Magnetar Financial LLC is a financial advisory firm based in Evanston, Illinois. It currently has approximately $24,733,045,065 of assets under management and employs about 190 people. Magnetar Financial LLC uses a fee structure of a percentage of assets under your management, fixed fees, performance-based fees and expense pass-through.

Romano Brothers & Co. is a dually registered broker-dealer and investment advisor established in 1962. The firm offers active and passive investment management, financial planning, and brokerage services. Their actively managed clients invest in various securities, while passively managed accounts utilize exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Romano Brothers & Co. follows a conservative, value-oriented investment approach, custom-tailoring recommendations based on individual client needs, risk tolerance, and asset allocation. As a registered investment advisor, Romano Brothers & Co. and its investment advisor representatives (IARs) have a fiduciary duty to act in clients' best interests. Clients can impose investment restrictions, and the firm provides personalized attention to meet specific needs. The firm may recommend a brokerage relationship for certain scenarios and an advisory relationship for others, depending on the client's needs and preferences. The firm's investment philosophy focuses on preserving capital and determining advantageous investment allocations among asset classes. They offer various investment strategies, including equity securities, ETFs, mutual funds, and fixed-income securities. Romano Brothers & Co. discloses potential conflicts of interest, such as additional compensation from principal fixed-income trades and 12b-1 fees paid on mutual funds. The firm's supervised employees, including Richard C. Romano, Joseph R. V. Romano, Douglas N. Geisser, Deborah L. Cross, Peter M. Hemwall, Brett P. Larson, and Scott M. Miller, adhere to a comprehensive Code of Ethics and are subject to supervision by the Chief Compliance Officer. Clients receive regular account reviews and performance reports, and the firm does not vote proxies on behalf of clients. Romano Brothers & Co. does not have custody of client assets but uses an independent auditor for annual custody audits. The firm's fee structure is based on a percentage of assets under management, with additional fees for certain services like wire transfers.

Industrial Opportunity Partners, LLC (IOP) is an investment adviser specializing in managing private equity funds, established in 2005. The firm focuses on generating long-term capital appreciation through equity investments in middle-market manufacturing and value-added distribution companies, particularly undermanaged businesses. IOP has full discretionary authority over investment decisions tailored to each Fund's objectives. The firm's Principals, Kenneth Tallering and Robert Vedra, manage approximately $1.341 billion in regulatory assets under management for the Funds. Clients, including institutional investors and high net worth individuals, typically commit a minimum of $5 million to invest in the Funds. IOP charges a management fee of 2.0% based on invested capital, with potential reductions based on portfolio company remuneration. The General Partners may receive a carried interest of up to 20%. IOP has a disciplined investment approach focusing on operational improvement and sales growth opportunities in manufacturing and distribution businesses. The firm emphasizes fundamental values, strategic partnerships, and ethical standards in its investment strategy. IOP has implemented compliance policies to address conflicts of interest and operates under a Code of Ethics to ensure professionalism and integrity. The firm does not engage in securities trading and provides continuous monitoring of portfolio companies. IOP's financial information is not provided due to specific regulatory exemptions.

Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC (FIA) is an independent investment adviser founded in 2011, based in Evanston, Illinois, with additional offices in North Carolina, New York, and South Carolina. FIA specializes in providing investment management and advisory services primarily to Fidus Investment Corporation (FIC), Fidus Equity Opportunities Fund, L.P. (FEOF), and Fidus Credit Opportunities, L.P. (FCO), collectively known as "Clients." FIA's services include determining portfolio composition, assisting with investment decisions, and providing other related services tailored to each Client's investment objectives. FIA's leadership team has over 25 years of experience per person investing in lower middle-market companies. FIA primarily focuses on making debt and equity investments in industries understood by its professionals, seeking to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns. The firm's investment process involves phases such as origination, evaluation, due diligence, documentation, and portfolio management. FIA's investment strategy includes senior loans, subordinated loans, and equity investments, with an emphasis on underwriting with an owner mentality, experienced management teams, and viable exit strategies. FIA's fee structure varies based on the Client, with FIC paying a base management fee and an incentive fee, while FEOF and FCO pay management fees based on their pro-rata share of invested capital. FIA may receive brokerage or research services from selected brokers or dealers, and it complies with the Custody Rule for certain Clients. FIA exercises investment discretion for FIC and the Existing Funds and may vote proxies for Client securities in their best interests. The firm has a Code of Ethics in place and does not pay referral fees for client introductions.

Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser established in 2003, located in Evanston, IL. The firm, led by Thomas H. Zimmerman (CFP®), offers personalized investment supervisory services and individual portfolio management on a discretionary basis. Clients' portfolios typically include mutual funds, ETFs, and closed-end funds, tailored to their objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. Financial planning services cover various aspects such as tax, investments, insurance, retirement, and estate planning. The firm manages approximately $434,787,788 in regulatory assets under management as of December 31, 2024. Fees for investment supervisory services are charged as a percentage of assets under management, with an initial minimum investment of $2,000,000 and a minimum annual fee of $20,000. Financial planning fees are determined based on the services provided and client circumstances, ranging from a percentage of assets to fixed or hourly fees. The firm does not charge performance-based fees and acts in a fiduciary capacity. Clients have the option to purchase recommended securities through brokers not affiliated with the firm. The firm does not engage solicitors for client referrals and has no disciplinary events to disclose. Clients receive regular account reviews and reports, and the firm votes proxies on behalf of clients unless instructed otherwise.

LFL Advisers, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission since its establishment in 2005. The firm primarily manages assets on a discretionary basis, focusing on long positions in publicly traded U.S. and non-U.S. common stocks. Additionally, LFL Advisers may invest in various other securities, including private securities, corporate debt, options, and derivatives. The firm's owner and manager, Peter C. Lewis, serves as the portfolio manager. As of December 31, 2024, LFL Advisers had approximately $447,128,000 in total discretionary gross assets under management. LFL Advisers charges a standard annual management fee of 0.5% of assets under management, payable quarterly. Clients may also be subject to an incentive allocation or fee of 15% of net profits exceeding a 6% hurdle return. The firm's compensation structure creates an incentive for potentially riskier investments. LFL Advisers' investment strategy focuses on fundamental analysis to provide attractive absolute returns while minimizing the risk of permanent capital loss. Clients of LFL Advisers include high-net-worth individuals, institutions, trusts, and pension plans. The minimum investment for the investment fund is $1,000,000, while separately managed accounts typically require a minimum of $50,000,000. The firm exercises investment discretion for client accounts, with clients having the ability to set investment objectives and restrictions. LFL Advisers also votes proxies on behalf of clients based on their best interests. The firm does not engage in solicitation activities or accept directed brokerage arrangements.

Pluscios Management LLC is a registered investment adviser specializing in alternative investment strategies and diverse investment managers. Established in June 2006, the firm offers services such as sub-fund selection, due diligence, asset allocation, and portfolio construction. Pluscios manages various funds, including Pluscios Fund LLC, Pluscios Offshore Fund SPC, and X2 Opportunistic Debt Fund LLC, with a total of $246 million in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. The firm charges management fees based on a specified percentage of each investor's account and incurs expenses for administrative services. Pluscios may negotiate different fees for accounts based on various factors. The firm may also receive performance-based fees for certain fund classes. Clients of Pluscios include high net worth individuals, pension plans, charitable institutions, and other institutional investors. Pluscios employs active portfolio management, selecting sub-funds and managers through a rigorous due diligence process. The firm's investment strategies include Absolute Value, Relative Value, Catalyst, Global Macro, Emerging Markets, and Private Credit, each offering distinct benefits and risks. Pluscios exercises investment discretion in a manner consistent with clients' objectives and provides ongoing monitoring and reporting of fund performance. The firm also has a robust Code of Ethics and Proxy Voting Policies to ensure compliance and transparency in its operations.

Magnetar Asset Management LLC is a financial advisory firm based in Evanston, Illinois. It currently has approximately $130,993,235 of assets under management and employs about 80 people. Magnetar Asset Management LLC uses a fee structure of and a percentage of assets under your management.