# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001512931
**File Stem:** 0001140361-26-014615
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 74801
**Document Hash:** c19a389de19dc2371d9e299f0e780064
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001140361-26-014615.hdr.sgml**: 20260414

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001140361-26-014615

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 13

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260414

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Material Modifications to Rights of Security Holders

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Changes in Control of Registrant

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260414

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260414

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** MONROE CAPITAL Corp
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001512931

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 274895840
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NY
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-35712
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26861336

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 155 NORTH WACKER DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** FLOOR 35
- **CITY:** CHICAGO
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60606
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 312-258-8300

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 155 NORTH WACKER DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** FLOOR 35
- **CITY:** CHICAGO
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60606

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

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### UNITED STATES

### SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

#### WASHINGTON, DC 20549

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### FORM 8-K

#### CURRENT REPORT

#### Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

#### Securities Exchange Act of 1934

#### Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): April 14, 2026

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## MONROE CAPITAL CORPORATION

#### (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>MARYLAND</u>**<br>| **<u>814-00866</u>**<br>| **<u>27-4895840</u>**<br>|
| **(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)** | **(Commission File Number)** | **(IRS Employer Identification No.)** |

---

#### 155 North Wacker Drive, Floor 35, Chicago, IL 60606

#### (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
<u>(312) 258-8300</u>

#### Registrant's telephone number, including area code

#### N/A

#### (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (*see* General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share<br>| MRCC<br>| The Nasdaq Global Select Market<br>|

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b- 2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Emerging growth company: ☐

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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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#### Introductory Note
*Asset Sale*

On April 14, 2026, Monroe Capital Corporation (the "Company") completed the previously announced sale of the Company's investment assets to Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation ("MCIP"), a Maryland corporation (such transaction, the "Asset Sale"). The Asset Sale was completed pursuant to the terms of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 7, 2025 (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"), by and among the Company, MCIP and Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC ("Monroe Advisor"), a Delaware limited liability company and investment adviser to the Company. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, at the closing of the Asset Sale, MCIP delivered to the Company an aggregate purchase price of approximately $335.3 million, equal to the fair value of the Purchased Assets (as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement) as of April 11, 2026, at which time the Company sold to MCIP all of its investment assets and MCIP assumed certain liabilities with respect to such assets.

The Asset Sale was structured to comply with the safe harbor provision of Rule 17a-8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). In connection with the transaction, the Company used a portion of the gross proceeds received from the Asset Sale to repay all amounts outstanding under the ING Facility (as defined below).

The foregoing description of the Asset Purchase Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Asset Purchase Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 8, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference.

*Merger*

On April 14, 2026, immediately following the consummation of the Asset Sale, the Company completed its previously announced merger with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation ("HRZN"), a Delaware corporation, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of August 7, 2025, by and among the Company, HRZN, HMMS, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a Maryland corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of HRZN, Monroe Advisor, and Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC ("HRZN Advisor"), a Delaware limited liability company and investment adviser to HRZN. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was first merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of HRZN (the "Initial Merger") and, immediately following the Initial Merger, the Company was merged with and into HRZN, with HRZN as the surviving company (the "Second Merger" and, together with the Initial Merger, collectively, the "Mergers"). The Mergers became effective on April 14, 2026, and as of the effective time of the Mergers, the Company's separate existence ceased. In connection with the consummation of the Mergers, the Company withdrew its election to be treated as a business development company, pursuant to the provisions of Section 54(c) of the 1940 Act. The Mergers were structured to comply with the safe harbor provision of Rule 17a-8 of the 1940 Act.

In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Initial Merger (the "Effective Time"), each share of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company ("MRCC Common Stock") issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for shares, if any, owned by HRZN or any of its consolidated subsidiaries, was converted into the right to receive 0.9402 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of HRZN ("HRZN Common Stock") (with the Company's stockholders receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares of MRCC Common Stock). As a result of the Mergers, HRZN will issue an aggregate of approximately 20,370,693 shares of HRZN Common Stock to holders of MRCC Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, prior to any adjustment for cash to be received in lieu of fractional shares.

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 8, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 1.02.** | **Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.** |

---

In connection with the closing of the Asset Sale, and immediately prior to the completion of the Initial Merger, the Company repaid in full all outstanding amounts due in connection with, and terminated all commitments under, that certain Second Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated March 1, 2019, as amended, by and among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent (the "ING Facility").

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In connection with the closing of the Mergers, the Company also terminated the following material agreements:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, dated March 31, 2025, by and between the Company and Monroe Advisor; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Administration Agreement, dated October 22, 2012, by and between the Company and Monroe Capital Management Advisors, LLC.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 2.01.** | **Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.** |

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The information set forth in the Introductory Note above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 3.01.** | **Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing.** |

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In connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, on April 14, 2026, the Company notified The Nasdaq Global Select Market LLC ("Nasdaq") of the consummation of the Mergers and requested that Nasdaq file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a Form 25 Notification of Removal from Listing and/or Registration on April 14, 2026, to effect the delisting of MRCC Common Stock from Nasdaq and the deregistration of MRCC Common Stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The Company intends to file with the SEC a certification on Form 15 under the Exchange Act requesting the deregistration of MRCC Common Stock under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and the suspension of the Company's reporting obligations under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

The information set forth in the Introductory Note above is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.01.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 3.03.** | **Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.** |

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The information set forth in the Introductory Note above is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.01.** | **Changes in Control of Registrant.** |

---

As a result of the Initial Merger, a change in control of the Company occurred and the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of HRZN. The information set forth in the Introductory Note above is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.02.** | **Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.** |

---

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, as of the Effective Time, (i) each of the named officers and directors of the Company ceased to be officers and directors of the Company as of the Effective Time (and not because of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices) and (ii) the director and officers of Merger Sub as of immediately prior to the Effective Time became the director and officers of the Company.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.03.** | **Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Changes in Fiscal Year.** |

---

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, the articles of incorporation of the Company were amended and restated and the bylaws of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, became the bylaws of the Company (as the surviving corporation in the Initial Merger). The articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company (as the surviving corporation in the Initial Merger), each as in effect immediately following the Effective Time, are attached hereto as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01.** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.** |

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(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Exhibits*.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [2.1^](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1512931/000110465925075721/tm2522963d1_ex2-1.htm) | Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, HMMS, Inc., Monroe Capital Corporation, Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC and Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, dated as of August 7, 2025 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00866) filed on August 8, 2025). |
| [2.2^](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1512931/000110465925075721/tm2522963d1_ex2-2.htm) | Asset Purchase Agreement, by and among Monroe Capital Corporation, Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation and Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC, dated as of August 7, 2025 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00866) filed on August 8, 2025).<br>|
| [3.1\*](ef20070437_ex3-1.htm) | Articles of Incorporation, dated as of April 14, 2026 |
| [3.2\*](ef20070437_ex3-2.htm) | Bylaws, dated as of April 14, 2026 |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |

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\* Filed herewith

^ Exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.

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#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, as successor by merger to Monroe Capital Corporation** | **Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, as successor by merger to Monroe Capital Corporation** |
| Date: April 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ Michael P. Balkin |
|  | Name: Michael P. Balkin | Name: Michael P. Balkin |
|  | Title: Chief Executive Officer | Title: Chief Executive Officer |

---

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## Exhibit 3.1

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**Exhibit 3.1**<br>

#### AMENDED AND RESTATED CHARTER

#### OF

#### MONROE CAPITAL CORPORATION
<u>FIRST</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The name of the corporation (which is hereinafter called the "Corporation") is:

Monroe Capital Corporation

<u>SECOND</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as of now or hereafter in force.

<u>THIRD</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 2405 York Road, Suite 201, Timonium, Maryland 21093.

<u>FOURTH</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 2405 York Road, Suite 201, Timonium, Maryland 21093. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

<u>FIFTH</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation has authority to issue is 100 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share. The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having a par value is $0.10. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board of Directors"), with the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors and without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

<u>SIXTH</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Corporation shall have a Board of Directors of one director unless the number is increased or decreased in accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation. However, the number of directors shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law. The director is Michael Balkin.

<u>SEVENTH</u>: (a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Corporation reserves the right to make any amendment of the charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment which alters the contract rights, as expressly set forth in the charter, of any shares of outstanding stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of its stock of any class, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities convertible into shares of its stock of any class, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the Board of Directors may deem advisable, subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Board of Directors may, by articles supplementary, classify or reclassify any unissued stock from time to time by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption of the stock.

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<u>EIGHTH</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No holder of shares of stock of any class shall have any preemptive right to subscribe to or purchase any additional shares of any class, or any bonds or convertible securities of any nature; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may, in authorizing the issuance of shares of stock of any class, confer any preemptive right that the Board of Directors may deem advisable in connection with such issuance.

<u>NINTH</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers, subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") to the extent applicable, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the charter or Bylaws of the Corporation inconsistent with this Article, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

<u>TENTH</u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Corporation shall have the power, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to obligate itself to indemnify, and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to, (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his status as a present or former director or officer of the Corporation. The Corporation shall have the power, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to provide such indemnification and advancement of expenses to a person who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. Any indemnification or advance of expenses made pursuant to this Article shall be subject to applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the charter or Bylaws of the Corporation inconsistent with this Article, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of this Article with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

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## Exhibit 3.2

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**Exhibit 3.2**<br>

#### MONROE CAPITAL CORPORATION

#### BYLAWS

#### ARTICLE I

#### OFFICES
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>PRINCIPAL OFFICE</u>. The principal office of Monroe Capital Corporation (the "<u>Corporation</u>") in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>ADDITIONAL OFFICES</u>. The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

#### ARTICLE II

#### MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>PLACE</u>. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>ANNUAL MEETING</u>. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on a date and at the time set by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>SPECIAL MEETINGS</u>. The chairman of the board, president, chief executive officer or Board of Directors may call a special meeting of the stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such request shall state the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at such meeting. The secretary shall inform such stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing notice of the meeting and, upon payment to the Corporation by such stockholders of such costs, the secretary shall give notice to each stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting.

Section 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>NOTICE</u>. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, either by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder's residence or usual place of business, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the U.S. mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder's address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting.

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Any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice.

Section 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT</u>. Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chairman of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment, by the chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chairman of the Board of Directors, by one of the following officers present at the meeting: the vice chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, the chief executive officer, if any, the president, the vice presidents in their order of rank and seniority, the secretary, the treasurer, or, in the absence of such officers, a chairman chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary, or, in the secretary's absence, an assistant secretary, or in the absence of both the secretary and assistant secretaries, a person appointed by the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such appointment, a person appointed by the chairman of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of the stockholders, an assistant secretary, or in the absence of assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chairman of the meeting. The chairman of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of such chairman and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance or participation at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and other such individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (c) limiting the time allotted to questions or comments; (d) determining when and for how long the polls should be open and when the polls should be closed; (e) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (f) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chairman of the meeting; (g) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting to a later date and time and place announced at the meeting and (h) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security. Unless otherwise determined by the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

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Section 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>QUORUM</u>. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders (without regard to class) entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders, except with respect to any such matter that, under applicable statutes or regulatory requirements or the charter of the Corporation (the "<u>Charter</u>"), requires approval by a separate vote of the holders of one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of stock of each such class on such a matter shall constitute a quorum. This section shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the Charter for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter.

If such quorum is not established at any meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may conclude the meeting or adjourn the meeting from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

The stockholders present, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

Section 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VOTING</u>. Except in a contested election, a nominee for director shall be elected as a director only if such nominee receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast "for" or "against" such nominee at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present. In a contested election, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present. An election shall be considered contested if, as of the date of the proxy statement for the meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, there are more nominees for election than the number of directors to be elected. Each share entitles the holder thereof to vote for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the holder is entitled to vote. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless a different number or proportion is required by statute or by the Charter. Unless otherwise provided by statute or the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.

Section 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>PROXIES</u>. A stockholder of record may vote in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder's duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS</u>. Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, a general partner, trustee, manager or member thereof, as the case may be, or by a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity, or an agreement of the partners of such partnership, presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any trustee or other fiduciary may vote stock registered in the name of such person in such person's capacity as such trustee or other fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.

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Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

Section 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>INSPECTORS</u>. The Board of Directors, in advance of any meeting, may, but need not, appoint one or more individual inspectors or one or more entities that designate individuals as inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If an inspector or inspectors are not appointed, the person presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors. In case any person who may be appointed as an inspector fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Board of Directors in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the chairman of the meeting. The inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chairman of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be *prima facie* evidence thereof.

Section 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VOTING BY BALLOT</u>. Voting on any question or in any election may be <u>viva voce</u> unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

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#### ARTICLE III

#### DIRECTORS
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>GENERAL POWERS</u>. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>NUMBER, TENURE AND RESIGNATION</u>. A majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "<u>MGCL</u>"), nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

Section 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS</u>. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary. In the event such meeting is not so held, the meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors.

Section 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>SPECIAL MEETINGS</u>. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president of the Corporation, or by a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without notice other than such resolution.

Section 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>NOTICE</u>. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, U.S. mail or courier to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by U.S. mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by U.S. mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the U.S. mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

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Section 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>QUORUM</u>. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to applicable law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

Section 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VOTING</u>. The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the Charter, these Bylaws or the rules of any stock exchange upon which the Corporation's stock is then listed or traded. If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by law, the Charter, these Bylaws or the rules of any stock exchange upon which the Corporation's stock is then listed or traded.

Section 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>ORGANIZATION</u>. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors or, in the absence of the chairman, the vice chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, shall act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of both the chairman and vice chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, if the chief executive officer is a director, or, in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president, if the president is a director, or, in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chairman of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

Section 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>TELEPHONE MEETINGS</u>. Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING</u>. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

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Section 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VACANCIES</u>. If for any reason any or all the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder, if any. Pursuant to the Corporation's election in Article V of the Charter, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock and except as may be required by the Investment Company Act, (a) any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum and (b) any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

Section 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>COMPENSATION</u>. Directors shall be entitled to receive such compensation from the Corporation for their services as may from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>RELIANCE</u>. Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person's professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

Section 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>EMERGENCY PROVISIONS</u>. Notwithstanding any other provision in the charter or these Bylaws, this Section 14 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors under Article III of these Bylaws cannot readily be obtained (an "<u>Emergency</u>"). During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, (i) a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any directors or officer by any means feasible under the circumstances; (ii) notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an Emergency may be given less than 24 hours prior to the meeting to as many directors and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio; (iii) the number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum shall be one-third of the entire Board of Directors.

Section 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>RATIFICATION</u>. The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify and make binding on the Corporation any action or inaction by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the matter. Moreover, any action or inaction questioned in any proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned action or inaction had been originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.

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Section 16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CERTAIN RIGHTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS</u>. Any director or officer, in his or her personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate, employee, or agent of any other person, or otherwise, may have business interests and engage in business activities similar to, in addition to or in competition with those of or relating to the Corporation.

#### ARTICLE IV

#### COMMITTEES
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS</u>. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a Compensation Committee and other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>POWERS</u>. The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article IV any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, any committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority to one or more subcommittees, composed of one or more directors, as the committee deems appropriate in its sole discretion.

Section 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>MEETINGS</u>. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chairman of any committee, and such chairman or, in the absence of a chairman, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide. In the absence of any member of any such committee, the members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint another director to act in the place of such absent member.

Section 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>TELEPHONE MEETINGS</u>. Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time; provided, however, this Section 4 does not apply to any action of the directors pursuant to the Investment Company Act that requires the vote of the directors be cast in person at a meeting. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

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Section 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING</u>. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee Subject to the power of the Board of Directors, the members of the committee shall have the power to fill any vacancies on the committee.

Section 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VACANCIES</u>. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate alternate members to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee. Subject to the power of the Board of Directors, the members of the committee shall have the power to fill any vacancies on the committee.

#### ARTICLE V

#### OFFICERS
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>GENERAL PROVISIONS</u>. The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, a chief compliance officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers or other officers. Each officer shall serve until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION</u>. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

Section 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VACANCIES</u>. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.

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Section 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER</u>. The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer of the Corporation. In the absence of such designation, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>PRESIDENT</u>. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Board of Directors, the president of the Corporation shall be the chief executive officer. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>VICE PRESIDENTS</u>. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president of the Corporation (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>SECRETARY</u>. The secretary of the Corporation shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president.

Section 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>TREASURER</u>. The treasurer of the Corporation shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president. In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

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The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

If required by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his or her office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his or her death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, moneys and other property of whatever kind in his or her possession or under his or her control belonging to the Corporation.

Section 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>ASSISTANT</u> <u>SECRETARIES</u><u> </u><u>AND</u> <u>ASSISTANT</u> <u>TREASURERS</u>. The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president or by the secretary or treasurer.

#### ARTICLE VI

#### CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CONTRACTS</u>. The Board of Directors or any manager of the Corporation approved by the Board of Directors and acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement with the Corporation may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors or a manager acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement and executed by the chief executive officer, the president or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or such a manager.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CHECKS AND DRAFTS</u>. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>DEPOSITS</u>. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may designate.

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#### ARTICLE VII

#### STOCK
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CERTIFICATES; REQUIRED INFORMATION</u>. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation held by them. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in the manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Corporation shall provide to record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no differences in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>TRANSFERS</u>. All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed. The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

Section 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE</u>. Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation has determined that such certificates may be issued. Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

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Section 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>FIXING OF RECORD DATE</u>. Subject to Section 3(b) of Article II of these Bylaws, a record date may be set, in advance, for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders, by the chairman of the Board of Directors, the president or the Board of Directors, whoever shall have called the meeting. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if adjourned or postponed, except if the meeting is adjourned or postponed to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting may be determined as set forth herein.

When a determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, except when the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the record date fixed for the original meeting, in which case a new record date shall be determined as set forth herein.

Section 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>STOCK LEDGER</u>. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

Section 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS</u>. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional stock on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Charter or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may issue units consisting of different securities of the Corporation. Any security issued in a unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical security issued by the Corporation, except that the Board of Directors may provide that, for a specified period, securities of the Corporation issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Corporation only in such unit.

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#### ARTICLE VIII

#### ACCOUNTING YEAR
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall initially be twelve months ending on December 31. The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

#### ARTICLE IX

#### DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>AUTHORIZATION</u>. Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>CONTINGENCIES</u>. Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

#### ARTICLE X

#### SEAL
Section 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>SEAL</u>. The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words "Incorporated Maryland," or shall be in such other form as may approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

Section 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>AFFIXING SEAL</u>. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word "(SEAL)" adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

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#### ARTICLE XI

#### INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES
To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, member, manager or trustee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter and these Bylaws shall vest immediately upon the election of a director or officer. The Corporation may, with the approval of its Board of Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof, provide such indemnification and advance for expenses to an individual who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise. Any indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses made pursuant to this Article XI shall be subject to applicable requirements and limitations of the Investment Company Act.

Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of Charter or these Bylaws inconsistent with this Article, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding paragraph with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

#### ARTICLE XII

#### WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened.

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#### ARTICLE XIII

#### INSPECTION OF RECORDS
A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation's books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

#### ARTICLE XIV

#### INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT
If and to the extent that any provision of the MGCL, including Subtitle 6 and, if then applicable, Subtitle 7, of Title 3 of the MGCL, or any provision of the charter or these Bylaws conflicts with any provision of the Investment Company Act, the applicable provision of the Investment Company Act shall control.

#### ARTICLE XIV

#### EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LITIGATION
Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the stockholders of the Corporation, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL, the Charter or these Bylaws or (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

#### ARTICLE XVI

#### AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power, at any time, to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.

Adopted April 14, 2026

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