SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
Information Required in Proxy Statement
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Schedule 14A Information
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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| Filed by the Registrant | ☒ |
| Filed by Party other than the Registrant | ☐ |
Check the appropriate box:
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| Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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| Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Material |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12 |
Garrison Capital Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, If Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| ☒ | No fee required. | |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | |
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| (1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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| (3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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| (4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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| (5) | Total fee paid: |
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| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| ☐ | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
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| (1) | Amount previously paid: |
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| (2) | Form, schedule or registration statement no.: |
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GARRISON CAPITAL INC.
1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914
New York, New York 10104
March 20,July [•], 2018
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2018 Annuala Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual“Special Meeting”) of Garrison Capital Inc. (the “Company”) to be held on May 2,August 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Garrison Investment Group LP, located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York.
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the proxy statement which are accessible on the Internet or by request, provideprovides an outline of the business to be conducted at the AnnualSpecial Meeting. At the AnnualSpecial Meeting, you will be asked to: (1) elect two directorsto approve the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company and Act of 1940, as amended, to the Company, which would reduce the asset coverage requirements applicable to the Company from 200% to 150%. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) ratifyof the selection of RSM US LLP as1940 Act to the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. I will also report on the Company’s progress since the last meeting and respond to stockholders’ questions.Company.
It is very important that your shares be represented at the AnnualSpecial Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the AnnualSpecial Meeting in person, I urge you to follow the instructions on the Notice ofenclosed proxy card and vote via the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to vote youror telephone or by signing, dating and returning the proxy oncard in the Internet. We encouragepostage-paid envelope provided. Management encourages you to vote via the Internet, if possible, as it saves the Company significant time and processing costs. On the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, you also will find instructions on how to request a hard copy of the proxy statement and proxy card free of charge, and you may vote your proxy by returning a proxy card to us after you request the hard copy materials. Your vote and participation in the governance of the Company are very important to us.management.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Joseph Tansey
Joseph Tansey
Chief Executive Officer
GARRISON CAPITAL INC.
1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914
New York, NY 10104
(212) 372-9590
NOTICE OF ANNUAL SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 2,AUGUST 14, 2018
Notice is hereby given to the stockholders of Garrison Capital Inc. (the “Company”) that:
The 2018 AnnualA Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual“Special Meeting”) of the Company will be held at the offices of Garrison Investment Group LP, located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York, on May 2,August 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time,Time. At the Special Meeting, stockholders of the Company will consider and vote on a proposal to approve the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), to the Company, which would reduce the asset coverage requirements applicable to the Company from 200% to 150%. These reduced asset coverage requirements were enacted into law on March 23, 2018 in the Small Business Credit Availability Act (the “SBCAA”). The SBCAA, among other things, amended Section 61(a) of the 1940 Act to add a new Section 61(a)(2) that reduces the asset coverage requirements applicable to business development companies (“BDCs”) from 200% to 150%. Under these modified asset coverage requirements, a BDC will be able to incur additional leverage, as the asset coverage requirements for senior securities (leverage) applicable to the following purposes:Company pursuant to Sections 18 and 61 of the 1940 Act will be reduced to 150% (equivalent to a 66-2/3% debt-to-total capital ratio) from 200% (equivalent to a 50% debt-to-total capital ratio).
If this proposal is approved by stockholders, the Company and its investment adviser intend to reduce the base management fee payable under the fourth amended and restated investment advisory agreement between the Company and the investment adviser to an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company's average gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters; provided, however, the base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average value of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, that exceeds the product of (i) 200% and (ii) the Company’s average net assets at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. |
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If this proposal is not approved by stockholders, the Company will continue to operate within the 200% asset coverage requirements until March 28, 2019 (the one year anniversary of the approval of the application of the modified asset coverage requirements to the Company by its board of directors). Until such time, the Company would continue to operate in accordance with its current investment strategy.
You have the right to receive notice of, and to vote at, the AnnualSpecial Meeting if you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on March 7,July 3, 2018. We are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders on the Internet, rather than mailing printed copies of those materials to each stockholder. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request them. Instead, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will instruct you as to how you may access and review the proxy materials, and vote your proxy, on the Internet.
Your vote is extremely important to us.the Company. If you are unable to attend the AnnualSpecial Meeting, we encouragethe Company encourages you to vote your proxy on the Internet by following the instructions provided on the Notice ofenclosed proxy card and vote via the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. You may also request from us, free of charge, hard copies ofor telephone or by signing, dating and returning the proxy statement and a proxy card by followingin the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.postage-paid envelope provided. In the event there are not sufficient votes for a quorum or to approve the proposalsproposal at the time of the AnnualSpecial Meeting, the AnnualSpecial Meeting may be adjourned in order to permit further solicitation of proxies by the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, INCLUDINGUNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS,
RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR EACHAPPROVAL OF THE PROPOSALS.APPLICATION OF THE REDUCED ASSET COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 61(A)(2) OF THE 1940 ACT TO THE COMPANY.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Michael L. ButlerKaitlin BetancourtMichael L. ButlerKaitlin Betancourt
Secretary
New York, New YorkMarch 20,July [•], 2018
This is an important meeting. To ensure proper representation at the AnnualSpecial Meeting, please follow the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials toenclosed proxy card and vote your proxy via the Internet or request, complete, sign, datetelephone or by signing, dating and return areturning the proxy card.card in the postage-paid envelope provided. Even if you vote your shares prior to the AnnualSpecial Meeting, you still may attend the AnnualSpecial Meeting and vote your shares in person if you wish to change your vote.
GARRISON CAPITAL INC.
1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914
New York, NY 10104
(212) 372-9590
PROXY STATEMENT
For2018 AnnualSpecial Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held on May 2,August 14, 2018
This document will give you the information you need to vote on the mattersproposal listed on the accompanying Notice of AnnualSpecial Meeting of Stockholders (“Notice of AnnualSpecial Meeting”). Much of the information in this proxy statement (“Proxy Statement”) is required under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and some of it is technical in nature. If there is anything you do not understand, please contact usGarrison Capital Inc. (the “Company”) at (212) 372-9590.
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Garrison Capital Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”)the Company for use at our 2018 Annuala Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual“Special Meeting”) to be held on Wednesday, May 2,Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Garrison Investment Group LP (“Garrison Investment Group”), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. This Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) areis being providedsent to stockholders (“Stockholders”) of the Company of record as of March 7,July 3, 2018 (the “Record Date”) on or about July [•], 2018.
Please follow the voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card and vote via the Internet on or about March 20, 2018. In addition, a Notice of Annual Meeting and a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials are being sent to Stockholders of record as of the Record Date.
Stockholders may provide their voting instructions through the Internet, by telephone or by mail by followingsigning, dating and returning the instructions onproxy card in the Notice ofpostage-paid envelope provided. Voting via the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. These options requireor telephone requires Stockholders to input the control number, which is provided with the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.enclosed proxy card. If you vote using the Internet, after visiting www.proxyvote.com and inputting your control number, you will be prompted to provide your voting instructions. Stockholders will have an opportunity to review their voting instructions and make any necessary changes before submitting their voting instructions and terminating their Internet link. Stockholders that vote via the Internet, in addition to confirming their voting instructions prior to submission, will, upon request, receive an e-mail confirming their instructions.
If a Stockholder wishes to participate in the AnnualSpecial Meeting but does not wish to give a proxy by the Internet, the Stockholder may (1) attend the AnnualSpecial Meeting in person, or (2) request and submit a proxy card or (3) vote by telephone by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.enclosed proxy card.
Any proxy authorized pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving the proxy at any time before it is exercised (1) by submitting new voting instructions via the Internet voting site, by telephone, by obtaining and properly completing another proxy card that is dated later than the original proxy card and returning it, by mail, in time to be received before the AnnualSpecial Meeting, (2) by attending the AnnualSpecial Meeting and voting in person or (3) by a notice, provided in writing and signed by the Stockholder, delivered to the Company’s Secretary on any business day before the date of the AnnualSpecial Meeting.
Purpose of the AnnualSpecial Meeting
At the AnnualSpecial Meeting, youStockholders of the Company will be asked to vote on the following proposals:proposal (the “Proposal”): to approve the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), to the Company.
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If the Proposal is approved by Stockholders, the Company and Garrison Capital Advisers LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) intend to reduce the base management fee payable under the fourth amended and restated investment advisory agreement between the Company and Garrison Capital Advisers (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) from (a) an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company’s average gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters to (b) an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company’s average gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters; provided, however, the base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average value of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, that exceeds the product of (i) 200% and (ii) the Company’s average net assets at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters.
Voting Securities
You may vote your shares at the AnnualSpecial Meeting only if you were a Stockholder of record at the close of business on the Record Date. There were 16,049,352 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) outstanding on the Record Date. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote.
Quorum Required
A quorum must be present at the AnnualSpecial Meeting for any business to be conducted. The presence at the AnnualSpecial Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date will constitute a quorum. If there are not enough votes present for a quorum, the chairman of the AnnualSpecial Meeting will have the power to adjourn the AnnualSpecial Meeting to permit the further solicitation of proxies.
Abstentions. Abstentions will be treated as shares present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
Broker Non-Votes. Shares held by a broker or other nominee for which the nominee has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary authority to vote the shares on non-routine proposals (which are considered “broker non-votes” with respect to such proposals) will notbe treated as shares present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
Votes Required
Election of Directors
The election of a directorProposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the AnnualSpecial Meeting in person or by proxy. Stockholders may not cumulate their votes.
Abstentions. With respect to approval of the Proposal, 1, abstentions will not be included in determining the number of votes cast and, as a result, will have no effect on the election of directors.Proposal.
Broker Non-Votes. The Proposal 1 is a non-routine matter. As a result, if you hold shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or nominee will not be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to Proposal 1 at the Annual Meeting.Special Meeting and the shares will not be treated as present for quorum purposes. Therefore, if you do not vote and you do not give your broker or other nominee specific instructions on how to vote for you, then your broker cannot vote with respect to the Proposal 1.
Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The ratification ofand the appointment of RSM to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy.
Abstentions. With respect to approval of Proposal 2, abstentionsshares will not be included in determining the number of votes cast and,treated as a result, will have no effect on the ratification of the appointment of RSM to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Broker Non-Votes. Proposal 2 is a routine matter. As a result, if you hold shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or nominee will be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to Proposal 2 at the Annual Meeting. Therefore, if you beneficially own your shares and you do not provide your broker or nominee with voting instructions, then your broker, bank or other nominee will be able to vote your sharespresent for you on Proposal 2.quorum purposes.
Adjournment and Additional Solicitation
If there appears not to be enough votes to approve the proposalsProposal at the AnnualSpecial Meeting, the chairman of the AnnualSpecial Meeting will have the power to adjourn the AnnualSpecial Meeting to permit the further solicitation of proxies.
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A Stockholder vote may be taken on Proposal 1 or Proposal 2 prior to any such adjournment if there are sufficient votes for approval of such proposal.
Appraisal Rights
Stockholders who vote against either proposalthe Proposal will not have appraisal or other similar rights with respect to such proposal.rights.
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Information Regarding This Solicitation
The Company will bear the expense of the solicitation of proxies for the AnnualSpecial Meeting, including the cost of preparing and postingmailing this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report to the Internet and the cost of mailing the Notice of Annual Meeting, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and any requestedaccompanying proxy materials to Stockholders.card. The Company intends to use the services of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of investor communications solutions, to aid in the distribution and collection of proxy votes. The Company expects to pay market rates for such services. The Company reimburses brokers, trustees, fiduciaries and other institutions for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials to the beneficial owners and soliciting them to execute proxies.
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the Internet, proxies may be solicited in person and/or by telephone, mail or facsimile transmission by directors or officers of the Company, officers or employees of Garrison Capital Advisers LLC, the Company’s investment adviser (“Garrison Capital Advisers”), Garrison Capital Administrator LLC, the Company’s administrator (“Garrison Capital Administrator”), and/or by a retained solicitor. No additional compensation will be paid to such directors, officers or regular employees for such services. If the Company retains a solicitor, the Company has estimated that it would pay approximately $10,000 for such services. If the Company engages a solicitor, you could be contacted by telephone on behalf of the Company and urged to vote. The solicitor will not attempt to influence how you vote your shares but will ask that you take the time to cast a vote. You may also be asked if you would like to vote over the telephone and to have your vote transmitted to ourthe Company’s proxy tabulation firm.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
As of the Record Date, to ourthe Company’s knowledge, there are no persons who would be deemed to “control” us,the Company, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (the “1940 Act”).Act.
The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date, certain ownership information with respect to ourthe Common Stock for those persons who directly or indirectly own, control or hold with the power to vote, five percent or more of ourthe Company’s outstanding Common Stock and all officers and directors, individually and as a group.
Name and address (1) |
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| Percentage of outstanding common stock | Type of ownership | Shares owned | Percentage of outstanding Common Stock | |||||||||
Corbin Capital Partners, L.P. and affiliates (2) |
| Record/Beneficial |
| 1,731,305 |
| 10.8% |
| Record/Beneficial | 1,731,305 | 10.8 | % | |||||||
Caxton Corporation (3) |
| Beneficial |
| 1,089,834 |
| 6.8 | % | Beneficial | 1,089,834 | 6.8 | % | |||||||
RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (4) |
| Beneficial |
| 1,060,624 |
| 6.6 | % | Beneficial | 1,060,624 | 6.6 | % | |||||||
Joseph Tansey (5) |
| Record/Beneficial |
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| 925,906 |
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| 5.8 | % | Record/Beneficial | 925,906 | 5.8 | % | |||||
Brian Chase (6) |
| Record/Beneficial |
| 71,035 |
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| * | Record/Beneficial | 71,035 |
| * | |||||||
Cecil Martin (7) |
| Record/Beneficial |
| 6,000 |
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| * | Record/Beneficial | 6,000 |
| * | |||||||
Joseph Morea (8) |
| Beneficial |
| 4,500 |
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| * | Beneficial | 4,500 |
| * | |||||||
Matthew Westwood (9) |
| Record/Beneficial |
| 15,059 |
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| * | Record/Beneficial | 15,232 |
| * | |||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (5 persons) |
| Record/Beneficial |
| 1,022,500 |
| 6.4 | % | Record/Beneficial | 1,022,673 | 6.4 | % |
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(1) | The business address for each officer and director is c/o Garrison Investment Group, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York 10104. |
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(2) | The address for Corbin Capital Partners, L.P. and its affiliates is 590 Madison Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, New York 10022. The number of shares beneficially owned is based on a Schedule |
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(3) | Bruce S. Kovner is the Chairman and sole shareholder of Caxton Corporation, and as such beneficially owns the 1,089,834 shares |
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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company’s directors and other executive officers and any persons holding more than 10% of its Common Stock are required to report their beneficial ownership and any changes therein to the SEC and the Company. Specific due dates for those reports have been established, and the Company is required to report in this Proxy Statement any failure to file such reports by those due dates. Based on a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed by directors, other executive officers and any person holding more than 10% of the Common Stock and other information provided to the Company, the Company believes that during the year ended December 31, 2017, no such person failed to file such reports by their specific due dates.
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned by Directors
The following table sets forth the dollar range of ourthe Company’s equity securities beneficially owned by each of our directorsdirector as of the Record Date. We areThe Company is not part of a “family of investment companies,” as that term is defined in Schedule 14A.
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PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with the Company’s bylaws, the Board currently has five members. Two of these members are interested directors and three are independent directors. An interested director is an “interested person” of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, and independent directors are all other directors (the “Independent Directors”). Messrs. Cecil Martin, Joseph Morea and Matthew Westwood qualify as Independent Directors.
Directors are divided into three classes and are elected for staggered terms, with a term of office of one of the three classes of directors expiring each year. After this election, the terms of Class I, II and III will expire in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Each director will hold office for the term to which he is elected or until his successor is duly elected and qualifies.
A Stockholder can vote for or against, or abstain from voting with respect to, any nominee. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, it is the intention of Joseph Tansey and Brian Chase, the persons named as proxies, to vote such proxy FOR the election of each nominee named below. If a nominee should decline or be unable to serve as a director, it is intended that the proxy will be voted for the election of such person as is nominated by the Board as a replacement. The Board has no reason to believe that either Mr. Chase or Mr. Morea will be unable or unwilling to serve.
If either nominee is not elected by the Stockholders at the Annual Meeting, in accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, such nominee will continue to serve as a director until his successor is elected and qualifies or until his earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity.
THE BOARD, INCLUDING ITS INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS, RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
Information about the Nominees and Directors
Certain information with respect to the Class III nominees for election at the Annual Meeting, as well as each of the other directors, is set forth below, including their names, ages, a brief description of their recent business experience, including present occupations and employment, certain directorships that each person holds and the year in which each person became a director of the Company. Each of the nominees for Class III director currently serves as a director of the Company.
Messrs. Chase and Morea have each been nominated for election as a Class III director for a term expiring at the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders. Messrs. Chase and Morea are not being proposed for election pursuant to any agreement or understanding between either Mr. Chase or Mr. Morea and the Company.
Nominees for Class III Directors
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Class I Directors (continuing directors not up for re-election at the Annual Meeting)
Name, Age and Address(1) |
| Position(s) Held |
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| Director |
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| Expiration |
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| Other Directorships Held by |
Interested Director |
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Joseph Tansey (45)(4) |
| Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
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| 2011 |
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| 2019 |
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| President – Garrison Investment Group (2007 – present) |
| None |
Independent Director |
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Cecil Martin (76) |
| Director |
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| 2011 |
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| 2019 |
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| Independent Commercial Real Estate Investor |
| Director – Comstock Resources, Inc. |
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| Director – Crosstex Energy, Inc. (2006 –2014) |
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| Director – Crosstex Energy, L.P. (2006 – 2014) |
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Class II Director (continuing director not up for re-election at the Annual Meeting)
Name, Age and Address(1) |
| Position(s) Held with the Company |
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| Director Since |
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| Expiration of Term |
| Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years |
| Other Directorships Held by |
Independent Director |
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Matthew Westwood (47) |
| Director |
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| 2011 |
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| 2020 |
| Retired |
| None |
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Corporate Governance
We believe that maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance is a crucial part of our business, and we are committed to having in place the necessary controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Director Independence
The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) corporate governance requirements require listed companies to have a board of directors with at least a majority of Independent Directors. Under Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, in order for a director to be deemed independent, the Board must determine that the individual does not have a relationship that would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his responsibilities. On an annual basis, each of our directors is required to complete a questionnaire designed to provide information to assist the Board in determining whether the director is independent under Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, the 1940 Act and our corporate governance guidelines. The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Martin, Morea and Westwood is independent under the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements and the 1940 Act. Our corporate governance guidelines require any director who has previously been determined to be independent to inform the Chairman of the Board, the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Secretary of any change in circumstance that may cause his status as an Independent Director to change. The Board limits membership on the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Valuation Committee to Independent Directors.
The Board’s Oversight Role in Management
The Board’s role in management of the Company is one of oversight. Oversight of the Company’s investment activities extends to oversight of the risk management processes employed by Garrison Capital Advisers as part of its day-to-day management of our investment activities. The Board reviews risk management processes at both regular and special Board meetings throughout the year, consulting with appropriate representatives of Garrison Capital Advisers 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 the risks associated with our investment activities are accurately identified, thoroughly 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 Company’s investments.
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The Board’s Composition and Leadership Structure
The 1940 Act and Nasdaq corporate governance requirements require that at least a majority of the Company’s directors not be “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company. Currently, three of the Company’s five directors are Independent Directors (and are not “interested persons”). Joseph Tansey, President of Garrison Investment Group, Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer is an interested person of the Company. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of our investors for Mr. Tansey to lead the Board because of his familiarity with our portfolio companies, his broad experience with the day-to-day management and operation of other investment funds and his significant background in the financial services industry, as described below.
The Board does not have a lead Independent Director. However, Mr. Martin, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Morea, the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Mr. Westwood, the Chairman of the Valuation Committee, are Independent Directors and act as liaisons between the Independent Directors and management between meetings of the Board. 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 small size creates an efficient corporate governance structure that provides opportunity for direct communication and interaction between Garrison Capital Advisers and the Board.
Information About Each Director’s Experience, Qualifications, Attributes or Skills
Below is additional information about each director (supplementing the information provided in the table above) that describes some of the specific experiences, qualifications, attributes and/or skills that each director possesses and which the Board believes has prepared each director to be an effective member of the Board. The Board believes that the significance of each director’s experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills is an individual matter (meaning that experience or a factor that is important for one director may not have the same value for another) and that these factors are best evaluated at the Board level, with no single director, or particular factor, being indicative of Board effectiveness. However, the Board believes that directors need to have the ability to review, evaluate, question and discuss critical information provided to them and to interact effectively with Company management, service providers and counsel, in order to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties. The Board believes that its members satisfy this standard. Experience relevant to having this ability may be achieved through a director’s professional experience, education and/or other personal experiences. The Company’s counsel has significant experience advising funds and fund board members. The Board and its committees have the ability to engage other experts as appropriate. The Board evaluates its performance on an annual basis.
Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills that Led to the Board’s Conclusion that such Members Should Serve as Directors of the Company
The Board believes that, collectively, the directors have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the Company and protecting the interests of the Stockholders. Below is a description of the various experiences, qualifications, attributes and/or skills with respect to each director considered by the Board.
9
Joseph Tansey has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since 2011 and is a member of our investment committee. He has served as President of Garrison Investment Group since its formation in March 2007. Prior to forming Garrison Investment Group, Mr. Tansey was a managing director at Fortress Investment Group LLC from 2002 to 2007 and a partner of Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund from its inception in August 2002 to March 2007. At Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund, Mr. Tansey was responsible for investment and loan structuring with a focus on structured finance and real estate transactions. Most recently, he ran Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund’s rediscount lending business. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Tansey worked at Goldman Sachs & Co. in Tokyo, Hong Kong and New York as a member of the Asian Special Situations Group, the Real Estate Principal Investment Group and the Mortgages Department. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mr. Tansey worked at Starwood Capital Group from 1995 to 1998 where he was involved in the acquisition and management of real estate operating businesses and distressed debt. Mr. Tansey received a B.A. and a B.S. from The University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Tansey’s experiences with Garrison Investment Group and several other investment groups and his focus on middle-market lending and structured finance led our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to conclude that Mr. Tansey is qualified to serve as a director.
Brian Chase has served as our Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and director since 2011 and is a member of our investment committee. He joined Garrison Investment Group at its formation in March 2007 and currently serves as its chief operating officer and chief financial officer with responsibility for structuring of funds, financing, operations, tax, accounting and general administration. Prior to joining Garrison Investment Group, from 2005 until March 2007, Mr. Chase was chief financial officer of the Distressed Securities business at The Blackstone Group, where he was responsible for building and overseeing the fund infrastructure and operations. From 2002 until 2005, Mr. Chase was a controller for Fortress Investment Group LLC where he helped develop and oversee the fund’s accounting, tax, financing and operations. Prior to joining Fortress Investment Group, Mr. Chase worked at UBS Alternative Investment Group, a manager of equity and distressed hedge funds, and in the Capital Markets Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP specializing in hedge fund audits. Mr. Chase received a B.S. from the State University of New York at Binghamton and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Mr. Chase’s experiences with Garrison Investment Group and several other investment groups and his focus on the middle market led our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to conclude that Mr. Chase is qualified to serve as a director.
Independent Directors
Cecil Martin
$10,001 – $50,000
Joseph Morea
$10,001 – $50,000
Matthew Westwood
Over $100,000
Interested Directors
Joseph Tansey
Over $100,000
Brian Chase
Over $100,000
___________
(1) | Dollar ranges are as follows: None; $1 – $10,000; $10,001 – $50,000; $50,001 – $100,000; over $100,000. |
4
PROPOSAL — APPROVAL OF APPLICATION OF REDUCED ASSET COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS TO THE COMPANY
The Company is a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act contains asset coverage requirements which limit the ability of BDCs to incur leverage, and a BDC is generally only allowed to borrow amounts by issuing debt securities or preferred stock (collectively referred to as “senior securities”) if its asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowing. For purposes of the 1940 Act, “asset coverage” means the ratio of (1) the total assets of a BDC, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to (2) the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness (plus, in the case of senior securities represented by preferred stock, the aggregate involuntary liquidation preference of such preferred stock). The Company has received exemptive relief from the SEC to exclude from its asset coverage ratio the debentures of any small business investment company (“SBIC”) subsidiary.
On March 23, 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act (the “SBCAA”) was enacted into law. The SBCAA, among other things, amended Section 61(a) of the 1940 Act to add a new Section 61(a)(2) that reduces the asset coverage requirements applicable to BDCs from 200% to 150%, which permits a BDC to increase the maximum amount of leverage that it is permitted to incur, so long as the BDC meets certain disclosure requirements and obtains certain approvals. Under these modified asset coverage requirements, a BDC will be able to incur additional leverage, as the asset coverage requirements for senior securities (leverage) applicable to the Company pursuant to Sections 18 and 61 of the 1940 Act will be reduced to 150% (equivalent to a 66-2/3% debt-to-total capital ratio) from 200% (equivalent to a 50% debt-to-total capital ratio). Effectiveness of the reduced asset coverage requirement to a BDC requires approval by either (1) a “required majority,” as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act, of such BDC’s board of directors with effectiveness one year after the date of such approval or (2) a majority of votes cast at a special or annual meeting of such BDC’s stockholders at which a quorum is present, which can be effective as soon as the day after such stockholder approval.
At a meeting of the Board held on March 28, 2018, the Board, including a “required majority” of the Company’s directors, as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act, approved the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act as being in the best interests of the Company and Stockholders, and, as a result, and subject to certain additional disclosure requirements as described below and provided such approval is not later rescinded, the reduced asset coverage requirements will apply to the Company effective as of March 28, 2019 (unless earlier approved at the Special Meeting).
In addition, the Board has determined that it is advisable and in the best interest of the Company and Stockholders that the reduced asset coverage requirements for senior securities in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act apply to the Company as soon as practicable. Therefore, the Board has decided to hold the Special Meeting to seek approval from Stockholders of the Proposal in an effort to accelerate the effectiveness of the reduced asset coverage requirements. If the Proposal is approved by Stockholders at the Special Meeting, the asset coverage required for the Company’s senior securities will be 150% rather than 200% commencing on the first day after such approval. If the Proposal is not approved by Stockholders, the Company currently intends to continue to operate within the 200% asset coverage requirements in accordance with its current investment strategy until March 28, 2019.
Recommendation and Rationale
The Board unanimously recommends that Stockholders vote in favor of the Proposal and the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act to the Company. In reaching its decision to recommend the Proposal, the Board, including all of the independent directors, considered the following factors related to the Proposal:
the Company’s investment strategy and focus on first lien senior secured loans;
the additional flexibility to manage the Company’s capital to seek to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities;
the potential impact (both positive and negative) on net investment income, return to Stockholders and net asset value;
5
the impact on fees payable by the Company to Garrison Capital Advisers; and
the other considerations noted below.
Investment strategy and focus on first lien senior secured loans
The Board noted that the Company primarily invests in first lien senior secured loans. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 97.2% and 98.2%, respectively, of the Company’s portfolio at fair value consisted of first lien senior secured loans. The Board observed that a portfolio primarily comprised of senior debt investments would be well-positioned to incur additional leverage and that because of the Company’s exemptive relief with respect to SBIC debentures, as of March 31, 2018, the Company’s asset coverage was 178% as computed under generally accepted accounting principles as compared to 204% as computed under the 1940 Act.
Flexibility to manage the Company’s capital to seek to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities
The Company believes that attractive investment opportunities can arise throughout credit and economic cycles and that it intends to deploy capital with a focus on long-term results. However, neither the Company nor Garrison Capital Advisers can predict when attractive opportunities may arise and such opportunities may arise at a time when (i) it may be disadvantageous, (ii) the Company is unable to raise additional equity due to the 1940 Act limitations on the issuance of Common Stock at prices below net asset value per share absent stockholder approval (which the Company does not currently have) or (iii) market conditions are not attractive for raising equity capital. The Board noted that if the Company is not able to (or chooses not to) access additional capital when attractive investment opportunities arise, its ability to continue to pay regular distributions to Stockholders could be adversely affected. Based on the Company’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2018, reducing the asset coverage requirements applicable to the Company to 150% would permit the Company to borrow up to approximately $185.2 million in additional capital. The ability to access this additional capital would provide enhanced flexibility to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities as they arise. The Board discussed various types of debt financing and noted that debt securitizations, were they to continue to be used by the Company, can provide advantages over other types of financing structures, such as a lower borrowing cost and a longer period during which the Company’s collateralized loan obligation subsidiary can continue to use principal proceeds from existing loans to purchase new loans. Furthermore, the Board discussed that there could be no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain additional leverage from lenders on favorable terms, or at all.
In addition, the Board noted that any increase in total assets available for investment would increase the assets available for investment in assets that are “non-qualifying assets” for purposes of Section 55 of the 1940 Act, thereby further increasing the likelihood that the Company could take advantage of attractive investment opportunities.
Potential impact on net investment income, return to Stockholders and net asset value
The Board considered the impact of additional leverage on the Company’s net investment income, noting that additional leverage could increase net investment income. Management finally noted that additional leverage would magnify increases in the Company’s income, if any, which could cause the Company’s net investment income to exceed the quarterly hurdle rate for the incentive fee the Company pays to Garrison Capital Advisers with comparatively lower absolute returns on the Company’s investments but that the cap and deferral mechanism would provide some protection against incentive fees being paid where the Company’s net assets decline. The Board also discussed that additional leverage could cause the Company’s net investment income to decline more sharply if the Company’s portfolio had more non-performing assets than it otherwise would have if the Company did not employ such additional leverage, for example, if spreads were to narrow or interest rates on the Company’s borrowings increased. In addition, any additional leverage incurred by the Company would increase its expenses, including interest expense or dividends and potential fees and costs related to entering into new debt securitizations or credit facilities. Increased expenses when combined with any decrease in the Company’s income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had the Company not incurred additional leverage, which could negatively affect the Company’s ability to make Common Stock distributions or debt payments.
6
The following table is intended to assist stockholders in understanding the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in the Common Stock assuming that the Company employs leverage such that its asset coverage equals (1) the Company’s actual asset coverage as of March 31, 2018 (204%), (2) 200% (excluding the Company’s SBIC debentures as permitted by the Company’s exemptive relief) and (3) 150% at various annual returns, net of expenses, as of March 31, 2018. The assumed returns on the Company’s portfolio are required by regulation to assist investors in understanding the effects of leverage and is not a prediction of, and does not represent, the Company’s projected or actual performance. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below.
Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses) | -10.00% | -5.00% | 0.00% | 5.00% | 10.00% |
Corresponding net return to Stockholders assuming actual asset coverage as of March 31, 2018 (204% asset coverage)(1) | -28.66% | -17.25% | -5.83% | 5.58% | 17.00% |
Corresponding return to Stockholders assuming 200% asset coverage(2) | -29.40% | -17.69% | -5.99% | 5.71% | 17.42% |
Corresponding return to Stockholders assuming 150% asset coverage(3) | -43.76% | -27.06% | -10.36% | 6.35% | 23.05% |
___________
(1) | Assumes $427.0 million in total assets, $238.7 million of debt outstanding (including the Company’s SBIC debentures), $185.2 million in net assets as of March 31, 2018 and an average cost of funds of 4.52%, which is the weighted average effective interest rate of the Company’s debt for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and includes the effects of the amortization of deferred debt issuance costs. |
(2) | Assumes $433.5 million in total assets, $245.2 million of total debt outstanding (including the Company’s SBIC debentures), $185.2 million in net assets as of March 31, 2018 and an |
(3) | Assumes $618.7 million in total assets, $423.9 million of total debt outstanding (including the Company’s SBIC debentures), $185.2 million in net assets as of March 31, 2018 and an average cost of funds of 4.52%, which is the weighted average effective interest rate of the Company’s debt for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and includes the effects of the amortization of deferred debt issuance costs. |
Based on the Company’s outstanding indebtedness of $238.7 million as of March 31, 2018 and an average cost of funds of 4.52% as of that date, the Company’s investment portfolio must experience an annual return of at least 2.55% to cover annual interest payments on outstanding debt. Based on assumed outstanding indebtedness of $245.2 million on an assumed 200% asset coverage ratio and an average cost of funds of 4.52%, the Company’s investment portfolio must experience an annual return of at least 2.56% to cover annual interest payments on the total debt outstanding. Based on assumed outstanding indebtedness of $423.9 million on an assumed 150% asset coverage ratio and an average cost of funds of 4.52%, the Company’s investment portfolio must experience an annual return of at least 3.10% to cover annual interest payments on the total debt outstanding.
The Board also discussed the potential impact that the incurrence of additional leverage may have on the Company’s net assets. If the fair value of the Company’s assets increases, additional leverage could cause net asset value to increase more rapidly than it otherwise would have if the Company did not employ such additional leverage. Conversely, if the fair value of the Company’s investments were to decrease, then the net asset value of the Company would decrease more rapidly than it would have in the absence of the utilization of such additional leverage.
7
Additional flexibility to make distributions required to maintain the Company’s tax status as a regulated investment company without violating the 1940 Act
The 1940 Act currently prohibits the Company from declaring any dividend or other distribution to holders of any class of capital stock, in the case of debt securities, or Common Stock, in the case of preferred stock, unless its asset coverage with respect to senior securities is at least 200% (other than the Company’s SBIC debentures as permitted by the Company’s exemptive relief). By lowering the asset coverage requirements to 150%, the Company will have additional flexibility, subject to compliance with the covenants under any debt facilities, to pay distributions to Stockholders in order to be eligible for the tax benefits available to a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. This additional flexibility may be helpful in circumstances where the value of the Company’s assets, and thus the Company’s asset coverage, declines, but the level of the Company’s net investment income remains relatively constant and, as a result, the Company continues to have cash available to make any necessary distributions to Stockholders. If the Company were to fail to make required distributions and no longer qualify as a RIC, the Company would become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.
Impact on fees payable by the Company to Garrison Capital Advisers
The Company is externally managed by Garrison Capital Advisers pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, and the base management fee payable to Garrison Capital Advisers pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement is currently 1.50% of the gross assets of the Company, excluding cash and cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds. The Board considered that incurring additional leverage will increase the management fee payable to Garrison Capital Advisers irrespective of the return on the incremental assets but also noted that sourcing additional investment opportunities to deploy any additional capital will require additional time and effort on the part of Garrison Capital Advisers and its investment personnel. The Board also noted that, if the Proposal is approved by Stockholders, the Company and Garrison Capital Advisers intend to reduce the base management fee payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement (a) from an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company’s average gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters to (b) to an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company's average gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters; provided, however, the base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average value of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds, that exceeds the product of (i) 200% and (ii) the Company’s average net assets at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. If the Proposal is not approved by Stockholders, the base management fees will not be reduced as described herein.
As noted above, additional leverage will magnify any positive returns on the Company’s investment portfolio, which would cause the Company’s income to possibly exceed the hurdle rate on the incentive fee payable to Garrison Capital Advisers pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement at a lower return on the Company’s investments. Thus, if the Company incurs additional leverage, additional incentive fees may be payable to Garrison Capital Advisers under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any corresponding increase in the Company’s performance. The Board noted that the incentive fee payable by the Company to Garrison Capital Advisers may create an incentive for it to make investments on the Company’s behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns. The Board also discussed that, if additional leverage were incurred, Garrison Capital Advisers would potentially be able to earn an incentive fee with a lower risk and lower yielding portfolio, which could mitigate this risk.
8
The following table is intended to assist stockholders in understanding the estimated annual expenses that an investor in the Common Stock would bear, directly or indirectly, assuming that the Company employs leverage such that its asset coverage equals (1) the Company’s actual asset coverage as of March 31, 2018 (204%), (2) 200% (excluding the Company’s SBIC debentures as permitted by the Company’s exemptive relief) and (3) 150% as of March 31, 2018. The Company cautions that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. The following table should not be considered a representation of the Company’s future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than shown. Except where the context suggests otherwise, stockholders will indirectly bear these fees and expenses.
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Estimated annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets |
| Actual asset |
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| 200% asset |
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| 150% asset |
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Base management fees(4) |
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| 3.22 | % |
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| 3.27 | % |
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| 3.99 | % |
Incentive fees payable under Investment Advisory Agreement (20% of pre-incentive fee net investment income and 20% of realized capital gains)(5) |
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| 0.00 | % |
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| 0.00 | % |
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| 0.00 | % |
Interest payments on borrowed funds(6) |
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| 5.37 | % |
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| 5.51 | % |
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| 9.53 | % |
Other expenses(7) |
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| 2.71 | % |
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| 2.71 | % |
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| 2.71 | % |
Total annual expenses |
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| 11.30 | % |
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| 11.49 | % |
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| 16.23 | % |
Examples
The following examples demonstrate the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in the Common Stock, assuming (1) actual asset coverage as of March 31, 2018 (204%), (2) hypothetical asset coverage of 200% and (3) hypothetical asset coverage of 150%. In calculating the following expenses, the Company has assumed that its annual operating expenses remain at the levels set forth in the table above for the respective asset coverage ratio, except for the incentive fee on income payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
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An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in |
| 1 year |
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| 5 Years |
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| 10 Years |
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Based on Actual Asset Coverage as of March 31, 2018 (204%) |
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Assuming a 5% annual return (assumes no return from net realized capital gains or net unrealized capital appreciation) |
| $ | 109 |
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| $ | 308 |
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| $ | 482 |
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| $ | 831 |
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Assuming a 5% annual return (assumes return from only realized capital gains and thus subject to the capital gains incentive fee) |
| $ | 119 |
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| $ | 330 |
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| $ | 512 |
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| $ | 863 |
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Based on 200% Asset Coverage |
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Assuming a 5% annual return (assumes no return from net realized capital gains or net unrealized capital appreciation) |
| $ | 111 |
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| $ | 312 |
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| $ | 488 |
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| $ | 837 |
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Assuming a 5% annual return (assumes return from only realized capital gains and thus subject to the capital gains incentive fee) |
| $ | 120 |
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| $ | 334 |
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| $ | 518 |
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| $ | 868 |
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Based on 150% Asset Coverage |
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Assuming a 5% annual return (assumes no return from net realized capital gains or net unrealized capital appreciation) |
| $ | 153 |
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| $ | 410 |
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| $ | 612 |
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| $ | 950 |
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Assuming a 5% annual return (assumes return from only realized capital gains and thus subject to the capital gains incentive fee) |
| $ | 162 |
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| $ | 428 |
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| $ | 634 |
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| $ | 964 |
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9
___________
(1) | For purposes of this table, expenses for the “Actual asset coverage as of March 31, 2018 (204%)” column are based on actual expenses incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2018, annualized for a |
(2) | For purposes of |
(3) | For purposes of this table, expenses for the “150% asset coverage” column are based on hypothetical expenses for the three months ended March |
|
| Year ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||
Name |
| Fees earned or paid |
| All other compensation(2) |
| Total compensation from | ||||||
Independent Directors |
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Cecil Martin |
| $ | 108,421 |
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| — |
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| $ | 108,421 |
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Joseph Morea |
| $ | 97,637 |
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| — |
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| $ | 97,637 |
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Matthew Westwood |
| $ | 106,409 |
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| — |
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| $ | 106,409 |
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Interested Directors |
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Rafael Astruc(3) |
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Brian Chase |
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Joseph Tansey |
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(6) | For purposes of the “actual asset coverage as of March 31, 2018 (204%)” column, the borrowing costs included in the table above represent the product of (i) the actual amounts of debt outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and (ii) 4.16% which represents the actual weighted average interest rate on the Company’s debt outstanding as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018 our weighted average effective interest rate was 4.52%, inclusive of deferred financing costs. Deferred debt issuance costs include structuring and other facility fees, as well as legal fees, rating agency fees and all other direct and incremental costs associated with the Company’s borrowings, which costs the Company amortizes fully over the life of the instrument. The Company expects to continue to use leverage to finance a portion of the Company’s investments in the future, consistent with the rules and regulations under the 1940 Act. For purposes of the “200% asset coverage” column, the table above multiplies the total assumed debt outstanding of $245.2 million (the maximum amount of borrowings that could be incurred by the Company under the current 200% asset coverage requirements (including the Company’s SBIC debentures as permitted by the Company’s exemptive relief)) by the weighted average interest rate on the debt outstanding as of March 31, 2018. For purposes of the “150% asset coverage” column, the table above multiplies the total assumed debt outstanding of $423.9 million (the maximum amount of borrowings that could be incurred by the Company under the proposed 150% asset coverage requirements (including the Company’s SBIC debentures as permitted by the Company’s exemptive relief)) by the weighted average interest rate on the debt outstanding as of March 31, 2018. |
10
Includes the Company’s overhead expenses, including its allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Garrison Capital Administrator. “Other expenses” are based on
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The example above should not be considered a representation of the Company’s future expenses, and actual expenses (including the cost of debt, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown.
While the examples assume, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, the Company’s performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the examples. The examples assume reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions at net asset value. Participants in the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of the Common Stock determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to a participant by the market price per share of the Common Stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the distribution.
Other Considerations
The Board also noted that holders of any senior securities, including any additional senior securities that the Company may be able to issue as a result of the reduced asset coverage requirements, will have fixed-dollar claims on the Company’s assets that are superior to the claims of Stockholders. In the case of a liquidation event, holders of these senior securities would receive proceeds to the extent of their fixed claims before any distributions are made to Stockholders, and the issuance of additional senior securities may result in fewer proceeds remaining for distribution to Stockholders if the assets purchased with the capital raised from the issuance of such senior securities decline in value.
The Board also discussed the additional disclosures required upon the modification of the asset coverage requirements. Such additional disclosure includes a requirement to disclose the approval of the 150% asset coverage requirements in a filing with the SEC within five business days of such approval. Following such approval, the Company will be required to include in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K the principal amount or liquidation preference of its senior securities and its asset coverage ratio as of the date of the most recent financial statements, the fact that the 150% asset coverage had been approved by the Company and the effective date of such approval along with the principal risk factors associated with the Company’s senior securities. The Board noted that such disclosure requirements were not anticipated to be burdensome to the Company.
Based on its consideration of each of the above factors and such other information as the Board deemed relevant, the Board concluded that the Proposal is in the best interests of the Company and Stockholders and recommended that Stockholders approve the Proposal.
The Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act to the Company.
11
The Board knows of no other matter that is likely to come before the Special Meeting or that may properly come before the Special Meeting, apart from the consideration of an adjournment or postponement.
If there appears not to be enough votes for a quorum or to approve the Proposal, then either the presiding officer of the Special Meeting or Stockholders who are represented in person or by proxy may vote to adjourn the Special Meeting to permit the further solicitation of proxies. The person(s) named as proxies will vote proxies held by them, unless marked to be voted against the Proposal for which an adjournment is sought, for such adjournment.
ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY REPORTS
Copies of ourthe Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K are available, without charge, on ourthe Company’s website at www.garrisoncapitalbdc.com or upon request by writing to usthe Company or by calling us collect at (212) 372-9590. Please direct your written request to Garrison Capital Inc., c/o Kaitlin Betancourt, Secretary, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York 10104. Copies of such reports are also posted and are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
DELIVERY OF PROXY MATERIALS
Please note that only one copy of the Proxy Statement the Annual Report or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials may be delivered to two or more Stockholders who share an address unless wethe Company have received contrary instructions from one or more of the Stockholders. WeThe Company will deliver promptly, upon request, a separate copy of any of these documents to Stockholders at a shared address to which a single copy of such document(s) was delivered. Stockholders who wish to receive a separate copy of any of these documents, or to receive a single copy of such documents if multiple copies were delivered, now or in the future, should submit their request by writing to usthe Company or by calling us collect at (212) 372-9590. Please direct your written requests to Garrison Capital Inc., c/o Kaitlin Betancourt, Secretary, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York 10104.
SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
The Company expects that the 2019 annual meeting of Stockholders will be held in May 2019, but the exact date, time and location of such meeting have yet to be determined. A Stockholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2019 annual meeting, including nomination of a director, must submit the proposal in writing addressed to Garrison Capital Inc., c/o Kaitlin Betancourt, Secretary, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York 10104. Notices of intention to present proposals, including nomination of a director, at the 2019 annual meeting must be received by the Company between November 20, 2018 and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 20, 2018. The submission of a proposal does not guarantee its inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement or presentation at the 2019 annual meeting unless certain securities law requirements are met. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order or to take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
The Company’s Audit Committee has established guidelines and procedures regarding the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters (collectively, “Accounting Matters”). Persons with complaints or concerns regarding Accounting Matters may submit their complaints to the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. Persons who are uncomfortable submitting complaints to the Chief Compliance Officer, including complaints involving the Chief Compliance Officer, may submit complaints directly to the Company’s Audit Committee. Complaints may be submitted on an anonymous basis.
The Chief Compliance Officer may be contacted at:
Garrison Capital Inc.
Attn: Chief Compliance Officer
1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914
New York, New York 10104
2012
The Audit Committee Members may be contacted at:
Garrison Capital Inc.
Attn: Chairman of Audit Committee
Email: GARS@openboard.info
Website: http://www.openboard.info/GARS/
Phone: 1-866-899-9218
You are cordially invited to attend our Annualthe Special Meeting in person. Whether or not you plan to attend the AnnualSpecial Meeting, you are requested to vote in accordance with the voting instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or by requesting hard copyenclosed proxy materials from us and returning a proxy card.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Michael L. ButlerKaitlin BetancourtMichael L. ButlerKaitlin Betancourt
Secretary
New York, New York
March 20,July [•], 2018
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See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions. *** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting to Be Held on <mtgdate>. You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company. This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side). We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. Meeting Information Meeting Type: <mtgtype> For holders as of: <recdate> Date: Time: <mtgtime> Location: 0000362666_1 R1.0.1.17 GARRISON CAPITAL INC.
GARRISON CAPITAL INC. ATTN: CORPORATE SECRETARY 1290 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS SUITE 914 NEW YORK, NY 10104 Annual Meeting March 07, 2018 May 02, 2018 May 02, 2018 10:00 AM EDT Garrison Investment Group LP 1290 Avenue of the Americas Suite 914 New York, New York 10104
Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods Vote In Person: Many stockholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card. How To Vote . Before You Vote How to Access the Proxy Materials Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE: How to View Online: Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com. How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request: 1) BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com * If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located on the following page) in the subject line. . . 0000362666_2 R1.0.1.17 1. Notice & Proxy Statement 2. Form 10-K Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 18, 2018 to facilitate timely delivery.
Voting items 0000362666_3 R1.0.1.17 The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 1. Election of Directors Nominees 1A Brian Chase 1B Joseph Morea The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 2. Ratification of selection of RSM US LLP to serve as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000362667_1 R1.0.1.17 GARRISON CAPITAL INC. ATTN: CORPORATE SECRETARY 1290 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS SUITE 91494 NEW YORK, NY 10104 VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. The Board of Directors recommends you voteTO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR the following: 1. Election of Directors Nominees For Against Abstain 1A Brian Chase 1B Joseph MoreaYOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: For ForAgainst Abstain 2. Ratification1. Approval of selectionapplication of RSreduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to the Company, which would reduce the asset coverage requirements applicable to the CM US LLPompany from 200% to serve as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.150%. NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name,name, by authorized officer. 000 Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
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0000362667_2 R1.0.1.17 ImportantImportant Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
AnnualSpecial Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement and Form 10-K is/ areis available at www.proxyvote.com GARRISON CAPITAL INC. Annual MeetingSpecial Meeting of Stockholders May 2,August 14, 2018 10:00 AM This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The stockholder(s)stockholders(s) hereby appoint(s) Joseph Tansey and Brian Chase, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint its substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock of GARRISON CAPITAL INC. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the AnnualSpecial Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the officesoffices of Garrison Investment Group LP, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 914, New York, New York 10104, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations. Continued and to be signed on reverse side
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