Form N-2 - Registration statement for closed-end investment companies

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2024

 

Securities Act File No. 333-

Investment Company Act File No. 811-21969

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

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Form N-2

 

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(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)

 

☒	REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
☐	Pre-Effective Amendment No.
☐	Post-Effective Amendment No.

 

and/or

 

☒	REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
☒	Amendment No. 26

 

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THE GDL FUND

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)

 

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One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: [phone]

 

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John C. Ball

The GDL Fund

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

[phone]

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

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Copies to:

 

Peter Goldstein, Esq. The GDL Fund One Corporate Center Rye, New York 10580-1422 [phone]

Michael K. Hoffman, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP One Manhattan West   New York, NY 10001 [phone]

Kevin T. Hardy, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 155 North Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606 [phone]

 

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Approximate date of proposed public offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

 

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Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans.

 

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Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.

 

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Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto.

 

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Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act.

 

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Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act.

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

 

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When declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Securities Act.

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

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This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement].

 

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This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is                   .

 

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This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is                    .

 

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This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is                    .

 

Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:

 

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Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”)).

 

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Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act).

 

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Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act).

 

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A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form).

 

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Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act).

 

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Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)).

 

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If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.

 

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New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing).

 

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THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus dated May 16, 2024

 

BASE PROSPECTUS
dated          , 2024

 

$200,000,000

 

The GDL Fund

 

Common Shares
Preferred Shares
Notes
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares
Subscription Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares

 

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Investment Objective. The GDL Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, formed as a Delaware statutory trust, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve absolute returns in various market conditions without excessive risk of capital. Absolute returns are defined as positive total returns, regardless of the direction of securities markets. The Fund will seek to achieve its objective by investing, under normal market conditions, primarily in merger arbitrage transactions and, to a lesser extent, in corporate reorganizations involving stubs, spin-offs and liquidations. Gabelli Funds, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its objective.

 

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, our common and/or fixed rate preferred shares, each with a par value $0.001 per share (together, “shares”), our promissory notes (“notes”), and/or our subscription rights to purchase our common and/or fixed rate preferred shares, which we refer to collectively as the “securities.” Securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus (this “Prospectus” and each supplement thereto, a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.

 

Our securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters, or among our underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of preferred shares will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend period, dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of notes will set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest payment dates, maturities, prepayment protection (if any) and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights will set forth the number of common and/or preferred shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering. We may offer subscription rights for common shares, preferred shares or common and preferred shares. We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular offering of our securities.

 

 

 

 

Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GDL” and our Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares (“Series C Preferred Shares”) are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” Our Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares (“Series E Preferred Shares”) are not listed on an exchange. On May 9, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common shares was $7.85 and the last reported sales price of our Series C Preferred Shares was $49.45. The net asset value of the Fund’s common shares at the close of business on May 9, 2024, was $10.18 per share.

 

As of May 9, 2024, the aggregate market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates, or the public float, was approximately $52,912,941 million, which was calculated based on 6,740,502 outstanding common shares held by non-affiliates and on a price per share of $7.85, the closing price of our common stock on May 9, 2024. Pursuant to certain SEC rules, to the extent applicable, in no event will we sell our securities in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million. We have not offered any securities pursuant to the SEC rules noted above during the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this prospectus.

 

Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from net asset value. This creates a risk of loss for an investor purchasing shares in a public offering.

 

Investing in the Fund’s securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” beginning on page 11 and Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the Fund’s Annual Report for factors that should be considered before investing in securities of the Fund, including risks related to a leveraged capital structure.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities by us through agents, underwriters or dealers unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.

 

This Prospectus, together with an applicable Prospectus Supplement, sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing. You should read this Prospectus, together with an applicable Prospectus Supplement, which contains important information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the securities, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of our annual and semiannual reports, request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which is on page 38 of this Prospectus, or request other information about us and make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) GABELLI (422-3554) or by writing to the Fund. You may also obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information (and other information regarding the Fund) from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Our annual and semiannual reports are also available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The Statement of Additional Information is only updated in connection with an offering and is therefore not available on the Fund’s website. Information on, or accessible through, the Fund’s website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this Prospectus.

 

Our securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other government agency.

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus Supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus or the date of the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY	1
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES	10
USE OF PROCEEDS	10
THE FUND	10
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES	10
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS	11
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND	11
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS	11
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS	11
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN	12
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES	13
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUND’S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS	24
CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE	27
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES	28
RIGHTS OFFERINGS	28
TAXATION	29
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT	31
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	32
LEGAL MATTERS	33
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM	34
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION	34
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE	35
PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND	35
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	36
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION	37
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS	A-1

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This is only a summary. This summary may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our securities. You should review the more detailed information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus (this “Prospectus”), including the sections titled “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” beginning on page 11 and in the Annual Report, the applicable prospectus supplement thereto and the Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024 (the “SAI”).

 

The Fund	The GDL Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 17, 2006. Throughout this Prospectus, we refer to The GDL Fund as the “Fund” or as “we.” See “The Fund.”
	The Fund’s outstanding common shares, par value $0.001 per share, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “GDL.” On May 9, 2024, the last reported NYSE sale price of our common shares was $7.85. The net asset value of the Fund’s common shares at the close of business on May 9, 2024 was $10.18 per share. As of May 9, 2024, the net assets of the Fund attributable to its common shares were $120,473,545. As of May 9, 2024, the Fund had outstanding 11,836,415 common shares. The Fund’s outstanding Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series C Preferred Shares”), are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C”. As of May 9, 2024, the Fund had outstanding 688,932 Series C Preferred Shares at a liquidation value of $50 per share for a total liquidation value of $34,446,600. The Fund’s outstanding Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares, par value $0.001 per share (“Series E Preferred Shares,” and together with the Series C Preferred Shares, the “preferred shares”) are not listed on an exchange. As of May 9, 2024, the Fund had outstanding 1,287,000 Series E Preferred Shares at a liquidation value of $10 per share for a total liquidation value of $12,870,000.
The Offering	We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, our common and/or fixed rate preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share, our notes, or our subscription rights to purchase our common or fixed rate preferred shares or both, which we refer to collectively as the “securities.” The securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”). The offering price per common share of the Fund will not be less than the net asset value per common share at the time we make the offering, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts; however, transferable rights offerings that meet certain conditions may be offered at a price below the then current net asset value per common share of the Fund. You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in our securities. Our securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of our securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters, or among our underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of preferred shares will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend period, dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of notes will set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest payment dates, maturities, prepayment protection (if any), and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights will set forth the number of common and/or preferred shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering.

 

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	While the aggregate number and amount of securities we may issue pursuant to this registration statement is limited to $200,000,000 of securities, our Board of Trustees (each member a “Trustee,” and collectively, the “Board”) may, without any action by the shareholders, amend our Agreement and Declaration of Trust from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we have authority to issue. We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular offering. Furthermore, pursuant to certain SEC rules, in no event will we sell our securities in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million.
Investment Objective and Policies	The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve absolute returns in various market conditions without excessive risk of capital. Absolute returns are defined as positive total returns, regardless of the direction of securities markets. To achieve its investment objective, the Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest primarily in securities of companies (both domestic and foreign) involved in publicly announced mergers, takeovers, tender offers and leveraged buyouts (i.e., merger arbitrage transitions) and, to a lesser extent, in corporate reorganizations involving stubs, spin-offs and liquidations. The key determinants of the profitability of a merger arbitrage transaction are the probability that the deal will close, the length of time to closing, the likelihood that the deal price will be increased or decreased and the level of short term interest rates.
	Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in securities or hedging arrangements relating to companies involved in corporate transactions or reorganizations, giving rise to the possibility of realizing gains upon or within relatively short periods of time after the completion of such transactions, or reorganizations. This policy is not fundamental and may be changed by the Fund with notice of not less than 60 days to its shareholders. Securities in which the Fund may invest include both equity securities (e.g., common stocks and preferred stocks) and fixed-income securities. The Fund may make unlimited investments in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating. However, the Fund does not expect these investments to exceed 10% of its total assets. These securities, which may be preferred shares or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities. The Fund may also invest up to 15% of its assets in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or are otherwise illiquid.   There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. See “Investment Objectives and Policies.”
Investment Adviser	Gabelli Funds, LLC, a New York limited liability company, with offices at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Investment Adviser believes that blending traditional merger arbitrage for announced deals with strategies that focus on stubs, spin-offs and liquidations will produce absolute returns in excess of short term interest rates with less volatility than the returns typically associated with equity investing. A systematic and disciplined arbitrage program may produce attractive rates of return even in flat or down markets. The Investment Adviser will consider a number of factors in selecting merger arbitrage transactions in which to invest, including, but not limited to, the credibility, strategic motivation, and financial resources of the participants and the liquidity of the securities involved in the transaction.

 

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Preferred Shares	The terms of each series of preferred shares may be fixed by the Board and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of holders of the Fund’s common shares. If the Board determines that it may be advantageous to the holders of the Fund’s common shares for the Fund to utilize additional leverage, the Fund may issue additional series of fixed rate preferred shares. Any fixed rate preferred shares issued by the Fund will pay distributions at a fixed rate. Leverage creates a greater risk of loss as well as a potential for more gains for the common shares than if leverage were not used. See “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Leverage Risks” in the Annual Report. The Fund may also determine in the future to issue other forms of senior securities, such as securities representing debt, subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund may also engage in investment management techniques which will not be considered senior securities if the Fund complies with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. See “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks of Derivative Transactions” in the Annual Report. The Fund may also borrow money, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
Dividends and Distributions	Preferred Shares Distributions. In accordance with the Fund’s Governing Documents (as defined below) and as required by the 1940 Act, all preferred shares of the Fund must have the same seniority with respect to distributions. Accordingly, no complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or paid on any series of preferred shares of the Fund for any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative dividends and distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates for all series of outstanding preferred shares of the Fund are declared and paid. If full cumulative distributions due have not been declared and made on all outstanding preferred shares of the Fund, any distributions on such preferred shares will be made as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. As used herein, “Governing Documents” means the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, including any Statement of Preferences establishing a series of preferred shares.
	The distributions to the Fund’s preferred shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, were comprised of net investment income and capital gains. The composition of each distribution is estimated based on the earnings of the Fund as of the record date for each distribution. The actual composition of each year’s distributions will be based on the Fund’s investment activity through the end of the applicable calendar year.
	Distributions on fixed rate preferred shares, at the applicable annual rate of the per share liquidation preference, are cumulative from the original issue date and are payable, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor.

 

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	Common Shares Distributions. The Fund currently intends to make quarterly cash distributions of all or a portion of its investment company taxable income (which includes ordinary income and realized net short term capital gains) to common shareholders. The Fund also intends to make annual distributions of its realized net long term capital gains, if any. The Fund, however, may make more than one capital gain distribution to avoid paying U.S. federal excise tax. See “Taxation” in the Prospectus. A portion of each distribution may be a return of capital. Various factors will affect the level of the Fund’s income, such as its asset mix and use of merger arbitrage strategies. To permit the Fund to maintain more stable distributions, the Fund may from time to time distribute more or less than the entire amount of income earned in a particular period. The Fund’s distribution policy may be modified from time to time by the Board as it deems appropriate, including in light of market and economic conditions and the Fund’s current, expected and historical earnings and investment performance. Common shareholders are expected to be notified of any such modifications by press release or in the Fund’s periodic shareholder reports. Because the Fund’s current quarterly distributions are subject to modification by the Board at any time and the Fund’s income will fluctuate, there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay distributions at a particular rate or frequency. The Fund’s annualized distributions may contain a return of capital and should not be considered as the dividend yield or total return of an investment in its common shares. Shareholders who receive the payment of a distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit.
	In addition, the amount treated as a tax free return of capital will reduce a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares, thereby increasing the shareholder’s potential taxable gain or reducing the potential taxable loss on the sale of the shares.
	For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund made distributions of $0.48 per common share, approximately $0.25 of which constituted a return of capital. When the Fund makes distributions consisting of returns of capital, such distributions will further decrease the Fund’s total assets and therefore have the likely effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio as the Fund’s fixed expenses will become a larger percentage of the Fund’s average net assets. In addition, in order to make such distributions, the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment may not dictate such action. These effects could have a negative impact on the prices investors receive when they sell shares of the Fund.
Indebtedness	Under applicable state law and our Agreement and Declaration of Trust, we may borrow money without prior approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may also issue debt securities, including notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any borrowings, including without limitation any notes, will rank senior to the preferred shares and the common shares. The Prospectus Supplement related to any offering of notes will describe the interest payment provisions relating to notes. Interest on notes will be payable when due as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common shares and preferred shares.

 

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Use of Proceeds	The Fund will use the net proceeds from the offering to purchase portfolio securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion of the proceeds to be identified in any relevant Prospectus Supplement may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy.
	The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.   The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”   See “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
Exchange Listing	The Fund’s outstanding common shares have been listed and traded on the NYSE under the trading or “ticker” symbol “GDL” and our Series C Preferred Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” The Fund’s Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. See “Description of the Securities” in the Prospectus. The Fund’s common shares have historically traded at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since the Fund commenced trading on the NYSE, the Fund’s common shares have traded at a premium to net asset value as high as 9.74% and a discount as low as (32.86)%. Any additional series of fixed rate preferred shares or subscription rights issued by the Fund in the future pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement would also likely be listed on the NYSE.
Risk Factors and Special Considerations	Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose all or any portion of the amount you invest in our securities. Therefore, before investing in our securities, you should consider the risks described in this Prospectus, the Fund’s Annual Report, and any Prospectus Supplement carefully. The following is only a summary of certain risks of investing in the Fund described in more detail in the Annual Report and elsewhere in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus Supplement. Before you invest, you should read the full summary of the risks of investing in the Fund, beginning on page 11 of this Prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors and Special Considerations,” in any accompanying Prospectus Supplement and in the Fund’s Annual Report.

 

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	Risks related to the Fund’s portfolio investments include risks related to:
	●     merger arbitrage; ●     investing in securities of foreign issuers; ●     equity risk; ●     investing in preferred shares, fixed-income securities, corporate bonds, non-investment grade securities, and restricted and illiquid securities; ●     investing in the direct obligations of the government of the United States or its agencies; ●     use of financial leverage; and ●     derivative transactions.
	The principal risk associated with the Fund’s investment strategy is that certain of the proposed reorganizations in which the Fund invests may be renegotiated, terminated or involve a longer time frame than originally contemplated, in which case losses may be realized. The investment policies of the Fund are expected to lead to frequent changes in investments, which increase transaction costs to the Fund, and may also result in accelerated recognition of short term capital gain, which will be taxable to shareholders when distributed by the Fund. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—General Risks—Merger Arbitrage Risk” in the Prospectus.
	Special risks to investors in the Fund’s common shares include risks relating to the Fund’s common share distribution policy, dividends and use of leverage, the common shares’ market price and liquidity, dilution and portfolio turnover.
	Special risks to investors in the Fund’s preferred shares include risks relating to the preferred shares’ market price and liquidity, distributions on the preferred shares, redemption, reinvestment and subordination.
	Special risks to investors in the Fund’s notes include risks relating to the notes’ liquidity, market price (if traded) and terms of redemption.
	Special risks to investors in the Fund’s preferred shares and notes include risks relating to common share repurchases, common share distributions and credit quality ratings.
	Special risks to holders of the Fund’s subscription rights include risks relating to dilution, market price for subscription rights and the value of the rights.
	Other general risks include risks related to:
	●     the Fund’s long term investment horizon, management and dependence on key personnel; ●     market risks, market disruptions and geopolitical events, economic events and market events, government intervention in the financial markets, and inflation; ●     the anti-takeover provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and ●     the Fund’s status as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Management and Fees	Gabelli Funds, LLC serves as the Fund’s Investment Adviser and its fee is calculated on the basis of the Fund’s managed assets, which includes all of the assets of the Fund without deduction for borrowings, repurchase transactions and other leveraging techniques, the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares or other liabilities except for certain ordinary course expenses. The fee may be higher when leverage is utilized, giving the Investment Adviser an incentive to utilize such leverage. The base rate is an annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets payable monthly in arrears. In addition, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year if the total return of the Fund on its common shares during the calendar year in question exceeds the total return of an index of three-month U.S. Treasury bills (the “T-Bill Index”) during the same period. If the Fund’s total return for the calendar year equals the total return of the T-Bill Index for the same period plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), the Investment Adviser will receive a performance fee of 0.75% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets during the calendar year measurement period for the Fund’s fulcrum fee. This performance fee will be increased by 0.01 percentage point (one basis point) for each 0.04 percentage point (four basis points) by which the Fund’s total return during the period exceeds the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), up to a maximum performance fee of 1.50% if the excess performance over the T-Bill Index is 6.0 percentage points (600 basis points) or greater and will be decreased at the same rate for the amount by which the Fund’s total return during the period is less than the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), until no performance fee is payable if the Fund’s total return is less than or equal to the T-Bill Index total return. Under the performance fee arrangement, the annual rate of the total fees paid to the Investment Adviser can range from 0.50% to 2.00% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets.

 

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	The base fee and performance (fulcrum) fee payable to the Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement can also be described as an annual combined fulcrum fee equal to 1.25% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets if the Fund’s total return for the calendar year equals the total return of the T-Bill Index for the same period plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), subject to a positive or negative performance adjustment of up to 0.75% based on the Fund’s performance relative to the T-Bill Index plus 3.0 percentage points. See “Additional Fund Information—Management of the Fund” in the Fund’s Annual Report for further details.
	Because the investment advisory fees are based on a percentage of managed assets, which includes assets attributable to the Fund’s use of leverage, the Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in the input it provides to the Board regarding whether to use or increase the Fund’s use of leverage. The Board bases its decision, with input from the Investment Adviser, regarding whether and how much leverage to use for the Fund on its assessment of whether such use of leverage is in the best interests of the Fund, and the Board seeks to manage the Investment Adviser’s potential conflict of interest by retaining the final decision on these matters and by periodically reviewing the Fund’s performance and use of leverage.
Repurchase of Common Shares	The Board has authorized the Fund to consider the repurchase of its common shares in the open market when the common shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more from net asset value (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time). Although the Board has authorized such repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its common shares. In total through December 31, 2023, the Fund has repurchased and retired 9,348,125 common shares in the open market at an average price of $9.36 and at an average discount of approximately 17.2% from the Fund’s net asset value. Such repurchases are subject to certain notice and other requirements under the 1940 Act. See “Repurchase of Common Shares” in the Prospectus.

 

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Anti-Takeover Provisions

Certain provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. Pursuant to these provisions, only one of three classes of Trustees is elected each year; super-majority voting requirements apply to the authorization of the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or to the authorization of certain transactions between the Fund and a beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of the Fund’s capital stock; advance notice to the Fund of any shareholder proposal is required; any shareholder proposing the nomination or election of a person as a Trustee must supply significant amounts of information designed to enable verification of whether such person satisfies the qualifications required of potential nominees to the Board; and Trustee nominees in contested elections must be elected by a majority of the outstanding shares.   The Fund is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and thus is subject to the control share acquisition statute contained in Subchapter III of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA Control Share Statute”). The DSTA Control Share Statute applies to any closed-end investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust and listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Fund. The DSTA Control Share Statute became automatically applicable to the Fund on August 1, 2022. The DSTA Control Share Statute provides for a series of voting power thresholds above which shares are considered “control beneficial interests” (referred to herein as “control shares”). Once a threshold is reached, an acquirer has no voting rights under the DSTA or the governing documents of the Fund with respect to shares acquired in excess of that threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) unless approved by shareholders of the Fund or exempted by the Board. Approval by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares held by the acquirer and its associates as well as shares held by certain insiders of the Fund. Further approval by the Fund’s shareholders would be required with respect to additional acquisitions of control shares above the next applicable threshold level. The Board is permitted, but not obligated to, exempt specific acquisitions or classes of acquisitions of control shares, either in advance or retroactively.   The foregoing is only a summary of the material terms of the DSTA Control Share Statute. Shareholders should consult their own counsel with respect to the application of the DSTA Control Share Statute to any particular circumstance. Some uncertainty around the general application under the 1940 Act of state control share statutes exists as a result of recent court decisions which have held that control share acquisition provisions in funds’ governing documents and/or the opt in to certain state control share acquisition statutes are not consistent with the 1940 Act. Additionally, in some circumstances uncertainty may also exist in how to enforce the control share restrictions contained in state control share statutes against beneficial owners who hold their shares through financial intermediaries.   The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger with, or the assumption of control by, a principal shareholder. These provisions may have the effect of depriving the Fund’s common shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium to the prevailing market price. The issuance of preferred shares could make it more difficult for the holders of common shares to avoid the effect of these provisions. See “Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents” in the Prospectus.

 

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Custodian

The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286, serves as the custodian (the “Custodian”) of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund’s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee paid by the Fund based upon, among other things, the average value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions and out-of-pocket expenses.

Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, located at 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), and as transfer agent and registrar with respect to the Series C Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares and the common shares of the Fund.

 

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SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund Expenses” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from this offering to be identified in any relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund.

 

The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

THE FUND

 

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 17, 2006, pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund commenced its investment operations on January 31, 2007. The Fund’s principal office is located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York, 10580-1422 and its telephone number is [phone].

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

 

Investment Objective and Policies

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve absolute returns in various market conditions without excessive risk of capital. Absolute returns are defined as positive total returns, regardless of the direction of securities markets. To achieve its investment objective, the Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest primarily in securities of companies (both domestic and foreign) involved in publicly announced mergers, takeovers, tender offers and leveraged buyouts (i.e., merger arbitrage transitions) and, to a lesser extent, in corporate reorganizations involving stubs, spin-offs and liquidations. The key determinants of the profitability of a merger arbitrage transaction are the probability that the deal will close, the length of time to closing, the likelihood that the deal price will be increased or decreased and the level of short term interest rates.

 

In order to minimize market exposure and volatility of such merger arbitrage strategies, the Fund may utilize hedging strategies, such as short selling and the use of options, futures, swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts and other derivatives. The Fund expects that it will invest in these types of instruments primarily for hedging and risk management purposes. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments for the purposes of increasing the income of the Fund, hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency. There is no specific limit on the proportion of its assets that the Fund may use to invest in derivatives and conduct short sales in connection with its investments in corporate transactions and reorganizations.

 

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Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in securities or hedging arrangements relating to companies involved in corporate transactions or reorganizations, giving rise to the possibility of realizing gains upon or within relatively short periods of time after the completion of such transactions, or reorganizations. This policy is not fundamental and may be changed by the Fund with notice of not less than 60 days to its shareholders. Securities in which the Fund may invest include both equity securities (e.g., common stocks and preferred stocks) and fixed-income securities. The Fund may make unlimited investments in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating. However, the Fund does not expect these investments to exceed 10% of its total assets. These securities, which may be preferred shares or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities. The Fund may also invest up to 15% of its assets in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or are otherwise illiquid.

 

No assurances can be given that the Fund’s objective will be achieved. Neither the Fund’s investment objective nor, except as expressly stated herein, any of its policies are fundamental, and each may be modified by the Board without shareholder approval. The percentage and ratings limitations stated herein and in the SAI apply only at the time of investment and are not considered violated as a result of subsequent changes to the value, or downgrades to the ratings, of the Fund’s portfolio investments.

 

Gabelli Funds, LLC, a New York limited liability company, with offices at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

The information contained under the headings “Additional Fund Information—Investment Objectives and Policies” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Management of the Fund” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

 

Principal transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, may execute portfolio transactions on stock exchanges and in the OTC markets on an agency basis and may be paid commissions. For a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s brokerage allocation practices, see “Portfolio Transactions” in the SAI.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

The Fund currently intends to make quarterly cash distributions of all or a portion of its investment company taxable income (which includes ordinary income and realized net short term capital gains) to common shareholders. The Fund also intends to make annual distributions of its realized net long term capital gains, if any. The Fund, however, may make more than one capital gain distribution to avoid paying U.S. federal excise tax. See “Taxation”. A portion of each distribution may be a return of capital. Various factors will affect the level of the Fund’s income, such as its asset mix and use of merger arbitrage strategies. To permit the Fund to maintain more stable distributions, the Fund may from time to time distribute more or less than the entire amount of income earned in a particular period. The Fund’s distribution policy may be modified from time to time by the Board as it deems appropriate, including in light of market and economic conditions and the Fund’s current, expected and historical earnings and investment performance. Common shareholders are expected to be notified of any such modifications by press release or in the Fund’s periodic shareholder reports. Because the Fund’s current quarterly distributions are subject to modification by the Board at any time and the Fund’s income will fluctuate, there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay distributions at a particular rate or frequency.

 

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The Fund’s annualized distributions may contain a return of capital and should not be considered as the dividend yield or total return of an investment in its common shares. Shareholders who receive the payment of a distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. A portion of the Fund’s common share distributions for the years ending December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2023 have included a return of capital. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund made distributions of $0.48 per common share, approximately $0.25 of which constituted a return of capital. To minimize the U.S. federal income tax that the Fund must pay at the corporate level, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and previously undistributed cumulative net capital gain. The composition of each distribution is estimated based on earnings as of the record date for the distribution. The actual composition of each distribution may change based on the Fund’s investment activity through the end of the calendar year.

 

The Fund may retain for reinvestment, and pay the resulting U.S. federal income taxes on its net capital gain, if any, although, as previously mentioned, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its previously undistributed cumulative net capital gain each year. In the event that the Fund’s investment company taxable income and net capital gain exceeds the total of the Fund’s annual distributions on any shares issued by the Fund, the Fund intends to pay such excess once a year. If, for any calendar year, the total annual distributions on any shares issued by the Fund exceed investment company taxable income and cumulative net capital gain, the excess will generally be treated as a tax-free return of capital up to the amount of a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares. Any distributions to the holders of shares which constitute tax-free return of capital will reduce a shareholder’s tax basis in such shares, thereby increasing such shareholder’s potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the sale of the shares. Any such amounts distributed to a shareholder in excess of the basis in the shares will generally be taxable to the shareholder as capital gain. See “Taxation.”

 

To the extent the Fund makes distributions consisting of returns of capital, such distributions will further decrease the Fund’s total assets and, therefore have the likely effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio as the Fund’s fixed expenses will become a larger percentage of the Fund’s average net assets. In addition, in order to make such distributions, the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment may not dictate such action. These effects could have a negative impact on the prices investors receive when they sell shares of the Fund.

 

The Fund, along with other closed-end registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser, is entitled to rely on an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting the Fund to make periodic distributions of long term capital gains provided that any distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its common shares calls for periodic (e.g., quarterly or semiannually, but in no event more frequently than monthly) distributions in an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Fund’s average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price per common share at or about the time of distribution or payment of a fixed dollar amount. The exemption also permits the Fund to make such distributions with respect to its preferred shares, if any, in accordance with such shares’ terms. The Fund does not currently rely on this exemption, and its current policy is to make quarterly distributions to holders of its common shares. This policy is subject to change by the Board at any time without prior notice to shareholders.

 

AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES

 

The following is a brief description of the terms of the common and preferred shares, notes, and subscription rights. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund’s Governing Documents. For complete terms of the common and preferred shares, please refer to the actual terms of such series, which are set forth in the Governing Documents. For complete terms of the notes, please refer to the actual terms of such notes, which will be set forth in an Indenture relating to such notes (the “Indenture”). For complete terms of the subscription rights, please refer to the actual terms of such subscription rights which will be set forth in the subscription rights agreement relating to such subscription rights (the “Subscription Rights Agreement”).

 

Common Shares

 

The Fund is an unincorporated statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust dated as of October 17, 2006. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share. Each common share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the applicable offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable. Though the Fund expects to pay distributions quarterly on the common shares, it is not obligated to do so. All common shares are equal as to distributions, assets and voting privileges and have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. The Fund will send annual and semiannual reports, including financial statements, to all holders of its shares. In the event of liquidation, each of the Fund’s common shares is entitled to its proportion of the Fund’s assets after payment of debts and expenses and the amounts payable to holders of the Fund’s preferred shares ranking senior to the Fund’s common shares as described below.

 

Offerings of shares require approval by the Board. Any additional offering of common shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, which provides that common shares may not be issued at a price below the then current net asset value, exclusive of sales load, except in connection with an offering to existing holders of common shares or with the consent of a majority of the Fund’s common shareholders.

 

The Fund’s outstanding common shares have been listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL” since January 29, 2007. The Fund’s common shares have historically traded at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since the Fund commenced trading on the NYSE, the Fund’s common shares have traded at a discount to net asset value as low as (32.86)% and a premium as high as 9.74%. The average weekly trading volume of the common shares on the NYSE during the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 was 79,606 shares.

 

Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds like the Fund do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional common shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies often trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Because the market value of the common shares may be influenced by such factors as dividend and distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), dividend and distribution stability, net asset value, market liquidity, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, unrealized gains, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot assure you that common shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The common shares are designed primarily for long term investors and you should not purchase the common shares if you intend to sell them soon after purchase.

 

Subject to the rights of the outstanding preferred shares, the Fund’s common shareholders vote as a single class to elect the Board and on additional matters with respect to which the 1940 Act, Delaware law, the Governing Documents or resolutions adopted by the Trustees provide for a vote of the Fund’s common shareholders. See “Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents.”

 

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its shareholders do not, and will not, have the right to require the Fund to repurchase their shares. The Fund, however, may repurchase its common shares from time to time as and when it deems such a repurchase advisable, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding preferred shares. The Board has authorized such repurchases to be made when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount from net asset value of 7.5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time). Through December 31, 2023, the Fund has repurchased 966,858 common shares under this authorization. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase its common shares on a securities exchange (provided that the Fund has informed its shareholders within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase such shares) or pursuant to tenders and may also repurchase shares privately if the Fund meets certain conditions regarding, among other things, distribution of net income for the preceding fiscal year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders of an intention to repurchase shares and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not discriminate unfairly against the other shareholders through their interest in the Fund.

 

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When the Fund repurchases its common shares for a price below net asset value, the net asset value of the common shares that remain outstanding will be enhanced, but this does not necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares will be affected, either positively or negatively. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio. In total through December 31, 2023, the Fund repurchased and retired 9,348,125 common shares in the open market at an average investment of $9.36 and at an average discount of approximately 17.2% from the Fund’s net asset value.

 

Book Entry. The common shares will initially be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of the common shares for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of common shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of shares purchased for purposes of distributions, voting and liquidation rights.

 

Preferred Shares

 

The Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the Board may authorize and issue senior securities with rights as determined by the Board, by action of the Board without the approval of the holders of the common shares. Holders of common shares have no preemptive right to purchase any senior securities that might be issued.

 

Currently an unlimited number of the Fund’s shares have been classified by the Board as preferred shares, par value $0.001 per share. The terms of such preferred shares may be fixed by the Board and would materially limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the Fund’s common shares.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Fund had outstanding 688,932 Series C Preferred Shares, which are senior securities of the Fund. On March 26, 2020, 1,935,093 Series C Preferred Shares were put back to the Fund at the liquidation value of $96,754,650, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. Distributions on the Series C Preferred Shares, which are fixed rate preferred shares, currently accumulate at an annual rate of 4.00% of the liquidation preference of $50 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26 and December 26 of each year (each, a “Dividend Payment Date”). As used herein, each period beginning on and including a Dividend Payment Date and ending on but excluding the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date is referred to as a “Dividend Period.” The Dividend Period beginning on the date of original issue, which constitutes the first Dividend Period, together with the next three Dividend Periods, are referred to herein as “Year 1,” the next four Dividend Periods are referred to as “Year 2,” and so on. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. The Series C Preferred Shares are not rated by any rating agency.

 

The Fund may redeem all or any part of the Series C Preferred, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at the liquidation preference of $50 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends if such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Board, to maintain the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Fund had outstanding 2,832,500 Series E Preferred Shares, which are senior securities of the Fund. On March 26, 2023, 667,500 shares of Series E Preferred were put back to the Fund at their liquidation preference of $10 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Distributions on the Series E Preferred Shares, which are fixed rate preferred shares, currently accumulate at an annual rate of 5.20% of the liquidation preference of $10 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable quarterly on each Dividend Payment Date. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

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The Series E Preferred Shares may be subject to optional redemption by the Fund if such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Board, to maintain the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.

 

The Series C Preferred Shares are listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” The Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange.

 

If the Fund publicly issues additional preferred shares, it will pay dividends to the holders of the preferred shares at a fixed rate, as described in a Prospectus Supplement accompanying each preferred share offering.

 

Upon a liquidation, each holder of the preferred shares will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders (after payment of claims of the Fund’s creditors but before any distributions with respect to the Fund’s common shares or any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to liquidation payments) an amount per share equal to such share’s liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared, excluding interest thereon) to the date of distribution, and such shareholders shall be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with such liquidation. Each series of the preferred shares will rank on a parity with any other series of preferred shares of the Fund as to the payment of distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, and will be junior to the Fund’s obligations with respect to any outstanding senior securities representing debt. The preferred shares carry one vote per share on all matters on which such shares are entitled to vote. The preferred shares will, upon issuance, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive, exchange or conversion rights. The Board may by resolution classify or reclassify any authorized but unissued capital shares of the Fund from time to time by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions or terms or conditions of redemption. The Fund will not issue any class of shares senior to the preferred shares.

 

Redemption, Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares By the Fund. The terms of any preferred shares are expected to provide that (i) they are redeemable by the Fund at any time (either after the date of initial issuance, or after some period of time following initial issuance) in whole or in part at the original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends per share, (ii) the Fund may tender for or purchase preferred shares and (iii) the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered for or purchased. Any redemption or purchase of preferred shares by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to the common shares, while any resale of preferred shares by the Fund will increase that leverage.

 

Rating Agency Guidelines. The Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares are not rated by Moody’s and/or Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”) (or any other rating agency). Upon issuance, any new publicly issued series of preferred shares may be rated by Moody’s or Fitch, in which case the following description of rating agency guidelines would become applicable.

 

The Fund expects that it would be required under any applicable rating agency guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate a discounted value at least equal to a Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined in the applicable Statement of Preferences and summarized below), for its outstanding preferred shares, including the Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares. To the extent any particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable rating agency’s guidelines, all or a portion of such holding’s value will not be included in the calculation of discounted value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody’s and Fitch guidelines would also impose certain diversification requirements and industry concentration limitations on the Fund’s overall portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held by the Fund (except certain money market securities).

 

The “Basic Maintenance Amount” is generally equal to (a) the sum of (i) the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred shares then outstanding plus (to the extent not included in the liquidation preference of such preferred shares) an amount equal to the aggregate accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred shares, (ii) the Fund’s other liabilities (excluding dividends and other distributions payable on the Fund’s common shares), (iii) any other current liabilities of the Fund (including amounts due and payable by the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements and payables for assets purchased) less (b) the value of the Fund’s assets if such assets are either cash or evidences of indebtedness which mature prior to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or payment of another liability and are either U.S. government securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least “Aaa,” “P-1”, “VMIG-1” or “MIG-1” by Moody’s or “AAA”, “SP-1+” or “A-1+” by S&P and are held by the Fund for distributions, the redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or the Fund’s liabilities.

 

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If the Fund does not cure in a timely manner a failure to maintain a discounted value of its portfolio equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount in accordance with the requirements of any applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances would be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares.

 

The Fund may, but would not be required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines that may be established by Moody’s and Fitch (or such other rating agency then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund) following the issuance of any such rated preferred shares. Failure to adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change in the relevant rating agency’s ratings or a withdrawal of such ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing a rating for the preferred shares at the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without further action by shareholders, would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of a Statement of Preferences adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications are necessary to prevent a reduction in, or the withdrawal of, a rating of the preferred shares and are in the aggregate in the best interests of the holders of the preferred shares. Additionally, the Board, without further action by the shareholders, would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of a Statement of Preferences adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications will not in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences of the holders of any series of the preferred shares, provided that the Fund has received advice from each applicable rating agency that such amendment or modification is not expected to adversely affect such rating agency’s then-current rating of such series of the Fund’s preferred shares.

 

As described by Moody’s and Fitch, any ratings assigned to the preferred shares are assessments of the capacity and willingness of the Fund to pay the obligations of each series of the preferred shares. Any ratings on the preferred shares are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell shares of any series, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The rating agency guidelines also do not address the likelihood that an owner of preferred shares will be able to sell such shares on an exchange, in an auction or otherwise. Any ratings would be based on current information furnished to Moody’s and Fitch by the Fund and the Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. Any ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information.

 

The rating agency guidelines would apply to the preferred shares, as the case may be, only so long as such rating agency is rating such shares at the request of the Fund. The Fund expects that it would pay fees to Moody’s and Fitch for rating any preferred shares.

 

Asset Maintenance Requirements. In addition to the requirements summarized under “—Rating Agency Guidelines” above, the Fund must satisfy asset maintenance requirements under the 1940 Act with respect to its preferred shares. Under the 1940 Act, debt or additional preferred shares may be issued only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets (less ordinary course liabilities) is at least 300% of the amount of any debt outstanding and at least 200% of the amount of any preferred shares and debt outstanding.

 

The Fund is and likely will be required under the Statement of Preferences of each series of preferred shares to determine whether it has, as of the last business day of each March, June, September and December of each year, an “asset coverage” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 200% (or such higher or lower percentage as may be required at the time under the 1940 Act) with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund that are debt or stock, including any outstanding preferred shares. If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required under the 1940 Act on such dates and such failure is not cured by a specific time (generally within 60 calendar days or 49 calendar days), the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See “—Redemption Procedures” below.

 

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Distributions. Holders of any fixed rate preferred shares are or will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued.

 

Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Shares. So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase common shares) in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation), unless:

 

●

the Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative distributions on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the date of such common share dividend or distribution;

 

●

the Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and

 

●

after making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described under “—Asset Maintenance Requirements.”

 

No complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares for any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefor for all outstanding series of preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series as to distributions have been or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares as to the payment of distributions, any distributions being paid on the preferred shares will be paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. The Fund’s obligation to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due, on any of the Fund’s senior securities representing debt.

 

Mandatory Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements. The Fund may, at its option, consistent with its Governing Documents and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares in the event that:

 

●

the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements specified under the 1940 Act on a quarterly valuation date(generally the last business day of March, June, September and December) and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time, following such failure (60 calendar days in the case of the Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares); or

 

●

the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements as calculated in accordance with any applicable rating agency guidelines as of any monthly valuation date, and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time after such valuation date (typically 10 business days).

 

The redemption price for preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption will generally be the liquidation preference, as stated in the Statement of Preferences of each existing series of preferred shares or the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of any series of preferred shares, plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption, plus any applicable redemption premium determined by the Board and included in the Statement of Preferences.

 

The number of preferred shares that will be redeemed in the case of a mandatory redemption will equal the minimum number of outstanding preferred shares, the redemption of which, if such redemption had occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the applicable cure date, would have resulted in the relevant asset coverage requirement having been met or, if the required asset coverage cannot be so restored, all of the preferred shares. In the event that preferred shares are redeemed due to a failure to satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of preferred shares so that the Fund’s assets exceed the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that is, 220% asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Statement of Preferences. In the event that preferred shares are redeemed due to a failure to satisfy applicable rating agency guidelines (if any), the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of preferred shares so that the Fund’s discounted portfolio value (as determined in accordance with the applicable rating agency guidelines) after redemption exceeds the asset coverage requirements of each applicable rating agency by up to 10% (that is, 110% rating agency asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Statement of Preferences.

 

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If the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise unable to redeem, all the preferred shares to be redeemed on any redemption date, the Fund will redeem on such redemption date that number of shares for which it has legally available funds, or is otherwise able to redeem, from the holders whose shares are to be redeemed ratably on the basis of the redemption price of such shares, and the remainder of those shares to be redeemed will be redeemed on the earliest practicable date on which the Fund will have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise able to redeem, such shares upon written notice of redemption.

 

If fewer than all of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion and subject to the limitations of its Governing Documents, the 1940 Act, and applicable law, will select the one or more series of preferred shares from which shares will be redeemed and the amount of preferred shares to be redeemed from each such series. If fewer than all preferred shares of a series are to be redeemed, such redemption will be made as among the holders of that series pro rata in accordance with the respective number of shares of such series held by each such holder on the record date for such redemption (or by such other equitable method as the Fund may determine). If fewer than all the preferred shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice of redemption mailed to such holder will specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder, which may be expressed as a percentage of shares held on the applicable record date.

 

Optional Redemption. Fixed rate preferred shares are not subject to optional redemption by the Fund until the date, if any, specified in the applicable Prospectus or Prospectus Supplement, unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to maintain the Fund’s status as a RIC under the Code. Commencing on such date and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem such fixed rate preferred shares in whole or in part for cash at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share plus accumulated and unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the redemption date plus any premium specified in or pursuant to the Statement of Preferences. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under “—Redemption Procedures” below and the limitations of the Governing Documents, the 1940 Act and applicable law.

 

Redemption Procedures. If the Fund determines or is required to redeem preferred shares, it will mail a notice of redemption to holders of the shares to be redeemed. Each notice of redemption will state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number or percentage of preferred shares to be redeemed (which may be expressed as a percentage of such shares outstanding), (iii) the CUSIP number(s) of such shares, (iv) the redemption price (specifying the amount of accumulated distributions to be included therein), (v) the place or places where such shares are to be redeemed, (vi) that dividends or distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the provision of the Statement of Preferences under which the redemption is being made and (viii) in the case of an optional redemption, any conditions precedent to such redemption. No defect in the notice of redemption or in the mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.

 

The redemption date with respect to fixed rate preferred shares will not be fewer than 30 days nor more than 60 days (subject to NYSE requirements) after the date of the applicable notice of redemption. Preferred shareholders may receive shorter notice in the event of a mandatory redemption.

 

The holders of preferred shares will not have the right to redeem any of their shares at their option except to the extent specified in the Statement of Preferences.

 

Liquidation Rights. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares then outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution, which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.

 

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Voting Rights. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares and of any other preferred shares then outstanding as a single class.

 

In connection with the election of the Fund’s Trustees, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, will be entitled at all times to elect two of the Fund’s Trustees, and the remaining Trustees will be elected by holders of common shares and holders of preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends and distributions on outstanding preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends and distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees of the Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Statement of Preferences creating such shares, then the number of Trustees constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Trustees elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Trustees will be elected by the holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice. If the Fund fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Trustees at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding preferred shares for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional Trustees, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Trustees elected by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Trustees with respect to whose election the holders of common shares were entitled to vote or the two Trustees the holders of preferred shares have the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.

 

The 1940 Act requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s classification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end investment company or changes in its fundamental investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of the Statement of Preferences so as to in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences set forth in the Statement of Preferences. The class vote of holders of preferred shares described above will in each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.

 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient cash or cash equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred shares will have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.

 

Limitation on Issuance of Preferred Shares. So long as the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, subject to receipt of approval from the rating agencies of each series of preferred shares outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, the Fund may issue and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred shares provided that the Fund will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred shares and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof (including, without limitation, to the redemption of preferred shares to be redeemed out of such proceeds), have an “asset coverage” for all senior securities of the Fund which are stock, as defined in the 1940 Act, of at least 200% of the sum of the liquidation preference of the preferred shares of the Fund then outstanding and all indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities and no such additional preferred shares will have any preference or priority over any other preferred shares of the Fund upon the distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends or distributions.

 

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The Fund will consider from time to time whether to offer additional preferred shares or securities representing indebtedness and may issue such additional securities if the Board concludes that such an offering would be consistent with the Fund’s Governing Documents and applicable law, and in the best interest of existing common shareholders.

 

Tenders and Repurchases. In addition to the redemption provisions described herein, the Fund may also tender for or purchase preferred shares (whether in private transactions or on the NYSE) and the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered for or purchased, subject to the provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents and the 1940 Act.

 

Book Entry. Preferred shares may be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of any preferred shares issued for all purposes in this circumstance. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of preferred shares whose preferred shares are held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for the DTC will be deemed the beneficial owners of stock purchased for purposes of distributions, voting and liquidation rights.

 

Notes

 

General. Under applicable state law and our Agreement and Declaration of Trust, we may borrow money without prior approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may also issue debt securities, including notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any borrowings, including without limitation any notes, will rank senior to the preferred shares and the common shares.

 

Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior securities representing indebtedness, which in the aggregate must have asset coverage immediately after the time of issuance of at least 300%. So long as notes are outstanding, additional debt securities must rank on a parity with notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the distribution of our assets.

 

A Prospectus Supplement relating to any notes will include specific terms relating to the offering. The terms to be stated in a Prospectus Supplement will include the following:

 

●

the form and title of the security;

 

●

the aggregate principal amount of the securities;

 

●

the interest rate of the securities;

 

●

whether the interest rate for the securities will be determined by auction or remarketing;

 

●

the maturity dates on which the principal of the securities will be payable;

 

●

the frequency with which auctions or remarketings, if any, will be held;

 

●

any changes to or additional events of default or covenants;

 

●

any minimum period prior to which the securities may not be called;

 

●

any optional or mandatory call or redemption provisions;

 

●

the credit rating of the notes;

 

●

if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance of the notes; and

 

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●

any other terms of the securities.

 

Interest. The Prospectus Supplement will describe the interest payment provisions relating to notes. Interest on notes will be payable when due as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common shares and preferred shares.

 

Limitations. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, immediately after issuing any notes the value of our total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, must equal or exceed 300% of the amount of the notes outstanding. Other types of borrowings also may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements.

 

Additionally, the 1940 Act requires that we prohibit the declaration of any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in Fund common or preferred shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase Fund common or preferred shares) in respect of Fund common or preferred shares, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any such fund common or preferred shares, unless the Fund’s notes have asset coverage of at least 300% (200% in the case of a dividend or distribution on preferred shares) after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or acquisition price, as the case may be. These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed; however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements. Moreover, the Indenture related to the notes could contain provisions more restrictive than those required by the 1940 Act, and any such provisions would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.

 

Events of Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Notes. Unless stated otherwise in the related Prospectus Supplement, any one of the following events will constitute an “event of default” for that series under the Indenture relating to the notes:

 

●

default in the payment of any interest upon a series of notes when it becomes due and payable and the continuance of such default for 30 days;

 

●

default in the payment of the principal of, or premium on, a series of notes at its stated maturity;

 

●

default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of ours in the Indenture, and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after written notice has been given to us by the trustee;

 

●

certain voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving us and relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws;

 

●

if, on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months, the notes have a 1940 Act asset coverage of less than 100%; or

 

●

any other “event of default” provided with respect to a series, including a default in the payment of any redemption price payable on the redemption date.

 

Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of outstanding notes or the trustee will be able to declare the principal amount of that series of notes immediately due and payable upon written notice to us. A default that relates only to one series of notes does not affect any other series and the holders of such other series of notes will not be entitled to receive notice of such a default under the Indenture. Upon an event of default relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of maturity will occur automatically with respect to all series. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a series of notes has been made, and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of that series, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration and its consequences if all events of default with respect to that series of notes, other than the non-payment of the principal of that series of notes which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived and other conditions have been met.

 

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Liquidation Rights. In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our creditors, as such, or to our assets, or (b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of us, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of ours, then (after any payments with respect to any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in any such event the holders of notes shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all notes (including any interest accruing thereon after the commencement of any such case or proceeding), or provision shall be made for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of the notes, before the holders of any of our common or preferred shares are entitled to receive any payment on account of any redemption proceeds, liquidation preference or dividends from such shares. The holders of notes shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of ours being subordinated to the payment of the notes, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the notes in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up event.

 

Unsecured creditors of ours may include, without limitation, service providers including the Investment Adviser, Custodian, administrator, auction agent, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the terms of various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours may include without limitation parties entering into any interest rate swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions with us that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.

 

A consolidation, reorganization or merger of us with or into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of our assets in consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us.

 

Voting Rights. The notes have no voting rights, except as mentioned below and to the extent required by law or as otherwise provided in the Indenture relating to the acceleration of maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default. In connection with the notes or certain other borrowings (if any), the 1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the note holders or lenders certain voting rights. The 1940 Act requires that provision is made either (i) that, if on the last business day of each of twelve consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, the holders of such notes voting as a class shall be entitled to elect at least a majority of the members of the Fund’s Trustees, such voting right to continue until such notes shall have an asset coverage of 110% or more on the last business day of each of three consecutive calendar months, or (ii) that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred. It is expected that, unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus Supplement, provision will be made that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred. These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed; however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements. As reflected above, the Indenture relating to the notes may also grant to the note holders voting rights relating to the acceleration of maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, and any such rights would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.

 

Market. Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated quotation system. The details on how to buy and sell such notes, along with the other terms of the notes, will be described in a Prospectus Supplement. We cannot assure you that any market will exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity.

 

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form. Unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus Supplement, the notes will be issued in book-entry form and will be represented by one or more notes in registered global form. The global notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the notes in designated denominations through its book-entry facilities.

 

Under the terms of the Indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose names any notes, including the global notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global notes, DTC or such nominee will be considered the sole holder of outstanding notes under the Indenture. We or the trustee may give effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or its nominee.

 

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A global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in the global note may be transferred or exchanged for definitive securities in accordance with the rules and procedures of DTC. In addition, a global note may be exchangeable for notes in definitive form if:

 

●

DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depository and we do not appoint a successor within 60 days;

 

●

we, at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of notes in definitive form under the Indenture; or

 

●

an event of default has occurred and is continuing.

 

In each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each person that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the beneficial owner of the related notes.

 

Under the Indenture, the holder of any global note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including its participants and persons who may hold interests through DTC participants, to take any action which a holder is entitled to take under the Indenture.

 

Trustee, Transfer Agent, Registrar, Paying Agent and Redemption Agent. Information regarding the trustee under the Indenture, which may also act as transfer agent, registrar, paying agent and redemption agent with respect to our notes, will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.

 

Subscription Rights

 

General. We may issue subscription rights to holders of our (i) common shares to purchase common and/or preferred shares or (ii) preferred shares to purchase preferred shares (subject to applicable law). Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with a subscription rights offering to holders of our common and/or preferred shares, we would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a Prospectus Supplement to our common or preferred shareholders, as applicable, as of the record date that we set for determining the shareholders eligible to receive subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.

 

The applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered:

 

●

the period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and will not be open longer than 120 days);

 

●

the title of such subscription rights;

 

●

the exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof);

 

●

the number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each common share;

 

●

the number of rights required to purchase a single preferred share;

 

●

the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they may be traded if they are transferable;

 

●

if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights;

 

23 

 

 

●

the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date on which such right will expire (subject to any extension);

 

●

the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege;

 

●

any termination right we may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; and

 

●

any other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures and limitations relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights.

 

Exercise of Subscription Rights. Each subscription right would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such number of shares at such exercise price as in each case is set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby, Subscription rights would be exercisable at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.

 

Subscription rights would be exercisable as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon expiration of the rights offering and the receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement we would issue, as soon as practicable, the shares purchased as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, we may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Subscription Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares. The Fund may issue subscription rights which would entitle holders to purchase both common and preferred shares in a ratio to be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In accordance with the 1940 Act, at least three rights would be required to subscribe for one common share. It is expected that rights to purchase both common and preferred shares would require holders to purchase an equal number of common and preferred shares, and would not permit holders to purchase an unequal number of common or preferred shares, or purchase only common shares or only preferred shares. For example, such an offering might be structured such that three rights would entitle an investor to purchase one common share and one preferred share, and such investor would not be able to choose to purchase only a common share or only a preferred share upon the exercise of his, her or its rights.

 

The common shares and preferred shares issued pursuant to the exercise of any such rights, however, would at all times be separately tradeable securities. Such common and preferred shares would not be issued as a “unit” or “combination” and would not be listed or traded as a “unit” or “combination” on a securities exchange, such as the NYSE, at any time. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth additional details regarding an offering of subscription rights to purchase common and preferred shares.

 

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUND’S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS

 

The Fund presently has provisions in its Governing Documents which could have the effect of limiting, in each case:

 

●

the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund;

 

●

the Fund’s freedom to engage in certain transactions; or

 

●

the ability of the Fund’s trustees or shareholders to amend the Governing Documents or effectuate changes in the Fund’s management.

 

These provisions of the Governing Documents of the Fund may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. The Board is divided into three classes, each having a term of no more than three years (except, to ensure that the term of a class of the Fund’s Trustees expires each year, one class of the Fund’s Trustees will serve an initial one-year term and three-year terms thereafter and another class of its Trustees will serve an initial two-year term and three-year terms thereafter). Each year the term of one class of Trustees will expire. Accordingly, only those Trustees in one class may be changed in any one year, and it would require a minimum of two years to change a majority of the Board. Such system of electing Trustees may have the effect of maintaining the continuity of management and, thus, make it more difficult for the shareholders of the Fund to change the majority of Trustees. See “Proposal: To Elect Two (2) Trustees of the Fund—Information about Trustees and Officers” in the Fund’s Proxy Statement. A Trustee of a Fund may be removed with cause by a majority of the remaining Trustees and, without cause, by two-thirds of the remaining Trustees or by two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of such Trustee. Under the Fund’s By-Laws, advance notice to the Fund of any shareholder proposal is required, potential nominees to the Board must satisfy a series of requirements relating to, among other things, potential conflicts of interest or relationships and fitness to be a Trustee of a closed-end fund in order to be nominated or elected as a Trustee and any shareholder proposing the nomination or election of a person as a Trustee must supply significant amounts of information designed to enable verification of whether such person satisfies such qualifications. Additionally, the Fund’s By-Laws provide that, with respect to any election of Trustees in which the number of persons nominated for election as Trustees exceeds the number of Trustees to be elected (i.e., a “contested election”), the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote for the election of Trustees at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be required to elect such Trustees. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust also requires any shareholder action by written consent to be unanimous. Special voting requirements of 75% of the outstanding voting shares (in addition to any required class votes) apply to mergers into or a sale of all or substantially all of the Fund’s assets, liquidation, conversion of the Fund into an open-end fund or interval fund and amendments to several provisions of the Declaration of Trust, including the foregoing provisions. In addition, 80% of the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund voting as a class is generally required in order to authorize any of the following transactions:

 

24 

 

 

●

merger or consolidation of the Fund with or into any other entity;

 

●

issuance of any securities of the Fund to any person or entity for cash, other than pursuant to the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan or any offering if such person or entity acquires no greater percentage of the securities offered than the percentage beneficially owned by such person or entity immediately prior to such offering or, in the case of a class or series not then beneficially owned by such person or entity, the percentage of common shares beneficially owned by such person or entity immediately prior to such offering;

 

●

sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any entity or person (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $5,000,000);

 

●

sale, lease or exchange to the Fund, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any entity or person (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $5,000,000); or

 

●

the purchase of the Fund’s common shares by the Fund from any person or entity other than pursuant to a tender offer equally available to other shareholders in which such person or entity tenders no greater percentage of common shares than are tendered by all other shareholders;

 

if such person or entity is directly, or indirectly through affiliates, the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. However, such vote would not be required when, under certain conditions, the Board approves the transaction. In addition, shareholders have no authority to adopt, amend or repeal By-Laws. The Trustees have authority to adopt, amend and repeal By-Laws consistent with the Declaration of Trust (including to require approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares for the election of Trustees). Reference is made to the Governing Documents of the Fund, on file with the SEC, for the full text of these provisions.

 

The provisions of the Governing Documents described above could have the effect of depriving the owners of shares in the Fund of opportunities to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices, by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender offer or similar transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a principal shareholder. For the full text of these provisions see “Available Information.”

 

The foregoing 75% and 80% voting requirements, which have been considered and determined to be in the best interests of shareholders by the Trustees, are greater than the voting requirements imposed by the 1940 Act and applicable Delaware law.

 

25 

 

 

The Fund is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and thus is subject to the control share acquisition statute contained in Subchapter III of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA Control Share Statute”). The DSTA Control Share Statute applies to any closed-end investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust and listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Fund. The DSTA Control Share Statute became automatically applicable to the Fund on August 1, 2022.

 

The DSTA Control Share Statute defines “control beneficial interests” (referred to as “control shares” herein) by reference to a series of voting power thresholds and provides that a holder of control shares acquired in a control share acquisition has no voting rights under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (“DSTA”) or the Fund’s Governing Documents (as used herein, “Governing Documents” means the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, including any Statement of Preferences establishing a series of preferred shares) with respect to the control shares acquired in the control share acquisition, except to the extent approved by the Fund’s shareholders by the affirmative vote of two–thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares (generally, shares held by the acquiring person and their associates and shares held by Fund insiders).

 

The DSTA Control Share Statute provides for a series of voting power thresholds above which shares are considered control shares. Whether one of these thresholds of voting power is met is determined by aggregating the holdings of the acquiring person as well as those of his, her or its “associates.” These thresholds are:

 

●

10% or more, but less than 15% of all voting power;

 

●

15% or more, but less than 20% of all voting power;

 

●

20% or more, but less than 25% of all voting power;

 

●

25% or more, but less than 30% of all voting power;

 

●

30% or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or

 

●

a majority or more of all voting power.

 

Under the DSTA Control Share Statute, once a threshold is reached, an acquirer has no voting rights with respect to shares in excess of that threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) until approved by a vote of shareholders, as described above, or otherwise exempted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The DSTA Control Share Statute contains a statutory process for an acquiring person to request a shareholder meeting for the purpose of considering the voting rights to be accorded control shares. An acquiring person must repeat this process at each threshold level. The DSTA Control Share Statute effectively allows non-interested shareholders to evaluate the intentions and plans of an acquiring person above each threshold level.

 

Under the DSTA Control Share Statute, an acquiring person’s “associates” are broadly defined to include, among others, relatives of the acquiring person, anyone in a control relationship with the acquiring person, any investment fund or other collective investment vehicle that has the same investment adviser as the acquiring person, any investment adviser of an acquiring person that is an investment fund or other collective investment vehicle and any other person acting or intending to act jointly or in concert with the acquiring person.

 

Voting power under the DSTA Control Share Statute is the power (whether such power is direct or indirect or through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise) to directly or indirectly exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of shares of the Fund in the election of the Fund’s Trustees (either generally or with respect to any subset, series or class of trustees, including any Trustees elected solely by a particular series or class of shares, such as the preferred shares). Thus, Fund preferred shares, including the Series B Preferred Shares, acquired in excess of the above thresholds would be considered control shares with respect to the preferred share class vote for two Trustees.

 

26 

 

 

Any control shares of the Fund acquired before August 1, 2022, are not subject to the DSTA Control Share Statute; however, any further acquisitions on or after August 1, 2022, are considered control shares subject to the DSTA Control Share Statute.

 

The DSTA Control Share Statute requires shareholders to disclose to the Fund any control share acquisition within 10 days of such acquisition, and also permits the Fund to require a shareholder or an associate of such person to disclose the number of shares owned or with respect to which such person or an associate thereof can directly or indirectly exercise voting power. Further, the DSTA Control Share Statute requires a shareholder or an associate of such person to provide to the Fund within 10 days of receiving a request therefor from the Fund any information that the Fund’s Trustees reasonably believe is necessary or desirable to determine whether a control share acquisition has occurred.

 

The DSTA Control Share Statute permits the Fund’s Board of Trustees, through a provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents or by Board action alone, to eliminate the application of the DSTA Control Share Statute to the acquisition of control shares in the Fund specifically, generally, or generally by types, as to specifically identified or unidentified existing or future beneficial owners or their affiliates or associates or as to any series or classes of shares. The DSTA Control Share Statute does not provide that the Fund can generally “opt out” of the application of the DSTA Control Share Statute; rather, specific acquisitions or classes of acquisitions may be exempted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, either in advance or retroactively, but other aspects of the DSTA Control Share Statute, which are summarized above, would continue to apply. The DSTA Control Share Statute further provides that the Board of Trustees is under no obligation to grant any such exemptions.

 

The Board of Trustees has considered the DSTA Control Share Statute. As of the date hereof, the Board of Trustees has not received notice of the occurrence of a control share acquisition nor has been requested to exempt any acquisition. Therefore, the Board of Trustees has not determined whether the application of the DSTA Control Share Statute to an acquisition of Fund shares is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders and has not exempted, and has no present intention to exempt, any acquisition or class of acquisitions.

 

If the Board of Trustees receives a notice of a control share acquisition and/or a request to exempt any acquisition, it will consider whether the application of the DSTA Control Share Statute or the granting of such an exemption would be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund should not be viewed as a vehicle for trading purposes. It is designed primarily for risk-tolerant long-term investors.

 

The foregoing is only a summary of the material terms of the DSTA Control Share Statute. Shareholders should consult their own counsel with respect to the application of the DSTA Control Share Statute to any particular circumstance. Some uncertainty around the general application under the 1940 Act of state control share statutes exists as a result of recent court decisions which have held that control share acquisition provisions in funds’ governing documents and/or the opt in to certain state control share statutes are not consistent with the 1940 Act. Additionally, in some circumstances uncertainty may also exist in how to enforce the control share restrictions contained in state control share statutes against beneficial owners who hold their shares through financial intermediaries.

 

The ownership restrictions set forth in the Fund’s Governing Documents and the limitations of the DSTA Control Share Statute described above could have the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control over the Fund and may reduce market demand for the Fund’s common shares, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood that the Fund’s common shares trade at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.

 

The Governing Documents are on file with the SEC. For access to the full text of these provisions, see “Available Information.”

 

CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE

 

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company (commonly referred to as a closed-end fund). Closed-end funds differ from open-end funds (which are generally referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their common shares for trading on a stock exchange and do not redeem their common shares at the request of the shareholder. This means that if you wish to sell your common shares of a closed-end fund you must trade them on the market like any other stock at the prevailing market price at that time. In an open-end fund, if the shareholder wishes to sell shares of the fund, the open-end fund will redeem or buy back the shares at net asset value. Also, open-end funds generally offer new shares on a continuous basis to new investors, and closed-end funds generally do not. The continuous inflows and outflows of assets in an open-end fund can make it difficult to manage the fund’s investments. By comparison, closed-end funds are generally able to stay more fully invested in securities that are consistent with their investment objective, to have greater flexibility to make certain types of investments and to use certain investment strategies such as financial leverage and investments in illiquid securities.

 

27 

 

 

Common shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value. Because of this possibility and the recognition that any such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders, the Board might consider from time to time engaging in open-market repurchases, tender offers for shares or other programs intended to reduce a discount. We cannot guarantee or assure, however, that the Board will decide to engage in any of these actions. Nor is there any guarantee or assurance that such actions, if undertaken, would result in the common shares trading at a price equal or close to net asset value per share. We cannot assure you that the Fund’s common shares will not trade at a discount.

 

REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES

 

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its shareholders do not, and will not, have the right to require the Fund to repurchase their shares. The Fund, however, may repurchase its common shares from time to time as and when it deems such a repurchase advisable. The Board has authorized, but does not require, such repurchases to be made when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount from net asset value of 7.5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time). This authorization is a standing authorization that may be executed in the discretion of the Fund’s officers. The Fund’s officers are authorized to use the Fund’s general corporate funds to repurchase common shares. While the Fund may incur debt to finance common share repurchases, such debt financing would require further approval of the Board, and the Fund does not currently intend to incur debt to finance common share repurchases. The Fund has repurchased its common shares under this authorization. See “Description of the Securities—Common Shares.” Although the Board has authorized such repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its common shares. The Board has not established a limit on the number of shares that could be purchased during such period. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase its common shares on a securities exchange (provided that the Fund has informed its shareholders within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase such shares) or pursuant to tenders and may also repurchase shares privately if the Fund meets certain conditions regarding, among other things, distribution of net income for the preceding fiscal year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders of an intention to purchase shares and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not discriminate unfairly against the other shareholders through their interest in the Fund. The Fund has not and will not, unless otherwise set forth in a Prospectus Supplement and accomplished in accordance with applicable law and positions of the SEC’s staff, repurchase common shares (i) immediately after the completion of an offering of common shares (i.e., within sixty days of an overallotment option period) or (ii) at a price that is tied to the initial offering price. See “Plan of Distribution.” When the Fund repurchases its common shares for a price below net asset value, the net asset value of the common shares that remain outstanding will be enhanced, but this does not necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares will be affected, either positively or negatively. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio.

 

RIGHTS OFFERINGS

 

The Fund may in the future, and at its discretion, choose to make offerings of subscription rights to holders of our (i) common shares to purchase common and/or preferred shares and/or (ii) preferred shares to purchase preferred shares (subject to applicable law). A future rights offering may be transferable or non-transferable. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Delaware, the Board is authorized to approve rights offerings without obtaining shareholder approval. The staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder approval of a transferable rights offering to purchase common stock at a price below the then current net asset value so long as certain conditions are met, including: (i) a good faith determination by a fund’s board that such offering would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii) the offering fully protects shareholders’ preemptive rights and does not discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible effect of not offering fractional rights); (iii) management uses its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights; and (iv) the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed one new share for each three rights held.

 

28 

 

 

TAXATION

 

The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its common and preferred shareholders. A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in the Fund’s notes or subscription rights to acquire shares of the Fund’s stock. The tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.

 

This discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your shares as capital assets (generally, for investment). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations, judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders subject to special tax rules and shareholders owning large positions in the Fund), nor does this discussion address any state, local or foreign tax concerns.

 

The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

 

Taxation of the Fund

 

The Fund has elected to be treated and has qualified as, and intends to continue to qualify annually as, a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things,

 

(i)

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in (a) above (each a “Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership”); and

 

(ii)

diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships.

 

As a RIC, the Fund generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable year to shareholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s (i) investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short term capital gain over net long term capital loss, and other taxable income other than any net capital gain (as defined below) reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions), if any. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any investment company taxable income and net capital gain that it does not distribute to its shareholders.

 

The Fund may either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (which consists of the excess of its net long term capital gain over its net short term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a corporate income tax on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund may report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, each of whom (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares by the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s income less the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii).

 

29 

 

 

Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s fiscal year). In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the federal excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from previous years. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. Although the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% federal excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s ordinary income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

 

Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert lower taxed long term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.

 

If for any taxable year the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders.

 

Taxation of Shareholders

 

The Fund expects to take the position that under present law any preferred shares that it issues will constitute equity rather than debt of the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is possible, however, that the IRS could take a contrary position asserting, for example, that such preferred shares constitute debt of the Fund. If that position were upheld, distributions on the Fund’s preferred shares would be considered interest, taxable as ordinary income regardless of the taxable income of the Fund, and other adverse consequences could result for the Fund or shareholders. The following discussion and the discussion in the SAI assume that any preferred shares issued by the Fund will be treated as equity.

 

Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (referred to hereinafter as “ordinary income dividends”) are generally taxable to you as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such distributions (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gains rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will be eligible for the dividends received deduction or for the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income.

 

30 

 

 

Distributions made to you from net capital gain (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to you but retained by the Fund, are taxable to you as long term capital gains if they have been properly reported by the Fund, regardless of the length of time you have owned your Fund shares. Long term capital gain of individuals is generally subject to reduced U.S. federal income tax rates.

 

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis of your shares and thereafter will be treated as capital gains. The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your shares, thereby increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your shares. In determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s common shares.

 

The IRS currently requires a RIC that has two or more classes of shares outstanding to designate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (e.g., ordinary income, capital gain dividends, qualified dividend income) for each tax year based upon the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for such year.

 

Generally, after the close of its calendar year, the Fund will provide you with a written notice reporting the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.

 

Except in the case of a redemption or repurchase (the consequences of which are described in the SAI under “Taxation—Taxation of Shareholders”), the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to you, and will be long term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as undistributed capital gain dividends) by you with respect to such Fund shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the sale or exchange of the shares. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even if they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated as received by a shareholder at the time the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend or makes a distribution in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend or distribution will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend or distribution was declared.

 

The Fund is required in certain circumstances to withhold, for U.S. backup withholding tax purposes, a portion of the taxable dividends or distributions and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of the Fund’s shares who do not furnish the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, generally, their social security number) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, foreign, state, local income or other taxes.

 

CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT
AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

 

The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286, serves as the custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund’s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee paid by the Fund based upon, among other things, the average value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions and out of pocket expenses.

 

31 

 

 

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, located at 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund’s Plan and as transfer agent and registrar for the Series C Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares and the common shares of the Fund.

 

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company also would be expected to serve as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to any additional series of preferred shares issued in the future.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell our securities through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, through agents, to or through underwriters or dealers, or through a combination of any such methods of sale. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will identify any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of our securities, any sales loads, discounts, commissions, fees or other compensation paid to any underwriter, dealer or agent, the offering price, net proceeds and use of proceeds and the terms of any sale.

 

The distribution of our securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices, provided, however, that the offering price per share in the case of common shares, must equal or exceed the net asset value per share, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts, of our common shares.

 

We may sell our securities directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) for any resales of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may use electronic media, including the Internet, to sell offered securities directly.

 

In connection with the sale of our securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell our securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of our securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions they receive from us and any profit realized by them on the resale of our securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any such underwriter or agent will be identified and any such compensation received from us will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The maximum commission or discount to be received by any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed eight percent. We will not pay any compensation to any underwriter or agent in the form of warrants, options, consulting or structuring fees or similar arrangements.

 

If a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, we may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to cover any overallotments.

 

To facilitate an offering of securities in an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. Those transactions may include overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.

 

●

An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the securities for the underwriter’s own account.

 

●

An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the shares for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining the price of the securities.

 

32 

 

 

●

Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities subject to the offering by bidding for, and purchasing, the securities or any other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short position created in connection with the offering.

 

●

The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an offering when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in syndicate covering transactions or otherwise.

 

Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

 

Any underwriters to whom the offered securities are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. The offered securities may or may not be listed on a securities exchange. We cannot assure you that there will be a liquid trading market for the offered securities.

 

Any fixed rate preferred shares sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will likely be listed on the NYSE.

 

Under agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of our securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business.

 

If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, we will ourselves, or will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase our securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contacts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us. The obligation of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, and the Prospectus Supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.

 

To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to time act as brokers or dealers and receive fees in connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.

 

A Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of securities for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations of securities for Internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, securities may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to online brokerage account holders.

 

In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, our securities offered hereby will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, One Manhattan West New York, New York 10001 in connection with the offering of the Fund’s securities.

 

33 

 

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

                serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and audits the financial statements of the Fund.                 is located at                .

 

Additional INFORMATION

 

The Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith files, or will file, reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and the 1940 Act can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including the Fund, that file electronically with the SEC.

 

The Fund’s common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL” and the Series C Preferred Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” The Fund’s Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Fund and filed with the SEC by the Fund are available for inspection at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

This Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the shares offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov).

 

34 

 

 

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

This Prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. We are allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. We incorporate by reference into this Prospectus the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including any filings on or after the date of this Prospectus from the date of filing (excluding any information furnished, rather than filed), until we have sold all of the offered securities to which this Prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this Prospectus. Any statement in a document incorporated by reference into this Prospectus will be deemed to be automatically modified or superseded to the extent a statement contained in (1) this Prospectus or (2) any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. The documents incorporated by reference herein include:

 

●

our annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended             , filed with the SEC on                     (the “Annual Report”);

 

●

our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for our 2024 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2024 (the “Proxy Statement”);

 

●

the Financial Highlights in our annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2019;

 

●

the description of our Series C Preferred Shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-33265) filed with the SEC on March 23, 2018, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description prior to the termination of the offering registered hereby; and

 

●

the description of our common shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-33265) filed with the SEC on January 23, 2007, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description prior to the termination of the offering registered hereby.

 

To obtain copies of these filings, see “Additional Information” in this Prospectus. We will also provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or the accompanying Prospectus Supplement. You should direct requests for documents by writing to:

 

Investor Relations
The GDL Fund
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1422
[phone]

 

This Prospectus is also available on our website at http://www.gabelli.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and should not be considered to be part of this prospectus supplement or accompanying prospectus.

 

PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND

 

The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Fund collects, how the Fund protects that information and why, in certain cases, the Fund may share information with select other parties.

 

Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

 

35 

 

 

The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its shareholders to employees of the Fund, the Investment Adviser, and its affiliates with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Any projections, forecasts and estimates contained or incorporated by reference herein are forward looking statements and are based upon certain assumptions. Projections, forecasts and estimates are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions underlying any projections, forecasts or estimates will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Actual results may vary from any projections, forecasts and estimates and the variations may be material. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward looking statements include changes in interest rates, market, financial or legal uncertainties, including changes in tax law, and the timing and frequency of defaults on underlying investments. Consequently, the inclusion of any projections, forecasts and estimates herein should not be regarded as a representation by the Fund or any of its affiliates or any other person or entity of the results that will actually be achieved by the Fund. Neither the Fund nor its affiliates has any obligation to update or otherwise revise any projections, forecasts and estimates including any revisions to reflect changes in economic conditions or other circumstances arising after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, even if the underlying assumptions do not come to fruition. The Fund acknowledges that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the safe harbor for forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 does not apply to investment companies such as the Fund.

 

36 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

An SAI dated as of                 2024, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. An SAI may be obtained without charge by writing to the Fund at its address at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 or by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) GABELLI (422-3554). The Table of Contents of the SAI is as follows:

 

Page

THE FUND	1
INVESTMENT POLICIES	1
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS	1
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND	1
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS	4
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER	5
TAXATION	5
NET ASSET VALUE	11
BENEFICIAL OWNERS	11
GENERAL INFORMATION	12

 

37 

 

 

Appendix A

 

CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

 

MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.

 

Aaa	Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa	Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A	Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa	Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba	Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B	Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa	Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca	Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C	Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
	Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

 

S&P GLOBAL RATINGS

 

AAA	An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA	An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.
A	An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.
BBB	An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
BB; B; CCC; CC; and C	Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
BB	An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

A-1 

 

 

B	An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
CCC	An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
CC	An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
C	An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.
D	An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.
*	Ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

 

A-2 

 

 

 

 

The GDL Fund

 

Common Shares

 

Preferred Shares

 

Notes

 

Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares

 

Subscription Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares

 

Subscription Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares

 

---

 

PROSPECTUS

 

---

 

                         , 2024

 

 

 

 

Subject to Completion, Dated May 16, 2024

 

THE GDL FUND

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THE FUND MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

 

The GDL Fund, or the “Fund,” is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve absolute returns in various market conditions without excessive risk of capital. Absolute returns are defined as positive total returns, regardless of the direction of securities markets. To achieve its investment objective, the Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest primarily in securities of companies (both domestic and foreign) involved in publicly announced mergers, takeovers, tender offers and leveraged buyouts (i.e., merger arbitrage transitions) and, to a lesser extent, in corporate reorganizations involving stubs, spin-offs and liquidations. Gabelli Funds, LLC serves as “Investment Adviser” to the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its objective.

 

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) does not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s prospectus relating thereto dated                  , 2024., and as it may be supplemented (the “Prospectus”). This SAI does not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before investing in the Fund’s securities, and investors should obtain and read the Prospectus prior to purchasing such securities. This SAI incorporates by reference the entire Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the Prospectus by calling (800) GABELLI (422-3554) or by writing to the Fund. A copy of the Fund’s Registration Statement, including the Prospectus and any supplement, may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the SEC’s office or via its website (http://www.sec.gov) at no charge. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this SAI have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.

 

This Statement of Additional Information is dated                    , 2024.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

THE FUND	1
INVESTMENT POLICIES	1
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS	1
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND	1
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS	4
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER	5
TAXATION	5
NET ASSET VALUE	11
BENEFICIAL OWNERS	11
GENERAL INFORMATION	12

 

 

 

 

THE FUND

 

The GDL Fund is a diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 17, 2006, and registered under the 1940 Act. Investment operations commenced on January 31, 2007. The Fund’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GDL” and the Fund’s Series C Preferred Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” The Fund’s Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange.

 

INVESTMENT POLICIES

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Additional Investment Policies” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Restrictions” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

The information contained under the heading “Proposal: To Elect Two (2) Trustees of the Fund—Information about Trustees and Officers” in the Fund’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Indemnification of Officers and Trustees; Limitations on Liability

 

The Governing Documents provide that the Fund will indemnify its Trustees and officers and may indemnify its employees or agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their positions with the Fund to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, nothing in the Governing Documents protects or indemnifies a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Fund against any liability to which such person would otherwise be subject in the event of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her position.

 

Investment Advisory and Administrative Arrangements

 

The Investment Adviser is a New York limited liability company which serves as an investment adviser to registered investment companies as well as one fund that trades on the London Stock Exchange and Luxembourg SICAV, with combined aggregate net assets of approximately $20.3 billion as of December 31, 2023. The Investment Adviser is a registered adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMI”). Mr. Mario J. Gabelli may be deemed a “controlling person” of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his controlling interest in GAMI. Mr. Gabelli owns a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc. (“GGCP”) which holds a majority of the capital stock and voting power of GAMI. The Investment Adviser has several affiliates that provide investment advisory services: GAMCO Asset Management Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMI, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts, and endowments, and as a sub-adviser to certain third party investment funds, which include registered investment companies having assets under management of approximately $10.7 billion as of December 31, 2023; Teton Advisors, Inc., and its wholly owned investment adviser, Keeley Teton Advisers, LLC, with assets under management of approximately $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2023, acts as investment adviser to The TETON Westwood Funds, the KEELEY Funds, and separately managed accounts; and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (formerly, Gabelli Securities, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“Associated Capital”), acts as investment adviser for certain alternative investment products, consisting primarily of risk arbitrage and merchant banking limited partnerships and offshore companies, with assets under management of approximately $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2023. Teton Advisors, Inc. was spun off by GAMI in March 2009 and is an affiliate of GAMI by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership of GGCP, the principal shareholder of Teton Advisors, Inc. as of December 31, 2023. Associated Capital was spun off from GAMI on November 30, 2015, and is an affiliate of GAMI by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership of GGCP, the principal shareholder of Associated Capital.

 

Affiliates of the Investment Adviser may, in the ordinary course of their business, acquire for their own account or for the accounts of their advisory clients, significant (and possibly controlling) positions in the securities of companies that may also be suitable for investment by the Fund. The securities in which the Fund might invest may thereby be limited to some extent. For instance, many companies in the past several years have adopted so-called “poison pill” or other defensive measures designed to discourage or prevent the completion of non-negotiated offers for control of the company. Such defensive measures may have the effect of limiting the shares of the company which might otherwise be acquired by the Fund if the affiliates of the Investment Adviser or their advisory accounts have or acquire a significant position in the same securities. However, the Investment Adviser does not believe that the investment activities of its affiliates will have a material adverse effect upon the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objectives. Securities purchased or sold pursuant to contemporaneous orders entered on behalf of the investment company accounts of the Investment Adviser or the advisory accounts managed by its affiliates for their unaffiliated clients are allocated pursuant to procedures, approved by the Board, believed to be fair and not disadvantageous to any such accounts. In addition, all such orders are accorded priority of execution over orders entered on behalf of accounts in which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates have a substantial pecuniary interest. The Investment Adviser may on occasion give advice or take action with respect to other clients that differs from the actions taken with respect to the Fund. The Fund may invest in the securities of companies that are investment management clients of GAMCO. In addition, portfolio companies or their officers or directors may be minority shareholders of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates.

 

1 

 

 

Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser manages the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and manages its other business and affairs, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Board. In addition, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund’s business and affairs and provides, or arranges for others to provide, at the Investment Adviser’s expense, certain enumerated services, including maintaining the Fund’s books and records, preparing reports to the Fund’s shareholders and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of its shares. All expenses of computing the net asset value of the Fund, including any equipment or services obtained solely for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing its investment portfolio, underwriting compensation and reimbursements in connection with sales of the Fund’s securities, the costs of utilizing a third party to monitor and collect class action settlements on behalf of the Fund, expenses in connection with the preparation of SEC filings, the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not officers or employees of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, compensation and other expenses of officers and employees of the Fund (including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer, Vice President and Ombudsman) as approved by the Trustees, charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and transfer agent and dividend paying agent, expenses in connection with the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, accounting and pricing costs, membership fees in trade associations, expenses for legal and independent accountants’ services, costs of printing proxies, share certificates and shareholder reports, fidelity bond coverage for Fund officers and employees, Trustees’ and officers’ errors and omissions insurance coverage, and stock exchange listing fees will be an expense of the Fund unless the Investment Adviser voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expenses.

 

The Investment Advisory Agreement combines investment advisory and certain administrative responsibilities into one agreement. As compensation for its services rendered and the related expenses borne by the Investment Adviser, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser at an annual base rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets payable monthly in arrears. Managed assets consist of all of the assets of the Fund without deduction for borrowings, repurchase transactions and other leveraging techniques, the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares or other liabilities except for certain ordinary course expenses. In addition, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year if the total return of the Fund on its common shares during the calendar year in question exceeds the total return of the T-Bill Index compounded quarterly on the same dates as the Fund’s quarterly ex-dividend dates (or at the end of the quarter if no dividend is paid) during the same period. If the Fund’s total return for the calendar year equals the total return of the T-Bill Index for the same period plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), the Investment Adviser will receive a performance fee of 0.75% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets during the calendar year measurement period for the Fund’s fulcrum fee. This performance fee will be increased by 0.01 percentage point (one basis point) for each 0.04 percentage points (four basis points) by which the Fund’s total return during the period exceeds the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), up to a maximum performance fee of 1.50% if the excess performance over the T-Bill Index is 6.0 percentage points (600 basis points) or greater and will be decreased at the same rate for the amount by which the Fund’s total return during the period is less than the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), until no performance fee is payable if the Fund’s total return is less than or equal to the T-Bill Index total return.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Investment Adviser earned, $2,062,447 ($1,144,564 of which was attributable to the performance fee), $994,206 (none of which was attributable to the performance fee) and $1,885,729 ($938,447 of which was attributable to the performance fee), respectively.

 

2 

 

 

The Investment Adviser reduces its advisory fees as they relate to certain portfolio holdings, i.e., unsupervised assets, of the Fund with respect to which the Investment Adviser transfers dispositive and voting control to the Fund’s Proxy Voting Committee. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Fund’s Proxy Voting Committee exercised control and discretion over all rights to vote or consent with respect to such securities, and the Investment Adviser reduced its fee with respect to such securities by $4,852, $7,425 and $12,330, respectively.

 

Additionally, the Investment Adviser has entered into a sub-administration agreement (the “Sub-Administration Agreement”) with BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (the “Sub-Administrator”) pursuant to which the Sub-Administrator provides certain administrative services necessary for the Fund’s operations which do not include the investment and portfolio management services provided by the Investment Adviser. For these services and the related expenses borne by the Sub-Administrator, the Investment Adviser pays an annual fee based on the value of the aggregate average daily net assets of all funds under its administration managed by the Investment Adviser, GAMCO and Teton Advisors, Inc. as follows: 0.0275% - first $10 billion, 0.0125% - exceeding $10 billion but less than $15 billion, 0.01% - over $15 billion but less than $20 billion and 0.008% - over $20 billion.

 

The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, the Investment Adviser is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund. As part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed that the name “Gabelli” is the Investment Adviser’s property, and that in the event the Investment Adviser ceases to act as an investment adviser to the Fund, the Fund will change its name to one not including “Gabelli.”

 

Pursuant to its terms, the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year if approved annually (i) by the Board or by the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Investment Advisory Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Advisory Agreement was most recently approved by a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, at an in person meeting of the Board held on November 15, 2023. A discussion regarding the basis for the most recent approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement by the Board is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

 

The Investment Advisory Agreement terminates automatically on its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) and may be terminated without penalty on 60 days’ written notice by the Board, by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s shares or by the Investment Adviser.

 

Portfolio Holdings Information

 

Employees of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates will often have access to information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Fund. The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and procedures that require all employees to safeguard proprietary information of the Fund, which includes information relating to the Fund’s portfolio holdings as well as portfolio trading activity of the Investment Adviser with respect to the Fund (collectively, “Portfolio Holdings Information”). In addition, the Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and procedures providing that Portfolio Holdings Information may not be disclosed except to the extent that it is (a) made available to the general public by posting on the Fund’s website or filed as part of a required filing on Form N-Q or N-CSR or (b) provided to a third party for legitimate business purposes or regulatory purposes, that has agreed to keep such data confidential under terms approved by the Investment Adviser’s legal department or outside counsel, as described below. The Investment Adviser will examine each situation under (b) with a view to determine that release of the information is in the best interest of the Fund and their shareholders and, if a potential conflict between the Investment Adviser’s interests and the Fund’s interests arises, to have such conflict resolved by the Chief Compliance Officer or those Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act). These policies further provide that no officer of the Fund or employee of the Investment Adviser shall communicate with the media about the Fund without obtaining the advance consent of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or General Counsel of the Investment Adviser.

 

Under the foregoing policies, the Fund currently may disclose Portfolio Holdings Information in the circumstances outlined below. Disclosure generally may be either on a monthly or quarterly basis with no time lag in some cases and with a time lag of up to 60 days in other cases (with the exception of proxy voting services which require a regular download of data):

 

3 

 

 

(1)

To regulatory authorities in response to requests for such information and with the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund;

 

(2)

To mutual fund rating and statistical agencies and to persons performing similar functions where there is a legitimate business purpose for such disclosure and such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser;

 

(3)

To service providers of the Fund, as necessary for the performance of their services to the Fund and to the Board, where such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. The Fund’s current service providers that may receive such information are its administrator, sub-administrator, custodian, independent registered public accounting firm, legal counsel, and financial printers;

 

(4)

To firms providing proxy voting and other proxy services provided such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser;

 

(5)

To certain broker dealers, investment advisers, and other financial intermediaries for purposes of their performing due diligence on the Fund and not for dissemination of this information to their clients or use of this information to conduct trading for their clients. Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information in these circumstances requires the broker, dealer, investment adviser, or financial intermediary to agree to keep such information confidential until it has been made public by the Investment Adviser and is further subject to prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund and shall be reported to the Board at the next quarterly meeting; and

 

(6)

To consultants for purposes of performing analysis of the Fund, which analysis may be used by the consultant with its clients or disseminated to the public, provided that such entity shall have agreed to keep such information confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser.

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund makes information about portfolio securities available to its administrator, sub-administrator, custodian, and proxy voting services on a daily basis, with no time lag, to its typesetter on a quarterly basis with a ten day time lag, to its financial printers on a quarterly basis with a forty-five day time lag, and its independent registered public accounting firm and legal counsel on an as needed basis with no time lag. The names of the Fund’s administrator, custodian, independent registered public accounting firm, and legal counsel are set forth is the Prospectus. The Fund’s proxy voting service is Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Donnelley Financial Solutions and Appatura provide typesetting services for the Fund and the Fund selects from a number of financial printers who have agreed to keep such information confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. Other than those arrangements with the Fund’s service providers and proxy voting service, the Fund has no ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities prior to such information being disclosed in a publicly available filing with the SEC that is required to include the information.

 

Disclosures made pursuant to a confidentiality agreement are subject to periodic confirmation by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund that the recipient has utilized such information solely in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Neither the Fund, nor the Investment Adviser, nor any of the Investment Adviser’s affiliates will accept on behalf of itself, its affiliates, or the Fund any compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings of the Fund. The Board will review such arrangements annually with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board, the Investment Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and the allocation of brokerage on behalf of the Fund. Transactions in equity securities are in most cases effected on U.S. stock exchanges and involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. In general, there may be no stated commission in the case of securities traded in over-the-counter markets, but the prices of those securities may include undisclosed commissions or mark-ups. Principal transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, G.research, LLC an affiliate of the Investment Adviser may execute transactions in the over-the-counter markets on an agency basis and receive a stated commission therefrom. To the extent consistent with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and exemptions adopted by the SEC thereunder, as well as other regulatory requirements, the Board has determined that portfolio transactions may be executed through G.research, LLC and its broker-dealer affiliates if, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, the use of those broker-dealers is likely to result in price and execution at least as favorable as those of other qualified broker-dealers, and if, in particular transactions, the affiliated broker-dealers charge the Fund a rate consistent with that charged to comparable unaffiliated customers in similar transactions and comparable to rates charged by other broker dealers for similar transactions. The Fund has no obligations to deal with any broker or group of brokers in executing transactions in portfolio securities. In executing transactions, the Investment Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price, size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved and the firm’s risk in positioning a block of securities. While the Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission available. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions of $180,665, $128,841 and $157,208, respectively. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Fund paid to G.research, LLC brokerage commissions on security trades of $13,992, $29,416 and $60,783, respectively. Such amount represents approximately 8%, 23% and 39% of the Fund’s aggregate brokerage commissions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. The percentages of the Fund’s aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions effected through G.research, LLC during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were approximately 7%, 31% and 48%, respectively.

 

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Subject to obtaining the best price and execution, brokers who provide supplemental research, market and statistical information, or other services (e.g., wire services) to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. The term “research, market and statistical information” includes advice as to the value of securities, and advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities, and furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the expenses of the Investment Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. Such information may be useful to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates in providing services to clients other than the Fund, and not all such information is used by the Investment Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates by brokers and dealers through whom other clients of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates effect securities transactions may be useful to the Investment Adviser in providing services to the Fund.

 

Although investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for the other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, investments of the kind made by the Fund may also be made for those other accounts. When the same securities are purchased for or sold by the Fund and any of such other accounts, it is the policy of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates to allocate such purchases and sales in a manner deemed fair and equitable over time to all of the accounts, including the Fund.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Objective and Policies—Portfolio Turnover” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

TAXATION

 

The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its common and preferred shareholders. This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in the Fund’s notes or subscription rights to acquire shares of the Fund’s stock. The tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.

 

Except as expressly provided otherwise, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your shares as capital assets (generally, for investment). The discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations, judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders subject to special tax rules and shareholders owning a large position in the Fund), nor does this discussion address any state, local, or foreign tax concerns.

 

The discussions set forth here and in the Prospectus do not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers with any specific questions relating to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes.

 

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Taxation of the Fund

 

The Fund has elected to be treated and has qualified, and intends to continue to qualify, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things,

 

(i)

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in (a) above (each a “Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership”); and

 

(ii)

diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships.

 

As a RIC, the Fund generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable year to shareholders, provided that it distributes annually at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s (i) investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short term capital gain over net long term capital loss, and other taxable income, other than any net capital gain (as defined below) reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.

 

Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s fiscal year). In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the federal excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from previous years. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. Although the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% federal excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s ordinary income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

 

If the Fund were unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise were to fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, generally it would be taxed on all of its taxable income and gains in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to the Fund’s shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. Such distributions would be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such dividends would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gain rates in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to distribute to its shareholders its earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC years. In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, then, in order to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to elect to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund qualifies for taxation as a RIC.

 

6 

 

 

Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert lower taxed long term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections and may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC.

 

Gain or loss on the sale of securities by the Fund will generally be long term capital gain or loss if the securities have been held by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short term capital gain or loss.

 

Foreign currency gain or loss on non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and on any non-U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts, options and forward contracts that are not section 1256 contracts (as defined below) generally will be treated as ordinary income and loss.

 

The premium received by the Fund for writing a call option is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires, the premium is short term capital gain to the Fund. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is short term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of the security and any resulting gain or loss will be long term or short term, depending upon the holding period of the security. The Fund does not have control over the exercise of the call options it writes and thus does not control the timing of such taxable events.

 

With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold, any resulting gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss, and will be short term or long term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss is a capital loss and is short term or long term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and, in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.

 

The Fund’s investment in so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts, most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market, options on most stock indices and any non-equity options, are subject to special tax rules. All section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund’s income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year, thereby potentially causing the Fund to recognize gain in advance of a corresponding receipt of cash. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by the Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were not part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the Fund.

 

Investments by the Fund in certain “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) could subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on certain distributions or dispositions with respect to those investments which cannot be eliminated by making distributions to shareholders. Elections may be available to the Fund to mitigate the effect of the PFIC rules, but such elections generally accelerate the recognition of income without the receipt of cash. Dividends paid by PFICs will not qualify for the reduced tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income, as discussed below under “Taxation of Shareholders.”

 

The Fund may invest in debt obligations purchased at a discount with the result that the Fund may be required to accrue income for U.S. federal income tax purposes before amounts due under the obligations are paid. The Fund may also invest in securities rated in the medium to lower rating categories of nationally recognized rating organizations, and in unrated securities (“high yield securities”). A portion of the interest payments on such high yield securities may be treated as dividends for certain U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

7 

 

 

As a result of investing in stock of PFICs or securities purchased at a discount or any other investment that produces income that is not matched by a corresponding cash distribution to the Fund, the Fund could be required to include in current income, income it has not yet received in cash. Any such income would be treated as income earned by the Fund and therefore would be subject to the distribution requirements of the Code. This might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable income as is required in order to avoid Fund-level U.S. federal income tax on all of its income, or might prevent the Fund from distributing enough ordinary income and capital gain net income to avoid the imposition of Fund-level income or excise taxes. To avoid this result, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities at inopportune times or on unfavorable terms, forgo favorable investments, or take other actions that it would otherwise not take, to be able to make distributions to its shareholders.

 

If the Fund does not meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act and the Statements of Preferences, the Fund will be required to suspend distributions to the holders of the common shares until the asset coverage is restored. Such a suspension of distributions might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable income as is required in order to avoid Fund-level U.S. federal income taxation on all of its income, or might prevent the Fund from distributing enough income and capital gain net income to avoid imposition of Fund-level income or excise taxes.

 

Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such income or receivables or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss.

 

Dividends or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the Fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect for U.S. federal income tax purposes to treat foreign income taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders. The Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all, of its taxable years. If the Fund were to make such an election, shareholders of the Fund would be required to take into account an equal an amount equal to their pro rata portions of such foreign taxes in computing their taxable income and then treat an amount equal to those foreign taxes as a U.S. federal income tax deduction or as a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income liability. A taxpayer’s ability to use a foreign tax deduction or credit is subject to limitations under the Code. If the Fund makes this election, it will furnish its shareholders with a written notice after the close of the taxable year.

 

Taxation of Shareholders

 

Distributions paid by the Fund from its investment company taxable income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (“ordinary income dividends”). Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such distributions (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction available to corporations, but only to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gain rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or whose stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A qualified foreign corporation does not include a foreign corporation that for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a PFIC. If the Fund lends portfolio securities, the amount received by the Fund that is the equivalent of the dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned will not be eligible for qualified dividend income treatment. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will be eligible for the dividends received deduction or the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income.

 

Properly reported distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long term capital gain over net short term capital loss) (i.e., the excess of net long term capital gain over net short term capital loss) (“capital gain distributions”), if any, are taxable to shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long term capital gain, regardless of how long the shareholder has held the Fund’s shares. Capital gain distributions are not eligible for the dividends received deduction.

 

8 

 

 

The Fund may either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain. If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to regular corporate income tax on the retained amount. In that event, the Fund may report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, each of whom (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares of the Fund by the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s income less the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii).

 

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis of your shares and thereafter will be treated as capital gains. The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your shares, thereby increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your shares. In determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s common shares.

 

The IRS currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income, capital gains, and qualified dividend income) based upon the percentage of total dividends paid to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, the Fund intends each year to allocate capital gain dividends, dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction and dividends that constitute qualified dividend income, if any, between its common shares and preferred shares in proportion to the total dividends paid to each class with respect to such tax year.

 

Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even though they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as paid by the Fund and received by you at the time the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of the Fund’s taxable year may be “spilled back” and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, you will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.

 

The price of shares purchased at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing shares just prior to the record date for a distribution will receive a distribution which will be taxable to them even though it represents in part a return of invested capital.

 

Except as discussed below in the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares, upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of shares, a shareholder will generally realize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as long term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced by substantially identical shares within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. In addition, any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for tax purposes as a long term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received by the shareholder (or amounts credited to the shareholder as an undistributed capital gain) with respect to such shares. There are a number of limitations on the use of capital losses under the Code.

 

In general, a redemption or repurchase of shares should be treated as a sale or exchange of such shares under section 302 of the Code, if the distribution of cash (a) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the shareholder, (b) results in a “complete redemption” of the shareholder’s interest, or (c) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the shareholder. A “substantially disproportionate” distribution generally requires a reduction of at least 20% in the shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund and also requires the shareholder to own less than 50% of the voting power of all classes entitled to vote immediately after the redemption or repurchase. A “complete redemption” of a shareholder’s interest generally requires that all common and preferred shares of the Fund owned by such shareholder be disposed of. For a distribution to be “not essentially equivalent to a dividend,” there must be a “meaningful reduction” in the shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund, which should result if the shareholder has a minimal interest in the Fund, exercises no control over Fund affairs and suffers a reduction in his proportionate interest in the Fund. In determining whether any of these tests has been met, any common and preferred shares actually owned, as well as shares considered to be owned by the shareholder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in section 318 of the Code, generally must be taken into account.

 

9 

 

 

If the redemption or repurchase of your shares meets any of these three tests for “sale or exchange” treatment, you will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received pursuant to the transaction and the adjusted tax basis of the sold shares. If none of the tests described above are met, you may be treated as having received, in whole or in part, a dividend, return of capital or capital gain, depending on (i) whether there are sufficient earnings and profits to support a dividend and (ii) your tax basis in the relevant shares. The tax basis in the sold shares will be transferred to any remaining shares held by you in the Fund. In addition, if the redemption or repurchase of shares is treated as a “dividend” to a shareholder, a constructive dividend under certain provisions of the Code may result to a non-selling shareholder whose proportionate interest in the earnings and assets of the Fund has been increased as a result of such transaction.

 

Certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a part of their “net investment income,” which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of the Fund’s stock.

 

Ordinary income dividends, capital gain distributions and gain on the sale of Fund shares also may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions about U.S. federal (including the application of the alternative minimum tax rules), state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

 

A shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation (a “foreign investor”) generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or possibly a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty) on ordinary income dividends. A foreign investor generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized in respect of any distributions of net capital gain (including net capital gain retained by the Fund but credited to shareholders) or upon the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign investor is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, or in the case of an individual, if the foreign investor is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a taxable year and certain other conditions are met.

 

Properly reported ordinary income dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of a RIC’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the RIC’s U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the RIC is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of a RIC’s “qualified short term gains” (generally, the excess of the RIC’s net short term capital gain over the RIC’s net long term capital loss for such taxable year). Depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short term gains, and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a foreign investor would need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short term gain. Foreign investors should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions would qualify for favorable treatment as qualified net interest income or qualified short term gains.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, withholding is generally required at a rate of 30% on dividends in respect of the Fund’s shares held by or through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to shares in, and accounts maintained by, the institution to the extent such shares or accounts are held by certain U.S. persons or by certain non-U.S. entities that are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments. Accordingly, the entity through which the Fund’s shares are held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in respect of the Fund’s shares held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity will generally be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies that such entity does not have any “substantial United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which the Fund or other applicable withholding agent will in turn be required to provide to the Secretary of the Treasury. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations or other guidance, may modify these requirements. Foreign investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisers regarding the possible implications of these rules on their investment in the Fund’s shares.

 

10 

 

 

Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the Fund’s shares.

 

The Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax on all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds payable to non-corporate shareholders who fail to provide the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be refunded or credited against such shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

 

THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL AND ABBREVIATED SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CODE AND TREASURY REGULATIONS PRESENTLY IN EFFECT. FOR THE COMPLETE PROVISIONS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PERTINENT CODE SECTIONS AND THE TREASURY REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER. THE CODE AND THE TREASURY REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY LEGISLATIVE, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, EITHER PROSPECTIVELY OR RETROACTIVELY. PERSONS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SHARES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS REGARDING THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES OF THE FUND.

 

NET ASSET VALUE

 

The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Net Asset Value” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERS

 

As of April 30, 2024, based upon Schedule 13D/13G filings with the SEC, the following persons were known to the Fund to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Fund’s outstanding common shares:

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(s)

Title of Class

Amount of Shares and Nature of Ownership

Percent of Class

GAMCO Investors, Inc. and affiliates

Common

5,034,437

*

42.5

%

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

Relative Value Partners Group, LLC

Common

843,254

7.1

%

1033 Skokie Blvd

Suite 470

NorthBrook, IL 60062

 

 

*Comprised of 2,797,578 Common Shares owned directly by Mario J. Gabelli; 57,252 Common Shares owned by GAMCO Investors, Inc. (GAMCO), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and controlling shareholder; 244,500 Common Shares owned by GGCP, Inc. (GGCP), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Chief Executive Officer, a director, and the controlling shareholder; 1,846,943 Common Shares owned by Associated Capital Group, Inc. (ACG), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Executive Chair and controlling shareholder; 7,364 Common Shares owned by Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (GCIA), a majority owned subsidiary of Associated Capital Group, Inc.; and 80,800 Common Shares owned by Gabelli Foundation Inc. Mr. Gabelli has less than a 100% interest in each of these entities and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by these entities which are in excess of his indirect pecuniary interest.

 

11 

 

 

As of April 30, 2024, based upon Schedule 13D/13G filings with the SEC, the following persons were known to the Fund to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares:

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(s)

Title of Class

Amount of Shares and Nature of Ownership

Percent of Class

GAMCO Investors, Inc. and affiliates

Preferred

1,390,000

**

39.5

%

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

Kenneth Edlow

Preferred

650,000

18.5

%

New York, NY 10028

Regina Pitaro

Preferred

392,500

11.1

%

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

Karpus Investment Management

Preferred

250,000

7.1

%

Pittsford, NY 14534

 

 

**Comprised of 250,000 shares of Series E Preferred owned directly by Mario J. Gabelli; 300,000 shares of Series E Preferred owned by GAMCO Investors, Inc. (GAMCO), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and controlling shareholder; 240,000 shares of Series E Preferred owned by Associated Capital Group, Inc. (ACG), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Executive Chair and controlling shareholder; 200,000 shares of Series E Preferred owned by GGCP, Inc. (GGCP), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Chief Executive Officer, a director, and the controlling shareholder; and 400,000 shares of Series E Preferred owned by Gabelli Foundation Inc. Mr. Gabelli has less than a 100% interest in each of these entities and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by these entities which are in excess of his indirect pecuniary interest.

 

As of April 30, 2024, the ownership of the Trustees and executive officers as a group, excluding Mario J. Gabelli, constitutes less than 1% of the total common shares outstanding and less than 1% of the total preferred shares outstanding.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Book-Entry-Only Issuance

 

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will act as securities depository for the securities offered pursuant to the Prospectus. The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system is based upon information obtained from DTC. The securities offered hereby initially will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (as nominee for DTC). One or more fully-registered global security certificates initially will be issued, representing in the aggregate the total number of securities, and deposited with DTC.

 

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly through other entities.

 

12 

 

 

Purchases of securities within the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of a security, a beneficial owner, is in turn to be recorded on the direct or indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which the beneficial owners purchased securities. Transfers of ownership interests in securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in securities, except as provided herein.

 

DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities being offered pursuant to the Prospectus; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

 

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

 

Payments on the securities will be made to DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC or the Fund, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the Fund, disbursement of such payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants. Furthermore each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the securities.

 

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Fund. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, certificates representing the securities will be printed and delivered.

 

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

The Fund has adopted the proxy voting procedures of the Investment Adviser and has directed the Investment Adviser to vote all proxies relating to the Fund’s voting securities in accordance with such procedures. The proxy voting procedures are incorporated herein by reference to the Fund’s most recently filed Form N-CSR. See “Incorporation By Reference” in the Prospectus. They are also on file with the SEC and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at [phone]. The proxy voting procedures are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov) and copies of the proxy voting procedures may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [e-mail], or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. Information regarding how the Registrant voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-422-3554, or on the Registrant’s website at http://www.gabelli.com, and (ii) on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Code of Ethics

 

The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics sets forth restrictions on the trading activities of trustees/directors, officers and employees of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and their affiliates. For example, such persons may not purchase any security for which the Fund has a purchase or sale order pending, or for which such trade is under consideration. In addition, those trustees/directors, officers and employees that are principally involved in investment decisions for client accounts are prohibited from purchasing or selling for their own account for a period of seven days a security that has been traded for a client’s account, unless such trade is executed on more favorable terms for the client’s account and it is determined that such trade will not adversely affect the client’s account. Short term trading by such trustee/directors, officers and employees for their own accounts in securities held by a Fund client’s account is also restricted. The above examples are subject to certain exceptions and they do not represent all of the trading restrictions and policies set forth by the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is on file with the SEC and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at [phone]. The Code of Ethics is also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of the Code of Ethics may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: [e-mail], or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

 

13 

 

 

Joint Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers

 

The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a Joint Code of Ethics that serves as a code of conduct. The Joint Code of Ethics sets forth policies to guide the chief executive and senior financial officers in the performance of their duties. The Joint Code of Ethics is on file with the SEC and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at [phone]. The Joint Code of Ethics is also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov), and copies of the Joint Code of Ethics may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [e-mail], or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

 

Incorporation by Reference

 

As noted in the Prospectus, we are allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of the Prospectus, the SAI or the Prospectus Supplement, as applicable, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.

 

14 

 

 

PART C

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 25.

Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

1.

Financial Statements

 

Part A

 

The audited financial statements included in the annual report to the Fund’s shareholders for the fiscal year ended                     (the “2023 Annual Report”), together with the report of                    thereon, are   .

 

The Financial Highlights included in the annual report to the Fund’s shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report”), are incorporated by reference to the 2018 Annual Report in Part A.

 

Part B

 

None

 

2.

Exhibits

 

(a)

(i)

Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant (1)

 

(ii)

Statement of Preferences for the Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares (2)

 

(iii)

Statement of Preferences for the Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares (10)

 

(iv)

Statement of Preferences for       Cumulative Preferred Shares *

 

(b)

(i)

Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant (1)

 

(ii)

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant (10)

 

(c)

Not applicable

 

(d)

(i)

Form of Specimen Common Share Certificate (3)

 

(ii)

Form of Subscription Certificate for Common Shares *

 

(iii)

Form of Subscription Certificate for         Cumulative Preferred Shares *

 

(iv)

Form of Subscription Certificate for Common Shares and           Cumulative Preferred Shares *

 

(v)

Form of Indenture (4)

 

(vi)

Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to the Form of Indenture *

 

(e)

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plans of Registrant (5)

 

(f)

Not applicable

 

(g)

Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Gabelli Funds, LLC (6)

 

 

 

 

(h)

(i)

Form of Underwriting Agreement *

 

(ii)

Form of Dealer Manager Agreement *

 

(i)

Not applicable

 

(j)

Form of Custodian Contract (3)

 

(k)

(i)

Form of Transfer Agency and Registrar Services Agreement (3)

 

(a)

Form of Addendum to Transfer Agency and Registrar Services Agreement (2)

 

(ii)

Form of Rights Agent Agreement *

 

(iii)

Form of Information Agent Agreement *

 

(l)

Opinion and Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP with respect to legality*

 

(m)

Not applicable

 

(n)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm*

 

(o)

Not applicable

 

(p)

Not applicable

 

(q)

Not applicable

 

(r)

Code of Ethics of the Fund and the Investment Adviser (4)

 

(s)

(i)

Powers of Attorney of the Registrant’s Trustees**

 

(ii)

Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Common Shares**

 

(iii)

Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Preferred Shares**

 

(iv)

Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Notes**

 

(v)

Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares**

 

(vi)

Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Subscription Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares**

 

(vii)

Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Subscription Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares**

 

(viii)

Calculation of Filing Fee Table**

 

 

(1)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-SAR, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2011.

 

(2)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-213902 and 811-21969, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2018.

 

(3)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-138141 and 811-21969, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2007.

 

 

 

 

(4)

Previously filed with the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-250213 and 811-21969, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2020.

 

(5)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report for the reporting period December 31, 2020 on Form N-CSR, File No. 811-21969 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2021.

 

(6)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-138141 and 811-21969, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2006.

 

(7)

Previously filed with the Registrant’s Pre-Effective No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-250213 and 811-21969, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2021.

 

(8)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2022

 

(9)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-250213 and 811-21969, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2021.

 

(10)

Previously filed with the Registrant’s Post-Effective No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Fo’rm N-2, File Nos. 333-250213 and 811-21969, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 2022.

 

 

*

To be filed by Amendment.

 

**

Filed herewith.

 

Item 26.

Marketing Arrangements

 

The information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” in the Prospectus is incorporated by reference, and any information concerning any underwriters will be contained in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, if any.

 

Item 27.

Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:

 

SEC registration fees		$	29,250
NYSE listing fee		$	40,000
Rating Agency fees		$	100,000
Printing/engraving expenses		$	300,000
Auditing fees and expenses		$	110,000
Legal fees and expenses		$	500,000
FINRA Fees		$	11,750
Miscellaneous		$	213,730
Total		$	1,305,000

 

Item 28.

Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant

 

None.

 

Item 29.

Number of Holders of Securities as of April 30, 2024

 

Title of Class		Number of Record Holders
Common Shares			15
Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares			1
Series E Cumulative Preferred			13

 

 

 

 

Item 30.

Indemnification

 

Article IV of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides as follows:

 

4.1 No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. No Shareholder of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. Shareholders shall have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended to stockholders of a private corporation for profit incorporated under the general corporation law of the State of Delaware. No Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than the Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only liability to the Trust or its Shareholders arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his duty to such Person; and, subject to the foregoing exception, all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee or officer, as such, of the Trust, is made a party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability, subject to the foregoing exception, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any personal liability.

 

4.2 Mandatory Indemnification. (a) The Trust shall indemnify the Trustees and officers of the Trust (each such person being an “indemnitee”) against any liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and reasonable counsel fees reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or investigative body in which he may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise (other than, except as authorized by the Trustees, as the plaintiff or complainant) or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while acting in any capacity set forth above in this Section 4.2 by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with respect to any matter as to which he shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, as to which he shall have had reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that no indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder against any liability to any person or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence (negligence in the case of Affiliated Indemnitees), or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses (i) through (iv) being sometimes referred to herein as “disabling conduct”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee was authorized by a majority of the Trustees.

 

(b)       Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made hereunder unless there has been a determination (1) by a final decision on the merits by a court or other body of competent jurisdiction before whom the issue of entitlement to indemnification hereunder was brought that such indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder or, (2) in the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the proceeding (“Disinterested Non-Party Trustees”), that the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, or (ii) if such quorum is not obtainable or even if obtainable, if such majority so directs, independent legal counsel in a written opinion conclude that the indemnitee should be entitled to indemnification hereunder. All determinations to make advance payments in connection with the expense of defending any proceeding shall be authorized and made in accordance with the immediately succeeding paragraph (c) below.

 

(c)       The Trust shall make advance payments in connection with the expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification might be sought hereunder if the Trust receives a written affirmation by the indemnitee of the indemnitee’s good faith belief that the standards of conduct necessary for indemnification have been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust unless it is subsequently determined that he is entitled to such indemnification and if a majority of the Trustees determine that the applicable standards of conduct necessary for indemnification appear to have been met. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: (1) the indemnitee shall provide adequate security for his undertaking, (2) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (3) a majority of a quorum of the Disinterested Non-Party Trustees, or if a majority vote of such quorum so direct, independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall conclude, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is substantial reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

 

(d)       The rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled.

 

 

 

 

(e)       Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to any limitations provided by the 1940 Act and this Declaration, the Trust shall have the power and authority to indemnify Persons providing services to the Trust to the full extent provided by law as if the Trust were a corporation organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law provided that such indemnification has been approved by a majority of the Trustees.

 

4.3 No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, etc. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other person dealing with the Trustees or with any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent. Every obligation, contract, undertaking, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of the Trust, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively taken to have been executed or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under this Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust. The Trustees may maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property, its Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible liability, and such other insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable or is required by the 1940 Act.

 

4.4 Reliance on Experts, etc. Each Trustee and officer or employee of the Trust shall, in the performance of its duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust, upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust by any of the Trust’s officers or employees or by any advisor, administrator, manager, distributor, selected dealer, accountant, appraiser or other expert or consultant selected with reasonable care by the Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or other person may also be a Trustee.

 

Section 9 of the Registrant’s Investment Advisory Agreement provides as follows:

 

9. Indemnity

 

(a)       The Fund hereby agrees to indemnify the Adviser and each of the Adviser’s trustees, officers, employees, and agents (including any individual who serves at the Adviser’s request as director, officer, partner, trustee or the like of another corporation) and controlling persons (each such person being an “indemnitee”) against any liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees (all as provided in accordance with applicable corporate law) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or investigative body in which he may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while acting in any capacity set forth above in this paragraph or thereafter by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Fund and furthermore, in the case of any criminal proceeding, so long as he had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that (1) no indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence, (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses (i) through (v) being sometimes referred to herein as “disabling conduct”), (2) as to any matter disposed of by settlement or a compromise payment by such indemnitee, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless there has been a determination that such settlement or compromise is in the best interests of the Fund and that such indemnitee appears to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Fund and did not involve disabling conduct by such indemnitee and (3) with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee was authorized by a majority of the full Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Fund shall not be obligated to provide any such indemnification to the extent such provision would waive any right which the Fund cannot lawfully waive.

 

(b)       The Fund will make advance payments in connection with the expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification might be sought hereunder if the Fund receives a written affirmation of the indemnitee’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Fund unless it is subsequently determined that he is entitled to such indemnification and if the trustees of the Fund determine that the facts then known to them would not preclude indemnification. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: (A) the indemnitee shall provide a security for his undertaking, (B) the Fund shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (C) a majority of a quorum of trustees of the Fund who are neither “interested persons” of the Fund (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act) nor parties to the proceeding (“Disinterested Non-Party Trustees”) or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

 

 

 

 

(c) All determinations with respect to indemnification hereunder shall be made (1) by a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that such indemnitee is not liable by reason of disabling conduct or, (2) in the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of the Disinterested Non-party Trustees of the Fund, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable or even, if obtainable, if a majority vote of such quorum so directs, independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

 

The rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled.

 

Other

 

Underwriter indemnification provisions to be filed by amendment.

 

Additionally, the Registrant and the other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex jointly maintain, at their own expense, E&O/D&O insurance policies for the benefit of its directors/trustees, officers and certain affiliated persons. The Registrant pays a pro rata portion of the premium on such insurance policies.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

Item 31.

Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

 

The Investment Adviser, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of New York, acts as investment adviser to the Registrant. The Registrant is fulfilling the requirement of this Item 31 to provide a list of the officers and directors of the Investment Adviser, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by the Investment Adviser or those officers and directors during the past two years, by incorporating by reference the information contained in the Form ADV of the Investment Adviser filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 801-37706).

 

Item 32.

Location of Accounts and Records

 

The accounts and records of the Registrant are maintained in part at the office of the Investment Adviser at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, in part at the offices of the Custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon, at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286, in part at the offices of the transfer agent and registrar, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company at 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, and in part at the Fund’s sub-administrator, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., at 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406.

 

Item 33.

Management Services

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

Item 34.

Undertakings

 

1.

Not applicable.

 

2.

Not applicable.

 

3.

Registrant undertakes:

 

(a)

to file, during a period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

 

(1)

to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

 

(2)

to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post- effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

 

(3)

to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.

 

Provided, however, that paragraphs a(1), a(2), and a(3) of this section do not apply to the extent the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

(b)

that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(c)

to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

(d)

that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

(1)

if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430B:

 

(A)

Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

(B)

Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or

 

 

 

 

(2)

if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

(e)

that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:

 

The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

 

(1)

any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;

 

(2)

free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

 

(3)

the portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

(4)

any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

4.

Not Applicable.

 

5.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference into the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

 

 

 

6.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

7.

Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any prospectus or Statement of Additional Information.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rye, and State of New York, on the 16^th day of May, 2024.

 

	THE GDL FUND
	By:	/s/ John C. Ball
		John C. Ball President and Treasurer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the 16^th day of May, 2024.

 

Name		Title
*		Trustee, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer
Mario J. Gabelli
*		Trustee
Anthony S. Colavita
*		Trustee
James P. Conn
*		Trustee
Lesley F. Foley
*		Trustee
Michael J. Melarkey
*		Trustee
Agnes Mullady
*		Trustee
Salvatore J. Zizza
/s/ John C. Ball		President and Treasurer (Principal Executive, Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)
John C. Ball
/s/ John C. Ball		Attorney-in-Fact
John C. Ball

	*	Pursuant to a Power of Attorney

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT NUMBER		DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
Ex. (s)(i)		Powers of Attorney
Ex. (s)(ii)		Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Common Shares
Ex. (s)(iii)		Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Preferred Shares
Ex. (s)(iv)		Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Notes
Ex. (s)(v)		Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares
Ex. (s)(vi)		Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Subscription Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares
Ex. (s)(vii)		Form of Prospectus Supplement Relating to Subscription Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares
Ex. (s)(viii)		Calculation of Filing Fee Table

 

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(i)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Each of the undersigned Trustees do constitute and appoint each of Peter Goldstein and John C. Ball as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact to execute and sign a Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, of The GDL Fund (the “Fund”), and all amendments and supplements thereto, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of securities issued by the Fund, and to file any and all exhibits and other documents requisite in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with the foregoing as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned Trustees themselves might or could do.

 

This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together shall constitute one instrument.

 

(Remainder of page intentionally left blank)

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned Trustees have executed this Power of Attorney as of the 10^th day of May, 2024.

 

Signature	Title
/s/ Mario J. Gabelli
Mario J. Gabelli	Trustee
/s/ Anthony S. Colavita
Anthony S. Colavita	Trustee
/s/ James P. Conn
James P. Conn	Trustee
/s/ Lesley F. Foley
Lesley F. Foley	Trustee
/s/ Michael J. Melarkey
Michael J. Melarkey	Trustee
/s/ Agnes Mullady
Agnes Mullady	Trustee
/s/ Salvatore J. Zizza
Salvatore J. Zizza	Trustee

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(ii)

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT1		Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
(To Prospectus dated             ,          )		Registration Statement No. 333-

                 Shares

 

The GDL Fund

 

Common Shares of Beneficial Interest

 

We are offering for sale                  shares of our common shares. Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GDL” and our Series C Preferred shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” Our Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. The last reported sale price for our common shares on             ,          was $         per share.

 

You should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus before investing in our common shares.

 

		Per Share				Total (1)
Public offering price		$				$
Underwriting discounts and commissions		$				$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us		$				$

 

 

(1)

The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $        , which represents approximately $         per share.

 

[The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional                  common shares from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any, within 45 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund would be $         and the total underwriting discounts and commissions would be $        . The common shares will be ready for delivery on or about             ,         .]

 

You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our common shares and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

,

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

1

In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear in any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 

 

 

In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The GDL Fund. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

	Page
Table of Fees and Expenses	P-3
Use of Proceeds	P-4
Price Range of Common Shares	P-5
Outstanding Securities	P-5
Plan of Distribution	P-5
Legal Matters	P-5

 

 

 

 

Table of Fees and Expenses

 

The following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated with investing in our common shares as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. Amounts are for the current fiscal year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering expenses, including preferred share offering expenses.

 

Shareholder Transaction Expenses

 

Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)	[     ]%
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)	[     ]%
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan Fees
Sale Transactions	$ 1.00(1)

 

	Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares
Annual Expenses
Management Fees	%(2)(3)
Base Fee	%
Performance Fee	%
Interest Expense	%(4)
Other Expenses	%(5)
Total Annual Expenses	%
Dividends on Preferred Shares	%
Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares	%(2)(3)

 

 

(1)

Shareholders participating in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan do not incur any additional fees. Shareholders participating in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan would pay their pro rata share of brokerage commissions for transactions to purchase shares and $1.00 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plans.”

(2)

The base fee rate charged by the Investment Adviser is an annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets payable monthly in arrears. In addition, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year described below. The Fund’s managed assets includes all of the assets of the Fund without deduction for borrowings, repurchase transactions and other leveraging techniques, the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares or other liabilities except for certain ordinary course expenses. Consequently, since the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares may be higher than if the Fund does not utilize a leveraged capital structure.

(3)

Based on year ended December 31, 2019, assuming completion of the proposed issuances. In addition to the base fee, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year if the total return of the Fund on its common shares during the calendar year in question exceeds the total return of an index of three-month U.S. Treasury bills (the “T-Bill Index”) during the same period. If the Fund’s total return for the calendar year equals the total return of the T-Bill Index for the same period plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), the Investment Adviser will receive a performance fee of 0.75% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets during the calendar year measurement period for the Fund’s fulcrum fee. This performance fee will be increased by 0.01 percentage point (one basis point) for each 0.04 percentage point (four basis points) by which the Fund’s total return during the period exceeds the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), up to a maximum performance fee of 1.50% if the excess performance over the T-Bill Index is 6.0 percentage points (600 basis points) or greater and will be decreased at the same rate for the amount by which the Fund’s total return during the period is less than the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), until no performance fee is payable if the Fund’s total return is less than or equal to the T-Bill Index total return. Under the performance fee arrangement, the annual rate of the total fees paid to the Investment Adviser can range from 0.50% to 2.00% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets.

(4)

The Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares each have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. Therefore, for financial reporting purposes only, the dividends paid on the Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares are included as a component of “Interest Expense.”

 

P-3

 

 

(5)

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion of the proposed issuances.

 

For a more complete description of the various costs and expenses a common shareholder would bear in connection with the issuance and ongoing maintenance of any preferred shares or notes issued by the Fund, see “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks to Holders of Common Shares—Leverage Risk.”

 

The following example illustrates the expenses you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, followed by a preferred share offering, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* The expenses illustrated in the following example include the maximum estimated sales load on common shares of $10 and on preferred shares of $31.50, and estimated offering expenses of $[ ] from the issuance of $[ ] million in common shares and $[ ] million in preferred shares. The preferred shares sales load is spread over the Fund’s entire net assets attributable to common shares (assuming completion of the proposed issuances); therefore, the allocable portion of such sales load to a common shareholder making a $1,000 investment in these circumstances is estimated to be $[ ]. The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.

 

 

		1 Year		3 Years		5 Years		10 Years
Total Expenses Incurred

 

 

*

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example is based on total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares shown in the table above and assumes that the amounts set forth in the table do not change and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

 

The example includes Dividends of Preferred Shares. If Dividends on Preferred Shares were not included in the example calculation, the expenses for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods in the table above would be as follows (based on the same assumptions as above): $[ ], $[ ], $[ ] and $[ ].

 

Use of Proceeds

 

We estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be $ based on the public offering price of $ per share and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Fund will invest the net proceeds of any offering in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and may use a portion of such proceeds, depending on market conditions, for other general corporate purposes. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds of the offering will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.

 

The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

P-4

 

 

Price Range of Common Shares

 

The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.

 

Corresponding

Net Asset

Corresponding

Common Share

Value

Premium or

(“NAV”) Per

Discount as a %

Quarter Ended

Market Price

Share

of NAV

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

[ ]%

[ ]%

 

The last reported price for our common shares on [ ] was $[ ] per share. As of [ ] the net asset value per share of the Fund’s common shares was $[ ]. Accordingly, the Fund’s common shares traded at a [discount] to net asset value of [ ]% on [ ].

 

Outstanding Securities

 

The following information regarding the Fund’s outstanding securities is as of , .

 

Title of Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by Fund or for its Account	Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Held by Fund
Common Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Other Series of Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]

 

Plan of Distribution

 

[To be provided.]

 

Legal Matters

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering of the common shares.

 

P-5

 

 

 

The GDL Fund

 

Common Shares

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

            ,

 

 

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(iii)

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT¹

(To Prospectus dated             ,            )

 

                 Shares

 

The GDL Fund

 

Series                  Preferred Shares

 

We are offering for sale                  shares of our Series                  Preferred Shares, par value $0.001 per share. Our common shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL” and our Series C Preferred shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” Our Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. The last reported sale price for our common shares on             ,          was $         per share.

 

You should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus before investing in our preferred shares.

 

 

	Per Share		Total
Public offering price	$		$
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$		$
Proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund(1)	$		$

 

 

(1)

The aggregate expenses of the offering (excluding underwriting discount) are estimated to be $        .

 

The Underwriters are expected to deliver the Series                  Preferred in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about                     .

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The GDL Fund. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.

 

                    ,                     

 

 

1

In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear in any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

	Page
TERMS OF THE                   SERIES PREFERRED SHARES	Q-3
USE OF PROCEEDS	Q-3
CAPITALIZATION	Q-3
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES	Q-3
ASSET COVERAGE RATIO	Q-4
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SERIES                  PREFERRED	Q-4
TAXATION	Q-4
UNDERWRITING	Q-4
LEGAL MATTERS	Q-4

 

 

 

 

TERMS OF THE SERIES                  PREFERRED SHARES

 

Dividend Rate	The dividend rate [for the initial dividend period](1) will be     %.
Dividend Payment Rate	[Dividends will be paid when, as and if declared on                     ,                     ,                      and                     , commencing                     . The payment date for the initial dividend period will be                     .(1)]
Liquidation Preference	$         per share
[Non-Call Period	The shares may not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to                     .]
[Stock Exchange Listing]

 

 

(1)

Applicable only if the preferred shares being offered will have different rates over time.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be $        , based on the public offering price of $                 per share and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Fund will invest the net proceeds of any offering in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and may use a portion of such proceeds, depending on market conditions, for other general corporate purposes. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds of the offering will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.

 

The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

Outstanding Securities

 

The following information regarding the Fund’s outstanding securities is as of              ,           .

 

Title of Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by Fund or for its Account	Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Held by Fund
Common Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Other Series of Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]

 

Q-3

 

 

ASSET COVERAGE RATIO

 

As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s preferred shares and notes, in aggregate, are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately     %.

 

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SERIES             PREFERRED

 

Reinvestment Risk. The Fund may at any time redeem shares of Series                  Preferred Shares to the extent necessary to meet regulatory asset coverage requirements. For example, if the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio declines, thereby reducing the asset coverage for the Series                  Preferred Shares, the Fund may be obligated under the terms of the Series                  Preferred Shares to redeem shares of the Series Preferred Shares. Investors may not be able to reinvest the proceeds of any redemption in an investment providing the same or a better rate than that of the Series                  Preferred Shares.

 

Distribution Risk. The Fund may not meet the asset coverage requirements or earn sufficient income from its investments to make distributions on the Series                  Preferred Shares.

 

Redemption Risk. The Series                  Preferred Shares are not a debt obligation of the Fund. The Series Preferred Shares are junior in respect of distributions and liquidation preference to any indebtedness incurred by the Fund. Although unlikely, precipitous declines in the value of the Fund’s assets could result in the Fund having insufficient assets to redeem all of the Series                  Preferred Shares for the full redemption price.

 

TAXATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

UNDERWRITING

 

[To be provided.]

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering of the preferred shares.

 

Q-4

 

 

 

The GDL Fund

 

Preferred Shares

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

            ,

 

 

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(iv)

 

		Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
		Registration Statement No. 333-

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT¹

(To Prospectus dated             ,          )

 

The GDL Fund

 

Notes [Specify Title]

 

We are offering for sale                      promissory notes. Our common shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL” and our Series C Preferred shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” Our Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. The last reported sale price for our common shares on             ,          was $                 per share. You should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus before investing in our notes.

 

	Per Note		Total (1)
Public offering price	$		$
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$		$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$		$

 

 

(1)

The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $        , which represents approximately $         per note.

 

The notes will be ready for delivery on or about             ,         .

 

You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our notes and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

            ,         

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The GDL Fund. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.

 

_________________

1

In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear in any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

	Page
TERMS OF THE NOTES	R-3
USE OF PROCEEDS	R-3
CAPITALIZATION	R-3
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES	R-3
ASSET COVERAGE RATIO	R-4
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE NOTES	R-4
TAXATION	R-4
UNDERWRITING	R-4
LEGAL MATTERS	R-4

 

 

 

 

TERMS OF THE NOTES

 

Principal Amount	The principal amount of the notes is $         in the aggregate.
Maturity	The principal amount of the notes will become due and payable on             ,         .
Interest Rate	The interest rate will be     %.
Frequency of payment	Interest will be paid                  commencing                     .
Prepayment Protections
[Stock Exchange Listing]
Rating	It is a condition of issuance that the notes be rated                      by                     .

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be $        , based on the public offering price of $         per note and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Fund will invest the net proceeds of any offering in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and may use a portion of such proceeds, depending on market conditions, for other general corporate purposes. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds of the offering will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.

 

The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

Outstanding Securities

 

The following information regarding the Fund’s outstanding securities is as of , .

 

Title of Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by Fund or for its Account	Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Held by Fund
Common Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Other Series of Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]

 

R-3

 

 

ASSET COVERAGE RATIO

 

As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s notes are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately     %.

 

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE NOTES

 

Liquidity Risk. An investment in our notes is subject to special risks. Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated quotation system. We cannot assure you that any market will exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity. Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for the notes are not required to maintain this market, and the Fund is not required to redeem notes if an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of buyers. To the extent that our notes trade, they may trade at a price either higher or lower than their principal amount depending on interest rates, the rating (if any) on such notes and other factors.

 

Reinvestment Risk. The Fund may at any time redeem notes to the extent necessary to meet regulatory asset coverage requirements. For example, if the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio declines, thereby reducing the asset coverage for the notes, the Fund may be obligated under the terms of the notes to redeem the notes. Investors may not be able to reinvest the proceeds of any redemption in an investment providing the same or a better rate than that of the notes.

 

Distribution Risk. The Fund may not meet the asset coverage requirements or earn sufficient income from its investments to make interest payments on the notes.

 

Redemption Risk. Although unlikely, precipitous declines in the value of the Fund’s assets could result in the Fund having insufficient assets to redeem all of the notes for the full redemption price.

 

TAXATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

UNDERWRITING

 

[To be provided.]

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering of the notes.

 

R-4

 

 

The GDL Fund

 

Notes

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

            ,

 

 

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(v)

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration Statement No. 333-

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT¹

 

(To Prospectus dated             ,         )

 

The GDL Fund

 

            Rights for                  Shares

 

Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares

 

We are issuing subscription rights to our common shareholders to purchase our common shares. Our common shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL” and our Series C Preferred shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” Our Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. The last reported sale price for our common shares on             ,          was $         per share.

 

You should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus before investing in our common shares.

 

	Per Share		Total (1)
Subscription price of Common Shares	$		$
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$		$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$		$

 

 

(1)

The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $        , which represents approximately $         per share.

 

You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our common shares and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS MAY, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE OFFERING, OWN A SMALLER PROPORTIONAL INTEREST IN THE FUND THAN IF THEY EXERCISED THEIR RIGHTS. AS A RESULT OF THE OFFERING YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DILUTION [OR ACCRETION] OF THE AGGREGATE NET ASSET VALUE OF YOUR COMMON SHARES DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THE FUND’S NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE IS ABOVE [OR BELOW] THE SUBSCRIPTION PRICE ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.                     ,

 

 

1

In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear in any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 

 

 

The common shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about             ,  . If the offer is extended, the common shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about             ,  .

 

The date of this Prospectus Supplement is             ,  

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The GDL Fund. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

	Page
SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING	S-3
DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING	S-4
TABLE OF FEES AND EXPENSES	S-4
USE OF PROCEEDS	S-6
CAPITALIZATION	S-6
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES	S-6
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES	S-6
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS	S-7
RIGHTS OFFERING	S-8
TAXATION	S-8
UNDERWRITING	S-8
LEGAL MATTERS	S-8

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

Terms of the Offer	[To be provided.]
Amount Available for Primary Subscription	$[        ]
Title	Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares
Subscription Price	Rights may be exercised at a price of $         per common share (the “Subscription Price”). See “Terms of the Offer.”
Record Date	Rights will be issued to holders of record of the Fund’s Common Shares on             ,           (the “Record Date”). See “Terms of the Offer.”
Number of Rights Issued	Right will be issued in respect of each Common Share of the Fund outstanding on the Record Date. See “Terms of the Offer.”
Number of Rights Required to Purchase One Common Share	A holder of Rights may purchase                  common shares of the Fund for every                      Rights exercised. The number of Rights to be issued to a shareholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible by                     . See “Terms of the Offer.”
Over-Subscription Privilege	[To be provided.]
Transfer of Rights	[To be provided.]
Subscription Period	The Rights may be exercised at any time after issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on             ,           (the “Expiration Date”) (the “Subscription Period”). See “Terms of the Offer” and “Method of Exercise of Rights.”
Offer Expenses	The expenses of the Offer are expected to be approximately $[        ]. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Sale of Rights	[To be provided.]

 

S-3

 

 

Use of Proceeds	The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately $[        ]. This figure is based on the Subscription Price per share of $         and assumes all new common shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[        ] are paid.   The Investment Adviser anticipates that investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed in approximately three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.   The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.   The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”   See “Use of Proceeds.”
ERISA	See “Employee Plan Considerations.”
Rights Agent	[To be provided.]

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

[To be provided.]

 

 

 

TABLE OF FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated with investing in our common shares as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. Amounts are for the current fiscal year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering expenses.

 

S-4

 

 

Shareholder Transaction Expenses

 

Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)	[     ]%
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)	[     ]%
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan Fees
Sale Transactions	$    1.00 (1)
	Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares
Annual Expenses
Management Fees	%(2)(3)
Base Fee	%
Performance Fee	%
Interest Expense	%(4)
Other Expenses	%(5)
Total Annual Expenses	%
Dividends on Preferred Shares	%
Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares	%(2)(3)

 

(1)

Shareholders participating in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan do not incur any additional fees. Shareholders participating in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan would pay their pro rata share of brokerage commissions for transactions to purchase shares and $1.00 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plans.”

(2)

The base fee rate charged by the Investment Adviser is an annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets payable monthly in arrears. In addition, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year described below. The Fund’s managed assets includes all of the assets of the Fund without deduction for borrowings, repurchase transactions and other leveraging techniques, the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares or other liabilities except for certain ordinary course expenses. Consequently, since the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares may be higher than if the Fund does not utilize a leveraged capital structure.

(3)

Based on year ended December 31, 2019, assuming completion of the proposed issuances. In addition to the base fee, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year if the total return of the Fund on its common shares during the calendar year in question exceeds the total return of an index of three-month U.S. Treasury bills (the “T-Bill Index”) during the same period. If the Fund’s total return for the calendar year equals the total return of the T-Bill Index for the same period plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), the Investment Adviser will receive a performance fee of 0.75% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets during the calendar year measurement period for the Fund’s fulcrum fee. This performance fee will be increased by 0.01 percentage point (one basis point) for each 0.04 percentage point (four basis points) by which the Fund’s total return during the period exceeds the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), up to a maximum performance fee of 1.50% if the excess performance over the T-Bill Index is 6.0 percentage points (600 basis points) or greater and will be decreased at the same rate for the amount by which the Fund’s total return during the period is less than the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), until no performance fee is payable if the Fund’s total return is less than or equal to the T-Bill Index total return. Under the performance fee arrangement, the annual rate of the total fees paid to the Investment Adviser can range from 0.50% to 2.00% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets.

(4)

The Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares each have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. Therefore, for financial reporting purposes only, the dividends paid on the Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares are included as a component of “Interest Expense.”

(5)

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion of the proposed issuances.

 

Example

 

The following example illustrates the expenses (including the maximum estimated sales load of $[        ] and estimated offering expenses of $[        ] from the issuance of $[        ] million in common shares) you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.

 

	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Total Expenses Incurred

 

 

*

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example assumes that the amounts set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

 

S-5

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[        ], based on the Subscription Price per share of $[        ], assuming all new shares of Common Shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[        ] are paid and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions. The Fund will invest the net proceeds of any offering in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and may use a portion of such proceeds, depending on market conditions, for other general corporate purposes. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds of the offering will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.

 

The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES

 

The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.

 

Corresponding

Net Asset

Corresponding

Common Share

Value

Premium or

(“NAV”) Per

Discount as a %

Quarter Ended

Market Price

Share

of NAV

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

[ ]%

[ ]%

 

The last reported price for our common shares on [ ] was $[ ] per share. As of [ ] the net asset value per share of the Fund’s common shares was $[ ]. Accordingly, the Fund’s common shares traded at a [discount] to net asset value of [ ]% on [ ].

 

Outstanding Securities

 

The following information regarding the Fund’s outstanding securities is as of              ,          .

 

S-6

 

 

Title of Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by Fund or for its Account	Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Held by Fund
Common Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Other Series of Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]

 

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS

 

Dilution. As with any security, the price of the Fund’s Common Shares fluctuates with market conditions and other factors. [The Common Shares are currently trading at a [premium] to their net asset value.] However, shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset values. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities and may be greater for shareholders expecting to sell their Common Shares in a relatively short period of time following completion of this Rights offering. The net asset value of the Common Shares will be reduced immediately following this Rights offering as a result of the accrual of certain offering costs.

 

If you do not exercise all of your Rights, you may own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund when the Rights offering is over. In addition, you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares if you do not participate in the Rights offering and will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share whether or not you exercise your Rights, if the Subscription Price is below the Fund’s net asset value per Common Share on the Expiration Date, because:

 

●

the offered Common Shares are being sold at less than their current net asset value;

 

●

you will indirectly bear the expenses of the Rights offering; and

 

●

the number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately more than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets.

 

[On the other hand, if the Subscription Price is above the Fund’s net asset value per share on the Expiration Date, you may experience an immediate accretion of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares even if you do not exercise your Rights and an immediate increase in the net asset value per share of your Common Shares whether or not you participate in the offering, because:

 

●

the offered Common Shares are being sold at more than their current net asset value after deducting the expenses of the Rights offering; and

 

●

the number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately less than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets.]

 

[Furthermore, if you do not participate in the Over-Subscription Privilege, if it is available, your percentage ownership may also be diluted.] The Fund cannot state precisely the amount of any dilution because it is not known at this time what the net asset value per share will be on the Expiration Date or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. The impact of the Rights offering on net asset value per share is shown by the following examples, assuming a $[●] Subscription Price:

 

[Scenario 1: (assumes net asset value per share is above subscription price)(1)
NAV	$[  ]
Subscription Price	$[  ]
Reduction in NAV($)(2)	$[  ]
Reduction in NAV(%)	[  ]%]
Scenario 2: (assumes net asset value per share is below subscription price)(1)
NAV	$[  ]
Subscription Price	$[  ]
Increase in NAV($)(2)	$[  ]
Increase in NAV(%)	[  ]%

 

S-7

 

 

 

(1)

[Both examples assume the full Primary Subscription and Secondary Over-Subscription Privilege are exercised.] Actual amounts may vary due to rounding.

 

(2)

Assumes $[ ] in estimated offering expenses.

 

If you do not wish to exercise your Rights, you should consider selling them as set forth in this Prospectus Supplement. Any cash you receive from selling your Rights may serve as partial compensation for any possible dilution of your interest in the Fund. The Fund cannot give assurance, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any marketable value.

 

[The Fund’s largest shareholders could increase their percentage ownership in the Fund through the exercise of the Primary Subscription and Over-Subscription Privilege.]

 

[Additional risks to be provided]

 

RIGHTS OFFERING

 

This rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Delaware, the Board is authorized to approve rights offerings without obtaining shareholder approval. The staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder approval of a transferable rights offering to purchase common stock at a price below the then current net asset value so long as certain conditions are met, including: (i) a good faith determination by a fund’s board that such offering would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii) the offering fully protects shareholders’ preemptive rights and does not discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible effect of not offering fractional rights); (iii) management uses its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights; and (iv) the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed one new share for each three rights held.

 

TAXATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund in connection with this rights offering.

 

S-8

 

 

The GDL Fund

 

                 Common Shares

 

Issuable Upon Exercise of Rights to

 

Subscribe for Such Common Shares

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

            ,

 

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(vi)

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration Statement No. 333-

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT¹

 

(To Prospectus dated             ,           )

 

The GDL Fund

 

                      Rights for                      Shares

 

Subscription Rights to Purchase     % Series [                ] [                ] Preferred Shares

 

We are issuing subscription rights to our [common] [preferred] shareholders to purchase our     % Series [                ] [                ] Preferred Shares. Our common shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL” and our Series C Preferred shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” Our Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. The last reported sale price for our common shares on             ,          was $         per share.

 

You should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus before investing in our preferred shares.

 

	Per Share	Total (1)
Subscription price of Preferred Shares	$	$
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$	$

 

 

(1)

The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $        , which represents approximately $         per share.

 

You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our preferred shares and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

            ,         

 

 

1

In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear in any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 

 

 

The preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about             , .. If the offer is extended, the preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about             , .

 

The date of this Prospectus Supplement is             ,

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The GDL Fund. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

	Page
SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING	T-3
TERMS OF THE SERIES                  PREFERRED SHARES	T-4
DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING	T-4
USE OF PROCEEDS	T-4
CAPITALIZATION	T-4
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES	T-5
ASSET COVERAGE RATIO	T-5
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS	T-5
TAXATION	T-5
UNDERWRITING	T-5
LEGAL MATTERS	T-5

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

Terms of the Offer	[To be provided.]
Amount Available for Primary Subscription	$[        ]
Title	Subscription Rights to Purchase Series [                ] Preferred Shares
Exercise Price	Rights may be exercised at a price of $         per preferred share (the “Subscription Price”). See “Terms of the Offer.”
Record Date	Rights will be issued to holders of record of the Fund’s [common][preferred] shares on             ,           (the “Record Date”). See “Terms of the Offer.”
Number of Rights Issued	Right[s] will be issued in respect of each [common][preferred] share of the Fund outstanding on the Record Date. See “Terms of the Offer.”
Number of Rights Required to Purchase One Preferred Share	A holder of Rights may purchase                  preferred share of the Fund for every                      Rights exercised. The number of Rights to be issued to a shareholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible by                     . See “Terms of the Offer.”
Over-Subscription Privilege	[To be provided.]
Transfer of Rights	[To be provided.]
Exercise Period	The Rights may be exercised at any time after issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on             ,           (the “Expiration Date”) (the “Subscription Period”). See “Terms of the Offer” and “Method of Exercise of Rights.”
Offer Expenses	The expenses of the Offer are expected to be approximately $[        ]. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Sale of Rights	[To be provided.]
Use of Proceeds	The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately $[        ]. This figure is based on the Exercise Price per share of $         and assumes all new shares of Series [                ] Preferred Shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[        ] are paid.   The Investment Adviser anticipates that investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed in approximately three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.   The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.   The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”   See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

T-3

 

 

ERISA	See “Employee Plan Considerations.”
Rights Agent	[To be provided.]

 

TERMS OF THE SERIES                  PREFERRED SHARES

 

Dividend Rate	The dividend rate [for the initial dividend period](1) will be     %.
Dividend Payment Rate	[Dividends will be paid when, as and if declared on                     ,                     ,                     , and                     , commencing                     . The payment date for the initial dividend period will be               .(1)]
Liquidation Preference	$          per share
[Non-Call Period	The shares may not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to                     .]
[Stock Exchange Listing]
(1) Applicable only if the preferred shares being offered will have different rates over time.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

[To be provided.]

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[        ], based on the Subscription Price per share of $[        ], assuming all new shares of Series [                ] Preferred Shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[        ] are paid and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions. The Fund will invest the net proceeds of any offering in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and may use a portion of such proceeds, depending on market conditions, for other general corporate purposes. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds of the offering will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.

 

The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The reset dividend rate will be neither less than an annualized rate of 4.00% nor greater than an annualized rate of 6.00%. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

T-4

 

 

Outstanding Securities

 

The following information regarding the Fund’s outstanding securities is as of , .

 

Title of Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by Fund or for its Account	Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Held by Fund
Common Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Other Series of Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]

 

ASSET COVERAGE RATIO

 

As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s preferred shares and notes, in aggregate, are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately [    ]%.

 

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS

 

[To be provided.]

 

TAXATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

UNDERWRITING

 

[To be provided.]

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund, in connection with this rights offering.

 

T-5

 

 

The GDL Fund

 

Preferred Shares

 

Issuance Upon Exercise of Rights to subscribe for such Preferred Shares

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

            ,

 

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(vii)

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration Statement No. 333-

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT¹

 

(To Prospectus dated             ,        )

 

The GDL Fund

 

                 Rights

 

Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares and Preferred Shares

 

The GDL Fund (the “Fund,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is issuing subscription rights (the “Rights”) to our common shareholders to purchase additional common shares and newly issued preferred shares.

 

Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GDL” and our Series C Preferred shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” Our Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange. On [            ], , the last reported NYSE sale price of the common shares prior to the common shares trading ex-Rights was $[        ]. The last reported net asset value of the common shares at the close of business on [            ], was $[        ].

 

An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in the Fund and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov). For additional information all holders of rights should contact the Information Agent, [                    ].

 

Investing in common shares and preferred shares through Rights involves certain risks. You should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus as well as in the “Special Risks of the Offering and the Preferred Shares” section of this Prospectus Supplement before investing in the common shares and preferred shares.

 

		Per Share		Total (1)
Subscription price per common share to holders exercising Rights		$		$
Subscription price per preferred share to holders exercising Rights		$		$
Underwriting discounts and commissions (1)		$		$
Proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund (2)		$		$

 

 

1

In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear in any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Based on a Dealer Manager solicitation fee of $[        ] per common share issued.

(2)

The aggregate expenses of the offering (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions) are estimated to be $[        ].

 

NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS MAY, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE OFFERING, OWN A SMALLER PROPORTIONAL INTEREST IN THE FUND THAN IF THEY EXERCISED THEIR RIGHTS. AS A RESULT OF THE OFFERING YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DILUTION [OR ACCRETION] OF THE AGGREGATE NET ASSET VALUE OF YOUR COMMON SHARES DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THE FUND’S NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE IS ABOVE [OR BELOW] THE SUBSCRIPTION PRICE ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.

 

The common shares and preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about [            ], .. If the offer is extended, the common shares and preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about [            ], .

 

The date of this Prospectus Supplement is [            ],

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The GDL Fund. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

	Page
SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING	U-3
TERMS OF THE SERIES                  PREFERRED SHARES	U-4
DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING	U-4
USE OF PROCEEDS	U-5
CAPITALIZATION	U-5
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES	U-6
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES	U-6
ASSET COVERAGE RATIO	U-6
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS	U-6
UNDERWRITING	U-8
RIGHTS OFFERING	U-8
TAXATION	U-8
LEGAL MATTERS	U-8

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

Terms of the Offer	[To be provided.]
Amount Available for Primary Subscription	$[        ]
Title	Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares and Preferred Shares
Subscription Price	Rights may be exercised at a price of $         per common share and $         per preferred share (the “Subscription Price”). See “Terms of the Offer.”
Record Date	Rights will be issued to holders of record of the Fund’s [common][preferred] shares on             ,           (the “Record Date”). See “Terms of the Offer.”
Number of Rights Issued	Rights will be issued in respect of each [common][preferred] share of the Fund outstanding on the Record Date. See “Terms of the Offer.”
Number of Rights Required to Purchase One Common Share and One Preferred Share	A holder of Rights may purchase                  common shares and                  preferred shares of the Fund for every                      Rights exercised. [The number of Rights to be issued to a shareholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible by                     .] See “Terms of the Offer.”
Over-Subscription Privilege	[To be provided.]
Transfer of Rights	[To be provided.]
Subscription Period	The Rights may be exercised at any time after issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on             ,           (the “Expiration Date”) (the “Subscription Period”). See “Terms of the Offer” and “Method of Exercise of Rights.”
Offer Expenses	The expenses of the Offer are expected to be approximately $[        ]. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Sale of Rights	[To be provided.]
Use of Proceeds	The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately $[        ]. This figure is based on the Subscription Price per share of $         and assumes all new common shares and preferred shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[        ] are paid.   The Investment Adviser anticipates that investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed in approximately three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.   The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.   The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

U-3

 

 

ERISA	See “Employee Plan Considerations.”
Rights Agent	[To be provided.]

 

TERMS OF THE series                       PREFERRED SHARES

 

Dividend Rate	The dividend rate for the [initial dividend period](1) will be     %.
Dividend Payment Rate	[Dividends will be paid when, as and if declared on                     ,                     ,                     , and                     , commencing                     . The payment date for the initial dividend period will be                   .(1)]
Liquidation Preference	$          per share
[Non-Call Period	The shares may not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to                     .]
[Stock Exchange Listing]
(1) Applicable only if the preferred shares being offered will have different rates over time.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

[To be provided.]

 

TABLE OF FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated with investing in our common shares as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. Amounts are for the current fiscal year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering expenses.

 

Shareholder Transaction Expenses

 

Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)	[     ]%
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)	[     ]%
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan Fees
Sales Transactions	$    1.00 (1)
	Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares
Annual Expenses
Management Fees	%(2)(3)
Base Fee	%
Management Fee	%
Interest Expense	%(4)
Other Expenses	%(5)
Total Annual Expenses	%
Dividends on Preferred Shares	%
Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares	%(2)(3)

 

 

(1)

Shareholders participating in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan do not incur any additional fees. Shareholders participating in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan would pay their pro rata share of brokerage commissions for transactions to purchase shares and $1.00 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plans.”

(2)

The base fee rate charged by the Investment Adviser is an annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets payable monthly in arrears. In addition, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year described below. The Fund’s managed assets includes all of the assets of the Fund without deduction for borrowings, repurchase transactions and other leveraging techniques, the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares or other liabilities except for certain ordinary course expenses. Consequently, since the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares may be higher than if the Fund does not utilize a leveraged capital structure.

 

U-4

 

 

(3)

Based on year ended December 31, 2019, assuming completion of the proposed issuances. In addition to the base fee, the Investment Adviser will be entitled to receive an annual performance fee as of the end of each calendar year if the total return of the Fund on its common shares during the calendar year in question exceeds the total return of an index of three-month U.S. Treasury bills (the “T-Bill Index”) during the same period. If the Fund’s total return for the calendar year equals the total return of the T-Bill Index for the same period plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), the Investment Adviser will receive a performance fee of 0.75% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets during the calendar year measurement period for the Fund’s fulcrum fee. This performance fee will be increased by 0.01 percentage point (one basis point) for each 0.04 percentage point (four basis points) by which the Fund’s total return during the period exceeds the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), up to a maximum performance fee of 1.50% if the excess performance over the T-Bill Index is 6.0 percentage points (600 basis points) or greater and will be decreased at the same rate for the amount by which the Fund’s total return during the period is less than the T-Bill Index total return plus 3.0 percentage points (300 basis points), until no performance fee is payable if the Fund’s total return is less than or equal to the T-Bill Index total return. Under the performance fee arrangement, the annual rate of the total fees paid to the Investment Adviser can range from 0.50% to 2.00% of the Fund’s average weekly managed assets.

(4)

The Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares each have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. Therefore, for financial reporting purposes only, the dividends paid on the Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares are included as a component of “Interest Expense.”

(5)

“Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion of the proposed issuances.

 

Example

 

The following example illustrates the expenses (including the maximum estimated sales load of $[        ] and estimated offering expenses of $[        ] from the issuance of $[        ] million in common shares) you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.

 

		1 Year		3 Years		5 Years		10 Years
Total Expenses Incurred

 

*

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example assumes that the amounts set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[        ], based on the Subscription Price of $[        ] per common share and $[        ] per preferred share, assuming all new common shares and preferred shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[        ] are paid and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions. The Fund will invest the net proceeds of any offering in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and may use a portion of such proceeds, depending on market conditions, for other general corporate purposes. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months. Pending such investment, the proceeds of the offering will be held in high quality short term debt securities and instruments.

 

The Fund may also use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares of one or more of its Series C Preferred Shares or Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.

 

The Series E Preferred Shares pay quarterly distributions in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The reset dividend rate will be neither less than an annualized rate of 4.00% nor greater than an annualized rate of 6.00%. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares” in the Prospectus for a definition of “Year 1,” “Year 2” and “Year 3.”

 

U-5

 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

Price Range of Common Shares

 

The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.

 

Corresponding

Net Asset

Corresponding

Common Share

Value

Premium or

(“NAV”) Per

Discount as a %

Quarter Ended

Market Price

Share

of NAV

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

$[ ]

[ ]%

[ ]%

 

The last reported price for our common shares on [ ] was $[ ] per share. As of [ ] the net asset value per share of the Fund’s common shares was $[ ]. Accordingly, the Fund’s common shares traded at a [discount] to net asset value of [ ]% on [ ].

 

Outstanding Securities

 

The following information regarding the Fund’s outstanding securities is as of , .

 

Title of Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by Fund or for its Account	Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Held by Fund
Common Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series C Cumulative Puttable and Callable Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Series E Cumulative Term Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]
Other Series of Preferred Shares	[    ]	—	[    ]

ASSET COVERAGE RATIO

 

As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s preferred shares and notes, in aggregate, are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately [    ]%.

 

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS

 

Dilution. As with any security, the price of the Fund’s Common Shares fluctuates with market conditions and other factors. [The Common Shares are currently trading at a [premium] to their net asset value.] However, shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset values. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities and may be greater for shareholders expecting to sell their Common Shares in a relatively short period of time following completion of this Rights offering. The net asset value of the Common Shares will be reduced immediately following this Rights offering as a result of the accrual of certain offering costs.

 

U-6

 

 

If you do not exercise all of your Rights, you may own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund when the Rights offering is over. In addition, you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares if you do not participate in the Rights offering and will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share whether or not you exercise your Rights, if the Subscription Price is below the Fund’s net asset value per Common Share on the Expiration Date, because:

 

●

the offered Common Shares are being sold at less than their current net asset value;

 

●

you will indirectly bear the expenses of the Rights offering; and

 

●

the number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately more than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets.

 

[On the other hand, if the Subscription Price is above the Fund’s net asset value per share on the Expiration Date, you may experience an immediate accretion of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares even if you do not exercise your Rights and an immediate increase in the net asset value per share of your Common Shares whether or not you participate in the offering, because:

 

●

the offered Common Shares are being sold at more than their current net asset value after deducting the expenses of the Rights offering; and

 

●

the number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately less than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets.]

 

[Furthermore, if you do not participate in the Over-Subscription Privilege, if it is available, your percentage ownership may also be diluted.] The Fund cannot state precisely the amount of any dilution because it is not known at this time what the net asset value per share will be on the Expiration Date or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. The impact of the Rights offering on net asset value per share is shown by the following examples, assuming a $[●] Subscription Price:

 

[Scenario 1: (assumes net asset value per share is above subscription price)(1)
NAV	$[  ]
Subscription Price	$[  ]
Reduction in NAV($)(2)	$[  ]
Reduction in NAV(%)	[  ]%]
Scenario 2: (assumes net asset value per share is below subscription price)(1)
NAV	$[  ]
Subscription Price	$[  ]
Increase in NAV($)(2)	$[  ]
Increase in NAV(%)	[  ]%

 

 

(1)

[Both examples assume the full Primary Subscription and Secondary Over-Subscription Privilege are exercised.] Actual amounts may vary due to rounding.

(2)

Assumes $[ ] in estimated offering expenses.

 

If you do not wish to exercise your Rights, you should consider selling them as set forth in this Prospectus Supplement. Any cash you receive from selling your Rights may serve as partial compensation for any possible dilution of your interest in the Fund. The Fund cannot give assurance, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any marketable value.

 

[The Fund’s largest shareholders could increase their percentage ownership in the Fund through the exercise of the Primary Subscription and Over-Subscription Privilege.]

 

[Additional risks to be provided]

 

U-7

 

 

underwriting

 

[To be provided.]

 

RIGHTS OFFERING

 

This rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Delaware, the Board is authorized to approve rights offerings without obtaining shareholder approval. The staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder approval of a transferable rights offering to purchase common stock at a price below the then current net asset value so long as certain conditions are met, including: (i) a good faith determination by a fund’s board that such offering would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii) the offering fully protects shareholders’ preemptive rights and does not discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible effect of not offering fractional rights); (iii) management uses its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights; and (iv) the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed one new share for each three rights held.

 

TAXATION

 

[To be provided.]

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund in connection with this rights offering.

 

U-8

 

 

The GDL Fund

 

                 Common Shares and                  Preferred Shares

 

Issuable Upon Exercise of Rights to

Subscribe for Such Common Shares and Preferred Shares

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

,          

 

 

 

THE GDL FUND N-2

 

Exhibit (s)(viii)

 

Calculation of Filing Fee Tables

 

FORM N-2

(Form Type)

 

THE GDL FUND

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities

 

Security Type

Security Class Title

Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule

Amount Registered

Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit

Maximum Aggregate Offering Price

Fee Rate

Amount of Registration Fee

Carry Forward Form Type

Carry Forward File Number

Carry Forward Initial effective date

Filing Fee Previously Paid In Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward

Carry Forward Securities

Carry Forward Securities

Equity

Common Shares(2)

Rule 415(a)(6)

(1)

N-2

333-250213

May 19, 2021

(1)

Carry Forward Securities

Equity

Preferred Shares(2)

Rule 415(a)(6)

(1)

N-2

333-250213

May 19, 2021

(1)

Carry Forward Securities

Debt

Debt Securities (3)

Rule 415(a)(6)

(1)

N-2

333-250213

May 19, 2021

(1)

Carry Forward Securities

Other

Subscription Rights(4)

Rule 415(a)(6)

(1)

N-2

333-250213

May 19, 2021

(1)

Carry Forward Securities

Other

Unallocated (Universal) Shelf

Rule 415(a)(6)

$200,000,000(1)(5)

N-2

333-250213

May 19, 2021

$21,820.00

Total Offering Amounts

$200,000,000(5)

--

Total Fees Previously Paid

--

Total Fee Offsets

--

Net Fee Due

$0

 

(1)

Included as part of Unallocated (Universal) Shelf. Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant is carrying forward $200,000,000 aggregate principal offering price of unsold securities (the “Unsold Securities”) that were previously registered for sale under a Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-250213) initially filed on November 19, 2020, as amended on February 12, 2021 and May 11, 2021, declared effective on May 19, 2021, and further amended on May 20, 2021 and August 25, 2022 (the “Prior Registration Statement”). The Registrant previously paid filing fees in the aggregate of $21,820 relating to the securities registered on the Prior Registration Statement. Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act, the filing fees previously paid with respect to the Unsold Securities will continue to be applied to such Unsold Securities. Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act, the offering of Unsold Securities under the Prior Registration Statement will be deemed terminated as of the date of effectiveness of this Registration Statement.

(2)

There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of common shares and preferred shares as may be sold, from time to time.

(3)	There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount of debt securities as may be sold, from time to time. Debt securities may be issued at an original issue discount or at a premium.
(4)	There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of subscription rights as may be sold, from time to time, representing rights to purchase common shares and/or preferred shares.
(5)	Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities in a public primary offering pursuant to this prospectus with a value exceeding more than one-third of our “Public Float” (the market value of our common stock held by our non-affiliates) in any 12-months period so long as our Public Float remains below $75,000,000.

 

N-2 - $ / shares	May 16, 2024	May 09, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Central Index Key	0001378701
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Inv Company Type	N-2
Securities Act File Number	333-00000
Investment Company Act File Number	811-21969
Document Type	N-2
Document Registration Statement	true
Investment Company Act Registration	true
Investment Company Registration Amendment	true
Investment Company Registration Amendment Number	26
Entity Registrant Name	THE GDL FUND
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Corporate Center
Entity Address, City or Town	Rye
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10580-1422
City Area Code	(800)
Local Phone Number	422-3554
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to Public	From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
Dividend or Interest Reinvestment Plan Only	false
Delayed or Continuous Offering	true
Primary Shelf [Flag]	true
Effective Upon Filing, 462(e)	false
Additional Securities Effective, 413(b)	false
Effective when Declared, Section 8(c)	false
New Effective Date for Previous Filing	false
Additional Securities. 462(b)	false
No Substantive Changes, 462(c)	false
Exhibits Only, 462(d)	false
Registered Closed-End Fund [Flag]	true
Business Development Company [Flag]	false
Interval Fund [Flag]	false
Primary Shelf Qualified [Flag]	true
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
New CEF or BDC Registrant [Flag]	false
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block]	INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES   Investment Objective and Policies   The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve absolute returns in various market conditions without excessive risk of capital. Absolute returns are defined as positive total returns, regardless of the direction of securities markets. To achieve its investment objective, the Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest primarily in securities of companies (both domestic and foreign) involved in publicly announced mergers, takeovers, tender offers and leveraged buyouts (i.e., merger arbitrage transitions) and, to a lesser extent, in corporate reorganizations involving stubs, spin-offs and liquidations. The key determinants of the profitability of a merger arbitrage transaction are the probability that the deal will close, the length of time to closing, the likelihood that the deal price will be increased or decreased and the level of short term interest rates.   In order to minimize market exposure and volatility of such merger arbitrage strategies, the Fund may utilize hedging strategies, such as short selling and the use of options, futures, swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts and other derivatives. The Fund expects that it will invest in these types of instruments primarily for hedging and risk management purposes. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments for the purposes of increasing the income of the Fund, hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency. There is no specific limit on the proportion of its assets that the Fund may use to invest in derivatives and conduct short sales in connection with its investments in corporate transactions and reorganizations.     Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in securities or hedging arrangements relating to companies involved in corporate transactions or reorganizations, giving rise to the possibility of realizing gains upon or within relatively short periods of time after the completion of such transactions, or reorganizations. This policy is not fundamental and may be changed by the Fund with notice of not less than 60 days to its shareholders. Securities in which the Fund may invest include both equity securities (e.g., common stocks and preferred stocks) and fixed-income securities. The Fund may make unlimited investments in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating. However, the Fund does not expect these investments to exceed 10% of its total assets. These securities, which may be preferred shares or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities. The Fund may also invest up to 15% of its assets in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or are otherwise illiquid.   No assurances can be given that the Fund’s objective will be achieved. Neither the Fund’s investment objective nor, except as expressly stated herein, any of its policies are fundamental, and each may be modified by the Board without shareholder approval. The percentage and ratings limitations stated herein and in the SAI apply only at the time of investment and are not considered violated as a result of subsequent changes to the value, or downgrades to the ratings, of the Fund’s portfolio investments.   Gabelli Funds, LLC, a New York limited liability company, with offices at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.   The information contained under the headings “Additional Fund Information—Investment Objectives and Policies” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Risk Factors [Table Text Block]	RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS   The information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]
Capital Stock [Table Text Block]	Common Shares   The Fund is an unincorporated statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust dated as of October 17, 2006. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share. Each common share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the applicable offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable. Though the Fund expects to pay distributions quarterly on the common shares, it is not obligated to do so. All common shares are equal as to distributions, assets and voting privileges and have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. The Fund will send annual and semiannual reports, including financial statements, to all holders of its shares. In the event of liquidation, each of the Fund’s common shares is entitled to its proportion of the Fund’s assets after payment of debts and expenses and the amounts payable to holders of the Fund’s preferred shares ranking senior to the Fund’s common shares as described below.   Offerings of shares require approval by the Board. Any additional offering of common shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, which provides that common shares may not be issued at a price below the then current net asset value, exclusive of sales load, except in connection with an offering to existing holders of common shares or with the consent of a majority of the Fund’s common shareholders.   The Fund’s outstanding common shares have been listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL” since January 29, 2007. The Fund’s common shares have historically traded at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since the Fund commenced trading on the NYSE, the Fund’s common shares have traded at a discount to net asset value as low as (32.86)% and a premium as high as 9.74%. The average weekly trading volume of the common shares on the NYSE during the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 was 79,606 shares.   Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds like the Fund do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional common shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise.   Shares of closed-end investment companies often trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Because the market value of the common shares may be influenced by such factors as dividend and distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), dividend and distribution stability, net asset value, market liquidity, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, unrealized gains, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot assure you that common shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The common shares are designed primarily for long term investors and you should not purchase the common shares if you intend to sell them soon after purchase.   Subject to the rights of the outstanding preferred shares, the Fund’s common shareholders vote as a single class to elect the Board and on additional matters with respect to which the 1940 Act, Delaware law, the Governing Documents or resolutions adopted by the Trustees provide for a vote of the Fund’s common shareholders. See “Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents.”   The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its shareholders do not, and will not, have the right to require the Fund to repurchase their shares. The Fund, however, may repurchase its common shares from time to time as and when it deems such a repurchase advisable, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding preferred shares. The Board has authorized such repurchases to be made when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount from net asset value of 7.5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time). Through December 31, 2023, the Fund has repurchased 966,858 common shares under this authorization. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase its common shares on a securities exchange (provided that the Fund has informed its shareholders within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase such shares) or pursuant to tenders and may also repurchase shares privately if the Fund meets certain conditions regarding, among other things, distribution of net income for the preceding fiscal year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders of an intention to repurchase shares and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not discriminate unfairly against the other shareholders through their interest in the Fund.     When the Fund repurchases its common shares for a price below net asset value, the net asset value of the common shares that remain outstanding will be enhanced, but this does not necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares will be affected, either positively or negatively. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio. In total through December 31, 2023, the Fund repurchased and retired 9,348,125 common shares in the open market at an average investment of $9.36 and at an average discount of approximately 17.2% from the Fund’s net asset value.   Book Entry. The common shares will initially be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of the common shares for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of common shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of shares purchased for purposes of distributions, voting and liquidation rights.   Preferred Shares   The Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the Board may authorize and issue senior securities with rights as determined by the Board, by action of the Board without the approval of the holders of the common shares. Holders of common shares have no preemptive right to purchase any senior securities that might be issued.   Currently an unlimited number of the Fund’s shares have been classified by the Board as preferred shares, par value $0.001 per share. The terms of such preferred shares may be fixed by the Board and would materially limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the Fund’s common shares.   As of December 31, 2023, the Fund had outstanding 688,932 Series C Preferred Shares, which are senior securities of the Fund. On March 26, 2020, 1,935,093 Series C Preferred Shares were put back to the Fund at the liquidation value of $96,754,650, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. Distributions on the Series C Preferred Shares, which are fixed rate preferred shares, currently accumulate at an annual rate of 4.00% of the liquidation preference of $50 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26 and December 26 of each year (each, a “Dividend Payment Date”). As used herein, each period beginning on and including a Dividend Payment Date and ending on but excluding the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date is referred to as a “Dividend Period.” The Dividend Period beginning on the date of original issue, which constitutes the first Dividend Period, together with the next three Dividend Periods, are referred to herein as “Year 1,” the next four Dividend Periods are referred to as “Year 2,” and so on. The Series C Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $50 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2019 (Year 1). On February 22, 2019, the Board announced a reset fixed dividend rate of 4.00% that will apply for the next eight quarterly dividend periods (Year 2 and Year 3). On March 1, 2021, the Board continued the 4.00% dividend rate for Series C Preferred Shares through the mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025. The Series C Preferred Shares are not rated by any rating agency.   The Fund may redeem all or any part of the Series C Preferred, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at the liquidation preference of $50 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends if such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Board, to maintain the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).   As of December 31, 2023, the Fund had outstanding 2,832,500 Series E Preferred Shares, which are senior securities of the Fund. On March 26, 2023, 667,500 shares of Series E Preferred were put back to the Fund at their liquidation preference of $10 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Distributions on the Series E Preferred Shares, which are fixed rate preferred shares, currently accumulate at an annual rate of 5.20% of the liquidation preference of $10 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable quarterly on each Dividend Payment Date. The Series E Preferred Shares paid distributions at an annualized rate of 4.00% on the $10 per share liquidation preference for the quarterly dividend periods ended on or prior to March 26, 2023 (Year 1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 19, 2023, the Board increased the dividend rate on the Series E Preferred Shares to an annual rate of 5.20% based on the liquidation preference of the Series E Preferred Shares. The Series E Preferred Shares have a mandatory redemption date of March 26, 2025.     The Series E Preferred Shares may be subject to optional redemption by the Fund if such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Board, to maintain the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.   The Series C Preferred Shares are listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GDL Pr C.” The Series E Preferred Shares are not listed on an exchange.   If the Fund publicly issues additional preferred shares, it will pay dividends to the holders of the preferred shares at a fixed rate, as described in a Prospectus Supplement accompanying each preferred share offering.   Upon a liquidation, each holder of the preferred shares will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders (after payment of claims of the Fund’s creditors but before any distributions with respect to the Fund’s common shares or any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to liquidation payments) an amount per share equal to such share’s liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared, excluding interest thereon) to the date of distribution, and such shareholders shall be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with such liquidation. Each series of the preferred shares will rank on a parity with any other series of preferred shares of the Fund as to the payment of distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, and will be junior to the Fund’s obligations with respect to any outstanding senior securities representing debt. The preferred shares carry one vote per share on all matters on which such shares are entitled to vote. The preferred shares will, upon issuance, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive, exchange or conversion rights. The Board may by resolution classify or reclassify any authorized but unissued capital shares of the Fund from time to time by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions or terms or conditions of redemption. The Fund will not issue any class of shares senior to the preferred shares.   Redemption, Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares By the Fund. The terms of any preferred shares are expected to provide that (i) they are redeemable by the Fund at any time (either after the date of initial issuance, or after some period of time following initial issuance) in whole or in part at the original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends per share, (ii) the Fund may tender for or purchase preferred shares and (iii) the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered for or purchased. Any redemption or purchase of preferred shares by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to the common shares, while any resale of preferred shares by the Fund will increase that leverage.   Rating Agency Guidelines. The Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares are not rated by Moody’s and/or Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”) (or any other rating agency). Upon issuance, any new publicly issued series of preferred shares may be rated by Moody’s or Fitch, in which case the following description of rating agency guidelines would become applicable.   The Fund expects that it would be required under any applicable rating agency guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate a discounted value at least equal to a Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined in the applicable Statement of Preferences and summarized below), for its outstanding preferred shares, including the Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares. To the extent any particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable rating agency’s guidelines, all or a portion of such holding’s value will not be included in the calculation of discounted value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody’s and Fitch guidelines would also impose certain diversification requirements and industry concentration limitations on the Fund’s overall portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held by the Fund (except certain money market securities).   The “Basic Maintenance Amount” is generally equal to (a) the sum of (i) the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred shares then outstanding plus (to the extent not included in the liquidation preference of such preferred shares) an amount equal to the aggregate accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred shares, (ii) the Fund’s other liabilities (excluding dividends and other distributions payable on the Fund’s common shares), (iii) any other current liabilities of the Fund (including amounts due and payable by the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements and payables for assets purchased) less (b) the value of the Fund’s assets if such assets are either cash or evidences of indebtedness which mature prior to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or payment of another liability and are either U.S. government securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least “Aaa,” “P-1”, “VMIG-1” or “MIG-1” by Moody’s or “AAA”, “SP-1+” or “A-1+” by S&P and are held by the Fund for distributions, the redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or the Fund’s liabilities.     If the Fund does not cure in a timely manner a failure to maintain a discounted value of its portfolio equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount in accordance with the requirements of any applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances would be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares.   The Fund may, but would not be required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines that may be established by Moody’s and Fitch (or such other rating agency then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund) following the issuance of any such rated preferred shares. Failure to adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change in the relevant rating agency’s ratings or a withdrawal of such ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing a rating for the preferred shares at the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without further action by shareholders, would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of a Statement of Preferences adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications are necessary to prevent a reduction in, or the withdrawal of, a rating of the preferred shares and are in the aggregate in the best interests of the holders of the preferred shares. Additionally, the Board, without further action by the shareholders, would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of a Statement of Preferences adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications will not in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences of the holders of any series of the preferred shares, provided that the Fund has received advice from each applicable rating agency that such amendment or modification is not expected to adversely affect such rating agency’s then-current rating of such series of the Fund’s preferred shares.   As described by Moody’s and Fitch, any ratings assigned to the preferred shares are assessments of the capacity and willingness of the Fund to pay the obligations of each series of the preferred shares. Any ratings on the preferred shares are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell shares of any series, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The rating agency guidelines also do not address the likelihood that an owner of preferred shares will be able to sell such shares on an exchange, in an auction or otherwise. Any ratings would be based on current information furnished to Moody’s and Fitch by the Fund and the Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. Any ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information.   The rating agency guidelines would apply to the preferred shares, as the case may be, only so long as such rating agency is rating such shares at the request of the Fund. The Fund expects that it would pay fees to Moody’s and Fitch for rating any preferred shares.   Asset Maintenance Requirements. In addition to the requirements summarized under “—Rating Agency Guidelines” above, the Fund must satisfy asset maintenance requirements under the 1940 Act with respect to its preferred shares. Under the 1940 Act, debt or additional preferred shares may be issued only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets (less ordinary course liabilities) is at least 300% of the amount of any debt outstanding and at least 200% of the amount of any preferred shares and debt outstanding.   The Fund is and likely will be required under the Statement of Preferences of each series of preferred shares to determine whether it has, as of the last business day of each March, June, September and December of each year, an “asset coverage” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 200% (or such higher or lower percentage as may be required at the time under the 1940 Act) with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund that are debt or stock, including any outstanding preferred shares. If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required under the 1940 Act on such dates and such failure is not cured by a specific time (generally within 60 calendar days or 49 calendar days), the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See “—Redemption Procedures” below.     Distributions. Holders of any fixed rate preferred shares are or will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued.   Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Shares. So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase common shares) in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation), unless:   ● the Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative distributions on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the date of such common share dividend or distribution;   ● the Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and   ● after making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described under “—Asset Maintenance Requirements.”   No complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares for any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefor for all outstanding series of preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series as to distributions have been or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares as to the payment of distributions, any distributions being paid on the preferred shares will be paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. The Fund’s obligation to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due, on any of the Fund’s senior securities representing debt.   Mandatory Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements. The Fund may, at its option, consistent with its Governing Documents and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares in the event that:   ● the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements specified under the 1940 Act on a quarterly valuation date(generally the last business day of March, June, September and December) and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time, following such failure (60 calendar days in the case of the Series C Preferred Shares and Series E Preferred Shares); or   ● the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements as calculated in accordance with any applicable rating agency guidelines as of any monthly valuation date, and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time after such valuation date (typically 10 business days).   The redemption price for preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption will generally be the liquidation preference, as stated in the Statement of Preferences of each existing series of preferred shares or the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of any series of preferred shares, plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption, plus any applicable redemption premium determined by the Board and included in the Statement of Preferences.   The number of preferred shares that will be redeemed in the case of a mandatory redemption will equal the minimum number of outstanding preferred shares, the redemption of which, if such redemption had occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the applicable cure date, would have resulted in the relevant asset coverage requirement having been met or, if the required asset coverage cannot be so restored, all of the preferred shares. In the event that preferred shares are redeemed due to a failure to satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of preferred shares so that the Fund’s assets exceed the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that is, 220% asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Statement of Preferences. In the event that preferred shares are redeemed due to a failure to satisfy applicable rating agency guidelines (if any), the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of preferred shares so that the Fund’s discounted portfolio value (as determined in accordance with the applicable rating agency guidelines) after redemption exceeds the asset coverage requirements of each applicable rating agency by up to 10% (that is, 110% rating agency asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Statement of Preferences.     If the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise unable to redeem, all the preferred shares to be redeemed on any redemption date, the Fund will redeem on such redemption date that number of shares for which it has legally available funds, or is otherwise able to redeem, from the holders whose shares are to be redeemed ratably on the basis of the redemption price of such shares, and the remainder of those shares to be redeemed will be redeemed on the earliest practicable date on which the Fund will have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise able to redeem, such shares upon written notice of redemption.   If fewer than all of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion and subject to the limitations of its Governing Documents, the 1940 Act, and applicable law, will select the one or more series of preferred shares from which shares will be redeemed and the amount of preferred shares to be redeemed from each such series. If fewer than all preferred shares of a series are to be redeemed, such redemption will be made as among the holders of that series pro rata in accordance with the respective number of shares of such series held by each such holder on the record date for such redemption (or by such other equitable method as the Fund may determine). If fewer than all the preferred shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice of redemption mailed to such holder will specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder, which may be expressed as a percentage of shares held on the applicable record date.   Optional Redemption. Fixed rate preferred shares are not subject to optional redemption by the Fund until the date, if any, specified in the applicable Prospectus or Prospectus Supplement, unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to maintain the Fund’s status as a RIC under the Code. Commencing on such date and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem such fixed rate preferred shares in whole or in part for cash at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share plus accumulated and unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the redemption date plus any premium specified in or pursuant to the Statement of Preferences. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under “—Redemption Procedures” below and the limitations of the Governing Documents, the 1940 Act and applicable law.   Redemption Procedures. If the Fund determines or is required to redeem preferred shares, it will mail a notice of redemption to holders of the shares to be redeemed. Each notice of redemption will state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number or percentage of preferred shares to be redeemed (which may be expressed as a percentage of such shares outstanding), (iii) the CUSIP number(s) of such shares, (iv) the redemption price (specifying the amount of accumulated distributions to be included therein), (v) the place or places where such shares are to be redeemed, (vi) that dividends or distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the provision of the Statement of Preferences under which the redemption is being made and (viii) in the case of an optional redemption, any conditions precedent to such redemption. No defect in the notice of redemption or in the mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.   The redemption date with respect to fixed rate preferred shares will not be fewer than 30 days nor more than 60 days (subject to NYSE requirements) after the date of the applicable notice of redemption. Preferred shareholders may receive shorter notice in the event of a mandatory redemption.   The holders of preferred shares will not have the right to redeem any of their shares at their option except to the extent specified in the Statement of Preferences.   Liquidation Rights. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares then outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution, which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.     Voting Rights. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares and of any other preferred shares then outstanding as a single class.   In connection with the election of the Fund’s Trustees, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, will be entitled at all times to elect two of the Fund’s Trustees, and the remaining Trustees will be elected by holders of common shares and holders of preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends and distributions on outstanding preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends and distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees of the Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Statement of Preferences creating such shares, then the number of Trustees constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Trustees elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Trustees will be elected by the holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice. If the Fund fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Trustees at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding preferred shares for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional Trustees, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Trustees elected by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Trustees with respect to whose election the holders of common shares were entitled to vote or the two Trustees the holders of preferred shares have the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.   The 1940 Act requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s classification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end investment company or changes in its fundamental investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of the Statement of Preferences so as to in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences set forth in the Statement of Preferences. The class vote of holders of preferred shares described above will in each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.   The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient cash or cash equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred shares will have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.   Limitation on Issuance of Preferred Shares. So long as the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, subject to receipt of approval from the rating agencies of each series of preferred shares outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, the Fund may issue and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred shares provided that the Fund will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred shares and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof (including, without limitation, to the redemption of preferred shares to be redeemed out of such proceeds), have an “asset coverage” for all senior securities of the Fund which are stock, as defined in the 1940 Act, of at least 200% of the sum of the liquidation preference of the preferred shares of the Fund then outstanding and all indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities and no such additional preferred shares will have any preference or priority over any other preferred shares of the Fund upon the distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends or distributions.     The Fund will consider from time to time whether to offer additional preferred shares or securities representing indebtedness and may issue such additional securities if the Board concludes that such an offering would be consistent with the Fund’s Governing Documents and applicable law, and in the best interest of existing common shareholders.   Tenders and Repurchases. In addition to the redemption provisions described herein, the Fund may also tender for or purchase preferred shares (whether in private transactions or on the NYSE) and the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered for or purchased, subject to the provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents and the 1940 Act.   Book Entry. Preferred shares may be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of any preferred shares issued for all purposes in this circumstance. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of preferred shares whose preferred shares are held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for the DTC will be deemed the beneficial owners of stock purchased for purposes of distributions, voting and liquidation rights.
Business Contact [Member]
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Corporate Center
Entity Address, City or Town	Rye
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10580-1422
City Area Code	(914)
Local Phone Number	921-5070
Contact Personnel Name	John C. Ball
Common Stocks [Member]
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]
Share Price		$ 7.85
NAV Per Share		$ 10.18
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares]		11,836,415
Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference		$ 50
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares]		688,932
Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference		$ 10
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares]		1,287,000
Preferred Stocks [Member]
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]
Security Dividends [Text Block]	Distributions. Holders of any fixed rate preferred shares are or will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued.
Security Voting Rights [Text Block]	Voting Rights. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares and of any other preferred shares then outstanding as a single class.   In connection with the election of the Fund’s Trustees, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, will be entitled at all times to elect two of the Fund’s Trustees, and the remaining Trustees will be elected by holders of common shares and holders of preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends and distributions on outstanding preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends and distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees of the Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Statement of Preferences creating such shares, then the number of Trustees constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Trustees elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Trustees will be elected by the holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice. If the Fund fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Trustees at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding preferred shares for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional Trustees, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Trustees elected by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Trustees with respect to whose election the holders of common shares were entitled to vote or the two Trustees the holders of preferred shares have the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.   The 1940 Act requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s classification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end investment company or changes in its fundamental investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of the Statement of Preferences so as to in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences set forth in the Statement of Preferences. The class vote of holders of preferred shares described above will in each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.   The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient cash or cash equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred shares will have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.
Security Liquidation Rights [Text Block]	Liquidation Rights. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares then outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution, which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Preferred Stock Restrictions, Other [Text Block]	Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Shares. So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase common shares) in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation), unless:   ● the Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative distributions on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the date of such common share dividend or distribution;   ● the Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and   ● after making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described under “—Asset Maintenance Requirements.”   No complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares for any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefor for all outstanding series of preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series as to distributions have been or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares as to the payment of distributions, any distributions being paid on the preferred shares will be paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. The Fund’s obligation to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due, on any of the Fund’s senior securities representing debt.

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