving the cash dividend or other distribution. Distributions on fractional shares will be credited to each participating stockholder’s account to three decimal places.

No action is required on the part of a registered stockholder to have his, her or its cash dividend or other distribution reinvested in our Shares, except stockholders who are clients of selected participating brokers, as described below. Stockholders who are eligible for default enrollment can elect to “opt out” of the Fund’s distribution reinvestment plan in their subscription agreements. Certain investors, including those who are clients of certain participating brokers that do not permit automatic enrollment in our distribution reinvestment plan, will automatically receive their distributions in cash unless they elect to participate in our distribution reinvestment plan and have their cash distributions reinvested in additional shares.

If any stockholder initially elects not to participate or is defaulted to non-participation by virtue of being a client of a participating broker dealer that does not permit automatic enrollment in distribution reinvestment plans, they may later become a participant by subsequently completing and executing an enrollment form or any distribution authorization form as may be available from their financial advisor, broker or other financial intermediary, or otherwise State Street (the “Plan Administrator”). Participation in the distribution reinvestment plan will begin with the next distribution payable after acceptance of a participant’s subscription, enrollment or authorization. Shares will be purchased under the distribution reinvestment plan as of the first calendar day of the month following the record date of the distribution.

If a stockholder seeks to terminate its participation in the distribution reinvestment plan, notice of termination must be received by the Plan Administrator ten business days in advance of the first calendar day of the next month in order for a stockholder’s termination to be effective for such month. Any transfer of Shares by a participant to a non-participant will terminate participation in the distribution reinvestment plan with respect to the transferred Shares. If a participant elects to tender its Shares in full, any Shares issued to the participant under the Plan subsequent to the expiration of the tender offer will be considered part of the participant’s prior tender, and participant’s participation in the Plan will be terminated as of the valuation date of the applicable tender offer. Any distributions to be paid to such stockholders on or after such date will be paid in cash on the scheduled dividend payment date.

If you elect to opt out of the distribution reinvestment plan, you will receive any dividends we declare in cash. There will be no upfront selling commissions or Placement Agent fees charged to you if you participate in the distribution reinvestment plan. We will pay the Plan Administrator fees under the distribution reinvestment plan. If your Shares are held by a broker or other financial intermediary, you may change your election by notifying your broker or other financial intermediary of your election.

The purchase price for Shares purchased under our distribution reinvestment plan will be equal to the most recent available NAV per share for such Shares at the time the dividend is payable. Shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan will have the same voting rights as the Shares. Stockholders will not pay transaction related charges when purchasing Shares under our distribution reinvestment plan, but all outstanding Class S and Class D shares, including those purchased under our distribution reinvestment plan, will be subject to ongoing servicing fees.

See our Distribution Reinvestment Plan, which is filed as an exhibit hereto, for more information.

Share Repurchase Program

We do not intend to list our shares on a national securities exchange, and we do not expect there to be a public market for our shares. As a result, if you purchase our Shares, your ability to sell your Shares will be limited.

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Beginning no later than the first full calendar quarter from the date on which we broke escrow for the private offering of the Shares offering, and at the discretion of our Board, we intend to commence a share repurchase program in which we intend to repurchase, in each quarter, up to 5% of our Shares outstanding (by number of shares) as of the close of the previous calendar quarter. Our Board may amend, suspend or terminate the share repurchase program if it deems such action to be in our best interest and the best interest of our stockholders. As a result, share repurchases may not be available each quarter. Upon a suspension of our share repurchase program, our Board will consider at least quarterly whether the continued suspension of our share repurchase program remains in our best interest and the best interest of our stockholders. However, our Board is not required to authorize the recommencement of our share repurchase program within any specified period of time. Our Board may also terminate our share repurchase program if required to do so by applicable law or in connection with a transaction in which our stockholders receive liquidity for their Shares, such as a sale or merger of the Fund or listing of our Shares on a national securities exchange.

We expect to repurchase shares pursuant to tender offers each quarter using a purchase price equal to the NAV per share as of the last calendar day of the applicable quarter, except that shares that have not been outstanding for at least one year will be subject to an “early repurchase deduction” of 2% of the aggregate NAV of the Shares repurchased (the “Early Repurchase Deduction”). The one-year holding period is measured as of the subscription closing date immediately following the prospective repurchase date and does not include shares received under the Fund’s distribution reinvestment plan. The Early Repurchase Deduction may be waived in the case of repurchase requests arising from the death, divorce, or qualified disability of the holder. The Early Repurchase Deduction will be retained by the Fund for the benefit of remaining stockholders. We intend to conduct repurchase offers in accordance with the requirements of Rule 13e-4 promulgated under the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act. All shares purchased by us pursuant to the terms of each tender offer will be retired and thereafter will be authorized and unissued shares.

You may tender all of the Shares that you own. There is no repurchase priority for a stockholder under the circumstances of death or disability of such stockholder.

In the event the amount of shares tendered exceeds the repurchase offer amount, we will repurchase shares on a pro rata basis. All unsatisfied repurchase requests must be resubmitted in the next quarterly tender offer, or upon the recommencement of the share repurchase program, as applicable. We will have no obligation to repurchase shares, including if the repurchase would violate the restrictions on distributions under federal law or Delaware law. The limitations and restrictions described above may prevent us from accommodating all repurchase requests made in any quarter. Our share repurchase program has many limitations, including the limitations described above, and should not in any way be viewed as the equivalent of a secondary market. Further, the Investment Adviser, through an affiliate, may determine to make an investment of capital in us, which may result in the Investment Adviser initially owning a substantial amount of our outstanding Shares. The Investment Adviser may periodically elect to tender any or all of its Shares for repurchase under our share repurchase program. Any such tenders by the Investment Adviser could reduce the opportunity for other stockholders to tender the full amount of their Shares in a given quarter.

We will offer to repurchase shares on such terms as may be determined by our Board in its complete and absolute discretion unless, in the judgment of our Independent Directors, such repurchases would not be in the best interests of us and our stockholders or would violate applicable law. There is no assurance that our Board will exercise its discretion to offer to repurchase shares or that there will be sufficient funds available to accommodate all of our stockholders’ requests for repurchase. As a result, we may repurchase less than the full amount of shares that you request to have repurchased. If we do not repurchase the full amount of your shares that you have requested to be repurchased, or we determine not to make repurchases of our shares, you will likely not be able to dispose of your shares, even if we underperform. Any periodic repurchase offers will be subject in part to our available cash and compliance with the RIC qualification and diversification rules and the Investment Company Act. Stockholders will not pay a fee to us in connection with our repurchase of shares under the share repurchase program.

The Fund will repurchase shares from stockholders pursuant to written tenders on terms and conditions that the Board determines to be fair to the Fund and to all stockholders. When the Board determines that the Fund will repurchase shares, notice will be provided to stockholders describing the terms of the offer, containing information stockholders should consider in deciding whether to participate in the repurchase opportunity and containing information on how to participate. Stockholders deciding whether to tender their shares during the period that a repurchase offer is open may obtain the Fund’s most recent NAV per share by contacting the Fund. However, our repurchase offers will generally use the NAV on or around the last calendar day of the applicable quarter, which will not be available until after the expiration of the applicable tender offer, so you will not know the exact price of shares in the tender offer when you make your decision whether to tender your shares.

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Stockholders who tender their Shares for repurchase will receive their redemption proceeds no later than 65 days after the expiration of the applicable tender offer. Repurchases will be effective after receipt and acceptance by the Fund of eligible written tenders of shares from stockholders by the applicable repurchase offer deadline. The Fund does not impose any charges in connection with repurchases of shares, except for the Early Repurchase Deduction. All shares purchased by us pursuant to the terms of each tender offer will be retired and thereafter will be authorized and unissued shares.

In the event that any stockholder fails to maintain the minimum balance of $500 of our shares, we may, at the time of such failure or any time subsequent to such failure, repurchase all of the shares held by that stockholder at the repurchase price in effect on the date we determine that the stockholder has failed to meet the minimum balance, less any Early Repurchase Deduction. Minimum account repurchases will apply even in the event that the failure to meet the minimum balance is caused solely by a decline in our NAV. Minimum account repurchases may be subject to the Early Repurchase Deduction.

Payment for repurchased shares may require us to liquidate portfolio holdings earlier than our Investment Adviser would otherwise have caused these holdings to be liquidated, potentially resulting in losses, and may increase our investment-related expenses as a result of higher portfolio turnover rates. Our Investment Adviser intends to take measures, subject to policies as may be established by our Board, to attempt to avoid or minimize potential losses and expenses resulting from the repurchase of shares.

Reports to Stockholders

In order to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act, we have filed this Registration Statement for our Shares with the SEC under the Exchange Act. Subsequent to the effectiveness of this Registration Statement, we will be required to file annual reports, quarterly reports and current reports with the SEC.

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ITEM 10.

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

Our initial member, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, was the sole owner of our limited liability company interests, which were acquired for an initial capital contribution of $1,000 on December 19, 2022 in reliance upon the available exemptions from registration requirements of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. In connection with the Initial Issuance Date, the equity interest of the initial member of Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC was cancelled.

On April 6, 2023, we issued and sold approximately 10,081,173 Class I shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $252,029,333. On May 1, 2023, we issued and sold Class I shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $75,890,000.

Each of the above issuances and sales of our Class I shares were completed pursuant to subscription agreements with the investors and were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D and/or Regulation S under the Securities Act.

Each purchaser of our Shares was and is required to represent that it is (i) either an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act or, in the case of Shares sold outside the United States, is not a “U.S. person” in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act, and (ii) acquiring the Shares purchased by it for investment and not with a view to resale or distribution.

On April 6, 2023, we issued and sold 515 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $515,000 to accredited investors, pursuant to subscription agreements with the investors, in reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act.

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ITEM 11.

DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED.

The following description is based on relevant portions of Delaware law and on our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.

General

Our authorized stock consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of Class S common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class D common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class I common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (together, the “Authorized Stock”). There is currently no market for our Authorized Stock, and we can offer no assurances that a market for our Authorized Stock will develop in the future. We do not intend for the Shares to be listed on any national securities exchange. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our shares. No Shares have been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans.

Common Stock

All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and other distributions and voting and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be made or paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when declared by our Board out of funds legally available therefor, subject to the rights of holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock then outstanding. Shares of our common stock have no exchange, conversion or redemption rights. Shares of our common stock are subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in our certificate of incorporation, as described more fully below, as well as any restrictions on transfer arising under federal and state securities laws or by contract. Following the time at which the transfer restrictions contained in our certificate of incorporation terminate, shares of our common stock will be freely transferable, except when their transfer is restricted by federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock then outstanding. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders generally, including the election of directors elected by a vote of stockholders generally. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, including our preferred stock, as more fully described below, the holders of our common stock possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our Board, which means that holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote in the election of such directors are entitled to elect that number of nominees equal to the number of directors to be elected by such holders, and holders of less than a majority of such shares will be unable to elect one or more specific directors for any available directorship. In addition, holders of our common stock may participate in our distribution reinvestment plan.

Class S Shares

No upfront selling commissions will be paid for sales of any Class S shares when available for purchase in the private offering of the Shares. However, if you purchase Class S shares from certain financial intermediaries, they may directly charge you transaction or other fees, including upfront placement fees or brokerage commissions, in such amount as they may determine, provided that they limit such charges to a 3.5% cap on NAV for Class S shares.

We will pay the Placement Agent selling commissions over time as a stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee with respect to our outstanding Class S shares, when offered, equal to 0.85% per annum of the aggregate NAV of our outstanding Class S shares, including any Class S shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. The stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees will be paid monthly in arrears. The Placement Agent reallows (pays) all or a portion of the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees to participating brokers and servicing brokers for ongoing stockholder services performed by such brokers and will waive stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees to the extent a broker is not eligible to receive it for failure to provide such services.

The Investment Adviser or its affiliates may, in its discretion, pay additional compensation to selected brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries out of its own funds and not as an additional charge to the Fund or stockholders.

Class S shares, when offered, will be available for purchase in the private offering of the Shares through brokerage and transaction-based accounts.

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Class D Shares

No upfront selling commissions will be paid for sales of any Class D shares when available for purchase in the private offering of the Shares. However, if you purchase Class D shares from certain financial intermediaries, they may directly charge you transaction or other fees, including upfront placement fees or brokerage commissions, in such amount as they may determine, provided that they limit such charges to a 1.5% cap on NAV for Class D shares.

We will pay the Placement Agent selling commissions over time as a stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee with respect to our outstanding Class D shares, when offered, equal to 0.25% per annum of the aggregate NAV of all our outstanding Class D shares, including any Class D shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. The stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees will be paid monthly in arrears. The Placement Agent reallows (pays) all or a portion of the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees to participating brokers and servicing brokers for ongoing stockholder services performed by such brokers and will waive stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees to the extent a broker is not eligible to receive it for failure to provide such services.

Class D shares, when offered, generally will be available for purchase in the private offering of Shares only (1) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, sponsored by participating brokers or other intermediaries that provide access to Class D shares, (2) through participating brokers that have alternative fee arrangements with their clients to provide access to Class D shares, (3) through transaction/ brokerage platforms at participating brokers, (4) through certain registered investment advisers, (5) through bank trust departments or any other organization or person authorized to act in a fiduciary capacity for its clients or customers or (6) by other categories of investors that we name in an amendment or supplement to the Private Placement Memorandum.

Class I Shares

No upfront selling commissions or stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees are paid for sales of any Class I shares. However, if you purchase Class I shares from certain third-party financial intermediaries, they may directly charge you transaction or other fees, including upfront placement fees or brokerage commissions, in such amount as they may determine, provided that they limit such charges to a 3.5% cap on NAV for Class I shares. The Investment Adviser or its affiliates may, in its discretion, pay additional compensation to selected brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries out of its own funds and not as an additional charge to the Fund or stockholders.

Class I shares generally are available for purchase in the private offering of Shares only (1) through fee-based programs, also known as wrap accounts, sponsored by participating brokers or other intermediaries that provide access to Class I shares, (2) by endowments, foundations, pension funds and other institutional investors, (3) through participating brokers that have alternative fee arrangements with their clients to provide access to Class I shares, (4) through transaction/brokerage platforms at participating brokers, (5) by our executive officers and directors and their immediate family members, as well as officers and employees of the Investment Adviser or other affiliates and their immediate family members, and, if approved by our Board, joint venture partners, consultants and other service providers, (6) by Goldman Sachs’ private wealth management clients or (7) by other categories of investors that we name in an amendment or supplement to the Private Placement Memorandum.

In certain cases, where a holder of Class S or Class D shares (when such classes of shares are offered and sold) exits a relationship with a participating broker for the private offering of the Shares and does not enter into a new relationship with a participating broker for the private offering of the Shares, such holder’s shares may be exchanged into an equivalent NAV amount of Class I shares. We intend to also offer Class I shares to certain feeder vehicles primarily created to hold our Class I shares, which, in turn, will offer interests in themselves to qualified investors. We expect to conduct such offerings pursuant to available exemptions from registration under the Securities Act. Such feeder vehicles may have additional costs and expenses, which would be disclosed in connection with the offering of their interests. We may also offer Class I shares to other investment vehicles.

If you are eligible to purchase all three classes of shares (when all of such classes are available for sale), you should be aware that Class I shares have no stockholder servicing or distribution fees, which will reduce the NAV or distributions of the other share classes. However, Class I shares will not receive stockholder services.

Other Terms of Shares

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Commencing upon receipt of an exemptive order from the SEC permitting us to offer multiple classes of Shares, we expect to elect to conduct the private offering of the Shares in compliance with FINRA Rule 2310 as a condition to such exemptive relief. There is no assurance we will obtain this exemptive relief. As required by such exemptive relief, at the end of the month in which the Placement Agent in conjunction with the Transfer Agent determines that total transaction or other fees, including upfront placement fees or brokerage commissions, and stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees paid with respect to any single share held in a stockholder’s account would exceed, in the aggregate, 10% of the gross proceeds from the sale of such share (or a lower limit as determined by the Placement Agent or the applicable selling agent), we will cease paying the stockholder servicing and/or distribution fee on either (i) each such share that would exceed such limit or (ii) all Class S shares and Class D shares in such stockholder’s account. We may modify this requirement if permitted by applicable exemptive relief. At the end of such month, the applicable Class S shares or Class D shares in such stockholder’s account will convert into a number of Class I shares (including any fractional shares), with an equivalent aggregate NAV as such Class S or Class D shares.

Transfer and Resale Restrictions; Required Transfers

Our Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. Accordingly, we, the Placement Agent and any sub-placement agent are offering our Shares only (1) to “accredited investors” (as defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act) and/or (2) outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S, in reliance upon exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Each purchaser of our Shares will be required to complete and deliver to the Placement Agent and us, prior to the acceptance of any order, a subscription agreement substantiating the purchaser’s eligibility to purchase Shares and including limitations on resales and transfers of our Shares.

We may seek to register our Shares for sale under the Securities Act and state securities laws (as applicable) at some point in the future, if at all. However, there can be no assurances as to when or whether we may complete such registration. Prior to such registration, if at all, our common stockholders will be prohibited from transferring their Shares without our approval and compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act or exemptions therefrom. In addition, as a perpetual life BDC, as described in this Registration Statement, we do not expect to complete an initial public offering and listing of our Shares on a national securities exchange, a merger or similar transaction. If we were to ever undergo any such transaction, if at all, transfer restrictions may be imposed on our Shares or the shares of another entity received by our stockholders in connection with a merger transaction, which transfer restrictions may be for a significant amount of time after the consummation of any such transaction. While we expect not to unreasonably withhold our approval to transfers by our common stockholders, adverse tax consequences for certain of our U.S. stockholders may arise if we have fewer than 500 beneficial owners of our capital stock. Accordingly, we expect to withhold our approval if any such transfer would or may result in our having fewer than 550 beneficial owners of our capital stock. We may also require as a condition to our approval to any such transfer that the transferring stockholder retain an amount of our Shares worth at least $1,000 until the first day of our taxable year following our taxable year in which any of the aforementioned transactions, if any, occur. We also expect to withhold approval if any such transfer would (i) be prohibited by or trigger a prepayment under our debt or other credit facilities, (ii) result in a violation of applicable securities law, (iii) result in the Fund being subject to additional regulatory or compliance requirements imposed by laws other than the Exchange Act or the Investment Company Act, or (iv) result in our assets becoming “plan assets” within the meaning of the Plan Assets Regulation (as defined herein).

Our Shares are subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in our certificate of incorporation, the subscription agreement and the Private Placement Memorandum. Additionally, to the extent we approve any transfers or the foregoing restriction lapses, investors will be subject to restrictions on resale and transfer associated with securities sold pursuant to Regulation D, Regulation S, and/or other exemptions from registration under the Securities Act. Following the time at which the transfer restrictions contained in our certificate of incorporation terminate, the subscription agreement and the Private Placement Memorandum, our Shares will be freely transferable, except when their transfer is restricted by federal, state or other securities laws or by contract.

Any transfers of shares of our Shares in violation of the foregoing provisions will be void, and any intended recipient of our Shares will acquire no rights in such Shares and will not be treated as our stockholder for any purpose. We also reserve the right to charge fees for the review and processing of any transfer requests.

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Preferred Shares

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board to create and issue one or more series of preferred stock to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act. Prior to the issuance of shares of each series of preferred stock, our Board will be required by Delaware law and by our certificate of incorporation to establish the voting powers (full or limited, or no voting powers), and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of each series of our preferred stock. Thus, to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act, the Board could authorize the issuance of shares of a series of our preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.

Any issuance of preferred stock must comply with the requirements of the Investment Company Act. The Investment Company Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution is made with respect to our common stock and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class voting separately to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred stock are in arrears by two full years or more. Certain matters under the Investment Company Act require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of preferred stock (as determined in accordance with the Investment Company Act), including any outstanding perpetual preferred stock, voting together as a separate class. For example, the vote of such holders of preferred stock would be required to approve a proposal involving a plan of reorganization adversely affecting such securities.

Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock

Of the 1,000,000 shares of our authorized stock designated as preferred stock, 515 shares are designated as 12.0% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock. All shares of our Series A Preferred Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The shares of the Series A Preferred Stock issued and sold are not registered under the Securities Act and, as a result, are subject to legal restrictions on transfer. Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to participate in the appreciation of the value of the Fund. We will incur expenses in connection with the ongoing administration of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

The following is a summary of the material terms of the Series A Preferred Stock. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Designation of 12.0% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, which is included as an exhibit to this Registration Statement.

Priority. Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to a liquidation preference of $1,000.00 per share (the “Liquidation Value”), plus additional amounts described under the caption “Liquidation” below. With respect to distributions, including the payment of dividends and distribution of the Fund’s assets upon dissolution, liquidation, or winding up, the Series A Preferred Stock will be senior to all classes and series of our common stock, and will rank on parity with any other class or series of preferred stock that the Fund is authorized to issue pursuant to its certificate of incorporation (as amended, restated and/or supplemented from time to time) (the “Preferred Stock”), whether such class or series is now existing or is created in the future, to the extent of the aggregate Liquidation Value and all accrued but unpaid dividends and any applicable redemption premium on the Series A Preferred Stock. Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock will not, however, participate in any appreciation in the value of the Fund. The consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, is required to authorize or issue any class or series of Preferred Stock ranking on parity with the Series A Preferred Stock.

Dividends. Dividends on each share of Series A Preferred Stock will accrue on a daily basis at the rate of 12.0% per annum of the sum of the Liquidation Value thereof plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon, from and including the earlier of (1) the date of issuance or (2) May 1, 2023, to and including the earlier of (1) the date of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Fund or (2) the date on which such share of Series A Preferred Stock is redeemed. Dividends will accrue whether or not they have been authorized or declared, whether or not the Fund has earnings, and whether are not there are funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Except as otherwise provided herein, such dividends shall be cumulative such that all accrued and unpaid dividends shall be fully paid or declared with funds irrevocably set apart for payment for all past dividend periods before any dividend, distribution or payment may be made to holders of outstanding shares of common stock. If at any time we pay less than the total amount of dividends then accrued with respect to the Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon the Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will be declared and paid pro rata based on the number of shares of Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, then outstanding. Dividends on shares of the Series A Preferred Stock will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accumulate as of the dividend payment date on which they first become payable. The first dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock may be for less than a full half year and may include periods prior to the date of issuance. This dividend and other dividends payable on shares of the Series A Preferred Stock for any other partial period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. We will pay dividends to holders of record as they appear in our share records at the close of business as of June 15 and December 15 of each year.

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Voting. Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock or other series of Preferred Stock (if any such series is created in the future) shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Preferred Stock held by such holder on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Fund, and the holders of the outstanding shares of common stock, Series A Preferred Stock and all other series of Preferred Stock will vote together as a single class; provided, however, that the holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock together with the holders of all other series of Preferred Stock outstanding, if any, will be entitled, voting as a separate class, to elect two directors of the Fund at all times. In addition, the holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock together with the holders of all other series of Preferred Stock outstanding, if any, will be entitled, voting as a separate class, to elect a majority of the Fund’s Board of Directors (i) if, at the close of business on any dividend payment date, dividends (whether or not declared) on outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends on the Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, or (ii) if at any time holders of Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, are otherwise entitled under the Investment Company Act, to elect a majority of the Board.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, shall be required for (a) authorization or issuance of any equity security of the Fund senior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock, (b) any amendment to our certificate of incorporation which has a material adverse effect on the rights and preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock or which increases the number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock, (c) any reclassification of the Series A Preferred Stock. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a “majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock,” including Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, shall be required (d) to approve any plan of reorganization (as such term is used in the Investment Company Act) adversely affecting such shares, or (e) to the extent required under the Investment Company Act, to approve any action requiring a vote of security holders as in Section 13(a) of the Investment Company Act. For purposes of clauses (d) and (e) above, the vote of a “majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock” means the vote at an annual or special meeting duly called of (i) sixty-seven percent (67%) or more of such shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than fifty percent (50%) of such shares are present or represented by proxy at such meeting, or (ii) more than fifty percent (50%) of such shares, whichever is less.

Redemption. The outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are subject to redemption at any time by notice of such redemption on a date selected by us for such redemption (the “Redemption Date”). If we elect to cause the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be redeemed for a price, payable in cash on the Redemption Date, equal to 100% of such share’s Liquidation Value, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends to and including the Redemption Date, plus a redemption premium per share as follows: (1) until the date that is two (2) years from the date of original issuance, $100; and (2) thereafter, no redemption premium. From and after the close of business on the Redemption Date, all dividends on the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock will cease to accrue, such shares will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights of the holders of such shares (except the right to receive the redemption price for such shares from us) will cease.

Liquidation. In the event of any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Fund, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive pro rata in cash out of the assets of the Fund legally available therefore, before any distribution of the assets may be made to the holders of common stock, an amount equal to the Liquidation Value, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon through and including the date of payment, plus, if applicable, the redemption premium described above. Upon payment of such amount, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will have no other rights or claims to any of the remaining assets of the Fund either upon distribution of such assets or upon dissolution, liquidation, or winding up. A consolidation or merger of the Fund with one or more entities, a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the Fund’s assets, or a statutory share exchange shall not be deemed a dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Fund.

Conversion. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not convertible into any other class or series of shares.

Transfer restrictions. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered are not registered (or qualified) under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder. Therefore, these securities are “restricted securities” for purposes of the Securities Act. Accordingly, shares of Series A Preferred Stock may not be offered, sold, transferred or delivered, directly or indirectly, unless (i) such shares are registered under the Securities Act and any other applicable state securities laws, or (ii) an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and any other applicable state securities laws is available. During the period ending on the date of any listing of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on a national securities exchange, no transfer of Series A Preferred Stock may be made without (a) registration of the transfer on the Fund’s books and (b) the prior written consent of the Fund, which may be given or withheld in our sole discretion for any or no reason, except in the event of a request to transfer shares of Series A Preferred Stock necessitated by the death or divorce of a holder of Series A Preferred Stock, in which case, our consent shall not be required provided that certain certifications are provided to us in advance of such transfer, including, without limitation, that such transfer would not violate the Securities Act or any state (or other jurisdiction) securities or “blue sky” laws applicable to us or the transfer of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The investors will have no rights to require registration of shares of Series A Preferred Stock under the Securities Act or other applicable securities laws and registration is not presently contemplated. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.

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Other matters. Unless full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of preferred stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, we shall not: (i) declare any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of common stock) in respect of shares of our common stock, (ii) purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of common stock or (iii) pay any proceeds of the liquidation of the Fund in respect of common stock, provided, further, that the “asset coverage” (as defined under the Investment Company Act) on the Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, must be at least 150%(or such other amount as provided under the Investment Company Act), giving effect to any exemptive relief granted to us by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price.

Provisions of the DGCL and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers; Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses

The indemnification of our officers and directors is governed by Section 145 of the DGCL and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Section 145(a) of the DGCL empowers the Fund to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Fund) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund, or is or was serving at the request of the Fund as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if (1) such person acted in good faith, (2) in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Fund and (3) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL empowers the Fund to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Fund to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund, or is or was serving at the request of the Fund as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Fund, and except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to the Fund unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court deems proper.

Section 145(c) of the DGCL provides that to the extent that a present or former Director or officer of the Fund has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person will be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding.

Section 145(d) of the DGCL provides that in all cases in which indemnification is permitted under subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 (unless ordered by a court), it will be made by the Fund only if it is consistent with the Investment Company Act and as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former Director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person to be indemnified has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in those subsections. Such determination must be made, with respect to a person who is a Director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the Directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such Directors designated by majority vote of such Directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such Directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (4) by the stockholders.

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Section 145(e) authorizes the Fund to pay expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or Director of the Fund in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to whom the advancement will be made to repay the advanced amounts if it is ultimately determined that he or she was not entitled to be indemnified by the Fund as authorized by Section 145. Section 145(e) also provides that such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former Directors and officers or other employees and agents of the Fund, or persons serving at the request of the Fund as Directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Fund deems appropriate.

Section 145(f) provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of such Section are not to be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Directors, or otherwise.

Section 145(g) authorizes the Fund to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of its current and former Directors, officers, employees and agents (and on behalf of any person who is or was serving at the request of the Fund as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, regardless of whether the Fund would have the power to indemnify such persons against such liability under Section 145.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL allows the Fund to provide in its certificate of incorporation a provision that limits or eliminates the personal liability of a Director of the Fund to the Fund or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, provided that such provision may not limit or eliminate the liability of a Director (1) for any breach of the Director’s duty of loyalty to the Fund or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our Directors will not be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director to the fullest extent permitted by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter be amended.

Our certificate of incorporation requires us to indemnify to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL all persons whom we may indemnify under that section. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that expenses incurred by our officers or directors in defending any action, suit or proceeding for which they may be entitled to indemnification under our certificate of incorporation will be paid in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding. However, any indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses made pursuant to such provisions of our certificate of incorporation will be subject to the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act. In addition, our bylaws provide that, except for certain proceedings initiated by our Directors or officers, we must indemnify, and advance expenses to, our current and former Directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, but provide that any indemnification or reimbursement of expenses thereunder is subject to the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Law

The DGCL contains, and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws also contain, provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our Board. These measures may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. We believe, however, that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms.

We have elected in our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an antitakeover law. However, our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that, at any point in time in which our common stock is registered under Section 12(b) or Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, have the same effect as Section 203, except that it exempts GS Group Inc. and its affiliates, and certain of its or their respective direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party, from the effect of those provisions. In general, these provisions will prohibit us from engaging in any “business combination” with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

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prior to such time, the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

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upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the Fund outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are Directors and also officers of the Fund; or

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at or subsequent the such time the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at a meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

These provisions define “business combination” to include the following:

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any merger or consolidation involving the Fund or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Fund with the interested stockholder;

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any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of such corporation, to or with the interested stockholder, of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Fund or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the Fund; subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the Fund or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Fund of any stock of the Fund or of such subsidiary to the interested stockholder;

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any transaction involving the Fund or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Fund that has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series (or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series) of the Fund or of any such subsidiary owned by the interested stockholder, except as to immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the interested stockholder; or

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the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Fund), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the Fund or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.

In general, these provisions define an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person that is the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock or is an affiliate or associate of us and was the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the relevant date, and the affiliates or associates of any such entity or person, but GS Group Inc. and its affiliates and certain of its or their respective direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party are excluded from the definition of interested stockholder.

These provisions could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

Election of Directors

Our bylaws provide that, unless otherwise provided in our certificate of incorporation (including with respect to the special rights of holders of one or more series of our preferred stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, to elect directors), our Directors are elected by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote thereon present in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing Directors. Under our certificate of incorporation, our Board has the power to amend our bylaws, including the provisions specifying the vote required to elect Directors. Under Section 216 of the DGCL, however, a bylaw amendment adopted by stockholders which specifies the votes that will be necessary for the election of directors will not be further amended or repealed by the Board.

Holders of any outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock together with the holders of all other series of our outstanding Preferred Stock, if any, will be entitled, voting as a separate class, to elect two directors of the Fund at all times that such preferred stock is outstanding. In addition, the holders of any outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock together with the holders of all other series of Preferred Stock outstanding, if any, will be entitled, voting as a separate class, to elect a majority of the Board of Directors (i) if, at the close of business on any dividend payment date, dividends (whether or not declared) on outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends on such preferred stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, or (ii) if at any time holders of Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, are otherwise entitled under the Investment Company Act to elect a majority of the Board of Directors.

Classified Board of Directors

Under our certificate of incorporation, subject to the special right of the holders of one or more series of preferred stock to elect additional preferred Directors, our Directors are divided into three classes of Directors, serving staggered three-year terms, with the term of office of Directors in only one of the three classes expiring each year. As a result, one-third of such Directors will then be elected each year. A classified Board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that, the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified Board will help to ensure the continuity and stability of our management and policies.

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Commissions on Financing, Refinancing or Reinvestment

Our certificate of incorporation provides that, unless otherwise permitted by the Investment Company Act or applicable guidance or exemptive relief of the SEC, we generally may not pay, directly or indirectly, a commission or fee to the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates in connection with the reinvestment of cash available for distribution, available reserves, or the proceeds of the resale, exchange or refinancing of assets.

Number of Directors; Removal; Vacancies

Our certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to any rights of holders of one or more series of preferred stock to elect additional preferred Directors, the total number of Directors is fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board. Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise (which our certificate of incorporation does not), Directors on a classified Board may be removed only for cause. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our Directors are divided into classes serving staggered three-year terms and such directors may only be removed for cause, and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors. Under our certificate of incorporation, subject to the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act and the rights of the holders of one or more series of preferred stock, any vacancy on the Board resulting from the death, resignation, retirement, removal or disqualification of a Director or other cause, or any vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of Directors, may be filled only by vote of a majority of the Directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director; provided that when the holders of any class or series of our stock are entitled under the certificate of incorporation to elect Directors, vacancies in directorships elected by such class, classes or series may be filled by a majority of the remaining Directors so elected. Any such limitations on the ability of our stockholders to remove Directors and fill vacancies could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, control of us.

Action by Stockholders

Our certificate of incorporation provides that our stockholders are only able to take action at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not take action by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting. This may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.

Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) by or at the direction of the Board (or a duly authorized committee thereof), (2) pursuant to our notice of meeting or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the bylaws. For any nomination or business proposal to be properly brought by a stockholder for a meeting, such stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information. Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. Our bylaws specify requirements as to the form and content of any such stockholder’s notice. Our bylaws also allow the presiding officer at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed. Our bylaws further provide that nominations of persons for election to the Board at a special meeting may be made only by or at the direction of the Board, and provided that the Board has determined that Directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.

The purpose of requiring stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our Board a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by our Board, to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our Board any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of Directors or proposals recommending certain action that are made in compliance with applicable advance notice procedures, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of Directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of Directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.

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Stockholder Meetings

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may only be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to the secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.

Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by our Board, the chairman of the Board and our chief executive officer(s), and not by any other person.

Amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Section 242 of the DGCL generally provides any amendment to the certificate of incorporation must be approved and declared advisable by the Board and adopted by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, and by a majority of the outstanding stock of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class. Section 109 of the DGCL provides that, after a corporation has received payment for its capital stock, the power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws will be in the stockholders entitled to vote, but any corporation may, in its certificate of incorporation, confer the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws upon the Directors. Our certificate of incorporation provides our Board with such power. The DGCL provides that the certificate of incorporation may contain provisions requiring for any corporate action the vote of a larger portion of the stock or of any class or series thereof than is required by the DGCL. Our certificate of incorporation provides that the following provisions, among others, may be amended by our stockholders only by a vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote thereon:

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the provisions regarding the classification of our Board;

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the provisions specifying the percentage of votes required to remove Directors for cause;

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the provisions limiting stockholder action by written consent;

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the provisions regarding the calling of special meetings;

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the provisions regarding the number of Directors and filling vacancies on our Board and newly created directorships;

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the provision requiring a supermajority vote to amend our bylaws;

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the limitation of directors’ personal liability to us or our stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director;

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the provisions regarding indemnification and advancement of expenses under our certificate of incorporation;

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the provision regarding restrictions on business combinations with interested stockholders; and

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the amendment provision requiring that the above provisions be amended only with a two-thirds supermajority vote.

Our bylaws generally are able to be amended by approval of (i) a majority of the total number of authorized Directors or (ii) the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote thereon.

Restrictions on Roll-Up Transactions

Under our certificate of incorporation, the following conditions and requirements with respect to a proposed “roll-up transaction” shall be effective upon the commencement of a Public Offering of Non-Listed Shares, and to the extent required under the Omnibus Guidelines. In connection with a proposed “roll-up transaction,” which, in general terms, is any transaction involving the acquisition, merger, conversion or consolidation, directly or indirectly, of us and the issuance of securities of an entity that would be created or would survive after the successful completion of the roll-up transaction, we will obtain an appraisal of all of our properties from an independent expert. In order to qualify as an independent expert for this purpose, the person or entity must have no material current or prior business or personal relationship with us and must be engaged to a substantial extent in the business of rendering opinions regarding the value of assets of the type held by us, who is qualified to perform such work. Our assets will be appraised on a consistent basis, and the appraisal will be based on the evaluation of all relevant information and will indicate the value of our assets as of a date immediately prior to the announcement of the proposed roll-up transaction. The appraisal will assume an orderly liquidation of our assets over a 12-month period. The terms of the engagement of such independent expert will clearly state that the engagement is for our benefit and the benefit of our stockholders. We will include a summary of the appraisal, indicating all material assumptions underlying the appraisal, in a report to the stockholders in connection with the proposed roll-up transaction. If the appraisal will be included in a prospectus used to offer the securities of the roll-up entity, the appraisal will be filed with the SEC and the states as an exhibit to the applicable registration statement, if any.

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In connection with a proposed roll-up transaction, the person sponsoring the roll-up transaction must offer to the stockholders who vote against the proposal a choice of:

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accepting the securities of the entity that would be created or would survive after the successful completion of the roll-up transaction offered in the proposed roll-up transaction; or

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one of the following:

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remaining as stockholders and preserving their interests in us on the same terms and conditions as existed previously; or

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receiving cash in an amount equal to their pro rata share of the appraised value of the net assets of the class of shares that they hold.

We are prohibited from participating in any proposed roll-up transaction:

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which would result in stockholders having voting rights in the entity that would be created or would survive after the successful completion of the roll-up transaction that are less than those provided in the certificate of incorporation, including rights with respect to the election and removal of directors, annual and special meetings, amendments to the certificate of incorporation and our dissolution;

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which includes provisions that would operate as a material impediment to, or frustration of, the accumulation of shares of our common stock by any purchaser of the securities of the entity that would be created or would survive after the successful completion of the roll-up transaction, except to the minimum extent necessary to preserve the tax status of such entity, or which would limit the ability of an investor to exercise the voting rights of its securities of the entity that would be created or would survive after the successful completion of the roll-up transaction on the basis of the number of shares held by that investor;

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in which stockholders’ rights to access to records of the entity that would be created or would survive after the successful completion of the roll-up transaction will be less than those provided in the certificate of incorporation;

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in which we would bear any of the costs of the roll-up transaction if the stockholders reject the roll-up transaction; or

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unless the organizational documents of the entity that would survive the roll-up transaction provide that neither its adviser nor its placement agent may vote or consent on matters submitted to its stockholders regarding the removal of its adviser or any transaction between it and its adviser or any of its affiliates.

Access to Records

Any stockholder will be permitted access to all of our records to which they are entitled under applicable law at all reasonable times and may inspect and copy any of them for a reasonable copying charge. Inspection of our records by the office or agency administering the securities laws of a jurisdiction will be provided upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours. An alphabetical list of the names, addresses and business telephone numbers of our stockholders, along with the number of shares of our common stock held by each of them, will be maintained as part of our books and records and will be available for inspection by any stockholder or the stockholder’s designated agent at our office, each to the extent required by applicable law. The stockholder list will be updated at least quarterly to reflect changes in the information contained therein. A copy of the list will be mailed to any stockholder who requests the list within ten days of the request if we are subject to the Omnibus Guidelines and to the extent required thereby. A stockholder may request a copy of the stockholder list for any proper and legitimate purpose, including, without limitation, in connection with matters relating to voting rights and the exercise of stockholder rights under federal proxy laws. A stockholder requesting a list will be required to pay reasonable costs of postage and duplication. Such copy of the stockholder list shall be printed in alphabetical order, on white paper, and in readily readable type size (no smaller than 10 point font).

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A stockholder may also request access to any other corporate records. If we are subject to the Omnibus Guidelines and to the extent required thereby, if a proper request for the stockholder list or any other corporate records is not honored, then the requesting stockholder will be entitled to recover certain costs incurred in compelling the production of the list or other requested corporate records as well as actual damages suffered by reason of the refusal or failure to produce the list. However, a stockholder will not have the right to, and we may require a requesting stockholder to represent that it will not, secure the stockholder list or other information for the purpose of selling or using the list for a commercial purpose not related to the requesting stockholder’s interest in our affairs. We may also require that such stockholder sign a confidentiality agreement in connection with the request.

Reports to Stockholders

Within 60 days after each fiscal quarter, we will distribute our quarterly report on Form 10-Q to all stockholders of record. In addition, we will distribute our annual report on Form 10-K to all stockholders within 120 days after the end of each calendar year, which must contain, among other things, a breakdown of the expenses reimbursed by us to our Investment Adviser. These reports will also be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Conflict with Investment Company Act

Our bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the DGCL or any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the Investment Company Act, the applicable provision of the Investment Company Act will control.

Exclusive Forum

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, a federal or state court located in the state of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Fund, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Fund to the Fund or the Fund’s stockholders, (3) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the securities, antifraud, unfair trade practices or similar laws of any international, national, state, provincial, territorial, local or other governmental or regulatory authority, including, in each case, the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or (4) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This forum selection provision does not apply to claims brought under the federal securities laws, with the sole exception that any claim under Section 11 of the Securities Act must be brought in a federal court. However, there is a question regarding the enforceability of this portion of this provision since the Securities Act permits stockholders to bring claims arising under the Securities Act in state and federal court. This forum selection provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds convenient or favorable for disputes, which may discourage such lawsuits with respect to such claims and increase costs for a stockholder to pursue such claims. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to have notice of and consented to these exclusive forum provisions and to have irrevocably submitted to, and waived any objection to, the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in connection with any such action or proceeding and consented to process being served in any such action or proceeding, without limitation, by U.S. mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Fund, with postage thereon prepaid.

147

ITEM 12.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

See “Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered—Provisions of the DGCL and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws—Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers; Indemnifications and Advancement of Expenses.”

148

ITEM 13.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Set forth below is a list of our audited financial statements included in this Registration Statement.


	Page
Index to Financial Statements		F-1
Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2023 (unaudited) and December 31, 2022		F-2
Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022 (unaudited)		F-3
Statements of Changes in Member’s Capital for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022 (unaudited)		F-4
Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022 (unaudited)		F-5
Notes to the Financial Statements (unaudited)		F-6


	Page
Index to Financial Statements		F-14
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-15
Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2022		F-16
Statement of Operations for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022		F-17
Statement of Changes in Member’s Capital for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022		F-18
Statement of Cash Flows for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022		F-19
Notes to the Financial Statements		F-20

ITEM 14.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

There are not and have not been any disagreements between us and our accountant on any matter of accounting principles, practices, or financial statement disclosure.

ITEM 15.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(a)	List separately all financial statements filed

The financial statements included in this Registration Statement are listed in Item 13 and commence on page F-1.

(b)

Exhibits

Exhibit Index


3.1		Certificate of Incorporation.

3.2		Certificate of Designation of 12.0% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock.

3.3		Bylaws.

10.1*		Investment Management Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023, between the Fund and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

10.2*		Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023, between the Fund and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

10.3*		Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023, by and between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the entities set forth on Appendix A thereto.

10.4*		Amended and Restated Custodian Contract, dated as of January 26, 2023, by and between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the entities set forth on Appendix A thereto.

10.5*		License Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2023, between the Fund and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.

10.6*		Distribution Reinvestment Plan.

10.7*		Form of Subscription Agreement.

10.8†		Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2023, between the Fund, as Borrower, the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto, and Truist Bank, as Administrative Agent.

*	Previously filed on March 23, 2023, as an exhibit to this Registration Statement.

†	Certain schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the SEC upon its request.

149

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

150

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


	Page
Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2023 (unaudited) and December 31, 2022		F-2
Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022 (unaudited)		F-3
Statements of Changes in Member’s Capital for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022 (unaudited)		F-4
Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022 (unaudited)		F-5
Notes to the Financial Statements (unaudited)		F-6

F-1

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statements of Financial Condition


	As of March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)		As of December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash	$	1,000	$	1,000
Unrealized gain on purchase agreements		1,944,381		—

Total Assets	$	1,945,381	$	1,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
Member’s capital
Preferred units (no units issued and outstanding)	$	—	$	—
Common units (40 units issued and outstanding)		1,000		1,000
Distributable earnings		1,944,381		—

Total member’s capital	$	1,945,381	$	1,000

Net asset value per unit	$	48,634.52	$	25.00

The accompanying notes are part of these unaudited financial statements.

F-2

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)


	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023			For the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022
Revenue	$	—		$	—
Expenses
Organization costs		222,089			106,526
Directors’ fees		78,904			—
Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance		49,207			—

Total expenses	$	350,200		$	106,526

Reimbursable expenses paid by Investment Adviser (See Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies)	$	(350,200	)	$	(106,526	)

Net expenses	$	—		$	—

Unrealized gain on purchase agreements	$	1,944,381		$	—

Net income/(loss)	$	1,944,381		$	—

Weighted average units outstanding		40.00			—

Net income/(loss) per unit	$	48,609.52		$	—

The accompanying notes are part of these unaudited financial statements.

F-3

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statements of Changes in Member’s Capital

(Unaudited)


	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023		For the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022
Member’s capital at beginning of period	$	1,000	$	—
Increase (decrease) in member’s capital from operations:
Unrealized gain on purchase agreements		1,944,381		—

Net increase (decrease) in member’s capital from operations	$	1,944,381	$	—

Total increase in member’s capital	$	1,944,381	$	—

Member’s capital at end of period	$	1,945,381	$	—

The accompanying notes are part of these unaudited financial statements.

F-4

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)


	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023			For the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities
Net increase in member’s capital from operations:	$	1,944,381		$	—
Unrealized gain on purchase agreements		(1,944,381	)	$	—

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	—		$	—

Net increase in cash	$	—		$	—
Cash, beginning of period		1,000			—

Cash, end of period	$	1,000		$	—

The accompanying notes are part of these unaudited financial statements.

F-5

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Notes to Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC (formerly known as Goldman Sachs Loan Fund LLC) is a Delaware limited liability company formed on March 25, 2022 that intends to elect to be treated, and expects to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and elect to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Concurrent with the election to be regulated as a BDC, Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC intends to convert into a Delaware corporation (the “BDC Conversion”) named Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp. (the “Company”, which term refers to either Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC or Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp.).

The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation primarily through direct originations of secured debt, including first lien debt, unitranche loans, including last-out portions of such loans, second lien debt, and unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt, as well as through select equity investments. The Company will also invest a portion of the portfolio in more liquid credit investments, such as broadly syndicated loans and other fixed-income securities, to provide the portfolio with additional liquidity.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), a Delaware limited partnership and an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (including its predecessors, “GS & Co.”), is the investment adviser (the “Investment Adviser”) of the Company. The term “Goldman Sachs” refers to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., together with GS & Co., GSAM and its other subsidiaries.

The Company is conducting an offering of the Company’s common stock on a continuous basis (the “Offering”). The offering and sale of common stock will be exempt from registration in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Regulation D and Regulation S thereunder, for offers and sales of securities that do not involve a public offering and for offers and sales of securities outside of the United States. The Company is currently only offering Class I shares for sale. The Company has submitted to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an application for an exemptive order to permit the Company to offer multiple classes of shares. Subject to receiving a satisfactory exemptive order from the SEC, the Company intends to offer to sell any combination of three classes of shares, Class S shares, Class D shares, and Class I shares, which have different ongoing stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees.

The Company is also conducting an offering to accredited investors to purchase shares of the Company’s 12.0% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), in reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will be subject to certain dividend, voting, liquidation and other rights.

GS & Co. will assist the Company in conducting the Offering pursuant to agreements between the Company and GS & Co.

As of March 31, 2023, the Company received a capital contribution of $1,000 from an affiliate of the Investment Adviser (the “Initial Member”). The Initial Member will be the sole owner of the Company’s interests until the initial closing of the Offering (the “Initial Issuance Date”). In connection with the Initial Issuance Date, such equity interests will be cancelled.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to Regulation S-X. This requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

F-6

As an investment company, the Company applies the accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies (“ASC 946”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

Cash

Cash consists of deposits held at a custodian bank. As of March 31, 2023, the Company held $1,000 in cash.

Income Taxes

As of March 31, 2023, the Company is a single member limited liability company, which is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such the Company did not record a tax provision.

The Company intends to elect to be treated, and expects to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it generally will not be required to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its shareholders as dividends. As a result, any U.S. federal income tax liability related to income earned by the Company and distributed by the Company to its shareholders represents obligations of the Company’s shareholders and will not be reflected in the financial statements of the Company.

Offering Costs

Offering costs consist primarily of fees incurred in connection with the Offering, including legal, printing and other costs, as well as costs associated with the preparation of the Company’s registration statement on Form 10. Offering costs will be recognized as a deferred charge and will be amortized on a straight line basis over 12 months beginning on the date of commencement of operations, subsequent to the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering. The offering costs, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, do not presently represent a liability of the Company since the obligation to reimburse the Investment Adviser is conditional as of March 31, 2023 on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of offering expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement as described below.

Organization Costs

Organization costs include costs relating to the formation and organization of the Company. These costs, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, are expensed as incurred. The reimbursement of organization expenses is conditional, as of March 31, 2023, on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of organization expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement as described below.

F-7

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

The Company has obtained liability insurance for its directors and officers (the “Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance”). These costs, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, are expensed over the term of the insurance policy, beginning on the date the Company enters into the insurance policy agreement. Costs related to the Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance do not presently represent a liability of the Company since the obligation to reimburse the Investment Adviser is conditional as of March 31, 2023 on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of such expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement as described below.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Management does not believe any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.

3. SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS AND RELATED PARTIES

Investment Management Agreement

The Company entered into an investment management agreement effective as of March 20, 2023 (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which the Investment Adviser manages the Company’s investment program and related activities.

Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Company will pay the Investment Adviser a base management fee and may also pay an incentive fee. The cost of both the management fee and the incentive fee will ultimately be borne by the Company’s shareholders. The Investment Adviser has agreed to waive the management fee and incentive fee for the first two fiscal quarters of operations, commencing on and including the date on which the Company breaks escrow and commences operations.

There were no management fees or incentive fees incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022.

Administration and Custodian Fees

The Company has entered into an administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Administrator”) under which the Administrator provides various accounting and administrative services to the Company. The Company will pay the Administrator fees for its services as the Company determines are commercially reasonable in its sole discretion. The Company will also reimburse the Administrator for all reasonable expenses. To the extent that the Administrator outsources any of its functions, the Administrator pays any compensation associated with such functions. The Administrator also serves as the Company’s custodian (the “Custodian”).

There were no administration and custodian fees incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022.

Transfer Agent Fees

The Company has entered into a transfer agency agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), with GS & Co. pursuant to which GS & Co. serves as the Company’s transfer agent (“Transfer Agent”), registrar and distribution paying agent.

There were no transfer agent fees incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to March 31, 2022.

F-8

Placement Agent Agreement

The Company has entered into an agreement with GS & Co. (the “Placement Agent”) pursuant to which GS & Co. will assist the Company in conducting the Offering. GS & Co. has entered into or will enter into sub-placement agreements (together with the agreement with GS & Co., the “Placement Agent Agreements”) with various sub-placement agents to assist in conducting the Offering. Stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees will be payable to the Placement Agent. The Placement Agent may also be compensated by the Investment Adviser, in its discretion, for certain services including promotional and marketing support, shareholder servicing, operational and recordkeeping, sub-accounting, networking or administrative services. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s own resources and/or assets, including from the revenues or profits derived from the advisory fees the Investment Adviser receives from the Company.

Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement

The Investment Adviser has agreed to advance all of the organization, offering and other operating expenses on behalf of the Company through the date on which the Company breaks escrow.

The Company entered into an expense support and conditional reimbursement agreement (the “Expense Support Agreement”) with the Investment Adviser. Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Investment Adviser may elect to pay certain of the Company’s expenses on its behalf, provided that no portion of the payment will be used to pay any interest expense or distribution and/or stockholder servicing fees of the Company. Any expense payment must be paid by the Investment Adviser to the Company in any combination of cash or other immediately available funds and/or offset against amounts due from the Company to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates.

Following any calendar month in which Available Operating Funds (as defined below) exceed the cumulative distributions accrued to the Company’s stockholders based on distributions declared with respect to record dates occurring in such calendar month (the amount of such excess being hereinafter referred to as “Excess Operating Funds”), the Company will pay such Excess Operating Funds, or a portion thereof, to the Investment Adviser until such time as all expense payments made by the Investment Adviser to the Company within three years prior to the last business day of such calendar month have been reimbursed. Any payments required to be made by the Company will be referred to herein as a “Reimbursement Payment.”

“Available Operating Funds” means the sum of (i) the Company’s net investment company income and (ii) dividends and other distributions paid to the Company on account of investments in portfolio companies (to the extent such amounts listed in clause (ii) are not included under clause (i) above).

The Company’s obligation to make a Reimbursement Payment will automatically become a liability of the Company on the last business day of the applicable calendar month, except to the extent the Investment Adviser has waived its right to receive such payment for the applicable month.

Director Fees

Each of the Company’s independent directors is compensated an annual fee of $50,000 (or $100,000 upon the Company’s NAV being at or above $1,500,000,000) for his or her services as one of the Company’s directors and as a member of the Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee. The Chairperson receives an additional annual fee of $12,500 (or $25,000 upon the Company’s NAV being at or above $1,500,000,000) for his services in such capacity and the director designated as “audit committee financial expert” receives an additional annual fee of $7,500 (or $15,000 upon the Company’s NAV being at or above $1,500,000,000) for his services in such capacity.

As of March 31, 2023, the Company’s independent directors were owed $291,945 in director fees. Directors fees, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, do not presently represent a liability of the Company since the obligation to reimburse the Investment Adviser-paid director fees is conditional, as of March 31, 2023, on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of such expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement.

F-9

4. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

Beginning no later than the first full calendar quarter from the date on which the Company breaks escrow, and at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company intends to commence a share repurchase program in which the Company intends to repurchase in each quarter, up to 5% of the Company’s common shares outstanding (by number of shares) as of the close of the previous calendar quarter. The Board of Directors may amend, suspend or terminate the share repurchase program if it deems such action to be in the best interest of shareholders. As a result, share repurchases may not be available each quarter. The Company intends to conduct such repurchase offers in accordance with the requirements of Rule 13e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act. All shares purchased pursuant to the terms of each tender offer will be retired and thereafter will be authorized and unissued shares.

Under the share repurchase plan, to the extent the Company offers to repurchase shares in any particular quarter, it is expected that the Company will repurchase shares pursuant to tender offers as of the last calendar day of that quarter using a purchase price equal to the NAV per share as of the last calendar day of the applicable quarter, except that shares that have not been outstanding for at least one year will be repurchased at 98% of such NAV (an “Early Repurchase Deduction”). The one-year holding period is measured as of the subscription closing date immediately following the prospective repurchase date and does not include shares received under the Company’s distribution reinvestment plan. The Early Repurchase Deduction may be waived by the Company in accordance with the share repurchase plan. The Early Repurchase Deduction will be retained by the Company for the benefit of remaining shareholders.

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that provide a variety of general indemnifications. Any exposure to the Company under these arrangements could involve future claims that may be made against the Company. Currently, no such claims exist or are expected to arise and, accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liability in connection with such indemnifications.

The Investment Adviser has agreed to bear all of the Company’s expenses through the date on which the Company breaks escrow. The Company will be obligated to reimburse the Investment Adviser for such advanced expenses upon breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of these expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement. The total organization costs, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance, and directors’ fees as of March 31, 2023 was $1,335,113, all of which had been borne by the Investment Adviser. The total offering expenses incurred as of March 31, 2023 was $1,349,795, all of which had been borne by the Investment Adviser.

Warehousing Transactions

Beginning August 25, 2022, the Company entered into multiple purchase agreements (as amended, the “Purchase Agreements”) with Macquarie Bank Limited (the “Financing Provider”) and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser. Under the Purchase Agreements, the Company has forward arrangements to settle the purchase of certain investments (the “Portfolio Investments”) from the Financing Provider, who is obligated to settle the sale of such investments subject to the following conditions (the “Warehouse Conditions”); (a) that the Company has received subscriptions of at least $200,000,000; and (b) that the Board of Directors has approved the purchase of the specific investment or investments. The Company’s obligations to the Financing Provider under the Purchase Agreements were guaranteed by an affiliate of the Investment Adviser. Prior to the satisfaction of the Warehouse Conditions, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser is the primary obligor of the Purchase Agreements. As of March 31, 2023, the Warehouse Conditions have not been met.

The Portfolio Investments primarily consist of newly originated, privately negotiated senior secured term loans to middle market companies consistent with the Company’s investment strategy.

The Company records its investment transactions on a trade date basis, which is the date when the Company assumes the risks for gains and losses related to that instrument.

As of March 31, 2023, the Company had contingent forward arrangements through the Purchase Agreements representing aggregate par amounts denominated in USD of $407.00 million and in Canadian Dollars (CAD) of CAD 66.77 million.

F-10

Basis of Fair Value Measurement

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price).

The Company carries its investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), issued by the FASB, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. The fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The levels used for classifying investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in this category include less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category include investments in privately held entities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Our Investment Adviser has determined the fair value of the Company’s Purchase Agreements, as market quotations for the instrument were not readily available. The Purchase Agreements are recognized at fair value in the Company’s financial statements based on the mark-to-market gain/loss of all investments held by the Financing Provider, in addition to other economic rights and obligations held by the Company.

As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Purchase Agreements were categorized as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy and had a fair value of $1,944,381 and $0. As March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no unobservable inputs developed by the Investment Adviser for any level 3 assets as all level 3 assets were valued based on contractual terms of the Purchase Agreements.

F-11

6. NET ASSETS

Upon conversion into a corporation, the Company will have the authority to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of Class I common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class D common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class S common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. The Company has submitted to the SEC an application for an exemptive order to permit the Company to offer multiple classes of shares. Subject to receiving a satisfactory exemptive order from the SEC, the Company expects to offer to sell any combination of three classes of common shares, Class S shares, Class D shares and Class I shares. The common share classes have different ongoing distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees.

Until the release of proceeds from escrow, the per share purchase price for common shares in the Offering will be $25.00 per share. Thereafter, the purchase price per share for each class of common shares will equal the NAV per share, as of the effective date of the monthly share purchase date. The Placement Agents will use their best efforts to sell shares but are not obligated to purchase or sell any specific amount of shares.

The Company will hold shareholders’ funds received in relation to the sale of Class I shares in an escrow account until it breaks escrow. The Company will break escrow when (i) it has received purchase orders for shares of at least $100,000,000, excluding shares purchased by the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and directors and officers, of purchases of Class I shares, (ii) the Board of Directors has authorized the release of funds in the escrow account and (iii) the Warehouse Conditions have been met.

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Financial Condition have been evaluated through May 18, 2023, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Other than the items discussed below, the Company has concluded that there are no items requiring adjustments or disclosure in the financial statements.

BDC Election and Conversion to Corporation

On April 5, 2023, the Company elected to be regulated as a BDC and, effective April 6, 2023, converted into a Delaware corporation named Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp., which succeeded to the business of, and by operation of law is deemed for purposes of Delaware law to be the same entity as, Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC.

Escrow Break

On April 6, 2023, the Company broke escrow in connection with the initial closing of the Offering and received approximately $252,029,333 of proceeds, relating to the issuance of 10,081,173 Class I shares. In connection with the Initial Issuance Date, the Initial Member’s equity interests were cancelled. Included in the aforementioned proceeds is $60,700,000 that the Company received from affiliates of the Investment Adviser.

On April 6, 2023, the Company received $515,000 relating to the issuance of 515 shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $1,000 per share.

Truist Revolving Credit Facility

On April 6, 2023, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Truist Revolving Credit Facility”) with Truist Bank, as administrative agent, and the lenders and issuing banks party thereto.

Borrowings thereunder denominated in U.S. dollars (“USD”), including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest (at the Company’s election) of either (i) term SOFR plus a margin of either 2.00% or 1.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions), plus an additional 0.10% credit adjustment spread, (ii) an alternate base rate, which is the highest of (x) Prime Rate in effect on such day, (y) Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day plus 1/2 of 1.00% and (z) term SOFR for an interest period of one (1) month plus 1.00%, plus a margin of either 1.00% or 0.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions). Borrowings thereunder denominated in non-USD bear interest of the applicable term benchmark rate or daily simple risk-free rate (“RFR”) plus a margin of either 2.00% or 1.75% (subject to certain gross borrowing base conditions), plus, in the case of borrowings denominated in Pound Sterling (GBP) only, an additional 0.0326% credit adjustment spread or 0.1193% credit adjustment spread, for 1-month tenor and 3-months tenor borrowings, respectively. With respect to borrowings denominated in USD, the Company may elect either term SOFR, or an alternative base rate at the time of borrowing, and such borrowings may be converted from one benchmark to another at any time, subject to certain conditions.

Any amounts borrowed under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable, on April 6, 2028.

F-12

The total commitments under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility are $725.00 million, $600.00 million is under a multicurrency sub-facility and $125.00 million is under a USD sub-facility. The Truist Revolving Credit Facility also has an accordion feature, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, which could bring total commitments under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility to $1,450.00 million. Proceeds from borrowings may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments. The Truist Revolving Credit Facility may be guaranteed by certain of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries that are formed or acquired by the Company in the future.

The Company’s obligations to the lenders under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s portfolio of investments and cash, with certain exceptions. The Truist Revolving Credit Facility contains certain customary covenants, including: (i) maintaining a minimum shareholders’ equity, (ii) maintaining an asset coverage ratio of at least 1.50 to 1 and (iii) restrictions on industry concentrations in the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

Acquisition of Portfolio Investments

On April 10, 2023, the Warehouse Conditions were met and the Company acquired all of the Portfolio Investments from the Financing Provider pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreements. The Company acquired aggregate par amounts denominated in USD of $407.00 million and in Canadian Dollars (CAD) of CAD 66.77 million from the Financing Provider, resulting in net realized gains of $2.62 million.

Dividend Declaration

On April 26, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a distribution of $0.17 per share, payable on or about May 30, 2023 to shareholders of record as of April 28, 2023.

May Subscriptions

On May 1, 2023, the Company received approximately $75,890,000 of proceeds, relating to the issuance of Class I shares.

F-13

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-15
Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2022		F-16
Statement of Operations for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022		F-17
Statement of Changes in Member’s Capital for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022		F-18
Statement of Cash Flows for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022		F-19
Notes to the Financial Statements		F-20

F-14

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and the Initial Member of Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, and the related statements of operations, of changes in member’s capital, and of cash flows for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and the results of its operations, changes in its member’s capital and its cash flows for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 23, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the following group of business development companies since 2012;

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC,

Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.,

Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC,

Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit II LLC,

Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp. II, and

Phillip Street Middle Market Lending Fund LLC

F-15

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statement of Financial Condition


	As of December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash	$	1,000

Total Assets	$	1,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
Member’s capital
Preferred units (no units issued and outstanding)	$	—
Common units (40 units issued and outstanding)		1,000

Total member’s capital	$	1,000

Net asset value per unit	$	25.00

The accompanying notes are part of these financial statements.

F-16

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statement of Operations


	For the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022
Revenue	$	—
Expenses
Organization costs		724,851
Directors’ fees		213,041
Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance		47,020

Total expenses	$	984,912

Reimbursable expenses paid by Investment Adviser (See Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies)	$	(984,912	)
Net expenses	$	—

Net income/(loss)	$	—
Weighted average units outstanding		40.00

The accompanying notes are part of these financial statements.

F-17

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statement of Changes in Member’s Capital


	For the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022
Member’s capital at beginning of period	$	—
Increase (decrease) in member’s capital from operations:
Net income/(loss)		—

Net increase (decrease) in member’s capital from operations	$	—
Capital transactions:
Issuance of common units	$	1,000

Net increase in member’s capital from capital transactions	$	1,000

Total increase in member’s capital	$	1,000

Member’s capital at end of period	$	1,000

The accompanying notes are part of these financial statements.

F-18

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Statement of Cash Flows


	For the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common units	$	1,000

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	$	1,000

Net increase in cash	$	1,000
Cash, beginning of period		—

Cash, end of period	$	1,000

The accompanying notes are part of these financial statements.

F-19

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC

Notes to Financial Statements

1. ORGANIZATION

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC (formerly known as Goldman Sachs Loan Fund LLC) is a Delaware limited liability company formed on March 25, 2022 that intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and elect to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Concurrent with the election to be regulated as a BDC, Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC intends to convert into a Delaware corporation (the “BDC Conversion”) named Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp. (the “Company”, which term refers to either Goldman Sachs Private Credit Fund LLC or Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp.).

The Company is conducting an offering of the Company’s common stock on a continuous basis (the “Offering”). The offering and sale of common stock will be exempt from registration in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or pursuant to Regulation D and Regulation S thereof, for offers and sales of securities that do not involve a public offering and for offers and sale of securities outside of the United States. The Company is currently only offering Class I shares for sale. The Company has submitted to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an application for an exemptive order to permit the Company to offer multiple classes of shares. Subject to receiving a satisfactory exemptive order from the SEC, the Company intends to offer to sell any combination of three classes of shares, Class S shares, Class D shares, and Class I shares, which have different ongoing stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees.

GS & Co. will assist the Company in conducting the Offering pursuant to agreements between the Company and GS & Co.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company received a capital contribution of $1,000 from an affiliate of the Investment Adviser (the “Initial Member”). The Initial Member will be the sole owner of the Company’s interests until the initial closing of the Offering (the “Initial Issuance Date”). In connection with the Initial Issuance Date, such equity interests will be cancelled.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

F-20

Cash

Cash consists of deposits held at a custodian bank. As of December 31, 2022, the Company held $1,000 in cash.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material.

Income Taxes

As of December 31, 2022, the Company is a single member limited liability company, which is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such the Company did not record a tax provision.

The Company intends to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it generally will not be required to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its shareholders as dividends. As a result, any U.S. federal income tax liability related to income earned by the Company and distributed by the Company to its shareholders represents obligations of the Company’s shareholders and will not be reflected in the financial statements of the Company.

Offering Costs

Offering costs consist primarily of fees incurred in connection with the Offering, including legal, printing and other costs, as well as costs associated with the preparation of the Company’s registration statement on Form 10. Offering costs will be recognized as a deferred charge and will be amortized on a straight line basis over 12 months beginning on the date of commencement of operations, subsequent to the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering. The offering costs, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, do not presently represent a liability of the Company since the obligation to reimburse the Investment Adviser is conditional as of December 31, 2022 on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of offering expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement as described below.

Organization Costs

Organization costs include costs relating to the formation and organization of the Company. These costs, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, are expensed as incurred. The reimbursement of organization expenses is conditional, as of December 31, 2022, on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of organization expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement as described below.

F-21

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

The Company has obtained liability insurance for its directors and officers (the “Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance”). These costs, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, are expensed over the term of the insurance policy, beginning on the date the Company enters into the insurance policy agreement. Costs related to the Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance do not presently represent a liability of the Company since the obligation to reimburse the Investment Adviser is conditional as of December 31, 2022 on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of such expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement as described below.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Management does not believe any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.

3. SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS AND RELATED PARTIES

Investment Management Agreement

Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Company will pay the Investment Adviser a base management fee and may also pay an incentive fee. The cost of both the management fee and the incentive fee will ultimately be borne by the Company’s shareholders. The Investment Adviser has agreed to waive the management fee and incentive fee for the first two fiscal quarters of our operations, commencing on and including the date on which the Company breaks escrow and commences operations.

There were no management fees or incentive fee incurred for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022.

Administration and Custodian Fees

There were no administration and custodian fees incurred for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022.

Transfer Agent Fees

There were no transfer agent fees incurred for the period from March 25, 2022 (inception) to December 31, 2022.

F-22

Placement Agent Agreement

The Company has entered into an agreement with GS & Co. (the “Placement Agent”) pursuant to which GS & Co. will assist the Company in conducting the Offering. GS & Co. has entered into or will enter into sub-placement agreements (together with the agreements with GS & Co., the “Placement Agent Agreements”) with various sub-placement agents to assist in conducting the Offering. Stockholder servicing and/or distribution fees will be payable to the Placement Agent. The Placement Agent may also be compensated by the Investment Adviser, in its discretion, for certain services including promotional and marketing support, shareholder servicing, operational and recordkeeping, sub-accounting, networking or administrative services. These payments are made out of the Investment Adviser’s own resources and/or assets, including from the revenues or profits derived from the advisory fees the Investment Adviser receives from the Company.

Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement

The Investment Adviser has agreed to advance all of the organization, offering and other operating expenses on behalf of the Company through the date on which the Company breaks escrow.

Director Fees

As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s independent directors were owed $213,041 in director fees. Directors fees, which were borne by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Company, do not presently represent a liability of the Company since the obligation to reimburse the Investment Adviser-paid director fees is conditional, as of December 31, 2022, on the Company breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of such expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement.

F-23

4. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

Beginning no later than the first full calendar quarter from the date on which the Company breaks escrow, and at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company intends to commence a share repurchase program in which the Company intends to repurchase in each quarter, up to 5% of the Company’s common shares outstanding (by number of shares) as of the close of the previous calendar quarter. The Board of Directors may amend, suspend or terminate the share repurchase program if it deems such action to be in the best interest of shareholders. As a result, share repurchases may not be available each quarter. The Company intends to conduct such repurchase offers in accordance with the requirements of Rule 13e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act. All shares purchased pursuant to the terms of each tender offer will be retired and thereafter will be authorized and unissued shares.

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contingencies

The Investment Adviser has agreed to bear all of the Company’s expenses through the date on which the Company breaks escrow. The Company will be obligated to reimburse the Investment Adviser for such advanced expenses upon breaking escrow in connection with the Offering and the Investment Adviser requesting reimbursement of these expenses paid pursuant to the Expense Support and Conditional Reimbursement Agreement. The total organization costs, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance, and directors’ fees as of December 31, 2022 was $984,912, all of which had been borne by the Investment Adviser. The total offering expenses incurred as of December 31, 2022 was $1,059,085, all of which had been borne by the Investment Adviser.

Warehousing Transactions

Beginning August 25, 2022, the Company entered into multiple purchase agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) with Macquarie Bank Limited (the “Financing Provider”) and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser. Under the Purchase Agreements, the Company has forward arrangements to settle the purchase of certain investments (the “Portfolio Investments”) from the Financing Provider, who is obligated to settle the sale of such investments subject to the following conditions (the “Warehouse Conditions”); (a) that the Company has received subscriptions of at least $400,000,000; and (b) that the Board of Directors has approved the purchase of the specific investment or investments. The Company’s obligations to the Financing Provider under the Purchase Agreements were guaranteed by an affiliate of the Investment Adviser. Prior to the satisfaction of the Warehouse Conditions, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser is the primary obligor of the Purchase Agreements. As of December 31, 2022, the Warehouse Conditions have not been met.

The Portfolio Investments primarily consist of newly originated, privately negotiated senior secured term loans to middle market companies consistent with the Company’s investment strategy.

F-24

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had contingent forward arrangements through the Purchase Agreements representing aggregate par amounts denominated in USD of $374.55 million and in Canadian Dollars (CAD) of CAD 66.77 million.

The Purchase Agreements are recognized at fair value in the Company’s financial statements based on the mark-to-market gain/loss of all investments held by the Financing Provider, in addition to other economic rights and obligations held by the Company.

6. NET ASSETS

Until the release of proceeds from escrow, the per share purchase price for common shares in the Offering will be $25.00 per share. Thereafter, the purchase price per share for each class of common shares will equal the NAV per share, as of the effective date of the monthly share purchase date. The Placement Agents will use its best efforts to sell shares but is not obligated to purchase or sell any specific amount of shares.

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Financial Condition have been evaluated through March 23, 2023, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Other than the items discussed below, the Company has concluded that there are no items requiring adjustments or disclosure in the financial statements.

Through March 23, 2023, the Company had contingent forward arrangements through the Purchase Agreements representing aggregate par amounts denominated in USD of $407.84 million and in Canadian Dollars (CAD) of CAD 66.77 million. The Company’s obligations to the Financing Provider under the Purchase Agreements were guaranteed by an affiliate of the Investment Adviser.

F-25

Table of Contents


GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT’S PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY		A-2

Region: Americas		A-2

1.	Business Items	A-2

2.	Board of Directors	A-3

3.	Executive and Non- Executive Compensation	A-7

4.	Shareholders Rights and Defenses	A-10

5.	Strategic Transactions and Capital Structures	A-11

6.	Environmental and Social Issues	A-13

Region: Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Proxy Items		A-17

1.	Business Items	A-17

2.	Board of Directors	A-19

3.	Remuneration	A-23

4.	Shareholder Rights and Defenses	A-24

5.	Strategic Transactions, Capital Structures and other Business Considerations	A-25

6.	Environmental and Social Issues	A-27

Region: Asia Pacific (APAC) Proxy Items		A-31

1.	Business Items	A-31

2.	Board of Directors	A-32

3.	Remuneration	A-37

4.	Shareholder Rights and Defenses	A-38

5.	Strategic Transactions, Capital Structures and other Business Considerations	A-38

6.	Environmental and Social Issues	A-41

Region: Japan Proxy Items		A-45

1.	Operational Items	A-45

2.	Board of Directors	A-46

3.	Compensation	A-49

4.	Shareholder Rights and Defenses	A-50

5.	Strategic Transactions and Capital Structures	A-50

6.	Environmental and Social Issues	A-52

A-1

GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT’S PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the material Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), which form the substantive basis of our Policy and Procedures on Proxy Voting for Investment Advisory Clients (the “Policy”). As described in the main body of the Policy, one or more Portfolio Management Teams and/or the Global Stewardship Team may diverge from the Guidelines and a related Recommendation on any particular proxy vote or in connection with any individual investment decision in accordance with the Policy.

Region: Americas

The following section is a summary of the Guidelines, which form the substantive basis of the Policy with respect to North, Central and South American public equity investments of operating and/or holding companies. Applying these guidelines is subject to certain regional and country-specific exceptions and modifications and is not inclusive of all considerations in each market.

1.	Business Items

Auditor Ratification

Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply within the last year:

•

An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent;

•

There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

•

Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; or material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or

•

Fees for non-audit services are excessive (generally over 50% or more of the audit fees).

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit or limit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services or asking for audit firm rotation.

Reincorporation Proposals

We may support management proposals to reincorporate as long as the reincorporation would not substantially diminish shareholder rights. We may not support shareholder proposals for reincorporation unless the current state of incorporation is substantially less shareholder friendly than the proposed reincorporation, there is a strong economic case to reincorporate or the company has a history of making decisions that are not shareholder friendly.

Exclusive Venue for Shareholder Lawsuits

Generally vote FOR on exclusive venue proposals, taking into account:

•

Whether the company has been materially harmed by shareholder litigation outside its jurisdiction of incorporation, based on disclosure in the company’s proxy statement;

A-2

•

Whether the company has the following governance features:

∎

Majority independent board;

∎

Independent key committees;

∎

An annually elected board;

∎

A majority vote standard in uncontested director elections;

∎

The absence of a poison pill, unless the pill was approved by shareholders; and/or

∎

Separate Chairman CEO role or, if combined, an independent chairman with clearly delineated duties.

Virtual Meetings

Generally vote FOR proposals allowing for the convening of hybrid* shareholder meetings if it is clear that it is not the intention to hold virtual-only AGMs. Generally vote AGAINST proposals allowing for the convening of virtual-only* shareholder meetings.

The phrase “virtual-only shareholder meeting” refers to a meeting of shareholders that is held exclusively through the use of online technology without a corresponding in-person meeting. The term “hybrid shareholder meeting” refers to an in-person, or physical, meeting in which shareholders are permitted to participate online.

Public Benefit Corporation Proposals

Generally vote FOR management proposals and CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals related to the conversion of the company into a public benefit corporation.

Amend Articles of Incorporation to Provide for Officer and Director Exculpation

Generally vote FOR management proposals to amend the company’s certificate of incorporation to reflect new Delaware law provisions regarding officer and director exculpation.

Transact Other Business

Vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.

Administrative Requests

Generally vote FOR non-contentious administrative management requests.

2.	Board of Directors

The board of directors should promote the interests of shareholders by acting in an oversight and/or advisory role; should consist of a majority of independent directors and/or meet local best practice expectations; and should be held accountable for actions and results related to their responsibilities. Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Board Composition

We generally believe diverse teams have the potential to outperform and we expect the companies that we invest in to focus on the importance of diversity. When evaluating board composition, we believe a diversity of ethnicity, gender and experience is an important consideration. We encourage companies to disclose the composition of their board in the proxy statement and may vote against members of the board without disclosure. See below how we execute our vote at companies that do not meet our diversity expectations.

A-3

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from members of the Nominating Committee:

•

At companies incorporated in the US if the board does not have at least 10% women directors and at least one other diverse board director;

•

At companies within the S&P 500, if, in addition to our gender expectations, the board does not have at least one diverse director from a minority ethnic group;

•

At companies not incorporated in the US, if the board does not have at least 10% women directors or does not meet the requirements of local listing rules or corporate governance codes or national targets

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the full board at companies incorporated in the US that do not have at least one woman director.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors who:

•

Sit on more than five public company boards;

•

Are CEOs of public companies who sit on the boards of more than two public companies besides their own—withhold only at their outside boards.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from members of the Nominating Committee if the average board tenure exceeds 15 years, and there has not been a new nominee in the past 5 years.

Director Independence

At companies incorporated in the US, where applicable, the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Listing Standards definition is to be used to classify directors as inside directors, affiliated outside directors, or independent outside directors.

Additionally, we will consider compensation committee interlocking directors to be affiliated (defined as CEOs who sit on each other’s compensation committees).

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from inside directors and affiliated outside directors (as described above) when:

•

The inside director or affiliated outside director serves on the Audit, Compensation or Nominating Committees; and

•

The company lacks an Audit, Compensation or Nominating Committee so that the full board functions as such committees and inside directors or affiliated outside directors are participating in voting on matters that independent committees should be voting on.

Director Accountability

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors who attend less than 75% of the board and committee meetings without a disclosed valid excuse.

Generally, vote FOR the bundled election of management nominees, unless adequate disclosures of the nominees have not been provided in a timely manner or if one or more of the nominees does not meet the expectation of our policy.

Other items considered for an AGAINST vote include specific concerns about the individual or the company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities, sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, the presence of inappropriate related party transactions, or other issues related to improper business practices

A-4

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from members of the full board or appropriate committee (or only the independent chairman or lead director as may be appropriate in situations such as where there is a classified board and members of the appropriate committee are not up for re-election or the appropriate committee is comprised of the entire board) for the below reasons. New nominees will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Extreme cases may warrant a vote against the entire board.

•

Material failures of governance, stewardship, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company including but not limited to violations of global norms principles and/or other significant global standards;

•

Failure to disclose material environmental, social and governance information;

•

Egregious actions related to the director(s)’ service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company;

•

The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken); an adopted proposal that is substantially similar to the original shareholder proposal will be deemed sufficient; (vote against members of the committee of the board that is responsible for the issue under consideration). If we did not support the shareholder proposal in both years, we will still vote against the committee member(s).

•

The company’s poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature for two or more years. Vote against/withhold every year until this feature is removed; however, vote against the poison pill if there is one on the ballot with this feature rather than the director;

•

The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of a newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold/against recommendation for this issue;

•

The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

•

The company does not disclose various components of current emissions, a proxy for a company’s dependency on fossil fuels and other sources of greenhouse gasses (Scope 1, Scope 2, Scope 3 emissions), material to the company’s business

•

If in an extreme situation the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers.

Committee Responsibilities and Expectations

Companies should establish committees to oversee areas such as audit, executive and non-executive compensation, director nominations and ESG oversight. The responsibilities of the committees should be publicly disclosed.

Audit Committee

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Audit Committee if:

•

The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive (generally over 50% or more of the audit fees);

•

The company receives an adverse opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditor and there is not clear evidence that the situation has been remedied;

•

There is excessive pledging or hedging of stock by executives;

•

There is persuasive evidence that the Audit Committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm; or

•

No members of the Audit Committee hold sufficient financial expertise.

A-5

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices, which rise to a level of serious concern are identified, such as fraud, misapplication of GAAP and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures.

Examine the severity, breadth, chronological sequence and duration, as well as the company’s efforts at remediation or corrective actions, in determining whether negative vote recommendations are warranted against the members of the Audit Committee who are responsible for the poor accounting practices, or the entire board.

Compensation Committee

See section 3 on Executive and Non-Executive compensation for reasons to withhold from members of the Compensation Committee.

Nominating/Governance Committee

Generally vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Nominating/Governance Committee if:

•

A company maintains a classified board structure without a sunset provision, has opted into, or failed to opt out of, state laws requiring a classified board structure or has a capital structure with unequal voting rights

•

At the previous board election, any director received more than 50% withhold/against votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the underlying issue(s) that caused the high withhold/against vote;

•

The board does not meet our diversity expectations;

•

The board amends the company’s bylaws or charter without shareholder approval in a manner that materially diminishes shareholders’ rights or could adversely impact shareholders.

Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis in contested elections of directors, e.g., the election of shareholder nominees or the dismissal of incumbent directors, determining which directors are best suited to add value for shareholders.

The analysis will generally be based on, but not limited to, the following major decision factors:

•

Company performance relative to its peers;

•

Strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents;

•

Independence of board candidates;

•

Experience and skills of board candidates;

•

Governance profile of the company;

•

Evidence of management entrenchment;

•

Responsiveness to shareholders;

•

Whether a takeover offer has been rebuffed; and

•

Whether minority or majority representation is being sought.

Proxy Access

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder or management proposals asking for proxy access.

We may support proxy access as an important right for shareholders and as an alternative to costly proxy contests and as a method for us to vote for directors on an individual basis, as appropriate, rather than voting on one slate or the other. While this could be an important shareholder right, the following factors will be taken into account when evaluating the shareholder proposals:

•

The ownership thresholds, percentage and duration proposed (we generally will not support if the ownership threshold is less than 3%);

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•

The maximum proportion of directors that shareholders may nominate each year (we generally will not support if the proportion of directors is greater than 25%); and

•

Other restricting factors that when taken in combination could serve to materially limit the proxy access provision.

We will take the above factors into account when evaluating proposals proactively adopted by the company or in response to a shareholder proposal to adopt or amend the right. A vote against governance committee members could result if provisions exist that materially limit the right to proxy access.

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election.

Other Board Related Proposals (Management and Shareholder)

Independent Board Chair (for applicable markets)

We will generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

•

Two-thirds independent board, or majority in countries where employee representation is common practice;

•

A designated, or a rotating, lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

•

Fully independent key committees; and/or

•

Established, publicly disclosed, governance guidelines and director biographies/profiles.

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Board Declassification

We will generally vote FOR proposals requesting that the board adopt a declassified board structure.

Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals

We will vote FOR proposals requesting that the board adopt majority voting in the election of directors provided it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated. We also look for companies to adopt a post-election policy outlining how the company will address the situation of a holdover director.

Cumulative Vote Shareholder Proposals

We will generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to restore or provide cumulative unless:

•

The company has adopted (i) majority vote standard with a carve-out for plurality voting in situations where there are more nominees than seats and (ii) a director resignation policy to address failed elections.

3.	Executive and Non- Executive Compensation

Pay Practices

Good pay practices should align management’s interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of compensation criteria is preferred; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident and retroactive performance target changes without proper disclosure is not viewed favorably. Compensation practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure, egregious employment contracts, excessive severance and/or change in control provisions, repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, and excessive perquisites. A company should also have an appropriate balance of short-term vs. long-term metrics and the metrics should be aligned with business goals and objectives.

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If the company maintains problematic or poor pay practices, generally vote:

•

AGAINST Management Say on Pay (MSOP) Proposals; or

•

AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if excessive non-performance-based equity awards are the major contributor to a pay-for-performance misalignment.

•

If no MSOP or equity-based incentive plan proposal item is on the ballot, vote AGAINST/WITHHOLD from compensation committee members.

Equity Compensation Plans

We will generally vote FOR management proposals on equity-based compensation plans. Evaluation takes into account potential plan cost, plan features and grant practices. While a negative combination of these factors could cause a vote AGAINST, other reasons to vote AGAINST the equity plan could include the following factors:

•

The plan permits the repricing of stock options/stock appreciation rights (SARs) without prior shareholder approval; or

•

There is more than one problematic material feature of the plan, which could include one of the following: unfavorable change-in-control features, presence of gross ups and options reload.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay, MSOP) Management Proposals

Vote FOR annual frequency and AGAINST all proposals asking for any frequency less than annual.

We will generally vote FOR management proposals for an advisory vote on executive compensation considering the context of each company’s specific circumstances and the board’s disclosed rationale for its practices.

Pay practices that may result in a vote AGAINST management proposals for an advisory vote on executive compensation may include:

•

A disconnect between pay and performance based on a quantitative assessment of the following: pay vs TSR (“Total Shareholder Return”) and company disclosed peers;

•

Lack of transparent disclosure of compensation philosophy and goals and targets, including details on short-term and long-term performance incentives;

•

Long term incentive awards consisting of less than 50% performance-based awards;

•

Long term incentive awards evaluated over a time period of less than three years;

•

The Board used discretion without sufficient disclosure;

•

The Board changed the targets and/or performance metrics during the pay period;

•

The Board awarded a multi-year guaranteed cash bonus or non-performance equity award;

•

The Board retested performance goals or awarded a pay for failure pay plan;

•

Lack of the Board’s response to failed MSOP vote the previous year;

•

The plan allows for the single trigger acceleration of unvested equity awards and/or provides excise tax gross ups;

•

Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure;

•

Egregious employment or retention contracts;

•

Excessive perquisites or excessive severance and/or change in control provisions;

•

Repricing or replacing of underwater stock options without prior shareholder approval;

•

Egregious pension/SERP (supplemental executive retirement plan) payouts;

•

Extraordinary relocation benefits;

•

Internal pay disparity; and

•

The Board has adopted other pay practices that may increase risk to shareholders.

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Other Compensation Proposals and Policies

Employee Stock Purchase Plans — Non-Qualified Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans taking into account the following factors:

•

Broad-based participation;

•

Limits on employee contributions;

•

Company matching contributions; and

•

Presence of a discount on the stock price on the date of purchase.

Option Exchange Programs/Repricing Options

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options, taking into consideration:

•

Historic trading patterns—the stock price should not be so volatile that the options are likely to be back “in-the-money” over the near term;

•

Rationale for the re-pricing;

•

If it is a value-for-value exchange;

•

If surrendered stock options are added back to the plan reserve;

•

Option vesting;

•

Term of the option—the term should remain the same as that of the replaced option;

•

Exercise price—should be set at fair market or a premium to market;

•

Participants—executive officers and directors should be excluded.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.

Stock Retention Holding Period

Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking for a policy requiring that senior executives retain a significant percentage of shares acquired through equity compensation programs if the policy requests retention for two years or less following the termination of their employment (through retirement or otherwise) and a holding threshold percentage of 50% or less.

Also consider whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or officer ownership requirements in place and the terms/provisions of awards already granted.

Elimination of Accelerated Vesting in the Event of a Change in Control

Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking a policy eliminating the accelerated vesting of time-based equity awards in the event of a change-in-control.

Performance-based Equity Awards and Pay-for-Superior-Performance Proposals

Generally vote FOR unless there is sufficient evidence that the current compensation structure is already substantially performance-based. We consider performance-based awards to include awards that are tied to shareholder return or other metrics that are relevant to the business.

Say on Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERP)

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking for shareholder votes on SERP.

Compensation Committee

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Compensation Committee if:

•

We voted against the company’s MSOP in the previous year, the company’s previous MSOP received significant opposition of votes cast and we are voting against this year’s MSOP;

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•

The board implements a MSOP on a less frequent basis than the frequency that received the plurality of votes cast

4.	Shareholders Rights and Defenses

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to act by written consent, unless:

•

The company already gives shareholders the right to call special meetings at a threshold of 25% or lower; and

•

The company has a history of strong governance practices.

Special Meetings Arrangements

Generally vote FOR management proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings.

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings at a threshold of 25% or lower if the company currently does not give shareholders the right to call special meetings. However, if a company already gives shareholders the right to call special meetings at a threshold of at least 25%, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to further reduce the threshold.

Generally vote AGAINST management proposals seeking shareholder approval for the company to hold special meetings with 14 days notice unless the company offers shareholders the ability to vote by electronic means and a proposal to reduce the period of notice to not less than 14 days has received majority support.

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/Nominations

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on advance notice proposals, giving support to proposals that allow shareholders to submit proposals/nominations reasonably close to the meeting date and within the broadest window possible, recognizing the need to allow sufficient notice for company, regulatory and shareholder review.

Shareholder Voting Requirements

Vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote. Generally vote FOR management and shareholder proposals to reduce supermajority vote requirements.

Poison Pills

Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it, unless the company has:

•

a shareholder-approved poison pill in place; or

•

adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying certain shareholder friendly provisions.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a time period of less than one year after adoption.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan.

In addition, the rationale for adopting the pill should be thoroughly explained by the company. In examining the request for the pill, take into consideration the company’s existing governance structure, including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, and any problematic governance concerns.

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5.	Strategic Transactions and Capital Structures

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

•

Valuation;

•

Market reaction;

•

Strategic rationale;

•

Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

•

Presence of conflicts of interest; and

•

Governance profile of the combined company.

Dual Class Structures

Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure.

Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual-class capital structures or the creation of new or additional super voting shares.

Share Issuance Requests

General Issuances:

Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100% over currently issued capital or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law.

Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20% of currently issued capital or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law.

Specific Issuances:

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

Increases in Authorized Capital

Vote FOR non-specific proposals to increase authorized capital up to 100% over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30% of its new authorization outstanding, or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law.

Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

•

The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

•

The increase would leave the company with less than 30% of its new authorization outstanding after adjusting for all proposed issuances or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law.

Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

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Reduction of Capital

Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Preferred Stock

Vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Debt Issuance Requests

Vote non-convertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.

Increase in Borrowing Powers

Vote proposals to approve increases in a company’s borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Share Repurchase Plans

We will generally recommend FOR share repurchase programs taking into account whether:

•

The share repurchase program can be used as a takeover defense;

•

There is clear evidence of historical abuse;

•

There is no safeguard in the share repurchase program against selective buybacks;

•

Pricing provisions and safeguards in the share repurchase program are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

Reissuance of Repurchased Shares

Vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.

Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase in Par Value

Vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.

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Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Related-Party Transactions

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

•

The parties on either side of the transaction;

•

The nature of the asset to be transferred/service to be provided;

•

The pricing of the transaction (and any associated professional valuation);

•

The views of independent directors (where provided);

•

The views of an independent financial adviser (where appointed);

•

Whether any entities party to the transaction (including advisers) is conflicted; and

•

The stated rationale for the transaction, including discussions of timing

Common and Preferred Stock Authorization

Generally vote FOR proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance.

Generally vote FOR proposals to increase the number of shares of preferred stock, as long as there is a commitment to not use the shares for anti-takeover purposes.

6.	Environmental and Social Issues

Overall Approach

Proposals considered under this category could include, among others, requests that a company:

•

Publish a report or additional information related to the company’s business and impact on stakeholders;

•

Disclose policies related to specific business practices and/or services;

•

Conduct third party audits, reports or studies related to the company’s business practices, services and/or impact on stakeholders

When evaluating environmental and social shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is considered to be material;

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure, including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

The proponent of the proposal;

•

If the company has implemented or formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s (SASB) materiality standards, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure’s (TCFD) recommendations, or a similar standard;

•

Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value;

•

Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the company’s business;

•

The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing;

•

Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal;

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•

What other companies in the relevant industry have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal;

•

Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report and/or the implementation is reasonable;

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board;

•

Whether the company has material fines or violations in the area and if so, if appropriate actions have already been taken to remedy going forward;

•

Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Environmental Issues

Climate Transition Plans

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposed climate transition plans. When evaluating management proposed plans, the following factors are generally considered:

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of the governance, strategy, risk mitigation efforts, and metrics and targets based on the TCFD’s recommendations, or a similar standard;

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of their current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework; and

•

If the company has detailed disclosure in line with Paris Agreement goals.

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals requesting climate transition plans. When evaluating these shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure according to the TCFD’s recommendations;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure of the company’s current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework;

•

If the proposal asks for long-term targets, as well as short and medium term milestones;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be aligned to a globally accepted framework, such as Paris Aligned or Net Zero;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (“SBTi”);

•

If the proposal seeks to add reasonable transparency and is not onerous or overly prescriptive; and

•

Whether the proposal is binding or non-binding.

Environmental Sustainability Reporting

Generally vote FOR shareholders proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives and oversight mechanisms related to environmental sustainability, including the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. The following factors will be considered:

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on the SASB materiality standards, the TCFD’s recommendations, or a similar standard within a specified time frame;

•

If the company’s current level of disclosure is comparable to that of its industry peers; and

•

If there are significant controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.

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Other Environmental Proposals

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the following shareholder proposals if relevant to the company:

•

Seeking information on the financial, physical, or regulatory risks a company faces related to climate change on its operations and investment, or on how the company identifies, measures and manages such risks;

•

Calling for the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions;

•

Seeking reports on responses to regulatory and public pressures surrounding climate change, and for disclosure of research that aided in setting company policies around climate change;

•

Requesting an action plan including science based targets and a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier;

•

Requesting a report/disclosure of goals on GHG emissions from company operations and/or products;

•

Requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies; and

•

Requesting reports on the feasibility of developing renewable energy resources.

Social Issues

Board and Workforce Demographics

A company should have a clear, public Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statement and/or diversity policy. Generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement or diversity policies to additionally prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting reports on a company’s efforts to diversify the board, unless:

•

The gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business; and

•

The board already reports on its nominating procedures and gender and racial minority initiatives on the board.

Gender Pay Gap

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting reports on a company’s pay data by gender, or a report on a company’s policies and goals to reduce any gender pay gap, taking into account:

•

The company’s current policies and disclosure related to both its diversity and inclusion policies and practices and its compensation philosophy and fair and equitable compensation practices;

•

Whether the company has been the subject of recent controversy, litigation or regulatory actions related to gender pay gap issues; and

•

Whether the company’s reporting regarding gender pay gap policies or initiatives is lagging its peers.

Labor, Human and Animal Rights Standards

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report on company or company supplier labor, human, and/or animal rights standards and policies, or on the impact of its operations on society, unless such information is already publicly disclosed considering:

•

The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

•

Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards;

•

Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how;

•

Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives;

•

Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse;

•

Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers;

•

The scope of the request; and

•

Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices.

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Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals requesting reports about a company’s use of mandatory arbitrations in employment claims, taking into account the company’s existing policies and disclosures of policies.

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals requesting reports on the actions taken by a company to prevent sexual and other forms of harassment or on the risks posed by the company’s failure to take such actions, taking into account the company’s existing policies and disclosures of policies.

Racial Equity Audit

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals requesting the board oversee a racial equity audit. While we believe the decision to initiate an independent audit is best left to management judgment under the oversight of the board of directors, the following factors are generally considered:

•

The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

•

Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers; and

•

Whether the gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business.

Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending/Lobbying Expenditures and Initiatives

We generally believe that it is the role of boards and management to determine the appropriate level of disclosure of all types of corporate political activity. When evaluating these proposals, we consider the prescriptive nature of the proposal and the overall benefit to shareholders along with a company’s current disclosure of policies, practices and oversight.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

•

There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

•

The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting increased disclosure of a company’s policies with respect to political contributions, lobbying and trade association spending as long as:

•

There is no significant potential threat or actual harm to shareholders’ interests;

•

There are no recent significant controversies or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

•

There is publicly available information to assess the company’s oversight related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

We generally will vote AGAINST proposals asking for detailed disclosure of political contributions or trade association or lobbying expenditures.

We generally will vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. Businesses are affected by legislation at the federal, state, and local level and barring political contributions can put the company at a competitive disadvantage.

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Region: Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Proxy Items

The following section is a broad summary of the Guidelines, which form the basis of the Policy with respect to EMEA public equity investments of operating and/or holding companies. Applying these guidelines is subject to certain regional and country-specific exceptions and modifications and is not inclusive of all considerations in each market.

1.	Business Items

Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports

Vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless:

•

There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, audit procedures used or audit opinion rendered; or

•

The company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed.

Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Fees

Vote FOR the re-election of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees unless:

•

There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, audit procedures used or audit opinion rendered;

•

There is reason to believe that the auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

•

Name of the proposed auditor has not been published;

•

The auditors are being changed without explanation;

•

Non-audit-related fees are substantial, or are in excess of standard annual audit-related fees, or in excess of permitted local limits and guidelines; or

•

The appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Appointment of Internal Statutory Auditors

Vote FOR the appointment or re-election of statutory auditors, unless:

•

There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used;

•

Questions exist concerning any of the statutory auditors being appointed; or

•

The auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis

Allocation of Income

Vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless:

•

The dividend payout ratio has been consistently low without adequate explanation; or

•

The payout is excessive given the company’s financial position.

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Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternative

Vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

Vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

Amendments to Articles of Association

Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Change in Company Fiscal Term

Vote FOR resolutions to change a company’s fiscal term unless a company’s motivation for the change is to postpone its annual general meeting.

Lower Disclosure Threshold for Stock Ownership

Vote AGAINST resolutions to lower the stock ownership disclosure threshold below 5% unless specific reasons exist to implement a lower threshold.

Amend Quorum Requirements

Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Virtual Meetings

Public Benefit Corporation Proposals

Generally vote FOR management proposals and CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals related to the conversion of the company into a public benefit corporation.

Transact Other Business

Vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.

Administrative Requests

Generally vote FOR non-contentious administrative management requests.

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2.	Board of Directors

The board of directors should promote the interests of shareholders by acting in an oversight and/or advisory role; should consist of a majority of independent directors and / or meet local best practice expectations; and should be held accountable for actions and results related to their responsibilities.

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into consideration the following:

•

Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; or

•

There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements; or

•

There have been questionable transactions or conflicts of interest; or

•

There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; or

•

The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards; or

•

There are reservations about:

•

Director terms

•

Bundling of proposals to elect directors

•

Board independence

•

Disclosure of named nominees

•

Combined Chairman/CEO

•

Election of former CEO as Chairman of the board

•

Overboarded directors

•

Composition of committees

•

Director independence

•

Number of directors on the board

•

Lack of gender diversity on the board

•

Specific concerns about the individual or company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities; or

•

There are other considerations which may include sanction from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues relate to improper business practice, failure to replace management, or egregious actions related to service on other boards.

Board Composition

Vote AGAINST members of the Nominating Committee:

•

At companies if the board does not have at least 10% women directors, or does not meet the requirements of local listing rules or corporate governance codes or national targets;

•

At companies in the FTSE100 if the board composition does not align with the Parker review guidelines.

Employee and /or Labor Representatives

Vote FOR employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee and are required by law to be on those committees.

Vote AGAINST employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee, if they are not required to be on those committees.

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Director Independence

Classification of Directors

Executive Director

•

Employee or executive of the company;

•

Any director who is classified as a non-executive, but receives salary, fees, bonus, and/or other benefits that are in line with the highest-paid executives of the company.

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director (NED)

•

Any director who is attested by the board to be a non-independent NED;

•

Any director specifically designated as a representative of a significant shareholder of the company;

•

Any director who is also an employee or executive of a significant shareholder of the company;

•

Beneficial owner (direct or indirect) of at least 10% of the company’s stock, either in economic terms or in voting rights (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group, e.g., family members who beneficially own less than 10% individually, but collectively own more than 10%), unless market best practice dictates a lower ownership and/or disclosure threshold (and in other special market-specific circumstances);

•

Government representative;

•

Currently provides (or a relative provides) professional services to the company, to an affiliate of the company, or to an individual officer of the company or of one of its affiliates in excess of $10,000 per year;

•

Represents customer, supplier, creditor, banker, or other entity with which company maintains transactional/commercial relationship (unless company discloses information to apply a materiality test);

•

Any director who has conflicting or cross-directorships with executive directors or the chairman of the company;

•

Relative of a current employee of the company or its affiliates;

•

Relative of a former executive of the company or its affiliates;

•

A new appointee elected other than by a formal process through the General Meeting (such as a contractual appointment by a substantial shareholder);

•

Founder/co-founder/member of founding family but not currently an employee;

•

Former executive (a cooling off period may be applied);

•

Years of service is generally not a determining factor unless it is recommended best practice in a market and/or in extreme circumstances, in which case it may be considered; and

•

Any additional relationship or principle considered to compromise independence under local corporate governance best practice guidance.

Independent NED

•

No material connection, either directly or indirectly, to the company other than a board seat.

Employee Representative

•

Represents employees or employee shareholders of the company (classified as “employee representative” but considered a non-independent NED).

Director Accountability

Vote AGAINST individual directors who attend less than 75% of the board and committee meetings without a disclosed valid excuse.

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Vote AGAINST members of the full board or appropriate committee (or only the independent chairman or lead director as may be appropriate in situations such as where there is a classified board and members of the appropriate committee are not up for re-election or the appropriate committee is comprised of the entire board) for the below reasons. New nominees will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Extreme cases may warrant a vote against the entire board.

•

Material failures of governance, stewardship, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company, including but not limited to violations of global norms principles and/or other significant global standards;

•

Failure to disclose material environmental, social and governance information;

•

The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

•

If in an extreme situation the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers.

Discharge of Directors

Generally vote FOR the discharge of directors, including members of the management board and/or supervisory board, unless there is reliable information about significant and compelling controversies that the board is not fulfilling its fiduciary duties warranted by:

•

A lack of oversight or actions by board members which invoke shareholder distrust related to malfeasance or poor supervision, such as operating in private or company interest rather than in shareholder interest; or

•

Any legal issues (e.g., civil/criminal) aiming to hold the board responsible for breach of trust in the past or related to currently alleged actions yet to be confirmed (and not only the fiscal year in question), such as price fixing, insider trading, bribery, fraud, and other illegal actions; or

•

Other egregious governance issues where shareholders may bring legal action against the company or its directors; or

•

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis where a vote against other agenda items are deemed inappropriate.

Committee Responsibilities and Expectations

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Audit Committee

Vote AGAINST members of the Audit Committee if:

•

Non-audit-related fees are substantial, or are in excess of standard annual audit-related fees, or in excess of permitted local limits and guidelines.

•

The company receives an adverse opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditor and there is not clear evidence that the situation has been remedied;

•

There is excessive pledging or hedging of stock by executives;

•

No members of the Audit Committee hold sufficient financial expertise.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices, which rise to a level of serious concern are identified, such as fraud, misapplication of accounting principles and material weaknesses identified in audit-related disclosures.

Remuneration Committee

See section 3 on Remuneration for reasons to vote against members of the Remuneration Committee.

Nominating/Governance Committee

Vote AGAINST members of the Nominating/Governance Committee if:

•

The board does not meet our diversity expectations;

•

The board amends the company’s bylaws or charter without shareholder approval in a manner that materially diminishes shareholders’ rights or could adversely impact shareholders

Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections

The analysis will generally be based on, but not limited to, the following major decision factors:

•

Company performance relative to its peers;

•

Strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents;

•

Independence of board candidates;

•

Experience and skills of board candidates;

•

Governance profile of the company;

•

Evidence of management entrenchment;

•

Responsiveness to shareholders;

•

Whether a takeover offer has been rebuffed; and

•

Whether minority or majority representation is being sought.

Other Board Related Proposals (Management and Shareholder)

Vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.

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Vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.

Independent Board Chair (for applicable markets)

We will generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

•

Two-thirds independent board, or majority in countries where employee representation is common practice;

•

A designated, or a rotating, lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

•

Fully independent key committees; and/or

•

Established, publicly disclosed, governance guidelines and director biographies/profiles.

3.	Remuneration

Pay Practices

Good pay practices should align management’s interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of remuneration criteria is preferred; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident and retroactive performance target changes without proper disclosure is not viewed favorably. Remuneration practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure, egregious employment contracts, excessive severance and/or change in control provisions, repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, and excessive perquisites. A company should also have an appropriate balance of short-term vs. long-term metrics and the metrics should be aligned with business goals and objectives.

If the company maintains problematic or poor pay practices, generally vote:

•

AGAINST Management Say on Pay (MSOP) Proposals, Remuneration Reports; or

•

AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if excessive non-performance-based equity awards are the major contributor to a pay-for-performance misalignment.

•

If no MSOP or equity-based incentive plan proposal item is on the ballot, vote AGAINST from Remuneration Committee members.

Remuneration Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals for a vote on executive remuneration, considering the following factors in the context of each company’s specific circumstances and the board’s disclosed rationale for its practices.

Factors considered may include:

•

Pay for Performance Disconnect;

•

We will consider there to be a disconnect based on a quantitative assessment of the following: CEO pay vs. TSR (“Total Shareholder Return”) and peers, CEO pay as a percentage of the median peer group or CEO pay vs. shareholder return over time.

•

Long-term equity-based compensation is 100% time-based;

•

Board’s responsiveness if company received low shareholder support in the previous year’s MSOP or remuneration vote;

•

Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure;

•

Egregious employment contracts;

•

Excessive perquisites or excessive severance and/or change in control provisions;

•

Repricing or replacing of underwater stock options without prior shareholder approval;

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•

Egregious pension/SERP (supplemental executive retirement plan) payouts;

•

Extraordinary relocation benefits;

•

Internal pay disparity; and

•

Lack of transparent disclosure of compensation philosophy and goals and targets, including details on short-term and long-term performance incentives.

Non-Executive Director Compensation

Vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement benefits for non-executive directors.

Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions

Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and officers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

Other Remuneration Related Proposals

Vote on other remuneration related proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Remuneration Committee

When voting for members of the Remuneration Committee, factors considered may include:

•

We voted against the company’s MSOP in the previous year, the company’s previous MSOP received significant opposition of votes cast and we are voting against this year’s MSOP; and

•

The board implements a MSOP on a less frequent basis than the frequency that received the plurality of votes cast

•

Remuneration structure is widely inconsistent with local market best practices or regulations

4.	Shareholder Rights and Defenses

Antitakeover Mechanisms

Generally vote AGAINST all antitakeover proposals, unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.

For the Netherlands, vote recommendations regarding management proposals to approve protective preference shares will be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

For French companies listed on a regulated market, generally VOTE AGAINST any general authorities impacting the share capital (i.e. authorities for share repurchase plans and any general share issuances with or without preemptive rights) if they can be used for antitakeover purposes without shareholders’ prior explicit approval.

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5.	Strategic Transactions, Capital Structures and other Business Considerations

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

•

Valuation;

•

Market reaction;

•

Strategic rationale;

•

Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

•

Presence of conflicts of interest; and

•

Governance profile of the combined company.

Dual Class Structures

Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure.

Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual-class capital structures or the creation of new or additional super voting shares.

Share Issuance Requests

General Issuances:

Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100% over currently issued capital or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law.

Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20% of currently issued capital or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law.

Specific Issuances:

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

Increases in Authorized Capital

Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

•

The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

•

Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

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Reduction of Capital

Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Preferred Stock

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Debt Issuance Requests

Vote non-convertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.

Increase in Borrowing Powers

Vote proposals to approve increases in a company’s borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Share Repurchase Plans

We will generally recommend FOR share repurchase programs taking into account whether:

•

The share repurchase program can be used as a takeover defense;

•

There is clear evidence of historical abuse;

•

There is no safeguard in the share repurchase program against selective buybacks;

•

Pricing provisions and safeguards in the share repurchase program are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

Reissuance of Repurchased Shares

Vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.

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Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase in Par Value

Vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Related-Party Transactions

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

•

The parties on either side of the transaction;

•

The nature of the asset to be transferred/service to be provided;

•

The pricing of the transaction (and any associated professional valuation);

•

The views of independent directors (where provided);

•

The views of an independent financial adviser (where appointed);

•

Whether any entities party to the transaction (including advisers) is conflicted; and

•

The stated rationale for the transaction, including discussions of timing

6.	Environmental and Social Issues

Overall Approach

Proposals considered under this category could include, among others, requests that a company:

•

Publish a report or additional information related to the company’s business and impact on stakeholders;

•

Disclose policies related to specific business practices and/or services;

•

Conduct third party audits, reports or studies related to the company’s business practices, services and/or impact on stakeholders

When evaluating environmental and social shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is considered to be material;

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure, including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

The proponent of the proposal;

•

Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value;

•

Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the company’s business;

•

The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing;

•

Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal;

•

What other companies in the relevant industry have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal;

•

Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report and/or the implementation is reasonable ;

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board;

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•

Whether the company has material fines or violations in the area and if so, if appropriate actions have already been taken to remedy going forward;

•

Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Environmental Issues

Climate Transition Plans

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposed climate transition plans. When evaluating management proposed plans, the following factors are generally considered:

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of the governance, strategy, risk mitigation efforts, and metrics and targets based on the TCFD’s recommendations, or a similar standard;

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of their current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework; and

•

If the company has detailed disclosure in line with Paris Agreement goals.

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals requesting climate transition plans. When evaluating these shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure according to the TCFD’s recommendations;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure of the company’s current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework;

•

If the proposal asks for long-term targets, as well as short and medium term milestones;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be aligned to a globally accepted framework, such as Paris Aligned or Net Zero;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (“SBTi”);

•

If the proposal seeks to add reasonable transparency and is not onerous or overly prescriptive; and

•

Whether the proposal is binding or non-binding.

Environmental Sustainability Reporting

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the company’s current level of disclosure is comparable to that of its industry peers; and

•

If there are significant controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.

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Other Environmental Proposals

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the following shareholder proposals if relevant to the company:

•

Calling for the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions;

•

Seeking reports on responses to regulatory and public pressures surrounding climate change, and for disclosure of research that aided in setting company policies around climate change;

•

Requesting an action plan including science based targets and a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier;

•

Requesting a report/disclosure of goals on GHG emissions from company operations and/or products;

•

Requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies; and

•

Requesting reports on the feasibility of developing renewable energy resources.

Social Issues

Board and Workforce Demographics

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting reports on a company’s efforts to diversify the board, unless:

•

The gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business; and

•

The board already reports on its nominating procedures and gender and racial minority initiatives on the board.

Gender Pay Gap

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting reports on a company’s pay data by gender, or a report on a company’s policies and goals to reduce any gender pay gap, taking into account:

•

The company’s current policies and disclosure related to both its diversity and inclusion policies and practices and its compensation philosophy and fair and equitable compensation practices;

•

Whether the company has been the subject of recent controversy, litigation or regulatory actions related to gender pay gap issues; and

•

Whether the company’s reporting regarding gender pay gap policies or initiatives is lagging its peers.

Labor, Human and Animal Rights Standards

•

The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

•

Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards;

•

Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how;

•

Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives;

•

Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse;

•

Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers;

•

The scope of the request; and

•

Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices.

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Racial Equity Audit

•

The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

•

Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers; and

•

Whether the gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business.

Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending/Lobbying Expenditures and Initiatives

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

•

There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

•

The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting increased disclosure of a company’s policies with respect to political contributions, lobbying and trade association spending as long as:

•

There is no significant potential threat or actual harm to shareholders’ interests;

•

There are no recent significant controversies or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

•

There is publicly available information to assess the company’s oversight related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

We generally will vote AGAINST proposals asking for detailed disclosure of political contributions or trade association or lobbying expenditures.

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Region: Asia Pacific (APAC) Proxy Items

The following section is a broad summary of the Guidelines, which form the basis of the Policy with respect to APAC public equity investments of operating and/or holding companies. Applying these guidelines is subject to certain regional and country-specific exceptions and modifications and is not inclusive of all considerations in each market. For Japan-specific policies, see the Japan Proxy Items section.

1.	Business Items

Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports

Vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless:

•

There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, audit procedures used or audit opinion rendered; or

•

The company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed.

Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Fees

Vote FOR the re-election of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees unless:

•

There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, audit procedures used or audit opinion rendered;

•

There is reason to believe that the auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

•

Name of the proposed auditor has not been published;

•

The auditors are being changed without explanation;

•

Non-audit-related fees are substantial, or are in excess of standard annual audit-related fees, or in excess of permitted local limits and guidelines; or

•

The appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Appointment of Internal Statutory Auditors

Vote FOR the appointment or re-election of statutory auditors, unless:

•

There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used;

•

Questions exist concerning any of the statutory auditors being appointed; or

•

The auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Allocation of Income

Vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless:

•

The dividend payout ratio has been consistently low without adequate explanation; or

•

The payout is excessive given the company’s financial position.

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Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternative

Vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

Vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

Amendments to Articles of Association

Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Change in Company Fiscal Term

Vote FOR resolutions to change a company’s fiscal term unless a company’s motivation for the change is to postpone its annual general meeting.

Lower Disclosure Threshold for Stock Ownership

Vote AGAINST resolutions to lower the stock ownership disclosure threshold below 5% unless specific reasons exist to implement a lower threshold.

Amend Quorum Requirements

Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Virtual Meetings

Transact Other Business

Vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.

Administrative Requests

Generally vote FOR non-contentious administrative management requests.

2.	Board of Directors

The board of directors should promote the interests of shareholders by acting in an oversight and/or advisory role; should consist of a majority of independent directors and / or meet local best practice expectations; and should be held accountable for actions and results related to their responsibilities.

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into consideration the following:

•

Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; or

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•

There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements; or

•

There have been questionable transactions or conflicts of interest; or

•

There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; or

•

The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards; or

•

There are reservations about:

•

Director terms

•

Bundling of proposals to elect directors

•

Board independence

•

Disclosure of named nominees

•

Combined Chairman/CEO

•

Election of former CEO as Chairman of the board

•

Overboarded directors

•

Composition of committees

•

Director independence

•

Number of directors on the board

•

Lack of gender diversity on the board

•

Specific concerns about the individual or company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities; or

•

Board Composition

Vote AGAINST members of the Nominating Committee:

•

At companies if the board does not have at least 10% women directors, or does not meet the requirements of local listing rules or corporate governance codes or national targets;

Employee and /or Labor Representatives

Vote FOR employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee and are required by law to be on those committees.

Vote AGAINST employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee, if they are not required to be on those committees.

Director Independence

Classification of Directors

Executive Director

•

Employee or executive of the company;

•

Any director who is classified as a non-executive, but receives salary, fees, bonus, and/or other benefits that are in line with the highest-paid executives of the company.

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Non-Independent Non-Executive Director (NED)

•

Any director who is attested by the board to be a non-independent NED;

•

Any director specifically designated as a representative of a significant shareholder of the company;

•

Any director who is also an employee or executive of a significant shareholder of the company;

•

Government representative;

•

Represents customer, supplier, creditor, banker, or other entity with which company maintains transactional/commercial relationship (unless company discloses information to apply a materiality test);

•

Any director who has conflicting or cross-directorships with executive directors or the chairman of the company;

•

Relative of a current employee of the company or its affiliates;

•

Relative of a former executive of the company or its affiliates;

•

A new appointee elected other than by a formal process through the General Meeting (such as a contractual appointment by a substantial shareholder);

•

Founder/co-founder/member of founding family but not currently an employee;

•

Former executive (a cooling off period may be applied);

•

Years of service is generally not a determining factor unless it is recommended best practice in a market and/or in extreme circumstances, in which case it may be considered; and

•

Any additional relationship or principle considered to compromise independence under local corporate governance best practice guidance.

Independent NED

•

No material connection, either directly or indirectly, to the company other than a board seat.

Employee Representative

•

Represents employees or employee shareholders of the company (classified as “employee representative” but considered a non-independent NED).

Director Accountability

Vote AGAINST individual directors who attend less than 75% of the board and committee meetings without a disclosed valid excuse.

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•

Failure to disclose material environmental, social and governance information;

•

The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

•

If in an extreme situation the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers.

Discharge of Directors

•

Other egregious governance issues where shareholders may bring legal action against the company or its directors; or

•

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis where a vote against other agenda items are deemed inappropriate.

Committee Responsibilities and Expectations

Audit Committee

Vote AGAINST members of the Audit Committee if:

•

Non-audit-related fees are substantial, or are in excess of standard annual audit-related fees, or in excess of permitted local limits and guidelines.

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•

The company receives an adverse opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditor and there is not clear evidence that the situation has been remedied;

•

There is excessive pledging or hedging of stock by executives;

•

No members of the Audit Committee hold sufficient financial expertise.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices, which rise to a level of serious concern are identified, such as fraud, misapplication of accounting principles and material weaknesses identified in audit-related disclosures.

Remuneration Committee

See section 3 on Remuneration for reasons to vote against members of the Remuneration Committee.

Nominating/Governance Committee

Vote AGAINST members of the Nominating/Governance Committee if:

•

The board does not meet our diversity expectations;

•

The board amends the company’s bylaws or charter without shareholder approval in a manner that materially diminishes shareholders’ rights or could adversely impact shareholders

Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections

The analysis will generally be based on, but not limited to, the following major decision factors:

•

Company performance relative to its peers;

•

Strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents;

•

Independence of board candidates;

•

Experience and skills of board candidates;

•

Governance profile of the company;

•

Evidence of management entrenchment;

•

Responsiveness to shareholders;

•

Whether a takeover offer has been rebuffed; and

•

Whether minority or majority representation is being sought.

Other Board Related Proposals (Management and Shareholder)

Vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.

Vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.

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Independent Board Chair (for applicable markets)

We will generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

•

Two-thirds independent board, or majority in countries where employee representation is common practice;

•

A designated, or a rotating, lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

•

Fully independent key committees; and/or

•

Established, publicly disclosed, governance guidelines and director biographies/profiles.

3.	Remuneration

Pay Practices

If the company maintains problematic or poor pay practices, generally vote:

•

AGAINST Management Say on Pay (MSOP) Proposals, Remuneration Reports; or

•

AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if excessive non-performance-based equity awards are the major contributor to a pay-for-performance misalignment.

•

If no MSOP or equity-based incentive plan proposal item is on the ballot, vote AGAINST from Remuneration Committee members.

Remuneration Plans

Factors considered may include:

•

Pay for Performance Disconnect;

•

Long-term equity-based compensation is 100% time-based;

•

Board’s responsiveness if company received low shareholder support in the previous year’s MSOP or remuneration vote;

•

Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure;

•

Egregious employment contracts;

•

Excessive perquisites or excessive severance and/or change in control provisions;

•

Repricing or replacing of underwater stock options without prior shareholder approval;

•

Egregious pension/SERP (supplemental executive retirement plan) payouts;

•

Extraordinary relocation benefits;

•

Internal pay disparity; and

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•

Lack of transparent disclosure of compensation philosophy and goals and targets, including details on short-term and long-term performance incentives.

Non-Executive Director Compensation

Vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement benefits for non-executive directors.

Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions

Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and officers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

Other Remuneration Related Proposals

Vote on other remuneration related proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Remuneration Committee

When voting for members of the Remuneration Committee, factors considered may include:

•

We voted against the company’s MSOP in the previous year, the company’s previous MSOP received significant opposition of votes cast and we are voting against this year’s MSOP; and

•

The board implements a MSOP on a less frequent basis than the frequency that received the plurality of votes cast

•

Remuneration structure is widely inconsistent with local market best practices or regulations

4.	Shareholder Rights and Defenses

Antitakeover Mechanisms

Generally vote AGAINST all antitakeover proposals, unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.

5.	Strategic Transactions, Capital Structures and other Business Considerations

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

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Mergers and Acquisitions

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

•

Valuation;

•

Market reaction;

•

Strategic rationale;

•

Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

•

Presence of conflicts of interest; and

•

Governance profile of the combined company.

Dual Class Structures

Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure.

Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual-class capital structures or the creation of new or additional super voting shares.

Share Issuance Requests

General Issuances:

Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100% over currently issued capital or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law.

Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20% of currently issued capital or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law. At companies in India, vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 25% of currently issued capital.

Specific Issuances:

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

Increases in Authorized Capital

Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

•

The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

•

The increase would leave the company with less than 30% of its new authorization outstanding after adjusting for all proposed issuances, or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law

Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

Reduction of Capital

Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

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Preferred Stock

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Debt Issuance Requests

Vote non-convertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.

Increase in Borrowing Powers

Vote proposals to approve increases in a company’s borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Share Repurchase Plans

We will generally recommend FOR share repurchase programs taking into account whether:

•

The share repurchase program can be used as a takeover defense;

•

There is clear evidence of historical abuse;

•

There is no safeguard in the share repurchase program against selective buybacks;

•

Pricing provisions and safeguards in the share repurchase program are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

Reissuance of Repurchased Shares

Vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.

Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase in Par Value

Vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

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Related-Party Transactions

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

•

The parties on either side of the transaction;

•

The nature of the asset to be transferred/service to be provided;

•

The pricing of the transaction (and any associated professional valuation);

•

The views of independent directors (where provided);

•

The views of an independent financial adviser (where appointed);

•

Whether any entities party to the transaction (including advisers) is conflicted; and The stated rationale for the transaction, including discussions of timing

6.	Environmental and Social Issues

Overall

Approach

Proposals considered under this category could include, among others, requests that a company:

•

Publish a report or additional information related to the company’s business and impact on stakeholders;

•

Disclose policies related to specific business practices and/or services;

•

Conduct third party audits, reports or studies related to the company’s business practices, services and/or impact on stakeholders

When evaluating environmental and social shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is considered to be material;

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure, including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

The proponent of the proposal;

•

Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value;

•

Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the company’s business;

•

The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing;

•

Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal;

•

What other companies in the relevant industry have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal;

•

Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report and/or the implementation is reasonable;

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board;

•

Whether the company has material fines or violations in the area and if so, if appropriate actions have already been taken to remedy going forward;

•

Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage.

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Environmental Issues

Climate Transition Plans

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposed climate transition plans. When evaluating management proposed plans, the following factors are generally considered:

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of the governance, strategy, risk mitigation efforts, and metrics and targets based on the TCFD’s recommendations, or a similar standard;

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of their current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework; and

•

If the company has detailed disclosure in line with Paris Agreement goals.

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals requesting climate transition plans. When evaluating these shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure according to the TCFD’s recommendations;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure of the company’s current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework;

•

If the proposal asks for long-term targets, as well as short and medium term milestones;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be aligned to a globally accepted framework, such as Paris Aligned or Net Zero;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (“SBTi”);

•

If the proposal seeks to add reasonable transparency and is not onerous or overly prescriptive; and

•

Whether the proposal is binding or non-binding.

Environmental Sustainability Reporting

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the company’s current level of disclosure is comparable to that of its industry peers; and

•

If there are significant controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.

Other Environmental Proposals

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the following shareholder proposals if relevant to the company:

•

Calling for the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions;

•

Seeking reports on responses to regulatory and public pressures surrounding climate change, and for disclosure of research that aided in setting company policies around climate change;

•

Requesting an action plan including science based targets and a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier;

•

Requesting a report/disclosure of goals on GHG emissions from company operations and/or products;

•

Requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies; and

•

Requesting reports on the feasibility of developing renewable energy resources.

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Social Issues

Board and Workforce Demographics

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting reports on a company’s efforts to diversify the board, unless:

•

The gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business; and

•

The board already reports on its nominating procedures and gender and racial minority initiatives on the board.

Gender Pay Gap

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting reports on a company’s pay data by gender, or a report on a company’s policies and goals to reduce any gender pay gap, taking into account:

•

The company’s current policies and disclosure related to both its diversity and inclusion policies and practices and its compensation philosophy and fair and equitable compensation practices;

•

Whether the company has been the subject of recent controversy, litigation or regulatory actions related to gender pay gap issues; and

•

Whether the company’s reporting regarding gender pay gap policies or initiatives is lagging its peers.

Labor, Human and Animal Rights Standards

•

The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

•

Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards;

•

Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how;

•

Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives;

•

Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse;

•

Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers;

•

The scope of the request; and

•

Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices.

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Racial Equity Audit

•

The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

•

Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers; and

•

Whether the gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business.

Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending/Lobbying Expenditures and Initiatives

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

•

There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

•

The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting increased disclosure of a company’s policies with respect to political contributions, lobbying and trade association spending as long as:

•

There is no significant potential threat or actual harm to shareholders’ interests;

•

There are no recent significant controversies or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

•

There is publicly available information to assess the company’s oversight related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

We generally will vote AGAINST proposals asking for detailed disclosure of political contributions or trade association or lobbying expenditures.

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Region: Japan Proxy Items

The following section is a broad summary of the Guidelines, which form the basis of the Policy with respect to Japanese public equity investments of operating and/or holding companies. Applying these guidelines is not inclusive of all considerations in the Japanese market.

1.	Operational Items

Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports

Vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless:

•

There are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used; or

•

The company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed.

Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Fees

Vote FOR the re-election of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless:

•

There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, audit procedures used or audit opinion rendered;

•

There is reason to believe that the auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

•

Name of the proposed auditor has not been published;

•

The auditors are being changed without explanation;

•

Non-audit-related fees are substantial or are in excess of standard annual audit-related fees; or

•

The appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Allocation of Income

Vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless:

•

The dividend payout ratio has been consistently low without adequate explanation; or

•

The payout is excessive given the company’s financial position;

Amendments to Articles of Association

Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Change in Company Fiscal Term

Vote FOR resolutions to change a company’s fiscal term unless a company’s motivation for the change is to postpone its annual general meeting.

Amend Quorum Requirements

Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Virtual Meetings

Generally vote AGAINST proposals allowing for the convening of virtual-only* shareholder meetings.

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2.	Board of Directors and Statutory Auditors

The board of directors should promote the interests of shareholders by acting in an oversight and/or advisory role; should have independent oversight of management; and should be held accountable for actions and results related to their responsibilities.

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into consideration the following:.

•

The company’s committee structure: statutory auditor board structure, U.S.-type three committee structure, or audit committee structure; or

•

Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; or

•

There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements; or

•

There have been questionable transactions or conflicts of interest; or

•

There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; or

•

The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards; or

•

There are reservations about:

•

Director terms

•

Bundling of proposals to elect directors

•

Board independence

•

Disclosure of named nominees

•

Combined Chairman/CEO

•

Election of former CEO as Chairman of the board

•

Overboarded directors

•

Composition of committees

•

Director independence

•

Number of directors on the board

•

Lack of gender diversity on the board

•

Specific concerns about the individual or company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities; or

•

There are other considerations which may include sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice, failure to replace management, or egregious actions related to service on other boards.

Vote AGAINST top executives when the company has an excessive amount of strategic shareholdings.

Vote AGAINST top executives when the company has posted average return on equity (ROE) of less than five percent over the last five fiscal years.

Vote AGAINST top executives when the company does not disclose various components of current emissions, a proxy for a company’s dependency on fossil fuels and other sources of greenhouse gasses (such as Scope 1, Scope 2, Scope 3 emissions), material to the company’s business. For companies with 3-committee structure boards, vote AGAINST the Audit Committee Chair.

Board Composition

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Vote AGAINST members of the Nominating Committee if the Board does not have at least 10% women directors. For Japanese boards with statutory auditors or audit committee structure, vote AGAINST top executives.

Director Independence

Classification of Directors

Inside Director

•

Employee or executive of the company;

•

Any director who is not classified as an outside director of the company.

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director (affiliated outsider)

•

Any director specifically designated as a representative of a significant shareholder of the company;

•

Any director who is/was also an employee or executive of a significant shareholder of the company;

•

Beneficial owner (direct or indirect) of at least 10% of the company’s stock, or one of the top 10 shareholders, either in economic terms or in voting rights (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group, e.g., family members who beneficially own less than 10% individually, but collectively own more than 10%)

•

Government representative;

•

Currently provides or previously provided professional services to the company or to an affiliate of the company;

•

Represents customer, supplier, creditor, banker, or other entity with which company maintains

•

transactional/commercial relationship (unless company discloses information to apply a materiality test);

•

Any director who worked at the company’s external audit firm (auditor).

•

Any director who has conflicting or cross-directorships with executive directors or the chairman of the company;

•

Relative of a current employee of the company or its affiliates;

•

Any director who works or has worked at a company whose shares are held by the company in question as strategic shareholdings (i.e. “cross-shareholdings”)

•

Former executive;

•

Any director who has served at a company as an outside director for 12 years or more;

•

Any additional relationship or principle considered to compromise independence under local corporate governance best practice guidance.

•

“Cooling off period” for former employees or executives’ representation of significant shareholders and other stakeholders, as well as professional services is considered based on the market best practices and liquidity of executive labor market.

Independent Non-Executive Directors (independent outsider)

•

No material connection, either directly or indirectly, to the company other than a board seat.

At companies adopting a board with a statutory auditor committee structure or an audit committee structure, vote AGAINST top executives when the board consists of fewer than two outside directors or less than 1/3 of the board consists of outside directors.

At companies adopting an audit committee structure, vote AGAINST affiliated outside directors who are audit committee members.

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At companies adopting a U.S.-type three committee structure, vote AGAINST members of Nominating Committee when the board consists of fewer than two outside directors or less than 1/3 of the board consists of outside directors.

At companies adopting a U.S.-type three committee structure, vote AGAINST affiliated outside directors when less than a majority of the board consists of independent outside directors.

At controlled companies adopting board with a statutory auditor structure or an audit committee structure, vote AGAINST top executives if the board does not consist of majority independent outside directors.

Director Accountability

Vote AGAINST individual outside directors who attend less than 75% of the board and/or committee meetings without a disclosed valid excuse.

•

Failure to disclose material environmental, social and governance information;

•

The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

•

If in an extreme situation the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers.

Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections

The analysis will generally be based on, but not limited to, the following major decision factors:

•

Company performance relative to its peers;

•

Strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents;

•

Independence of board candidates;

•

Experience and skills of board candidates;

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•

Governance profile of the company;

•

Evidence of management entrenchment;

•

Responsiveness to shareholders;

•

Whether a takeover offer has been rebuffed;

•

Whether minority or majority representation is being sought.

Other Board Related Proposals (Management and Shareholder)

Vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.

Vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.

Independent Board Chair

We will generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

•

Two-thirds independent board;

•

A designated, or a rotating, lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

•

Fully independent key committees; and/or

•

Established, publicly disclosed, governance guidelines and director biographies/profiles.

Statutory Auditor Elections

Statutory Auditor Independence

Vote AGAINST affiliated outside statutory auditors.

For definition of affiliated outsiders, see “Classification of Directors”

Statutory Auditor Appointment

Vote FOR management nominees taking into consideration the following:

•

Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; or

•

There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements; or

•

There have been questionable transactions or conflicts of interest; or

•

There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; or

•

The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards; or

•

Specific concerns about the individual or company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities; or

•

Outside statutory auditor’s attendance at less than 75% of the board and statutory auditor meetings without a disclosed valid excuse; or

•

Unless there are other considerations which may include sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice, failure to replace management, or egregious actions related to service on other boards.

3.	Compensation

Director Compensation

Vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

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Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement bonuses for outside directors and/or outside statutory auditors, unless the amounts are disclosed and are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

Compensation Plans

Vote compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions

Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and statutory auditors on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

4.	Shareholder Rights and Defenses

Antitakeover Mechanisms

Generally vote AGAINST all antitakeover proposals, unless certain conditions are met to ensure the proposal is intended to enhance shareholder value, including consideration of the company’s governance structure, the anti-takeover defense duration, the trigger mechanism and governance, and the intended purpose of the antitakeover defense.

5.	Strategic Transactions and Capital Structures

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

•

Valuation;

•

Market reaction;

•

Strategic rationale;

•

Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

•

Presence of conflicts of interest; and

•

Governance profile of the combined company.

Dual Class Structures

Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure.

Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual-class capital structures or the creation of new or additional super voting shares.

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Share Issuance Requests

General Issuances:

Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100% over currently issued capital. Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20% of currently issued capital.

Specific Issuances:

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

Increases in Authorized Capital

Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

•

The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet guidelines for the purpose being proposed.

Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

Reduction of Capital

Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Preferred Stock

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Share Repurchase Plans

We will generally recommend FOR share repurchase programs taking into account whether:

•

The share repurchase program can be used as a takeover defense;

•

There is clear evidence of historical abuse;

•

There is no safeguard in the share repurchase program against selective buybacks;

•

Pricing provisions and safeguards in the share repurchase program are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

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Related-Party Transactions

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

•

The parties on either side of the transaction;

•

The nature of the asset to be transferred/service to be provided;

•

The pricing of the transaction (and any associated professional valuation);

•

The views of independent directors (where provided);

•

The views of an independent financial adviser (where appointed);

•

Whether any entities party to the transaction (including advisers) is conflicted; and

•

The stated rationale for the transaction, including discussions of timing.

6.	Environmental and Social Issues

Overall Approach

Proposals considered under this category could include, among others, requests that a company:

•

Publish a report or additional information related to the company’s business and impact on stakeholders;

•

Disclose policies related to specific business practices and/or services;

•

Conduct third party audits, reports or studies related to the company’s business practices, services and/or impact on stakeholders

When evaluating environmental and social shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is considered to be material;

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure, including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

The proponent of the proposal;

•

Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value;

•

Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the company’s business;

•

The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing;

•

Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal;

•

What other companies in the relevant industry have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal;

•

Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report and/or the implementation is reasonable;

•

Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board;

•

Whether the company has material fines or violations in the area and if so, if appropriate actions have already been taken to remedy going forward;

•

Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage.

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Environmental Issues

Climate Transition Plans

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposed climate transition plans. When evaluating management proposed plans, the following factors are generally considered:

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of the governance, strategy, risk mitigation efforts, and metrics and targets based on the TCFD’s recommendations, or a similar standard;

•

If the company has detailed disclosure of their current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework; and

•

If the company has detailed disclosure in line with Paris Agreement goals.

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals requesting climate transition plans. When evaluating these shareholder proposals, the following factors are generally considered:

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure according to the TCFD’s recommendations;

•

If the proposal asks for detailed disclosure of the company’s current emissions data based on the SASB materiality framework;

•

If the proposal asks for long-term targets, as well as short and medium term milestones;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be aligned to a globally accepted framework, such as Paris Aligned or Net Zero;

•

If the proposal asks for targets to be approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (“SBTi”);

•

If the proposal seeks to add reasonable transparency and is not onerous or overly prescriptive; and

•

Whether the proposal is binding or non-binding.

Environmental Sustainability Reporting

•

The company’s current level of publicly available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies;

•

If the company’s current level of disclosure is comparable to that of its industry peers; and

•

If there are significant controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.

Other Environmental Proposals

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the following shareholder proposals if relevant to the company:

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Calling for the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions;

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Seeking reports on responses to regulatory and public pressures surrounding climate change, and for disclosure of research that aided in setting company policies around climate change;

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Requesting an action plan including science based targets and a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier;

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Requesting a report/disclosure of goals on GHG emissions from company operations and/or products;

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Requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies; and

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Requesting reports on the feasibility of developing renewable energy resources.

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Social Issues

Board and Workforce Demographics

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting reports on a company’s efforts to diversify the board, unless:

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The gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business; and

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The board already reports on its nominating procedures and gender and racial minority initiatives on the board.

Gender Pay Gap

Generally vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting reports on a company’s pay data by gender, or a report on a company’s policies and goals to reduce any gender pay gap, taking into account:

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The company’s current policies and disclosure related to both its diversity and inclusion policies and practices and its compensation philosophy and fair and equitable compensation practices;

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Whether the company has been the subject of recent controversy, litigation or regulatory actions related to gender pay gap issues; and

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Whether the company’s reporting regarding gender pay gap policies or initiatives is lagging its peers.

Labor, Human and Animal Rights Standards

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The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

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Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards;

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Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how;

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Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives;

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Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse;

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Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers;

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The scope of the request; and

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Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices.

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Racial Equity Audit

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The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

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Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers; and

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Whether the gender and racial minority representation of the company’s board is reasonably inclusive in relation to companies of similar size and business.

Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending/Lobbying Expenditures and Initiatives

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

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There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

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The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting increased disclosure of a company’s policies with respect to political contributions, lobbying and trade association spending as long as:

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There is no significant potential threat or actual harm to shareholders’ interests;

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There are no recent significant controversies or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

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There is publicly available information to assess the company’s oversight related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

We generally will vote AGAINST proposals asking for detailed disclosure of political contributions or trade association or lobbying expenditures.

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