Washington, D.C. 20549
c/o Partners Group (USA) Inc.
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
PARTNERS GROUP PRIVATE EQUITY (MASTER FUND), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Annual Report
For the Year Ended March 31, 2013
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Table Of Contents
For the Year Ended March 31, 2013
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 1 |
Schedule of Investments | 2-5 |
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members' Equity | 6 |
Statement of Operations | 7 |
Statements of Changes in Members' Equity | 8 |
Statement of Cash Flows | 9 |
Financial Highlights | 10 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 11-18 |
Fund Management | 19-20 |
Other Information | 21-24 |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
For the Year Ended March 31, 2013
To the Board of Managers and Members of
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities, and members’ equity, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations, of changes in members’ equity and of cash flows and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC (the “Fund”) at March 31, 2013, and the results of its operations, the changes in its members’ equity, its cash flows and the financial highlights for the period April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit, which included confirmation of securities at March 31, 2013 by correspondence with the portfolio funds and other auditing procedures where replies were not received, provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-13-002817/pwcsig.jpg)
May 30, 2013
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Schedule of Investments – March 31, 2013
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL MEMBERS’ EQUITY
Percentages as a percentage of total investments are as follows:
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001398344-13-002817/pgpe2.jpg)
Private Equity Investments (76.84%) a Direct Investments * (39.15%) | | | | | |
ACP Viking Co-Investment, LLC c | Member interest | North America | | $ | 2,415,230 | |
AnaCap Calcium, L.P. | Limited partnership interest | Western Europe | | | 5,203,760 | |
ATX Networks Holdings, LLC c | Member interest | North America | | | 95,707 | |
Aurora Products Group, LLC | Member interest | North America | | | 400,470 | |
CCM Pharma Debtco, Ltd. c | Common equity | Western Europe | | | 919,526 | |
CD&R Univar Co-Investor, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | North America | | | 2,430,875 | |
Centauro Co-Investment Fund, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | South America | | | 9,431,220 | |
Collins Food Holding Pty, Ltd. | Common equity | Asia - Pacific | | | 80,930 | |
CT Holdings (International), Ltd. | Common equity | Asia - Pacific | | | 4,499,211 | |
DLJSAP BookCO, LLC c | Member interest | South America | | | 728,212 | |
EQT Marvin Co-Investment, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | Western Europe | | | 1,632,348 | |
Eurodrip Co-Investment Fund I, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | North America | | | 10,605,300 | |
Fermo, Ltd. c | Common equity | Asia - Pacific | | | 778,467 | |
Fermo, Ltd. c | Preferred equity | Asia - Pacific | | | 5,324,963 | |
Gemini Global Holdings Investors, LLC c | Member interest | North America | | | 4,220,021 | |
Globetrotter Investment & Co S.C.A. c | Common equity | Western Europe | | | 1,385,640 | |
Globetrotter Investment & Co S.C.A. c | Preferred equity | Western Europe | | | 8,179,858 | |
HGI Global Holdings, Inc. | Common equity | North America | | | 1 | |
Hogan S.ar.l c | Common equity | Western Europe | | | 1,048,977 | |
Hogan S.ar.l c | Preferred equity | Western Europe | | | 2,567,948 | |
Kahuna Holdco Pty, Ltd. | Common equity | Asia - Pacific | | | 1,576,788 | |
KKBS Group Holdings, LLC c | Member interest | North America | | | 152,870 | |
KKBS Holdings, LLC c | Member interest | North America | | | 79,869 | |
KKR Matterhorn Co-Invest, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | Western Europe | | | 9,474,500 | |
KLFS Holdings, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | North America | | | 2,426,004 | |
Learning Care Group (US), Inc. c | Warrants | North America | | | 24,138 | |
Mauritius (Luxembourg) Investments S.ar.l. c | Common equity | Western Europe | | | 1,641,825 | |
MPH Acquisition Holdings, LLC c | Member interest | North America | | | 3,689,817 | |
NDES Holdings, LLC c | Member interest | North America | | | 1,906,596 | |
Peer I S.A. c | Common equity | Western Europe | | | 2,532,504 | |
Peer I S.A. | Preferred equity | Western Europe | | | 4,249,839 | |
Sabre Industries, Inc. c | Common equity | North America | | | 570,000 | |
S-Evergreen Holding Corp. c | Common equity | North America | | | 750,423 | |
Silver Lake Sumeru Marlin Co-Invest Fund, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | North America | | | 2,455,397 | |
Spring Topco, Ltd. c | Common equity | North America | | | 497,363 | |
Strategic Partners, Inc. c | Common equity | North America | | | 3,469,853 | |
Surgery Center Holdings, LLC c | Warrants | North America | | | 101,572 | |
Swissport II Co-Invest FCPR c | Common equity | Western Europe | | | 4,465,409 | |
Valhalla Co-Invest, L.P. c | Limited partnership interest | Western Europe | | | 4,960,472 | |
Velocity Technologies Solutions, Inc. c | Common equity | North America | | | 7,800,000 | |
| | | | | 114,773,903 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Schedule of Investments – March 31, 2013 (continued)
Private Equity Investments (continued) Direct Investments (continued) | | | | | | | |
Aenova Group | Euribor + 5.50% | 10/14/2019 | Senior | Western Europe | | $ | 10,260,766 | |
AMC Entertainment, Inc. | Libor + 3.25% | 12/15/2016 | Senior | North America | | | 2,952,140 | |
ATX Networks Corp. | 12.00% + 2.00% PIK | 5/12/2016 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 972,026 | |
Bausch & Lomb, Inc. | Libor + 4.25% (1.00% floor) | 5/18/2019 | Senior | North America | | | 8,022,874 | |
Beauty Holding Two AG | Euribor + 5.50% | 12/19/2019 | Senior | Western Europe | | | 5,158,949 | |
Beauty Holding Two AG | 5.50% + 6.00% PIK | 12/12/2020 | Mezzanine | Western Europe | | | 7,887,629 | |
Biomnis | 7.00% + 3.375% PIK (steps up to Euribor + 5.00% + 3.375% PIK) | 6/30/2017 | Senior | Western Europe | | | 5,190,545 | |
BostonMed Acquisition GmbH | Libor + 4.75% (1.25% floor) | 8/28/2020 | Senior | Western Europe | | | 2,008,611 | |
CCM Pharma Debtco, Ltd. | Libor + 6.50% + 4.00% PIK (1.50% floor) | 12/21/2020 | Mezzanine | Western Europe | | | 8,377,579 | |
Dynamic Research Corp. | 13.00% | 6/30/2017 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 6,256,678 | |
Evergreen ACQC01, L.P. | 10.25% | 7/11/2022 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 6,325,000 | |
Global Tel*Link Corp. | Libor + 4.75% (1.25% floor) | 12/14/2017 | Senior | North America | | | 4,448,790 | |
Globetrotter Investment & Co S.C.A. | Euribor + 5.75% | 7/31/2019 | Senior | Western Europe | | | 9,507,948 | |
H&F Nugent Lux Debtco S.a.r.l | Libor + 5.75% (1.00% floor) | 2/8/2019 | Senior | Western Europe | | | 6,694,101 | |
KACC Acquisition, LLC | 12% + 1.00% PIK | 6/29/2018 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 4,286,594 | |
Kahuna Bidco Pty, Ltd. | BBSY + 5.00% + 3.50% PIK | 12/31/2016 | Mezzanine | Asia - Pacific | | | 5,496,524 | |
Kerisper S.A.S | Euribor + 3.00% + 3.50% PIK | 12/31/2017 | Senior | Western Europe | | | 6,825,729 | |
Kinetic Concepts, Inc. | Libor + 5.75% (1.25% floor) | 5/4/2018 | Senior | North America | | | 4,289,254 | |
Last Mile Funding Corp. | 12.00% + 2.50% PIK | 6/16/2016 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 3,148,313 | |
Learning Care Group (US), Inc. | 12.00% | 6/30/2016 | Senior | North America | | | 2,206,770 | |
Learning Care Group (US) No. 2, Inc. | 15.00% PIK (2x redemption preference) | 6/30/2016 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 486,331 | |
Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group Pty, Ltd. | BBSY + 6.50% + (steps up to 9.00%) | 1/22/2023 | Mezzanine | Asia - Pacific | | | 4,224,596 | |
Panda Temple Power Intermediate Holdings I, LLC | Libor + 13.00% (steps up to Libor + 15.00%), PIK only | 7/27/2020 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 5,807,269 | |
Sabre Industries, Inc. | 12.00% + 2.00% PIK | 2/22/2019 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 3,959,959 | |
Securitas Direct Holding AB | Euribor + 3.75% + 6.75% PIK | 9/2/2019 | Mezzanine | Western Europe | | | 7,334,601 | |
Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. | 12.00% + 3.00% PIK | 6/24/2015 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 4,712,996 | |
Triactor Acquico AB | Euribor + 7.00%, Euribor + 5.00% PIK | 9/29/2017 | Mezzanine | Western Europe | | | 653,418 | |
Universal Services of America, Inc. | 12.00% + 2.50% PIK | 8/31/2016 | Mezzanine | North America | | | 5,133,240 | |
| | | | | | | 142,629,230 | |
Total Direct Investments (39.15%) | | $ | 257,403,133 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Secondary Investments* (34.30%) | | | | |
3i Europartners Vb, L.P. | Western Europe | | $ | 1,013,120 | |
Abingworth Bioventures V Co-Investment Growth Equity Fund, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 963,170 | |
Abingworth Bioventures V, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 1,241,765 | |
Advent International GPE VI, L.P. | Western Europe | | | 5,176,005 | |
Apax Europe VI - A, L.P. | Western Europe | | | 605,189 | |
Apax Europe VII - B, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 667,103 | |
Apollo Investment Fund IV, L.P. c | North America | | | 10,930 | |
Apollo Investment Fund VI, L.P. | North America | | | 2,151,825 | |
Apollo Investment Fund VII, L.P. | North America | | | 1,387,582 | |
Apollo Overseas Partners (Delaware) VII, L.P. | North America | | | 508,372 | |
Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund III, L.P. | North America | | | 258,301 | |
Bain Capital Fund X, L.P. | North America | | | 27,677,532 | |
Bain Capital X Co-Investment Fund, L.P. c | North America | | | 981,037 | |
Baring Asia Private Equity Fund IV, L.P. | Asia - Pacific | | | 504,184 | |
| The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Schedule of Investments – March 31, 2013 (continued)
Private Equity Investments (continued) Secondary Investments* (34.30%) (continued) | | | | |
Blackstone Capital Partners V/F, L.P. | North America | | $ | 4,321,852 | |
Blackstone Capital Partners V-S, L.P. | North America | | | 401,492 | |
Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 2, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 180,181 | |
Candover 2005 Fund, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 1,042,413 | |
Carlyle Europe Partners II, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 1,100,382 | |
Carlyle Europe Partners III, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 11,113,577 | |
Carlyle Japan International Partners II, L.P. c | Asia - Pacific | | | 1,460,858 | |
Carlyle Partners IV, L.P. | North America | | | 4,748,199 | |
Carlyle Partners V, L.P. | North America | | | 1,104,698 | |
Carlyle Partners V/B, L.P. | North America | | | 5,246,993 | |
Citigroup Venture Capital International Growth Offshore I, L.P. | Asia - Pacific | | | 81,397 | |
Citigroup Venture Capital International Growth Offshore II, L.P. | Asia - Pacific | | | 550,869 | |
Citigroup Venture International Growth Partnership II, L.P. | Asia - Pacific | | | 1,663,538 | |
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund VII, L.P. | North America | | | 8,274,128 | |
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund VIII, L.P. c | North America | | | 13,261,753 | |
CVC Capital Partners Asia Pacific III, L.P. | Asia - Pacific | | | 4,840,714 | |
CVC European Equity Partners Tandem Fund (A), L.P. | Western Europe | | | 729,499 | |
CVC European Equity Partners V, L.P. | Western Europe | | | 4,089,251 | |
daVinci Japan Real Estate Partners IV, L.P. c | Asia - Pacific | | | 138,098 | |
Duke Street VI US No. 1, L.P. | Western Europe | | | 400,289 | |
Fourth Cinven Fund, L.P. | Western Europe | | | 892,848 | |
Frazier Healthcare VI, L.P. c | North America | | | 1,327,923 | |
FS Equity Partners V, L.P. c | North America | | | 3,616,440 | |
Green Equity Investors Side V, L.P. | North America | | | 2,059,483 | |
Harvest Partners V, L.P. | North America | | | 524,948 | |
Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners VI, L.P. | North America | | | 2,326,250 | |
H.I.G. Bayside Debt & LBO Fund II, L.P. | North America | | | 925,663 | |
Highstar Capital III Prism Fund, L.P. | North America | | | 2,278,411 | |
Investcorp Private Equity 2007 Fund, L.P. | North America | | | 4,814,543 | |
Investcorp Technology Partners III (Cayman), L.P. c | North America | | | 4,685,510 | |
Irving Place Capital Investors II, L.P. | North America | | | 89,589 | |
Irving Place Capital Partners III, L.P. | North America | | | 1,413,339 | |
KKR European Fund III, L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 4,568,502 | |
Madison Dearborn Capital Partners V-A and V-B, L.P. | North America | | | 8,968,173 | |
Madison Dearborn Capital Partners VI-C, L.P. | North America | | | 512,006 | |
MidOcean Partners III, L.P. | North America | | | 2,403,767 | |
Montagu III, L.P. | Western Europe | | | 248,028 | |
Oak Investment Partners XII, L.P. | North America | | | 1,977,806 | |
Palladium Equity Partners III, L.P. | North America | | | 757,630 | |
Permira IV Continuing, L.P. 1 | Western Europe | | | 2,910,719 | |
Providence Equity Partners IV, L.P. | North America | | | 103,781 | |
Providence Equity Partners V, L.P. | North America | | | 653,037 | |
Providence Equity Partners VI, L.P. | North America | | | 978,021 | |
Ripplewood Partners II, L.P. c | North America | | | 7,481,804 | |
Silver Lake Partners III, L.P. | North America | | | 8,486,681 | |
Silver Lake Sumeru Fund, L.P. | North America | | | 359,390 | |
Thomas H. Lee Parallel (DT) Fund VI, L.P. c | North America | | | 2,324,019 | |
Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund VI, L.P. | North America | | | 2,081,701 | |
TPG Partners V, L.P. | North America | | | 6,616,737 | |
TPG Partners VI, L.P. | North America | | | 18,122,772 | |
Tudor Ventures III, L.P. c | North America | | | 5,426,389 | |
Warburg Pincus Private Equity IX, L.P. | North America | | | 817,429 | |
Warburg Pincus Private Equity X, L.P. | North America | | | 16,872,579 | |
Total Secondary Investments (34.30%) | | | $ | 225,522,214 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Schedule of Investments – March 31, 2013 (continued)
Private Equity Investments (continued) Primary Investments* (3.39%) | | | | |
Advent International GPE VII-B, L.P. c | North America | | $ | 2,599,066 | |
Altra Private Equity Fund II, L.P. c | South America | | | 54,078 | |
Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. c | North America | | | 421,654 | |
Avista Capital Partners II, L.P. | North America | | | 1,114,567 | |
Avista Capital Partners III, L.P. c | North America | | | 3,957,220 | |
Baring Asia Private Equity V, L.P. c | Asia - Pacific | | | 1,234,374 | |
Crescent Mezzanine Partners VIB, L.P. | North America | | | 787,186 | |
EQT VI (No.1), L.P. c | Western Europe | | | 1,353,502 | |
Genstar Capital Partners VI, L.P. | North America | | | 1,074,207 | |
Hony Capital Partners V, L.P. c | Asia - Pacific | | | 1,246,116 | |
KKR North America Fund XI, L.P. c | North America | | | 758,036 | |
Kohlberg TE Investors VII, L.P. | North America | | | 907,267 | |
New Enterprise Associates 14, L.P. c | North America | | | 1,084,772 | |
Pátria - Brazilian Private Equity Fund IV, L.P. c | South America | | | 382,119 | |
PennantPark Credit Opportunities Fund, L.P. c | North America | | | 5,139,370 | |
Windjammer Senior Equity Fund IV, L.P. c | North America | | | 200,018 | |
Total Primary Investments (3.39%) | | | $ | 22,313,552 | |
| | | | | |
Total Private Equity Investments (Cost $441,617,462) (76.84%) | | | $ | 505,238,899 | |
Short-Term Investments (23.42%) U.S. Government Treasury Obligations (23.42%) | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.065%, 04/04/2013 d | | | 18,000,000 | | | $ | 17,999,902 | |
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.055%, 04/18/2013 d | | | 28,000,000 | | | | 27,999,273 | |
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.055%, 05/02/2013 d | | | 28,000,000 | | | | 27,998,674 | |
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.11%, 05/16/2013 d | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,996,562 | |
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.075%, 05/30/2013 d | | | 25,000,000 | | | | 24,996,927 | |
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.09%, 06/13/2013 d | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 19,997,560 | |
U.S. Treasury Bill, 0.065%, 06/27/2013 d | | | 10,000,000 | | | | 9,998,190 | |
Total U.S. Government Treasury Obligations (23.42%) | | | | | | $ | 153,987,088 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $153,986,117) (23.42%) | | | | | | $ | 153,987,088 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments (Cost $595,603,579) (100.26%) | | | | | | | 659,225,987 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (-0.26%) | | | | | | | (1,712,385 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Members' Equity (100.00%) | | | | | | $ | 657,513,602 | |
* | Direct private equity investments are private investments directly into the equity or debt of selected operating companies, often together with the management of the company. Primary investments are investments in newly established private equity partnerships where underlying portfolio companies are not known as of the time of investment. Secondary investments involve acquiring single or portfolios of assets on the secondary market. |
** | The Fair Value of any Direct Investment may not necessarily reflect the current or expected future performance of such Direct Investment or the Fair Value of the Master Fund’s interest in such Direct Investment. Furthermore, the Fair Value of any Direct Investment has not been calculated, reviewed, verified or in any way approved by such Direct Investment or its general partner, manager or sponsor (including any of its affiliates). Please see Note 2.b for further detail regarding the valuation policy of the Master Fund. |
a | Private equity investments are generally issued in private placement transactions and as such are generally restricted as to resale. Total cost and fair value of restricted portfolio funds as of March 31, 2013 was $441,617,462 and $505,238,899, respectively. |
b | Geographic region is based on where a Private Equity Investment is headquartered and may be different from where such Private Equity Investment invests or operates. |
d | Each issue shows the rate of the discount at the time of purchase. |
| The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Members’ Equity – March 31, 2013
Assets | | | |
Private Equity Investments, at fair value (cost $441,617,462) | | $ | 505,238,899 | |
Short-term investments, at fair value (cost $153,986,117) | | | 153,987,088 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 15,534,926 | |
Cash denominated in foreign currencies (cost $873,348) | | | 937,488 | |
Interest receivable | | | 1,836,354 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts receivable | | | 1,698,942 | |
Prepaid assets | | | 525 | |
| | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 679,234,222 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Investment purchases payable | | $ | 10,152,293 | |
Repurchase amounts payable for tender offers | | | 9,009,408 | |
Management fee payable | | | 1,346,517 | |
Professional fees payable | | | 507,778 | |
Interest expense payable | | | 339,119 | |
Accounting and administration fees payable | | | 68,056 | |
Custodian fees payable | | | 12,889 | |
Other payable | | | 284,560 | |
| | | | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | 21,720,620 | |
| | | | |
Members' Equity | | $ | 657,513,602 | |
| | | | |
Members' Equity consists of: | | | | |
Members' Equity Paid-in | | $ | 559,483,036 | |
Accumulated net investment income | | | 10,550,616 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investments, forward foreign currency contracts and foreign currency translation | | | 22,094,460 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments, forward foreign currency contracts and foreign currency translation | | | 65,385,490 | |
| | | | |
Total Members' Equity | | $ | 657,513,602 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Statement of Operations – For the Year Ended March 31, 2013
Investment Income | | | |
Dividends | | $ | 2,131,890 | |
Interest | | | 13,212,301 | |
Transaction fee income | | | 779,598 | |
Other income | | | 125,229 | |
| | | | |
Total Investment Income | | | 16,249,018 | |
| | | | |
Operating Expenses | | | | |
Management fee | | | 6,671,398 | |
Professional fees | | | 878,372 | |
Accounting and administration fees | | | 356,574 | |
Interest expense | | | 339,119 | |
Board of Managers' fees | | | 90,000 | |
Custodian fees | | | 77,314 | |
Insurance expense | | | 68,262 | |
Other expenses | | | 73,400 | |
| | | | |
Net Expenses | | | 8,554,439 | |
| | | | |
Net Investment Income | | | 7,694,579 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments, Forward Foreign Currency Contracts and Foreign Currency | | | | |
Net realized gain from investments | | | 2,058,869 | |
Net realized loss on forward foreign currency contracts | | | (392,624 | ) |
Net realized gain on foreign currency translation | | | 149,014 | |
Net realized gain distributions from primary and secondary investments | | | 12,906,770 | |
Net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on: | | | | |
Investments | | | 31,300,719 | |
Foreign currency translation | | | 87,453 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | 1,917,329 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments, Forward Foreign Currency Contracts and Foreign Currency | | | 48,027,530 | |
| | | | |
Net Increase in Members' Equity From Operations | | $ | 55,722,109 | |
| The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity – For the Years Ended March 31, 2012 and 2013
| | | | | | | | | |
Members' Equity at March 31, 2011 | | $ | 609,737 | | | $ | 165,716,557 | | | $ | 166,326,294 | |
Capital contributions | | | — | | | | 206,634,000 | | | | 206,634,000 | |
Capital tenders | | | (1,747,104 | ) | | | (10,566,466 | ) | | | (12,313,570 | ) |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | 3,221,547 | | | | 3,221,547 | |
Net realized gain from investments | | | — | | | | 628,008 | | | | 628,008 | |
Net realized gain on forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | | 346,800 | | | | 346,800 | |
Net realized gain on foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | | 99,486 | | | | 99,486 | |
Net realized gain distributions from primary and secondary investments | | | — | | | | 4,330,001 | | | | 4,330,001 | |
Net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on investments, forward foreign currency contracts and foreign currency translation | | | — | | | | 15,215,542 | | | | 15,215,542 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adviser's Incentive Allocation from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 | | | 2,382,870 | | | | (2,382,870 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Members' Equity at March 31, 2012 | | $ | 1,245,503 | | | $ | 383,242,605 | | | $ | 384,488,108 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | — | | | | 253,029,534 | | | | 253,029,534 | |
Capital tenders | | | (5,544,507 | ) | | | (30,181,642 | ) | | | (35,726,149 | ) |
Net investment income | | | — | | | | 7,694,579 | | | | 7,694,579 | |
Net realized gain from investments | | | — | | | | 2,058,869 | | | | 2,058,869 | |
Net realized loss on forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | | (392,624 | ) | | | (392,624 | ) |
Net realized gain on foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | | 149,014 | | | | 149,014 | |
Net realized gain distributions from primary and secondary investments | | | — | | | | 12,906,770 | | | | 12,906,770 | |
Net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on investments, forward foreign currency contracts and foreign currency translation | | | — | | | | 33,305,501 | | | | 33,305,501 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adviser's Incentive Allocation from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 | | | 5,568,043 | | | | (5,568,043 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Members' Equity at March 31, 2013 | | $ | 1,269,039 | | | $ | 656,244,563 | | | $ | 657,513,602 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Statement of Cash Flows – For the Year Ended March 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | |
Net Increase in Members' Equity from Operations | | $ | 55,722,109 | |
Adjustments to reconcile Net Increase in Members’ Equity from Operations to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | |
Net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on investments, forward foreign currency contracts and foreign currency translation | | | (33,305,501 | ) |
Net realized gain from investments, forward foreign currency contracts and foreign currency translation | | | (14,722,029 | ) |
Purchases of Private Equity Investments | | | (276,990,070 | ) |
Distributions received from Private Equity Investments | | | 57,509,003 | |
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments | | | (19,002,064 | ) |
Net realized loss on forward foreign currency contracts | | | (392,624 | ) |
Net realized gain distributions from primary and secondary investments | | | 12,906,770 | |
Decrease in interest receivable | | | 128,079 | |
Increase in prepaid assets | | | (43 | ) |
Increase in investment purchases payable | | | 3,630,243 | |
Increase in management fee payable | | | 942,645 | |
Increase in professional fees payable | | | 224,117 | |
Increase in interest expense payable | | | 339,119 | |
Increase in accounting and administration fees payable | | | 22,831 | |
Decrease in Board of Managers' fees payable | | | (22,500 | ) |
Increase in custodian fees payable | | | 3,889 | |
Increase in other payable | | | 268,998 | |
Decrease in incentive fees payable | | | (139,920 | ) |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | | | (212,876,948 | ) |
| | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | |
Proceeds from Members' capital contributions | | | 253,029,534 | |
Distributions for Members' capital tenders | | | (29,538,155 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | | | 223,491,379 | |
| | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | | | 236,467 | |
| | | | |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | | | 10,614,431 | |
| | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | | 5,621,516 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at End of Year | | $ | 16,472,414 | |
| The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Financial Highlights
| | | | | | | | | | | Period from Commencement of Operations - July 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010 | |
Total Return Before Incentive Allocation(1) | | | 11.20 | % | | | 9.11 | % | | | 11.08 | % | | | 4.30 | %(3) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return After Incentive Allocation(1) | | | 10.21 | % | | | 8.33 | % | | | 9.95 | % | | | 3.80 | %(3) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Assets, end of period in thousands (000's) | | $ | 657,514 | | | $ | 384,488 | | | $ | 166,326 | | | $ | 28,214 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets before Incentive Allocation | | | 1.48 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | (0.06 | )% | | | (3.02 | )%(4) |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets, excluding Incentive Allocation(2) | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.63 | % | | | 2.20 | % | | | 4.96 | %(5) |
Incentive Allocation to average net assets | | | 1.07 | % | | | 0.86 | % | | | 1.86 | % | | | 0.99 | %(3) |
Ratio of gross expenses and Incentive Allocation to average net assets (2) | | | 2.72 | % | | | 2.49 | % | | | 4.06 | % | | | 5.95 | %(4)(5) |
Expense waivers to average net assets | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | (0.02 | )% | | | (1.16 | )%(4) |
Ratio of net expenses and Incentive Allocation to average net assets | | | 2.72 | % | | | 2.49 | % | | | 4.04 | % | | | 4.79 | %(4) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets, excluding Incentive Allocation | | | 1.65 | % | | | 1.63 | % | | | 2.18 | % | | | 3.79 | %(4)(5) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover | | | 15.47 | % | | | 8.39 | % | | | 5.71 | % | | | 13.05 | %(3)(5) |
(1) | Total investment return based on per unit net asset value reflects the changes in net asset value based on the effects of the performance of the Master Fund during the period and adjusted for cash flows related to capital contributions or withdrawals during the period. |
(2) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement by/to the Adviser. |
(5) | The Incentive Allocation and/or organizational expenses are not annualized. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC (the “Master Fund”) was organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 4, 2008 and commenced operations on July 1, 2009. The Master Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The Master Fund is managed by Partners Group (USA) Inc. (the “Adviser”), an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. A Board of Managers (the “Board”) has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the business operations of the Master Fund. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may delegate any of its rights, powers and authority to, among others, the officers of the Master Fund, any committee of the Board, or the Adviser. The objective of the Master Fund is to seek attractive long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of private equity investments.
The Master Fund is a master investment portfolio in a master-feeder structure. Partners Group Private Equity, LLC, Partners Group Private Equity (Institutional), LLC, Partners Group Private Equity (TEI), LLC, and Partners Group Private Equity (Institutional TEI), LLC, (collectively “the Feeder Funds”) invest substantially all of their assets, directly or indirectly, in the limited liability company interests (“Interests”) of the Master Fund and become members of the Master Fund (“Members”).
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting and reporting policies used in preparing the financial statements.
a. Basis of Accounting
The Master Fund’s accounting and reporting policies conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
b. Valuation of Investments
Investments held by the Master Fund include direct equity and debt investments in operating companies (“Direct Investments”) and primary and secondary investments in private equity investments (“Private Equity Fund Investments”) (collectively, “Private Equity Investments”).
The Master Fund estimates the fair value of its Private Equity Investments in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The Master Fund’s valuation procedures (the “Valuation Procedures”), which have been approved by the Board, require evaluation of all relevant factors available at the time the Master Fund values its investments. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing the Master Fund’s Private Equity Investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.
Direct Investments
In assessing the fair value of non-traded Direct Investments, the Master Fund uses a variety of methods such as the time of last financing, earnings and multiple analysis, discounted cash flow and third party valuation, and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each end of the reporting period. Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for certain similar instruments are used for long-term debt where appropriate. Other techniques, such as option pricing models and estimated discounted value of future cash flows, are used to determine fair value for the remaining financial instruments.
Private Equity Fund Investments
The fair values of Private Equity Fund Investments determined by the Adviser in accordance with the Valuation Procedures are estimates. These estimates are net of management and performance incentive fees or allocations payable pursuant to the respective organizational documents of the Private Equity Fund Investments. Ordinarily, the fair value of a Private Equity Fund Investment is based on the net asset value of that Private Equity Fund Investment determined by its investment manager. Accordingly, in circumstances in which the net asset value of the Private Equity Fund Investment is determined using accounting guidance other than U.S. GAAP, or the fair value of the Private Equity Fund Investment in an investment company cannot be determined, the net asset value of the Private Equity Fund Investment (or its equivalent) reported by its investment manager is used as fair value of the Private Equity Fund Investment without further adjustment. If the Adviser determines that the most recent net asset value reported by the investment manager of a Private Equity Fund Investment does not represent fair value or if the manager of a Private Equity Fund Investment fails to report a net asset value to the Master Fund, a fair value determination is made by the Adviser in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. In making that determination, the Adviser will consider whether it is appropriate, in light of all relevant circumstances, to value such Private Equity Fund Investment at the net asset value last reported by its investment manager, or whether to adjust such value to reflect a premium or discount to such net asset value. Because of the inherent uncertainty in valuation, the estimated values may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed, and the differences could be material.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013 (continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
b. Valuation of Investments (continued)
Daily Traded Investments
The Master Fund values investments traded (1) on one or more of the U.S. national securities exchanges or the OTC Bulletin Board, at their last sales price, or (2) on NASDAQ at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, at the close of trading on the exchanges or markets where such securities are traded for the business day as of the relevant determination date. If no sale or official closing price of particular securities are reported on a particular day, the securities will be valued at the closing bid price for securities held long, or the closing ask price for securities held short, or if a closing bid or ask price, as applicable, is not available, at either the exchange or system-defined closing price on the exchange or system in which such securities are principally traded. Securities traded on a foreign securities exchange generally are valued at their closing prices on the exchange where such securities are primarily traded and translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate provided by a recognized pricing service.
Investments for which no prices are obtained under the foregoing procedures, including those for which a pricing service supplies no exchange quotation or a quotation that is believed by the Adviser not to reflect the market value, will be valued at the bid price, in the case of securities held long, or the ask price, in the case of securities held short, supplied by one or more dealers making a market in those securities or one or more brokers. High quality investment grade debt securities (e.g., treasuries, commercial paper, etc.) with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued by the Adviser at amortized cost.
c. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Pending investment in Private Equity Investments and in order to maintain liquidity, the Master Fund holds cash, including amounts held in foreign currency and short-term interest bearing deposit accounts. At times, those amounts may exceed federally insured limits. The Master Fund has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe that it is exposed to any significant credit risk on such accounts.
d. Foreign Currency Translation
The books and records of the Master Fund are maintained in U.S. Dollars. Generally, assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. Dollar equivalents using valuation date exchange rates, while purchases, realized gains and losses, income and expenses are translated at the transaction date exchange rates. As of March 31, 2013 the Master Fund has forty-five investments denominated in Euros, five investments denominated in Australian Dollars, seven investments denominated in British Pounds, one investment denominated in Swedish Kronor, one investment denominated in Norwegian Kronor, one investment denominated in Hong Kong Dollars and one investment in Japanese Yen. The Master Fund does not isolate the portion of the results of operations due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from changes in fair values of the investments during the period.
e. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
The Master Fund may enter forward foreign currency exchange contracts as a way of managing foreign exchange rate risk. The Master Fund may enter into these contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date as a hedge or cross hedge against either specific transactions or portfolio positions. The objective of the Master Fund’s foreign currency hedging transactions is to reduce the risk that the U.S. Dollar value of the Master Fund’s foreign currency denominated investments will decline in value due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. All forward foreign currency exchange contracts are “marked-to-market” daily at the applicable translation rates resulting in unrealized gains or losses. Realized gains or losses are recorded at the time the forward foreign currency exchange contract is offset by entering into a closing transaction or by the delivery or receipt of the currency. Risk may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. Dollar.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013 (continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
e. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (continued)
During the year ended March 31, 2013, the Master Fund entered into five short forward foreign currency exchange contracts and three long forward foreign currency exchange contract. As disclosed in the Statement of Operations, the Master Fund had $392,624 in net realized losses, and a $1,917,329 change in net unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
At March 31, 2013, the Master Fund had outstanding short forward foreign currency exchange contracts:
| | | | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
| | | | | |
April 26, 2013 | Euro (€) | $44,394,061 | €33,300,000 | $42,695,119 | $1,698,942 | Barclays Capital |
f. Investment Income
The Master Fund records distributions of cash or in-kind securities from Private Equity Investments at fair value based on the information from distribution notices when distributions are received. Thus, the Master Fund would recognize within the Statement of Operations its share of realized gains or (losses) and the Master Fund’s share of net investment income or (loss) based upon information received regarding distributions from managers of the Private Equity Investments. Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments within the Statement of Operations includes the Master Fund’s share of unrealized gains and losses, realized undistributed gains/losses, and the Master Fund’s share of undistributed net investment income or (loss) from Private Equity Investments for the relevant period.
g. Master Fund Expenses
The Master Fund bears all expenses incurred in the business of the Master Fund on an accrual basis, including, but not limited to, the following: all costs and expenses related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Master Fund’s account; legal fees; accounting, auditing, and tax preparation fees; custodial fees; fees for data and software providers; costs of insurance; registration expenses; managers’ fees; and expenses of meetings of the Board.
h. Costs Relating to Secondary Purchases of Investments
Costs relating to secondary purchases of investments consist of imputed expenses relating to the amortization of deferred payments on investments purchased in secondary transactions. Such expenses are recognized on a monthly basis until the due date of a deferred payment. At due date the net present value of such payment equals the notional amount due to the respective counterparty.
i. Income Taxes
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Master Fund is treated as a partnership, and each Member of the Master Fund is treated as the owner of its allocated share of the net assets, income, expenses, and the realized and unrealized gains (losses) of the Master Fund. Accordingly, no U.S. federal, state or local income taxes are paid by the Master Fund on the income or gains of the Master Fund since the Members are individually liable for the taxes on their allocated share of such income or gains of the Fund.
The Adviser determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority.
The Master Fund files tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Master Fund is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions, where applicable. As of March 31, 2013, the tax years from the year 2009 forward remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013 (continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
j. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Master Fund to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in capital from operations during the reporting period. Actual results can differ from those estimates.
k. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2011, Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU No. 2011-11 requires that an entity discloses information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. ASU No. 2011-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The guidance requires retrospective application for all comparative periods presented. Management is currently evaluating the impact ASU No. 2011-11 will have on the financial statement disclosures.
3. Fair Value Measurements
In conformity with U.S. GAAP, investments are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Estimated values may differ from the values that would have been used if a ready market existed or if the investments were liquidated at the valuation date. A three-tier hierarchy is used to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Master Fund’s investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Valuation of Investments
• | Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical investments as of the measurement date. The type of investments included in Level 1 include marketable securities that are primarily traded on a securities exchange or over-the-counter. The fair value is determined to be the last sale price on the determination date, or, if no sales occurred on any such day, the mean between the closing bid and ask prices on such day. The Master Fund does not apply a blockage discount to the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where the Master Fund holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price. |
• | Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets (i.e. Level 1 pricing) and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies through direct or indirect corroboration with observable market data. Investments which are generally included in this category include corporate notes, convertible notes, warrants and restricted equity securities. The fair value of legally restricted equity securities may be discounted depending on the likely impact of the restrictions on liquidity and the Adviser’s estimates. |
• | Level 3 – Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment and/or estimation. Investments that are included in this category generally include equity investments that are privately owned, as well as convertible notes and warrants that are not actively traded. The fair value for investments using Level 3 pricing inputs are based on the Adviser’s estimates that consider a combination of various performance measurements including the timing of the transaction, the market in which the company operates, comparable market transactions, company performance and projections and various performance multiples as applied to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or a similar measure of earnings for the latest reporting period and forward earnings, as well as discounted cash flow analysis. The following table presents the Master Fund’s investments at March 31, 2013 measured at fair value. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations, estimated values may materially differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013 (continued)
3. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Direct Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Direct Equity Investments | | $ | 80,930 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 114,692,973 | | | $ | 114,773,903 | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 142,629,230 | | | | 142,629,230 | |
Total Direct Investments* | | $ | 80,930 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 257,322,203 | | | $ | 257,403,133 | |
Secondary Investments* | | | — | | | | — | | | | 225,522,214 | | | | 225,522,214 | |
Primary Investments* | | | — | | | | — | | | | 22,313,552 | | | | 22,313,552 | |
| | | 153,987,088 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 153,987,088 | |
Total | | $ | 154,068,018 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 505,157,969 | | | $ | 659,225,987 | |
The following is a reconciliation of those investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:
| | Balance as of April 1, 2012 | | | | | | Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | | | | | | | Net transfers out of Level 3** | | | Balance as of March 31, 2013 | |
Direct Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Direct Equity Investments | | $ | 51,293,009 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 8,708,167 | | | $ | 59,818,449 | | | $ | (5,045,722 | ) | | $ | (80,930 | ) | | $ | 114,692,973 | |
| | | 77,056,016 | | | | 2,070,187 | | | | (24,020 | ) | | | 98,237,626 | | | | (34,710,579 | ) | | | — | | | | 142,629,230 | |
Total Direct Investments* | | $ | 128,349,025 | | | $ | 2,070,187 | | | $ | 8,684,147 | | | $ | 158,056,075 | | | $ | (39,756,301 | ) | | $ | (80,930 | ) | | $ | 257,322,203 | |
Secondary Investments* | | | 121,605,789 | | | | (11,318 | ) | | | 22,514,773 | | | | 97,735,187 | | | | (16,322,217 | ) | | | — | | | | 225,522,214 | |
| | | 2,441,220 | | | | — | | | | 104,009 | | | | 21,198,808 | | | | (1,430,485 | ) | | | — | | | | 22,313,552 | |
Total | | $ | 252,396,034 | | | $ | 2,058,869 | | | $ | 31,302,929 | | | $ | 276,990,070 | | | $ | (57,509,003 | ) | | $ | (80,930 | ) | | $ | 505,157,969 | |
The amount of the net change in unrealized appreciation for the year ended March 31, 2013 relating to investments in Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2013 is $32,837,867, which is included as a component of net change in accumulated unrealized appreciation on investments on the Statement of Operations.
* | Direct private equity investments are private investments directly into the equity or debt of selected operating companies, often together with the management of the company. Secondary investments involve acquiring single or portfolios of assets on the secondary market. Primary investments are investments in newly established private equity partnerships where underlying portfolio companies are not known as of the time of investment. |
** | The Adviser has reassessed the criteria used to determine the valuation applied for the common equity investment in Collins Food Holding Pty, Ltd., and concluded that the methodology applied meets the criteria of a Level 1 investment rather than those of a Level 3 investment. As a consequence, the Adviser has decided to transfer the investment from Level 3 into Level 1 with effect from March 31, 2013. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013 (continued)
3. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The Master Fund’s Valuation Procedures have been approved by the Board. The Valuation Procedures are implemented by the Adviser and the Master Fund’s third party administrator, both of which report to the Board. For third-party information, the Master Fund’s administrator monitors and reviews the methodologies of the various pricing services employed by the Master Fund. The Adviser employs valuation techniques for Private Equity Investments held by the Master Fund, which include discounted cash flow methods and market comparables. The Adviser has established a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to oversee the valuation of the Master Fund’s investments pursuant to the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser and its affiliates may act as investment advisers to other clients that hold some of the same Private Equity Investments held by the Master Fund, and the Valuation Committee may value such Private Equity Investments in consultation with its affiliates. However, valuation determination by the Adviser and its affiliates for other clients may result in different values than those ascribed to the same Private Equity Investment held by the Master Fund.
The following is a summary of quantitative information about significant unobservable valuation inputs approved by the Adviser’s Valuation Committee for Level 3 Fair Value Measurements for investments held as of March 31, 2013:
| | | | | | | | |
Direct Investments: | | | | | | | | |
Direct Equity Investments | | $ | 104,814,998 | | Market comparable companies | Enterprise Value to EBITDA multiple | | | 6.01 x - 17.69 x (8.99 x) | |
| | | 2,923,367 | | Discounted cash flow | Discount factor | | | 17.88% - 20.00% (18.24%) | |
| | | 2,455,397 | | Market comparable companies | Enterprise Value to Sales multiple | | | 2.80 x - 2.80 x (2.80 x) | |
| | | 4,499,211 | | Market comparable companies | Price to Earnings multiple | | | 10.14 x – 10.14 x (10.14 x) | |
Direct Debt Investments | | | 112,884,307 | | Market comparable companies | Enterprise Value to EBITDA multiple | | | 7.00 x - 12.35 x (9.11 x) | |
| | | | | Discounted cash flow | Discount factor | | | 4.83% - 14.00% (9.01%) | |
| | | 10,031,865 | | Replacement cost | Transaction price | | | n/a | |
| | | | | Discounted cash flow | Discount factor | | | 10.00% - 14.97% (12.88%) | |
| | | 19,713,058 | | Broker quotes | Bid quotes for an inactive market | | | n/a | |
Level 3 Direct Equity Investments valued by using an observable input factor are directly affected by a change in that factor. For Level 3 Direct Debt Investments, the Master Fund arrives at a fair value through the use of an earnings and multiples analysis and a discounted cash flows analysis which consider credit risk and interest rate risk of the particular investment.
4. Allocation of Members’ Capital
Net profits or net losses of the Master Fund for each Allocation Period (as defined below) are allocated among and credited to or debited against the capital accounts of the Members. Each Allocation Period begins on the day after the last day of the preceding Allocation Period and ends at the close of business on the first to occur thereafter of: (1) the last day of a calendar month, (2) the last day of a taxable year; (3) the day preceding a day on which Interests are purchased, (4) a day on which Interests are repurchased by the Master Fund pursuant to tenders of Interests by Members, or (5) a day on which any amount is credited to or debited from the capital account of any Member other than an amount to be credited to or debited from the capital accounts of all Members in accordance with their respective investment percentages.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013 (continued)
5. Subscription and Repurchase of Members’ Interests
Interests are generally offered for purchase as of the first day of each calendar month, except that Interests may be offered more or less frequently as determined by the Board in its sole discretion.
The Board may, from time to time and in its sole discretion, cause the Master Fund to repurchase Interests from Member pursuant to written tenders by Members at such times and on such terms and conditions as established by the Board. In determining whether the Master Fund should offer to repurchase Interests, the Board considers the recommendation of the Adviser, as well as a variety of other operational, business and economic factors. The Adviser anticipates recommending to the Board that, under normal circumstances, the Master Fund conduct repurchase offers of no more than 5% of the Master Fund’s net assets quarterly on or about each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st and October 1st. The Master Fund does not intend to distribute to the Members any of the Master Fund’s income, but currently expects to reinvest substantially all income and gains allocable to the Members.
6. Management Fees, Incentive Allocation, and Fees and Expenses of Managers
The Adviser is responsible for providing day-to-day investment management services to the Master Fund, subject to the ultimate supervision of and subject to any policies established by the Board, pursuant to the terms of an investment management agreement with the Master Fund (the “Investment Management Agreement”). Under the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising the Master Fund’s investment program. In consideration for such services, the Master Fund pays the Adviser a monthly management fee equal to 1/12th of 1.25% (1.25% on an annualized basis) of the greater of (i) the Master Fund’s net asset value and (ii) the Master Fund’s net asset value less cash and cash equivalents plus the total of all commitments made by the Master Fund that have not yet been drawn for investment. In no event will the Investment Management Fee exceed 1.50% as a percentage of the Master Fund’s net asset value.
In addition, at the end of each calendar quarter (and at certain other times), an amount (the “Incentive Allocation”) equal to 10% of the excess, if any, of (i) the allocable share of the net profits of the Master Fund for the relevant period of each Member over (ii) the then balance, if any, of that Member’s Loss Recovery Account (as defined below) will be debited from such Member’s capital account and credited to a capital account of the Adviser (or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, of an affiliate of the Adviser) in the Master Fund (the “Incentive Allocation Account”) maintained solely for the purpose of being allocated the Incentive Allocation and thus, the Incentive Allocation Account does not participate in the net profits or losses of the Master Fund.
The Master Fund maintains a memorandum account for each Member (each, a “Loss Recovery Account”). Each Member’s Loss Recovery Account has an initial balance of zero and is (i) increased upon the close of each Allocation Period by the amount of the relevant Member’s allocable share of the net losses of the Master Fund for the Allocation Period, and (ii) decreased (but not below zero) upon the close of such Allocation Period by the amount of such Member’s allocable share of the net profits of the Master Fund for the Allocation Period. The Incentive Allocation is calculated, charged to each Member and credited to the Incentive Allocation Account as of the end of each Allocation Period. The Allocation Period for a Member whose Interest is repurchased or is transferred in part is treated as ending only for the portion of Interests so repurchased or transferred. In addition, only the net profits of the Master Fund, if any, and the balance of the Loss Recovery Account attributable to the portion of the Interest being repurchased or transferred (based on the Member’s capital account amount being so repurchased or transferred) is taken into account in determining the Incentive Allocation for the Allocation Period then ending. The Member’s Loss Recovery Account is not adjusted for such Member’s allocable share of the net losses of the Master Fund, if any, for the Allocation Period then ending that are attributable to the portion of the Interest so repurchased or transferred. For the year ended March 31, 2013 an aggregate Incentive Allocation of $5,568,043 was credited to the Incentive Allocation Account.
Each member of the Board who is not an “interested person” of the Master Fund, as defined by the 1940 Act (the “Independent Managers”), receives a fee of $35,000 per year. In addition, the Master Fund pays an additional fee of $10,000 per year to the Chairman of the Board and to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. All Board members are reimbursed by the Master Fund for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in performing their duties.
7. Accounting, Administration, and Custodial Agreement
In consideration for accounting, administrative, and recordkeeping services, the Master Fund pays UMB Fund Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”) a monthly administration fee based on the month-end net asset value of the Master Fund, subject to certain minimums. The Administrator also provides regulatory administrative services, transfer agency functions, and shareholder services at an additional cost. For these services the Administrator receives a fixed monthly fee, based upon average net assets, and a monthly fee based on the number of Member accounts as well as reasonable out of pocket expenses. For the year ended March 31, 2013, the total administration fee was $356,574.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2013 (continued)
7. Accounting, Administration, and Custodial Agreement (continued)
UMB Bank, N.A. serves as custodian of the Master Fund’s assets and provides custodial services for the Master Fund.
8. Investment Transactions
Total purchases of Private Equity Investments for the year ended March 31, 2013 amounted to $276,990,070. Total distribution proceeds from sale, redemption, or other disposition of Private Equity Investments for the year ended March 31, 2013 amounted to $57,509,003. The cost of investments in Private Equity Investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes is adjusted for items of taxable income allocated to the Master Fund from such Private Equity Investments. The Master Fund relies upon actual and estimated tax information provided by the managers of the Private Equity Investments as to the amounts of taxable income allocated to the Master Fund as of March 31, 2013.
In the normal course of business, the Master Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnification. The Master Fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Master Fund under such agreements, and therefore cannot be established; however, based on management’s experience, the risk of loss from such claims is considered remote.
As of March 31, 2013, the Master Fund had contributed 69% or $509,927,062 of the total of $736,371,697 of its capital commitments to its Private Equity Investments. With respect to its (i) Direct Investments it had contributed $284,887,749 of $289,158,807 in total commitments, (ii) secondary Private Equity Investments it had contributed $201,865,491 of $330,234,908 in total commitments, and (iii) primary Private Equity Investments it had contributed $23,173,822 of $116,977,982 in total commitments, in each case, as of March 31, 2013.
An investment in the Master Fund involves significant risks, including industry risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and economic conditions risk, that should be carefully considered prior to investing and should only be considered by persons financially able to maintain their investment and who can afford a loss of a substantial part or all of such investment. The Master Fund invests substantially all of its available capital in Private Equity Investments. These investments are generally restricted securities that are subject to substantial holding periods and are not traded in public markets, so that the Master Fund may not be able to resell some of its holdings for extended periods, which may be several years. The Master Fund may have a concentration of investments, as permitted by the Confidential Private Placement Memorandum, in a particular industry or sector. Investment performance of the sector may have a significant impact on the performance of the Master Fund. The Master Fund’s investments are also subject to the risk associated with investing in private equity securities. The investments in private equity securities are illiquid, can be subject to various restrictions on resale, and there can be no assurance that the Master Fund will be able to realize the value of such investments in a timely manner. Private Equity Fund Instruments are generally closed-end private equity partnerships with no right to withdraw prior to the termination of the partnership. The frequency of withdrawals is dictated by the governing documents of the Private Equity Fund Investments.
Interests in the Master Fund provide limited liquidity because Members will not be able to redeem Interests on a daily basis because the Master Fund is a closed-end fund. Therefore investment in the Master Fund is suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of Interests and should be viewed as a long-term investment. No guarantee or representation is made that the investment objective will be met.
A further discussion of the risks associated with an investment in the Master Fund is provided in the Confidential Private Placement Memorandum and Statement of Additional Information.
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund and has determined that there were no subsequent events that require disclosure in the financial statements.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Fund Management (unaudited)
The identity of the members of the Board and brief biographical information as of March 31, 2013 is set forth below. The Master Fund’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the membership of the Board and is available, without charge, by calling 1-877-748-7209.
|
NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR OF BIRTH | POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE MASTER FUND | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY MANAGER | NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX* OVERSEEN BY MANAGER |
James Frederick Munsell Year of Birth: 1941 c/o Partners Group (USA) Inc. 1114 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor New York, NY 10036 | Chairman and Manager | Since Inception | Senior Counsel, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP (2001-Present); Senior Managing Director, Brock Capital Group LLC (2008-Present). | 5 |
Robert J. Swieringa Year of Birth: 1942 c/o Partners Group (USA) Inc. 1114 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor New York, NY 10036 | Manager | Since Inception | Professor of Accounting, S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University (1997-Present); Director, The General Electric Company (2002-Present); Anne and Elmer Lindseth Dean, S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University (1997-2007). | 5 |
INTERESTED MANAGERS AND OFFICERS |
NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR OF BIRTH | POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE MASTER FUND | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY MANAGER OR OFFICER | NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX* OVERSEEN BY MANAGER OR OFFICER |
Brooks Lindberg Year of Birth:1972 c/o Partners Group (USA) Inc. 1114 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor New York, NY 10036 | Manager and Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2012 Since Inception | Partner, Partners Group (2008-Present); Partners Group (2002-Present); Paradigm Properties (1998-2000); Director, Partners Group (USA) Inc. (2008-Present); Director, Partners Group Real Estate, LLC (2008-2011). | 5 |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Fund Management (unaudited) (continued)
NAME, ADDRESS AND YEAR OF BIRTH | POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE MASTER FUND | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY OFFICER | NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX* OVERSEEN BY OFFICER |
Scott Higbee Year of Birth:1973 c/o Partners Group (USA) Inc. 1114 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor New York, NY 10036 | President | Since Inception | Partner, Partners Group (2006-Present); Partners Group (2001-Present); Senior Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (1997-1999); Director, Partners Group (USA) Inc. (2006-Present); Director, Partners Group Real Estate, LLC (2007-2011). | 5 |
Robert Collins Year of Birth:1976 c/o Partners Group (USA) Inc. 1114 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor New York, NY 10036 | Chief Financial Officer | Since Inception | Managing Director, Partners Group (2012-Present); Partners Group (2005-Present); Corporate Strategic Planning/M&A, Pfizer, Inc. (2004); Associate Director, UBS Warburg LLC/PaineWebber (1998-2003). | 5 |
Joshua B. Deringer Year of Birth: 1974 c/o Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP One Logan Square, Suite 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Secretary | Since Inception | Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2009-Present); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2001-Present). | 5 |
* | The Fund Complex consists of Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC, Partners Group Private Equity, LLC, Partners Group Private Equity (Institutional), LLC, Partners Group Private Equity (TEI), LLC and Partners Group Private Equity (Institutional TEI), LLC. |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Other Information (unaudited)
The Master Fund is required to file Form N-PX, with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31. The Master Fund’s Form N-PX filing is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-877-748-7209 or (ii) by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules
The Master Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Master Fund’s Form N-Q is available, without charge and upon request, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Approval of Investment Management Agreement
At a meeting of the Board held on December 5, 2012, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Managers, approved by a unanimous vote the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement (the “Agreement”).
In advance of the meeting, the Independent Managers requested and received extensive materials from the Adviser to assist them in considering the approval of the Agreement. The materials provided by the Adviser included detailed comparative information relating to the performance, advisory fees and other expenses of the Master Fund and the Feeder Funds (collectively, the “Funds”).
The Board engaged in a detailed discussion of the materials with management of the Adviser. The Independent Managers then met separately with independent counsel to the Independent Managers for a full review of the materials. Following this session, the full Board reconvened and after further discussion determined that the information presented provided a sufficient basis upon which to approve the Agreement.
Discussion of Factors Considered
The Board considered, among other things: (1) the nature and quality of the advisory services rendered, including, the complexity of the services provided; (2) the experience and qualifications of the personnel that provide such services; (3) the fee structure and the expense ratios in relation to those of other investment companies having comparable investment policies and limitations; (4) the direct and indirect costs incurred by the Adviser and its affiliates in performing advisory services for the Master Fund, the basis of determining and allocating these costs, and the profitability to the Adviser and its affiliates in performing such services; (5) possible economies of scale arising from any anticipated growth of the Funds and the extent to which these would be passed on to the Funds; (6) other compensation or possible benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates arising from their advisory and other relationships with the Master Fund; (7) possible alternative fee structures or bases for determining fees; (8) the fees charged by the Adviser and other investment advisers to similar clients and in comparison to industry fees for similar services; and (9) possible conflicts of interest that the Adviser may have with respect to the Funds.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Master Fund are appropriate and consistent with the terms of the limited liability company agreement of the Master Fund, that the quality of those services is consistent with industry norms and that the Master Fund benefits from the Adviser’s management of the Master Fund investment program.
The Board noted that the performance of the Master Fund had been positive since inception and had less volatility than the equity markets, as measured by the S&P 500.
The Board also concluded that the Adviser had sufficient personnel with the appropriate education and experience to serve the Master Fund effectively and has demonstrated its continuing ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. The Board noted that the Adviser is part of a larger investment advisory group that advises other funds and individual investors with respect to private equity investments and that relationship may make available to the Master Fund investment opportunities that would not be available to the Master Fund if the Adviser was not the Master Fund’s investment adviser.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Other Information (unaudited) (continued)
Approval of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
The Board considered the anticipated costs of the services provided by the Adviser, and the compensation and benefits received by the Adviser in providing services to the Master Fund. The Board reviewed the financial statements of the Adviser’s parent, considered any direct or indirect revenues that could be received by affiliates of the Adviser, and concluded that the Adviser’s fees and profits derived from its relationship with the Master Fund in light of the Fund’s expenses were reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided, taking into account the fees charged by other advisers for managing comparable funds. The Board also concluded that the overall expense ratios of the Funds were reasonable, taking into account the size of the Funds and the quality of services provided by the Adviser.
The Board considered the extent to which economies of scale could be realized and whether fee levels would reflect those economies, noting that as the Funds grew, economies of scale would be realized.
The Board considered all factors and no one factor alone was deemed dispositive.
Conclusion
The Board determined that the information presented provided a sufficient basis upon which to approve the Agreement and that the compensation and other terms of the Agreement were in the best interests of the Master Fund and its Members.
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Other Information (unaudited) (continued)
FACTS | WHAT DOES PARTNERS GROUP PRIVATE EQUITY (MASTER FUND), LLC DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
Why? | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. |
What? | The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include: • Social Security number • account balances • account transactions • transaction history • wire transfer instructions • checking account information When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. |
How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
Reasons we can share your personal information | Does Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC share? | Can you limit this sharing? |
For our everyday business purposes – such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus | Yes | No |
For our marketing purposes – to offer our products and services to you | No | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies | No | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and experiences | Yes | No |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness | No | We don’t share |
For our affiliates to market to you | No | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | No | We don’t share |
Questions? | Call 1-877-748-7209 |
Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
Other Information (unaudited) (continued)
Privacy Policy (continued)
What we do |
How does Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC protect my personal information? | To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. |
How does Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC collect my personal information? | We collect your personal information, for example, when you • open an account • provide account information • give us your contact information • make a wire transfer • tell us where to send the money We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies. |
Why can’t I limit all sharing? | Federal law gives you the right to limit only • sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness • affiliates from using your information to market to you • sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
Definitions |
Affiliates | Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. • Our affiliates include companies with a Partners Group name, such as Partners Group (USA) Inc. investment adviser to the Fund and other funds, and Partners Group AG. |
Nonaffiliates | Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. • Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. |
Joint marketing | A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. • Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC doesn’t jointly market. |
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
(a)(1) Identification of Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Members and Description of Role of Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Members
(a)(2) Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Member and Potential Conflicts of Interest
Members of the Portfolio Management Team are involved in the management of other accounts, including proprietary accounts, separate accounts and other pooled investment vehicles. Members of the Portfolio Management Team may manage separate accounts or other pooled investment vehicles that may have materially higher or different fee arrangements than the Fund and the Master Fund and may also be subject to performance-based fees. The side-by-side management of these separate accounts and pooled investment vehicles may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to cross trading and the allocation of investment opportunities.
The Adviser has a fiduciary responsibility to manage all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. The Adviser seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and to allocate investments to client accounts in a fair and reasonable manner. To this end, the Adviser has developed policies and procedures designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side management.
(a)(3) Compensation Structure of Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Members
The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Partners Group Holding AG (“Partners Group Holding”) and an affiliate of Partners Group AG, the principal operating subsidiary of Partners Group Holding. Partners Group Holding is an employee owned limited liability company. The ownership structure is designed to motivate and retain employees. Current employees own a majority of Partners Group Holding.
The Portfolio Management Team and other employees of the Adviser are compensated with a fixed annual salary, which is typically supplemented by an annual bonus based on individual and team based performance. Key professionals, including the Portfolio Management Team, are additionally compensated through equity participation in Partners Group Holding.
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser indirectly in the Master Fund as of March 31, 2013:
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of managers, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17CFR 229.407), or this Item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.