USQ Core Real Estate Fund and Union Square Capital Partners, LLC, 36494-36497 [2017-16392]

Download as PDF 36494 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 149 / Friday, August 4, 2017 / Notices exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. Applicants request an exemption under section 6(c) from sections 18(a)(2), 18(c) and 18(i) to permit the Funds to issue multiple classes of shares. 5. Applicants submit that the proposed allocation of expenses relating to distribution and voting rights among multiple classes is equitable and will not discriminate against any group or class of shareholders. Applicants submit that the proposed arrangements would permit a Fund to facilitate the distribution of its shares and provide investors with a broader choice of shareholder services. Applicants assert that the proposed closed-end investment company multiple class structure does not raise the concerns underlying section 18 of the Act to any greater degree than open-end investment companies’ multiple class structures that are permitted by rule 18f–3 under the Act. Applicants state that each Fund will comply with the provisions of rule 18f–3 as if it were an open-end investment company. Early Withdrawal Charges 1. Section 23(c) of the Act provides, in relevant part, that no registered closed-end investment company shall purchase securities of which it is the issuer, except: (a) On a securities exchange or other open market; (b) pursuant to tenders, after reasonable opportunity to submit tenders given to all holders of securities of the class to be purchased; or (c) under other circumstances as the Commission may permit by rules and regulations or orders for the protection of investors. 2. Rule 23c–3 under the Act permits a registered closed-end investment company (an ‘‘interval fund’’) to make repurchase offers of between five and twenty-five percent of its outstanding shares at net asset value at periodic intervals pursuant to a fundamental policy of the interval fund. Rule 23c– 3(b)(1) under the Act permits an interval fund to deduct from repurchase proceeds only a repurchase fee, not to exceed two percent of the proceeds, that is paid to the interval fund and is reasonably intended to compensate the fund for expenses directly related to the repurchase. 3. Section 23(c)(3) provides that the Commission may issue an order that would permit a closed-end investment company to repurchase its shares in circumstances in which the repurchase is made in a manner or on a basis that does not unfairly discriminate against VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Aug 03, 2017 Jkt 241001 any holders of the class or classes of securities to be purchased. 4. Applicants request relief under section 6(c), discussed above, and section 23(c)(3) from rule 23c–3 to the extent necessary for the Funds to impose EWCs, which are distributionrelated fees payable to the distributor, on shares of the Funds submitted for repurchase that have been held for less than a specified period. 5. Applicants state that the EWCs they intend to impose are functionally similar to CDSLs imposed by open-end investment companies under rule 6c–10 under the Act. Rule 6c–10 permits openend investment companies to impose CDSLs, subject to certain conditions. Applicants note that rule 6c–10 is grounded in policy considerations supporting the employment of CDSLs where there are adequate safeguards for the investor and state that the same policy considerations support imposition of EWCs in the interval fund context. In addition, applicants state that EWCs may be necessary for the distributor to recover distribution costs. Applicants represent that any EWC imposed by the Funds will comply with rule 6c–10 under the Act as if the rule were applicable to closed-end investment companies. The Funds will disclose EWCs in accordance with the requirements of Form N–1A concerning CDSLs. Asset-Based Distribution and/or Service Fees 1. Section 17(d) of the Act and rule 17d–1 under the Act prohibit an affiliated person of a registered investment company, or an affiliated person of such person, acting as principal, from participating in or effecting any transaction in connection with any joint enterprise or joint arrangement in which the investment company participates unless the Commission issues an order permitting the transaction. In reviewing applications submitted under section 17(d) and rule 17d–1, the Commission considers whether the participation of the investment company in a joint enterprise or joint arrangement is consistent with the provisions, policies and purposes of the Act, and the extent to which the participation is on a basis different from or less advantageous than that of other participants. 2. Rule 17d–3 under the Act provides an exemption from section 17(d) and rule 17d–1 to permit open-end investment companies to enter into distribution arrangements pursuant to rule 12b–1 under the Act. Applicants request an order under section 17(d) and rule 17d–1 under the Act to the extent PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 necessary to permit the Fund to impose asset-based distribution and service fees. Applicants have agreed to comply with rules 12b–1 and 17d–3 as if those rules applied to closed–end investment companies, which they believe will resolve any concerns that might arise in connection with a Fund financing the distribution of its shares through assetbased distribution fees. 3. For the reasons stated above, applicants submit that the exemptions requested under section 6(c) are necessary and appropriate in the public interest and are consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. Applicants further submit that the relief requested pursuant to section 23(c)(3) will be consistent with the protection of investors and will insure that applicants do not unfairly discriminate against any holders of the class of securities to be purchased. Finally, applicants state that the Funds’ imposition of asset-based distribution and/or service fees is consistent with the provisions, policies and purposes of the Act and does not involve participation on a basis different from or less advantageous than that of other participants. Applicants’ Condition Applicants agree that any order granting the requested relief will be subject to the following condition: Each Fund relying on the order will comply with the provisions of rules 6c– 10, 12b–1, 17d–3, 18f–3, 22d–1, and, where applicable, 11a–3 under the Act, as amended from time to time, as if those rules applied to closed-end management investment companies, and will comply with the FINRA Sales Charge Rule, as amended from time to time, as if that rule applied to all closedend management investment companies. For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, under delegated authority. Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–16393 Filed 8–3–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Investment Company Act Release No. 32767; File No. 812–14733] USQ Core Real Estate Fund and Union Square Capital Partners, LLC July 31, 2017. Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’). AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 149 / Friday, August 4, 2017 / Notices Applicants’ Representations 1. The Fund is a Delaware statutory Notice of an application under section trust that is registered under the Act as 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of a non-diversified, closed-end 1940 (the ‘‘Act’’) for an exemption from management investment company. sections 18(a)(2), 18(c) and 18(i) of the Act, under sections 6(c) and 23(c) of the Applicants expect that the Fund’s investment objective will be to generate Act for an exemption from rule 23c–3 a return comprised of both current under the Act, and for an order pursuant income and capital appreciation with to section 17(d) of the Act and rule 17d– moderate volatility and low correlation 1 under the Act. to the broader markets. Summary of Application: Applicants 2. The Adviser is a Delaware limited request an order to permit certain liability company and will register as an registered closed-end management investment adviser under the investment companies to issue multiple Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The classes of shares and to impose assetAdviser will serve as investment adviser based service and distribution fees, and to the Fund. early withdrawal charges (‘‘EWCs’’). 3. The applicants seek an order to Applicants: USQ Core Real Estate permit the Fund to issue multiple Fund (the ‘‘Fund’’) and Union Square classes of shares, each having its own Capital Partners, LLC (the ‘‘Adviser’’). fee and expense structure, and to Filing Dates: The application was impose asset-based distribution and filed on January 10, 2017 and amended service fees, and EWCs. June 8, 2017. 4. Applicants request that the order Hearing or Notification of Hearing: An also apply to any continuously-offered order granting the requested relief will registered closed-end management be issued unless the Commission orders investment company that has been a hearing. Interested persons may previously organized or that may be request a hearing by writing to the organized in the future for which the Commission’s Secretary and serving Adviser or any entity controlling, applicants with a copy of the request, controlled by, or under common control personally or by mail. Hearing requests with the Adviser, or any successor in should be received by the Commission interest to any such entity,1 acts as by 5:30 p.m. on August 25, 2017, and investment adviser and which operates should be accompanied by proof of as an interval fund pursuant to rule service on the applicants, in the form of 23c–3 under the Act or provides an affidavit, or, for lawyers, a certificate periodic liquidity with respect to its of service. Pursuant to rule 0–5 under shares pursuant to rule 13e–4 under the the Act, hearing requests should state Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the nature of the writer’s interest, any (‘‘Exchange Act’’) (each, a ‘‘Future facts bearing upon the desirability of a Fund’’ and together with the Fund, the hearing on the matter, the reason for the ‘‘Funds’’).2 request, and the issues contested. 5. The Fund intends to make a Persons who wish to be notified of a continuous public offering of its shares hearing may request notification by following the effectiveness of its writing to the Commission’s Secretary. registration statement. Applicants state ADDRESSES: Secretary, U.S. Securities that additional offerings by any Fund and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street relying on the order may be on a private NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090; placement or public offering basis. Applicants: USQ Core Real Estate Fund Shares of the Funds will not be listed on and Union Square Capital Partners, LLC, any securities exchange, nor quoted on 235 Whitehorse Lane, Suite 200, any quotation medium. The Funds do Kennett Square, PA 19348. not expect there to be a secondary trading market for their shares. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 6. If the requested relief is granted, the Kieran G. Brown, Senior Counsel, at Fund intends to offer an initial class of (202) 551–8707, or David Marcinkus, shares and may also offer additional Branch Chief, at (202) 551–6821 classes of shares in the future, with each (Division of Investment Management, class having its own fee and expense Chief Counsel’s Office). structure. Because of the different SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following is a summary of the 1 A successor in interest is limited to an entity application. The complete application that results from a reorganization into another may be obtained via the Commission’s jurisdiction or a change in the type of business organization. Web site by searching for the file 2 Any Fund relying on this relief in the future will number, or for an applicant using the do so in a manner consistent with the terms and Company name box, at https:// conditions of the application. Applicants represent www.sec.gov/search/search.htm or by that each entity presently intending to rely on the requested relief is listed as an applicant. calling (202) 551–8090. ACTION: Notice. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Aug 03, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 36495 distribution fees, services and any other class expenses that may be attributable to a class of a Fund’s shares, the net income attributable to, and the dividends payable on, each class of shares may differ from each other. 7. Applicants state that, from time to time, Funds may create additional classes of shares, the terms of which may differ from the initial class in the following respects: (i) The amount of fees permitted by different distribution plans or different service fee arrangements; (ii) voting rights with respect to a distribution plan of a class; (iii) different class designations; (iv) the impact of any class expenses directly attributable to a particular class of shares allocated on a class basis as described in the application; (v) any differences in dividends and net asset value resulting from differences in fees under a distribution plan or service fee arrangement or in class expenses; (vi) any EWC or other sales load structure; and (vii) exchange or conversion privileges of the classes as permitted under the Act. 8. Applicants state that the Fund expects to adopt a fundamental policy to repurchase a specified percentage of its shares (no less than 5% and not more than 25%) at net asset value on a periodic basis. Such repurchase offers will be conducted pursuant to rule 23c– 3 under the Act.3 Each of the other Funds will likewise adopt a fundamental investment policy in compliance with rule 23c–3 and make periodic repurchase offers to its shareholders, or provide periodic liquidity with respect to its shares pursuant to rule 13e–4 under the Exchange Act. Any repurchase offers made by the Funds will be made to all holders of shares of each such Fund. 9. Applicants represent that any assetbased service and distribution fees for each class of shares will comply with the provisions of FINRA Rule 2341 (‘‘Sales Charge Rule’’).4 Applicants also represent that each Fund will disclose in its prospectus the fees, expenses and other characteristics of each class of shares offered for sale by the prospectus, as is required for open-end multiple class funds under Form N–1A. As is required for open-end funds, each Fund will disclose its expenses in shareholder 3 Applicants submit that rule 23c–3 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act permit an interval fund to make repurchase offers to repurchase its shares while engaging in a continuous offering of its shares pursuant to rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. 4 Any reference to the Sales Charge Rule includes any successor or replacement rule that may be adopted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (‘‘FINRA’’). E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 36496 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 149 / Friday, August 4, 2017 / Notices reports, and describe any arrangements that result in breakpoints in or elimination of sales loads in its prospectus.5 In addition, applicants will comply with applicable enhanced fee disclosure requirements for fund of funds, including registered funds of hedge funds.6 10. Each of the Funds will comply with any requirements that the Commission or FINRA may adopt regarding disclosure at the point of sale and in transaction confirmations about the costs and conflicts of interest arising out of the distribution of open-end investment company shares, and regarding prospectus disclosure of sales loads and revenue sharing arrangements, as if those requirements applied to the Fund. In addition, each Fund will contractually require that any distributor of the Fund’s shares comply with such requirements in connection with the distribution of such Fund’s shares. 11. Each Fund will allocate all expenses incurred by it among the various classes of shares based on the net assets of the Fund attributable to each class, except that the net asset value and expenses of each class will reflect distribution fees, service fees, and any other incremental expenses of that class. Expenses of the Fund allocated to a particular class of shares will be borne on a pro rata basis by each outstanding share of that class. Applicants state that each Fund will comply with the provisions of rule 18f– 3 under the Act as if it were an openend investment company. 12. Applicants state that each Fund may impose an EWC on shares submitted for repurchase that have been held less than a specified period and may waive the EWC for certain categories of shareholders or transactions to be established from time to time. Applicants state that each of the Funds will apply the EWC (and any waivers or scheduled variations of the EWC) uniformly to all shareholders in a given class and consistently with the requirements of rule 22d–1 under the 5 See Shareholder Reports and Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure of Registered Management Investment Companies, Investment Company Act Release No. 26372 (Feb. 27, 2004) (adopting release) (requiring open-end investment companies to disclose fund expenses in shareholder reports); and Disclosure of Breakpoint Discounts by Mutual Funds, Investment Company Act Release No. 26464 (June 7, 2004) (adopting release) (requiring open-end investment companies to provide prospectus disclosure of certain sales load information). 6 Fund of Funds Investments, Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 26198 (Oct. 1, 2003) (proposing release) and 27399 (Jun. 20, 2006) (adopting release). See also Rules 12d1–1, et seq. of the Act. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Aug 03, 2017 Jkt 241001 Act as if the Funds were open-end investment companies. 13. Each Fund operating as an interval fund pursuant to rule 23c–3 under the Act may offer its shareholders an exchange feature under which the shareholders of the Fund may, in connection with the Fund’s periodic repurchase offers, exchange their shares of the Fund for shares of the same class of (i) registered open-end investment companies or (ii) other registered closed-end investment companies that comply with rule 23c–3 under the Act and continuously offer their shares at net asset value, that are in the Fund’s group of investment companies (collectively, ‘‘Other Funds’’). Shares of a Fund operating pursuant to rule 23c– 3 that are exchanged for shares of Other Funds will be included as part of the amount of the repurchase offer amount for such Fund as specified in rule 23c– 3 under the Act. Any exchange option will comply with rule 11a–3 under the Act, as if the Fund were an open-end investment company subject to rule 11a–3. In complying with rule 11a–3, each Fund will treat an EWC as if it were a contingent deferred sales load (‘‘CDSL’’). Applicants’ Legal Analysis Multiple Classes of Shares 1. Section 18(a)(2) of the Act makes it unlawful for a closed-end investment company to issue a senior security that is a stock unless (a) immediately after such issuance it will have an asset coverage of at least 200% and (b) provision is made to prohibit the declaration of any distribution, upon its common stock, or the purchase of any such common stock, unless in every such case such senior security has at the time of the declaration of any such distribution, or at the time of any such purchase, an asset coverage of at least 200% after deducting the amount of such distribution or purchase price, as the case may be. Applicants state that the creation of multiple classes of shares of the Funds may violate section 18(a)(2) because the Funds may not meet such requirements with respect to a class of shares that may be a senior security. 2. Section 18(c) of the Act provides, in relevant part, that a closed-end investment company may not issue or sell any senior security if, immediately thereafter, the company has outstanding more than one class of senior security. Applicants state that the creation of multiple classes of shares of the Funds may be prohibited by section 18(c), as a class may have priority over another class as to payment of dividends PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 because shareholders of different classes would pay different fees and expenses. 3. Section 18(i) of the Act provides that each share of stock issued by a registered management investment company will be a voting stock and have equal voting rights with every other outstanding voting stock. Applicants state that multiple classes of shares of the Funds may violate section 18(i) of the Act because each class would be entitled to exclusive voting rights with respect to matters solely related to that class. 4. Section 6(c) of the Act provides that the Commission may exempt any person, security or transaction or any class or classes of persons, securities or transactions from any provision of the Act, or from any rule or regulation under the Act, if and to the extent such exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. Applicants request an exemption under section 6(c) from sections 18(a)(2), 18(c) and 18(i) to permit the Funds to issue multiple classes of shares. 5. Applicants submit that the proposed allocation of expenses relating to distribution and voting rights among multiple classes is equitable and will not discriminate against any group or class of shareholders. Applicants submit that the proposed arrangements would permit a Fund to facilitate the distribution of its shares and provide investors with a broader choice of shareholder services. Applicants assert that the proposed closed-end investment company multiple class structure does not raise the concerns underlying section 18 of the Act to any greater degree than open-end investment companies’ multiple class structures that are permitted by rule 18f–3 under the Act. Applicants state that each Fund will comply with the provisions of rule 18f–3 as if it were an open-end investment company. Early Withdrawal Charges 1. Section 23(c) of the Act provides, in relevant part, that no registered closed-end investment company shall purchase securities of which it is the issuer, except: (a) On a securities exchange or other open market; (b) pursuant to tenders, after reasonable opportunity to submit tenders given to all holders of securities of the class to be purchased; or (c) under other circumstances as the Commission may permit by rules and regulations or orders for the protection of investors. 2. Rule 23c–3 under the Act permits a registered closed-end investment E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 149 / Friday, August 4, 2017 / Notices company (an ‘‘interval fund’’) to make repurchase offers of between five and twenty-five percent of its outstanding shares at net asset value at periodic intervals pursuant to a fundamental policy of the interval fund. Rule 23c– 3(b)(1) under the Act permits an interval fund to deduct from repurchase proceeds only a repurchase fee, not to exceed two percent of the proceeds, that is paid to the interval fund and is reasonably intended to compensate the fund for expenses directly related to the repurchase. A Fund will not impose a repurchase fee on investors who purchase and tender their shares. 3. Section 23(c)(3) provides that the Commission may issue an order that would permit a closed-end investment company to repurchase its shares in circumstances in which the repurchase is made in a manner or on a basis that does not unfairly discriminate against any holders of the class or classes of securities to be purchased. 4. Applicants request relief under section 6(c), discussed above, and section 23(c)(3) from rule 23c–3 to the extent necessary for the Funds to impose EWCs on shares of the Funds submitted for repurchase that have been held for less than a specified period. 5. Applicants state that the EWCs they intend to impose are functionally similar to CDSLs imposed by open-end investment companies under rule 6c–10 under the Act. Rule 6c–10 permits openend investment companies to impose CDSLs, subject to certain conditions. Applicants note that rule 6c–10 is grounded in policy considerations supporting the employment of CDSLs where there are adequate safeguards for the investor and state that the same policy considerations support imposition of EWCs in the interval fund context. In addition, applicants state that EWCs may be necessary for the distributor to recover distribution costs. Applicants represent that any EWC imposed by the Funds will comply with rule 6c–10 under the Act as if the rule were applicable to closed-end investment companies. The Funds will disclose EWCs in accordance with the requirements of Form N–1A concerning CDSLs. Asset-Based Service and Distribution Fees 1. Section 17(d) of the Act and rule 17d–1 under the Act prohibit an affiliated person of a registered investment company, or an affiliated person of such person, acting as principal, from participating in or effecting any transaction in connection with any joint enterprise or joint arrangement in which the investment VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Aug 03, 2017 Jkt 241001 company participates unless the Commission issues an order permitting the transaction. In reviewing applications submitted under section 17(d) and rule 17d–1, the Commission considers whether the participation of the investment company in a joint enterprise or joint arrangement is consistent with the provisions, policies and purposes of the Act, and the extent to which the participation is on a basis different from or less advantageous than that of other participants. 2. Rule 17d–3 under the Act provides an exemption from section 17(d) and rule 17d–1 to permit open-end investment companies to enter into distribution arrangements pursuant to rule 12b–1 under the Act. Applicants request an order under section 17(d) and rule 17d–1 under the Act to the extent necessary to permit the Funds to impose asset-based service and distribution fees. Applicants have agreed to comply with rules 12b–1 and 17d–3 as if those rules applied to closed-end investment companies, which they believe will resolve any concerns that might arise in connection with a Fund financing the distribution of its shares through assetbased service and distribution fees. 3. For the reasons stated above, applicants submit that the exemptions requested under section 6(c) are necessary and appropriate in the public interest and are consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. Applicants further submit that the relief requested pursuant to section 23(c)(3) will be consistent with the protection of investors and will insure that applicants do not unfairly discriminate against any holders of the class of securities to be purchased. Finally, applicants state that the Funds’ imposition of asset-based service and distribution fees is consistent with the provisions, policies and purposes of the Act and does not involve participation on a basis different from or less advantageous than that of other participants. Applicants’ Condition Applicants agree that any order granting the requested relief will be subject to the following condition: Each Fund relying on the order will comply with the provisions of rules 6c– 10, 12b–1, 17d–3, 18f–3, 22d–1, and, where applicable, 11a–3 under the Act, as amended from time to time, as if those rules applied to closed-end management investment companies, and will comply with the Sales Charge Rule, as amended from time to time, as if that rule applied to all closed-end management investment companies. PO 00000 Frm 00142 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 36497 For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, under delegated authority. Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–16392 Filed 8–3–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–81263; File No. SR–ISE– 2017–32] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq ISE, LLC; Notice of Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1 Thereto, To Harmonize the Corporate Governance Framework of Nasdaq ISE, LLC With That of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, NASDAQ PHLX LLC, and NASDAQ BX, Inc. July 31, 2017. I. Introduction On April 11, 2017, Nasdaq ISE, LLC (‘‘ISE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 proposed rule changes to its corporate governance documents and trading rules to align its corporate governance framework to the structure of other exchanges owned by its ultimate parent company, Nasdaq, Inc. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on May 2, 2017.3 The Commission received no comments on the proposal. On June 14, 2017, the Commission extended the time period within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule change.4 On July 6, 2017, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.5 The 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80530 (April 26, 2017), 82 FR 20508 (‘‘Notice’’). 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80923, 82 FR 28102 (June 20, 2017). 5 As discussed further herein, Amendment No. 1, which replaces the original filing in its entirety, includes, among other things: (1) Changes to the Exchange’s proposed Limited Liability Company Agreement (‘‘New LLC Agreement’’) and proposed By-Laws (‘‘New By-Laws,’’ and together with the New LLC Agreement, the ‘‘New Governing Documents’’) to better align these proposed documents with certain provisions in ISE’s existing governing documents and the governing documents 2 17 E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM Continued 04AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 149 (Friday, August 4, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36494-36497]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16392]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Investment Company Act Release No. 32767; File No. 812-14733]


USQ Core Real Estate Fund and Union Square Capital Partners, LLC

July 31, 2017.
AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'').

[[Page 36495]]


ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice of an application under section 6(c) of the Investment 
Company Act of 1940 (the ``Act'') for an exemption from sections 
18(a)(2), 18(c) and 18(i) of the Act, under sections 6(c) and 23(c) of 
the Act for an exemption from rule 23c-3 under the Act, and for an 
order pursuant to section 17(d) of the Act and rule 17d-1 under the 
Act.
    Summary of Application: Applicants request an order to permit 
certain registered closed-end management investment companies to issue 
multiple classes of shares and to impose asset-based service and 
distribution fees, and early withdrawal charges (``EWCs'').
    Applicants: USQ Core Real Estate Fund (the ``Fund'') and Union 
Square Capital Partners, LLC (the ``Adviser'').
    Filing Dates: The application was filed on January 10, 2017 and 
amended June 8, 2017.
    Hearing or Notification of Hearing: An order granting the requested 
relief will be issued unless the Commission orders a hearing. 
Interested persons may request a hearing by writing to the Commission's 
Secretary and serving applicants with a copy of the request, personally 
or by mail. Hearing requests should be received by the Commission by 
5:30 p.m. on August 25, 2017, and should be accompanied by proof of 
service on the applicants, in the form of an affidavit, or, for 
lawyers, a certificate of service. Pursuant to rule 0-5 under the Act, 
hearing requests should state the nature of the writer's interest, any 
facts bearing upon the desirability of a hearing on the matter, the 
reason for the request, and the issues contested. Persons who wish to 
be notified of a hearing may request notification by writing to the 
Commission's Secretary.

ADDRESSES: Secretary, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F 
Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090; Applicants: USQ Core Real Estate 
Fund and Union Square Capital Partners, LLC, 235 Whitehorse Lane, Suite 
200, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kieran G. Brown, Senior Counsel, at 
(202) 551-8707, or David Marcinkus, Branch Chief, at (202) 551-6821 
(Division of Investment Management, Chief Counsel's Office).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following is a summary of the 
application. The complete application may be obtained via the 
Commission's Web site by searching for the file number, or for an 
applicant using the Company name box, at https://www.sec.gov/search/search.htm or by calling (202) 551-8090.

Applicants' Representations

    1. The Fund is a Delaware statutory trust that is registered under 
the Act as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. 
Applicants expect that the Fund's investment objective will be to 
generate a return comprised of both current income and capital 
appreciation with moderate volatility and low correlation to the 
broader markets.
    2. The Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company and will 
register as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 
1940. The Adviser will serve as investment adviser to the Fund.
    3. The applicants seek an order to permit the Fund to issue 
multiple classes of shares, each having its own fee and expense 
structure, and to impose asset-based distribution and service fees, and 
EWCs.
    4. Applicants request that the order also apply to any 
continuously-offered registered closed-end management investment 
company that has been previously organized or that may be organized in 
the future for which the Adviser or any entity controlling, controlled 
by, or under common control with the Adviser, or any successor in 
interest to any such entity,\1\ acts as investment adviser and which 
operates as an interval fund pursuant to rule 23c-3 under the Act or 
provides periodic liquidity with respect to its shares pursuant to rule 
13e-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Exchange Act'') 
(each, a ``Future Fund'' and together with the Fund, the ``Funds'').\2\
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    \1\ A successor in interest is limited to an entity that results 
from a reorganization into another jurisdiction or a change in the 
type of business organization.
    \2\ Any Fund relying on this relief in the future will do so in 
a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of the 
application. Applicants represent that each entity presently 
intending to rely on the requested relief is listed as an applicant.
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    5. The Fund intends to make a continuous public offering of its 
shares following the effectiveness of its registration statement. 
Applicants state that additional offerings by any Fund relying on the 
order may be on a private placement or public offering basis. Shares of 
the Funds will not be listed on any securities exchange, nor quoted on 
any quotation medium. The Funds do not expect there to be a secondary 
trading market for their shares.
    6. If the requested relief is granted, the Fund intends to offer an 
initial class of shares and may also offer additional classes of shares 
in the future, with each class having its own fee and expense 
structure. Because of the different distribution fees, services and any 
other class expenses that may be attributable to a class of a Fund's 
shares, the net income attributable to, and the dividends payable on, 
each class of shares may differ from each other.
    7. Applicants state that, from time to time, Funds may create 
additional classes of shares, the terms of which may differ from the 
initial class in the following respects: (i) The amount of fees 
permitted by different distribution plans or different service fee 
arrangements; (ii) voting rights with respect to a distribution plan of 
a class; (iii) different class designations; (iv) the impact of any 
class expenses directly attributable to a particular class of shares 
allocated on a class basis as described in the application; (v) any 
differences in dividends and net asset value resulting from differences 
in fees under a distribution plan or service fee arrangement or in 
class expenses; (vi) any EWC or other sales load structure; and (vii) 
exchange or conversion privileges of the classes as permitted under the 
Act.
    8. Applicants state that the Fund expects to adopt a fundamental 
policy to repurchase a specified percentage of its shares (no less than 
5% and not more than 25%) at net asset value on a periodic basis. Such 
repurchase offers will be conducted pursuant to rule 23c-3 under the 
Act.\3\ Each of the other Funds will likewise adopt a fundamental 
investment policy in compliance with rule 23c-3 and make periodic 
repurchase offers to its shareholders, or provide periodic liquidity 
with respect to its shares pursuant to rule 13e-4 under the Exchange 
Act. Any repurchase offers made by the Funds will be made to all 
holders of shares of each such Fund.
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    \3\ Applicants submit that rule 23c-3 and Regulation M under the 
Exchange Act permit an interval fund to make repurchase offers to 
repurchase its shares while engaging in a continuous offering of its 
shares pursuant to rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933.
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    9. Applicants represent that any asset-based service and 
distribution fees for each class of shares will comply with the 
provisions of FINRA Rule 2341 (``Sales Charge Rule'').\4\ Applicants 
also represent that each Fund will disclose in its prospectus the fees, 
expenses and other characteristics of each class of shares offered for 
sale by the prospectus, as is required for open-end multiple class 
funds under Form N-1A. As is required for open-end funds, each Fund 
will disclose its expenses in shareholder

[[Page 36496]]

reports, and describe any arrangements that result in breakpoints in or 
elimination of sales loads in its prospectus.\5\ In addition, 
applicants will comply with applicable enhanced fee disclosure 
requirements for fund of funds, including registered funds of hedge 
funds.\6\
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    \4\ Any reference to the Sales Charge Rule includes any 
successor or replacement rule that may be adopted by the Financial 
Industry Regulatory Authority (``FINRA'').
    \5\ See Shareholder Reports and Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure 
of Registered Management Investment Companies, Investment Company 
Act Release No. 26372 (Feb. 27, 2004) (adopting release) (requiring 
open-end investment companies to disclose fund expenses in 
shareholder reports); and Disclosure of Breakpoint Discounts by 
Mutual Funds, Investment Company Act Release No. 26464 (June 7, 
2004) (adopting release) (requiring open-end investment companies to 
provide prospectus disclosure of certain sales load information).
    \6\ Fund of Funds Investments, Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 
26198 (Oct. 1, 2003) (proposing release) and 27399 (Jun. 20, 2006) 
(adopting release). See also Rules 12d1-1, et seq. of the Act.
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    10. Each of the Funds will comply with any requirements that the 
Commission or FINRA may adopt regarding disclosure at the point of sale 
and in transaction confirmations about the costs and conflicts of 
interest arising out of the distribution of open-end investment company 
shares, and regarding prospectus disclosure of sales loads and revenue 
sharing arrangements, as if those requirements applied to the Fund. In 
addition, each Fund will contractually require that any distributor of 
the Fund's shares comply with such requirements in connection with the 
distribution of such Fund's shares.
    11. Each Fund will allocate all expenses incurred by it among the 
various classes of shares based on the net assets of the Fund 
attributable to each class, except that the net asset value and 
expenses of each class will reflect distribution fees, service fees, 
and any other incremental expenses of that class. Expenses of the Fund 
allocated to a particular class of shares will be borne on a pro rata 
basis by each outstanding share of that class. Applicants state that 
each Fund will comply with the provisions of rule 18f-3 under the Act 
as if it were an open-end investment company.
    12. Applicants state that each Fund may impose an EWC on shares 
submitted for repurchase that have been held less than a specified 
period and may waive the EWC for certain categories of shareholders or 
transactions to be established from time to time. Applicants state that 
each of the Funds will apply the EWC (and any waivers or scheduled 
variations of the EWC) uniformly to all shareholders in a given class 
and consistently with the requirements of rule 22d-1 under the Act as 
if the Funds were open-end investment companies.
    13. Each Fund operating as an interval fund pursuant to rule 23c-3 
under the Act may offer its shareholders an exchange feature under 
which the shareholders of the Fund may, in connection with the Fund's 
periodic repurchase offers, exchange their shares of the Fund for 
shares of the same class of (i) registered open-end investment 
companies or (ii) other registered closed-end investment companies that 
comply with rule 23c-3 under the Act and continuously offer their 
shares at net asset value, that are in the Fund's group of investment 
companies (collectively, ``Other Funds''). Shares of a Fund operating 
pursuant to rule 23c-3 that are exchanged for shares of Other Funds 
will be included as part of the amount of the repurchase offer amount 
for such Fund as specified in rule 23c-3 under the Act. Any exchange 
option will comply with rule 11a-3 under the Act, as if the Fund were 
an open-end investment company subject to rule 11a-3. In complying with 
rule 11a-3, each Fund will treat an EWC as if it were a contingent 
deferred sales load (``CDSL'').

Applicants' Legal Analysis

Multiple Classes of Shares

    1. Section 18(a)(2) of the Act makes it unlawful for a closed-end 
investment company to issue a senior security that is a stock unless 
(a) immediately after such issuance it will have an asset coverage of 
at least 200% and (b) provision is made to prohibit the declaration of 
any distribution, upon its common stock, or the purchase of any such 
common stock, unless in every such case such senior security has at the 
time of the declaration of any such distribution, or at the time of any 
such purchase, an asset coverage of at least 200% after deducting the 
amount of such distribution or purchase price, as the case may be. 
Applicants state that the creation of multiple classes of shares of the 
Funds may violate section 18(a)(2) because the Funds may not meet such 
requirements with respect to a class of shares that may be a senior 
security.
    2. Section 18(c) of the Act provides, in relevant part, that a 
closed-end investment company may not issue or sell any senior security 
if, immediately thereafter, the company has outstanding more than one 
class of senior security. Applicants state that the creation of 
multiple classes of shares of the Funds may be prohibited by section 
18(c), as a class may have priority over another class as to payment of 
dividends because shareholders of different classes would pay different 
fees and expenses.
    3. Section 18(i) of the Act provides that each share of stock 
issued by a registered management investment company will be a voting 
stock and have equal voting rights with every other outstanding voting 
stock. Applicants state that multiple classes of shares of the Funds 
may violate section 18(i) of the Act because each class would be 
entitled to exclusive voting rights with respect to matters solely 
related to that class.
    4. Section 6(c) of the Act provides that the Commission may exempt 
any person, security or transaction or any class or classes of persons, 
securities or transactions from any provision of the Act, or from any 
rule or regulation under the Act, if and to the extent such exemption 
is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and consistent with 
the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the 
policy and provisions of the Act. Applicants request an exemption under 
section 6(c) from sections 18(a)(2), 18(c) and 18(i) to permit the 
Funds to issue multiple classes of shares.
    5. Applicants submit that the proposed allocation of expenses 
relating to distribution and voting rights among multiple classes is 
equitable and will not discriminate against any group or class of 
shareholders. Applicants submit that the proposed arrangements would 
permit a Fund to facilitate the distribution of its shares and provide 
investors with a broader choice of shareholder services. Applicants 
assert that the proposed closed-end investment company multiple class 
structure does not raise the concerns underlying section 18 of the Act 
to any greater degree than open-end investment companies' multiple 
class structures that are permitted by rule 18f-3 under the Act. 
Applicants state that each Fund will comply with the provisions of rule 
18f-3 as if it were an open-end investment company.

Early Withdrawal Charges

    1. Section 23(c) of the Act provides, in relevant part, that no 
registered closed-end investment company shall purchase securities of 
which it is the issuer, except: (a) On a securities exchange or other 
open market; (b) pursuant to tenders, after reasonable opportunity to 
submit tenders given to all holders of securities of the class to be 
purchased; or (c) under other circumstances as the Commission may 
permit by rules and regulations or orders for the protection of 
investors.
    2. Rule 23c-3 under the Act permits a registered closed-end 
investment

[[Page 36497]]

company (an ``interval fund'') to make repurchase offers of between 
five and twenty-five percent of its outstanding shares at net asset 
value at periodic intervals pursuant to a fundamental policy of the 
interval fund. Rule 23c-3(b)(1) under the Act permits an interval fund 
to deduct from repurchase proceeds only a repurchase fee, not to exceed 
two percent of the proceeds, that is paid to the interval fund and is 
reasonably intended to compensate the fund for expenses directly 
related to the repurchase. A Fund will not impose a repurchase fee on 
investors who purchase and tender their shares.
    3. Section 23(c)(3) provides that the Commission may issue an order 
that would permit a closed-end investment company to repurchase its 
shares in circumstances in which the repurchase is made in a manner or 
on a basis that does not unfairly discriminate against any holders of 
the class or classes of securities to be purchased.
    4. Applicants request relief under section 6(c), discussed above, 
and section 23(c)(3) from rule 23c-3 to the extent necessary for the 
Funds to impose EWCs on shares of the Funds submitted for repurchase 
that have been held for less than a specified period.
    5. Applicants state that the EWCs they intend to impose are 
functionally similar to CDSLs imposed by open-end investment companies 
under rule 6c-10 under the Act. Rule 6c-10 permits open-end investment 
companies to impose CDSLs, subject to certain conditions. Applicants 
note that rule 6c-10 is grounded in policy considerations supporting 
the employment of CDSLs where there are adequate safeguards for the 
investor and state that the same policy considerations support 
imposition of EWCs in the interval fund context. In addition, 
applicants state that EWCs may be necessary for the distributor to 
recover distribution costs. Applicants represent that any EWC imposed 
by the Funds will comply with rule 6c-10 under the Act as if the rule 
were applicable to closed-end investment companies. The Funds will 
disclose EWCs in accordance with the requirements of Form N-1A 
concerning CDSLs.

Asset-Based Service and Distribution Fees

    1. Section 17(d) of the Act and rule 17d-1 under the Act prohibit 
an affiliated person of a registered investment company, or an 
affiliated person of such person, acting as principal, from 
participating in or effecting any transaction in connection with any 
joint enterprise or joint arrangement in which the investment company 
participates unless the Commission issues an order permitting the 
transaction. In reviewing applications submitted under section 17(d) 
and rule 17d-1, the Commission considers whether the participation of 
the investment company in a joint enterprise or joint arrangement is 
consistent with the provisions, policies and purposes of the Act, and 
the extent to which the participation is on a basis different from or 
less advantageous than that of other participants.
    2. Rule 17d-3 under the Act provides an exemption from section 
17(d) and rule 17d-1 to permit open-end investment companies to enter 
into distribution arrangements pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the Act. 
Applicants request an order under section 17(d) and rule 17d-1 under 
the Act to the extent necessary to permit the Funds to impose asset-
based service and distribution fees. Applicants have agreed to comply 
with rules 12b-1 and 17d-3 as if those rules applied to closed-end 
investment companies, which they believe will resolve any concerns that 
might arise in connection with a Fund financing the distribution of its 
shares through asset-based service and distribution fees.
    3. For the reasons stated above, applicants submit that the 
exemptions requested under section 6(c) are necessary and appropriate 
in the public interest and are consistent with the protection of 
investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions 
of the Act. Applicants further submit that the relief requested 
pursuant to section 23(c)(3) will be consistent with the protection of 
investors and will insure that applicants do not unfairly discriminate 
against any holders of the class of securities to be purchased. 
Finally, applicants state that the Funds' imposition of asset-based 
service and distribution fees is consistent with the provisions, 
policies and purposes of the Act and does not involve participation on 
a basis different from or less advantageous than that of other 
participants.

Applicants' Condition

    Applicants agree that any order granting the requested relief will 
be subject to the following condition:
    Each Fund relying on the order will comply with the provisions of 
rules 6c-10, 12b-1, 17d-3, 18f-3, 22d-1, and, where applicable, 11a-3 
under the Act, as amended from time to time, as if those rules applied 
to closed-end management investment companies, and will comply with the 
Sales Charge Rule, as amended from time to time, as if that rule 
applied to all closed-end management investment companies.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, 
under delegated authority.
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-16392 Filed 8-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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