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NB Private Equity Partners Ltd. — Net Asset Value 2011
Mar 11, 2011
6280_iss_2011-03-10_d512f4f0-55d4-4b85-833c-c56bfd18b1bb.pdf
Net Asset Value
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NB Private Equity Partners Limited
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about NBPE, please contact the Investor Relations department of the Investment Manager at the phone number or email address listed below:
INVESTMENT MANAGER
NB Alternatives Advisers LLC 325 N. Saint Paul Street Suite 4900 Dallas, TX 75201 United States of America [email protected] Tel. +1.214.647.9593 Fax. +1.214.647.9501
REGISTERED OFFICE
NB Private Equity Partners Limited P.O. Box 225 Heritage Hall, Le Marchant Street St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 4HY Channel Islands www.nbprivateequitypartners.com Tel. +44-(0)1481.716.000 Fax. +44-(0)1481.728.452
ORDINARY SHARE INFORMATION
Trading Symbol: NBPE Exchanges: Euronext Amsterdam & London Stock Exchange Euronext Admission Date: 25 July 2007 LSE Admission Date: 30 June 2009 Base Currency: USD Bloomberg: NBPE NA, NBPE LN Reuters: NBPE.AS, NBPE.L ISIN: GG00B1ZBD492 COMMON: 030991001
ZDP SHARE INFORMATION
Trading Symbol: NBPZ Exchanges: London Stock Exchange & Channel Islands Stock Exchange Admission Date: 1 December 2009 Base Currency: GBP Bloomberg: NBPEGBP LN Reuters: NBPEO.L ISIN: GG00B4ZXGJ22 SEDOL: B4ZXGJ2 GRY at Issuance: 7.30% Share Life: 7.5 Years to 31 May 2017 Final Capital Entitlement: 169.73 pence
As of 28 February 2011, the private equity portfolio included exposure to 67 investments and over 2,500 underlying portfolio companies.
* Includes both equity and debt investments. ** January data includes a receivable for the Dresser up-front sale proceeds, which were received in February.
*** As of 28 February 2011 and 31 January 2011, there were 50,456,814 class A ordinary shares and 10,000 class B ordinary shares outstanding, with 3,150,408 class A ordinary shares held in treasury.
**** As of 28 February 2011 and 31 January 2011, there were 32,999,999 ZDP shares outstanding.
28 February 20111
COMPANY OVERVIEW
NB Private Equity Partners Limited ("NBPE" or "the Company") is a closed-end investment company registered under the laws of Guernsey managed by NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the "Investment Manager"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. NBPE invests in private equity funds managed by leading sponsors, including fund of funds managed by the Investment Manager, and makes direct private equity investments alongside leading sponsors ("co-investments"). NBPE's investment objective is to produce attractive returns on its capital from its private equity investments while managing investment risk through portfolio diversification across asset class, vintage year, geography, industry and sponsor.
INVESTMENT MANAGER COMMENTARY
During February, NBPE committed an aggregate \$11.8 million to four new buyout co-investments alongside leading sponsors: a co-investment alongside The Carlyle Group in CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks; a co-investment alongside TPG Capital, Leonard Green & Partners, and Neuberger Berman's Co-Investment Fund in J.Crew Group, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of women's, men's and children's apparel, shoes and accessories; a co-investment alongside PAI Partners and Neuberger Berman's Co-Investment Fund in Swissport International AG, a worldwide leader in ground handling services, providing ramp services, passenger services, and cargo services to more than 650 airlines; and a co-investment alongside The Carlyle Group in Syniverse Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of technology and business solutions for the global telecommunications industry. The co-investments in CommScope, Swissport, and Syniverse Technologies were funded in February, while the co-investment in J.Crew Group was funded in March.
Including the new investments described above, NBPE invested \$10.4 million into private equity investments and received \$6.8 million of distributions during February. As a result of this investment activity, the Company's private equity investment level increased to 97% of NAV at 28 February 2011. Approximately 91% of the contributions were invested in buyout funds and co-investments, 8% were invested in special situations funds, and 1% were invested in growth equity / venture funds. The distributions included \$2.0 million from a partial realization of NBPE's coinvestment in Avaya and \$1.5 million from First Reserve Fund XI as up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser. The remaining distributions were primarily from NBPE's investments in ArcLight Energy Partners Fund IV, Wayzata Opportunities Fund II, and NB Crossroads Fund XVII.
As of 28 February 2011, the unaudited NAV per share was \$10.50, which represents an increase of 0.8% compared to the revised, unaudited NAV per share of \$10.41 at 31 January 2011. During February, NBPE's portfolio value increased due to \$2.4 million of unrealized gains on credit-related fund investments, \$0.7 million of unrealized gains on public equity securities and \$0.5 million of positive foreign exchange adjustments. In addition, \$1.5 million of net unrealized gains were attributable to the receipt of Q4 2010 valuation information for certain fund investments and private direct / co-investments.
NET ASSET VALUE DEVELOPMENT
(\$ in millions, except per share data)
| 28 F ebruary 2011 | 31 January 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Summary o f N A V o f Ordinary Shares | (Unaudited) | R evised (Unaudited) |
| Fund Investments and Fund of Funds Investments | \$406.0 | \$404.2 |
| Direct / Co-investments * | \$107.8 | \$100.7 |
| T o tal P rivate Equity Investments | \$ 513.8 | \$ 504.9 |
| Cash and Sale Proceeds Receivable ** | \$80.9 | \$84.6 |
| Credit Facility Outstanding | - | - |
| ZDP Share Liability, incl. Forward Currency Contract | (\$59.5) | (\$59.7 ) |
| Net Other Assets (Liabilities), incl. M inority Interest | (\$5.5) | (\$4. 2) |
| N et A sset Value | \$ 529.7 | \$ 525.6 |
| N et A sset Value per Share *** | \$ 10.50 | \$ 10.41 |
| C lo sing Share P rice (Euro next A msterdam) | \$ 7.40 | \$ 7.00 |
| P remium (D isco unt) | (29.5%) | (32.8%) |
| Summary o f P rivate Equity Expo sure | ||
| Estimated Fair Value of Private Equity Investments | \$513.8 | \$504.9 |
| Unfunded Private Equity Commitments | \$112.8 | \$110. 0 |
| T o tal P rivate Equity Expo sure | \$ 626.6 | \$ 614.9 |
| Private Equity Investment Level | 97% | 96% |
| Cash + Undrawn Committed Credit Facility | \$330.9 | \$334.6 |
| Commitment Cover Ratio | 294% | 304% |
| (In £) | ||
| Summary o f the Z D P Shares | ||
| Z D P N et A sset Value per Share **** | 109.19p | 108.60p |
| C lo sing Z D P Share P rice (LSE) | 115.38p | 115.88p |
| P remium (D isco unt) | 5.7% | 6.7% |
28 February 20111
PRIVATE EQUITY PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
Key information about NBPE's private equity portfolio based upon fair value at 28 February 2011 was as follows.2
Based on total private equity exposure, which includes unfunded commitments, the diversification of NBPE's private equity portfolio at 28 February 2011 was as follows: 2
- Asset class and investment type special situations funds: 33%; special situations direct investments: 6%; mid-cap buyout funds: 24%; mid-cap buyout co-investments: 9%; large-cap buyout funds: 9%; large-cap buyout co-investments: 6%; growth / venture: 10%; secondary purchases: 3%
- Geography North America: 76%; Europe: 20%; Asia / rest of world: 4%
- Industry energy / utilities: 17%; financial services: 11%; consumer / retail: 8%; industrials: 12%; communications / media: 9%; technology / IT: 7%; healthcare: 8%; business services: 4%; transportation: 5%; diversified / undisclosed / other: 19%
The diversification of NBPE's unfunded private equity commitments at 28 February 2011 was as follows: 2
- Asset class and investment type special situations funds: 30%; special situations direct investments: 7%; mid-cap buyout funds: 23%; mid-cap buyout co-investments: 3%; large-cap buyout funds: 9%; large-cap buyout co-investments: 3%; growth / venture: 20%; secondary purchases: 5%
- Vintage year of fund or direct / co-investment 2004 & Earlier: 2%; 2005: 2%; 2006: 19%; 2007: 40%; 2008: 7%; 2009: 7%; 2010: 13%; 2011: 10%
28 February 20111
VALUATION METHODOLOGY
The Company carries its private equity investments on its books at fair value using the best information it has reasonably available to determine or estimate fair value. Publicly traded securities are valued based on quoted prices as of the last day of the relevant period less discounts to reflect legal restrictions, if any, that affect marketability. The Company determines such values for publicly traded securities held directly as well as known public positions held in the underlying private equity investments on a look-through basis. The Company estimates fair value for private interests based on a methodology that begins with the most recent information available from the general partner of the underlying fund or the lead investor of a direct co-investment, and considers subsequent transactions, such as drawdowns or distributions, as well as other information judged to be reliable that reports or indicates valuation changes, including realizations and other portfolio company events. The Company proactively revalues its investments before it has received updated information from the fund manager or lead sponsor if it becomes aware of material events that justify a change in valuation. If the Company concludes that it is probable an investment will be sold, the Company will adjust the carrying value to the amount the Company expects to realize from the sale, exclusive of transaction costs.
SHARE BUY-BACK PROGRAMME
On 21 October 2010, NBPE announced the launch of a share buy-back programme (the "Programme") with the objective of implementing the Capital Return Policy previously announced by the Company. The Programme commenced with effect from 22 October 2010 and, subject to extension, will end on 31 August 2011. Under the terms of the Programme, NBPE has appointed The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (London Branch) ("RBS") to manage the Programme and has authorised RBS to effect on-market repurchases of class A ordinary shares on behalf of the Company on Euronext Amsterdam and/or the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange plc. Shares bought back under the Programme will be cancelled. The operation of the Company's liquidity enhancement programme on Euronext Amsterdam, which is managed by The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. pursuant to the liquidity enhancement contract dated 29 June 2010, has been suspended for the duration of the Programme.
During February, no shares were repurchased under the Programme. As of 28 February 2011, there were 50,456,814 class A ordinary shares and 10,000 class B ordinary shares outstanding, with 3,150,408 class A ordinary shares held in treasury.
- Figures provided are unaudited and subject to change. Certain numbers may not total due to rounding.
This document is not intended to be an investment advertisement or sales instrument; it constitutes neither an offer nor an attempt to solicit offers for the securities described herein. This report was prepared using financial information contained in NBPE's books and records as of the reporting date. This information is believed to be accurate but has not been audited by a third party. This report describes past performance, which may not be indicative of future results. NBPE does not accept any liability for actions taken on the basis of the information provided.
NBPE is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme which may offer participations in The Netherlands pursuant to article 2:66 of the Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). All investments are subject to risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results.
2. The diversification analysis by asset class and investment type is based on the fair value of underlying fund investments and direct / co-investments (including unfunded commitments on a total private equity exposure basis). The diversification analysis by year of investment, geography and industry is based on the diversification of underlying portfolio company investments at fair value as estimated by the Investment Manager. The year of investment is calculated at the portfolio company level and is defined as the date of capital deployment into a particular underlying investment. For primary investments and direct / co-investments, the vintage year is defined as the date of the first portfolio investment or the date of the direct / co-investment. For secondary investments, the vintage year is defined as the date of the secondary acquisition. The diversification by year of investment also includes an allocation of net cash flows and valuation adjustments made since financial statements were last received from the investment sponsor. Determinations regarding asset class, investment type, geography and industry, as well as the allocation of unfunded commitments on a total private equity exposure basis, also represent the Investment Manager's estimates. Accordingly, the actual diversification of the Company's investment portfolio and the diversification of the Company's investment portfolio on an ongoing basis may vary from the foregoing information.
2010 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
| MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY: | |
|---|---|
| COMPANY OVERVIEW 1 | |
| OVERVIEW OF THE INVESTMENT MANAGER 2 | |
| RECENT STRATEGIC ACTIONS 3 | |
| SIGNIFICANT CO-INVESTMENT REALIZATION 5 | |
| MARKET COMMENTARY6 | |
| INVESTMENT RESULTS7 | |
| INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY 8 | |
| INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND CAPITAL DEPLOYMENT 11 | |
| DIVERSIFICATION BY ASSET CLASS AND INVESTMENT TYPE 12 | |
| DIVERSIFICATION BY YEAR OF INVESTMENT 13 | |
| DIVERSIFICATION BY GEOGRAPHY AND INDUSTRY 14 | |
| DIVERSIFICATION BY VINTAGE YEAR15 | |
| PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO16 | |
| NEW INVESTMENTS18 | |
| VALUATION METHODOLOGY20 | |
| PERFORMANCE BY ASSET CLASS 21 | |
| PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE 22 | |
| DIRECT / CO-INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SUMMARY23 | |
| LARGEST UNDERLYING INVESTMENTS 26 | |
| BUYOUT PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS 27 | |
| SPECIAL SITUATIONS PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS 31 | |
| NB CROSSROADS FUND OF FUNDS INVESTMENTS34 | |
| LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 35 | |
| SHARE REPURCHASES37 | |
| FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS38 | |
| RISK FACTORS39 | |
| STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND CERTAIN INFORMATION41 | |
| DIRECTORS, ADVISORS AND CONTACT INFORMATION44 | |
| CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS45 |
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our investment objective is to produce attractive returns on our capital from our private equity investments while managing investment risk through portfolio diversification. We pursue diversification for our private equity investments across asset class, vintage year, geography, industry and sponsor.
| Our Company | NB Private Equity Partners Limited ("NBPE") |
|---|---|
| Guernsey closed-end investment company | |
| 50,732,825 Class A ordinary shares outstanding | |
| 10,000 Class B ordinary shares outstanding | |
| 32,999,999 Zero Dividend Preference ("ZDP") shares outstanding | |
| Investment Manager | NB Alternatives Advisers |
| Over 23 years of private equity investing experience | |
| Investment Committee with an aggregate of approximately 190 years of experience in private equity investing |
|
| Approximately 50 investment professionals | |
| Approximately 120 administrative and finance professionals | |
| Offices in New York, Dallas, London and Hong Kong |
| (USD in millions, except per share data) | At 31 December 2010 | At 31 December 2010 Pro Forma 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Net Asset Value | \$526.9 | \$526.9 |
| Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share | \$10.38 | \$10.38 |
| Fund Investments | \$475.2 | \$408.6 |
| Direct / Co-investments | \$116.2 | \$99.6 |
| Total Private Equity Fair Value | \$591.4 | \$508.2 |
| Private Equity Investment Level 2 | 112% | 96% |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | \$47.6 | \$82.0 |
| (GBP in millions, except per share data) | At 31 December 2010 |
|---|---|
| ZDP Shares | £35.6 |
| Net Asset Value per ZDP Share 3 | 107.95p |
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale, the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser and credit facility pay down.
2. Defined as total private equity fair value divided by net asset value.
3. Defined as the accreted value of the ZDP Shares.
OVERVIEW OF THE INVESTMENT MANAGER
The NB Alternatives group of Neuberger Berman (the "Investment Manager") has over 23 years of investing experience specializing in private equity funds, co-investments and secondary investments and has built relationships with leading private equity fund managers over that time.
The Investment Manager makes all of our investment decisions, and we have delegated to the Investment Manager the day-to-day management and operations of our business. The Investment Manager's investment decisions are made by its Fund of Funds Investment Committee (the "Investment Committee"), which currently consists of members with an aggregate of approximately 190 years of experience in private equity investing. The sourcing and evaluation of our investments is conducted by the Investment Manager's team of approximately 50 investment professionals who specialize in private equity fund investments and co-investments. In addition, the Investment Manager's staff of approximately 120 administrative and finance professionals are responsible for our administrative, financial management and reporting needs. The Investment Manager currently maintains offices in New York, Dallas, London and Hong Kong.
About Neuberger Berman
Established in 1939, Neuberger Berman is one of the world's largest private, independent employeecontrolled asset management companies, managing approximately \$190 billion in assets as of 31 December 2010. Neuberger Berman is a leader in providing a broad range of global investment solutions to institutions and individuals through customized separately managed accounts, mutual funds and alternative investment products. For more information please visit Neuberger Berman's website at www.nb.com.
RECENT STRATEGIC ACTIONS
Strategic Asset Sale
In early October 2010, we agreed to sell our interest in eight large-cap buyout funds for an aggregate 5.1% discount to their carrying value of \$108.6 million at 31 August 2010 (together, the "Strategic Asset Sale"). The sale transactions closed in December 2010 and January 2011, generating cash proceeds of approximately \$100.5 million (net of fees and expenses) and releasing NBPE from approximately \$22.5 million of related unfunded commitments. At the time of the announcement, the Strategic Asset Sale was dilutive to NAV per class A ordinary share (the "Shares") by approximately \$0.13, or 1.4%. At 31 December 2010, the fund interests that were sold in January 2011 were valued at their respective sale value. We believe that, when combined with accretive Share repurchases, this transaction should enable NBPE to enhance its NAV per Share over time.
We believe the Strategic Asset Sale demonstrates the high quality of our private equity portfolio and its marketability in the secondary private equity market. The transaction provided an opportunity to take advantage of attractive pricing in the secondary private equity market, which continues to value our assets at significant premiums relative to the public market for NBPE's Shares. While we would potentially sell any of our investments at the right price, we do not currently intend to actively pursue additional strategic asset sales.
We intend to use the proceeds of the Strategic Asset Sale to continue the ongoing capital return policy and to target an increased allocation to direct private equity and yield-oriented investments.
Capital Return Policy
We also implemented a new long-term capital management policy (the "Capital Return Policy") of ongoing returns of capital to NBPE Shareholders. These ongoing returns of capital will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Capital Return Policy was initiated immediately using available cash and a portion of the proceeds from the Strategic Asset Sale. On 22 October 2010, we launched a Share buy-back programme in order to begin implementing the Capital Return Policy.
Beginning with the half-year period commencing 1 January 2011, we intend to return 50% of the realized net increase in NAV attributable to the Shares for the preceding six-month period to Shareholders. This may be achieved by way of Share repurchases, dividends or such other means as the Directors consider most efficient. Future returns of capital under the Capital Return Policy will be announced at the time of reporting our financial results for each respective six-month period. The realized net increase in NAV will be measured from a starting point of 1 January 2011.
The Directors have discretion as to the manner in which capital is returned to Shareholders. However, at the prevailing discount level, we intend to use Share repurchases as the most appropriate means of returning capital to Shareholders. Share repurchases also have the benefit of enhancing our NAV per Share over time.
RECENT STRATEGIC ACTIONS
Increased Allocation to Direct Private Equity and Yield-Oriented Investments
In addition to the Capital Return Policy, we expect to use the proceeds from the Strategic Asset Sale to strategically target a higher allocation to direct private equity and yield-oriented investments while also maintaining a well diversified private equity portfolio.
Our Investment Manager is experienced in sourcing and completing such investments and has a global senior co-investment team with 75 years of combined experience which includes former lead investors at small and middle market private equity firms. This experience makes NB Alternatives a preferred partner and allows us to apply our unique strengths on each strategic investment. Our Investment Manager manages over \$1.6 billion of capital dedicated to direct co-investments and has closed more than 50 coinvestments over the last five years.
This increase in allocation to direct and yield-oriented investments is consistent with the investment strategy since our initial global offering. From inception through 9 March 2011, we have committed to 36 direct / co-investments, including six co-investments and three direct yield-oriented investments since the announcement of the Strategic Asset Sale.
Over time, we expect this strategy to reduce the duration of our private equity portfolio, increase transparency for Shareholders, reduce our overall expense ratio and continue our policy of maintaining a conservative over-commitment level.
SIGNIFICANT CO-INVESTMENT REALIZATION
On 1 February 2011, Dresser, Inc. ("Dresser"), one of our largest private co-investments and underlying holdings, announced the successful closing of its \$3 billion acquisition by General Electric Co. ("GE").
Dresser is a global energy infrastructure technology and service provider that was majority-owned by funds managed by Riverstone Holdings LLC and First Reserve Corporation (in which our Investment Manager's entities including NBPE have meaningful direct co-investments). Based in Addison, Texas, Dresser has 6,300 employees worldwide and delivers compression, flow technology, measurement and distribution infrastructure and services to customers in more than 150 countries.
NBPE's ownership interest in Dresser was primarily from a direct co-investment alongside the lead sponsors in 2007, with additional exposure through investments in First Reserve Fund XI, NB Crossroads Fund XVII and NB Crossroads Fund XVIII Mid-cap Buyout. Prior to the announcement of the transaction, Dresser was the second largest company in our private equity portfolio based on fair value.
Subsequent to 31 December 2010, NBPE received aggregate up-front proceeds of \$19.1 million from the sale of Dresser. As a result, certain figures in this Annual Financial Report are shown pro forma for the closing of the sale.
MARKET COMMENTARY
Although there was increased volatility in the markets during the second and third quarters of 2010, the fourth quarter saw an impressive market rally as investors embraced more positive news and sentiment. Improving manufacturing activity, new quantitative easing measures, and mid-term election results as well as strong corporate earnings all contributed to this increased optimism. In addition, the year finished strong with December as the sixth straight month with a gain in consumer spending, even in light of only a muted recovery in the labor markets. As a result of these factors, markets rebounded strongly, with the S&P 500 gaining 24% from the July 2 low through the end of the year and advancing 15.1% for the full year.1
The strength of the recovery in the U.S. markets during 2010 was largely a reflection of the strength of corporate America. S&P 500 companies hold roughly \$1 trillion in cash reserves as of year end and as a result are in healthy positions. While these large cash reserves have resulted in delayed capital expenditures and reduced hiring, they have been used for strategic acquisitions and dividend increases. This has been viewed positively by the capital markets; however, over time, this capital will likely be re-deployed back into businesses as economic conditions continue to improve. Growth in emerging markets and the recovery in domestic U.S. markets are further strengthening the position of many companies and top-line growth continues to contribute to strong operating earnings. Nevertheless, housing continues to remain challenged, and the labor market has improved only modestly.1
On balance, the growth in the fourth quarter equity markets contributed to a strong year overall. While housing and labor markets are still challenged, we believe that the positives should help keep the economy on a below-trend but expanding track and that global economic growth is likely to remain mildly positive. Meanwhile, fluctuations in the market should provide good opportunities to complete new investments. 1
In the fourth quarter of 2010, U.S. leveraged buyout volume decreased to \$18.3 billion compared to \$28.7 billion in the third quarter of 2010. In addition, leveraged loan volume increased to \$8.5 billion in the fourth quarter, up \$5.5 billion year-over-year compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. The average LBO transaction size was \$762 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to \$1.4 billion in the third quarter. Although the average transaction size fell in the fourth quarter, the transaction size for the year 2010 was \$1.0 billion. 2
Over the next several years, we believe there will be a number of investment opportunities for experienced small- and mid-cap buyout sponsors. Broadly speaking, the operating performance of target companies has improved, and we believe this will continue to drive an increase in new transaction volume. We intend to capitalize on this opportunity by utilizing our proven co-investment platform and our capital resources to pursue attractive direct investments for NBPE's portfolio, while continuing to maintain a well-diversified portfolio.
Although economic conditions are improving, a large amount of leveraged debt remains outstanding and is in need of future refinancing. We believe this will lead to strong deal flow over the next several years for special situations / distressed investors. Dislocation continues to persist in certain areas of the market and during shifts in market sentiment. Therefore, as opportunities arise, we intend to allocate capital to attractive fund investments and direct yield-oriented investments that are suitable for NBPE's portfolio.
We continue to believe that our private equity portfolio is well-positioned to generate attractive returns over the long term. And with over \$228 million of excess capital resources (pro forma for the Strategic Asset Sale and the sale of Dresser), we believe that we are in a strong position to take advantage of high quality investment opportunities during the next several years.
1. Neuberger Berman IQ: Investment Quarterly, Edition 12, Winter 2011.
2. Standard & Poor's 4Q10 Leveraged Buyout Review.
INVESTMENT RESULTS
As of 31 December 2010, NBPE's audited NAV per Share was \$10.38, representing a 9.8% increase compared to the audited NAV per Share of \$9.46 at 31 December 2009. During the year, the increase in NAV was primarily driven by net unrealized gains across the private equity portfolio, with the largest appreciation related to distressed debt funds and certain buyout funds and co-investments, including Dresser. These gains in value were offset by unrealized losses on certain other investments as well as dilution related to the Strategic Asset Sale.
During 2010, our private equity portfolio had realized gains of \$3.0 million. The portfolio also generated net unrealized gains of \$37.7 million from privately held investments and \$30.9 million from credit-related fund investments and public equity securities. These gains in value were offset by \$6.8 million of net write-downs and expenses related to the Strategic Asset Sale. Investment performance during the year was offset by \$18.7 million of net operating expenses (including credit facility interest and ZDP share accretion), foreign exchange translation and taxes. Share repurchases during Q4 2010 were accretive to NAV per Share by approximately \$0.02.
For the year ending 31 December 2010, we invested approximately \$77.0 million into private equity assets through capital calls and direct / coinvestments. Approximately 55% of this capital was invested in buyout funds and co-investments, 35% in special situations funds and direct investments and 10% in growth equity and venture capital funds.
For the year, we received approximately \$87.3 million of distributions and sales proceeds, including \$37.6 million related to the Strategic Asset Sale. Excluding the Strategic Asset Sale, approximately 71% of the distributions were from buyout funds and co-investments, 24% from special situations funds and 5% from growth equity and venture capital funds.
The largest distributions in 2010 were attributable to Wayzata Opportunities Fund II, NB Crossroads Fund XVII, Apollo Investment Fund V, KKR 2006 Fund, Platinum Equity Capital Partners II, ArcLight Energy Partners Fund IV, KKR Millennium Fund, and Avista Capital Partners.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY
As of 31 December 2010, our private equity investment portfolio consisted of 40 fund investments and 27 direct / co-investments. The fair value of our private equity portfolio was \$591.4 million, and the total exposure, including unfunded commitments, was \$707.0 million.
Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser, the fair value of our private equity portfolio was \$508.2 million, and the total exposure was \$611.5 million.
PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO – 31 DECEMBER 2010
| ACTUAL | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (\$ in millions) | Number of Investments |
Fair Value | Unfunded Commitments |
Total Exposure |
| Fund Investments | 40 | \$475.2 | \$111.8 | \$587.0 |
| Direct / Co-investments | 27 | 116.2 | 3.8 | 120.0 |
| Total Private Equity Investments | 67 | \$591.4 | \$115.6 | \$707.0 |
PRO FORMA
| (\$ in millions) | Number of Investments |
Fair Value | Unfunded Commitments |
Total Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund Investments | 35 | \$408.6 | \$99.6 | \$508.2 |
| Direct / Co-investments | 27 | 99.6 | 3.8 | 103.4 |
| Total Private Equity Investments | 62 | \$508.2 | \$103.3 | \$611.5 |
PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION BASED ON PRO FORMA FAIR VALUE
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY
The investments in our private equity portfolio generated a significant amount of liquidity during 2010. Distributions were driven by sales of underlying portfolio companies to strategic and financial buyers, sales of public securities held by underlying sponsors and investment proceeds from distressed debt funds.
During the year, we received approximately \$87.3 million of distributions and sales proceeds, including \$37.6 million from the Strategic Asset Sale. Within our direct fund and co-investment portfolio, 73 companies completed liquidity events (sales and recapitalizations) that led to a distribution.
The five largest distributions totaled approximately \$11.2 million and were attributable to investments in Unitymedia GmbH (Apollo Investment Fund V), East West Bancorp, Inc. (Corsair III Financial Services Capital Partners), East Resources, Inc. (KKR 2006 Fund), Terra-Gen Power, LLC (ArcLight Energy Partners Fund IV) and KEMET Corporation (Platinum Equity Capital Partners II).
Within NB Crossroads Fund XVII and Fund XVIII, over 425 underlying companies completed liquidity events during the period, leading to \$7.1 million of distributions to NBPE.
In addition, 46 portfolio companies completed initial public offerings ("IPOs") during the year. On a pro forma basis, these companies had an aggregate fair value of approximately \$6.7 million as of 31 December 2010, with the largest and most significant IPO attributable to Higher One Inc. (NYSE:ONE), a portfolio company of Lightyear Capital Fund II.
During 2010, we committed an aggregate \$49.4 million to the following investments which we believe are well-suited for NBPE's private equity portfolio (see pages 18 and 19 for a detailed description of each new investment):
- Special situations primary commitment to Oaktree Opportunities Fund VIII
- Growth equity primary commitment to Bertram Growth Capital II
- Special situations secondary purchase of interests in two funds managed by Strategic Value Partners
- Mid-cap buyout co-investment in BakerCorp
- Special situations direct investment in Suddenlink Communications
- Mid-cap buyout co-investment in Salient Federal Solutions
- Special situations direct investment in the second lien debt of SonicWALL
- Mid-cap buyout co-investment in the equity of SonicWALL
- Mid-cap buyout co-investment in Fairmount Minerals
- Mid-cap buyout co-investment in Bourland & Leverich Supply Co.
- Mid-cap buyout co-investment in The SI Organization
- Large-cap buyout co-investment in Univar
- Special situations direct investment in royalty notes backed by the sales of a leading HIV medication
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY
The aggregate portfolio and investment activity for the year ended 31 December 2010 was as follows:
| (\$ in millions) | Fund Investments | Direct/Co-investments | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investments Funded | \$51.4 | \$25.6 | \$77.0 |
| Distributions Received and Sales Proceeds |
\$86.9 | \$0.4 | \$87.3 |
| Net Realized Gains | \$3.1 | \$0.0 | \$3.1 |
| Net Unrealized Appreciation | \$48.4 | \$14.7 | \$63.1 |
| New Primary Commitments New Direct / Co-investments |
2 | 10 | 12 |
| Amount Committed | \$20.0 | \$24.9 | \$44.9 |
| New Secondary Purchases | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Amount Committed | \$4.5 | \$0.0 | \$4.5 |
INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND CAPITAL DEPLOYMENT
We seek to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by increasing our net asset value over the long term. We strive to implement our strategy by making investments into high quality private equity funds and direct / co-investments, while also maintaining a well-diversified portfolio.
Since inception, we have tactically allocated a meaningful portion of our portfolio to the special situations asset class, including distressed funds. As a result, we have deployed over \$165 million into special situations funds and direct investments since our initial global offering in July 2007. These investments provide exposure to undervalued credit securities, mezzanine debt, royalty-backed notes, financial restructurings and operational turnarounds of underperforming businesses.
As of 31 December 2010, special situations investments represented 39% of our private equity portfolio based on pro forma fair value. We continue to believe our special situations funds and direct investments are well-positioned to generate positive returns over the long term, and we believe that an attractive environment for making special situations investments will continue over the next several years.
In the near to medium-term we expect to target a higher allocation to direct private equity and yieldoriented investments in sectors that we believe are well-suited for NBPE's private equity portfolio. This investment strategy will act as an extension of our existing direct / co-investment program, and we expect new transactions to consist of equity coinvestments as well as yield-oriented investments that have an appropriate risk-reward profile. In addition, we intend to make primary commitments to seasoned fund managers on an opportunistic basis, with a particular focus on capital efficient investment strategies.
Illustrated below is a summary of our capital deployment and distributions by quarter during 2010. For the year, our private equity portfolio generated positive cash flow of \$10.3 million. In addition, subsequent to year end, we received an aggregate \$64.2 million from the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and an aggregate \$19.1 million of up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser. Over the next several years, we expect distributions to continue to increase as our portfolio matures.
DIVERSIFICATION BY ASSET CLASS AND INVESTMENT TYPE
Consistent with our investment objective, we strive to manage investment risk through appropriate diversification within our private equity portfolio. The graphs below illustrate the breakdown of our private equity portfolio by asset class and investment type based on pro forma fair value, total exposure and unfunded commitments as of 31 December 2010.
1. The diversification analysis by asset class and investment type is based on the fair value of underlying fund investments and direct / co-investments, pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser. Determinations regarding asset class and investment type represent the Investment Manager's estimates. Accordingly, the actual diversification of our investment portfolio and the diversification of our investment portfolio on an ongoing basis may vary from the foregoing information.
DIVERSIFICATION BY YEAR OF INVESTMENT 1
The graphs below illustrate the diversification of our private equity portfolio by year of investment based on pro forma fair value as of 31 December 2010. Year of investment is calculated at the portfolio company level and is defined as the date of capital deployment into a particular underlying investment. This differs from the diversification by vintage year on page 15 as vintage year shows when a fund was formed rather than when the capital was deployed. As illustrated below, approximately 55% of pro forma fair value at 31 December 2010 was attributable to investments made during 2008, 2009 and 2010. NBPE's allocation to large-cap buyout investments has decreased over time, while the allocation to special situations and mid-cap buyout investments has increased as a result of our tactical allocation to the most attractive opportunities.
1. Based on private equity fair value as of 31 December 2010, pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the upfront proceeds from the sale of Dresser.
DIVERSIFICATION BY GEOGRAPHY AND INDUSTRY
The graphs below illustrate the diversification of our private equity portfolio by geography and industry based on pro forma fair value and total exposure as of 31 December 2010.
1. The diversification analysis by geography and industry is based on the diversification of underlying portfolio company investments at fair value, pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser, as estimated by the Investment Manager. Determinations regarding geography and industry also represent the Investment Manager's estimates. Accordingly, the actual diversification of our investment portfolio and the diversification of our investment portfolio on an ongoing basis may vary from the foregoing information.
DIVERSIFICATION BY VINTAGE YEAR
The table below outlines the diversification of our private equity portfolio by vintage year and investment type based on pro forma fair value as of 31 December 2010. For the purposes of this analysis, and throughout this Annual Financial Report, vintage year is defined as the date of the first portfolio investment made by a private equity fund or the date of a direct / co-investment. This diversification by vintage year should be distinguished from the diversification by year of investment, which is shown on page 13.
DIVERSIFICATION BY VINTAGE YEAR AND INVESTMENT TYPE BASED ON PRO FORMA FAIR VALUE 1
| (\$ in millions) | Vintage Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <=2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Total | |
| Special Situations Funds | \$0.2 | \$2.0 | \$20.7 | \$72.6 | \$73.5 | \$5.5 | \$0.6 | \$175.2 |
| Special Situations Directs | - | - | - | - | 9.8 | - | 13.7 | 23.5 |
| Mid-cap Buyout Funds | 9.1 | 11.3 | 57.6 | 36.4 | 2.3 | - | - | 116.9 |
| Mid-cap Buyout Co-invest | - | 1.0 | 9.5 | 25.7 | 3.2 | - | 16.0 | 55.3 |
| Large-cap Buyout Funds | 15.0 | 3.3 | 31.1 | 2.3 | - | - | - | 51.7 |
| Large-cap Buyout Co-invest | - | - | 4.6 | 21.9 | - | 0.1 | 1.2 | 27.7 |
| Growth / Venture | 2.8 | 5.3 | 10.1 | 19.3 | 1.7 | - | 2.4 | 41.5 |
| Secondary Purchases | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 4.4 | 0.4 | 6.9 | 3.1 | 16.4 |
| Total | \$27.3 | \$23.0 | \$135.0 | \$182.5 | \$90.9 | \$12.5 | \$37.0 | \$508.2 |
| <=2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 34% | ||||||
| - | 5% | ||||||
| 2% | 23% | ||||||
| - | 11% | ||||||
| 3% | 10% | ||||||
| - | 5% | ||||||
| 1% | 8% | ||||||
| 0% | 0% | 1% | 0% | 1% | 3% | ||
| 5% | 5% | 100% | |||||
| 0% - 2% 0% 1% - 1% 0% |
4% - 11% 2% 6% 1% 2% 27% |
Vintage Year 14% - 7% 5% 0% 4% 4% 36% |
14% 2% 0% 1% - - 0% 18% |
1% - - - - 0% - 2% |
0% 3% - 3% - 0% 0% 1% 7% |
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO 1
The following is a list of our pro forma private equity fund investments as of 31 December 2010. 2
| (\$ in millions) | Principal | Vintage | Fair | Unfunded | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund Investments | Geography | Year | Value | Commit. | Exposure |
| Special Situations | |||||
| Centerbridge Credit Partners | U.S. | 2008 | \$32.1 | \$0.0 | \$32.1 |
| CVI Global Value Fund | Global | 2006 | 15.1 | 0.8 | 15.9 |
| OCM Opportunities Fund VIIb | U.S. | 2008 | 41.3 | 3.0 | 44.3 |
| Oaktree Opportunities Fund VIII | U.S. | 2009 | 5.4 | 5.0 | 10.4 |
| Platinum Equity Capital Partners II | U.S. | 2007 | 11.9 | 7.0 | 18.9 |
| Prospect Harbor Credit Partners | U.S. | 2007 | 12.6 | - | 12.6 |
| Sankaty Credit Opportunities III | U.S. | 2007 | 25.4 | - | 25.4 |
| Strategic Value Special Situations Fund | Global | 2010 | 0. 6 |
0.0 | 0.7 |
| Strategic Value Global Opportunities Fund I-A | Global | 2010 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 2.6 |
| Sun Capital Partners V | U.S. | 2007 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 8.5 |
| Wayzata Opportunities Fund II | U.S. | 2007 | 16.1 | 11.1 | 27.2 |
| Mid-cap Buyout | |||||
| American Capital Equity II | U.S. | 2007 | \$4.1 | \$1.4 | \$5.5 |
| Aquiline Financial Services Fund | U.S. | 2005 | 4.5 | 0.4 | 4.9 |
| ArcLight Energy Partners Fund IV | U.S. | 2007 | 15.2 | 6.2 | 21.4 |
| Avista Capital Partners | U.S. | 2006 | 14.2 | 1.7 | 15.9 |
| Clessidra Capital Partners | Europe | 2004 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 3.6 |
| Corsair III Financial Services Capital Partners | Global | 2007 | 6.8 | 1.8 | 8.5 |
| Highstar Capital II | U.S. | 2004 | 3.7 | 0.0 | 3.7 |
| Investitori Associati III | Europe | 2000 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 2.1 |
| Lightyear Fund II | U.S. | 2006 | 10.0 | 1.4 | 11.4 |
| OCM Principal Opportunities Fund IV | U.S. | 2006 | 20.8 | 2.0 | 22.8 |
| Trident IV | U.S. | 2007 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 5.3 |
| Large-cap Buyout | |||||
| Carlyle Europe Partners II | Europe | 2003 | 7.6 | 0.8 | 8.4 |
| Doughty Hanson & Co IV | Europe | 2003 | 5.5 | 0.2 | 5.7 |
| First Reserve Fund XI | U.S. | 2006 | 19.0 | 5.5 | 24.5 |
| J.C. Flowers II | Global | 2006 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 2.9 |
| Growth Equity | |||||
| Bertram Growth Capital I | U.S. | 2007 | \$16.0 | \$3.7 | \$19.7 |
| Bertram Growth Capital II | U.S. | 2010 | 1.1 | 8.8 | 10.0 |
| Summit Partners Europe Private Equity Fund | Europe | 2010 | 1.2 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Fund of Funds Investments | |||||
| NB Crossroads Fund XVII | U.S. | 2002-06 | \$36.3 | \$5.6 | \$41.9 |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVIII Large-cap Buyout | Global | 2005-09 | 10.3 | 3.0 | 13.3 |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVIII Mid-cap Buyout | Global | 2005-09 | 29.4 | 10.7 | 40.1 |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVIII Special Situations | Global | 2005-09 | 9.2 | 2.0 | 11.2 |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVIII Venture Capital | U.S. | 2006-09 | 8.4 | 2.5 | 10.9 |
| NB Fund of Funds Secondary 2009 | Global | 2009-10 | 6.7 | 3.2 | 9.9 |
| Total Fund Investments | \$408.6 | \$99.6 | \$508.2 |
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale.
2. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO 1
The following is a list of our direct / co-investments as of 31 December 2010. 2
| (\$ in millions) | Principal | Vintage | Fair | Unfunded | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct / Co-investments 3 | Geography | Year | Value | Commit. | Exposure |
| Mid-cap Buyout | |||||
| BakerCorp | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| Bourland & Leverich Supply Co. LLC | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| Edgen Murray Corporation | U.S. | 2007 | |||
| Fairmount Minerals, Ltd. | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| Firth Rixson, plc | Europe | 2007-09 | |||
| GazTransport & Technigaz S.A.S. | Europe | 2008 | |||
| Group Ark Insurance Holdings Limited | Global | 2007 | |||
| Kyobo Life Insurance Co., Ltd. | Asia | 2007 | |||
| Press Ganey Associates, Inc. | U.S. | 2008 | |||
| Salient Federal Solutions, LLC | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| SonicWall, Inc. | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| The SI Organization, Inc. | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| TPF Genco Holdings, LLC | U.S. | 2006 | |||
| Large-cap Buyout | |||||
| Avaya, Inc. | U.S. | 2007 | |||
| Energy Future Holdings Corp. | U.S. | 2007 | |||
| First Data Corporation | U.S. | 2007 | |||
| Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. | U.S. | 2006 | |||
| Sabre Holdings Corporation | U.S. | 2007 | |||
| Univar Inc. | Global | 2010 | |||
| Special Situations | |||||
| Firth Rixson, plc (Mezzanine Debt) | Europe | 2008 | |||
| Royalty Notes (HIV Medication) | Global | 2010 | |||
| SonicWall, Inc. (Second Lien Debt) | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| Suddenlink Communications (PIK Preferred) | U.S. | 2010 | |||
| Growth Equity | |||||
| Seventh Generation, Inc. | U.S. | 2008 | |||
| Total Direct / Co-investments | \$99.6 | \$3.8 | \$103.4 | ||
| Total Private Equity Investment Portfolio | \$508.2 | \$103.3 | \$611.5 |
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale.
- 2. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
- 3. Direct / co-investment values are disclosed on an aggregate-only basis. No single direct / co-investment comprises more than 3.5% of total net asset value.
NEW INVESTMENTS
During 2010, we committed an aggregate \$49.4 million to the following private equity investments:
BakerCorp
Mid-cap Buyout Co-investment
In February 2010, we completed a co-investment in BakerCorp alongside Lightyear Capital and Neuberger Berman's Co-Investment Fund. BakerCorp is a rental services provider of liquid and solid containment, pumping, filtration and shoring equipment.
Oaktree Opportunities Fund VIII
Primary Fund Investment
In March 2010, we made a \$10 million commitment to Oaktree Opportunities Fund VIII, a distressed debt fund managed by Oaktree Capital Management ("Oaktree"), which has over \$33 billion of distressed debt assets under management. The Oaktree team has a record of highly successful investing in the debt of financially distressed companies. Oaktree's approach seeks to combine protection against loss, which comes from buying claims on assets at bargain prices, with the substantial gains to be achieved by returning companies to financial viability through restructuring.
Bertram Growth Capital II
Primary Fund Investment
In May 2010, we made a \$10 million commitment to Bertram Growth Capital II, a growth equity fund focused on the expansion of lower middle market companies. Bertram Capital has over \$800 million in capital under management and strives to catalyze growth in middle market companies through active operational involvement and a strong alignment of management and shareholder interests.
Suddenlink Communications
Special Situations Direct Investment
In May 2010, we completed a direct investment in the PIK preferred shares of Suddenlink Communications. The preferred shares accrue interest at a rate of 12% and were purchased at a discount to accreted value. Suddenlink Communications is a cable broadband company that serves approximately 1.3 million residential customers and thousands of commercial customers in the United States.
Strategic Value Global Opportunities Fund I and Special Situations Fund
Secondary Fund Investments
In May and June 2010, we purchased interests in Strategic Value Global Opportunities Fund I and Strategic Value Special Situations Fund at a discount to net asset value. The aggregate total exposure (purchase price plus unfunded commitments) of the investments was \$2.4 million. The two funds are managed by Strategic Value Partners, a global alternative investment firm focused on distressed, deep value, and turnaround opportunities.
Salient Federal Solutions
Mid-cap Buyout Co-investment
In June 2010, we committed to a co-investment in Salient Federal Solutions, LLC alongside Frontenac Company and Neuberger Berman's Co-Investment Fund. Salient Federal Solutions is building a major federal IT and engineering services company through organic growth and supplemental acquisitions.
NEW INVESTMENTS
SonicWALL, Inc.
Special Situations Direct Investment and Mid-cap Buyout Co-investment
In July 2010, we completed a direct investment in the second lien debt of SonicWALL, Inc. and a mid-cap buyout co-investment in the equity of SonicWALL, Inc. The second lien debt was issued at a 3% discount to par and pays cash interest at LIBOR plus 1,000 basis points with a LIBOR floor of 2.00%. The equity co-investment was made alongside Thoma Bravo, LLC and Neuberger Berman's Co-Investment Fund. SonicWALL is a provider of advanced intelligent network security and data protection solutions.
Fairmount Minerals, Ltd.
Mid-cap Buyout Co-investment
In August 2010, we completed a co-investment in Fairmount Minerals, Ltd. alongside American Securities. Fairmount Minerals is a leading producer of high purity sand for a broad range of industrial applications including sand-based proppants for the oil and gas industry.
Bourland & Leverich Supply Co. LLC
Mid-cap Buyout Co-investment
In August 2010, we completed a co-investment in Bourland & Leverich Supply Co. LLC alongside Jefferies Capital Partners. Bourland & Leverich Supply Co. is a leading distributor of oil country tubular goods to the domestic oil and gas industry.
The SI Organization, Inc.
Mid-cap Buyout Co-investment
In November 2010, we completed a co-investment in The SI Organization, Inc. alongside Veritas Capital. The SI Organization is a leading provider of high-end systems engineering, integration, modeling simulation analysis and risk mitigation to the U.S. intelligence community.
Univar Inc.
Large-cap Buyout Co-investment
In November 2010, we completed a co-investment in Univar Inc. alongside Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and Neuberger Berman's Co-Investment Fund. Univar is a leading global distributor of commodity and specialty chemicals to a broad array of end markets.
Royalty Notes
Special Situations Direct Investment
In December 2010, we completed a direct investment in a tranche of 15.5% royalty notes backed by the worldwide sales of a leading HIV medication that is marketed globally by a premier pharmaceutical company. The notes amortize based on royalty income in excess of the 15.5% coupon and other royalty trust expenses.
VALUATION METHODOLOGY
We carry our private equity investments on our books at fair value using the best information we have reasonably available to determine or estimate fair value. Publicly traded securities are valued based on quoted prices as of the last day of the relevant period less discounts to reflect legal restrictions associated with the securities, if any, that affect marketability. We determine such values for publicly traded securities held directly as well as known public positions held in the underlying private equity investments on a look-through basis. We estimate fair value for private interests based on a methodology that begins with the most recent information available from the general partner of the underlying fund or the lead investor of a direct co-investment, and considers subsequent transactions, such as drawdowns or distributions, as well as other information judged to be reliable that reports or indicates valuation changes, including realizations and other portfolio company events. We proactively re-value our investments before we have received updated information from the fund manager or lead sponsor if we become aware of material events that justify a change in valuation. If we conclude that it is probable that we will sell an investment, we adjust our carrying value to the amount we expect to realize from the sale, exclusive of transaction costs.
Our NAV per Share of \$10.38 as of 31 December 2010 was \$0.41 higher than previously reported in our December 2010 Monthly Report principally due to the receipt of additional portfolio valuation information. Between the release date of our December 2010 Monthly Report and the release date of this Annual Financial Report, our Investment Manager received fourth quarter 2010 financial statements and other valuation estimates that resulted in net unrealized gains within our private equity portfolio.
The graphs below illustrate the diversification of our private equity investments by valuation type and the date of most recent available information on a pro forma basis as of 31 December 2010.
PERFORMANCE BY ASSET CLASS
Based on the multiple of total value to paid-in capital ("TVPI") since inception, our private equity portfolio increased in fair value by approximately 10% from 0.95x at 31 December 2009 to 1.05x at 31 December 2010.
The increase in value during the year was driven by realized and unrealized gains across the portfolio, including an increase of approximately 18% in the special situations portfolio from 0.99x at 31 December 2009 to 1.17x at 31 December 2010. This positive performance was largely attributable to higher mark-to-market valuations and realizations within the trading and restructuring funds in our special situations portfolio.
The valuation of the mid-cap buyout portfolio increased approximately 8% to 1.16x at the end of the year due to the announced sale of Dresser as well as net unrealized gains related to other fund investments and co-investments.
The valuation of the large-cap buyout portfolio increased modestly during the year. However, it is important to note that a significant portion of the large-cap buyout fund portfolio was sold through the Strategic Asset Sale and was therefore valued based on the amount of respective sale proceeds.
The investment in NB Crossroads Fund XVII increased in value by approximately 14% during the year, while the growth equity and venture capital portfolio experienced an increase in value of approximately 5%.
The graph below illustrates a summary of our portfolio performance by asset class during 2010. The estimated fair values at the bottom of the chart are pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser.
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
The table below outlines the performance of our unrealized underlying investments on a pro forma basis by asset class and valuation range as of 31 December 2010. The following analysis totals approximately \$461.7 million in fair value, or 91% of pro forma private equity fair value, and is based on the most recent information available at the underlying company level. Across the portfolio, 79% of unrealized fair value and 61% of unrealized cost basis is held at or above cost on a company by company basis.
| AGGREGATE PORTFOLIO COMPANY ANALYSIS BY ASSET CLASS | ||
|---|---|---|
| AND VALUATION RANGE 1 | ||
| Total Unrealized Portfolio | 31-Dec-10 | 31-Dec-10 |
| Multiple Range | % of Cost | % of Value |
| 2.0x + | 6% | 17% |
| 1.0x - 2.0x | 50% | 57% |
| Held at Cost | 5% | 5% |
| 0.5x - 1.0x | 24% | 18% |
| 0.25x - 0.5x | 10% | 3% |
| < 0.25x | 5% | 1% |
| Total Unrealized (\$m) | \$420.7 | \$461. 7 |
| Special Situations | 31-Dec-10 | 31-Dec-10 |
| Multiple Range | % of Cost | % of Value |
| 2.0x + | 0% | 2% |
| 1.0x - 2.0x | 68% | 75% |
| Held at Cost | 0% | 0% |
| 0.5x - 1.0x | 26% | 21% |
| 0.25x - 0.5x | 5% | 2% |
| < 0.25x | 1% | 0% |
| Total Unrealized (\$m) | \$155.7 | \$165.7 |
| Mid-cap Buyout | 31-Dec-10 | 31-Dec-10 |
| Multiple Range | % of Cost | % of Value |
| 2.0x + | 8% | 20% |
| 1.0x - 2.0x | 49% | 55% |
| Held at Cost | 9% | 8% |
| 0.5x - 1.0x | 20% | 14% |
| 0.25x - 0.5x | 11% | 3% |
| < 0.25x | 3% | 0% |
| Total Unrealized (\$m) | \$145.7 | \$170. 7 |
| Large-cap Buyout | 31-Dec-10 | 31-Dec-10 |
| Multiple Range | % of Cost | % of Value |
| 2.0x + | 8% | 24% |
| 1.0x - 2.0x | 29% | 41% |
| Held at Cost | 2% | 2% |
| 0.5x - 1.0x | 29% | 24% |
| 0.25x - 0.5x | 18% | 7% |
| < 0.25x | 14% | 3% |
| Total Unrealized (\$m) | \$89.1 | \$82.4 |
| Growth / Venture | 31-Dec-10 | 31-Dec-10 |
| Multiple Range | % of Cost | % of Value |
| 2.0x + | 24% | 46% |
| 1.0x - 2.0x | 26% | 27% |
| Held at Cost | 20% | 14% |
| 0.5x - 1.0x | 21% | 12% |
| 0.25x - 0.5x | 4% | 1% |
| < 0.25x | 6% | 0% |
| Total Unrealized (\$m) | \$30.3 | \$42.9 |
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser. Assets not included consist primarily of cash held by underlying private equity funds and investments not yet identified.
DIRECT / CO-INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
Our direct / co-investment portfolio consisted of 27 distinct investments as of 31 December 2010. Illustrated below is the diversification of our direct / co-investment portfolio by asset class and year of investment based on pro forma fair value.
DIRECT / CO-INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
Listed below is a description of the unrealized companies in our direct / co-investment portfolio as of 31 December 2010.
| Company Name | Asset Class | Business Description |
|---|---|---|
| Avaya, Inc. | Large-cap Buyout | Provider of communication systems, applications and services for enterprises, including businesses, government agencies and other organizations |
| BakerCorp | Mid-cap Buyout | Leasing and rental provider of liquid and solid containment, pumping, filtration and shoring equipment |
| Bourland & Leverich Supply Co. LLC |
Mid-cap Buyout | Distributor of oil country tubular goods to the domestic oil and gas industry |
| Dresser Holdings, Inc. Mid-cap Buyout | Global manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered energy infrastructure and oilfield equipment for mission-critical applications |
|
| Edgen Murray Corporation |
Mid-cap Buyout | Global distributor and marketer of high performance steel and alloy products used primarily in energy infrastructure applications |
| Energy Future Holdings Corp. |
Large-cap Buyout | Energy company that manages a portfolio of competitive and regulated energy businesses located in Texas, including unregulated power generation, retail electric supply, and regulated electric utilities |
| Fairmount Minerals, Ltd. |
Mid-cap Buyout | Producer of high purity sand for a broad range of industrial applications, including sand-based proppants for the oil and gas industry |
| First Data Corporation Large-cap Buyout | Provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for merchants, financial institutions, and card issuers globally, with operations in 36 countries, serving over 6 million merchant locations and thousands of card issuers |
|
| Firth Rixson, plc | Mid-cap Buyout / Special Situations |
Supplier of highly engineered rings, forgings and specialist metal products primarily to global aerospace engine manufacturers |
| Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. |
Large-cap Buyout | Designer and manufacturer of semiconductors for a variety of end-markets including the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless industries |
| GazTransport & Technigaz S.A.S. |
Mid-cap Buyout | Designer and installer of cryogenic containment systems for liquefied natural gas carriers |
| Group Ark Insurance Holdings Limited |
Mid-cap Buyout | Lloyd's market underwriter of a geographically diverse book of global specialty insurance and reinsurance risks |
| Kyobo Life Insurance Co., Ltd. |
Mid-cap Buyout | Life insurance company based in Korea that offers a broad range of savings and protection products targeted at middle- and upper-income consumers |
| Press Ganey Associates, Inc. |
Mid-cap Buyout | Provider of patient satisfaction measurement and quality and performance improvement solutions to healthcare institutions |
| Royalty Notes (HIV Medication) |
Special Situations | Royalty notes backed by the worldwide sales of a leading HIV medication that is marketed globally by a premier pharmaceutical company |
| Sabre Holdings Corporation |
Large-cap Buyout | World leader in travel commerce, providing a broad portfolio of transaction processing, distribution, and technology solutions to the global travel industry |
| Salient Federal Solutions, LLC |
Mid-cap Buyout | Provider of technology and engineering services to government agencies, primarily within the intelligence community and the Department of Defense |
| Seventh Generation, Inc. |
Growth / Venture | Manufacturer of authentic, safe, and environmentally-responsible household products for a healthy home |
| SonicWall, Inc. | Mid-cap Buyout / Special Situations |
Developer of advanced intelligent network security and data protection solutions for small and large enterprises worldwide |
| Suddenlink Communications |
Special Situations | Provider of cable broadband solutions for residential and commercial customers in the United States |
| The SI Organization, Inc. |
Mid-cap Buyout | Provider of high-end systems engineering and integration solutions and modeling, simulation, analysis and risk mitigation services to the U.S. Intelligence Community |
| TPF Genco Holdings, LLC |
Mid-cap Buyout | Five natural gas-fired power plants located in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia and West Virginia, representing 2,480 megawatts of generating capacity |
| Univar Inc. | Large-cap Buyout | Global distributor and marketer of commodity and specialty chemicals to a broad array of end markets |
DIRECT / CO-INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
Our direct / co-investment portfolio has generated a 1.08x TVPI multiple from inception through 31 December 2010. In aggregate, the valuation of our direct / co-investment portfolio increased by approximately 16% during 2010, driven by stronger operating performance, higher comparable public market valuations, and the announced sale of Dresser.
The table below outlines the performance of our direct / co-investment portfolio from inception through 31 December 2010 by asset class and current valuation range. The number of investments and the TVPI multiples are based on all realized and unrealized direct / co-investments, while the current fair values are based on unrealized direct / co-investments as of 31 December 2010 (pro forma for the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser).
DIRECT / CO-INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE BY ASSET CLASS & VALUATION RANGE
| (\$ in millions) Asset Class |
# of Direct / Co-investments |
Realized Proceeds |
31-Dec-2010 Fair Value |
Total Value to Paid-in Capital |
% of Fair Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-cap Buyout & Growth Equity | 20 | \$44.3 | \$49.6 | 1.26x | 49.8% |
| Large-cap Buyout | 6 | 0.2 | 26.4 | 0.70x | 26.6% |
| Special Situations | 4 | 2.1 | 23.5 | 1.12x | 23.6% |
| Total Direct / Co-investments | 30 | \$46.5 | \$99.6 | 1.08x | 100.0% |
| (\$ in millions) Multiple Range |
# of Direct / Co-investments |
Realized Proceeds |
31-Dec-2010 Fair Value |
Total Value to Paid-in Capital |
% of Fair Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater than 2.0x | 4 | \$18.1 | \$9.4 | 2.69x | 9.4% |
| 1.0x to 2.0x | 17 | 19.3 | 73.7 | 1.18x | 74.0% |
| 0.5x to 1.0x | 4 | 9.0 | 8.3 | 0.82x | 8.3% |
| Less than 0.5x | 5 | 0.1 | 8.3 | 0.33x | 8.3% |
| Total Direct / Co-investments | 30 | \$46.5 | \$99.6 | 1.08x | 100.0% |
LARGEST UNDERLYING INVESTMENTS
As of 31 December 2010, pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale and the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser, our private equity portfolio included exposure to over 2,600 separate companies, with our allocable portion of approximately 1,000 companies valued at greater than \$20,000. Our 10 largest portfolio company investments totaled approximately \$80 million in fair value, or 16% of pro forma private equity fair value. Our 20 largest portfolio company investments totaled approximately \$118 million in fair value, or 23% of pro forma fair value. No individual company accounted for more than 3.5% of total NAV at year end. Listed below are the 20 largest underlying investments on a pro forma basis in alphabetical order.
| Company Name | Status | Asset Class | Partnership(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author Solutions | Private | Growth / Venture | Bertram Growth Capital I, Fund XVIII |
| Avaya | Private | Large-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Fund XVIII |
| Bahamas Oil Refining Company | Private | Large-cap Buyout | First Reserve Fund XI |
| Bourland & Leverich Supply Co. | Private | Mid-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Fund XVII, Fund XVIII |
| Caesars Entertainment (Debt) | Private | Special Situations | Oaktree Opps VIII, OCM Opps VIIb, OCM Principal Opps IV, Fund XVIII |
| Clear Channel Communications (Debt) |
Private | Special Situations | Oaktree Opps VIII, OCM Opps VIIb, Fund XVIII |
| Edgen Murray | Private | Mid-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Fund XVII, Fund XVIII |
| Firth Rixson (Mezzanine Debt) | Private | Special Situations | Direct Investment |
| Freescale Semiconductor | Private | Large-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Carlyle Europe II, Fund XVII, Fund XVIII |
| Group Ark Insurance | Private | Mid-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Aquiline, Fund XVIII |
| Kyobo Life Insurance | Private | Mid-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Corsair III, Fund XVIII |
| Power Distribution | Private | Growth / Venture | Bertram Growth Capital I, Fund XVIII |
| Royalty Notes (HIV Medication) | Private | Special Situations | Direct Investment |
| Sabre | Private | Large-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Fund XVII, Fund XVIII |
| SonicWall (Second Lien Debt) | Private | Special Situations | Direct Investment |
| Suddenlink Communications (PIK Preferred Shares) |
Private | Special Situations | Direct Investment |
| Terra-Gen Power | Private | Mid-cap Buyout | ArcLight Energy Partners IV, Fund XVIII |
| The SI Organization | Private | Mid-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Fund XVIII |
| TPF Genco | Private | Mid-cap Buyout | Co-investment, Fund XVII, Fund XVIII |
| TydenBrooks | Private | Growth / Venture | Bertram Growth Capital I, Fund XVIII |
On a pro forma basis at 31 December 2010, approximately \$34 million of our private equity portfolio was comprised of investments directly or indirectly in publicly-traded securities. This amount represented approximately 7% of pro forma private equity fair value.
Listed below is a description of the 50 largest buyout investments as of 31 December 2010, pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale.
| Company Name | Business Description |
|---|---|
| Advance Pierre Foods Supplier of value-added protein and handheld convenience products to the foodservice, school, retail, club, | |
| vending, and convenience store markets | |
| AL Gulf Coast | Largest provider of crude and residual fuel oil storage in the Gulf of Mexico with over 13 million barrels of |
| Terminals | storage capacity and an additional 540,000 barrels of storage capacity currently under construction |
| AMCI Capital | Financial venture providing a platform for investments in coal, coal-related infrastructure and raw material |
| supply projects globally | |
| Antares | Lloyd's syndicate that underwrites a globally-diversified portfolio of specialty insurance and reinsurance |
| business including property, casualty, marine, and aviation | |
| Avaya | Provider of communication systems, applications and services for enterprises, including businesses, |
| government agencies and other organizations | |
| Bahamas Oil Refining | Largest storage terminal facility in the Caribbean with the ability to store, blend, transship, and bunker fuel |
| Company | oil, crude oil, and various petroleum products |
| BakerCorp | Leasing and rental provider of liquid and solid containment, pumping, filtration and shoring equipment |
| Balta Industries | European manufacturer of wall-to-wall carpets and a global leader in the manufacture of area rugs |
| Bourland & Leverich | Distributor of oil country tubular goods to the domestic oil and gas industry |
| Supply Co. | |
| Britax Childcare | Designer, assembler and marketer of a range of premium children's car seats and wheeled goods |
| Buckeye Partners | Publicly traded partnership that owns and operates one of the largest independent refined petroleum |
| products pipeline systems in the U.S. in terms of volumes delivered, with 5,400 miles of pipeline | |
| Cetera Financial | Independent broker-dealer comprised of three distinct broker-dealers, serving approximately 5,000 |
| Group | financial advisors throughout the U.S. and with over \$70 billion of assets under administration |
| CHC Helicopter | Largest global commercial helicopter operator, providing helicopter transportation services primarily to the |
| offshore oil and gas industry for exploration and production | |
| Cobalt International | Independent global exploration and production company with a portfolio in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of |
| Energy | Mexico and offshore West Africa |
| Com Hem | Largest cable television operator in Sweden, providing analog and digital television, broadband Internet |
| and telephony services to landlords and residential customers | |
| Community & Southern Bank |
Commercial bank offering products and services in Georgia |
| ConvaTec | Developer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of medical devices for advanced wound care, ostomy |
| and acute fecal incontinence markets | |
| Dresser | Global manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered energy infrastructure and oilfield equipment for mission-critical applications |
| Edgen Murray | Global distributor and marketer of high performance steel and alloy products used primarily in energy |
| infrastructure applications | |
| Energy Future | Energy company that manages a portfolio of competitive and regulated energy businesses located in |
| Holdings (TXU) | Texas, including unregulated power generation, retail electric supply, and regulated electric utilities |
| EXCO Resources | Natural gas and oil company engaged in the exploration, exploitation, development and production of |
| North American onshore natural gas and oil properties | |
| Fairmount Minerals | Producer of high purity sand for a broad range of industrial applications, including sand-based proppants |
| for the oil and gas industry | |
| First Data | Provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for merchants, financial institutions, and card |
| issuers globally, with operations in 36 countries, serving over 6 million merchant locations and thousands | |
| of card issuers | |
| Firth Rixson | Supplier of highly engineered rings, forgings and specialist metal products primarily to global aerospace |
| engine manufacturers | |
| Flagstone Reinsurance |
Global reinsurance and insurance company that focuses on specialty, property, property catastrophe and short-tail casualty reinsurance and insurance |
Listed below is a description of the 50 largest buyout investments as of 31 December 2010, pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale (continued from previous page).
| Company Name | Business Description |
|---|---|
| Freescale | Designer and manufacturer of semiconductors for a variety of end-markets including the automotive, |
| Semiconductor | consumer, industrial, networking and wireless industries |
| Great Point Power | Owner of interests in a fully contracted portfolio of four power generation facilities and one transmission |
| facility, with approximately 695 megawatts of net generation and 440 megawatts of net transmission | |
| capacity with assets located in New York, New Jersey, Texas, California, and Hawaii | |
| Group Ark Insurance | Lloyd's market underwriter of a geographically diverse book of global specialty insurance and reinsurance risks |
| HellermannTyton | Global manufacturer and distributor of high-performance cable management products, with operations in 34 countries and 11 production facilities in nine countries |
| Higher One | Provider of electronic refund management services and other financial services to universities and their students in the United States |
| Kyobo Life Insurance | Life insurance company based in Korea that offers a broad range of savings and protection products targeted at middle- and upper-income consumers |
| Lantheus Medical | Supplier of radiopharmaceuticals and contrast agents for nuclear and ultrasound-based cardiovascular |
| Imaging | diagnostic imaging procedures |
| Navilyst Medical | Manufacturer and distributor of single use fluid management and venous access medical devices |
| NFR Energy | North American onshore exploration and production company acquiring producing gas properties and developing the Haynesville gas shale |
| Nielsen | Global information and media company providing essential marketing information analytics and industry expertise to customers around the world |
| Norit International | Supplier of clean technologies and components for purification and filtration systems, primarily focused on |
| the water and beverage markets | |
| Nycomed | Mid-sized pharmaceutical company focused on the sale of branded prescription and over-the-counter |
| drugs in the Nordic, continental Europe, and CIS regions | |
| OneWest Bank | Regional savings and loan bank based in Southern California (formerly known as IndyMac Federal Bank FSB) |
| Press Ganey | Provider of patient satisfaction measurement and quality and performance improvement solutions to |
| Associates | healthcare institutions |
| Sabre | World leader in travel commerce, providing a broad portfolio of transaction processing, distribution, and technology solutions to the global travel industry |
| Star Atlantic Waste Holdings |
Vertically integrated waste management companies along the East Coast of the U.S., owning and/or operating 10 landfills, one greenfield landfill, 18 transfer stations, and numerous collection operations |
| Stock Spirits | One of the fastest growing spirits companies in Europe and the owner of many of Central Europe's premier drinks brands |
| Terra-Gen Power | Renewable energy company focused on owning, operating, and developing utility-scale wind, geothermal, and solar generation, with 831 megawatts in 21 operating renewable energy projects |
| The SI Organization | Provider of high-end systems engineering and integration solutions and modeling, simulation, analysis and risk mitigation services to the U.S. Intelligence Community |
| Torus Insurance | Energy-focused insurance vehicle underwriting large, complex technical lines worldwide |
| TPF Genco | Five natural gas-fired power plants located in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia and West Virginia, representing 2,480 megawatts of generating capacity |
| Tumi | High-end luggage and business accessory brand, designing and marketing its products to professionals and brand-conscious frequent travelers |
| Validus | Provider of reinsurance and insurance, conducting its operations worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Holdings Ltd. |
| VWR International | Global distributor of equipment and consumable supplies to the global research laboratory industry, |
| offering products and supplies from more than 3,000 manufacturers to over 250,000 customers | |
| WideOpenWest | Cable company in the United States with over 1.4 million homes passed and over 350,000 subscribers, providing cable television, high-speed data and digital telephony services |
In connection with our portfolio monitoring process, our Investment Manager analyzed the operational performance and valuation metrics for the 50 largest buyout investments based upon pro forma fair value at 31 December 2010. 1
| BUYOUT PERFORMANCE AND VALUATION ANALYSIS 2 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Buyout Investments | Other Buyout Investments | |||
| ! | Traditional buyout investments that were valued based on a multiple of cash flow (total enterprise value as a multiple of EBITDA) |
! | Power generation and utility companies, financial institutions and publicly traded companies – 17 companies with approximately \$57 million of fair |
|
| – 33 companies with approximately \$108 million of fair value, representing 20% of private equity fair value and 38% of buyout fair value |
value, representing 11% of private equity fair value and 20% of buyout fair value |
|||
| ! | Summary metrics for the traditional buyout investments: – Weighted average valuation multiple of 10.0x LTM EBITDA |
! | Seven privately held financial institutions (\$25 million of fair value) grew book value by 16% over the last twelve months and were valued at 1.27x book value on a weighted average basis |
|
| – Weighted average leverage multiple of 5.3x LTM EBITDA – Weighted average LTM revenue growth of 12% |
! | Four power generation and utility companies (\$18 million of fair value) were valued based on a variety of metrics, including price per kilowatt hour of generation capacity |
||
| – Weighted average LTM EBITDA growth of 19% | ! | Six publicly traded companies (\$13 million of fair value) generated a weighted average total return of 20% during the calendar year 2010 |
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale.
2. Portfolio company operating and valuation metrics are based on most recently available information (unaudited). Private equity fair value as of 31 December 2010.
The figure below illustrates the key operating, valuation, and leverage statistics for the largest traditional buyout investments by industry sector. In conducting the analysis, our Investment Manager utilized the most recently available information (principally as of 31 December 2010 but also as of 30 September 2010) to evaluate the year-over-year growth in revenue and EBITDA for each company. In addition, our Investment Manager analyzed the most recently available valuation multiple (enterprise value to LTM EBITDA) and leverage multiple (net debt to LTM EBITDA) for each company. The aggregate metrics by industry sector represent weighted averages based on the pro forma fair value of each underlying company at 31 December 2010. 1
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
Listed below is a description of the 25 largest special situations investments as of 31 December 2010.
| Company Name | Business Description |
|---|---|
| 3B The Fibreglass Company |
European manufacturer and seller of glass fiber composite material solutions for the automotive, wind energy, electrical, electronic, and construction markets |
| Aleris International | Production of aluminum rolled and extruded products as well as aluminum recycling and the production of specification alloys |
| Caesars Entertainment Corp. |
Diversified gaming company that provides casino entertainment principally in the United States and England |
| Charter Communications |
Provider of cable services to residential and commercial customers in the United States |
| CIT Group | Provider of commercial financing, leasing products, and other services to small and middle market businesses |
| Claire's Stores | Specialty retailer of fashion accessories and jewelry for kids, teenagers, and young women |
| Clear Channel Communications |
Diversified media company that provides mobile and on-demand entertainment and information services, including radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising services |
| Delta Air Lines | Provider of scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally |
| Energy Future Holdings |
Energy company that manages a portfolio of competitive and regulated energy businesses located in Texas, including unregulated power generation, retail electric supply, and regulated electric utilities |
| Firth Rixson | Supplier of highly engineered rings, forgings and specialist metal products primarily to global aerospace engine manufacturers |
| Grede Foundries | Designer and manufacturer of cast, machined, and assembled metal components for transportation and industrial markets |
| HD Supply | Industrial distributor in North America serving over 500,000 professional customers, including contractors, government entities, maintenance professionals, home builders and industrial businesses |
| Intrawest | Developer and manager of mountain and beach destination resorts in North America and Europe |
| KEMET Corporation | Manufacturer of capacitors used in a broad range of electronics |
| MGM Resorts International |
Owner and operater of casino resorts in the United States |
| Neff | Provider of construction and industrial equipment rental services in the United States |
| NXP Semiconductors Semiconductor company providing high-performance mixed-signal and standard product solutions used in automotive, industrial, consumer, lighting, medical, computing, and identification applications |
|
| Owens Corning | Global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements, and engineered materials for composite systems |
| ProSiebenSat | Media company in Europe that primarily operates as a free TV broadcaster with 26 TV stations and 22 radio networks in 14 countries |
| Royalty Notes (HIV Medication) |
Royalty notes backed by the worldwide sales of a leading HIV medication that is marketed globally by a premier pharmaceutical company |
| Ryerson | Distribution and processing of metals for a broad geographic market with service centers in North America and China |
| SonicWALL | Developer of advanced intelligent network security and data protection solutions for small and large enterprises worldwide |
| Suddenlink Communications |
Provider of cable broadband solutions for residential and commercial customers in the United States |
| Tribune Company | Media company that engages in publishing, interactive, and broadcasting businesses in the U.S. |
| Univision Communications |
Spanish-language media company that owns and operates broadcast television network, cable network, television stations, radio stations, and an Internet destination in the U.S. and Puerto Rico |
SPECIAL SITUATIONS PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
The fair value of our special situations portfolio was approximately \$200 million as of 31 December 2010, or 39% of pro forma private equity fair value. Within this 39% of the portfolio, 31% of total private equity fair value was held in direct yield-oriented investments or credit related funds that provide a monthly estimate of the mark-to-market fair value of their debt investments.
Our special situations portfolio consists of a combination of distressed debt, restructuring, turnaround and mezzanine strategies. As of year end, the special situations portfolio was primarily comprised of debt securities, but over time we expect the equity component to increase as restructuring activity progresses.
1. Special situations diversification statistics are based on most recently available quarterly information and the Investment Manager's estimates as of 31 December 2010.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
For competitive reasons, a number of our special situations funds, particularly the distressed debt and restructuring funds, do not disclose their specific company positions until they have built a control position in a company's debt securities or until a restructuring has taken place. As a result, a large portion of our special situations portfolio is invested in an undisclosed yet diversified portfolio of distressed debt securities. Notwithstanding this fact, our Investment Manager conducted an analysis of the 25 largest identifiable companies in the special situations portfolio.
As of 31 December 2010, the 25 largest special situations investments had an aggregate fair value of approximately \$62.7 million, representing 31% of the special situations fair value and 12% of pro forma private equity fair value. There were four direct yield-oriented investments in our special situations portfolio with an aggregate fair value of approximately \$23.5 million.
Each of our special situations direct investments is in a mezzanine or debt security that is senior to the common equity and generates a meaningful amount of current income through either cash or PIK interest. At year end, the special situations direct investment portfolio generated annualized income of approximately \$3.0 million through cash and PIK interest, had a weighted average yield to maturity of approximately 14%, and had a weighted average senior leverage multiple of 4.0x.1
| Investment Stage |
# of Companies |
Fair Value (\$mm) |
Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Investments | 4 | \$23.5 | Yield-oriented investments including mezzanine debt securities, PIK preferred shares, and royalty-backed notes |
| Firth Rixson | Mezzanine debt with LIBOR plus 1,050 basis point coupon (450 cash, 600 PIK); Denominated 2/3 in USD and 1/3 in GBP |
||
| Royalty Notes (HIV Medication) | Royalty notes with 15.5% coupon that amortizes based on excess drug royalty income |
||
| SonicWALL | Second lien debt with LIBOR plus 1,000 basis point (cash) coupon and a LIBOR floor of 2.0%; issued at a 3% discount to par |
||
| Suddenlink Communications | Preferred equity with 12.0% (PIK) coupon; purchased at a discount to accreted value |
||
| Undervalued / Distressed Debt |
9 | \$21.0 | Debt securities purchased at a discount to par that generate a meaningful current yield within the sponsor's portfolio |
| Influential Restructuring | 5 | \$7.0 | Companies that are currently undergoing or are expected to undergo a financial restructuring; exposure to an influential portion of the capital structure where the manager is in position to lead the restructuring process |
| Post-Restructuring | 4 | \$6.8 | Targeted distressed positions where the special situations manager led the restructuring process; investments now have exposure to new debt securities as well as equity that was acquired during the restructuring process |
| Operational Turnaround | 3 | \$4.4 | Acquisition of underperforming businesses at a low valuation to enhance value and improve operations; predominantly invested in equity securities but also some downside protection with debt securities and warrants |
| Total | 25 | \$62.7 |
1. Based on net leverage that is senior to the security held by NBPE.
NB CROSSROADS FUND OF FUNDS INVESTMENTS
NB Crossroads Fund XVII ("Fund XVII") and NB Crossroads Fund XVIII ("Fund XVIII") are diversified private equity funds of funds comprised of private equity fund investments, secondary investments and co-investments. Our exposure to Fund XVII is through a single commitment to Fund XVII's asset allocation fund while our exposure to Fund XVIII is through separate commitments to each of the asset class funds within Fund XVIII: Large-cap Buyout; Mid-cap Buyout; Special Situations / Distressed; and Growth Equity / Venture Capital.
As of 31 December 2010, the pro forma fair value of our investment in Fund XVII was \$36.3 million, representing 7% of pro forma private equity fair value. The asset class diversification of our investment in Fund XVII based on private equity fair value at year end was as follows1 : Mid-cap Buyout – 27%; Largecap Buyout – 24%; Growth / Venture – 45%; and Special Situations – 4%. As of 31 December 2010, Fund XVII consisted of 62 primary fund investments, seven co-investments and five secondary purchases and included exposure to over 1,300 separate companies, with the ten largest companies totaling approximately \$4.9 million in fair value to NBPE, or 1% of pro forma private equity fair value. At 31 December 2010, we had unfunded commitments of \$5.6 million to Fund XVII.
As of 31 December 2010, the aggregate pro forma fair value of our investments in Fund XVIII was \$57.4 million, representing 11% of pro forma private equity fair value. The asset class diversification of our investments in Fund XVIII based on private equity fair value at year end was as follows1 : Mid-cap Buyout – 51%; Large-cap Buyout – 18%; Special Situations – 16%; and Growth / Venture – 15%. As of 31 December 2010, Fund XVIII consisted of 73 primary fund investments, 35 co-investments and 13 secondary purchases and included exposure to over 1,600 separate companies, with the ten largest companies totaling approximately \$7.2 million in fair value to NBPE, or 1% of pro forma private equity fair value. At 31 December 2010, we had unfunded commitments of \$18.2 million to Fund XVIII.
The table below lists our ten largest investments in Fund XVII and Fund XVIII in alphabetical order as of 31 December 2010. The ten largest investments in Fund XVII had a fair value of approximately \$11.4 million, or 2% of pro forma private equity fair value. The ten largest investments in Fund XVIII had a fair value of approximately \$16.1 million, or 3% of pro forma private equity fair value.
| Ten Largest Investments in Fund XVII | Ten Largest Investments in Fund XVIII | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partnership | Asset Class | Partnership | Asset Class | |
| Apollo Investment Fund VI | Large-cap Buyout | 3i Eurofund V | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| Canaan VII | Grow th / Venture | American Securities Partners V | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| Carlyle/Riverstone Global E&P Fund III | Large-cap Buyout | Aquiline Financial Services Fund | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| CVC European Equity Partners IV | Large-cap Buyout | Court Square Capital Partners II | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| Jefferies Capital Partners IV | Mid-cap Buyout | Doughty Hanson & Co V | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| Meritech Capital Partners III | Grow th / Venture | KKR 2006 Fund | Large-cap Buyout | |
| Sun Capital IV | Mid-cap Buyout | LS Pow er Equity Partners II | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| Thoma Cressey Fund VIII | Mid-cap Buyout | Tenaska Pow er Fund II | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| Trinity Ventures IX | Grow th / Venture | Tow erBrook Investors II | Mid-cap Buyout | |
| Warburg Pincus Private Equity IX | Special Situations | Veritas Capital Fund III | Mid-cap Buyout |
1. The asset class diversification analysis is based on our allocable portion of the net asset value of the underlying fund investments and direct co-investments held by Fund XVII and Fund XVIII, respectively.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The principal sources of our liquidity consist of the net cash proceeds of cash distributions from investments, sales of investments, interest and dividends earned on invested cash and investments and borrowings under the credit facility (further detail provided below).
As of 31 December 2010, we had outstanding borrowings of \$47.5 million from our \$250.0 million credit facility in order to fund ongoing investment activities. We had cash and cash equivalents of \$47.6 million and \$202.5 million of undrawn capacity on the credit facility, resulting in total capital resources of \$250.1 million. With unfunded private equity commitments of \$115.6 million at year end, we continued to maintain a conservative capital structure with over 100% of unfunded commitments backstopped by cash and the undrawn credit facility.
Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale, the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser, and the subsequent pay-down of outstanding borrowings, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately \$82.0 million along with the full \$250.0 million of undrawn capacity on the credit facility. Moreover, our unfunded commitments decreased to approximately \$103.3 million on a pro forma basis as of 31 December 2010.
| (\$ in millions) | Actual | Pro Forma 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Net Asset Value | \$526.9 | \$526.9 |
| Total Private Equity Investments | \$591.4 | \$508.2 |
| Private Equity Investment Level | 112% | 96% |
| Unfunded Private Equity Commitments | \$115.6 | \$103.3 |
| Total Private Equity Exposure | \$707.0 | \$611.5 |
| Over-commitment Level | 34% | 16% |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | \$47.6 | \$82.0 |
| Undrawn Credit Facility | \$202.5 | \$250.0 |
| Total Capital Resources | \$250.1 | \$332.0 |
| Excess of Capital Resources Over Unfunded Commitments | \$134.5 | \$228.7 |
The table below outlines our liquidity and capital commitment position as of 31 December 2010.
In August 2007, we entered into an agreement with Bank of Scotland regarding a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to \$250.0 million. Under the terms of the agreement, we may borrow, repay and re-borrow to fund private equity contributions and working capital requirements throughout the seven year term expiring in August 2014. All borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at a floating rate, calculated as LIBOR or Euribor, as appropriate, plus 1.35% per annum. As of 31 December 2010, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings ranged from approximately 1.61% to 1.64%. We are also required to pay a non-utilization fee calculated as 40 basis points per annum on the daily balance of the unused amount of the credit facility. Although we do not presently pay dividends, we have the ability to pay dividends subject to compliance with the terms of the credit facility agreement.
1. Pro forma for the closing of the Strategic Asset Sale, the up-front proceeds from the sale of Dresser and credit facility pay down.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The key financial covenant for our credit facility is a maximum debt to value ratio of 50.0%. The debt to value ratio is calculated as total debt and current liabilities divided by Restricted NAV, with Restricted NAV defined as the fair value of all private equity investments (less any excluded value) plus cash and cash equivalents. At 31 December 2010, the debt to value ratio was 10.0%.
The two other covenants are a secured asset ratio and a commitment ratio. The secured asset ratio is not to exceed 80.0% and is defined as total debt and current liabilities divided by Secured Assets, with Secured Assets defined as the value of secured private equity investments plus cash and cash equivalents. At 31 December 2010, the secured asset ratio was 13.4%.
The commitment ratio is defined as Restricted Total Exposure divided by the aggregate of Shareholder's equity and the total amount of the credit facility, with Restricted Total Exposure defined as the value of private equity investments (less any excluded value) plus unfunded private equity commitments. If the debt to value ratio is greater than 25.0% and the commitment ratio is greater than 130.0%, then we become restricted from making new private equity investments. At 31 December 2010, the commitment ratio was 81.6%.
SHARE REPURCHASES
From July 2008 through May 2009, we repurchased 3,150,408 Shares, or 5.8% of the originally issued Shares, pursuant to a liquidity enhancement program on Euronext Amsterdam.
On 22 October 2010, we launched a new Share buy-back program in order to begin implementing the Capital Return Policy. The buy-back program commenced immediately and, subject to extension, will end on 31 August 2011. Under the terms of the new program, we appointed The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (London Branch) ("RBS") to manage the program and authorized RBS to effect on-market repurchases of Shares on behalf of NBPE on Euronext Amsterdam and/or the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange. Shares bought back under the buy-back program will be cancelled. The operation of our liquidity enhancement program on Euronext Amsterdam has been suspended for the duration of the buyback program.
In November and December 2010, we repurchased a total of 326,767 Shares at a weighted average share price of \$7.03. As of 31 December 2010, we have repurchased an aggregate 3,477,175 Shares, or 6.4% of the originally issued Shares, at a weighted average share price of \$3.32.
| LIQUIDITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND BUY-BACK PROGRAM ACTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Period | Number of Shares Repurchased |
Weighted Average Repurchase Price per Share |
|
| July 2008 - May 2009 | 3,150,408 | \$2.93 | |
| November 2010 | 123,482 | \$7.01 | |
| December 2010 | 203,285 | \$7.05 | |
| Total / Weighted Average | 3,477,175 | \$3.32 |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made and relate to expectations, beliefs, projections (including anticipated economic performance and financial condition), future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts and are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, statements as to:
- Our future operating results;
- Our business prospects and the prospects of our investments;
- The impact of investments that we expect to make;
- The dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
- The ability of our investments to achieve their objectives;
- Differences between our investment objective and the investment objectives of the private equity funds in which we invest;
- The rate at which we deploy our capital in private equity investments, co-investments and opportunistic investments;
- Our expected financings and investments;
- The continuation of the Investment Manager as our service provider and the continued affiliation with the Investment Manager of its key investment professionals;
- The adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
- The timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our underlying private equity funds and our underlying portfolio companies.
In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "should," "will," and "would," or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology.
The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or are within our control. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forwardlooking statements. Factors and events that could cause our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations to vary materially include, among other things, general economic conditions, securities market conditions, private equity market conditions, the level and volatility of interest rates and equity prices, competitive conditions, liquidity of global markets, international and regional political conditions, regulatory and legislative developments, monetary and fiscal policy, investor sentiment, availability and cost of capital, technological changes and events, outcome of legal proceedings, changes in currency values, inflation, credit ratings and the size, volume and timing of transactions, as well as other risks described elsewhere in this report and our prospectus relating to our IPO and our prospectus relating to our ZDP Shares.
The foregoing is not a comprehensive list of the risks and uncertainties to which we are subject. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements to reflect any change in our expectations, or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described by our forward-looking statements might not occur. We qualify any and all of our forwardlooking statements by these cautionary factors.
RISK FACTORS
Our company is subject to, and an investment in our company's shares involves, substantial risks, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or the value of your investment. Investors in our company's class A shares ("Class A Shares") and zero dividend preference shares ("ZDP Shares") should carefully consider such risks, which include, without limitation, those set out below. If any such risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of your investment would likely suffer.
Our company may experience fluctuations in its monthly net asset value.
Our company may experience fluctuations in our net asset value from month to month due to a number of factors, including changes in the values of investments, which in turn could be due to changes in values of portfolio companies, changes in the amount of distributions, dividends or interest paid in respect of investments, changes in operating expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition and general economic and market conditions. Such variability may lead to volatility in the trading price of the shares and cause our company's results for a particular period not to be indicative of our company's performance in a future period.
On liquidation of our assets on any given day, the reported NAV may not match the liquidated cash value of such assets.
Where we are required or deem it necessary to liquidate some or all of our assets on any given day, the liquidated cash value of such assets may not match the reported NAV or portion of the reported NAV (in the case that not all of our assets are liquidated) attributable to such assets. Liquidation of our assets will be subject to a number of factors, including the availability of purchasers of our assets, liquidity and market conditions and, as such, the actual cash value of some or all of our assets may differ from the latest reported NAV (or portion of the reported NAV (in the case that not all of our assets are liquidated)).
The shares could continue to trade at a discount to net asset value.
The shares could continue to trade at a discount to net asset value for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, due to market conditions or to the extent investors undervalue the Investment Manager's investment management activities. Also, since there is generally a period of years before a new private equity fund has completed making its investments, return on our investments in such funds is not likely to be realized for a substantial time period, if at all, which could negatively impact the value of the shares. Additionally, unlike traditional private equity funds, we intend to continuously reinvest the cash we receive, except in limited circumstances (including in connection with our company's capital return policy and share buy back programme). Therefore, the only way for investors to realize their investment is to sell their shares for cash. Accordingly, in the event that a holder of shares requires immediate liquidity, or otherwise seeks to realize the value of its investment in our company, through a sale of shares, the amount received by the holder upon such sale may be less than the underlying net asset value of the relevant shares sold.
The trading markets that the Class A Shares and ZDP Shares are admitted to are less liquid than certain other major exchanges, which could affect the price of our shares.
The principal trading markets are Euronext Amsterdam and the SFM for the Class A Shares and the SFM and the CISX for the ZDP Shares, and these markets are less liquid than certain other major exchanges in the United States and certain other parts of Europe. Because these markets are less liquid than major exchanges in the United States and certain other parts of Europe, our shareholders may face difficulty when disposing of their shares, especially in large blocks. To date the company's shares have actively traded, but with generally low daily volumes. Our company cannot predict the effects on the price of the shares if a more liquid trading market for them does not develop. In addition, if such a market does not develop, relatively small sales may have a significant negative impact on the price of the shares. For example, sales of a significant number of shares may be difficult to execute at a stable price.
RISK FACTORS
The availability of our credit facility and failure to continue to meet the financial covenants in our credit facility could have an adverse impact on our liquidity.
The availability of our credit facility is dependent on our continuing compliance with the covenants of our credit facility. We are currently in compliance with all of the covenants of our credit facility. However, certain events, including reductions in the net asset value of our investment portfolio, could result in an event of default under the credit facility agreement. Where an event of default occurs, the lender may cancel the undrawn portion of our credit facility and declare the entire outstanding principal and interest immediately due. As a result, we may not have access to sufficient capital to meet our obligations (including unfunded commitments) and we could be forced to sell assets in order to cure the event of default or to repay our credit facility. Where we are obliged to sell assets from our investment portfolio to meet our obligations under our credit facility, such sale may be at an undervalue and may not reflect the estimated unaudited fair value that we have assigned to such asset(s). Further, where our credit facility is unavailable, our ability to make new investments or to honor funding obligations to which we are already committed may be severely restricted. We may be unable, or it may not be prudent or in our best interests, to enter into further agreements to borrow money or to refinance our credit facility.
The price attributed to the Class A Shares on Euronext Amsterdam and the SFM may vary significantly and the price attributed to the ZDP Shares on the SFM and the CISX may vary significantly.
The Class A Shares are admitted to trading on Euronext Amsterdam and the SFM and the ZDP Shares are admitted to trading on the SFM and the CISX. The price attributed to the Class A Shares or ZDP Shares, as the case may be, may vary significantly on one exchange versus the other. As such, no guarantee is given that investors will receive best pricing and execution on one market over another. We and our company accept no responsibility whatsoever with regards to the pricing of the Class A Shares and execution of trades therein on Euronext Amsterdam and the SFM, the pricing of the ZDP Shares and execution of trades therein on the SFM and the CISX, nor do we accept any responsibility for any pricing and/or execution variation between any of these exchanges. Investors are responsible for informing themselves as to the best pricing and execution available, in the case of the Class A Shares, on both Euronext Amsterdam and the SFM, and, in the case of the ZDP Shares, on both the SFM and the CISX.
The holders of ZDP Shares may not receive the final capital entitlement.
The holders of ZDP Shares may not receive the final capital entitlement and no guarantee is made by us or our company in relation to the payment thereof. The ZDP Shares, whilst ranking prior to the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares in respect of the repayment of up to 169.73 pence per ZDP Share from the assets of the investment portfolio, rank behind any borrowings of our company that remain outstanding. In addition, upon the occurrence of significant loss in value of the assets held in the investment portfolio, our company may be unable to pay the final capital entitlement or any part thereof to the holders of ZDP Shares.
Payment of the final capital entitlement to the holders of ZDP Shares may be dilutive to the NAV per Class A Share.
Payment of the final capital entitlement to the holders of the ZDP Shares may be dilutive to the NAV per Class A Share. Where our company does not generate investment returns in excess of the forecast gross redemption yield of 7.30% (in relation to which, no guarantee has been given) per annum (based on the issue price of the ZDP Shares), the NAV per Class A Share may be significantly diluted.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND CERTAIN INFORMATION
Statement of Responsibility
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, as amended (the "Law") requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. These consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss and are in accordance with and are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), as allowed by rules published in The Netherlands to effect implementation of the EU Transparency Directive, and are presented in United States dollars. The Company prepares its financial statements in compliance with the Law. The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with The Law. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of Information to Auditor
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors' report confirm that, so far they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's Auditor is unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's Auditor is aware of that information.
Material Contracts
NB Private Equity Partners Limited ("NBPE"), NB PEP Investments LP (Incorporated) and the Investment Manager entered into that certain Investment Management and Services Agreement on 25 July 2007 (as amended and restated on 25 January 2008), whereby the Investment Manager, subject to the overall supervision of the Directors, was appointed as NBPE's investment manager. NBPE and Heritage International Fund Managers Limited entered into that certain Administration Agreement on 3 July 2007 (as amended by side letter on 22 June 2009), whereby NBPE appointed Heritage International Fund Managers Limited to act as administrator and company secretary to NBPE. NBPE, as general partner, and NB PEP Associates LP (Incorporated), as special limited partner, entered into that certain limited partnership agreement of NB PEP Investments LP (Incorporated) on 25 July 2007, as amended and restated on 16 July 2008. NBPE and The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (London Branch) ("RBS") entered into a Share Buy Back Agreement on 21 October 2010, whereby NBPE appointed RBS to effect on market share repurchases of class A shares on behalf of NBPE.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND CERTAIN INFORMATION
Shareholdings of the Directors
| Talmai Morgan (Chairman): | 10,000 Class A Shares |
|---|---|
| John Buser: | 10,000 Class A Shares |
| John Hallam: | 10,000 Class A Shares |
| Christopher Sherwell: | 9,150 Class A Shares |
| Peter Von Lehe: | 7,500 Class A Shares |
Major Shareholders
As at 31 December 2010, insofar as is known to NBPE, the following persons were interested, directly or indirectly, in 5% or more of the Class A Shares in issue (excluding Class A Shares held in treasury):
| Class A Shareholder: | Lehman Brothers Offshore Partners Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Number of Class A Shares: | 15,302,319 |
List of NBPE Subsidiaries
| Name | Place of Incorporation (or Registration) and Operation |
Proportion of Ownership Interest % |
|---|---|---|
| Directly Owned | ||
| NB PEP Investments, LP (Incorporated) | Guernsey | 99.9% |
| Indirectly Owned | ||
| NB PEP Investments Limited | Guernsey | 100.0% |
|---|---|---|
| NB PEP Investments DE, LP | United States | 100.0% |
| NB PEP Investments LP Limited | Guernsey | 100.0% |
| NB PEP Investments I, LP (Incorporated) | Guernsey | 100.0% |
| NB PEP Holdings Limited | Guernsey | 100.0% |
| Various holding entities for specific investments | United States | 100.0% |
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND CERTAIN INFORMATION
We also confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
- The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole as required by the EU Transparency Directive, Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTR") 4.1 12R and by the Wft Decree; and
- The annual report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face as required by the EU Transparency Directive, Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTR") 4.1 12R and by the Wft Decree.
By order of the Board
Talmai Morgan Director
John Hallam Director
Date: 9 March 2011
Certain Information
We are subject to The Netherlands Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht, "Wft"), and we are registered with The Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiële Markten, "AFM") as a collective investment scheme as meant in section 1:107 of the Wft. We are subject to certain ongoing requirements under the Netherlands Financial Supervision Act, the Decree on Supervision of Conduct by Financial Enterprises (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiële ondernemingen Wft) and the Decree on the Implementation Directive Transparency Issuing Entities (Besluit uitvoeringsrichtlijn transparantie uitgevende instellingen Wft, the "Wft Decree") relating to the disclosure of certain information to investors, including the publication of our financial statements.
DIRECTORS, ADVISORS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Ordinary Share Information
Trading Symbol: NBPE Exchanges: Euronext Amsterdam by NYSE Euronext and the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange Euronext Amsterdam Listing Date: 25 July 2007 Specialist Fund Market Admission: 30 June 2009 Base Currency: USD Bloomberg: NBPE NA, NBPE LN Reuters: NBPE.AS, NBPE.L ISIN: GG00B1ZBD492 COMMON: 030991001 Amsterdam Security Code: 600737
ZDP Share Information
Trading Symbol: NBPZ Exchanges: Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange and the Daily Official List of the Channel Islands Stock Exchange Admission Date: 1 December 2009 Base Currency: GBP Bloomberg: NBPEGBP LN Reuters: NBPEO.L ISIN: GG00B4ZXGJ22 SEDOL: B4ZXGJ2
Board of Directors
Talmai Morgan (Chairman) John Buser John Hallam Christopher Sherwell Peter Von Lehe
Registered Office
NB Private Equity Partners Limited P.O. Box 225 Heritage Hall, Le Marchant Street St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 4HY Channel Islands Tel: +44-(0)1481-716000 Fax: +44 (0) 1481 730617
Investment Manager
NB Alternatives Advisers LLC 325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 4900 Dallas, TX 75201 United States of America Tel: +1-214-647-9593 Fax: +1-214-647-9501 Email: [email protected]
Guernsey Administrator
Heritage International Fund Managers Limited Heritage Hall, Le Marchant Street St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 4HY Channel Islands Tel: +44-(0)1481-716000 Fax: +44 (0) 1481 730617
Fund Service and Recordkeeping Agent
Capital Analytics II LLC 325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 4700 Dallas, TX 75201 United States of America
Independent Auditors and Accountants
KPMG Channel Islands Limited P.O. Box 20 20 New Street St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 4AN Tel: +44 (0) 1481 721000 Fax: +44 (0) 1481 722373
Depositary Bank
The Bank of New York 101 Barclay Street, 22nd Floor New York, NY 10286 United States of America Tel: +1-212-815-2715 Fax: +1-212-571-3050
Paying Agent
The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. Gustav Mahlerlaan 10 1082 PP Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31-20-383-6778 Fax: +31-20-628-000
Joint Corporate Brokers
Oriel Securities Limited 125 Wood Street London, EC2V 7AN Tel: +44 (0) 20 7710 7600
RBS Hoare Govett Limited 250 Bishopsgate London, EC2M 4AA Tel: +44 (0) 20 7678 1670
For general questions about NB Private Equity Partners Limited, please contact us at [email protected] or at +1- 214-647-9593.
The website address for NB Private Equity Partners Limited is www.nbprivateequitypartners.com.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended 31 December 2010 and 2009
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
31 December 2010 and 2009
| Assets | 2010 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Private equity investments | ||
| (cost of \$537,626,591 for 2010 and \$544,064,097 for 2009) | \$ 591,438,896 |
\$ 534,812,439 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 47,556,616 | 63,911,521 |
| Other assets | 3,299,379 | 4,428,391 |
| Total assets | \$ 642,294,891 |
\$ 603,152,351 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Liabilities: | ||
| Credit facility loans | \$ 47,500,000 |
\$ 65,847,760 |
| Zero dividend preference share liability | 55,726,333 | 48,871,677 |
| Payables to Investment Manager and affiliates | 2,055,588 | 1,851,432 |
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities Net deferred tax liability |
6,649,502 2,908,248 |
2,139,053 800,385 |
| Total liabilities | \$ 114,839,671 |
\$ 119,510,307 |
| Net assets | ||
| Class A shares, \$0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, | ||
| 53,883,233 shares issued, and 50,732,825 shares outstanding for 2010 | ||
| (54,210,000 shares issued, and 51,059,592 shares outstanding for 2009) | \$ 538,832 |
\$ 542,100 |
| Class B shares, \$0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, | ||
| 10,000 shares issued and outstanding | 100 | 100 |
| Additional paid-in capital | 539,358,974 | 541,657,800 |
| Retained earnings (deficit) | (3,713,018) | (49,782,128) |
| Less cost of treasury stock purchased (3,150,408 shares) | (9,248,460) | (9,248,460) |
| Total net assets of the controlling interest | 526,936,428 | 483,169,412 |
| Net assets of the non-controlling interest | 518,792 | 472,632 |
| Total net assets | \$ 527,455,220 |
\$ 483,642,044 |
| Total liabilities and net assets | \$ 642,294,891 |
\$ 603,152,351 |
| Net asset value per share for Class A and Class B shares | \$ 10.38 |
\$ 9.46 |
| Net asset value per zero dividend preference share (Pence) | 107.95 | 100.79 |
The accounts were approved by the board of directors on 9 March 2011 and signed on its behalf by
Talmai Morgan John Hallam
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Consolidated Condensed Schedules of Private Equity Investments
31 December 2010 and 2009
| Unfunded | Private Equity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private equity investments | Cost | Fair Value | Commitment | Exposure |
| 2010 | ||||
| Fund investments | \$ 426,600,243 |
\$ 475,202,891 |
\$ 111,790,734 |
\$ 586,993,625 |
| Direct co-investments-equity | 92,657,233 | 99,446,914 | 3,767,504 | 103,214,418 |
| Direct co-investments-debt | 18,369,115 | 16,789,091 | N/A | 16,789,091 |
| \$ 537,626,591 |
\$ 591,438,896 |
\$ 115,558,238 |
\$ 706,997,134 |
|
| 2009 | ||||
| Fund investments | \$ 457,065,010 |
\$ 457,239,481 |
\$ 152,654,027 |
\$ 609,893,508 |
| Direct co-investments-equity | 75,962,038 | 69,209,357 | 6,361,771 | 75,571,128 |
| Direct co-investments-debt | 11,037,049 | 8,363,601 | N/A | 8,363,601 |
| \$ 544,064,097 |
\$ 534,812,439 |
\$ 159,015,798 |
\$ 693,828,237 |
| Private equity investments in excess of 5% of net asset value | Fair Value |
|---|---|
| 2010 | |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVII | \$ 36,478,342 |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVIII | |
| Large-cap Buyout | 10,278,437 |
| Mid-cap Buyout | 30,197,181 |
| Special Situations | 9,233,511 |
| Venture | 8,399,985 |
| 58,109,114 | |
| Centerbridge Credit Partners Fund, L.P. | 32,116,316 |
| OCM Opportunities Fund VIIb, L.P. | 41,345,065 |
| 2009 | |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVII | \$ 31,833,592 |
| NB Crossroads Fund XVIII | |
| Large-cap Buyout | 7,752,211 |
| Mid-cap Buyout | 22,263,134 |
| Special Situations | 8,257,608 |
| Venture | 6,644,819 |
| 44,917,772 | |
| Centerbridge Credit Partners Fund, L.P. | 26,624,770 |
| OCM Opportunities Fund VIIb, L.P. | 34,542,536 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Consolidated Condensed Schedules of Private Equity Investments
31 December 2010 and 2009
| Geographic diversity of private equity investments (1) | Fair Value 2010 |
Fair Value 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| North America | \$ 429,877,666 |
\$ 406,766,427 |
| Europe | 86,424,281 | 79,435,478 |
| Asia / Rest of World | 13,198,409 | 12,900,478 |
| Not classified | 61,938,540 | 35,710,056 |
| \$ 591,438,896 |
\$ 534,812,439 |
| Fair Value | Fair Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Industry diversity of private equity investments (2) | 2010 | 2009 |
| Diversified / Undisclosed / Other | 21.1% | 23.6% |
| Energy / Utilities | 18.0% | 17.6% |
| Financial Services | 11.9% | 13.3% |
| Consumer / Retail | 11.4% | 9.4% |
| Industrials | 10.0% | 7.3% |
| Communications / Media | 8.1% | 7.2% |
| Technology / IT | 6.0% | 5.8% |
| Healthcare | 5.9% | 7.4% |
| Transportation | 4.1% | 4.5% |
| Business Services | 3.2% | 3.9% |
| 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Asset class diversification of private equity investments (3) | Fair Value 2010 |
Fair Value 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Large-Cap Buyout | 21.4% | 30.3% |
| Large-Cap Buyout Co-Invest | 4.6% | 4.1% |
| Mid-cap Buyout | 19.5% | 19.6% |
| Mid-cap Buyout Co-Invest | 11.8% | 9.6% |
| Special Situation | 29.0% | 27.0% |
| Special Situation Co-Invest | 4.1% | 1.6% |
| Growth/Venture | 6.9% | 5.7% |
| Secondary Purchases | 2.7% | 2.1% |
| 100.0% | 100.0% |
(1): Geography is determined by location of the headquarters of the underlying portfolio companies in funds and direct co-investments. A portion of our fund investments may relate to cash,
(2): Industry diversity is based on underlying portfolio companies and direct co-investments.
(3): Asset class diversification is based on the net asset value of underlying fund investments and co-investments.
or other assets or liabilities that they hold and for which we do not have adequate information to assign a geographic location.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited 48
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets
For the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009
| 2010 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|
| Interest and dividend income | \$ 2,195,535 |
\$ 2,594,264 |
| Expenses | ||
| Carried interest | 44,535 | - |
| Investment management and services | 7,754,688 | 6,660,363 |
| Administration and professional | 4,236,405 | 3,810,273 |
| Finance costs | ||
| Zero dividend preference shares | 3,882,092 | 409,325 |
| Credit facility | 1,934,167 | 3,605,488 |
| 17,851,887 | 14,485,449 | |
| Net investment income (loss) | \$ (15,656,352) |
\$ (11,891,185) |
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | ||
| Net realized gain (loss) on investments, | ||
| net of tax expense of \$1,015,800 for 2010 and \$132,035 for 2009 | \$ 2,012,393 |
\$ (11,637,080) |
| Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, | ||
| net of tax expense (benefit) of \$2,112,471 for 2010 and (\$2,781,148) for 2009 | 59,759,229 | 79,720,661 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 61,771,622 | 68,083,581 |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | \$ 46,115,270 |
\$ 56,192,396 |
| Less net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | ||
| attributable to the non-controlling interest | 46,160 | 56,192 |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | ||
| attributable to the controlling interest | \$ 46,069,110 |
\$ 56,136,204 |
| Net assets at beginning of year attributable to the controlling interest | 483,169,412 | 430,484,266 |
| Less cost of treasury stock purchased (1,438,271 shares for 2009) | - | 3,451,058 |
| Less cost of stock repurchased and cancelled (326,767 shares for 2010) | 2,302,094 | - |
| Net assets at end of year attributable to the controlling interest | \$ 526,936,428 |
\$ 483,169,412 |
| Earnings (loss) per share for Class A and Class B shares of the controlling interest | \$ 0.90 |
\$ 1.10 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009
| 2010 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | ||
| attributable to the controlling interest | \$ 46,069,110 |
\$ 56,136,204 |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | ||
| attributable to the non-controlling interest | 46,160 | 56,192 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | ||
| to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||
| Net realized (gain) loss on investments | (2,012,393) | 11,637,080 |
| Net change in unrealized (gain) loss on investments | (59,759,229) | (79,720,661) |
| In-kind payment of interest income | (873,914) | (512,959) |
| Amortization of finance costs | 464,366 | (1,451,893) |
| Change in other assets | 319,922 | (19,383) |
| Change in payables to Investment Manager and affiliates | (409,409) | 580,194 |
| Change in current tax liabilities | 883,395 | (649,654) |
| Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities | 4,425,342 | 966,693 |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | (10,846,650) | (12,978,187) |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
| Distributions from private equity investments | 46,801,173 | 27,479,462 |
| Proceeds from sale of private equity investments | 40,505,400 | 8,105,442 |
| Contributions to private equity investments | (51,395,276) | (50,837,350) |
| Purchases of private equity investments | (25,639,175) | (5,698,083) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 10,272,122 | (20,950,529) |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
| Credit facility loan borrowing | 22,504,673 | 462,910 |
| Proceeds from zero dividend preference shares | 4,904,286 | 49,858,156 |
| Credit facility loan payments | (40,852,433) | (86,017,188) |
| Stock repurchased and cancelled | (2,302,094) | - |
| Treasury stock purchased | - | (3,487,112) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (15,745,568) | (39,183,234) |
| Effect of exchange rates on cash balances | (34,809) | (2,180,548) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (16,354,905) | (75,292,498) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 63,911,521 | 139,204,019 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | \$ 47,556,616 |
\$ 63,911,521 |
| Supplemental cash flow information | ||
| Interest paid | \$ 653,205 |
\$ 2,389,527 |
| Net taxes paid | \$ 72,013 |
\$ 966,242 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Note 1 – Organization
NB Private Equity Partners Limited and its subsidiaries (the "Company", "We", or "Our") is a closed-end investment company registered in Guernsey. Our registered office is Heritage Hall, Le Marchant Street, St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 4HY. We invest in private equity through private equity funds and co-investments. We may also make opportunistic investments. Our Class A shares are listed and admitted to trading on Euronext Amsterdam by NYSE Euronext and on the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange plc under the symbol "NBPE". Our zero dividend preference shares (see note 6) are listed and admitted to trading on the Daily Official List of the Channel Islands Stock Exchange and the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "NBPZ".
Our Class B shares were contributed at the time of our initial public offering to a Guernsey charitable trust whose trustee is Heritage Corporate Services Limited ("Trustee"). Class B shares have the right to elect all of our directors and make most other decisions usually made by shareholders. The voting rights of Class A shares are limited to special consent rights involving specified events including merger, change in investment manager or investment policy, certain additional share issuances and certain material related party transactions as well as other events as described in our memorandum and articles of incorporation. Each Class A and B share participates equally in profits and losses.
The Company is managed by NB Alternatives Advisers LLC ("NB Alternatives" or "Investment Manager") pursuant to an investment management and services agreement. NB Alternatives is a subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC ("NBG"). NBG was formed by certain members of the senior management team at Lehman Brothers Investment Management Division to acquire a majority interest in certain asset management businesses from the bankruptcy estate of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. ("LBHI"). The investment management and services agreement with the Company was included in the assets acquired by NB Alternatives. The same key individuals are providing services to the Company before and after the NBG transaction, which was effective as of 4 May 2009.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss and are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), as allowed by rules published in the Netherlands to effect implementation of the EU Transparency Directive, and are in compliance with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. These financial statements are presented in United States dollars.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include accounts of the Company consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. All material inter-company balances have been eliminated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. These balances represent amounts held with financial institutions that are readily accessible to pay expenses or fund investments as well as money market mutual funds. As of 31 December 2010 and 2009, \$47,556,616 and \$63,911,521 are held with JPMorgan Chase, respectively.
ANNUAL REPORT NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Valuation of Investments
The Company carries private equity investments on its books at fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We use the best information we have reasonably available to determine or estimate fair value. Publicly traded securities are valued based on quoted prices as of the last day of the relevant period less discounts to reflect legal restrictions associated with the securities, if any, that affect marketability. We determine such values for publicly traded securities held directly as well as known public positions held in the underlying private equity investments on a look-through basis. We estimate fair value for private interests based on a methodology that begins with the most recent information available from the general partner of the underlying fund or the lead investor of a direct co-investment, and considers subsequent transactions, such as drawdowns or distributions, as well as other information judged to be reliable that reports or indicates valuation changes, including realizations and other portfolio company events. If we conclude that it is probable that we will sell an investment, we adjust our carrying value to the amount we expect to realize from the sale, exclusive of transaction costs.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Improvements to Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements including transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and a higher disaggregation for the different types of financial instruments. For the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements should be presented separately. We have adopted this guidance in these financial statements.
Because of their inherent uncertainty, the fair values we use may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for these investments existed, and such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Market Risk
The Company's exposure to financial risks is both direct (through its holdings of assets and liabilities directly subject to these risks) and indirect (through the impact of these risks on the overall valuation of its investments). The Company's investments are generally not traded in an active market but are indirectly exposed to market price risk arising from uncertainties about future values of the investments held. The partnership investments of the Company each hold a portfolio of investments in underlying companies. These portfolio company investments vary as to type of security held by the underlying partnership (debt or equity, publicly traded or privately held), stage of operations, industry, geographic location, and geographic distribution of operations and size, all of which may impact the susceptibility of their valuation to market price risk.
Market conditions for publicly traded and privately held investments in portfolio companies held by the partnerships may affect their value in a manner similar to the potential impact on direct co-investments made by the Company in publicly traded and privately held securities. The partnership investments of the Company may also hold financial instruments (including debt and derivative instruments) in addition to their investments in portfolio companies that are susceptible to market price risk and therefore may also affect the value of the Company's investment in the partnerships. As with any individual investment, market prices may vary from composite index movements.
Investment Income
We earn interest and dividends from our direct investments in private equity, from the underlying portfolio companies of investments in private equity funds, and from our cash and cash equivalents. We record dividends when they are declared and interest when earned, provided we know the information or are able to reliably estimate it. Otherwise, we record the investment income when it is reported to us by the private equity investments.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses are recognized when incurred. Operating expenses include amounts directly incurred by the Company as part of its operations, and do not include amounts incurred from the operations of our investments.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
For investments in private equity funds, we record our share of realized gains and losses incurred when we know that the private equity fund has realized its interest in a portfolio company and we have sufficient information to quantify the amount. For all other investments, we record realized gains and losses when the asset is realized and on the trade date. For all investments, realized gains and losses are recorded on a specific identification cost basis.
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation of Investments
Gains and losses arising from changes in value are recorded as an increase or decrease in the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments based on the methodology described above.
Carried Interest
Carried interest amounts due the Investment Manager (see note 3) are computed and accrued at each period end based on period-to-date results in accordance with the terms of the agreements.
Currency Translation
Investments denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents using spot rates as of the valuation date. The Company does not separate the changes relating to currency exchange rates from those relating to changes in the fair value of the investments held. These fluctuations are combined and included in the net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and transactions in currencies other than U.S. dollars in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets. For the year ended 31 December 2010, the effect of translation to U.S. dollars decreased valuations of foreign investments by approximately \$1,016,947. For the year ended 31 December 2009, the effect of translation to U.S. dollars increased valuations of foreign investments by approximately \$549,222.
The Company has unfunded commitments denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. These unfunded commitments are in Euro and amounted to €7,387,103 at 31 December 2010 and €16,103,530 at 31 December 2009; they have been included in the Consolidated Condensed Schedules of Private Equity Investments at the U.S. dollar exchange rate in effect at 31 December 2010 and 2009. The effect on the unfunded commitment of the change in the exchange rate between Euros and U.S. dollars was a decrease in the U.S. dollar obligation of \$1,827,354 and \$225,403, for 2010 and 2009 respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company is registered in Guernsey as an exempt company. The States of Guernsey Income Tax Authority has granted the Company an exemption from Guernsey income tax under the provision of the Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance 1989 and the Company has been charged an annual exemption fee of £600.
Generally, income that we derive from our investments may be subject to, taxes imposed by the U.S. or other countries and will impact our effective tax rate.
Investments made in entities that generate U.S. source investment income may subject the Company to certain U.S. federal and state income tax consequences. A U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30 percent may be applied on the Company's distributive share of any U.S. source dividends and interest (subject to certain exemptions) and certain other income that we receive directly or through one or more entities treated as either partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Investments made in entities that generate business income that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business may subject the Company to certain U.S. federal and state income tax consequences. Generally the U.S. imposes withholding tax on effectively connected income at the highest U.S. rate (generally 35 percent). In addition, we may also be subject to a branch profits tax which can be imposed at a rate of up to 30 percent of the after-tax profits treated as effectively connected income associated with a U.S. trade or business. As such, the aggregate U.S. tax liability on effectively connected income may approximate 54.5 percent given the two levels of tax.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
We recognize a tax benefit in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. To date, we have not provided any reserves for taxes as all related tax benefits have been fully recognized. Although we believe we have adequately assessed for our uncertain tax positions, the Company acknowledges that these matters require significant judgment and no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different.
Deferred taxes are recorded to reflect the tax benefit and consequences of future years' differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting basis. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We record the tax associated with any transactions with U.S. or other tax consequences when we recognize the related income.
Shareholders in certain jurisdictions may have individual income tax consequences from ownership of our shares. We have not accounted for any such tax consequences in these financial statements. For example, we expect the Company and certain of its non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries to be treated as passive foreign investment corporations ("PFICs)" under U.S. tax rules. For this purpose, the PFIC regime should not give rise to additional tax at the level of the Company or its subsidiaries. Instead, certain U.S. investors in the Company may need to make tax elections and comply with certain U.S. reporting requirements related to their investments in the PFICs in order to potentially manage the adverse tax consequences associated with the regime.
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
Forward foreign exchange contracts are reported at fair value. See note 7.
Forward foreign exchange contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the consolidated financial statements. We bear the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rate underlying the forward foreign exchange contract as well as risks from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of such estimates, including estimates of values of investments as described above, amounts ultimately determined may differ from our current estimates and such differences may be significant.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the 2009 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.
Note 3 – Agreements, including related party transactions
Management and Administration
We pay the Investment Manager a management fee calculated at the end of each calendar quarter equal to 37.5 basis points (150 basis points per annum) of the net asset value of our private equity and opportunistic investments. For purposes of this computation, the net asset value is reduced by the net asset value of any investment for which the Investment Manager is separately compensated as investment manager. For the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, the management fee expenses were \$7,192,204 and \$6,178,648, respectively.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
We also pay the Investment Manager for certain accounting and administrative services at the rate of 2.5 basis points per quarter (10 basis points per annum) applied to the net asset value of our private equity and opportunistic investments at the end of each calendar quarter, computed as described above. The amount incurred by the Company for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009 for these services were \$562,484 and \$481,715, respectively.
We pay to Heritage International Fund Managers Limited ("Heritage"), an affiliate of the Trustee, a fee for providing certain administrative functions relating to certain corporate services and Guernsey regulatory matters affecting the Company. Fees for these services are paid as invoiced by Heritage. We paid Heritage \$153,080 and \$165,403 for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, respectively, for such services.
For the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, we paid our independent directors a total of \$219,444 and \$195,000 respectively.
Special Limited Partner's Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary
An affiliate of the Investment Manager is a Special Limited Partner in a consolidated partnership subsidiary. At 31 December 2010 and 2009, the noncontrolling interest of \$518,792 and \$472,632 represented the Special Limited Partner's capital contribution to the partnership subsidiary and income allocation, respectively. The amount of the noncontrolling ownership interest in the subsidiary was agreed between the General Partner and Special Limited Partner of the subsidiary.
The following table reconciles the carrying amount of net assets, net assets attributable to the controlling interest and net assets attributable to the noncontrolling interest at 31 December 2010 and 2009.
| Controlling Interest | Noncontrolling Interest |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net assets balance, 31 December 2008 | \$ 430,484,266 |
\$ 416,440 |
\$ 430,900,706 |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
56,136,204 | 56,192 | 56,192,396 |
| Treasury stock purchased | (3,451,058) | - | (3,451,058) |
| Net assets balance, 31 December 2009 | \$ 483,169,412 |
\$ 472,632 |
\$ 483,642,044 |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
46,069,110 | 46,160 | 46,115,270 |
| Stock repurchased and cancelled | (2,302,094) | - | (2,302,094) |
| Net assets balance, 31 December 2010 | \$ 526,936,428 |
\$ 518,792 |
\$ 527,455,220 |
Carried Interest
The Special Limited Partner is entitled to a carried interest in an amount that is, in general, equal to 7.5 percent of our consolidated net increase in net assets resulting from operations for a fiscal year in the event that our internal rate of return for such period, based on our net asset value, exceeds 7.5 percent. If losses are incurred for a period, no carried interest is earned and such loss amounts are carried forward to be included in the calculations for future periods. Carried interest is reduced by the amount of carried interest that we paid during the period to any investment for which the Investment Manager serves as investment manager. Carried interest is also accrued and paid on any economic gain that we realize on treasury stock transactions. (See note 10). Carried interest is accrued periodically and paid at the conclusion of the fiscal year. As of 31 December 2010 and 2009, \$44,535 and \$0 carried interest were accrued, respectively.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Shares Owned by Lehman Brothers
Simultaneously with the closing of the initial offering of the Company and related transactions, affiliates of Lehman Brothers, which are not party to the bankruptcy filing of LBHI, purchased 14,500,000 Class A shares, in the form of restricted depositary shares applicable to investors in the United States, at the offering price. The restriction on re-sale of these shares expired on 18 July 2010.
Investments in NB Crossroads Funds
The Company holds limited partner interests in private equity funds of funds managed and sponsored by the Investment Manager. These investments are excluded from the calculation of management fees. For the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, the aggregate net asset value of these funds was approximately \$94.6 million and \$76.8 million, respectively, and associated unfunded commitments were \$23.8 million and \$33.3 million, respectively.
In 2009, we invested in a secondary transaction alongside other funds managed by the Investment Manager. Together with certain of the other funds, we formed NB Fund of Funds Secondary 2009 LLC ("NBFOFS") to hold our interests in the acquired portfolio. NBFOFS pays no fees or carry to the Investment Manager or affiliates. We bear our share of any direct expenses of NBFOFS.
Note 4 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We categorize our investments and other financial instruments as follows based on inputs to valuation techniques.
- Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
- Level 2 Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
- Level 3 Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported by little or no market activity).
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
The following tables detail the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value as of 31 December 2010 and 2009 by level. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
| Assets (Liabilities) Accounted for at Fair Value | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As of 31 December 2010 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | \$ 47,556,616 |
\$ | - | \$ | - | \$ | 47,556,616 | |
| Private equity investments | - | - | 591,438,896 | 591,438,896 | ||||
| Forward foreign exchange contract | - | - | (2,548,502) | (2,548,502) | ||||
| Totals | \$ 47,556,616 |
\$ | - | \$ | 588,890,394 | \$ | 636,447,010 | |
| As of 31 December 2009 | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | \$ 63,911,521 |
\$ | - | \$ | - | \$ | 63,911,521 | |
| Private equity investments | - | - | 534,812,439 | 534,812,439 | ||||
| Forward foreign exchange contract | - | - | 310,010 | 310,010 | ||||
| \$ |
As of 31 December 2010 and 2009, the Company has assessed its positions and concluded that all of its private equity investments are classified as level 3.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of the Company's level 3 private equity investments for the year ended 31 December 2010.
| For the Year Ended 31 December 2010 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large-cap Buyout |
Mid-cap Buyout |
Special Situation |
Growth/ Venture |
Diversified | Secondary Purchases |
Private Equity Investments |
|
| Balance, 31 December 2009 | 176,739 \$ | 170,557 \$ | 143,327 \$ | 7,644 \$ | 31,833 \$ | 4,713 \$ | \$ 534,813 |
| Purchases of investments and/or contributions to investments |
7,977 | 37,345 | 18,777 | 3,528 | 3,887 | 1,784 | 73,298 |
| Realized gain (loss) on investments | (8,843) | (1,418) | 13,883 | (569) | 543 | 13 | 3,609 |
| Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments (including charges related to investments still held at the reporting date) |
15,803 | 23,962 | 14,675 | 1,055 | 5,771 | 843 | 62,109 |
| Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments sold during the year |
1,202 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,202 |
| Distributions from investments | (56,798) | (9,563) | (10,998) | - | (5,556) | (677) | (83,592) |
| Transfers in and/or (out) of level 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Balance, 31 December 2010 | 136,080 \$ | 220,883 \$ | 179,664 \$ | 11,658 \$ | 36,478 \$ | 6,676 \$ | \$ 591,439 |
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of the Company's level 3 private equity investments for the year ended 31 December 2009.
| For the Year Ended 31 December 2009 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large-cap Buyout |
Mid-cap Buyout |
Special Situation |
Growth/ Venture |
Diversified | Secondary Purchases |
Private Equity Investments |
|
| Balance, 31 December 2008 | 150,592 \$ | 161,972 \$ | 95,675 \$ | 6,543 \$ | \$ 28,708 |
\$ - |
\$ 443,490 |
| Purchases of investments and/or contributions to investments |
13,020 | 19,020 | 6,538 | 1,044 | 3,399 | 2,463 | 45,484 |
| Realized gain (loss) on investments | (4,328) | (716) | (558) | (83) | (2,822) | (492) | (8,999) |
| Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments (including charges related to investments still held at the reporting |
|||||||
| date) | 19,511 | 2,671 | 42,701 | 140 | 3,956 | 2,863 | 71,842 |
| Distributions from investments | (2,056) | (12,390) | (1,029) | - | (1,408) | (121) | (17,004) |
| Transfers in and/or (out) of level 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Balance, 31 December 2009 | 176,739 \$ | 170,557 \$ | 143,327 \$ | 7,644 \$ | 31,833 \$ | 4,713 \$ | \$ 534,813 |
Generally, our private equity investments have a defined term and no right to withdraw. We receive distributions as the underlying investments are liquidated. The pace of liquidation depends on a number of factors. We estimate that the liquidation of our current portfolio will continue for another 10-15 years.
Our special situations investments include hedge funds valued at approximately \$44.7 million and \$37.2 million at 31 December 2010 and 2009 respectively. As of 31 December 2010, one hedge fund amounting to \$12.6 million is redeemable quarterly with a 60 day advance notice. Another hedge fund amounting to \$32.1 million is not redeemable for the first two to three years following investment, and has rolling two year lock-up periods thereafter. Hedge funds generally have a right to restrict redemptions in order to avoid a forced sale of underlying assets.
The 2010 fair value for large-cap buyout investments includes five funds that we expect to sell, valued at approximately \$64.2 million. We believe that sales of these investments are probable and, accordingly, have determined their carrying values based on the amounts we expect to realize from the sales, exclusive of transaction costs. Our unfunded commitments at 31 December 2010 included approximately \$12.2 million associated with these investments.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Note 5 – Credit Facility
A subsidiary of the Company has entered into an agreement with Lloyds Banking Group (Bank of Scotland) regarding a senior secured revolving credit facility ("Facility") of up to \$250 million. The term of the Facility is seven years and expires in August 2014. At 31 December 2010 and 2009, \$47.5 million and \$65.8 million were outstanding and substantially all assets are pledged pursuant to the following:
- a security interest in the Company's interest in substantially all eligible funds or co-investments
- an undertaking to dispose of the Company's assets in the event of continued default
- a security interest in the Company's bank accounts
- a pledge over the share capital of any current or future subsidiary of the Company, provided such an arrangement would not violate the terms of the investment
- an assignment by the Company over future cash flows of its private equity investments
- a negative pledge by the Company in respect of the general partnership interests held
- an assignment of the Company's rights under any key transactional documents entered into by the Company
The Company is required to meet certain portfolio diversification tests, a minimum fund/co-investment threshold, maximum exposure limitations, a maximum debt to value ratio, a maximum debt to secured assets ratio and a maximum over-commitment test. In addition, the Facility limits the incurrence of additional indebtedness, investments, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers, repurchase of shares, liens or other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. The zero dividend preference shares (note 6) and the forward foreign exchange contract (note 7) are compliant with the credit facility agreement. At 31 December 2010 and 2009, the Company met all requirements under the Facility.
All borrowings under the Facility bear interest at a floating rate, calculated as LIBOR or Euribor, as appropriate, plus 1.35% per annum. At 31 December 2010, interest rates on the outstanding balance range from 1.61828% to 1.6325% per annum. At 31 December 2009, interest rates on the outstanding balance range from 1.60338% to 1.63406% per annum.
In addition, we are required to pay a non-utilization fee calculated as 40 basis points per annum on the daily balance of the unused Facility amount. For the year ended 31 December 2010, we incurred and expensed \$616,302 for interest and \$871,122 for nonutilization fees related to the Facility. For the year ended 31 December 2009, we incurred and expensed \$2,608,381 for interest and \$520,370 for non-utilization fees related to the Facility. As of 31 December 2010 and 2009, unamortized capitalized debt issuance costs (included in other assets) were \$1,397,725 and \$1,794,745 respectively. Capitalized amounts are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the Facility. Such amortization amounted to \$397,019 and \$397,019 for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, respectively.
An active market for debt that is similar to that of the Facility does not exist. Management estimates the fair value of the Facility based on comparison to debt instruments with comparable characteristics. Management has estimated that the fair values of the Facility, based on the balance outstanding, are approximately \$44.5 million and \$62.2 million at 31 December 2010 and 2009 respectively. However, these estimates are affected by and are subject to significant variability due to the disruptions in the current market for such debt.
In the first quarter of 2009, the Company amended the terms of the Facility to ensure that the change in ownership of the Investment Manager (see note 1) did not cause an event of default. Likewise, we amended the terms of the Facility in the fourth quarter of 2009 to facilitate the offering of the zero dividend preference shares (see note 6) and the forward foreign exchange contract (see note 7).
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Note 6 – Zero Dividend Preference Shares
On 30 November 2009 the Company issued 30,000,000 zero dividend preference shares ("ZDP Shares"). On 16 April 2010 the Company issued additional 2,999,999 ZDP Shares. The additional ZDP Shares rank pari passu with the first ZDP Shares. The holders of the ZDP Shares are entitled to a redemption amount of 100.0 pence per ZDP Share as increased daily at such a daily compound rate as would give a final entitlement of 169.73 pence on 31 May 2017, resulting in an effective interest rate of 7.3% annually. The ZDP shares rank prior to the class A and B shares in respect of repayment of the final entitlement. However, they rank behind any borrowings that remain outstanding. They carry no entitlement to income and their entire return takes the form of capital.
The following table reconciles the liability for ZDP shares for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009.
| Zero dividend preference shares | Pounds Sterling | U.S. Dollars | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offering proceeds, 30 November 2009 | £ | 30,000,000 | \$ | 48,489,000 | ||
| Accrued interest | £ | 236,761 | \$ | 388,075 | ||
| Currency conversion | £ | - | \$ | (5,398) | ||
| Liability, 31 December 2009 | £ | 30,236,761 | \$ | 48,871,677 | ||
| Offering proceeds, 16 April 2010 | £ | 3,080,443 | \$ | 4,904,286 | ||
| Accrued interest | £ | 2,305,923 | \$ | 3,625,736 | ||
| Unamortized premium | £ | 101,171 | \$ | 155,600 | ||
| Currency conversion | £ | - | \$ | (1,830,966) | ||
| Liability, 31December 2010 | £ | 35,724,298 | \$ | 55,726,333 |
Capitalized offering costs amounted to \$2,036,441 and \$1,876,452 (included in other assets) as of 31 December 2010 and 2009 and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method. The unamortized balance at 31 December 2010 and 2009 is \$1,749,720 and \$1,855,202, respectively.
Note 7 – Forward Foreign Exchange Contract
The Company entered into a forward foreign exchange contract to hedge, in part, the currency risk associated with the pounds sterling contractual liability for the ZDP shares.
The contract provides that we will purchase £40,000,000 on 17 May 2017 for \$64,820,000 from the Lloyds Banking Group (Bank of Scotland). The contract further provides that the security interests granted to the bank under the credit facility as described in note 5 also apply to any amounts we may owe the bank pursuant to this contract. As of 31 December 2010 and 2009, the fair value of the forward foreign exchange contract was (\$2,548,502) (included in accrued expenses and other liabilities) and \$310,010 (included in other assets), respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Note 8 – Income Taxes
The Company is exempt from Guernsey tax on income derived from non-Guernsey sources. However, certain of its underlying investments generate income that is subject to tax in other jurisdictions, principally the United States. The Company has recorded the following amounts related to such taxes:
| 31 December 2010 | 31 December 2009 | |
|---|---|---|
| Current tax expense | \$ 1,015,800 |
\$ 132,035 |
| Deferred tax expense (benefit) | 2,112,471 | (2,781,148) |
| Total tax expense (benefit) | \$ 3,128,271 |
\$ (2,649,113) |
| 31 December 2010 | 31 December 2009 | |
| Gross deferred tax assets | \$ 4,866,958 |
\$ 4,566,984 |
| Less valuation allowance | 4,785,468 | 3,114,218 |
| Net deferred tax assets | 81,490 | 1,452,766 |
| Gross deferred tax liabilities | 2,989,738 | 2,253,151 |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | \$ 2,908,248 |
\$ 800,385 |
Current tax expense is reflected in net realized gains and deferred tax expense (benefit) is reflected in net changes in unrealized gains on the consolidated statements of operations. Net deferred tax liabilities are related to net unrealized gains and gross deferred tax assets, offset by a valuation allowance, are related to unrealized losses on investments held in entities that file separate tax returns.
The Company has no gross unrecognized tax benefits. The Company has been audited by the IRS for the tax year ended 30 November 2007; the audit resulted in no change to the tax the Company reported. The years subsequent to 2007 remain subject to examination.
Note 9 – Earnings (Loss) per Share
The computations for earnings (loss) per share for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
| For the Years Ended 31 December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2009 | |||
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations attributable to the controlling interest |
\$ | 46,069,110 | \$ | 56,136,204 |
| Divided by weighted average shares outstanding for Class A and Class B shares of the controlling interest |
51,048,666 | 51,219,046 | ||
| Earnings (loss) per share for Class A and Class B shares of the controlling interest |
\$ | 0.90 | \$ | 1.10 |
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
Note 10 – Treasury Stock
The Company has adopted a liquidity enhancement policy that is intended to enhance and strengthen the liquidity in the trading of the Company's class A shares. The Company previously entered into a liquidity enhancement agreement on 21 July 2008 with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. London Branch ("ABN") which was amended on 9 January 2009, 14 April 2009 and 29 June 2009. The company has extended that program through a renewal of the contract with The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. ("RBS") on 29 June 2010. Such agreement provides the parameters and requirements for the Company's liquidity enhancement policy.
Under the agreement, RBS has sole discretion, in the name and for the account of the Company and subject to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, to effect class A share repurchases and sales of class A shares held in treasury on Euronext Amsterdam within the parameters set out in the agreement. Shares repurchased by the Company will either be cancelled or held in treasury (provided that the Company shall not at any time hold class A shares in treasury representing more than 10 percent of its issued class A shares). Shares will not be sold out of treasury at a price which is lower than the last published net asset value per share.
The aggregate number of class A shares which may be purchased in accordance with the agreement is subject to a maximum of 12.5 percent of the total number of class A shares outstanding as of 21 July 2008, or 6,776,250 shares, unless the Company elects to increase such maximum, subject to any limits to the authority granted to the Company by its shareholders to effect share repurchases. The Company currently has shareholder authority to repurchase in the market up to 14.99 percent of its issued shares.
The maximum price which may be paid for a share is an amount equal to the higher of (i) the price of the last independent trade and (ii) the highest current independent bid price for shares on Euronext Amsterdam.
The agreement shall remain in force until 28 June 2011 subject to extension at the election of the Company. The agreement may, however, be terminated at any time by either the Company or RBS.
Further to the liquidity enhancement policy and subject to any limitations set forth therein, the Company and RBS entered into a Share Buy Back Agreement on 21 October 2010, whereby NBPE appointed RBS to effect on market share repurchases of class A shares on behalf of NBPE. Pursuant to and during the term of the Share Buy Back Agreement, RBS may independently of, and without influence by the Company, purchase Shares from time to time at its absolute discretion provided that such purchases comply with the maximum price parameters described above and certain other parameters set forth in the Share Buy Back Agreement. The Share Buy Back Agreement is set to expire on August 31, 2011, subject to extension.
The following table summarizes the Company's issued shares at 31 December 2010 and 2009.
| 31 December 2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 51,059,592 | ||
| 10,000 | 10,000 | |
| 50,742,825 | 51,069,592 | |
| 3 ,150,408 |
3,150,408 | |
| \$ 9,248,460 |
\$ | 9,248,460 |
| - | ||
| \$ 2,30 2,094 |
\$ | - |
| 31 December 2010 50,732,825 326,767 |
NB Private Equity Partners Limited
Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 2010 and 2009
| Per share operating performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| (based on average shares outstanding during the year) | 2010 | 2009 |
| Beginning net asset value 1 January | \$ 9.46 \$ |
8.20 |
| Stock repurchased and cancelled | 0.02 | - |
| Treasury stock purchased | - | 0.18 |
| Net increase in net assets resulting from operations: | ||
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.31) | (0.23 ) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 1.21 | 1.31 |
| Ending net asset value 31 December | \$ 10.38 \$ |
9.46 |
| Total return | ||
| 2010 | 2009 | |
| (based on change in net asset value per share) Total return before carried interest |
9.83% | 15.38% |
| Carried interest | 0.06% | |
| Total return after carried interest | 9.77% | - 15.38% |
| Net investment income (loss) and expense ratios | ||
| (based on weighted average net assets) | 2010 | 2009 |
| Net investment income (loss) | (3.20%) | |
| Expense ratios: | ||
| Expenses before interest and carried interest | 3.53% | |
| Interest expense | 0.13% | |
| Carried interest | 0.01% | (2.77%) 2.77% 0.61% - |
Individual shareholder returns may differ from the ratios presented based on differing entry dates into the Company.
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into a variety of undertakings containing a variety of warranties and indemnifications that may expose the Company to some risk of loss. The amount of future loss, arising from such undertakings, while not quantifiable, is not expected to be significant.
Note 13 – Subsequent Events
There have been no subsequent events through 9 March 2011, the date of the independent auditor's report that requires recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.