Commitments and Contingencies | 10. Commitments and Contingencies We, our General Partner, and our portfolio companies are involved in a number of regulatory, litigation, arbitration and other proceedings or investigations, many of which expose us to potential financial loss. We are advancing funds, pursuant to indemnification clauses in the LPA, to officers and directors, as well as GPB, its principals, representatives, and affiliates, for any costs they may incur in connection with their legal defense of such disputes as required by various agreements or governing law. This advancing of funds does not cover any potential future outcomes or settlements that result from these disputes. We establish reserves or escrows for legal actions when potential losses associated with the actions become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal actions may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts reserved or placed in escrow for those actions. Distributions may be delayed or withheld until such reserves are no longer needed or the escrow period expires. If liabilities exceed the amounts reserved or placed in escrow, Limited Partners may need to fund the difference by refunding some or all distributions previously received. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Partnership paid $3.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of legal indemnification expenses recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to all significant litigation and regulatory matters facing us and our General Partner, we have considered the likelihood of an adverse outcome. It is possible that we could incur losses pertaining to these matters that may have a material adverse effect on our operational results, financial condition or liquidity in any future reporting period. We understand that the General Partner is currently paying legal costs associated with these actions for itself and certain indemnified parties. The Partnership expects to provide partial or in many cases complete reimbursement to the General Partner as required by various agreements or governing law. Regulatory and Governmental Matters GPB and certain of its principals and affiliates face various regulatory and governmental matters. GPB seeks to comply with all laws, rules, regulations and investigations into any potential or alleged violation of law. In such situations where GPB disagrees with the Government’s allegations made against it, GPB intends to vigorously defend itself in court. These matters could have a material adverse effect on GPB and the Partnership’s business, acquisitions, or results of operations. Appointment of Monitor and Application for Receivership On February 11, 2021, the EDNY Court in the SEC Action appointed the Monitor over GPB until further order of the Court (the “Order”). The EDNY Court appointed the Monitor in response to a request from the SEC, which asserted that the Monitor was necessary to protect investors in light of the alleged misconduct of GPB Capital’s former CEO, David Gentile. In its February 4, 2021 Complaint in the SEC Action, the SEC alleged that Mr. Gentile, as the owner and then-CEO of GPB Capital, along with Jeffry Schneider, the owner of GPB’s placement agent, lied to investors about the source of money used to make 8% annualized distribution payments to investors. According to the SEC, Mr. Gentile and others allegedly told investors that the distribution payments were paid exclusively with monies generated by GPB portfolio companies, but as alleged, GPB actually used investor money to pay portions of the annualized 8% distributions. The Complaint further contains allegations that Mr. Gentile and others manipulated financial statements of certain limited partnership funds that GPB manages to perpetuate the deception by giving the false appearance that the funds’ income was closer to generating sufficient income to cover the distribution payments than it actually was. Moreover, the Complaint alleges that Mr. Gentile engaged in undisclosed self-dealing, including by omitting from investor communications certain conflicts of interest and fees and other compensation that he received, totaling approximately $8.0 million. In support of the Order, the SEC contended that the Monitor would provide assurances to investors, GPB’s counterparties, and the public that an unbiased and qualified person, who was not beholden to Mr. Gentile, was vetting any significant transactions and decisions, and looking out for the interests of investors. Accordingly, pursuant to the Order, GPB shall (i) grant the Monitor access to all non-privileged books, records and account statements for the GPB-managed funds, including the Partnership, as well as their portfolio companies; and (ii) cooperate fully with requests by the Monitor reasonably calculated to fulfill the Monitor’s duties. As noted below, the Order was amended on April 14, 2021 (the “Amended Order”). The Monitor is required to assess the Partnership’s operations and business, and make recommendations to the EDNY Court, which may include continuation of GPB’s operations subject to the Monitorship, a liquidation of assets, or filing for reorganization in bankruptcy. The Order provides that the Monitor will remain in place until terminated by order of the EDNY Court, and grants the Monitor the authority to approve or disapprove proposed material corporate transactions by GPB, the Partnership and its subsidiaries, extensions of credit by them outside the ordinary course of business, decisions to make distributions to the Limited Partners of the Partnership, or any decision to file any bankruptcy or receiver petition for any of them, among other actions. The Monitor is not required to approve the issuance of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included with this Form 10-Q, nor has management sought or obtained approval from the Monitor. On April 14, 2021, the EDNY Court entered an Amended Order, providing that, in addition to the SEC and GPB, certain State regulators will receive access to the periodic reports filed by the Monitor pursuant to the Order. On May 31, 2022, Mr. Gentile filed a motion in the SEC Action to modify the Amended Order pursuant to Rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (the “Rule 60(b) Motion”). In his Rule 60(b) Motion, Mr. Gentile is seeking a court order to, among other things, (i) narrow the scope of the Monitor’s responsibilities; and (ii) direct the Monitor to ensure that GPB does not sell or otherwise dispose of assets or portfolio companies that the Partnership owns before the completion of a “strategic assessment” to be conducted by three managers Mr. Gentile purportedly appointed to GPB on May 27, 2022. On that same day, May 31, 2022, the Monitor notified Mr. Gentile and GPB that Mr. Gentile’s purported appointment of three new managers to GPB without Monitor approval was, amongst other things, in violation of the Amended Order. Mr. Gentile and GPB were, at that time, given ten (10) business days to cure the violation of the Amended Order. The cure period expired without any steps having been taken to comply with the Monitor’s notification of violation of the Amended Order. On June 13, 2022, the SEC filed by order to show cause in the SEC Action an application and order to (i) convert the existing Monitorship over GPB and the GPB-managed funds to a Receivership, and appoint the previously-appointed Monitor, Joseph T. Gardemal III, as Receiver; and (ii) impose a litigation injunction on cases filed against GPB and the GPB-managed funds (the “Receivership Application” and “Proposed Order”). The Receivership Application and the Proposed Order were filed with the EDNY Court with consent of GPB’s management. The Receivership Application seeks appointment of Mr. Gardemal as Receiver in order to, in part, streamline the process by which GPB and the GPB-managed funds liquidate remaining portfolio company assets and distribute money to Limited Partners, subject to the EDNY Court’s supervision. The Proposed Order would grant to Mr. Gardemal, generally, all powers and authorities previously possessed by the entities subject to the Proposed Order, as well as the powers possessed by the officers, directors, managers and others previously in charge of those entities, and permits him to, among other things, take all such actions necessary to preserve receivership assets. Additionally, the Receivership Application includes a proposed stay of all Federal and State actions (as well as any arbitrations) presently pending against GPB and the GPB-managed funds, and provides for a centralized claims process for GPB Limited Partners, in the EDNY Court, to prevent potentially disparate actions in different courts that could negatively impact the assets proposed to be subject to the EDNY Court’s jurisdiction and control. The Rule 60(b) Motion and the validity of the appointment of the new managers are presently under consideration by the EDNY Court, along with the Receivership Application. Currently, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of the Rule 60(b) Motion or the Receivership Application. Federal Matters On February 4, 2021, the SEC Action was filed against GPB, Ascendant Capital, LLC (“Ascendant”), Ascendant Alternative Strategies, LLC (“AAS”), David Gentile, Jeffry Schneider and Jeffrey Lash in the EDNY Court. No GPB-managed partnership is a named defendant in the SEC Action. The SEC Action alleges several violations of the federal securities laws, including securities fraud. The SEC is seeking disgorgement and civil monetary penalties, among other remedies. Also, on February 4, 2021, the United States Attorney’s Office (the “USAO”) brought the Criminal Case against Mr. Gentile, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Lash. The indictment in the Criminal Case alleges conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and securities fraud against all three individuals. Mr. Gentile and Mr. Lash were also charged with two counts of wire fraud. We understand that the USAO intends to seek criminal forfeiture. Mr. Gentile resigned from all management and board positions with GPB and Highline, and the GPB-managed funds, including the Partnership, and subsidiaries of the Partnership, promptly following his indictment. In a status conference held on April 17, 2023, the judge in the Criminal Case scheduled the trial start to on June 3, 2024. State Matters On May 27, 2020, the State of Massachusetts (“Massachusetts”) filed an Administrative Complaint against GPB for alleged violations of the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act. No GPB-managed fund is a named defendant. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the offering documents for several GPB-managed funds, including the Partnership, included material misstatements or omissions. Massachusetts is seeking both monetary and administrative relief, including disgorgement and rescission to Massachusetts residents who purchased the GPB-managed funds. This matter is currently stayed, pending resolution of the Criminal Case. On February 4, 2021, seven state securities regulators (from Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and South Carolina, collectively the “States”) each filed suit against GPB. No GPB-managed fund is a named defendant in any of the suits. Several of the suits also named Ascendant, AAS, Mr. Gentile, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Lash as defendants. The States’ lawsuits allege, among other things, that the offering documents for several GPB-managed funds, including the Partnership, included material misstatements and omissions. The States are seeking both monetary and administrative relief, including disgorgement and rescission. The cases brought by the States have been stayed pending the conclusion of the related Criminal Case. The State of New Jersey has voluntarily dismissed its case, without prejudice to re-file it following the conclusion of the Criminal Case. Actions Asserted Against GPB and Others, Not Including the Partnership Ismo J. Ranssi, derivatively on behalf of Armada Waste Management, LP, v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (New York Supreme Court, New York County, Index No. 654059/2020) In August 2020, plaintiffs filed a derivative action against GPB, Ascendant, AAS, Axiom, David Gentile, Mark D. Martino, and Jeffry Schneider in New York Supreme Court. GPB Waste Management, LP is named as a nominal defendant. The Partnership is not a named defendant. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that the offering documents for certain GPB managed funds include material misstatements and omissions. Plaintiffs bring causes of action against GPB for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and an equitable accounting, and against all other defendants for breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment. The plaintiffs seek a declaration from the Court that defendants breached duties owed to them, and that defendants must indemnify GPB Waste Management, LP for costs in connection with the suit. Plaintiffs also seek unspecified damages and an equitable accounting, and an Order that defendants disgorge all fees obtained through the sale of GPB Waste Management, LP “securities”. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Galen G. Miller and E. Ruth Miller, derivatively on behalf of GPB Holdings II, LP, v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (New York Supreme Court, New York County, Index No. 656982/2019) In November 2019, plaintiffs filed a derivative action against GPB, Ascendant, AAS, Axiom, Michael Cohn, Steven Frangioni, David Gentile, William Jacoby, Minchung Kgil, Mark D. Martino, and Jeffry Schneider in New York Supreme Court, New York County. The Partnership was named only as a nominal defendant. An Amended Complaint was filed on or about March 2, 2020, alleging, among other things, that the offering documents for certain GPB-managed funds include material misstatements and omissions. The Amended Complaint alleges causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty against all defendants; aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty against Ascendant, AAS, Axiom and Mr. Martino; breach of contract against GPB; unjust enrichment against all defendants; and an equitable accounting against GPB. The plaintiffs are seeking disgorgement of alleged unjust enrichment, unspecified damages as a result of alleged wrongful acts, costs of the action, and an equitable accounting. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. GPB Lender, LLC v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, Index No. 604887/2022) On or about April 14, 2022, plaintiff GPB Lender, LLC, a related entity, filed a lawsuit against GPB Capital Holdings, LLC in New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, for breaches of a promissory note and breaches of contract related to a 2016 loan agreement and a 2019 loan agreement entered into between the parties. Plaintiff alleged that it is owed approximately $2.0 million in unpaid principal and interest under the promissory note. Plaintiff also alleged that it is owed approximately $0.4 million in unpaid principal and interest under the two loan agreements. On January 30, 2023, the Court granted GPB Lender, LLC’s motion for summary judgment in the principal amount of approximately $2.5 million, plus interest. No costs associated with the settlement were charged to the Partnership. Cient LLC v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, Index No. 604886/2022) On or about April 14, 2022, plaintiff Cient LLC, a related entity, filed a lawsuit against GPB Capital Holdings, LLC in New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, for breach of a loan agreement and breach of contract relating to a 2019 loan agreement entered into by the parties. Plaintiff alleged that approximately $0.8 million in unpaid principal remains due, along with accrued and unpaid interest. On January 30, 2023, the Court granted Cient LLC’s motion for summary judgment in the principal amount of $0.9 million, plus interest. No costs associated with the settlement were charged to the Partnership. Plymouth Rock Holding LLC v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, Index No. 604873/2022) On or about April 14, 2022, plaintiff Plymouth Rock Holding, LLC, a related entity, filed a lawsuit against GPB Capital Holdings, LLC in New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, for breach of a loan agreement and breach of contract relating to a 2019 loan agreement entered into by the parties. Plaintiff alleged that approximately $0.3 million in unpaid principal remains due, along with accrued and unpaid interest. On January 30, 2023, the Court granted Plymouth Rock Holding LLC’s motion for summary judgment in the principal amount of $0.4 million, plus interest. No costs associated with the settlement were charged to the Partnership. Actions Asserted Against GPB and Others, Including the Partnership For all matters below in which the Partnership is a defendant and where the partnership disagrees with the allegations against, we intend to vigorously defend against the allegations, however no assurances can be given that we will be successful. Tom Alberto, et al. v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (American Arbitration Association, Case Number: 01-22-0001-5433) On or about April 13, 2022, claimants, investors in funds managed by GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, commenced an arbitration with the American Arbitration Association against GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP, GPB Holdings II, LP, GPB Cold Storage, LP, GPB Holdings, LP, GPB Holdings II, LP, GPB Holdings Qualified, LP, GPB Holdings III, LP, GPB NYC Development, LP, and GPB Waste Management, LP, along with other non-GPB parties. All claimants were customers of Concorde Investment Services, LLC (“Concorde”), and each purchased his or her limited partnership interest in a GPB-managed Fund through Concorde. Claimants asserted claims based on fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, among others, and claimed to have suffered millions of dollars in damages. GPB contended that the arbitration was improperly filed, and as such commenced a proceeding in New York State Supreme Court (GPB Capital Holdings, LLC et al. v. Tom Alberto et al., Index No. 656432/2022), solely for the purpose of seeking a stay of the arbitration. In July 2022, following the Court’s entry of an Order temporarily staying the arbitration, the parties stipulated and agreed to the entry of a court order entering judgment for GPB and the other petitioners. The arbitration will be permanently stayed upon the Court so-ordering the parties stipulation. In a letter dated December 20, 2022, the American Arbitration Association informed the parties to the arbitration that, as of December 20, 2022, the arbitration was closed. Michael Peirce, derivatively on behalf of GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, Ascendant Capital, LLC, Ascendant Alternative Strategies, LLC, Axiom Capital Management, Inc., Steven Frangioni, David Gentile, William Jacoby, Minchung Kgil, Mark D. Martino and Jeffry Schneider, -and- GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP, Nominal Defendant (New York Supreme Court, New York County, Case No. 652858/2020) In July 2020, plaintiff filed a derivative action in New York Supreme Court against GPB, Ascendant, AAS, Axiom, Steve Frangioni, David Gentile, William Jacoby, Minchung Kgil, Mark Martino, and Jeffry Schneider. The Complaint alleges various breaches of fiduciary duty and/or aiding and abetting the breaches of fiduciary duty against all defendants, breach of contract against GPB, unjust enrichment, and an equitable accounting. Plaintiffs are seeking declaratory relief, disgorgement, restitution, an equitable accounting, and unspecified damages. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Alfredo J. Martinez, et al. v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (Delaware Chancery Court, Case No. 2019-1005) In December 2019, plaintiffs filed a civil action in Delaware Court of Chancery to compel inspection books and records from GPB, as General Partner, and from the Partnership, GPB Holdings I, GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP, and GPB Waste Management. In June 2020, the court dismissed plaintiffs’ books and records request, but allowed a contract claim for specific performance to proceed as a plenary action. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and penalties. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Alfredo J. Martinez and HighTower Advisors v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (Delaware Chancery Court, Case No. 2020-0545) In July 2020, plaintiff filed a complaint against GPB, Armada Waste Management GP, LLC, Armada Waste Management, LP, the Partnership, GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP, and GPB Holdings, LP in the Delaware Court of Chancery to compel inspection of GPB’s books and records based upon specious and unsubstantiated allegations regarding alleged fraudulent activity, mismanagement, and breaches of fiduciary duty. The plaintiffs are seeking an order compelling GPB to permit inspection of documents related to Armada Waste, as well as for costs and fees. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Lance Cotten, Alex Vavas and Eric Molbegat v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, Automile Holdings LLC D/B/A Prime Automotive Group, David Gentile, David Rosenberg, Philip Delzotta, Joseph Delzotta, and any other related entities (New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, Case No. 604943/2020) In May 2020, plaintiffs filed a civil action in New York Supreme Court, Nassau County against GPB, Automile Holdings LLC d/b/a Prime Automotive Group, David Gentile, David Rosenberg, Philip Delzotta, Joseph Delzotta, and other related entities. The complaint alleged that defendants engaged in fraudulent and discriminatory schemes against customers and engaged in retaliatory actions against plaintiffs, who were employed by Garden City Nissan from August until October 2019. The plaintiffs sought damages pursuant to New York Labor Law Section 740 and Executive Law Section 296. In May 2023, the parties agreed to settle the action. No costs associated with the settlement were charged to the Partnership. Monica Ortiz, on behalf of herself and other individuals similarly situated v. GPB Capital Holdings LLC; Automile Holdings, LLC d/b/a Prime Automotive Group; David Gentile; David Rosenberg; Philip Delzotta; Joseph Delzotta; and other affiliated entities and individuals (New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, Case No. 604918/2020) In May 2020, plaintiff filed a class action in New York Supreme Court, Nassau County against GPB, Automile Holdings LLC d/b/a Prime Automotive Group, David Gentile, David Rosenberg, Philip Delzotta, Joseph Delzotta, and other affiliated entities and individuals. The complaint alleged deceptive and misleading business practices of the named defendants with respect to the marketing, sale, and/or leasing of automobiles and the financial and credit products related to the same. Plaintiff alleged defendants’ collection of fraudulent rebates exceeded $1.0 million, and sought class-wide injunctive relief, along with monetary and punitive damages and costs and fees. In May 2023, the parties agreed to settle the action. No costs associated with the settlement were charged to the Partnership. In re: GPB Capital Holdings, LLC Litigation (formerly, Adam Younker, Dennis and Cheryl Schneider, Elizabeth Plaza, and Plaza Professional Center Inc. PFT Sharing v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. and Peter G. Golder, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (New York Supreme Court, New York County, Case No. 157679/2019) In May 2020, plaintiffs filed a consolidated class action complaint in New York Supreme Court, New York County, against GPB, GPB Holdings, GPB Holdings II, GPB Holdings III, the Partnership, GPB Cold Storage, GPB Waste Management, David Gentile, Jeffrey Lash, Macrina Kgil, a/k/a Minchung Kgil, William Edward Jacoby, Scott Naugle, Jeffry Schneider, AAS, Ascendant, and Axiom Capital Management. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that the offering documents for certain GPB-managed funds, include material misstatements and omissions. The plaintiffs are seeking disgorgement, unspecified damages, and other equitable relief. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Phillip J. Cadez, et al. v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (Delaware Chancery Court, Case No. 2020-0402) In May 2020, plaintiffs filed a derivative action in Delaware Court of Chancery against GPB, David Gentile, Jeffrey Lash, and Jeffry Schneider. The complaint also names GPB Holdings, LP, and the Partnership as nominal defendants. Previously, plaintiffs had filed a complaint to compel inspection of books and records, which had been dismissed without prejudice. In the current action, plaintiffs are alleging breaches of fiduciary duties and/or the aiding and abetting of those breaches, unjust enrichment, and with regard to GPB, breach of the Partnerships’ Limited Partnership Agreements. Plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages based on the causes of action pled, equitable relief in the form of a directive to remove GPB as the General Partner of GPB Holdings, LP and the Partnership, a constructive trust, costs of the action (including attorneys’ fees), and other declaratory and equitable relief. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Jeff Lipman and Carol Lipman, derivatively on behalf of GPB Holdings II, LP and GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (Delaware Chancery Court, Case No. 2020-0054) In January 2020, plaintiffs filed a derivative action in Delaware Court of Chancery against GPB, David Gentile, Jeffrey Lash, and Jeffry Schneider. The complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duty and/or aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty against each of the defendants, and declaratory relief from the Court related to allegations of fraud, gross negligence, and willful misconduct. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and declaratory forms of relief. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Mary Purcell, et al. v. GPB Holdings II, LP, et al. (Cal. Supreme Court, Orange County, Case No. 30-2019-01115653-CU-FR-CJC) In December 2019, plaintiffs filed a civil action in Superior Court in Orange County, California against Rodney Potratz, FSC Securities Corporation, GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP, the Partnership, GPB, David Gentile, Roger Anscher, William Jacoby, Jeffrey Lash, Ascendant, Trevor Carney, Jeffry Schneider, and DOES 1 - 15, inclusive. An Amended Complaint was filed on or about June 10, 2020. In the Amended Complaint, Plaintiffs allege breach of contract against GPB Capital and DOES 1-15, inclusive; statutory and common law fraud against all defendants; breach of fiduciary duty against all defendants; and negligence against all defendants. Plaintiffs allege losses in excess of $4.8 million and are seeking rescission, compensatory damages, unspecified equitable relief and punitive damages, and interest and attorneys’ fees in unspecified amounts. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Barbara Deluca and Drew R. Naylor, on behalf of themselves and other similarly situated Limited Partners, v. GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP et al. (S.D.N.Y., Case No. 19-CV-10498) In November 2019, plaintiffs filed a putative class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against GPB, GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP, the Partnership, David Gentile, Jeffery Lash, AAS, Axiom, Jeffry Schneider, Mark Martino, and Ascendant. The Complaint alleges fraud and material omissions and misrepresentations to induce investment and losses in excess of $1.27 billion. The plaintiffs are seeking disgorgement, compensatory, consequential, and general damages; disgorgement; rescission; restitution; punitive damages; and the establishment of a constructive trust. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. Kinnie Ma Individual Retirement Account, et al., individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Ascendant Capital, LLC, et al. (W.D. Texas, Case No. 19-CV-01050) In October 2019, plaintiffs filed a putative class action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas against GPB, certain GPB-managed limited partnerships, including the Partnership, for which GPB is the General Partner, AAS, and Ascendant, as well as certain principals of the GPB-managed limited partnerships, auditors, broker-dealers, a fund administrator, and other individuals. The Complaint alleges violations and/or aiding and abetting violations of the Texas Securities Act, fraud, substantial assistance in the commission of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, substantial assistance in breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence. Plaintiffs allege losses in excess of $1.8 billion and are seeking compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, rescission, fees and costs, and class certification. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. On June 1, 2022, the Western District of Texas Court consolidated this matter with Barasch v. GPB Capital, et al. (19-cv-01079); only the Kinnie Ma case continues, including the claims at issue in the Stanley S. and Millicent R Barasch Trust and Loretta Dehay (as described below), which were consolidated under the Kinnie Ma docket number. On June 23, 2022, the Court denied Defendants David Gentile and Jeffry Schneider’s motion to stay the case pending the resolution of the criminal case, U.S. v. Gentile, et al., No. 1:21-CR-54-DG (E.D.N.Y. Jan. 29, 2021). Plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint on July 1, 2022, and defendants filed answers thereafter. As of May 2023, the parties are engaged in discovery. Stanley S. and Millicent R. Barasch Trust and Loretta Dehay, individually and on behalf of others similar situated v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (W.D. Texas, Case No. 19 Civ. 01079) In November 2019, plaintiffs filed a putative class action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas against, the Partnership and other GPB-managed limited partnerships, AAS, and Ascendant, as well as certain principals of the GPB-managed funds, auditors, a fund administrator, and individuals. (The original Complaint named Millicent R. Barasch as the plaintiff, but since her death, her trust has successfully moved to substitute for all purposes in this litigation.) The Complaint alleges civil conspiracy, fraud, substantial assistance in the commission of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, substantial assistance in the breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, violations of the Texas Securities Act, and aiding and abetting violations of the Texas Securities Act. Plaintiffs allege losses in excess of $1.8 billion and are seeking compensatory and other unspecified damages, declaratory relief, rescission, and costs and fees. Any potential losses associated with this matter cannot be estimated at this time. On June 1, 2022, the Western District of Texas Court consolidated this matter into Kinnie Ma v. Ascendant Capital, LLC et al. (19-cv-01050). The claims at issue in this case continue under the Kinnie Ma docket number. Concorde Investment Services, LLC v. GPB Capital Holdings, LLC, et al. (New York Supreme Court, New York County, Index No. 650928/2021) In February 2021, Concorde Investment Services, LLC filed suit in New York State Supreme Court, New York County against GPB, certain limited partnerships for which GPB is the General Partner, and others. The Complaint alleges breaches of contract, fraudulent inducement, negligence, interference with contract, interference with existing economic relations, interference with prospective economic advantage, indemnity, and declaratory relief, and includes a demand for arbitration. Plaintiff’s demands include compensatory damages of at least $5.0 million, punitive damages, and a declaration that Concorde is contractually indemnified by the Defendants. In October 2021, the New York State Supreme Court ordered the action be stayed so that the Plaintiffs could pursue claims in arbitration. By the same Order, the New York State Supreme Court denied the Defendants’ motions to dismis |