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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 10, 2016
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any. See "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Optional Redemption:* If a Change of Control Event (defined
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following the Change of Control Event to redeem all the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, the distribution rate
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Investing in the Series A Preferred Units involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-7.
We intend to apply to list the Series A Preferred Units on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the
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symbol "
." If the application is approved, we expect trading of the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE to
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begin within 30 days after the Series A Preferred Units are first issued.
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
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(2) Assumes no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option described below.
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supplement, up to
additional Series A Preferred Units on the same terms and conditions set forth above, solely
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The underwriters expect that the units will be delivered to purchasers in global form through the book-entry
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UBS Investment Bank
NVells Fargo Securities
O t,9 March
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EFTA01108547
Prospectus Supplement
Page
Page
About This Prospectus Supplement
iii
Book-Entry, Delivery, and Form
S-31
Summary
S-1
Additional Material U.S. Federal Income
Risk Factors
S-7
Tax Considerations
S-33
Use of Proceeds
S-19
Certain ERISA Considerations
S-35
Capitalization
S-20
Underwriting
S-38
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial
Legal Matters
S-43
Data
S-21
Experts
S-43
Description of the Series A Preferred
Where You Can Find More Information . S-44
Units
S-23
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated or
deemed incorporated herein, have been prepared using a number of stylistic conventions, which you
should consider when reading the information herein or therein. Unless otherwise expressly stated or the
context otherwise requires:
(i) references to "KKR," "we," "us," "our" and "our partnership" refer to KKR & Co. LP and
its consolidated subsidiaries. Prior to KKR & Co. LP. becoming listed on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") on July 15, 2010, KKR Group Holdings L.P. ("Group Holdings") consolidated
the financial results of KKR Management Holdings L.P. and KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and their
consolidated subsidiaries. On August 5, 2014, KKR International Holdings LP became a KKR Group
Partnership. We refer to KKR Management Holdings LP., KKR Fund Holdings LP and KKR
International Holdings L.P. collectively as the "KKR Group Partnerships". Each KKR Group
Partnership has an identical number of partner interests and, when held together, one Class A partner
interest in each of the KKR Group Partnerships together represents one KKR Group Partnership
Unit;
(ii) references to "our Managing Partner" are to KKR Management LLC, which acts as our
general partner and unless otherwise indicated, references to equity interests in KKR's business, or to
percentage interests in KKR's business, reflect the aggregate equity of the KKR Group Partnerships
and are net of amounts that have been allocated to our principals and other employees and
non-employee operating consultants in respect of the carried interest from KKR's business as part of
our "carry pool" and certain minority interests. References to "principals" are to our senior
employees and non-employee operating consultants who hold interests in KKR's business through
KKR Holdings L.P., which we refer to as "KKR Holdings," and references to our "senior principals"
are to our senior employees who hold interests in our Managing Partner entitling them to vote for the
election of its directors;
(iii) references to non-employee operating consultants include employees of KKR Capstone and
are not employees of KKR. KKR Capstone refers to a group of entities that are owned and controlled
by their senior management. KKR Capstone is not a subsidiary or affiliate of KKR. KKR Capstone
operates under several consulting agreements with KKR and uses the "KKR" name under license
from KKR; and
(iv) references to "unitholders" refer to the holder of any limited partnership interest in the
registrant, whether common or preferred.
EFTA01108548
Prior to October 1, 2009, KKR's business was conducted through multiple entities for which there was
no single holding entity, but were under common control of senior KKR principals, and in which senior
principals and KKR's other principals and individuals held ownership interests (collectively, the
"Predecessor Owners"). On October 1, 2009, we completed the acquisition of all of the assets and
liabilities of KKR & Co. (Guernsey) L.P. (f/c/a KKR Private Equity Investors, LP or "KPE") and, in
connection with such acquisition, completed a series of transactions pursuant to which the business of
KKR was reorganized into a holding company structure. The reorganization involved a contribution of
certain equity interests in KKR's business that were held by KKR's Predecessor Owners to the KKR Group
Partnerships in exchange for equity interests in the KKR Group Partnerships held through KKR Holdings.
We refer to the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of KPE and to our subsequent reorganization into a
holding company structure as the "KPE Transaction."
In this prospectus supplement, the term "GAAP" refers to accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
We disclose certain financial measures in this prospectus that are calculated and presented using
methodologies other than in accordance with GAAP. We believe that providing these performance
measures on a supplemental basis to our GAAP results is helpful to unitholders in assessing the overall
performance of KKR's businesses. These financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for
similar financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, if available. We caution readers that these
non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the calculations of other investment managers, and as a
result, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other investment managers.
Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures
calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, where applicable, can be found in our annual report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein.
EFTA01108549
This document consists of two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the
specific terms of this offering. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which describes more
general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. You should read both this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus, together with additional information described under the
heading "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus supplement.
If the description of the offering varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.
Any statement made in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to
be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement
contained in this prospectus supplement or in any other subsequently filed document that is also
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement modifies or
supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement. See "Where You Can Find
More Information" in this prospectus supplement.
We are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying
prospectus, any related free writing prospectus issued by us and the documents incorporated or deemed
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not,
and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information, and neither we
nor the underwriters take responsibility for any other information that others may give you. This
prospectus supplement may be used only where it is legal to sell the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby.
You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any
related free writing prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed incorporated herein by reference
is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of those respective documents. Our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.
iii
EFTA01108550
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected infomiation contained elsewhere or incorporated or deemed incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and does not contain all of the
information you should consider when making your investment decision. We urge you to read all of this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated or deemed incorporated
by reference, including our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, carefully to gain a fuller
understanding of our business and the terms of the Series A Preferred Units, as well as some of the other
considerations that may be important to you, before making your investment decision. You should pay special
attention to the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and our
annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 to determine whether an investment in
the Series A Preferred Units is appropriate for you.
Overview
We are a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes
including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. We aim to generate
attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-
class people, and driving growth and value creation in the assets we manage. We invest our own capital
alongside the capital we manage for fund investors and bring debt and equity investment opportunities to
others through our capital markets business.
Our business offers a broad range of investment management services to our fund investors and
provides capital markets services to our firm, our portfolio companies and third parties. Throughout our
history, we have consistently been a leader in the private equity industry, having completed more than
260 private equity investments in portfolio companies with a total transaction value in excess of
$515 billion. We have grown our firm by expanding our geographical presence and building businesses in
areas, such as credit, special situations, hedge funds, collateralized loan obligations, capital markets.
infrastructure, energy and real estate. Our balance sheet has provided a significant source of capital in the
growth and expansion of our business, and has allowed us to further align our interests with those of our
fund investors. These efforts build on our core principles and industry expertise, allowing us to leverage the
intellectual capital and synergies in our businesses, and to capitalize on a broader range of the
opportunities we source. Additionally, we have increased our focus on meeting the needs of our existing
fund investors and in developing relationships with new investors in our funds.
We conduct our business with offices throughout the world, providing us with a pre-eminent global
platform for sourcing transactions, raising capital and carrying out capital markets activities. Our growth
has been driven by value that we have created through our operationally focused investment approach, the
expansion of our existing businesses, our entry into new lines of business, innovation in the products that
we offer investors in our funds, an increased focus on providing tailored solutions to our clients and the
integration of capital markets distribution activities.
As a global investment firm, we earn management, monitoring, transaction, incentive fees and carried
interest for providing investment management, monitoring and other services to our funds, vehicles.
collateralized loan obligations, managed accounts and portfolio companies, and we generate transaction-
specific income from capital markets transactions. We earn additional investment income from investing
our own capital alongside that of our fund investors, from other assets on our balance sheet and from the
carried interest we receive from our funds and certain of our other investment vehicles. A carried interest
entitles the sponsor of a fund to a specified percentage of investment gains that are generated on third-
party capital that is invested.
Our investment teams have deep industry knowledge and are supported by a substantial and
diversified capital base, an integrated global investment platform, the expertise of operating consultants
and senior advisors and a worldwide network of business relationships that provide a significant source of
S-I
EFTA01108551
investment opportunities, specialized knowledge during due diligence and substantial resources for
creating and realizing value for stakeholders. These teams invest capital, a substantial portion of which is
of a long duration and not subject to redemption. With over 75% of our fee paying assets under
management not subject to redemption for at least 8 years from inception, we have significant flexibility to
grow investments and select exit opportunities. We believe that these aspects of our business will help us
continue to expand and grow our business and deliver strong investment performance in a variety of
economic and financial conditions.
Business Segments
Private Markets
Through our Private Markets segment, we manage and sponsor a group of private equity funds and
co-investment vehicles that invest capital for long-term appreciation, either through controlling ownership
of a company or strategic minority positions. We also manage and sponsor a group of funds and
co-investment vehicles that invest capital in real assets, such as infrastructure, energy and real estate.
Public Markets
Through the Public Markets segment, we operate our combined credit and hedge funds businesses.
Our credit business advises funds, CLOs, separately managed accounts, and investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including a business development
company, undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities, and alternative investments
funds, which invest capital in (i) leveraged credit strategies, such as leveraged loans, high yield bonds and
opportunistic credit, and (ii) alternative credit strategies such as mezzanine investments, direct lending
investments, special situations investments and long/short credit investment strategies. Our Public Markets
segment also includes our hedge funds business that offers a variety of investment strategies including
customized hedge fund portfolios and hedge fund-of-fund solutions. Through our Public Markets segment.
we also have developed strategic partnerships by acquiring minority stakes in other hedge fund managers.
Capital Markets
Our Capital Markets segment is comprised primarily of our global capital markets business. Our
capital markets business supports our firm, our portfolio companies and third-party clients by developing
and implementing both traditional and non-traditional capital solutions for investments or companies
seeking financing. KKR Capital Markets LLC is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and a FINRA member.
and we are also registered or authorized to easy out certain broker-dealer activities in various countries in
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Our third party capital markets activities are
generally carried out through Merchant Capital Solutions LLC, a joint venture with one other unaffiliated
partner, and non-bank financial companies in India.
Principal Activities
Through our Principal Activities segment, we manage the firm's own assets and deploy capital to
support and grow our businesses. We use our Principal Activities assets to support our investment
management and capital markets businesses. Typically, the funds in our Private Markets and Public
Markets businesses contractually require us, as general partner of the funds, to make sizable capital
commitments from time to time. We believe our general partner commitments are indicative of the
conviction we have in a given fund's strategy, which assists us in raising new funds from limited partners.
Our Principal Activities assets also provide the required capital to fund the various commitments of our
Capital Markets business when underwriting or syndicating securities, or when providing term loan
commitments for transactions involving our portfolio companies and for third parties. We also make
opportunistic investments through our Principal Activities segment, which include co-investments
S-2
EFTA01108552
alongside our Private Markets and Public Markets funds, as well as make Principal Activities investments
that do not involve our Private Markets or Public Markets funds.
Organizational Structure
We are a holding partnership formed as a Delaware limited partnership on June 25, 2007. Through
our wholly-owned subsidiaries, we hold equity interests in, and conduct all of our material business
activities through KKR Management Holdings L.P., KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and KKR International
Holdings LP., collectively, the "KKR Group Partnerships." We indirectly are the general partner of each
of the KKR Group Partnerships and hold a number of KKR Group Partnership Units equal to the number
of common units that we have issued, not including unvested units. Accordingly, we indirectly control all of
the business and affairs of the KKR Group Partnerships and consolidate the financial results of the KKR
Group Partnerships and its consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015, we held approximately
55.9% of the total number of the KKR Group Partnership Units with the remaining KKR Group
Partnership Units being held by current and former KKR principals through KKR Holdings LP. Our
common units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "KKR."
Each KKR Group Partnership has an identical number of Class A partner interests and, when held
together, one Class A partner interest in each of the KKR Group Partnerships together represents one
KKR Group Partnership unit ("KKR Group Partnership Unit"). KKR Group Partnership units that are
held by KKR Holdings L.P. are exchangeable for our common units on a one-for-one basis, subject to
customary conversion rate adjustments for splits, unit distributions and reclassifications and compliance
with applicable lock-up, vesting and transfer restrictions. The Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will
not be exchangeable or convertible into common units or any other class or series of our interests or any
other security.
We are managed by KKR Management LLC, our general partner, which we refer to as our Managing
Partner. Our Managing Partner has a board of directors that is co-chaired by KKR's founders, Henry
Kravis and George Roberts, who also serve as Co-Chief Executive Officers. KKR's senior principals
control our Managing Partner. We reimburse our Managing Partner and its affiliates for all costs incurred
in managing and operating us, and our limited partnership agreement provides that our Managing Partner
will determine the expenses that are allocable to us.
Our executive offices are located at 9 West 57th Street, Suite 4200, New York, NY, 10019, and our
telephone number is (212) 750-8300.
S-3
EFTA01108553
THE OFFERING
This summary is not a complete description of the Series A Preferred Units. You should read the full text
and more specific details contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
For a more detailed description of the Series A Preferred Units, see the section entitled 'Description of the
Series A Preferred Units" in this prospectus supplement.
In this portion of the summary, the temis "we," "us" and "our" refer only to KKR & Co. L.P. and not to
any of our subsidiaries.
Issuer
Series A Preferred Units
Liquidation Preference
Option to Purchase Additional
Units
Maturity
Distributions
IUCR St Co. LP.
% Series A Preferred Units.
$25.00 per Series A Preferred Unit.
We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase, exercisable
within 30 days of the date of this prospectus supplement, up to an
additional
Series A Preferred Units, at the public offering
price less the underwriting discount, solely to cover over-allotments, if
any.
The Series A Preferred Units do not have a maturity date, and we are
not required to redeem or repurchase the Series A Preferred Units.
Accordingly, the Series A Preferred Units will remain outstanding
indefinitely unless we decide to redeem or repurchase them.
When, as, and if declared by the board of directors of our Managing
Partner out of funds legally available, distributions on the Series A
Preferred Units will be payable quarterly on March 15, June 15.
September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning June 15.
2016, at a rate per annum equal to
%. Distributions on the
Series A Preferred Units are non-cumulative. If the board of directors
of our Managing Partner does not declare a distribution before the
scheduled record date for any distribution period, we will not make a
distribution in that distribution period, whether or not distributions on
the Series A Preferred Units are declared or paid for any future
distribution period.
Unless distributions have been declared and paid or declared and set
apart for payment on the Series A Preferred Units for the
then-current quarterly distribution period, during such distribution
period we may not repurchase any common units or junior units (as
defined herein) and we may not declare or pay or set apart payment
for distributions on any common units or junior units for such
distribution period, other than distributions paid in junior units or
options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase junior units.
S-4
EFTA01108554
Amount Payable in Liquidation .
If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up, then the holders of the Series A
Preferred Units outstanding at such time will be entitled to receive a
payment out of our assets available for distribution to such holders
equal to the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per Series A
Preferred Unit and declared and unpaid distributions, if any, to, but
excluding, the date we liquidate, dissolve or wind up (the "Preferred
Unit Liquidation Value"), to the extent that we have sufficient gross
income (excluding any gross income attributable to the sale or
exchange of capital assets) in the year of our liquidation, dissolution
or winding up and in the prior years in which the Series A Preferred
Units have been outstanding to ensure that each holder of Series A
Preferred Units will have a capital account balance equal to the
Preferred Unit Liquidation Value. We refer to our gross income
(excluding any gross income attributable to sale or exchange of capital
assets) as our "gross ordinary income."
Based on current information, we believe we will have sufficient gross
ordinary income in calendar year 2016 to ensure that the holders of
the Series A Preferred Units will have capital account balances that
entitle each holder, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, to
the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value, but no assurance can be
provided regarding the level of our future gross income. See
"Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Liquidation
Preference."
Optional Redemption
We may redeem, at our option, the Series A Preferred Units, in whole
or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2021 at a price of $25.00
per Series A Preferred Unit plus declared and unpaid distributions to.
but excluding, the redemption date, without payment of any
undeclared distributions. Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will
have no right to require the redemption of the Series A Preferred
Units.
Change of Control Redemption . If a Change of Control Event (as defined under "Description of the
Series A Preferred Units—Change of Control Redemption") occurs
prior to June 15, 2021, we may, at our option, redeem the Series A
Preferred Units, in whole but not in part, upon at least 30 days' notice.
within 60 days of the occurrence of such Change of Control Event, at
a price of $25.25 per Series A Preferred Unit, plus declared and
unpaid distributions to, but excluding, the redemption date, without
payment of any undeclared distributions.
Distribution Rate Step-Up
Following Change of Control
Event
If (i) a Change of Control Event occurs (whether before, on or after
June 15, 2021) and (ii) we do not give notice prior to the 31st day
following the Change of Control Event to redeem all the outstanding
Series A Preferred Units, the distribution rate per annum on the
Series A Preferred Units will increase by 5.00%, beginning on the
31st day following such Change of Control Event. See "Description of
the Series A Preferred Units—Change of Control Redemption."
S-5
EFTA01108555
Voting Rights
Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will only be entitled to the
voting rights provided in our limited partnership agreement. See
"Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights."
Ranking
The Series A Preferred Units will rank senior to our common units.
See "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Ranking."
No Conversion Rights
The Series A Preferred Units will not be convertible into common
units or any other class or series of our interests or any other security.
Use of Proceeds
The net proceeds from the sale of the Series A Preferred Units are
estimated to be approximately $
(or approximately $
if
the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), after
deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses
payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds for general
corporate purposes, including to fund acquisitions and investments.
See "Use of Proceeds" and "Description of the Series A Preferred
Units—Mirror Units" in this prospectus supplement.
Listing
We intend to apply to list the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE
under the symbol "
." If the application is approved, we expect
trading in the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE to begin within
30 days after the Series A Preferred Units are first issued.
Ireatment
See 'Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" in
this prospectus supplement.
Transfer Agent, Registrar and
Paying Agent
American Stock Transfer & Ttust Company, LLC.
Risk Factors
Investing in the Series A Preferred Units involves risks. Before
deciding whether to invest in the Series A Preferred Units, you should
carefully consider the information set forth in the section of this
prospectus supplement entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-7.
on page 2 of the accompanying prospectus and under the caption
"Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2015, as well as the other information contained
in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus.
S-6
EFTA01108556
RISK FACTORS
Investing in the Series A Preferred Units involves risks. You should carefully review the following risk factors
and the risks discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
SEC on February 26, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, or any similar
caption in the documents that we subsequently file with the SEC that are deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement, and in any pricing term sheet that we provide you in connection with
the offering of Series A Preferred Units pursuant to this prospectus supplement. The risks discussed under the
caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K that reference our common units are generally
applicable to the Series A Preferred Units unless otherwise addressed herein. You should also carefully review the
other risks and uncertainties discussed in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, the
documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and in any
such pricing term sheet. The risks and uncertainties discussed below and in the documents referred to above, as
well as other matters discussed in this prospectus supplement and in those documents, could materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and the market price of the
Series A Preferred Units. Moreover; the risks and uncertainties discussed below and in the foregoing documents
are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face, and our business, financial condition, liquidity and results
of operations and the market price of the Series A Preferred Units could be materially adversely affected by other
matters that are not known to us or that we currently do not consider to be material risks to our business.
Risks Related to the Series A Preferred Units
The Series A Preferred Units are equity securities and are subordinated to our existing and future
indebtedness.
The Series A Preferred Units are our equity interests and do not constitute indebtedness. This means
that the Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to all of our indebtedness and to other non-equity claims
on us and our assets available to satisfy claims on us, including claims in our liquidation.
Further, the Series A Preferred Units place no restrictions on our business or operations or on our
ability to incur indebtedness or engage in any transactions, subject only to the limited voting rights referred
to below under "Risk Factors—Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have limited voting rights."
We conduct substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries, which hold the financial assets
in which we invest. As a result, our cash flow and our ability to pay distributions on the Series A Preferred
Units is dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries. In addition, we arc dependent on the distribution
of earnings, loans or other payments by our subsidiaries to us.
Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units are discretionary and non-cumulative.
Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units are discretionary and non-cumulative. You will only
receive distributions of the Series A Preferred Units when, as and if declared by the board of directors of
our Managing Partner. Consequently, if the board of directors of our Managing Partner does not authorize
and declare a distribution for a distribution period, holders of the Series A Preferred Units would not be
entitled to receive any distribution for such distribution period, and such unpaid distribution will not be
payable in such distribution period or in later distribution periods. We will have no obligation to pay
distributions for a distribution period if the board of directors of our Managing Partner does not declare
such distribution before the scheduled record date for such period, whether or not distributions are
declared or paid for any subsequent distribution period with respect to the Series A Preferred Units or any
other preferred units we may issue. This may result in holders of the Series A Preferred Units not receiving
the full amount of distributions that they expect to receive, or any distributions, and may make it more
difficult to resell Series A Preferred Units or to do so at a price that the holder finds attractive.
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The board of directors of our Managing Partner may, in its sole discretion, determine to suspend
distributions on the Series A Preferred Units, which may have a material adverse effect on the market
price of the Series A Preferred Units. There can be no assurances that our operations will generate
sufficient cash flows to enable us to pay distributions on the Series A Preferred Units. Our financial and
operating performance is subject to prevailing economic and industry conditions and to financial, business
and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.
The terms of our future indebtedness may restrict our ability to make distributions on the Series A Preferred
Units or to redeem the Series A Preferred Units.
Distributions will only be paid if the distribution is not restricted or prohibited by law or the terms of
any senior equity securities or indebtedness. The instruments governing the terms of future financing or
the refinancing of any borrowings may contain covenants that restrict our ability to make distributions on
the Series A Preferred Units or redeem the Series A Preferred Units. The Series A Preferred Units place
no restrictions on our ability to incur indebtedness with such restrictive covenants.
The market price of the Series A Preferred Units could be adversely affected by various factors.
Following the offering, the market price for the Series A Preferred Units may fluctuate based on a
number of factors, including:
• the trading price of our common units;
• additional issuances of other series or classes of preferred units;
• whether we declare or fail to declare distributions on the Series A Preferred Units from time to
time and our ability to make distributions under the terms of our indebtedness;
• our creditworthiness, results of operations and financial condition;
• the credit ratings of the Series A Preferred Units;
• the prevailing interest rates or rates of return being paid by other companies similar to us and the
market for similar securities; and
• economic, financial, geopolitical, regulatory or judicial events that affect us or the financial markets
generally.
Our performance, market conditions and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and can
be expected to fluctuate in the future. Fluctuations in these factors could have an adverse effect on the
price and liquidity of the Series A Preferred Units. In general, as market interest rates rise, securities with
fixed interest rates or fixed distribution rates, such as the Series A Preferred Units, decline in value.
Consequently, if you purchase the Series A Preferred Units and market interest rates increase, the market
price of the Series A Preferred Units may decline. We cannot predict the future level of market interest
rates.
Our ability to pay quarterly distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will be subject to, among
other things, general business conditions, our financial results, the amount of ordinary taxable income or
loss earned by us, gains or losses recognized by us on the disposition of assets and our liquidity needs. Any
reduction or discontinuation of quarterly distributions could cause the market price of the Series A
Preferred Units to decline significantly. Accordingly, the Series A Preferred Units may trade at a discount
to their purchase price.
The Series A Preferred Units may not be rated and, if rated, their ratings could be lowered.
We expect that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and Fitch Ratings Inc. will assign ratings to the
Series A Preferred Units. Generally, rating agencies base their ratings on such material and information,
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and such of their own investigative studies and assumptions, as they deem appropriate. A rating is not a
recommendation to buy, sell or hold the Series A Preferred Units, and there is no assurance that any rating
will apply for any given period of time or that a rating may not be adjusted or withdrawn. A downgrade or
potential downgrade in these ratings, the assignment of a new rating that is lower than existing ratings, or a
downgrade or potential downgrade in ratings assigned to us, our subsidiaries, the Series A Preferred Units
or any of our other securities could adversely affect the trading price and liquidity of the Series A
Preferred Units. We cannot be sure that rating agencies will rate the units or maintain their ratings once
issued. Neither we nor any underwriter undertakes any obligation to obtain a rating, maintain the ratings
once issued or to advise holders of Series A Preferred Units of any change in ratings. A failure to obtain a
rating or a negative change in our ratings once issued could have an adverse effect on the market price or
liquidity of the Series A Preferred Units.
Rating agencies may change rating methodologies.
The rating agencies that currently or may in the future publish a rating for us or the Series A
Preferred Units may from time to time in the future change the methodologies that they use for analyzing
securities with features similar to the Series A Preferred Units. This may include, for example, changes to
the relationship between ratings assigned to an issuer's senior securities and ratings assigned to securities
with features similar to the Series A Preferred Units, which is sometimes called "notching." If the rating
agencies change their practices for rating lower-ranking securities in the future, and the ratings of the
Series A Preferred Units are subsequently lowered or "notched" further, the trading price and liquidity of
the Series A Preferred Units could be adversely affected.
An active trading market may not develop for the Series A Preferred Units, which could adversely affect the
price of the Series A Preferred Units in the secondary market and your ability to resell the Series A Preferred Units.
Because the Series A Preferred Units do not have a stated maturity date, investors seeking liquidity
will need to rely on the secondary market. The Series A Preferred Units are a new issue of securities and
there is no established trading market for the Series A Preferred Units. We intend to apply for listing of
the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE under the symbol " ." However, there is no guarantee that we
will be able to list the Series A Preferred Units. If the application is approved, we expect trading in the
Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE to begin within 30 days after the Series A Preferred Units are first
issued; however, we cannot make any assurance as to:
• the development of an active trading market;
• the liquidity of any trading market that may develop;
• the ability of holders to sell their Series A Preferred Units; or
• the price at which the holders would be able to sell their Series A Preferred Units.
If a trading market were to develop, the future trading prices of the Series A Preferred Units will
depend on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, our credit ratings published by major rating
agencies, the market for similar securities and our operating performance and financial condition. If a
trading market does develop, there is no assurance that it will continue. If an active public trading market
for the Series A Preferred Units does not develop or does not continue, the market price and liquidity of
the Series A Preferred Units is likely to be adversely affected and Series A Preferred Units traded after
their purchase may trade at a discount from their purchase price.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have limited voting rights.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will generally have no voting rights and have none of the
voting rights given to holders of our common units, except that holders of the Series A Preferred Units will
be entitled to the voting rights described in "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights."
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In particular, if distributions on the Series A Preferred Units have not been declared and paid for the
equivalent of six or more quarterly distribution periods, whether or not consecutive (a "Nonpayment"),
holders of the Series A Preferred Units, together with holders of any other series of parity units (as defined
in "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Distributions") then outstanding with like voting rights,
will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to the board of directors of our
Managing Partner, subject to the terms and to the limited extent described under "Description of the
Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights." When quarterly distributions have been declared and paid on
the Series A Preferred Units for four consecutive quarters following the Nonpayment, the right of the
holders of the Series A Preferred Units and such parity units to elect these two additional directors will
cease, the terms of office of these two directors will forthwith terminate and the number of directors
constituting the board of directors of our Managing Partner will be reduced accordingly.
Our limited partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce or eliminate duties (including fiduciary
duties) of our Managing Partner and limit remedies available to unitholders for actions that might otherwise
constitute a breach of duty. It will be difficult for unitholders to successfidly challenge a resolution of a conflict of
interest by our Managing Partner or by its conflicts committee.
Our limited partnership agreement contains provisions that require holders of our units, including the
Series A Preferred Units, to waive or consent to conduct by our Managing Partner and its affiliates that
might otherwise raise issues about compliance with fiduciary duties or applicable law. For example, our
limited partnership agreement provides that when our Managing Partner is acting in its individual capacity,
as opposed to in its capacity as our Managing Partner, it may act without any fiduciary obligations to
holders of our units, whatsoever. When our Managing Partner, in its capacity as our general partner, or our
conflicts committee is permitted to or required to make a decision in its "sole discretion" or "discretion"
or that it deems "necessary or appropriate" or "necessary or advisable," then our Managing Partner or the
conflicts committee will be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its
own interests, and will have no duty or obligation (fiduciary or otherwise) to give any consideration to any
interest of or factors affecting us or any holder of our units and will not be subject to any different
standards imposed by our limited partnership agreement, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act, which is referred to as the Delaware Limited Partnership Act, or under any other law, rule
or regulation or in equity. These standards reduce the obligations to which our Managing Partner would
otherwise be held.
The above modifications of fiduciary duties are expressly permitted by Delaware law. Hence, we and
holders of our units will only have recourse and be able to seek remedies against our Managing Partner if
our Managing Partner breaches its obligations pursuant to our limited partnership agreement. Unless our
Managing Partner breaches its obligations pursuant to our limited partnership agreement, we and holders
of our units will not have any recourse against our Managing Partner even if our Managing Partner were to
act in a manner that was inconsistent with traditional fiduciary duties. Furthermore, even if there has been
a breach of the obligations set forth in our limited partnership agreement, our limited partnership
agreement provides that our Managing Partner and its officers and directors will not be liable to us or
holders of our units, for errors of judgment or for any acts or omissions unless there has been a final and
non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that our Managing Partner or
its officers and directors acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct. These provisions are
detrimental to the holders of our units because they restrict the remedies available to unitholders for
actions that without such limitations might constitute breaches of duty including fiduciary duties.
Whenever a potential conflict of interest exists between us and our Managing Partner, our Managing
Partner may resolve such conflict of interest. If our Managing Partner determines that its resolution of the
conflict of interest is on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available
from unrelated third parties or is fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the
relationships between us and our Managing Partner, then it will be presumed that in making this
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determination, our Managing Partner acted in good faith. A holder of our units seeking to challenge this
resolution of the conflict of interest would bear the burden of overcoming such presumption. This is
different from the situation with Delaware corporations, where a conflict resolution by an interested party
would be presumed to be unfair and the interested party would have the burden of demonstrating that the
resolution was fair.
Also, if our Managing Partner obtains the approval of the conflicts committee of our Managing
Partner, the resolution will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to us and not a breach by our
Managing Partner of any duties it may owe to us or holders of our units. This is different from the situation
with Delaware corporations, where a conflict resolution by a committee consisting solely of independent
directors may, in certain circumstances, merely shift the burden of demonstrating unfairness to the
plaintiff. If you purchase, receive or otherwise hold a unit, you will be treated as having consented to the
provisions set forth in our limited partnership agreement, including provisions regarding conflicts of
interest situations that, in the absence of such provisions, might be considered a breach of fiduciary or
other duties under applicable state law. As a result, unitholders will, as a practical matter, not be able to
successfully challenge an informed decision by the conflicts committee.
We have also agreed to indemnify our Managing Partner and any of its affiliates and any member,
partner, tax matters partner, officer, director, employee agent, fiduciary or trustee of our partnership, our
Managing Partner or any of our affiliates and certain other specified persons, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses
(including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts
incurred by our Managing Partner or these other persons. We have agreed to provide this indemnification
unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction
determining that these persons acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct. We have also
agreed to provide this indemnification for criminal proceedings.
Our Managing Partner may exercise its right to call and purchase common units as provided in our
limited partnership agreement or assign this right to one of its affiliates or to us. Our Managing Partner
may use its own discretion, free of fiduciary duty restrictions, in determining whether to exercise this right.
As a result, a common unitholder may have his units purchased from him at an undesirable time or price.
For additional information, see our limited partnership agreement incorporated by reference into the
registration statement of which the prospectus forms a part.
Any claims, suits, actions or proceedings concerning the matters described above or any other matter
arising out of or relating in any way to the limited partnership agreement may only be brought in the Court
of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof,
any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction.
Redemption may adversely affect your return on the Series A Preferred Units.
On or after June 15, 2021, we will have the right to redeem at a price of $25.00 per Series A Preferred
Unit, plus declared and unpaid distributions, some or all of the Series A Preferred Units, as described
under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Optional Redemption." In addition, prior to June 15,
2021, we may redeem the Series A Preferred Units after the occurrence of a Change of Control Event
(as defined and described in "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Change of Control
Redemption"), at a price of $25.25 per Series A Preferred Unit, plus declared and unpaid distributions. lb
the extent that we redeem the Series A Preferred Units at times when prevailing interest rates may be
relatively low compared to rates at the time of issuance of the Series A Preferred Units, you may not be
able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as
the distribution rate of the Series A Preferred Units.
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We are not required to redeem the Series A Preferred Units when they become redeemable, and we only expect to
do so if it is in our best interest as determined by our Managing Partner in its sole discretion.
The Series A Preferred Units are a perpetual equity security. This means that they have no maturity
or mandatory redemption date and are not redeemable at the option of investors. The Series A Preferred
Units may be redeemed by us at our option on or after June 15, 2021, either in whole or in part. In
addition, prior to June 15, 2021, after the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, we may, but are not
required to, redeem the Series A Preferred Units in whole but not in part. Any decision we may make at
any time to redeem the Series A Preferred Units will be determined by our Managing Partner in its sole
discretion and depend upon, among other things, an evaluation of our capital position, the composition of
our unitholders' equity, our outstanding senior debt and general market conditions at that time.
Upon a Change of Control Event, we are not required to redeem the Series A Preferred Units, and we may not
be able to redeem the Series A Preferred Units or pay the increased distribution rate per annum if we fail to redeem
them.
Our holders of the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020 issued by KKR Group Finance Co. LLC, the
5.500% Senior Notes due 2043 issued by KKR Group Finance Co. II LLC and the 5.125% Senior Notes
due 2044 issued by KKR Group Finance Co. III LLC, which we refer to as the KKR Senior Notes, have the
right to require us to repurchase all or any part of such holders' securities upon a Change of Control
Event. We are not required to redeem the Series A Preferred Units, and even if we should decide to
redeem the Series A Preferred Units, since the Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to all of our
existing and future indebtedness, upon a Change of Control Event, we may not have sufficient financial
resources available to redeem the Series A Preferred Units, or pay the increased distribution rate per
annum described under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Change of Control Redemption."
Even if we are able to pay the increased distribution rate per annum, increasing the per annum distribution
rate by 5.00% may not be sufficient to compensate holders for the impact of the Change of Control Event
on the market price of the Series A Preferred Units.
There is no limitation on our issuance of debt securities or equity securities that rank equally with the Series A
Preferred Units and, under certain circumstances, we may issue equity securities that rank senior to the Series A
Preferred Units.
We do not currently have any outstanding equity securities that rank equally with or senior to the
Series A Preferred Units. However, we may issue additional equity securities that rank equally with the
Series A Preferred Units without limitation and, with the approval of the holders of the Series A Preferred
Units, as described under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights", any partnership
interests senior to the Series A Preferred Units. The issuance of securities ranking equally with or senior to
the Series A Preferred Units may reduce the amount available for distributions and the amount
recoverable by holders of the Series A Preferred Units in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up. In addition, we and our subsidiaries may incur indebtedness that will rank senior to the
Series A Preferred Units.
The terms of the GP Mirror Units issued to us by the KKR Group Partnerships in connection with this offering
may be amended by the KKR Group Partnerships, which we control, in a manner that could be detrimental to you,
and the GP Mirror Units should not be relied upon to ensure we have sufficient cash flows to pay distributions on or
redeem the Series A Preferred Units.
We intend to contribute the net proceeds from the sale of the Series A Preferred Units to the KKR
Group Partnerships. In consideration of our contribution, each KKR Group Partnership will issue to us a
new series of preferred units with economic terms designed to mirror those of the Series A Preferred
Units, which we refer to as the GP Mirror Units. The terms of the GP Mirror Units will provide that unless
distributions have been declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment on all GP Mirror Units
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issued by each KKR Group Partnership for the then-current quarterly distribution period, then during
such quarterly distribution period only, each KKR Group Partnership may not repurchase any of its junior
units and may not declare or pay or set apart payment for distributions on its junior units, other than
distributions paid in junior units or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase junior units.
These terms, among others, are intended to provide a credit benefit to the Series A Preferred Units.
However, the KKR Group Partnerships will have no direct obligations with respect to our Series A
Preferred Units. In addition, the KKR Group Partnerships, which are controlled by us, may amend, modify
or alter the terms of the GP Mirror Units, including the distribution terms described above, in a manner
that would be detrimental to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and such actions could materially
and adversely affect the market price of the Series A Preferred Units. Accordingly, the GP Mirror Units
should not be relied upon to ensure we have sufficient cash flows to enable us to pay distributions on or
redeem the Series A Preferred Units.
If the amount of distributions on the Series A Preferred Units is greater than our gross ordinary income, then
the amount that a holder of Series A Preferred Units would receive upon liquidation may be less than the Preferred
Unit Liquidation Value.
In general, we will specially allocate to the Series A Preferred Units items of our gross ordinary
income in an amount equal to the distributions paid in respect of the Series A Preferred Units during the
taxable year. Allocations of gross ordinary income will increase the capital account balance of the holders
of the Series A Preferred Units. Distributions will correspondingly reduce the capital account balance of
the holders of the Series A Preferred Units. So long as our gross ordinary income equals or exceeds the
distributions paid to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units, the capital account balance of the holders
of Series A Preferred Units will equal the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value at the end of each taxable
year. If the distributions paid in respect of the Series A Preferred Units during a taxable year exceed the
amount of our gross ordinary income for such year, however, the capital account balance of the holders of
the Series A Preferred Units will be reduced below the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value by the amount of
such excess. In that event, we will allocate additional gross ordinary income in subsequent years until such
excess is eliminated. If we were to have insufficient gross ordinary income to eliminate such excess, holders
of Series A Preferred Units would be entitled, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, to less than
the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value. In addition, to the extent that we make additional allocations of
gross ordinary income in a taxable year to eliminate such excess from prior years, the gross ordinary
income allocated to holders of the Series A Preferred Units in such taxable year would exceed the
distributions paid to the Series A Preferred Units during such taxable year. In such years, holders of
Series A Preferred Units may recognize taxable income in excess of our cash distributions, thus giving rise
to an out-of-pocket tax liability for such holders.
The IRS Schedules K-1 we will provide holders of Series A Preferred Units will be more complicated than the
IRS Forms 1099 provided by corporations to their stockholders, and holders of Series A Preferred Units nwy be
required to request an extension of time to file their tax returns.
Holders of Series A Preferred Units will be required to take into account their allocable share of our
items of gross ordinary income for our taxable year ending within or with their taxable year. We have
agreed to furnish holders of Series A Preferred Units, as soon as reasonably practicable after the close of
each calendar year, with tax information (including IRS Schedules K-1), which describes their allocable
share of gross ordinary income for our preceding taxable year. However, it may require longer than 90 days
after the end of our calendar year to obtain the requisite information so that IRS Schedules K-1 may be
prepared by us. Consequently, holders of Series A Preferred Units who are U.S. taxpayers should
anticipate the need to file annually with the IRS (and certain states) a request for an extension past
April 15 or the otherwise applicable due date of their income tax return for the taxable year. In addition,
each holder of Series A Preferred Units will be required to report for all tax purposes consistently with the
information provided by us for the taxable year. Because holders will be required to report their allocable
share of gross ordinary income, tax reporting for holders of our Series A Preferred Units will be more
complicated than for shareholders of a regular corporation.
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Tar-exempt holders of our Series A Preferred Units may recognize "unrelated business taxable income."
Certain organizations that are otherwise exempt from U.S. federal income tax are nonetheless subject
to taxation with respect to their "unrelated business taxable income" ("UBTI"). Because we have incurred
"acquisition indebtedness" with respect to certain investments we hold (either directly or indirectly
through subsidiaries that are treated as partnerships or disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes),
a proportionate share of the income we allocate to a holder with respect to such investments will likely be
treated as UBTI. Accordingly, tax-exempt holders of our Series A Preferred Units may recognize UBTI.
Iluc-exempt holders of our Series A Preferred Units are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences of owning our units.
Non-U.S. holders face unique U.S. tar issues from owning Series A Preferred Units that may result in adverse
tar consequences to them.
We expect that a portion of our income will be treated as income effectively connected with a U.S.
trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or ECI, with respect to non-U.S. holders of
Series A Preferred Units, including by reason of investments in certain U.S. real property holding
corporations, real estate investment trusts or "REIM", real estate assets and energy assets. lb the extent
our income is treated as ECI, non-U.S. holders of Series A Preferred Units generally would be subject to
withholding tax on their allocable share of such income, would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax
return for such year reporting their allocable shares of income effectively connected with such trade or
business and any other income treated as ECI, and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular
U.S. tax rates on any such income. Non-U.S. holders may also be subject to state and local income taxes
and be required to file state and local income tax returns with respect to their allocable shares of ECI.
Non-U.S. holders of Series A Preferred Units that are corporations may also be subject to a 30% branch
profits tax (potentially reduced under an applicable treaty) on their actual or deemed distributions of such
income. Any amount so withheld would be creditable against such holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability, and such holder would claim a refund to the extent that the amount withheld exceeded such
person's U.S. federal income tax liability for the taxable year. In addition, distributions to non U.S. holders
of Series A Preferred Units that are attributable to profits on the sale of a U.S. real property interest may
also be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Also, non-U.S. holders may be subject to 30% withholding on
allocations of our income that are U.S. source fixed or determinable annual or periodic income under the
Code, unless an exemption from or a reduced rate of such withholding applies (under an applicable treaty
of the Code) and certain tax status information is provided. Finally, if we are treated as being engaged in a
U.S. trade or business, a portion of any gain recognized by non U.S. holders on the sale or exchange of
Series A Preferred Units may be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as ECI, and hence such
non-U.S. holders could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the sale or exchange of Series A Preferred
Units.
Holders of our units may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes and return filing requirements as a result of
owning such units.
In addition to U.S. federal income taxes, holders of our units may be subject to other taxes, including
state, local and foreign taxes, and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various
jurisdictions in which we do business or own property now or in the future, even if the holders of our units
do not reside in any of those jurisdictions. Holders of our units may be required to file state and local
income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of these jurisdictions in the U.S. and
abroad. Further, holders of our units may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those
requirements. It is the responsibility of each unitholder to file all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax
returns that may be required of such unitholder. In addition, our investments in real assets may expose
unitholders to additional adverse tax consequences.
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An investment in our Series A Preferred Units is not an investment in any of our funds, and the assets and
revenues of our funds are not directly available to us.
Our Series A Preferred Units are only securities of KKR & Co. L.P., the holding company of the KKR
business. While our historical consolidated and combined financial information includes financial
information, including assets and revenues, of certain funds on a consolidated basis, and our future
financial information will continue to consolidate certain of these funds, such assets and revenues are
available to the fund and not to us except to a limited extent through management fees, carried interest or
other incentive income, distributions and other proceeds arising from agreements with funds.
Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure
Potential conflicts of interest may arise among our Managing Partner, our affiliates and us. Our Managing
Partner and its affiliates have limited fiduciary duties to us and the holders of KKR Group Partnership Units, which
may permit them to favor their own interests to our detriment and that of the holders of KKR Group Partnership
Units.
Our Managing Partner, which is our general partner, manages the business and affairs of our business,
and is governed by a board of directors that is co-chaired by our founders, who also serve as our Co-Chief
Executive Officers. Conflicts of interest may arise among our Managing Partner and its affiliates, on the
one hand, and us and our unitholders, including holders of our preferred units, on the other hand. As a
result of these conflicts, our Managing Partner may favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates
over us and our unitholders. These conflicts include, among others, the following:
• Our Managing Partner is controlled by our senior principals, who, directly or indirectly, hold a
substantial number of our common units and securities exchangeable into such common units,
which have different rights and interests than the Series A Preferred Units;
• Our Managing Partner indirectly through its holding of controlling entities determines the amount
and timing of the KKR Group Partnership's investments and dispositions, cash expenditures,
including those relating to compensation, indebtedness, issuances of additional partner interests, tax
liabilities and amounts of reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash that is available for
distribution to holders of KKR Group Partnership Units;
• Our Managing Partner is allowed to take into account the interests of parties other than us in
resolving conflicts of interest, which has the effect of limiting its duties, including fiduciary duties, to
us. For example, our affiliates that serve as the general partners of our funds or as broker-dealers
have fiduciary and contractual obligations to our fund investors or other third parties. Such
obligations may cause such affiliates to regularly take actions with respect to the allocation of
investments among our investment funds (including funds that have different fee structures), the
purchase or sale of investments in our investment funds, the structuring of investment transactions
for those funds and the advice and services we provide that comply with these fiduciary and
contractual obligations but that might adversely affect our near-term results of operations or cash
flow. Our Managing Partner will have no obligation to intervene in, or to notify us of, such actions
by such affiliates;
• Because our principals indirectly hold KKR Group Partnership Units through KKR Holdings LP.
and its subsidiaries, which are not subject to corporate income taxation and we hold some of the
KKR Group Partnership Units through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries that are taxable as a
corporation, conflicts may arise between our principals and us relating to the selection and
structuring of investments or transactions, declaring distributions and other matters; without
limiting the foregoing, certain investments made by us or through our funds may be determined to
be held through KKR Management Holdings LP., which would result in less taxation to our
principals who are limited partners in KKR Holdings as compared to our unitholders;
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• Our Managing Partner, including its directors and officers, has limited its and their liability and
reduced or eliminated its and their duties, including fiduciary duties, under our partnership
agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law, while also restricting the remedies available to
holders of preferred units for actions that, without these limitations, might constitute breaches of
duty, including fiduciary duties. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify our Managing Partner,
including its directors and officers, and our Managing Partner's affiliates to the fullest extent
permitted by law, except with respect to conduct involving bad faith, fraud or willful misconduct;
• Our partnership agreement does not restrict our Managing Partner from paying us or our affiliates
for any services rendered, or from entering into additional contractual arrangements with any of
these entities on our behalf, so long as the terms of any such additional contractual arrangements
are fair and reasonable to us as determined under our partnership agreement. Neither our limited
partnership agreement nor any of the other agreements, contracts and arrangements between us on
the one hand, and our Managing Partner and its affiliates on the other, are or will be the result of
arm's-length negotiations. The conflicts committee will be responsible for, among other things,
enforcing our rights and those of our unitholders under certain agreements against KKR Holdings
and certain of its subsidiaries and designees, a general partner or limited partner of KKR Holdings,
or a person who holds a partnership or equity interest in the foregoing entities;
• Our Managing Partner and its affiliates will have no obligation to permit us to use any facilities or
assets of our Managing Partner and its affiliates, except as may be provided in contracts entered
into specifically dealing with such use. There will not be any obligation of our Managing Partner and
its affiliates to enter into any contracts of this kind;
• Our Managing Partner determines how much debt we incur and that decision may adversely affect
any credit ratings we receive;
• Our Managing Partner determines which costs incurred by it and its affiliates are reimbursable by
us;
• Other than as set forth in the confidentiality and restrictive covenant agreements, which in certain
cases may only be agreements between our principals and KKR Holdings and which may not be
enforceable by us or otherwise waived, modified or amended, affiliates of our Managing Partner
and existing and former personnel employed by our Managing Partner are not prohibited from
engaging in other businesses or activities, including those that might be in direct competition with
us;
• Our Managing Partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to the KKR Group
Partnerships by us and our affiliates; and
• Our Managing Partner or our Managing Partner's conflicts committee decides whether to retain
separate counsel, accountants or others to perform services for us.
Certain actions by our Managing Partner's board of directors require the approval of the Class A shares of our
Managing Partner, all of which are held by our senior employees.
All of our Managing Partner's outstanding limited liability company interests designated as Class A
shares, or Class A shares, are held by our senior employees. Although the affirmative vote of a majority of
the directors of our Managing Partner is required for any action to be taken by our Managing Partner's
board of directors, certain specified actions approved by our Managing Partner's board of directors will
S-16
EFTA01108566
also require the approval of a majority of the Class A shares of our Managing Partner. These actions
consist of the following:
• the entry into a debt financing arrangement by us in an amount in excess of 10% of our existing
long-term indebtedness (other than the entry into certain intercompany debt financing
arrangements);
• the issuance by our partnership or our subsidiaries of any securities that would (i) represent, after
such issuance, or upon conversion, exchange or exercise, as the case may be, at least 5% on a fully
diluted, as converted, exchanged or exercised basis, of any class of our or their equity securities or
(ii) have designations, preferences, rights, priorities or powers that are more favorable than those of
KKR Group Partnership Units;
• the adoption by us of an equity rights plan;
• the amendment of our limited partnership agreement or the limited partnership agreements of the
KKR Group Partnerships;
• the exchange or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets or the assets of any KKR Group
Partnership;
• the merger, sale or other combination of the partnership or any KKR Group Partnership with or
into any other person;
• the transfer, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation or grant of a security interest in all or substantially all
of the assets of the KKR Group Partnerships;
• the appointment or removal of a Chief Executive Officer or a Co-Chief Executive Officer of our
Managing Partner or our partnership;
• the termination of the employment of any of our officers or the officers of any of our subsidiaries or
the termination of the association of a partner with any of our subsidiaries, in each case, without
cause;
• the liquidation or dissolution of the partnership, our Managing Partner or any KKR Group
Partnership; and
• the withdrawal, removal or substitution of our Managing Partner as our general partner or any
person as the general partner of a KKR Group Partnership, or the transfer of beneficial ownership
of all or any part of a general partner interest in our partnership or a KKR Group Partnership to
any person other than one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
In addition, holders representing a majority of the Class A shares of our Managing Partner have the
authority to unilaterally appoint our Managing Partner's directors and also have the ability to appoint the
officers of our Managing Partner. However, if distributions on the Series A Preferred Units have not been
declared and paid for the equivalent of six or more quarterly distribution periods, whether or not
consecutive, holders of the Series A Preferred Units, together with holders of any other series of parity
units then outstanding, will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to the board of
directors of our Managing Partner, subject to the terms and to the limited extent described under
"Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights." Messrs. Henry Kravis and George Roberts,
as the designated members of our Managing Partner, represent a majority of the total voting power of the
outstanding Class A shares, when they act together. However, neither of them controls the voting of the
Class A shares, when acting alone.
S-17
EFTA01108567
We are a Delaware limited partnership, and there are certain provisions in our limited partnership agreement
regarding exculpation and indemnification of our officers and directors that differ from the Delaware General
Corporation Law (DGCL) in a manner that may be less protective of the interests of our unitholders.
Our limited partnership agreement provides that to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law our
directors or officers will not be liable to us. However, under the DGCL, a director or officer would be
liable to us for (i) breach of duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders, (ii) intentional misconduct or
knowing violations of the law that are not done in good faith, (iii) improper redemption of shares or
declaration of dividend, or (iv) a transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
In addition, our limited partnership agreement provides that we indemnify our directors and officers for
acts or omissions to the fullest extent provided by law. However, under the DGCL, a corporation can only
indemnify directors and officers for acts or omissions if the director or officer acted in good faith, in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation, and, in a criminal action, if
the officer or director had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Accordingly, our
limited partnership agreement may be less protective of the interests of our unitholders, when compared to
the DGCL, insofar as it relates to the exculpation and indemnification of our officers and directors.
As a limited partnership, we qualify for some exemptions from the corporate governance and other
requirements of the NYSE.
We are a limited partnership and, as a result, qualify for exceptions from certain corporate governance
and other requirements of the rules of the NYSE. Pursuant to these exceptions, limited partnerships may
elect, and we have elected, not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE,
including the requirements: (i) that the listed company have a nominating and corporate governance
committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; (ii) that the listed company have a
compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors and (iii) that the
compensation committee be required to consider certain independence factors when engaging
compensation consultants, legal counsel and other committee advisers. Accordingly, you do not have the
same protections afforded to equity holders of entities that are subject to all of the corporate governance
requirements of the NYSE.
S-18
EFTA01108568
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $
(or approximately $
if the
underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option), after deducting the underwriting discount and
estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We intend to contribute the net proceeds from the sale of the Series A Preferred Units to the KKR
Group Partnerships. In exchange, we expect that each KKR Group Partnership will issue to us a new series
of preferred units with economic terms designed to mirror those of the Series A Preferred Units. See
"Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Mirror Units" in this prospectus supplement.
We intend to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including to fund acquisitions and
investments.
S-19
EFTA01108569
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of December 31, 2015:
• on an actual basis; and
• as adjusted to reflect the offering of the Series A Preferred Units and the application of the net
proceeds as described under "Use of Proceeds" in this prospectus supplement, assuming that the
underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option.
This table should be read in conjunction with the information contained under the heading "Use of
Proceeds" in this prospectus supplement, and under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and in our consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto, each of which is in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,
which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.
Debt Obligationsm:
Revolving credit facilities
As of December 31, 2015
Actual
As adjusted
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
KKR senior notes(2)
2,000.000
2,000,000
lbtal borrowings
2,000.000
2,000,000
Preferred Unitholders' Equity:
Preferred units, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015
(
issued and outstanding as adjusted)
Debt Obligations and Preferred Equity of KKR Financial Holdings LLC
(ICFN)43):
KFN debt obligations
657,310
657,310
KFN preferred unitholders' equity
373,750
373,750
Total Debt Obligations and Preferred Unitholders' Equity
3,031,060
Book Value
9,979,229
9,979,229
Total Capitalization
$13,010,289
$
(1) Excludes (i) fund financing facilities established for the benefit of certain KKR investment funds and
(ii) debt securities issued by collateralized financing entities ("CFE's"). These debt obligations have
been omitted since the borrowings are supported solely by the assets held at the investment fund or
CFE and are not collateralized by the assets of the KKR Group Partnerships beyond KKR's pro-rata
interest in these entities (if any).
(2) KKR senior notes refers to (i) the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020 issued by KKR Group
Finance Co. LLC, (ii) the 5.500% Senior Notes due 2043 issued by KKR Group Finance Co. II LLC
and (iii) the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2044 issued by KKR Group Finance Co. III LLC, and in each
case, guaranteed by KKR & Co. LP. and the KKR Group Partnerships.
KFN's debt obligations and preferred unitholders' equity are non-recourse to the KKR Group
Partnerships beyond the assets of KFN.
(3)
S-20
EFTA01108570
The following tables set forth our selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. We derived the selected historical consolidated
financial data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ending December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013 from the audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We derived the selected historical consolidated financial
data as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 from
our audited consolidated financial statements which are not incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should read the following data together with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our
consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Statement of Operations Data:
War Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
(Amounts are in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Fees and Other
S 1,043,768 S 1,110,008 $
762,546 $
568,442 $
723,620
Less: 'Ibtal Expenses
1,871,225
2,196,067
1,767,138
1,598,788
1,214,005
'Ibtal Investment Income (Loss)
6,169,125
6,544,748
8,896,746
9,101,995
1,456,116
Income (Loss) Before Taxes
5,341,668
5,458,689
7,892,154
8,071,649
965,731
Less: Income Taxes
66,636
63,669
37,926
43,405
89,245
Net Income (Loss)
5,275,032
5,395,020
7,854,228
8,028,244
876,486
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
(4,512)
(3,341)
62,255
34,963
4,318
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests and
Appropriated Capital
4,791,062
4,920,750
7,100,747
7,432,445
870,247
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
KKR & Co. L P
$
488.482 $
477,611 $
691,226 $
560,836 S
1,921
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
KKR & Co. L.P. Per Common Unit
Basic
1.09 S
1.25 $
2.51 $
2.35 S
0.01
Diluted
1.01 $
1.16 $
2.30 S
2.21 S
0.01
Weighted Avenge Common Units
Outstanding
Basic
448.884.185
381,092,394
274,910,628
238,503,257
220,235,469
Diluted
481699.194
412,049,275
300,254,090
254,093,160
222,519,174
Statement of Financial Condition Data
(period end):
Total Assets
S 71,057,759 S 65,872,745 $ 51,427,201 $ 44,426,353 S 40,377,645
Total Liabilities
S 21390,174 S 14,168,684 $ 4,842,383 S 3,020,899 S 2,692,995
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests . .
S
188,629 S
300,098 $
627,807 S
462,564 S
275,507
Noncontrolling Interests
$ 43,731,774 S 46,004,377 $ 43,235,001 S 38.938,531 S 36,080,445
Appropriated Capital
— S
16,895 $
— $
— S
—
'Ibtal KKR & Co. L.P. Partners' Capital'1 . $ 5347.182 S 5,382,691 $ 2,722,010 $ 2,004,359 S 1,328,698
(1) 'Ibtal KKR & Co. LP partners' capital reflects only the portion of equity attributable to KKR & Co. LP (55.9%
interest in the KKR Group Partnerships as of December 31, 2015) and differs from book value reported on a
segment basis primarily as a result of the inclusion of the equity impact of KKR Management Holdings Corp. and
allocations of equity to KKR Holdings. KKR Holdings' 44.1% interest in the KKR Group Partnerships as of
December 31, 2015 is reflected as noncontrolling interests and is not included in total KKR & Co. LE partners'
capital.
S-21
EFTA01108571
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
December 31,
2012
December 31,
2011
(Amounts in thousands, except unit data)
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$ 1,047,740
$
918,080
S 1,306,383
$ 1,230,464
$
843,261
Cash and Cash Equivalents Held at
Consolidated Entities
1,472,120
1,372,775
440,808
587,174
930,886
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents .
267,628
102,991
57,775
87,627
89,828
Investments
65,305,931
60,167,626
47,383,697
40,697,848
37,495,360
Due from Affiliates
139,783
147,056
143,908
122,185
149,605
Other Assets
2,824,557
3,164,217
2,094,630
1,701,055
868,705
Total Assets
$71,057,759
$65,872,745
$51,427,201 $44,426,353
$40,377,645
Liabilities and Equity
Debt Obligations
$18,730,017
$10,837,784
S 1,908,606
$ 1,123,414
$ 1,564,716
Due to Affiliates
144,807
131,548
93,851
72,830
43,062
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and
Other Liabilities
2,715,350
3,199,352
2,839,926
1,824,655
1,085,217
Total Liabilities
21,590,174
14,168,684
4,842,383
3,020,899
2,692,995
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
188,629
300,098
627,807
462,564
275,507
Equity
KKR & Co. L.P. Partners' Capital
(457,834,875, 433,330,540, 288,143,327,
253,363,691 and 227,150,182 common
units issued and outstanding as of
December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and
2011, respectively)
5,575,981
5,403,095
2,727,909
2,008,965
1,330,887
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(28,799)
(20,404)
(5,899)
(4,606)
(2,189)
Total KKR & Co. L.P. Partners' Capital
5,547,182
5,382,691
2,722,010
2,004,359
1,328,698
Noncontrolling Interests
43,731,774
46,004,377
43,235,001
38,938,531
36,080,445
Appropriated Capital
—
16,895
—
—
—
Total Equity
49,278,956
51,403,963
45,957,011
40,942,890
37,409,143
Total Liabilities and Equity
$71,057,759
$65,872,745
$51,427,201 $44,426,353
$40,377,645
S-22
EFTA01108572
The following description of the particular terms of the Series A Preferred Units supplements the
description of the general terms and provisions of preferred units in the accompanying prospectus. The following
description is a summary and it does not describe every aspect of the Series A Preferred Units. Our limited
partnership agreement, which has been or will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus supplement is a part and which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, contains
the full legal text of the matters described in this section. This summary is qualified by the limited partnership
agreement. Therefore, you should read carefully the detailed provisions of the limited partnership agreement. As
used in this section, "we," "us" and "our" mean KKR & Co. L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and its
successors, but not any of its subsidiaries. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings assigned to them in such limited partnership agreement, and those definitions are incorporated herein
by reference.
The Series A Preferred Units are a single series of authorized preferred units consisting of
units (or
units if the underwriters of this offering exercise their over-allotment option in full), all of
which are being initially offered hereby. Our limited partnership agreement permits our Managing Partner
to authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of preferred units, in one or more classes or series
without action by holders of outstanding common or preferred units. We may from time to time, without
notice to or the consent of holders of the Series A Preferred Units, issue equity securities that rank equally
with or junior to the Series A Preferred Units. We may also from time to time, without notice to or consent
of holders of the Series A Preferred Units, issue additional Series A Preferred Units. The additional
Series A Preferred Units would form a single series with the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby.
Distributions
Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable when, as and if declared by the board of
directors of our Managing Partner out of funds legally available, at a rate per annum equal to
% of the
$25.00 liquidation preference per unit. The liquidation preference per unit for purposes of calculating
distributions will not be adjusted for any changes to the capital account balance per unit as described below
under "—Amount Payable in Liquidation."
Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable quarterly on March 15, June 15,
September 15 and December 15 of each year (each, a "distribution payment date"), beginning June 15,
2016, when, as and if declared by the board of directors of our Managing Partner. If any of those dates is
not a business day, then distributions will be payable on the next succeeding business day. The amount of
distributions payable for the initial distribution period and any period shorter than a full distribution
period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and the actual
number of days elapsed in the period. Declared distributions will be payable on the relevant distribution
payment date to holders of record as they appear on our register at the dose of business, New York City
time, on the March I, June 1, September 1 and December 1, as the case may be, immediately preceding the
relevant distribution payment date (each, a "record date"). These record dates will apply regardless of
whether a particular record date is a business day, provided that if the record date is not a business day, the
declared distributions will be payable on the relevant distribution payment date to holders of record as
they appear on our register at the close of business, New York City time on the business day immediately
preceding such record date. A "business day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law to close.
Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units are non-cumulative. Accordingly, if the board of
directors of our Managing Partner does not declare a distribution before the scheduled record date for any
distribution period, we will not make a distribution in that distribution period, whether or not distributions
on the Series A Preferred Units are declared or paid for any future distribution period.
S-23
EFTA01108573
The Series A Preferred Units will rank senior to our common units with respect to the payment of
distributions to the extent provided in our limited partnership agreement. Unless distributions have been
declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment on the Series A Preferred Units for the
then-current quarterly distribution period, no distribution may be declared or paid or set apart for
payment on our common units (or on any of our other equity securities that we may issue in the future
ranking, as to the payment of distributions, junior to the Series A Preferred Units (together with our
common units, "junior units")) for the then-current quarterly distribution period, other than distributions
paid in junior units or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase junior units, and we and our
subsidiaries may not directly or indirectly repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for consideration our
common units (or any junior unit). However, for a subsequent distribution period, payments on junior
units can be made again as long as distributions have been made on the Series A Preferred Units for that
period (even if no distributions have been made in one or more prior periods).
The board of directors of our Managing Partner, or a duly authorized committee thereof, may, in its
discretion, choose to pay distributions on the Series A Preferred Units without the payment of any
distributions on our junior units. No distributions may be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any
Series A Preferred Units if at the same time any arrears exist or default exists in the payment of
distributions on any outstanding series of our senior units (defined below), if any are issued.
When distributions are not paid (or duly provided for) on any distribution payment date (or, in the
case of parity units (as defined below) having distribution payment dates different from the distribution
payment dates pertaining to the Series A Preferred Units, on a distribution payment date falling within the
related distribution period (as defined below) for the Series A Preferred Units) in full upon the Series A
Preferred Units or any parity units, all distributions declared upon the Series A Preferred Units and all
such parity units payable on such distribution payment date (or, in the case of parity units having
distribution payment dates different from the distribution payment dates pertaining to the Series A
Preferred Units, on a distribution payment date falling within the related distribution period for the
Series A Preferred Units) shall be declared pro rata so that the respective amounts of such distributions
shall bear the same ratio to each other as all declared and unpaid distributions per unit on the Series A
Preferred Units and all accumulated unpaid distributions on all parity units payable on such distribution
payment date (or in the case of non-cumulative parity units, unpaid distributions for the then-current
distribution period (whether or not declared) and in the case of parity units having distribution payment
dates different from the distribution payment dates pertaining to the Series A Preferred Units, on a
distribution payment date falling within the related distribution period for the Series A Preferred Units)
bear to each other.
A "distribution period" is the period from and including a distribution payment date to, but excluding,
the next distribution payment date, except that the initial distribution period will commence on and include
the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Units.
Ranking
The Series A Preferred Units will rank senior to our junior units with respect to payment of
distributions and distribution of our assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
The Series A Preferred Units will rank equally with any of our equity securities, including preferred
units, that we may issue in the future, the terms of which provide that such securities will rank equally with
the Series A Preferred Units with respect to payment of unit distributions and distribution of our assets
upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up ("parity units").
The Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to (i) all of our existing and future indebtedness and
(ii) any of our equity securities, including preferred units, that we may issue in the future, the terms of
which provide that such securities will rank senior to the Series A Preferred Units with respect to payment
of unit distributions and distribution of our assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up (such
S-24
EFTA01108574
equity securities, "senior units"). We currently have no senior units outstanding. While any Series A
Preferred Units are outstanding, we may not authorize or create any class or series of senior units without
the approval of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of outstanding Series A Preferred
Units and all other series of voting preferred units (defined below), acting as a single class. See "—Voting
Rights" below for a discussion of the voting rights applicable if we seek to create any class or series of
senior units.
Maturity
The Series A Preferred Units do not have a maturity date, and we are not required to redeem or
repurchase the Series A Preferred Units. Accordingly, the Series A Preferred Units will remain
outstanding indefinitely unless we decide to redeem or repurchase them.
Optional Redemption
We may not redeem the Series A Preferred Units prior to June 15, 2021 except as provided below
under "—Change of Control Redemption." At any time or from time to time on or after June 15, 2021 we
may, at our option, redeem the Series A Preferred Units, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor
more than 60 days' notice, at a price of $25.00 per Series A Preferred Unit plus declared and unpaid
distributions, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, without payment of any undeclared
distributions. If we choose to redeem less than all of the Series A Preferred Units, we will either determine
the Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed by lot or pro rata. Once proper notice has been given and so
long as funds sufficient to pay the redemption price for all of the Series A Preferred Units called for
redemption have been set aside for payment, from and after the redemption date, distributions on the
Series A Preferred Units called for redemption will cease to accrue and such Series A Preferred Units
called for redemption will no longer be deemed outstanding, and all rights of the holders thereof will cease
other than the right to receive the redemption price, without interest.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have no right to require the redemption of the Series A
Preferred Units.
Change of Control Redemption
If a Change of Control Event (defined below) occurs prior to June 15, 2021, we may, at our option,
upon at least 30 days' notice following the occurrence of such Change of Control Event, redeem the
Series A Preferred Units, in whole but not in part, within 60 days of the occurrence of such Change of
Control Event, at a price of $25.25 per Series A Preferred Unit, plus declared and unpaid distributions to,
but excluding, the redemption date, without payment of any undeclared distributions.
If (i) a Change of Control Event occurs (whether before, on or after June 15, 2021) and (ii) we do not
give notice prior to the 31st day following the Change of Control Event to redeem all the outstanding
Series A Preferred Units, the distribution rate per annum on the Series A Preferred Units will increase by
5.00%, beginning on the 31st day following such Change of Control Event.
"Below Investment Grade Rating Event" means the rating on any series of the KKR Senior Notes (or,
if no KKR Senior Notes are outstanding, our long-term issuer rating) is lowered in respect of a Change of
Control and any series of the KKR Senior Notes (or, if no KKR Senior Notes are outstanding, our
long-term issuer rating) is rated below Investment Grade by both Rating Agencies on any date from the
date of the public notice of an arrangement that could result in a Change of Control until the end of the
60-day period following public notice of the occurrence of a Change of Control (which period shall be
extended until the ratings are announced if during such 60-day period the rating of any series of the KKR
Senior Notes (or, if no KKR Senior Notes are outstanding, our long-term issuer rating) is under publicly
announced consideration for possible downgrade by either of the Rating Agencies); provided that a Below
Investment Grade Rating Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be
S-25
EFTA01108575
deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus shall not be deemed a
Below Investment Grade Rating Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Event
hereunder) if the Rating Agencies making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise
apply do not announce or publicly confirm or inform us in writing at our request that the reduction was the
result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect
of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred
at the time of the Below Investment Grade Rating Event). We will request the Rating Agencies to make
such confirmation in connection with any Change of Control.
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of the following:
• the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or
consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the combined
assets of the KKR Issuer Group taken as a whole to any "person" (as that term is used in
Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or any
successor provision), other than to a Continuing KKR Person; or
• the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation)
the result of which is that any "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange
Act or any successor provision), other than a Continuing KKR Person, becomes the beneficial
owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of a
majority of the controlling interests in (i) KKR & Co. L.P. or (ii) one or more of KKR & Co. L.P.,
the KKR Group Partnerships and any other entity that, as of the relevant time, is a guarantor to any
series of KKR Senior Notes that together hold all or substantially all of the assets of the KKR
Issuer Group taken as a whole.
"Change of Control Event" means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Below
Investment Grade Rating Event.
"Continuing KKR Person" means, immediately prior to and immediately following any relevant date
of determination, (i) an individual who (a) is an executive of the KKR Group, (b) devotes substantially all
of his or her business and professional time to the activities of the KKR Group and (c) did not become an
executive of the KKR Group or begin devoting substantially all of his or her business and professional time
to the activities of the KKR Group in contemplation of a Change of Control, or (ii) any Person in which
any one or more of such individuals directly or indirectly, singly or as a group, holds a majority of the
controlling interests.
"Fitch" means Fitch Ratings Inc. or any successor thereto.
"Investment Grade" means a rating of BBB- or better by Fitch (or its equivalent under any successor
rating categories of Fitch) and BBB- or better by S&P (or its equivalent under any successor rating
categories of S&P) (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate a series of the KKR Senior Notes
(or, if no KKR Senior Notes are outstanding, ceases to assign a long-term issuer rating to us) for reasons
outside of our control, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any Rating Agency selected by
us as a replacement Rating Agency).
"KKR Group" means the KKR Group Partnerships, the direct and indirect parents (including,
without limitation, general partners) of the KKR Group Partnerships, or the "Parent Entities," any direct
or indirect subsidiaries of the Parent Entities or the KKR Group Partnerships, the general partner or
similar controlling entities of any investment or vehicle that is managed, advised or sponsored by the KKR
Group or a "KKR Fund," and any other entity through which any of the foregoing directly or indirectly
conduct its business, but shall exclude any company in which a KKR Fund has an investment.
"KKR Issuer Group" means KKR & Co. L.P., the KKR Group Partnerships and any other entity that,
as of the relevant time, is a guarantor to any series of KKR Senior Notes, and their direct and indirect
subsidiaries (to the extent of their economic ownership interest in such subsidiaries) taken as a whole.
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"KKR Senior Notes" means (i) the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020 issued by KKR Group
Finance Co. LLC, (ii) the 5.500% Senior Notes due 2043 issued by KKR Group Finance Co. II LLC and
(iii) the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2044 issued by KKR Group Finance Co. III LLC, or similar series of
senior unsecured debt securities, and in each case, guaranteed by KKR & Co. L.P. and the KKR Group
Partnerships.
"Rating Agency" means:
• each of Fitch and S&P; and
• if either of Fitch or S&P ceases to rate any series of KKR Senior Notes (or, if no KKR Senior Notes
are outstanding, ceases to assign a long-term issuer rating to us) or fails to make a rating of any
series of KKR Senior Notes (or, if no KKR Senior Notes are outstanding, our long-term issuer
rating) publicly available for reasons outside of our control, a "nationally recognized statistical
rating organization" within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by us as a
replacement agency for Fitch or S&P, or both, as the case may be.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc., or any
successor thereto.
The Change of Control Redemption feature of the Series A Preferred Units may, in certain
circumstances, make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of our partnership or a KKR Group
Partnership and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. We have no present intention to engage in a
transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we could decide to do so in the
future.
Voting Rights
Except as indicated below, the holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have no voting rights.
If and whenever six quarterly distributions (whether or not consecutive) payable on the Series A
Preferred Units have not been declared and paid (a "Nonpayment"), the number of directors then
constituting the board of directors of our Managing Partner will be increased by two and the holders of the
Series A Preferred Units, voting together as a single class with the holders of any other series of parity
units then outstanding upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (any such
other series, the "voting preferred units"), will have the right to elect these two additional directors at a
meeting of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and such voting preferred units. When quarterly
distributions have been declared and paid on the Series A Preferred Units for four consecutive quarters
following the Nonpayment, the right of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and the voting
preferred units to elect these two additional directors will cease, the terms of office of these two directors
will forthwith terminate and the number of directors constituting the board of directors of our Managing
Partner will be reduced accordingly. However, the right of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and
the voting preferred units to elect two additional directors will again vest if and whenever six additional
quarterly distributions have not been declared and paid, as described above.
The approval of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of outstanding Series A
Preferred Units and all other series of voting preferred units, acting as a single class regardless of series,
either at a meeting of unitholders or by written consent, is required in order:
(i) to amend, alter or repeal any provisions of our limited partnership agreement relating to the
Series A Preferred Units or other series of voting preferred units, whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise, to affect materially and adversely the voting powers, rights or
preferences of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units or the voting preferred units, unless in
connection with any such amendment, alteration or repeal, each Series A Preferred Unit and
voting preferred unit remains outstanding without the terms thereof being materially changed in
any respect adverse to the holders thereof or is converted into or exchanged for preferred units of
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the surviving entity having preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption thereof
substantially similar to those of the Series A Preferred Units or the voting preferred units, as the
case may be, or
(ii) to authorize, create or increase the authorized amount of, any class or series of preferred units
having rights senior to the Series A Preferred Units with respect to the payment of distributions
or amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
provided that in the case of clause (i) above, if such amendment affects materially and adversely the rights,
preferences, privileges or voting powers of one or more but not all of the classes or series of voting
preferred units (including the Series A Preferred Units for this purpose), only the consent of the holders of
at least two-thirds of the outstanding units of the classes or series so affected, voting as a class, is required
in lieu of (or, if such consent is required by law, in addition to) the consent of the holders of two-thirds of
the voting preferred units (including the Series A Preferred Units for this purpose) as a class.
However, we may create additional series or classes of parity units and junior units and issue
additional series of parity units and junior units without the consent of any holder of the Series A Preferred
Units.
In addition, if at any time any person or group (other than our Managing Partner and its affiliates, or a
direct or subsequently approved transferee of our Managing Partner or its affiliates) acquires, in the
aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of the Series A Preferred Units then
outstanding, that person or group will lose voting rights on all of its units and the units may not be voted on
any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when calculating required votes or for other
similar purposes.
Amount Payable in Liquidation
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our partnership
("Liquidation"), each holder of the Series A Preferred Units will be entitled to a payment out of our assets
available for distribution to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units following the satisfaction of all
claims ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Units. Such payment will equal the sum of the $25.00
liquidation preference per Series A Preferred Unit and declared and unpaid distributions, if any, to, but
excluding, the date of Liquidation (the "Preferred Unit Liquidation Value"), to the extent that we have
sufficient gross income (excluding any gross income attributable to the sale or exchange of capital assets) in
the year of Liquidation and in the prior years in which the Series A Preferred Units have been outstanding
to ensure that each holder of Series A Preferred Units will have a capital account balance equal to the
Preferred Unit Liquidation Value.
The capital account balance for each Series A Preferred Unit will equal $25.00 initially and will be
increased each year by an allocation of gross ordinary income recognized by us (including any gross
ordinary income recognized in the year of Liquidation). We refer to our gross income (excluding any gross
income attributable to the sale or exchange of capital assets) as our "gross ordinary income." The
allocations of gross ordinary income to the capital account balances for the Series A Preferred Units in any
year will not exceed the sum of the amount of distributions paid on the Series A Preferred Units during
such year and, to the extent the amount of our distributions in prior years exceeded the cumulative gross
ordinary income allocated to the capital account balances for the Series A Preferred Units in those years,
the amount of such excess for all prior years. If the board of directors of our Managing Partner declares a
distribution on the Series A Preferred Units, the amount of the distribution paid on each such Series A
Preferred Unit will be deducted from the capital account balance for such Series A Preferred Unit,
whether or not such capital account balance received an allocation of gross ordinary income in respect of
such distribution. The allocation of gross ordinary income to the capital account balances for the Series A
Preferred Units is intended to entitle the holders of the Series A Preferred Units to a preference over the
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holders of outstanding common units upon our Liquidation, to the extent required to permit each holder
of a Series A Preferred Unit to receive the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value in respect of such unit. If,
however, we were to have insufficient gross ordinary income to achieve this result, holders of Series A
Preferred Units would be entitled, upon Liquidation, to less than the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value and
may receive less than $25.00 per Series A Preferred Unit.
After each holder of Series A Preferred Units receives a payment equal to the capital account balance
for such holder's units (even if such payment is less than the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value of such
holder's units), holders will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of our assets.
Based on current information, we believe we will have sufficient gross ordinary income in calendar
year 2016 to ensure that holders of Series A Preferred Units will have capital account balances that entitle
each holder, upon Liquidation, to the Preferred Unit Liquidation Value, but no assurance can be provided
regarding the level of our calendar year 2016 gross ordinary income or of our future gross ordinary income.
In our 2015 and 2014 taxable years, our gross ordinary income was approximately $941 million and
$1.04 billion respectively.
If upon any Liquidation, the amounts payable with respect to the Series A Preferred Units and any
other outstanding series of parity units are not paid in full, then the holders of the Series A Preferred Units
and the holders of such parity units will share equally and ratably in any distribution of our assets in
proportion to the full distributable amounts to which each such holder is entitled.
Neither the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer, for cash, units of capital stock, securities or other
consideration, of all or substantially all of our property or assets nor the consolidation, merger or
amalgamation of our partnership with or into any other entity or the consolidation, merger or
amalgamation of any other entity with or into our partnership will be deemed to be a voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our partnership, notwithstanding that for other
purposes, such as for tax purposes, such an event may constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
We refer to the foregoing transactions as "Permitted Transfers." In addition, no payment will be made to
the holders of the Series A Preferred Units pursuant to this "—Amount Payable in liquidation" section
(i) upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of any of our subsidiaries or
upon any reorganization of our partnership into another limited liability entity pursuant to provisions of
our limited partnership agreement that allow us to convert, merge or convey our assets to another limited
liability entity with or without limited partner approval (including a merger or conversion of our
partnership into a corporation if the Managing Partner determines in its sole discretion that it is no longer
in the interests of our partnership to continue as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or
(ii) if our partnership engages in a reorganization or other transaction in which a successor to our
partnership issues equity securities to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units that have rights, powers
and preferences that are substantially similar to the rights, powers and preferences of the Series A
Preferred Units pursuant to provisions of our limited partnership agreement that allow us to do so without
limited partner approval. We refer to the foregoing transactions as "Permitted Reorganizations."
No Conversion Rights
The Series A Preferred Units will not be convertible into common units or any other class or series of
interests or any other security.
Mirror Units
We intend to contribute the net proceeds from the sale of the Series A Preferred Units to the KKR
Group Partnerships. In consideration of our contribution, each KKR Group Partnership will issue to us a
new series of preferred units with economic terms designed to mirror those of the Series A Preferred
Units, which we refer to as the GP Mirror Units. The terms of the GP Mirror Units will provide that unless
distributions have been declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment on all GP Mirror Units
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issued by each KKR Group Partnership for the then-current quarterly distribution period, then during
such quarterly distribution period only, each KKR Group Partnership may not repurchase its common
units or any junior units and may not declare or pay or set apart payment for distributions on its junior
units, other than distributions paid in junior units or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or
purchase junior units. The terms of the GP Mirror Units also will provide that, in the event that any KKR
Group Partnership liquidates, dissolves or winds up, no KKR Group Partnership may declare or pay or set
apart payment on its common units or any other units ranking junior to the GP Mirror Units unless the
outstanding liquidation preference on all outstanding GP Minor Units of each KKR Group Partnership
have been repaid via redemption or otherwise. The foregoing would not apply to (i) a Substantially All
Merger or a Substantially MI Sale whereby a KKR Group Partnership is the surviving Person or the Person
formed by such transaction is organized under the laws of a Permitted Jurisdiction and has expressly
assumed all of the obligations under the GP Mirror Units, (ii) the sale or disposition of a KKR Group
Partnership (whether by merger, consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets) if such sale
or disposition is not a Substantially All Merger or Substantially All Sale, (iii) the sale or disposition of a
KKR Group Partnership should such KKR Group Partnership not constitute a "significant subsidiary"
under Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, (iv) an
event where the Series A Preferred Units have been fully redeemed pursuant to the terms of our limited
partnership agreement or if proper notice of redemption of the Series A Preferred Units has been given
and funds sufficient to pay the redemption price for all of the Series A Preferred Units called for
redemption have been set aside for payment pursuant to the terms of our limited partnership agreement,
(v) transactions where the assets of the KKR Group Partnership being liquidated, dissolved or wound up
are immediately contributed to another KKR Group Partnership, and (vi) with respect to a KKR Group
Partnership, a Permitted Transfer or a Permitted Reorganization.
A "Permitted Jurisdiction" means the United States or any state thereof, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada,
Cayman Islands, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland,
the United Kingdom or British Crown Dependencies, any other member country of the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development, or any political subdivision of any of the foregoing.
"Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an
association, a trust, or any other entity including government or political subdivision or an agency or
instrumentality thereof.
"Substantially All Merger" means a merger or consolidation of one or more KKR Group Partnerships
with or into another Person that would, in one or a series of related transactions, result in the transfer or
other disposition, directly or indirectly, of all or substantially all of the combined assets of the KKR Group
Partnerships taken as a whole to a Person that is not a KKR Group Partnership immediately prior to such
transaction.
"Substantially All Sale" means a sale, assignment, transfer, lease or conveyance, in one or a series of
related transactions, directly or indirectly, of all or substantially all of the assets of the KKR Group
Partnerships taken as a whole to a Person that is not a KKR Group Partnership immediately prior to such
transaction.
Transfer Agent, Registrar and Paying Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC will be the transfer agent, registrar and paying agent
for the Series A Preferred Units.
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EFTA01108580
BOOK-ENTRy DELIVERY, AND FORM
The Depository Tfust Company ("DTC"), New York, NY, will act as securities depository for the
Series A Preferred Units. The Series A Preferred Units will be issued as fully-registered securities
registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee) or such other name as may be
requested by an authorized representative of DTC.
DTC has advised us that: DTC, the world's largest securities depository, 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 and provides asset servicing for over 3.5 million
issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market
instruments (from over 100 countries) that DTC's participants ("Direct Participants") deposit with DTC.
DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities
transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges
between Direct Participants' accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTCC"). DTCC is the holding company for DTC,
National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are
registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC
system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). DTC has a Standard & Poor's
rating of AA+. The DTC Rules applicable to its Participants are on file with the SEC. More information
about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com.
Purchases of Series A Preferred Units under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct
Participants, which will receive a credit for the Series A Preferred Units on DTC's records. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each Series A Preferred Unit ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be
recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written
confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ti-ansfers
of ownership interests in the Series A Preferred Units are to be accomplished by entries made on the
books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not
receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Series A Preferred Units, except in the event
that use of the book-entry system for the Series A Preferred Units is discontinued.
lb facilitate subsequent transfers, all Series A Preferred Units deposited by Direct Participants with
DTC are registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may
be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of Series A Preferred Units with DTC
and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in
beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Series A Preferred
Units; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Series A
Preferred Units are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect
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.
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EFTA01108581
Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the Series A Preferred Units within an
issue are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct
Participant in such issue to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to
Series A Preferred Units unless authorized by a Direct Participant in accordance with DTC's MMI
Procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to us as soon as possible after the
record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct
Participants to whose accounts Series A Preferred Units are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Redemption proceeds and distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will be made to Cede & Co.,
or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC's practice is to
credit Direct Participants' accounts upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detail information
from us or American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC on the payable date in accordance with their
respective holdings shown on DTC's records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such
Participant and not of DTC, its nominee or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may
be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds and distributions to Cede & Co. (or such
other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is our responsibility,
disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement
of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
Except as provided herein, a Beneficial Owner of the Series A Preferred Units will not be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Series A Preferred Units. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on
the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the Series A Preferred Units. The laws of some
jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive
form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Series A Preferred Units.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as depository with respect to the Series A Preferred Units
at any time by giving us reasonable notice. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor
depository is not obtained, unit certificates are required to be printed and delivered.
We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry-only transfers through DTC (or a
successor securities depository). In that event, unit certificates will be printed and delivered to DTC.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained
from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
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This summary supplements the discussion contained under the caption "Material U.S. Federal Tax
Considerations" in the accompanying prospectus and should be read in conjunction therewith. Potential
holders of Series A Preferred Units are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S.
federal income tax considerations applicable to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Series A
Preferred Units.
Classification of KKR & Co. L.P.
We are a publicly traded partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our Managing Partner has
adopted a set of investment policies and procedures that govern the types of investments we can make (and
income we can earn), including structuring certain investments through entities, such as our intermediate
holding company, classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes (as discussed further
below), to ensure that we will meet the "qualifying income exception" under the publicly traded
partnership rules in each taxable year. See "Material U.S. Federal Iluc Consequences—Taxation of Our
Partnership."
Theatment of the Series A Preferred Units; Allocation of Profits and Lasses
We will treat the Series A Preferred Units as partnership interests in us that will be subject to the tax
considerations generally discussed in the accompanying prospectus under "Material U.S. Federal Tax
Considerations—Consequences to U.S Holders of Units." In general, we will specially allocate to the
Series A Preferred Units items of our gross ordinary income in an amount equal to the distributions paid
in respect of the Series A Preferred Units during the taxable year. The gross ordinary income allocated to a
holder of Series A Preferred Units will generally have the same character as our gross ordinary income
(e.g., interest, dividends, rents from real property, UBTI, etc.). To the extent our distributions in prior
years exceeded the cumulative gross ordinary income allocated to the Series A Preferred Units, we will
allocate additional gross ordinary income to the Series A Preferred Units until such excess is eliminated. In
such circumstance, the gross income allocated to holders of the Series A Preferred Units during a taxable
year would exceed the distributions to the Series A Preferred Units during such taxable year. However, we
expect to have sufficient gross ordinary income each taxable year to be able to allocate gross ordinary
income to the Series A Preferred Units in an amount equal to the distributions paid on the Series A
Preferred Units.
As described in "Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations—Consequences to U.S. Holders of Units"
in the accompanying prospectus, allocations of our items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit will be
determined in accordance with our limited partnership agreement, provided such allocations either have
"substantial economic effect" or are determined to be in accordance with such holder's interest in us. No
assurance can be provided that our allocation of gross ordinary income in respect of the Series A Preferred
Units will be treated as having "substantial economic effect" or will be treated as being in accordance with
such holder's interest in us.
We will treat any distribution on the Series A Preferred Units as a distribution on a partnership
interest subject to the treatment discussed in "Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations—Consequences
to U.S. Holders of Units—Treatment of Distributions" in the accompanying prospectus. If the distributions
paid to a holder of Series A Preferred Units in a taxable year exceed the amount of the gross ordinary
income allocated to such holder, then the holder's capital account balance will be reduced by the excess,
which would affect the amount that the holder of Series A Preferred Units would receive on Liquidation.
As described above, in the event that this results in the cumulative distributions exceeding the cumulative
gross ordinary income allocated to the Series A Preferred Units, we will allocate additional gross ordinary
income in future years until such excess is eliminated, which would increase the capital account balance of
the holder of Series A Preferred Units. As noted above, we expect to have sufficient gross ordinary income
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each taxable year to be able to allocate gross ordinary income to the Series A Preferred Units in an amount
equal to the distributions paid on the Series A Preferred Units.
The treatment of interests in a partnership such as the Series A Preferred Units and the payments
received in respect of such interests is uncertain. The IRS may contend that payments on the Series A
Preferred Units represent "guaranteed payments," which would generally be treated as ordinary income
but may not have the same character when received by a holder as our gross ordinary income had when
earned by us. If distributions on the Series A Preferred Units were treated as "guaranteed payments," a
holder would always be treated as receiving income equal to amount distributed, regardless of the amount
of our gross ordinary income. Potential holders of Series A Preferred Units are encouraged to consult their
own tax advisors regarding the treatment of payments on the Series A Preferred Units as "guaranteed
payments."
Withholding Nzxes
A U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will apply to distributions that constitute "withholdable
payments" and proceeds of sale in respect of our Series A Preferred Units received on or after January 1,
2019 by U.S. holders who own their units through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries or by certain
non-U.S. holders, if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not
satisfied. See "Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations—Administrative Matters—Additional
Withholding Requirements" in the accompanying prospectus.
Effectively Connected Income and Withholding
We expect that a portion of our income will be treated as ECI with respect to non-U.S. holders of
Series A Preferred Units, including by reason of investments in certain U.S. real property holding
corporations, real estate investment trusts or "REIL", real estate assets and energy assets. lb the extent
our income is treated as ECI, non-U.S. holders of Series A Preferred Units generally would be subject to
withholding tax on their allocable shares of such income, would be required to file a U.S. federal income
tax return for such year reporting their allocable share of income effectively connected with such trade or
business and any other income treated as ECI, and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular
U.S. tax rates on any such income. Non-U.S. holders may also be subject to state and local income taxes
and be required to file state and local income tax returns with respect to their allocable shares of ECI.
Non-U.S. holders of Series A Preferred Units that are corporations may also be subject to a 30% branch
profits tax (potentially reduced under an applicable treaty) on their actual or deemed distributions of such
income. In addition, distributions to non-U.S. holders of Series A Preferred Units that are attributable to
profits on the sale of a U.S. real property interest may also be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Also,
non-U.S. holders may be subject to 30% withholding on allocations of our income that are U.S. source
fixed or determinable annual or periodic income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), unless an exemption from or a reduced rate of such withholding applies (under an
applicable treaty of the Code) and certain tax status information is provided. Finally, if we are treated as
being engaged in a U.S. trade or business, a portion of any gain recognized by non-U.S. holders on the sale
or exchange of Series A Preferred Units may be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as ECI, and
hence such non-U.S. holders could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the sale or exchange of
Series A Preferred Units.
Unrelated Business Taxable Income
Because we have incurred "acquisition indebtedness" with respect to certain investments we hold
(either directly or indirectly through subsidiaries that are treated as partnerships or disregarded for U.S.
federal income tax purposes), a proportionate share of a holder's income from us with respect to such
investments may be treated as UBTI. Accordingly, tax-exempt holders of our Series A Preferred Units may
recognize UBTI. 'Pax-exempt holders of our Series A Preferred Units are strongly urged to consult their tax
advisors regarding the tax consequences of owning our units.
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Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA') (each, an "ERISA Plan"),
should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the ERISA Plan's particular
circumstances before authorizing an investment in the Series A Preferred Units. Accordingly, among other
factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and
diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, and the
documents and instruments governing the ERISA Plan.
Prohibited Transaction Issues
Whether or not the underlying assets of KKR & Co. L.P., as issuer of the Series A Preferred Units,
were deemed to include "plan assets," as described below, we, certain of our subsidiaries and the
underwriters, the Transfer Agent, Registrar and Paying Agent, the our Managing Partner and our and their
respective affiliates may be each considered a "party in interest" within the meaning of ERISA, or a
"disqualified person" within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), with respect to many ERISA Plans, as well as other arrangements subject to
Section 4975 of the Code, including individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans (such arrangements,
and together with ERISA Plans, referred to herein as "Plans"). Prohibited transactions within the meaning
of ERISA or the Code could arise, for example, if the Series A Preferred Units are acquired by or with the
assets of a Plan with respect to which the Manager, we or any of our subsidiaries or our or the Manager's
respective affiliates and the other persons referenced above is a party in interest or disqualified person,
unless the transaction qualifies for an exemption from the prohibited transaction rules of Title I of ERISA
and Section 4975 of the Code. A violation of these prohibited transaction rules could result in an excise tax
or other liabilities under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, unless relief is available under an
applicable statutory or administrative exemption.
Exemptive relief from the prohibited transaction rules under Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975
of the Code may be available for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase,
holding or disposition of our Units. Those exemptions include Prohibited Ttansaction Class Exemption
("PTCE") 96-23 (for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (for
certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions
involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance
company separate accounts), and PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent
qualified professional asset managers). In addition, Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20)
of the Code provide exemptive relief for certain arm's-length transactions with a person (other than a
fiduciary or an affiliate of a fiduciary that has or exercises discretionary authority or control or renders
investment advice with respect to the assets involved in the transaction) that is a party in interest or
disqualified person solely by reason of providing services to Plans or being an affiliate of such a service
provider (the "Service Provider Exemption"). Each of the above-noted exemptions contains conditions
and limitations on its application. Fiduciaries of Plans considering acquiring and/or holding the Series A
Preferred Units in reliance on these or any other exemption should carefully review the exemption to
assure it is applicable. There can be no assurance that any of these class exemptions, the Service Provider
Exemption or any other exemption will be available with respect to any particular transaction involving the
Series A Preferred Units.
Plan Asset Issues
Regulations, promulgated under ERISA by the U.S. Department of Labor, as modified by
Section 3(42) of ERISA (the "Plan Asset Regulations") generally provide, that when a Plan acquires an
equity interest in an entity that is neither a "publicly offered security" nor a security issued by an
investment company registered under the 1940 Act, the Plan's assets include both the equity interest and
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an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets of the entity unless it is established either that equity
participation in the entity by "benefit plan investors" is not significant or that the entity is an "operating
company," in each case as defined in the Plan Asset Regulations. For purposes of the Plan Asset
Regulations, equity participation in an entity by benefit plan investors will not be significant if they hold, in
the aggregate, less than 25% of the total value of each class of such entity's equity, excluding equity
interests held by persons (other than benefit plan investors) with discretionary authority or control over the
assets of the entity or who provide investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) with respect to such
assets, and any affiliates thereof.
For purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations, a "publicly offered security" is a security that is
(a) "freely transferable", (b) part of a class of securities that is "widely held," and (c) (i) sold to the Plan as
part of an offering of securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act and the class of securities to which such security is a part is registered under the Exchange
Act within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the offering of such securities
to the public has occurred, or (ii) is part of a class of securities that is registered under Section 12 the
Exchange Act. The Series A Preferred Units are being offered pursuant to a registered offering under the
Securities Act and the Series A Preferred Units will be registered under the Exchange Act. The Plan Asset
Regulations provide that a security is "widely held" only if it is part of a class of securities that is owned by
100 or more investors independent of the issuer and one another. A security will not fail to be "widely
held" because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial offering
thereof as a result of events beyond the control of the issuer. It is anticipated that our Series A Preferred
Units will be "widely held" within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations, although no assurance can
be given in this regard. The Plan Asset Regulations provide that whether a security is "freely transferable"
is a factual question to be determined on the basis all the relevant facts and circumstances. It is anticipated
that our Series A Preferred Units will be "freely transferable" within the meaning of the Plan Asset
Regulations, although no assurance can be given in this regard.
Although no assurances can be given in this regard, we anticipate that the Series A Preferred Units we
are selling hereunder should qualify as a "publicly offered security" within the meaning of the Plan Asset
Regulations.
Governmental plans, certain church plans and non-United States plans (each, a "Non-ERISA Plan"),
while not subject to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions of Title I of ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code, may nevertheless be subject to other federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws
or regulations that are substantially similar to the foregoing provisions of ERISA or the Code (collectively,
"Similar Laws"). Fiduciaries of any such plans should consult with their counsel before purchasing the
Series A Preferred Units.
Certain Restridions
Due to the foregoing requirements, the Series A Preferred Units may not be purchased or held by any
Plan, any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of any Plan's investment in the entity
or by reason of any Non-ERISA Plan's investment in the entity (each, a "Plan Asset Entity"), or any
person investing plan assets of any Plan or Non-ERISA Plan, unless such purchase and holding will not
constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code
or a violation of any applicable Similar Law.
Accordingly, each purchaser and subsequent transferee, including any fiduciary purchasing or holding
the Series A Preferred Units with the assets of any Plan, Plan Asset Entity or Non-ERISA Plan, will be
deemed to have represented by its purchase or holding of the Series A Preferred Units that either (a) it is
not a Plan, a Plan Asset Entity or a Non-ERISA Plan and is not purchasing or holding such shares on
behalf of or with the assets of any Plan, Plan Asset Entity or Non-ERISA Plan or (b) its purchase and
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holding of the Series A Preferred Units will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a similar violation of any applicable Similar Law.
The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Due to the
complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt
prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing
our shares on behalf of or with the assets of any Plan, Plan Asset Entity or Non-ERISA Plan consult with
their counsel regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any Similar Laws
to such an investment and whether an exemption would be available for the purchase and holding of our
shares.
Purchasers of our shares have exclusive responsibility for ensuring that their purchase and holding of
our shares do not violate the prohibited transaction rules of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the
Code or any applicable Similar Law, as described above.
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UNDERWRITING
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS
Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering
and as representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the
underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has
severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of Series A
Preferred Units set forth opposite the underwriter's name.
Underwriter
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
UBS Securities LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
lbtal
Number of
Series A
Preferred Units
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the
Series A Preferred Units included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to
other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all the Series A Preferred Units (other than
those covered by the over-allotment option described below) if they purchase any of the Series A Preferred
Units.
The Series A Preferred Units sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the
initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any Series A Preferred
Units sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public
offering price not to exceed $
per unit. The underwriters may allow, and dealers may reallow, a
concession not to exceed $
per unit on sales to other dealers. If all the Series A Preferred Units are
not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling
terms.
if the underwriters sell more Series A Preferred Units than the total number set forth in the table
above, we have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this
prospectus supplement, to purchase up to
additional Series A Preferred Units at the public offering
price less the underwriting discount. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase
a number of additional Series A Preferred Units approximately proportionate to that underwriter's initial
purchase commitment. Any Series A Preferred Units issued or sold under the option will be issued and
sold on the same terms and conditions as the other Series A Preferred Units that are the subject of this
offering.
We have agreed that, for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, we will not,
without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell,
sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or
warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the SEC a
registration statement under the Securities Act relating to any Series A Preferred Units, securities similar
to or ranking on par with or senior to the Series A Preferred Units or any securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for the Series A Preferred Units or any such similar, parity or senior securities,
or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, or (ii) enter into any
swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of
ownership of the Series A Preferred Units or any such similar, parity or senior securities, whether any such
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transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of the Series A Preferred Units
or any such similar, parity or senior securities, in cash or otherwise; provided that the we may issue and sell
the Series A Preferred Units to the underwriters pursuant to the underwriting agreement. Morgan
Stanley & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and Wells
Fargo Securities, LLC in their sole discretion may release any of the securities subject to this lock-up
agreement at any time.
We intend to apply to list the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE under the symbol "
." If
the application is approved, we expect trading in the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE to begin within
30 days after the Series A Preferred Units are first issued.
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the
underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full
exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
Paid by Us
No Exercise
Full Exercise
Per unit
Total
The estimated offering expenses payable by us (excluding the underwriting discount) are
approximately $
, which includes legal, accounting and printing costs and various other fees
associated with registering the units.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell units in the open market.
Purchases and sales in the open market may include short sales, purchases to cover short positions, which
may include purchases pursuant to the over-allotment option, and stabilizing purchases. Short sales involve
secondary market sales by the underwriters of a greater number of units than they are required to purchase
in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales of units in an amount up to the number of units
represented by the underwriters' over-allotment option. "Naked" short sales are sales of units in an
amount in excess of the number of units represented by the underwriters' over-allotment option. Covering
transactions involve purchases of units either pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option or in the
open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. lb close a naked
short position, the underwriters must purchase units in the open market after the distribution has been
completed. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there
may be downward pressure on the price of the units in the open market after pricing that could adversely
affect investors who purchase in the offering. To close a covered short position, the underwriters must
purchase units in the open market after the distribution has been completed or must exercise the
over-allotment option. In determining the source of units to close the covered short position, the
underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of units available for purchase in the open market
as compared to the price at which they may purchase units through the over-allotment option. Stabilizing
transactions involve bids to purchase units so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified
maximum.
Purchases to cover short positions and stabilizing purchases, as well as other purchases by the
underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market
price of the units. They may also cause the price of the units to be higher than the price that would
otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct
these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters
commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.
We expect to deliver the units against payment for the units on or about the date specified in the last
paragraph of the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the fifth business day following
the date of the pricing of the units ("T+5"). Under Rule 15c6-I of the Exchange Act, trades in the
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EFTA01108589
secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to a trade
expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade units on the date of pricing or the
next succeeding business day will be required, by virtue of the fact that the units initially will settle in T+5,
to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The underwriters and their respective affiliates have performed commercial banking, investment
banking and advisory services for us from time to time for which they have received customary fees and
reimbursement of expenses. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may, from time to time,
engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which
they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their
respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity
securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own
account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve
securities and instruments of ours or our affiliates. Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates that have
a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary
risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by
entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of
short positions in our securities, including potentially the Series A Preferred Units. Any such short
positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the Series A Preferred Units. The underwriters and
their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations or publish or express independent
research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may at any time hold, or
recommend to clients that they acquire, long or short positions in such securities and instruments.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of
those liabilities.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area
In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area (each, a relevant member state),
with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that relevant
member state (the relevant implementation date), an offer of units described in this prospectus
supplement may not be made to the public in that relevant member state other than:
• to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;
• to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the
Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior
consent of the relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by us for any such offer; or
• in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,
provided that no such offer of units shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to
Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of units to the public" in any relevant member
state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the
offer and the units to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the units,
as the expression may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus
Directive in that member state, and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC
(and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the
relevant member state) and includes any relevant implementing measure in the relevant member state.
The expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.
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The sellers of the units have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of units
through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters with a view
to the final placement of the units as contemplated in this prospectus supplement. Accordingly, no
purchaser of the units, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of the units on
behalf of the sellers or the underwriters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are only being distributed to, and is
only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of
Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive that are also (i) investment professionals falling within
Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the
"Order") or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated,
falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (each such person being referred to as a "relevant
person"). This prospectus supplement and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed,
published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United
Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this
document or any of its contents.
Notice to Prospective Investors in France
Neither this prospectus supplement nor any other offering material relating to the units described in
this prospectus supplement has been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Autotir e des March 'a
Financiers or of the competent authority of another member state of the European Economic Area and
notified to the Autorire des March'a Financiers. The units have not been offered or sold and will not be
offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Neither this prospectus supplement nor any
other offering material relating to the units has been or will be:
• released, issued, distributed or caused to be released, issued or distributed to the public in France;
or
• used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the units to the public in France.
Such offers, sales and distributions will be made in France only:
• to qualified investors (investisseurs quaM 'es) and/or to a restricted circle of investors (cercle restreint
d'investisseurs), in each case investing for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance
with articles L411-2, D.411-1, D.41I-2, D.734-1, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Code
mon 'etaire a financier,
• to investment services providers authorized to engage in portfolio management on behalf of third
parties; or
• in a transaction that, in accordance with article L411-2-11-1°-or-2°-or 3° of the French Code
mon 'etaire a financier and article 211-2 of the General Regulations (Reglement G 'en 'eral) of the
Autorit'e des March 'es Financiers, does not constitute a public offer (appel public a' repargne).
The units may be resold directly or indirectly, only in compliance with articles L411-1, L411-2,
L412-1 and L.621-8 through L621-8-3 of the French Code mon'etaire a financier.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The units may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) in
circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies
Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to "professional investors" within the meaning of the
Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or
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EFTA01108591
(iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning
of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) and no advertisement, invitation or document
relating to the units may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in
each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to
be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong
Kong) other than with respect to units which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside
Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Putures Ordinance
(Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The units offered in this prospectus supplement have not been registered under the Securities and
Exchange Law of Japan. The units have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or
indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident of Japan, except (i) pursuant to an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Law and (ii) in compliance with any
other applicable requirements of Japanese law.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of
Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection
with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the units may not be circulated or
distributed, nor may the units be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or
purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor
under Section 274 of the Securities and Putures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SPA"), (ii) to a
relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance
with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SPA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance
with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SPA, in each case subject to compliance with
conditions set forth in the SPA.
Where the units are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SPA by a relevant person which
is:
• a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SPA)) the sole
business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or
more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor, or
• a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments
and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,
shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and
interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that
corporation or that trust has acquired the units pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SPA
except:
• to an institutional investor (for corporations, under Section 274 of the SPA) or to a relevant person
defined in Section 275(2) of the SPA, or to any person pursuant to an offer that is made on terms
that such shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or such rights
and interest in that trust are acquired at a consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent
in a foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by
exchange of securities or other assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the
conditions specified in Section 275 of the SPA;
• where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or
• where the transfer is by operation of law.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Certain partners
of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, members of their families and related persons have an interest
representing less than t% of our common units. Certain legal matters related to this offering will be passed
upon for the underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements, and the related financial statement schedule, incorporated in
this prospectus supplement by reference from our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2015 and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting have been audited
by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report,
which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedule
have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
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We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect
to the preferred units to be sold pursuant to this prospectus. The registration statement, including the
exhibits and schedules attached to the registration statement, contains additional relevant information
about us and our preferred units. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit certain
information from this prospectus.
We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. The SEC's rules
allow us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the information 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 an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file
later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede such information, as well as the information
included in this prospectus. Some documents or information, such as that called for by Items 2.02 and 7.01
of Form 8-K, or the exhibits related thereto under Item 9.01 of Form 8-K, are deemed furnished and not
filed in accordance with SEC rules. None of those documents and none of that information is incorporated
by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus also contains summaries of certain provisions contained
in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete
information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual documents.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2015.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and are required to file reports
and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the
SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information
on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800- SEC-0330. The SEC
maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information
regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http:IIwww.sec.gov.
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this
prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the information that
has been incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus, excluding
exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents.
You may request copies of those documents from KKR & Co. LP., 9 West 57th Street, Suite 4200, New
York, New York 10019, Attention: Investor Relations. You also may contact us at I- 877-610-4910 or visit
our website at http://www.lckr.com for copies of those documents. Information contained in, or accessible
through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
You also may review a copy of the prospectus and registration statement and its exhibits at the SEC's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., as well as through the SEC's internet website (See "Where
You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus supplement).
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PROSPECTUS KKR
KKR & Co. L.P.
Preferred Units
This prospectus relates to our preferred units that may be offered for sale from time to time by us
and any selling unitholders.
This prospectus describes the general manner in which the preferred units may be offered and
sold. We will provide specific terms of any offering of these preferred units in a prospectus supplement
or a free writing prospectus. The preferred units may be offered separately or together or in preferred
units in any combination and as separate series. You should read this prospectus and any applicable
prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus we may provide to you, as well as the documents
incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, carefully before you
invest.
We or any selling unitholders may sell these preferred units on a continuous or delayed basis
directly, through agents, dealers or underwriters as designated from time to time, or through a
combination of these methods. We and any selling unitholders reserve the sole right to accept, and we
and any selling unitholders and any agents, dealers and underwriters reserve the right to reject, in
whole or in part, any proposed purchase of preferred units. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are
involved in the sale of any preferred units, the applicable prospectus supplement or a free writing
prospectus will set forth any applicable commissions or discounts payable to them. The names of the
selling unitholders, if any, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing
prospectus. Our net proceeds from the sale of the preferred units also will be set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the
sale of the preferred units to which this prospectus relates that are offered by any selling unitholders.
In reviewing this prospectus, you should carefully consider the matters described
under the caption "Risk Factors" beginning on page 2 of this prospectus and in the
"Risk Factors" section of our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved
or disapproved of these preferred units or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is March 10, 2016
EFTA01108595
Page
KKR & Co. I-P.
1
Risk Factors
2
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
2
Use of Proceeds
3
Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Responsibilities
4
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Equity Distributions
10
Description of Preferred Units
11
Description of Our Limited Partnership Agreement
12
Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations
23
Plan of Distribution
39
Legal Matters
41
Experts
42
Where You Can Find More Information
43
EFTA01108596
This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement that we filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, or the "SEC," as a "well-known seasoned issuer" as defined in Rule 405
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the "Securities Act," utilizing a "shelf" registration
process. Under this shelf registration process, we or any selling unitholders may sell any of the
preferred units described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. Each time we or any selling
unitholders sell preferred units, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific
information about the terms of the offering and of the preferred units being offered and information
regarding the selling unitholders, if any. The prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may also
add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus
and any applicable prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus together with information
incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and the additional information
described under "Where You Can Find More Information" before making an investment in our
preferred units.
We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus
supplement or free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you
in connection with an offering of our preferred units described in this prospectus. We take no
responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that
others may give you. This prospectus does not constitute, and any prospectus supplement or free
writing prospectus that we may provide to you in connection with an offering of our preferred units
described in this prospectus will not constitute, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to
purchase, the offered preferred units in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom or from whom
it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should assume that the
information contained in this prospectus, in any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that
we may provide to you in connection with an offering of our preferred units described in this
prospectus, or in any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date of that document. Neither the
delivery of this prospectus nor any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that we may
provide to you in connection with an offering of our preferred units described in this prospectus nor
any distribution of preferred units pursuant to this prospectus or any such prospectus supplement or
free writing prospectus shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no
change in the information set forth in this prospectus, any such prospectus supplement or free writing
prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus
or any prospectus supplement since the date thereof.
For investors outside the United States: neither we nor any selling unitholders have done anything
that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus or any prospectus
supplement or free writing prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required,
other than in the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any
restrictions relating to an offering of our preferred units described in this prospectus and the
distribution of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus.
Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires:
(i) references to "KKR," "we," "us," "our" and "our partnership" refer to KKR & Co. L.P.
and its consolidated subsidiaries. Prior to KKR & Co. LP becoming listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, the "NYSE," on July 15, 2010, KKR Group Holdings L.P. consolidated the financial
results of KKR Management Holdings L.P. and KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and their consolidated
subsidiaries. On August 5, 2014, KKR International Holdings L.P. became a KKR Group
Partnership. We refer to KKR Management Holdings L.P., KKR Fund Holdings LP. and KKR
International Holdings LP. collectively as the "KKR Group Partnerships." Each KKR Group
Partnership has an identical number of partner interests and, when held together, one Class A
EFTA01108597
partner interest in each of the KKR Group Partnerships together represents one KKR Group
Partnership Unit;
(ii) references to "our Managing Partner" are to KKR Management LLC, which acts as our
general partner and unless otherwise indicated, references to equity interests in KKR's business, or
to percentage interests in KKR's business, reflect the aggregate equity of the KKR Group
Partnerships and are net of amounts that have been allocated to our principals and other
employees and non-employee operating consultants in respect of the carried interest from KKR's
business as part of our "carry pool" and certain minority interests;
(iii) references to "principals" are to our senior employees and non-employee operating
consultants who hold interests in KKR's business through KKR Holdings LP., which we refer to as
"KKR Holdings," and references to our "senior principals" are to our senior employees who hold
interests in our Managing Partner entitling them to vote for the election of its directors;
(iv) references to "our funds" or "our vehicles" refer to investment funds, vehicles and/or
accounts advised, sponsored or managed by one or more subsidiaries of KKR including
collateralized loan obligations and CMBS vehicles, unless context requires otherwise. They do not
include investment funds, vehicles or accounts of any hedge fund manager with which we have
formed a strategic partnership where we have acquired a non-controlling interest;
(v) references to our "limited partnership agreement" are to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of KKR & Co. L.P., by and among KKR Management LLC and
the limited partners party thereto, as it may be amended from time to time; and
(vi) references to "unitholders" refer to the holder of any limited partnership interest in the
registrant, whether common or preferred.
iii
EFTA01108598
KKR & CO. L.R
This prospectus contains certain information about KKR & Co. L.P. and our preferred units. This
prospectus is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before
making an investment in our preferred units. You should read carefully the information appearing in this
prospectus and in any prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus we may provide to you in
connection with an offering of our preferred units described in this prospectus and in the documents
incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
We are a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes
including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. We aim to generate
attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing
world-class people, and driving growth and value creation in the assets we manage. We invest our own
capital alongside the capital we manage for fund investors and bring debt and equity investment
opportunities to others through our capital markets business.
We are a holding partnership formed as a Delaware limited partnership on June 25, 2007. Through
our wholly-owned subsidiaries, we hold equity interests in, and conduct all of our material business
activities through KKR Management Holdings LP., KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and KKR International
Holdings L.P., collectively, the "KKR Group Partnerships." We indirectly are the general partner of
each of the KKR Group Partnerships and hold a number of KKR Group Partnership Units equal to
the number of common units that we have issued, not including unvested units. Accordingly, we
indirectly control all of the business and affairs of the KKR Group Partnerships and consolidate the
financial results of the KKR Group Partnerships and its consolidated subsidiaries. Our common units
representing limited partner interests in our partnership ("common units") are listed on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "KKR."
Each KKR Group Partnership has an identical number of Class A partner interests and, when held
together, one Class A partner interest in each of the KKR Group Partnerships together represents one
KKR Group Partnership unit ("KKR Group Partnership Unit"). KKR Group Partnership Units that
are held by KKR Holdings LP are exchangeable for our common units on a one-for-one basis, subject
to customary conversion rate adjustments for splits, unit distributions and reclassifications and
compliance with applicable lock-up, vesting and transfer restrictions.
We are managed by KKR Management LLC, our general partner, which we refer to as our
Managing Partner. Our Managing Partner has a board of directors that is co-chaired by KKR's
founders, Henry Kravis and George Roberts, who also serve as Co-Chief Executive Officers. KKR's
senior principals control our Managing Partner. We reimburse our Managing Partner and its affiliates
for all costs incurred in managing and operating us, and our limited partnership agreement provides
that our Managing Partner will determine the expenses that are allocable to us.
Our executive offices are located at 9 West 57th Street, Suite 4200, New York, NY, 10019, and our
telephone number is (212) 750-8300.
1
EFTA01108599
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our preferred units involves risks. In addition to the risks discussed below under
"Cautionary Note Regarding Forwarding-Looking Statements," you should carefully review the risks
discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and under the caption
"Risk Factors" or any similar caption in the other documents that we have filed or subsequently file
with the SEC that are incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus as
described below under "Where You Can Find More Information" and in any prospectus supplement or
free writing prospectus that we provide you in connection with an offering of preferred units pursuant
to this prospectus. You should also carefully review the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the
documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any
such prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus. The risks and uncertainties discussed below
and in the documents referred to above and other matters discussed in those documents could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and
the market price of our preferred units and any other securities we may issue. Moreover, the risks and
uncertainties discussed below and in the foregoing documents are not the only risks and uncertainties
that we face, and our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and the market
price of our preferred units and any other securities we may issue could be materially adversely
affected by other matters that are not known to us or that we currently do not consider to be material
risks to our business.
This prospectus and the documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein contain, and any prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus that we may provide to you
in connection with an offering of our preferred units described in this prospectus may contain, forward-
looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the "Exchange Act," which reflect our current views
with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these
forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believe," "expect," "potential,"
"continue," "may," "should," "seek," "approximately," "predict," "intend," "will," "plan," "estimate,"
"anticipate," the negative version of these words, other comparable words or other statements that do
not relate strictly to historical or factual matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to various
risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual
outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these
factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on
February 26, 2016, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the
SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed
as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included
in this prospectus and our periodic filings.
We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, the events described by our forward-looking statements might not occur. We qualify any
and all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary factors. Please keep this cautionary note
in mind as you read this prospectus, the documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein and any prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus that we may provide to
you in connection with this offering.
The documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference herein contain or may
contain, and any prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus that we may provide to you in
connection with this offering may contain, market data, industry statistics and other data that have been
obtained from, or compiled from, information made available by third parties. We have not
independently verified this data or these statistics.
2
EFTA01108600
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus prepared in
connection with an offering of preferred units pursuant to this prospectus, the net proceeds from the
sale of the preferred units to which this prospectus relates will be used for general corporate purposes.
General corporate purposes may include repayment, repurchase or redemption of debt, acquisitions,
additions to working capital, capital expenditures and investments in our subsidiaries. Net proceeds may
be temporarily invested or temporarily used to repay indebtedness prior to deployment for their
intended purposes.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of preferred units to which this prospectus
relates that are offered by any selling unitholders.
3
EFTA01108601
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest exist and may arise in the future as a result of the relationships between our
Managing Partner and its affiliates, including each party's respective owners, on the one hand, and our
partnership and our limited partners, on the other hand. Whenever a potential conflict arises between
our Managing Partner or its affiliates, on the one hand, and us or any limited partner, on the other
hand, our Managing Partner will resolve that conflict. Our limited partnership agreement contains
provisions that reduce and eliminate our Managing Partner's duties, including fiduciary duties, to our
unitholders. Our limited partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to unitholders for
actions taken that without those limitations might constitute breaches of duty, including fiduciary
duties.
Under our limited partnership agreement, our Managing Partner will not be in breach of its
obligations under the limited partnership agreement or its duties to us or our unitholders if the
resolution of the conflict is:
• approved by the conflicts committee, although our Managing Partner is not obligated to seek
such approval;
• approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding units, excluding any units owned by our
Managing Partner or any of its affiliates, although our Managing Partner is not obligated to seek
such approval;
• on terms which are, in the aggregate, no less favorable to us than those generally being provided
to or available from unrelated third parties; or
• fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships among the parties
involved, including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to us.
Our Managing Partner may, but is not required to, seek the approval of such resolution from the
conflicts committee or our unitholders. If our Managing Partner does not seek approval from the
conflicts committee or our unitholders and its board of directors determines that the resolution or
course of action taken with respect to the conflict of interest satisfies either of the standards set forth
in the third and fourth bullet points above, then it will be presumed that in making its decision the
board of directors acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited
partner or us or any other person bound by our limited partnership agreement, the person bringing or
prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption. Unless the
resolution of a conflict is specifically provided for in our limited partnership agreement, our Managing
Partner or the conflicts committee may consider any factors it determines in its sole discretion to
consider when resolving a conflict. Our limited partnership agreement provides that our Managing
Partner will be conclusively presumed to be acting in good faith if our Managing Partner subjectively
believes that the determination made or not made is in the best interests of the partnership.
Covered Agreements
The conflicts committee is responsible for enforcing our rights under certain agreements against
KKR Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries and designees, a general partner or limited partner of
KKR Holdings, or a person who holds a partnership or equity interest in the foregoing entities. The
conflicts committee is also authorized to take any action pursuant to any authority or rights granted to
such committee under those agreements or with respect to any amendment, supplement, modification
or waiver to those agreements that would purport to modify such authority or rights. In addition, the
conflicts committee shall approve any amendment to any of those agreements that in the reasonable
judgment of our Managing Partner's board of directors creates or will result in a conflict of interest.
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EFTA01108602
Potential Conflicts
Conflicts of interest could arise in the situations described below, among others.
Actions taken by our Managing Partner may affect the amount of cash flow from operations to our
unitholders.
The amount of cash flow from operations that is available for distribution to our unitholders is
affected by decisions of our Managing Partner regarding such matters as:
• the amount and timing of cash expenditures, including those relating to compensation;
• the amount and timing of investments and dispositions;
• levels of indebtedness;
• tax matters;
• levels of reserves; and
• issuances of additional partnership securities.
In addition, borrowings by our limited partnership and our affiliates from our Managing Partner
and its affiliates do not constitute a breach of any duty owed by our Managing Partner to our
unitholders. Our partnership agreement provides that we and our subsidiaries may borrow funds from
our Managing Partner and its affiliates on terms that are fair and reasonable to us. Under our limited
partnership agreement, those borrowings will be deemed to be fair and reasonable if: (i) they are
approved in accordance with the terms of the limited partnership agreement; (ii) the terms are no less
favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties; or
(iii) the terms are fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships
between the parties involved, including other transactions that may be or have been particularly
favorable or advantageous to us.
We will reimburse our Managing Partner and its affiliates for expenses.
We will reimburse our Managing Partner and its affiliates for costs incurred in managing and
operating our partnership and our business. For example, we do not elect, appoint or employ any
directors, officers or other employees. All of those persons are elected, appointed or employed by our
Managing Partner on our behalf. Our limited partnership agreement provides that our Managing
Partner will determine the expenses that are allocable to us.
Our Managing Partner has limited its liability regarding our obligations.
Our Managing Partner has limited its liability under contractual arrangements so that the other
party has recourse only to our assets, and not against our Managing Partner, its assets or its owners.
Our limited partnership agreement provides that any action taken by our Managing Partner to limit its
liability or our liability is not a breach of our Managing Partner's fiduciary duties, even if we could have
obtained more favorable terms without the limitation on liability. The limitation on our Managing
Partner's liability does not constitute a waiver of compliance with U.S. federal securities laws that
would be void under Section 14 of the Securities Act.
Our unitholders will have no right to enforce obligations of our Managing Partner and its affiliates under
agreements with us.
Any agreements between us on the one hand, and our Managing Partner and its affiliates on the
other, will not grant our unitholders, separate and apart from us, the right to enforce the obligations of
our Managing Partner and its affiliates in our favor.
5
EFTA01108603
Contracts between us, on the one hand, and our Managing Partner and its affiliates, on the other, will not be
the result of arm's-length negotiations.
Our limited partnership agreement allows our Managing Partner to determine in its sole discretion
any amounts to pay itself or its affiliates for any services rendered to us. Our Managing Partner may
also enter into additional contractual arrangements with any of its affiliates on our behalf. Neither our
limited partnership agreement nor any of the other agreements, contracts and arrangements between us
on the one hand, and our Managing Partner and its affiliates on the other, are or will be the result of
arm's-length negotiations. Our Managing Partner will determine the terms of these transactions so long
as such arrangements are fair and reasonable to us as determined under our partnership agreement.
Our Managing Partner and its affiliates will have no obligation to permit us to use any facilities or
assets of our Managing Partner and its affiliates, except as may be provided in contracts entered into
specifically dealing with such use. There will not be any obligation of our Managing Partner and its
affiliates to enter into any contracts of this kind.
Our common units are subject to our Managing Partner's limited call right.
Our Managing Partner may exercise its right to call and purchase common units as provided in our
limited partnership agreement or assign this right to one of its affiliates or to us. Our Managing
Partner may use its own discretion, free of fiduciary duty restrictions, in determining whether to
exercise this right. As a result, a unitholder may have his common units purchased from him at an
undesirable time or price.
We may choose not to retain separate counsel for ourselves or for the holders of our units.
Attorneys, independent accountants and others who will perform services for us are selected by our
Managing Partner or the conflicts committee, and may perform services for our Managing Partner and
its affiliates. We may retain separate counsel for ourselves or our unitholders in the event of a conflict
of interest between our Managing Partner and its affiliates on the one hand, and us or our unitholders
on the other, depending on the nature of the conflict, but are not required to do so.
Our Managing Partner's affiliates may compete with us.
Our partnership agreement provides that our Managing Partner will be restricted from engaging in
any business activities other than activities incidental to its ownership of interests in us. Except as
provided in the non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements to which our principals
will be subject, affiliates of our Managing Partner, including its owners, are not prohibited from
engaging in other businesses or activities, including those that might compete directly with us.
Certain of our subsidiaries have obligations to investors in our investment funds and may hare obligations to
other third parties that may conflict with your interests.
Our subsidiaries that serve as the investment advisors or general partners of our investment funds
have fiduciary and contractual obligations to the investors in those funds and some of our subsidiaries,
including those subsidiaries that are broker-dealers, may have contractual duties to other third parties.
As a result, we expect to regularly take actions with respect to the allocation of investments among our
investment funds (including funds that have different fee structures), the purchase or sale of
investments in our investment funds, the structuring of investment transactions for those funds, the
advice and services we provide or otherwise that comply with these fiduciary and contractual
obligations. In addition, our principals have made personal investments in a variety of our investment
funds, which may result in conflicts of interest among investors in our funds or our unitholders
regarding investment decisions for these funds. Some of these actions might at the same time adversely
affect our near-term results of operations or cash flow.
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EFTA01108604
U.S. federal income tar considerations of our principals may conflict with your interests.
Because our principals will hold a portion of their KKR Group Partnership Units directly or
through entities that are not subject to corporate income taxation and we hold our units in one of the
KKR Group Partnerships through a subsidiary that is subject to taxation as a corporation in the United
States, conflicts may arise between our principals and our partnership relating to the selection and
structuring of investments or transactions. Our unitholders will be deemed to expressly acknowledge
that our Managing Partner is under no obligation to consider the separate interests of such holders,
including among other things the tax consequences to our unitholders, in deciding whether to cause us
to take or decline to take any actions.
Fiduciary Duties
Our Managing Partner is accountable to us and our unitholders as a fiduciary. Fiduciary duties
owed to our unitholders by our Managing Partner are prescribed by law and our limited partnership
agreement. The Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, or Delaware Limited Partnership
Act, provides that Delaware limited partnerships may in their partnership agreements expand, restrict
or eliminate the duties, including fiduciary duties, otherwise owed by a general partner to limited
partners and the partnership.
Our partnership agreement contains various provisions modifying, restricting and eliminating the
duties, including fiduciary duties, that might otherwise be owed by our Managing Partner. We have
adopted these restrictions to allow our Managing Partner or its affiliates to engage in transactions with
us that would otherwise be prohibited by state-law fiduciary duty standards and to take into account the
interests of other parties in addition to our interests when resolving conflicts of interest. Without these
modifications, our Managing Partner's ability to make decisions involving conflicts of interest would be
restricted. These modifications are detrimental to our unitholders because they restrict the remedies
available to our unitholders for actions that without those limitations might constitute breaches of duty,
including a fiduciary duty, as described below, and they permit our Managing Partner to take into
account the interests of third parties in addition to our interests when resolving conflicts of interest.
The following is a summary of the material restrictions on the fiduciary duties owed by our
Managing Partner to our unitholders:
General
State Law Fiduciary Duty Standards
Fiduciary duties are generally considered to include an
obligation to act in good faith and with due care and loyalty.
In the absence of a provision in a partnership agreement
providing otherwise, the duty of care would generally require a
general partner to act for the partnership in an informed and
deliberate manner after informing itself of all necessary
available material information. In the absence of a provision
in a partnership agreement providing otherwise, the duty of
loyalty would generally prohibit a general partner of a
Delaware limited partnership from taking any action or
engaging in any transaction that is not in the best interests of
the partnership where a conflict of interest is present.
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General
Partnership Agreement Modified
Standards
Our limited partnership agreement contains provisions that
waive duties of or consent to conduct by our Managing
Partner and its affiliates that might otherwise raise issues
about compliance with fiduciary duties or applicable law. For
example, our limited partnership agreement provides that
when our Managing Partner, in its capacity as our Managing
Partner, is permitted to or required to make a decision in its
"sole discretion" or "discretion" or that it deems "necessary
or appropriate" or "necessary or advisable" then our
Managing Partner will be entitled to consider only such
interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests,
and will have no duty or obligation (fiduciary or otherwise) to
give any consideration to any factors affecting us or any
limited partners, including our unitholders, and will not be
subject to any different standards imposed by the limited
partnership agreement, the Delaware Limited Partnership Act
or under any other law, rule or regulation or in equity. In
addition, when our Managing Partner is acting in its individual
capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our Managing
Partner, it may act without any fiduciary obligation to us or
the unitholders whatsoever. These standards reduce the
obligations to which our Managing Partner would otherwise be
held.
In addition to the other more specific provisions limiting the
obligations of our Managing Partner, our limited partnership
agreement further provides that our Managing Partner and its
officers and directors will not be liable to us, our limited
partners, including our unitholders, or assignees for errors of
judgment or for any acts or omissions unless there has been a
final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent
jurisdiction determining that our Managing Partner or its
officers and directors acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or
willful misconduct.
Special Provisions Regarding Affiliated Transactions
Our limited partnership agreement generally provides that
affiliated transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest
not involving a vote of common unitholders and that are not
approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors
of our Managing Partner or by our unitholders must be:
• on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being
provided to or available from unrelated third parties; or
• fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of
the relationships between the parties involved (including
other transactions that may be particularly favorable or
advantageous to us).
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General
If our Managing Partner does not seek approval from the
conflicts committee or our common unitholders and the board
of directors of our Managing Partner determines that the
resolution or course of action taken with respect to the
conflict of interest satisfies either of the standards set forth in
the bullet points above, then it will be presumed that in
making its decision, the board of directors acted in good faith,
and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited
partner, including our unitholders, or our partnership or any
other person bound by our limited partnership agreement, the
person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the
burden of overcoming such presumption. These standards
reduce the obligations to which our Managing Partner would
otherwise be held.
Rights and Remedies of Unitholders . The Delaware Limited Partnership Act generally provides that
a limited partner may institute legal action on behalf of the
partnership to recover damages from a third-party where a
general partner has refused to institute the action or where an
effort to cause a general partner to do so is not likely to
succeed. In addition, the statutory or case law of some
jurisdictions may permit a limited partner to institute legal
action on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated
limited partners to recover damages from a general partner
for violations of its fiduciary duties to the limited partners.
Our limited partnership agreement provides that legal action
may only be instituted in Delaware.
By holding our units, each unitholder will automatically agree to be bound by the provisions in our
partnership agreement, including the provisions described above and as described in "Description of
Our Limited Partnership Agreement." This is in accordance with the policy of the Delaware Limited
Partnership Act favoring the principle of freedom of contract and the enforceability of partnership
agreements. The failure of a unitholder to sign our limited partnership agreement does not render our
partnership agreement unenforceable against that person.
We have agreed to indemnify our Managing Partner and any of its affiliates and any member,
partner, tax matters partner, officer, director, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of our partnership,
our Managing Partner or any of our affiliates and certain other specified persons, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses
(including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts
incurred by our Managing Partner or these other persons. We have agreed to provide this
indemnification unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent
jurisdiction determining that these persons acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct.
We have also agreed to provide this indemnification for criminal proceedings. Thus, our Managing
Partner could be indemnified for its negligent acts if it met the requirements set forth above. To the
extent these provisions purport to include indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act,
in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is contrary to public policy and therefore
unenforceable. See "Description of Our Limited Partnership Agreement—Indemnification."
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DISTRIBUTIONS
The following table presents the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred equity
distributions for us and our consolidated subsidiaries for the periods indicated. For the purposes of
calculating the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred equity distributions, "fixed
charges" consist of interest incurred on all indebtedness and amortization of capitalized expenses
relating to indebtedness. "Earnings" consist of the sum of (i) pre-tax income before adjustment for
noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities or income or loss from equity investees, (ii) fixed
charges and (iii) distributed income of equity investees, less the sum of (i) preference security dividend
requirements of consolidated subsidiaries and (ii) noncontrolling interests in pre-tax income of
subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges
and Preferred Equity Distributions
6.3x
6.2x
21.1x
27.Ox
4.8x
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General
The following is a summary of some of the terms of the preferred units of KKR & Co. LP. We
will provide specific terms of any offering of these preferred units in a prospectus supplement or a free
writing prospectus.
Our limited partnership agreement provides for the issuance of preferred units, as well as certain
terms of these preferred units. The following summary of some of the terms of our preferred units, the
limited partnership agreement and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act is not
complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the
limited partnership agreement, a copy of which has been incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and which you may obtain as described under
"Where You Can Find More Information," and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership
Act.
Authorized Preferred Units
We are authorized to issue, for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by
the board of directors of our Managing Partner in its sole discretion and without the approval of any
limited partners, an unlimited number of preferred units.
The board of directors of our Managing Partner may, without further action by the holders of our
common units or any outstanding class of preferred units (in each case unless required by the rules of
any applicable stock exchange), cause us to issue from time to time one or more other classes or series
of our units, including one or more classes of preferred units. The board of directors of our Managing
Partner may determine, in its sole discretion, the terms, designations, preferences, rights, powers and
duties of any such future units, including:
• the ranking of such units relative to our other units;
• the right to share in partnership distributions and allocations of partnership income and loss;
• the rights upon our dissolution and liquidation;
• whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, we may redeem or convert such units;
• the terms and conditions upon which each unit will be issued; and
• the right, if any, of the holder of each such unit to vote on matters as a limited partner of the
partnership, including matters relating to the relative designations, preferences, rights, powers
and duties of such units.
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The following is a description of the material terms of our limited partnership agreement and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to all of the provisions of our limited partnership agreement, which has
been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Because this
description is only a summary of the terms of our limited partnership agreement, it does not contain all of
the information that you may find important. For additional information, you should read "Description of
Our Preferred Units" and 'Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations."
Our Managing Partner
Our Managing Partner manages all of our operations and activities. Our Managing Partner is
authorized in general to perform all acts that it determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out
our purposes and to conduct our business. Our Managing Partner is wholly owned by our principals
and controlled by our founders. Unitholders have only limited voting rights relating to certain matters
and, therefore, will have limited or no ability to influence management's decisions regarding our
business.
Purpose
Under our limited partnership agreement we are permitted to engage, directly or indirectly, in any
business activity that is approved by our Managing Partner and that lawfully may be conducted by a
limited partnership organized under Delaware law.
Power of Attorney
Each limited partner, and each person who acquires a limited partner interest in accordance with
the limited partnership agreement, grants to our Managing Partner and, if appointed, a liquidator, a
power of attorney to, among other things, execute and file documents required for our qualification,
continuance, dissolution or termination. The power of attorney also grants our Managing Partner the
authority to amend, and to make consents and waivers under, the limited partnership agreement and
certificate of limited partnership, in each case in accordance with the limited partnership agreement.
Capital Contributions
Our unitholders are not obligated to make additional capital contributions, except as described
below under "—Limited Liability." Our Managing Partner is not obliged to make any capital
contributions.
Limited Liability
Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the control of our business within the
meaning of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act and that he otherwise acts in
conformity with the provisions of the limited partnership agreement, his liability under the Delaware
Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act would be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the
amount of capital he is obligated to contribute to us for his units plus his share of any undistributed
profits and assets. If it were determined however that the right, or exercise of the right, by the limited
partners as a group:
• to approve some amendments to the limited partnership agreement; or
• to take other action under the limited partnership agreement, constituted "participation in the
control" of our business for the purposes of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership
Act, then our limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the laws
of Delaware to the same extent as our Managing Partner. This liability would extend to persons
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who transact business with us who reasonably believe that the limited partner is a general
partner. Neither our limited partnership agreement nor the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act specifically will provide for legal recourse against our Managing Partner if a
limited partner were to lose limited liability through any fault of our Managing Partner. While
this does not mean that a limited partner could not seek legal recourse, we know of no
precedent for this type of a claim in Delaware case law. The limitation on our Managing
Partner's liability does not constitute a waiver of compliance with U.S. federal securities laws
that would be void under Section 14 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, a limited partnership may not
make a distribution to a partner if, after the distribution, all liabilities of the limited partnership, other
than liabilities to partners on account of their partner interests and liabilities for which the recourse of
creditors is limited to specific property of the partnership, would exceed the fair value of the assets of
the limited partnership. For the purpose of determining the fair value of the assets of a limited
partnership, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act provides that the fair value of
property subject to liability for which recourse of creditors is limited will be included in the assets of
the limited partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds the non-recourse
liability. The Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act provides that a limited partner who
receives a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution was in violation of
the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act would be liable to the limited partnership for
the amount of the distribution for three years. Under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act, a substituted limited partner of a limited partnership is liable for the obligations of his
assignor to make contributions to the partnership, except that such person is not obligated for liabilities
unknown to him at the time he became a limited partner and that could not be ascertained from the
limited partnership agreement.
Moreover, if it were determined that we were conducting business in any state without compliance
with the applicable limited partnership statute, or that the right or exercise of the right by the limited
partners as a group to approve some amendments to the limited partnership agreement or to take
other action under the limited partnership agreement constituted "participation in the control" of our
business for purposes of the statutes of any relevant jurisdiction, then the limited partners could be
held personally liable for our obligations under the law of that jurisdiction to the same extent as our
Managing Partner. We intend to operate in a manner that our Managing Partner considers reasonable
and necessary or appropriate to preserve the limited liability of the limited partners.
Issuance of Additional Securities
The limited partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of additional
partnership securities and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to partnership
securities for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by our Managing Partner
in its sole discretion without the approval of any limited partners.
In accordance with the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act and the provisions of
the limited partnership agreement, we could also issue additional partner interests that have
designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties that are different from, and may be senior to, those
applicable to common units.
Distributions
Distributions will be made to the holders of common units pro rata according to the percentages
of their respective common unit ownership interests. See "Market for Registrant's Common Equity,
Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Distribution Policy," in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on
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February 26, 2016 and incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of our historical
distribution policy and distributions on our common units.
Amendment of the Limited Partnership Agreement
General
Amendments to our limited partnership agreement may be proposed only by our Managing
Partner. To adopt a proposed amendment, other than the amendments that do not require limited
partner approval discussed below, our Managing Partner must seek approval of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting units (as defined below) in order to approve the amendment or call
a meeting of the limited partners to consider and vote upon the proposed amendment. On any matter
that may be submitted for a vote of common unitholders, the holders of KKR Group Partnership Units
hold special voting units in our partnership that provide them with a number of votes that is equal to
the aggregate number of KKR Group Partnership Units that they then hold and entitle them to
participate in the vote on the same basis as common unitholders of our partnership. See "—Meetings;
Voting." The KKR Group Partnership Units, other than the KKR Group Partnership Units held by us,
are owned by KKR Holdings, which is owned by our principals and other persons and controlled by
our founders.
Prohibited Amendments
No amendment may be made that would:
(1) enlarge the obligations of any limited partner without its consent, except that any amendment
that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any class of partner
interests in relation to other classes of partner interests may be approved by the holders of at
least a majority of the type or class of partner interests so affected; or
(2) enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any way
the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable by us to our Managing Partner
or any of its affiliates without the consent of our Managing Partner, which may be given or
withheld in its sole discretion.
The provision of the limited partnership agreement preventing the amendments having the effects
described in clauses (1) or (2) above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at least 90%
of the outstanding voting units.
No Limited Partner Approval
Our Managing Partner may generally make amendments to the limited partnership agreement
without the approval of any limited partner to reflect:
(1) a change in the name of the partnership, the location of the partnership's principal place of
business, the partnership's registered agent or its registered office;
(2) the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in accordance with the limited
partnership agreement;
a change that our Managing Partner determines is necessary or appropriate for the
partnership to qualify or to continue our qualification as a limited partnership or a partnership
in which the limited partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or other
jurisdiction or to ensure that the partnership will not be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation or otherwise taxed as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
(3)
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EFTA01108612
(4) an amendment that our Managing Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to
address certain changes in U.S. federal, state and local income tax regulations, legislation or
interpretation;
(5) an amendment that is necessary, in the opinion of our counsel, to prevent the partnership or
our Managing Partner or its directors, officers, employees, agents or trustees, from having a
material risk of being in any manner subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company
Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or "plan asset" regulations adopted
under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, whether or not
substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed by the U.S.
Department of Labor;
(6) a change in our fiscal year or taxable year and related changes;
(7) an amendment that our Managing Partner determines in its sole discretion to be necessary or
appropriate for the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of partnership
securities or options, rights, warrants or appreciation rights relating to partnership securities;
any amendment expressly permitted in the limited partnership agreement to be made by our
Managing Partner acting alone;
an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by an agreement of merger,
consolidation or other business combination agreement that has been approved under the
terms of the limited partnership agreement;
(10) an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by an amendment to the partnership
agreement of a KKR Group Partnership that requires unitholders of the KKR Group
Partnership to provide a statement, certification or other proof of evidence regarding whether
such unitholder is subject to U.S. federal income taxation on the income generated by the
KKR Group Partnership;
(11) any amendment that in the sole discretion of our Managing Partner is necessary or
appropriate to reflect and account for the formation by the partnership of, or its investment
in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity, as
otherwise permitted by the partnership agreement;
(12) a merger, conversion or conveyance to another limited liability entity that is newly formed and
has no assets, liabilities or operations at the time of the merger, conversion or conveyance
other than those it receives by way of the merger, conversion or conveyance;
(13) any amendment that our Managing Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to cure
any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency; or
(14) any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters described in (1) through (13)
above.
(8)
(9)
In addition, our Managing Partner could make amendments to the limited partnership agreement
without the approval of any limited partner if those amendments, in the discretion of our Managing
Partner:
(1) do not adversely affect our limited partners considered as a whole (or adversely affect any
particular class of partner interests as compared to another class of partner interests) in any
material respect;
(2) are necessary or appropriate to satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in
any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal, state, local or non-U.S.
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EFTA01108613
(3)
agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal, state, local or non-U.S. statute
(including the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act);
are necessary or appropriate to facilitate the trading of limited partner interests or to comply
with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any securities exchange on which the
limited partner interests are or will be listed for trading;
(4) are necessary or appropriate for any action taken by our Managing Partner relating to splits or
combinations of units under the provisions of the limited partnership agreement; or
are required to effect the intent of the provisions of the limited partnership agreement or are
otherwise contemplated by the limited partnership agreement.
(5)
Opinion of Counsel and Limited Partner Approval
Our Managing Partner will not be required to obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment
will not result in a loss of limited liability to the limited partners if one of the amendments described
above under "—No Limited Partner Approval" should occur. No other amendments to the limited
partnership agreement (other than an amendment pursuant to a merger, sale or other disposition of
assets effected in accordance with the provisions described under "—Merger, Sale or Other Disposition
of Assets" or an amendment described in the following paragraphs) will become effective without the
approval of holders of at least 90% of the outstanding voting units, unless we obtain an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the amendment will not affect the limited liability under the Delaware
Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act of any of the limited partners.
In addition to the above restrictions, any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on
the rights or preferences of any type or class of partner interests in relation to other classes of partner
interests will also require the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding partner
interests of the class so affected.
In addition, any amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take any action must
be approved by the affirmative vote of limited partners whose aggregate outstanding voting units
constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced.
Merger, Sale or Other Disposition of Assets
The limited partnership agreement provides that our Managing Partner may, with the approval of
the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding voting units, sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of
all or substantially all of our assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, including
by way of merger, consolidation or other combination, or approve the sale, exchange or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of our subsidiaries. Our Managing Partner in its sole
discretion may mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of
our assets (including for the benefit of persons other than us or our subsidiaries) without the prior
approval of the holders of our outstanding voting units. Our Managing Partner could also sell all or
substantially all of our assets under any forced sale of any or all of our assets pursuant to the
foreclosure or other realization upon those encumbrances without the prior approval of the holders of
our outstanding voting units.
If conditions specified in the limited partnership agreement are satisfied, our Managing Partner
may in its sole discretion convert or merge our partnership or any of its subsidiaries into, or convey
some or all of its assets to, a newly formed entity if the sole purpose of that merger or conveyance is to
effect a mere change in its legal form into another limited liability entity. The unitholders will not be
entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal under the limited partnership agreement or the Delaware
Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act in the event of a merger or consolidation, a sale of
substantially all of our assets or any other similar transaction or event.
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Election to be Reated as a Corporation
If our Managing Partner, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our interests to
continue as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our Managing Partner may elect to
treat our partnership as an association or as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for
U.S. federal (and applicable state) income tax purposes or may choose to effect such change by merger,
conversion or otherwise.
Dissolution
The partnership will dissolve upon:
(I) the election of our Managing Partner to dissolve our partnership, if approved by the holders
of a majority of the voting power of the partnership's outstanding voting units;
(2) there being no limited partners, unless our partnership is continued without dissolution in
accordance with the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act;
the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of our partnership pursuant to the Delaware
Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act; or
(4) the withdrawal of our Managing Partner or any other event that results in its ceasing to be
our Managing Partner other than by reason of a transfer of general partner interests or
withdrawal of our Managing Partner following approval and admission of a successor, in each
case in accordance with the limited partnership agreement.
Upon a dissolution under clause (4), the holders of a majority of the voting power of our
outstanding voting units could also elect, within specific time limitations, to continue the partnership's
business without dissolution on the same terms and conditions described in the limited partnership
agreement by appointing as a successor managing partner an individual or entity approved by the
holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting units, subject to the partnership's
receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the action would not result in the loss of limited
liability of any limited partner and (ii) neither we nor any of our subsidiaries (excluding those formed
or existing as corporations) would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be
taxable as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of that right to continue.
(3)
Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds
Upon our dissolution, our Managing Partner shall act, or select one or more persons to act, as
liquidator. Unless we are continued as a limited partnership, the liquidator authorized to wind up our
affairs will, acting with all of the powers of our Managing Partner that the liquidator deems necessary
or appropriate in its judgment, liquidate our assets and apply the proceeds of the liquidation first, to
discharge our liabilities as provided in the limited partnership agreement and by law, and thereafter, to
the limited partners holding common units pro rata according to the percentages of their respective
common unit ownership interests as of a record date selected by the liquidator. The liquidator may
defer liquidation of our assets for a reasonable period of time or distribute assets to partners in kind if
it determines that an immediate sale or distribution of all or some of our assets would be impractical
or would cause undue loss to the partners.
Withdrawal of our Managing Partner
Except as described below, our Managing Partner will agree not to withdraw voluntarily as our
Managing Partner prior to December 31, 2020 without obtaining the approval of the holders of at least
a majority of the outstanding voting units, excluding voting units held by our Managing Partner and its
affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding tax and limited liability matters. On or after
17
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December 31, 2020, our Managing Partner may withdraw as managing partner without first obtaining
approval of any common unitholder by giving 90 days' advance notice, and that withdrawal will not
constitute a violation of the limited partnership agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our
Managing Partner could withdraw at any time without unitholder approval upon 90 days' advance
notice to the limited partners if at least 50% of the outstanding common units are beneficially owned,
owned of record or otherwise controlled by one person and its affiliates other than our Managing
Partner and its affiliates.
Upon the withdrawal of our Managing Partner under any circumstances, the holders of a majority
of the voting power of the partnership's outstanding voting units may elect a successor to that
withdrawing managing partner. If a successor is not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel
regarding limited liability and tax matters cannot be obtained, the partnership will be dissolved, wound
up and liquidated, unless within specific time limitations after that withdrawal, the holders of a majority
of the voting power of the partnership's outstanding voting units agree in writing to continue our
business and to appoint a successor managing partner. See "—Dissolution" above.
Our Managing Partner may not be removed or expelled, with or without cause, by unitholders.
In the event of withdrawal of a managing partner, the departing managing partner will have the
option to require the successor managing partner to purchase the general partner interest of the
departing managing partner for a cash payment equal to its fair market value. This fair market value
will be determined by agreement between the departing managing partner and the successor managing
partner. If no agreement is reached within 30 days of our Managing Partner's departure, an
independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, which, in turn, may rely on other
experts, selected by the departing managing partner and the successor managing partner will determine
the fair market value. If the departing managing partner and the successor managing partner cannot
agree upon an expert within 45 days of our Managing Partner's departure, then an expert chosen by
agreement of the experts selected by each of them will determine the fair market value.
If the option described above is not exercised by either the departing managing partner or the
successor managing partner, the departing managing partner's general partner interest will
automatically convert into common units pursuant to a valuation of those interests as determined by an
investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in the manner described in the preceding
paragraph.
In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing managing partner for all amounts due
the departing managing partner, including without limitation all employee-related liabilities, including
severance liabilities, incurred for the termination of any employees employed by the departing
managing partner or its affiliates for the partnership's benefit.
Transfer of General Partner Interests
Except for transfer by our Managing Partner of all, but not less than all, of its general partner
interests in the partnership to an affiliate of our Managing Partner, or to another entity as part of the
merger or consolidation of our Managing Partner with or into another entity or the transfer by our
Managing Partner of all or substantially all of its assets to another entity, our Managing Partner may
not transfer all or any part of its general partner interest in the partnership to another person prior to
December 31, 2018 without the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the
partnership's outstanding voting units, excluding voting units held by our Managing Partner and its
affiliates. On or after December 31, 2018, our Managing Partner may transfer all or any part of its
general partner interest without first obtaining approval of any unitholder. As a condition of this
transfer, the transferee must assume the rights and duties of our Managing Partner to whose interest
that transferee has succeeded, agree to be bound by the provisions of the limited partnership
agreement and furnish an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability matters. At any time, the
members of our Managing Partner may sell or transfer all or part of their limited liability company
interests in our Managing Partner without the approval of the unitholders.
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Limited Call Right
If at any time:
(i) less than 10% of the then issued and outstanding limited partner interests of any class (other
than special voting units), including our limited partnership units, are held by persons other
than our Managing Partner and its affiliates; or
(ii) the partnership is subjected to registration under the provisions of the Investment Company
Act, our Managing Partner will have the right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any
of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the remaining limited partner
interests of the class held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by our
Managing Partner, on at least ten but not more than 60 days' notice. The purchase price in
the event of this purchase is the greater of:
(I) the current market price as of the date three days before the date the notice is mailed;
and
(2) the highest cash price paid by our Managing Partner or any of its affiliates acting in
concert with us for any limited partner interests of the class purchased within the 90 days
preceding the date on which our Managing Partner first mails notice of its election to
purchase those limited partner interests.
As a result of our Managing Partner's right to purchase outstanding limited partner interests, a holder
of limited partner interests may have his limited partner interests purchased at an undesirable time or
price. The U.S. tax consequences to a unitholder of the exercise of this call right are the same as a sale
by that unitholder of his limited partnership units in the market. See "Material U.S. Federal Tax
Considerations."
Sinking Fund; Preemptive Rights
We will not establish a sinking fund and will not grant any preemptive rights with respect to the
partnership's limited partner interests.
Meetings; Voting
Except as described below regarding a person or group owning 20% or more of our common units
then outstanding, record holders of limited partnership units or of the special voting units to be issued
to holders of KKR Group Partnership Units on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, meetings of our limited partners and to act upon matters as to which holders of limited partner
interests have the right to vote or to act.
Except as described below regarding a person or group owning 20% or more of our common units
then outstanding, each record holder of a common unit will be entitled to a number of votes equal to
the number of limited partnership units held. In addition, we issued special voting units to each holder
of KKR Group Partnership Units that provide them with a number of votes that is equal to the
aggregate number of KKR Group Partnership Units that they hold and entitle them to participate in
the vote on the same basis as unitholders. We refer to our common units and special voting units as
"voting units." If the ratio at which KKR Group Partnership Units are exchangeable for our common
units changes from one-for-one, the number of votes to which the holders of the special voting units
are entitled will be adjusted accordingly. Additional limited partner interests having special voting rights
could also be issued. See "—Issuance of Additional Securities" above.
In the case of common units held by our Managing Partner on behalf of non-citizen assignees, our
Managing Partner will distribute the votes on those units in the same ratios as the votes of partners in
respect of other limited partner interests are cast. Our Managing Partner does not anticipate that any
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meeting of common unitholders will be called in the foreseeable future. Any action that is required or
permitted to be taken by the common unitholders may be taken either at a meeting of the common
unitholders or without a meeting, without a vote and without prior notice if consents in writing
describing the action so taken are signed by common unitholders owning not less than the minimum
percentage of the voting power of the outstanding common unit interests that would be necessary to
authorize or take that action at a meeting. Meetings of the common unitholders may be called by our
Managing Partner or by common unitholders owning at least 50% or more of the voting power of the
outstanding common unit interests of the class for which a meeting is proposed. Common unitholders
may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of a majority of the voting power of the
outstanding limited partner interests of the class for which a meeting has been called, represented in
person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum unless any action by such class of limited partners requires
approval by holders of a greater percentage of such class of limited partner interests, in which case the
quorum will be the greater percentage.
However, if at any time any person or group (other than our Managing Partner and its affiliates,
or a direct or subsequently approved transferee of our Managing Partner or its affiliates) acquires, in
the aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of our units then outstanding, that
person or group will lose voting rights on all of its units and the units may not be voted on any matter
and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders,
calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes. Our
units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other nominee in
accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement between the beneficial
owner and his nominee provides otherwise.
Status as Limited Partner
By transfer of our units in accordance with our limited partnership agreement, each transferee of
units will be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the units transferred when such transfer and
admission is reflected in the limited partnership's books and records. Except as described under
"—Limited Liability" above, in our limited partnership agreement or pursuant to Section 17-804 of the
Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (which relates to the liability of a limited partner
who receives a distribution of assets upon the winding up of a limited partnership and who knew at the
time of such distribution that it was in violation of this provision) the units will be fully paid and
non-assessable.
Non-Citizen Assignees; Redemption
If the partnership is or becomes subject to U.S. federal, state, local, foreign or other laws or
regulations that in the determination of our Managing Partner create a substantial risk of cancellation
or forfeiture of any property in which the partnership has an interest because of the nationality,
citizenship or other related status of any limited partner, we may redeem the common units held by
that limited partner at their current market price. To avoid any cancellation or forfeiture, our Managing
Partner may require each limited partner to furnish information about his nationality, citizenship or
related status. If a limited partner fails to furnish information about his nationality, citizenship or other
related status within 30 days after a request for the information or our Managing Partner determines,
with the advice of counsel, after receipt of the information that the limited partner is not an eligible
citizen, the limited partner may be treated as a non-citizen assignee. A non-citizen assignee does not
have the right to direct the voting of his limited partnership units and may not receive distributions in
kind upon our partnership's liquidation.
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EFTA01108618
Indemnification
Under the limited partnership agreement, in most circumstances we would indemnify the following
persons, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities,
joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest,
settlements or other amounts:
• our Managing Partner;
• any departing managing partner;
• any person who is or was an affiliate of a managing partner or any departing managing partner;
• any person who is or was a member, partner, tax matters partner, officer, director, employee,
agent, fiduciary or trustee of partnership or its subsidiaries, our Managing Partner or any
departing managing partner or any affiliate of partnership or its subsidiaries, our Managing
Partner or any departing managing partner;
• any person who is or was serving at the request of a managing partner or any departing
managing partner or any affiliate of a managing partner or any departing managing partner as
an officer, director, employee, member, partner, agent, fiduciary or trustee of another person; or
• any person designated by our Managing Partner.
We have agreed to provide this indemnification unless there has been a final and non-appealable
judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that these persons acted in bad faith or
engaged in fraud or willful misconduct. We have also agreed to provide this indemnification for
criminal proceedings. Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of the partnership's
assets. Unless it otherwise agrees, our Managing Partner will not be personally liable for, or have any
obligation to contribute or loan funds or assets to the partnership to enable the partnership to
effectuate indemnification. The indemnification of the persons described above shall be secondary to
any indemnification such person is entitled from another person or the relevant KKR fund to the
extent applicable. We may purchase insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred
by persons for our activities, regardless of whether the partnership would have the power to indemnify
the person against liabilities under the limited partnership agreement.
Exclusive Delaware Jurisdiction
The limited partnership agreement provides that each of the limited partners and the managing
partner and each person holding any beneficial interest in our partnership, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, (i) irrevocably agrees that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings arising out of or
relating in any way to the limited partnership agreement shall be exclusively brought in the Court of
Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof,
any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction; (ii) irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in connection with any such claim, suit, action or proceeding;
(iii) irrevocably agrees not to, and waives any right to, assert in any such claim, suit, action or
proceeding that (A) it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such courts or any other court to
which proceedings in such courts may be appealed, (B) such claim, suit, action or proceeding is brought
in an inconvenient forum, or (C) the venue of such claim, suit, action or proceeding is improper;
(iv) expressly waives any requirement for the posting of a bond by a party bringing such claim, suit,
action or proceeding; (v) consents to process being served in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding
by mailing, certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy thereof to such party at the address in effect
for notices hereunder, and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of
process and notice thereof; provided, that nothing in clause (v) hereof shall affect or limit any right to
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EFTA01108619
serve process in any other manner permitted by law; and (vi) irrevocably waives any and all right to
trial by jury in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding.
Books and Reports
Our Managing Partner is required to keep appropriate books of the partnership's business at its
principal offices or any other place designated by our Managing Partner. The books would be
maintained for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual basis. For tax and financial
reporting purposes, our year ends on December 31.
As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each fiscal year, we will furnish to each partner
tax information (including a Schedule K-1), which describes on a U.S. dollar basis such partner's share
of our income, gain, loss and deduction for the preceding taxable year. It may require longer than
90 days after the end of the fiscal year to obtain the requisite information from all lower-tier entities so
that Schedule K-is may be prepared for our partnership. Consequently, holders of common units or
preferred units who are U.S. taxpayers should anticipate the need to file annually with the IRS (and
certain states) a request for an extension past April 15 or the otherwise applicable due date of their
income tax return for the taxable year. In addition, each partner will be required to report for all tax
purposes consistently with the information provided by us.
Right to Inspect Our Books and Records
The limited partnership agreement provides that a limited partner can, for a purpose reasonably
related to his interest as a limited partner, upon reasonable written demand and at his own expense,
have furnished to him:
• promptly after becoming available, a copy of our U.S. federal, state and local income tax
returns; and
• copies of the limited partnership agreement, the certificate of limited partnership of the
partnership, related amendments and powers of attorney under which they have been executed.
Our Managing Partner may, and intends to, keep confidential from the limited partners trade
secrets or other information the disclosure of which our Managing Partner believes is not in the
partnership's best interests or which the partnership is required by law or by agreements with third
parties to keep confidential.
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EFTA01108620
This summary discusses the material U.S. federal tax considerations related to the ownership and
disposition of preferred units issued by us, which we refer to as units, as of the date hereof. Any
additional U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of specific classes of
preferred units will be addressed in an applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus we
may provide you. This summary is based on provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), on the regulations promulgated thereunder and on published administrative
rulings and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive
effect. This discussion is necessarily general and may not apply to all categories of unitholders, some of
which, such as banks, thrifts, insurance companies, persons liable for the alternative minimum tax,
dealers, unitholders who were deemed to own 10% or more of any foreign corporation owned by us
(taking into account the unitholder's interest in such foreign corporation as a result of their ownership
interest in us or otherwise), and other unitholders that do not own their units as capital assets, may be
subject to special rules. 'Pax-exempt organizations and mutual funds are discussed separately below. The
actual tax consequences of the ownership of our units will vary depending on your circumstances.
For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" is for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) an
individual citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is
subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust which either (A) is
subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States
persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) has a valid election in
effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. A "Non-U.S. Holder" is a
holder (other than a partnership) that is not a U.S. Holder.
If a partnership holds our units, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend upon
the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership that
holds our units, you should consult your tax advisors. This discussion does not constitute tax advice and
is not intended to be a substitute for tax planning.
Prospective holders of units should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal,
state and local income tax and estate tax consequences in their particular situations of the ownership
and disposition of units, as well as any consequences under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
This discussion only addresses the material U.S. federal tax considerations of the ownership and
disposition of units and does not address the tax considerations under the laws of any tax jurisdiction
other than the United States. Non-U.S. Holders, therefore, should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences to them of the ownership and disposition of units under the laws of
their own taxing jurisdiction.
Taxation of Our Partnership
Subject to the discussion set forth in the next paragraph and the paragraph under 'Administrative
Matters—Partnership Audit Legislation", an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes is not a taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and incurs no U.S.
federal income tax liabilities. Instead, each partner of a partnership is required to take into account its
allocable share of items of income, gain, loss and deduction of the partnership in computing its U.S.
federal income tax liability, regardless of the extent to which, or whether, it receives cash distributions
from the partnership, and thus may incur income tax liabilities unrelated to (and in excess of) any
distributions from the partnership. Distributions of cash by a partnership to a partner are not taxable
unless the amount of cash distributed to a partner is in excess of the partner's adjusted basis in its
partnership interest.
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EFTA01108621
An entity that would otherwise be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes
may nonetheless be taxable as a corporation if it is a "publicly traded partnership," unless an exception
applies. An entity that would otherwise be classified as a partnership is a publicly traded partnership if
(i) interests in the partnership are traded on an established securities market or (ii) interests in the
partnership are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. We are a
publicly traded partnership.
However, an exception to taxation as a corporation, referred to as the "Qualifying Income
Exception," exists if at least 90% of the partnership's gross income for every taxable year consists of
"qualifying income" and the partnership is not required to register under the Investment Company Act.
Qualifying income includes certain interest income, dividends, real property rents, gains from the sale
or other disposition of real property, and any gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset or
other property held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes qualifying income.
Our Managing Partner has adopted a set of investment policies and procedures that govern the
types of investments we can make (and income we can earn), including structuring certain investments
through entities, such as our intermediate holding companies, classified as corporations for U.S. federal
income tax purposes (as discussed further below), to ensure that we will meet the Qualifying Income
Exception in each taxable year. Except as otherwise noted, the remainder of this discussion assumes
that we will be taxed as a partnership and not as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, other than a failure that is determined by the
IRS to be inadvertent and that is cured within a reasonable time after discovery, or if we are required
to register under the Investment Company Act, we will be treated as if we had transferred all of our
assets, subject to liabilities, to a newly formed corporation, on the first day of the year in which we fail
to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, in return for stock in that corporation, and then distributed
the stock to the unitholders in liquidation of their interests in us. Based on current law, this deemed
contribution and liquidation would be tax-free to unitholders so long as we do not have liabilities in
excess of the tax basis of our assets at that time. Thereafter, we would be treated as a corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If we were treated as a corporation in any taxable year, either as a result of a failure to meet the
Qualifying Income Exception or otherwise, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction would be
reflected only on our tax return rather than being passed through to our unitholders, and we would be
subject to U.S. corporate income tax on our taxable income. Distributions made to our unitholders
would be treated as either taxable dividend income, which may be eligible for reduced rates of taxation,
to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, or in the absence of earnings and
profits, as a nontaxable return of capital, to the extent of the holder's tax basis in the units, or as
taxable capital gain, after the holder's basis is reduced to zero. In addition, in the case of Non-U.S.
Holders, distributions treated as dividends would be subject to withholding tax. Accordingly, treatment
as a corporation could materially reduce a holder's after-tax return and thus could result in a
substantial reduction of the value of the units.
If at the end of any taxable year we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, we may still
qualify as a partnership if we are entitled to relief under the Code for an inadvertent termination of
partnership status. This relief will be available if: (i) the failure is cured within a reasonable time after
discovery; (ii) the failure is determined by the IRS to be inadvertent; and (iii) we agree to make such
adjustments (including adjustments with respect to our partners) or to pay such amounts as are
required by the IRS. It is not possible to state whether we would be entitled to this relief in any or all
circumstances. If this relief provision is inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances involving us, we
will not qualify as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Even if this relief provision applies
and we retain our partnership status, we or our unitholders (during the failure period) will be required
to pay such amounts as are determined by the IRS.
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Taxation of our Intermediate Holding Companies
The income derived by us from KKR's fund management services and certain other business
activities likely will not be qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Exception.
Therefore, in order to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, we hold our interests in the KKR Group
Partnership that holds such fund management companies and other investments that may not generate
qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Exception, indirectly through our intermediate
holding companies, including KKR Management Holdings Corp., which are treated as corporations for
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
As the holder of common stock of the intermediate holding companies, we are not taxed directly
on the earnings of the intermediate holding companies. or the earnings of entities held through the
intermediate holding companies. Rather, as partners of KKR Management Holdings L.P., the
intermediate holding companies incur U.S. federal income taxes on their proportionate share of any net
taxable income of KKR Management Holdings LP. The intermediate holding companies' liability for
U.S. federal income taxes and applicable state, local and other taxes could be increased if the IRS were
to successfully reallocate income or deductions of the related entities conducting KKR's business.
Distributions of cash or other property that we receive from the intermediate holding companies
will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from the intermediate
holding companies' current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal
income tax principles). If the amount of a distribution by the intermediate holding companies exceeds
its current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will be treated as a tax-free return of
capital to the extent of our tax basis in the intermediate holding companies' common stock, and
thereafter will be treated as a capital gain.
If we form, for other purposes, a U.S. corporation or other entity treated as a U.S. corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, that corporation would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its
income.
Personal Holding Companies
The intermediate holding companies could be subject to additional U.S. federal income tax on a
portion of their income if they are determined to be personal holding companies, or PHCs, for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. Subject to certain exceptions, a U.S. corporation will be classified as a
PHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a given taxable year if (i) at any time during the last half
of such taxable year, five or fewer individuals (without regard to their citizenship or residency and
including as individuals for this purpose certain entities such as certain tax-exempt organizations and
pension funds) own or are deemed to own (pursuant to certain constructive ownership rules) more than
50% of the stock of the corporation by value and (ii) at least 60% of the corporation's adjusted
ordinary gross income, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for such taxable year
consists of PHC income (which includes, among other things, dividends, interest, royalties, annuities
and, under certain circumstances, rents).
Due to applicable attribution rules, it is likely that five or fewer individuals or tax-exempt
organizations will be treated as owning actually or constructively more than 50% of the value of the
intermediate holding companies' common stock. Consequently, the intermediate holding companies
could be or become PHCs, depending on whether they fail the PHC gross income test. If, as a factual
matter, the income of the intermediate holding companies fail the PHC gross income test, they will be
PHCs. Certain aspects of the gross income test cannot be predicted with certainty. Thus, no assurance
can be given that the intermediate holding companies will not become PHCs following this offering or
in the future.
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EFTA01108623
If the intermediate holding companies. are or were to become PHCs in a given taxable year, they
would be subject to an additional 20% PHC tax on their undistributed PHC income, which generally
includes the company's taxable income, subject to certain adjustments. If the intermediate holding
companies were to become PHCs and had significant amounts of undistributed PHC income, the
amount of PHC tax could be material. However, distributions of such income reduce the PHC income
subject to tax.
Certain State, Local and Non-US. Thr Matters
We and our subsidiaries may be subject to state, local and non-U.S. taxation in various
jurisdictions, including those in which we or they transact business, own property or reside. For
example, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to New York City unincorporated business tax. We
may be required to file tax returns in some or all of those jurisdictions. The state, local or non-U.S. tax
treatment of us and our unitholders may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax treatment
discussed herein. We may be subject to significant amounts of non-U.S. taxes as a result of our
investments and operations. Any non-U.S. taxes incurred by us may not pass through to unitholders as
a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability.
Consequences to U.S. Holders of Units
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to
you as a U.S. Holder of our units.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, your allocable share of our items of income, gain, loss,
deduction or credit will be governed by the limited partnership agreement for our partnership if such
allocations have "substantial economic effect" or are determined to be in accordance with your interest
in our partnership. We believe that for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such allocations will be given
effect, and our Managing Partner intends to prepare tax returns based on such allocations. If the IRS
successfully challenges the allocations made pursuant to the limited partnership agreement, the
resulting allocations for U.S. federal income tax purposes might be less favorable than the allocations
set forth in the limited partnership agreement.
The characterization of an item of our income, gain, loss, deduction or credit will be determined at
our (rather than at your) level. Similarly, the characterization of an item of KKR Fund Holdings L.P.'s
income, gain, loss deduction or credit will be determined at the level of KKR Fund Holdings L.P. or
the level of any subsidiary partnership in which KKR Fund Holdings L.P. owns an interest rather than
at our level. Distributions we receive from the intermediate holding companies will be taxable as
dividend income to the extent of the intermediate holding companies' current and accumulated
earnings and profits and, to the extent allocable to individual holders of units, they will be eligible for a
reduced rate of tax, provided that certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Also, a U.S.
Holder that is a corporation, subject to limitations, may be entitled to a dividends received deduction
with respect to its share of dividends paid to us by the intermediate holding companies.
We may derive taxable income from an investment that is not matched by a corresponding
distribution of cash. In addition, special provisions of the Code may be applicable to certain of our
investments, and may affect the timing of our income, requiring us (and, consequently, you) to
recognize taxable income before we (or you) receive cash, if any, attributable to such income.
Accordingly, it is possible that your allocable share of our income for a particular taxable year could
exceed any cash distribution you receive for the year, thus giving rise to an out-of-pocket tax liability
for you.
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EFTA01108624
Basis
You will have an initial tax basis in your units equal to the amount paid for your units. Your basis
will be increased by your share of our income and by increases in your share, under partnership tax
rules, of our liabilities, if any. Your basis will be decreased, but not below zero, by distributions from
us, by your share of our losses and by any decrease in your share of our liabilities.
If you acquire units in separate transactions you must combine the basis of those units and
maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those units. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all
of the units, a portion of that tax basis must be allocated to the units sold.
Treatment of Distributions
Distributions of cash by us will not be taxable to you to the extent of your adjusted tax basis
(described above) in your units. Any cash distributions in excess of your adjusted tax basis will be
considered to be gain from the sale or exchange of your units (described below). Under current laws,
such gain would be treated as capital gain and would be long-term capital gain if your holding period
for your units exceeds one year, subject to certain exceptions (described below). A reduction in your
allocable share of our liabilities, and certain distributions of marketable securities by us, are treated
similar to cash distributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Sale or Exchange of Units
You will recognize gain or loss on a sale of units equal to the difference, if any, between the
amount realized and your adjusted tax basis in the units sold. Your amount realized will be measured
by the sum of the cash or the fair market value of other property received by you plus your share,
under partnership tax rules, of our liabilities, if any, at the time of such sale or exchange.
Subject to the exceptions discussed in this paragraph, gain or loss recognized by you on the sale or
exchange of a unit will be taxable as capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if all
of the units you hold were held for more than one year on the date of such sale or exchange. If we
have not made a qualifying electing fund election, or QEF election, to treat our interest in a passive
foreign investment company, or PFIC, as a qualified electing fund, or QEF, gain attributable to such an
interest would be taxable as ordinary income and would be subject to an interest charge. In addition,
certain gain attributable to our investment in a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, may be
ordinary income and certain gain attributable to "unrealized receivables" or "inventory items" would be
characterized as ordinary income rather than capital gain. For example, if we hold debt acquired at a
market discount, accrued market discount on such debt would be treated as "unrealized receivables."
The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Holders who acquire units at different times and intend to sell all or a portion of the units within
a year of their most recent purchase are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of
certain "split holding period" rules to them and the treatment of any gain or loss as long-term or
short-term capital gain or loss. Holders in publicly traded partnerships may choose to use the actual
holding period for each unit sold provided certain requirements are met. You should consult your tax
adviser regarding these rules.
Foreign Tax Credit Limitations
You may be entitled to a foreign tax credit with respect to your allocable share of creditable
foreign taxes paid on our income and gains (other than the income and gains of our intermediate
holding company). Complex rules may, depending on your particular circumstances, limit the
availability or use of foreign tax credits. Gains from the sale of our foreign investments may be treated
as U.S. source gains. Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any
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EFTA01108625
foreign taxes imposed on such gains unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations)
against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. Certain losses that we incur
may be treated as foreign source losses, which could reduce the amount of foreign tax credits otherwise
available. You should consult your tax advisor with respect to whether you will be entitled to any
foreign tax credit in light of your particular circumstances
Section 754 Election
We have an election in place pursuant to Section 754 of the Code. The election is irrevocable
without the consent of the IRS, and will generally require us to adjust the tax basis in our assets, or
"inside basis," attributable to a transferee of units under Section 743(b) of the Code to reflect the
purchase price of the units paid by the transferee. In addition, KKR Management Holdings L.P. has
made a Section 754 election. Therefore, similar adjustments will be made upon the transfer of interests
in KKR Management Holdings L.P.
Even though we will have a Section 754 election in effect, because there is no Section 754 election
in effect for KKR Fund Holdings LP., and we will not make an election for it, it is unlikely that our
Section 754 election will provide any substantial benefit or detriment to a transferee of our units.
The calculations involved in the Section 754 election are complex, and there is little legal authority
concerning the mechanics of the calculations, particularly in the context of publicly traded partnerships.
We will make them on the basis of assumptions as to the value of our assets and other matters.
Uniformity of Units, Transferor/Transferee Allocations
We have adopted tax accounting positions that may not conform with all aspects of existing
Treasury regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of
tax items allocated to you. It also could affect the timing of these allocations or the amount of gain on
the sale of our units and could have a negative impact on the value of our units or result in audits of
and adjustments to our unitholders' tax returns.
In addition, generally our taxable income and losses will be determined and apportioned among
unitholders using conventions we regard as consistent with applicable law. As a result, if you transfer
your units, you may be allocated income or other tax items realized by us after the date of transfer.
Similarly, a transferee may be allocated income or other tax items realized by us prior to the date of
the transferee's acquisition of our units.
Although Section 706 of the Code generally provides guidelines for allocations of items of
partnership income and deductions between transferors and transferees of partner interests, it is not
clear that our allocation method complies with its requirements. If our convention were not permitted,
the IRS might contend that our taxable income or losses must be reallocated among the unitholders. If
such a contention were sustained, your respective tax liabilities would be adjusted to your possible
detriment. Our Managing Partner is authorized to revise our method of allocation between transferors
and transferees (as well as among unitholders whose interests otherwise vary during a taxable period).
Foreign Currency Gain or Loss
Our functional currency will be the U.S. dollar, and our income or loss will be calculated in U.S.
dollars. It is likely that we will recognize "foreign currency" gain or loss with respect to transactions
involving non-U.S. dollar currencies. In general, foreign currency gain or loss is treated as ordinary
income or loss. You should consult your tax advisor with respect to the tax treatment of foreign
currency gain or loss.
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EFTA01108626
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
We may own directly or indirectly interests in foreign entities that are treated as corporations for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. You may be subject to special rules as a result of your indirect
investments in such foreign corporations, including the rules applicable to an investment in a passive
foreign investment company, or PFIC. The intermediate holding companies will be subject to similar
rules as those described below with respect to any PFICs owned directly or indirectly by it.
A PFIC is defined as any foreign corporation with respect to which either (i) 75% or more of the
gross income for a taxable year is "passive income" or (ii) 50% or more of its assets in any taxable year
(generally based on the quarterly average of the value of its assets) produce "passive income." There
are no minimum stock ownership requirements for shareholders in PFICs. Once a corporation qualifies
as a PFIC it is, absent certain taxpayer elections to recognize taxable income or gain, always treated as
a PFIC, regardless of whether it satisfies either of the qualification tests in subsequent years. Any gain
on disposition of stock of a PFIC, as well as income realized on certain "excess distributions" by the
PFIC, is treated as though realized ratably over the shorter of your holding period in our units or our
holding period in the PFIC. Such gain or income is taxable as ordinary income and dividends paid by a
PFIC to an individual will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation that are available for certain
qualifying dividends. In addition, an interest charge would be imposed on you based on the tax
deferred from prior years.
Although it may not always be possible, we expect to make a QEF election under the Code where
possible with respect to each entity treated as a PFIC to treat such non-U.S. entity as a QEF in the
first year we hold shares in such entity. A QEF election is effective for our taxable year for which the
election is made and all subsequent taxable years and may not be revoked without the consent of the
IRS. If we make a QEF election with respect to our interest in a PFIC, in lieu of the foregoing
treatment, we would be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and
net capital gains of the QEF called "QEF Inclusions," even if not distributed to us. Thus, holders may
be required to report taxable income as a result of QEF Inclusions without corresponding receipts of
cash. However, a holder may elect to defer, until the occurrence of certain events, payment of the U.S.
federal income tax attributable to QEF Inclusions for which no current distributions are received, but
will be required to pay interest on the deferred tax computed by using the statutory rate of interest
applicable to an extension of time for payment of tax. However, net losses (if any) of a non-U.S. entity
that is treated as a PFIC will not pass through to us or to holders and may not be carried back or
forward in computing such PFIC's ordinary earnings and net capital gain in other taxable years.
Consequently, holders may over time be taxed on an amount that, as an economic matter, exceed our
net profits. Our tax basis in the shares of such non-U.S. entities, and a holder's basis in our units, will
be increased to reflect QEF Inclusions. No portion of the QEF Inclusion attributable to ordinary
income will be eligible for reduced rates of taxation. Amounts included as QEF Inclusions with respect
to direct and indirect investments generally will not be taxed again when actually distributed. You
should consult your tax advisors as to the manner in which QEF Inclusions affect your allocable share
of our income and your basis in your units.
Alternatively, in the case of a PFIC that is a publicly traded foreign company, we may make an
election to "mark to market" the stock of such foreign company on an annual basis. Pursuant to such
an election, you would include in each year as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market
value of such stock over its adjusted basis at the end of the taxable year. You may treat as ordinary loss
any excess of the adjusted basis of the stock over its fair market value at the end of the year, but only
to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the election in prior years.
We may make certain investments, including for instance investments in specialized investment
funds or investments in funds of funds through non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries of the KKR Group
Partnerships or through other non-U.S. corporations. Such entities may be PFICs for U.S. federal
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income tax purposes. In addition, certain of our investments could be in PFICs. Thus, we can make no
assurance that some of our investments will not be treated as held through a PFIC or as interests in
PFICs or that such PFICs will be eligible for the "mark to market" election, or that as to any such
PFICs we will be able to make QEF elections.
If we do not make a QEF election with respect to a PFIC, Section 1291 of the Code will treat all
gain on a disposition by us of shares of such entity, gain on the disposition of units by a holder at a
time when we own shares of such entity, as well as certain other defined "excess distributions," as if the
gain or excess distribution were ordinary income earned ratably over the shorter of the period during
which the holder held its units or the period during which we held our shares in such entity. For gain
and excess distributions allocated to prior years, (i) the tax rate will be the highest in effect for that
taxable year and (ii) the tax will be payable generally without regard to offsets from deductions, losses
and expenses realized in such prior years. Holders will also be subject to an interest charge for any
deferred tax. No portion of this ordinary income will be eligible for the favorable tax rate applicable to
"qualified dividend income" for individual U.S. persons.
Controlled Foreign Corporations
A non-U.S. entity will be treated as a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, if it is treated as a
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and if more than 50% of (i) the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock of the non-U.S. entity entitled to vote or (ii) the total value of the
stock of the non-U.S. entity is owned by U.S. Shareholders on any day during the taxable year of such
non-U.S. entity. For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Shareholder" with respect to a non-U.S. entity
means a U.S. person (including a U.S. partnership like us) that owns 10% or more of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the non-U.S. entity entitled to vote.
When making investment or other decisions, we will consider whether an investment will be a CFC
and the consequences related thereto. If we are a U.S. Shareholder in a non-U.S. entity that is treated
as a CFC, each unitholder may be required to include in income its allocable share of the CFC's
"Subpart F" income reported by us. Subpart F income generally includes dividends, interest, net gain
from the sale or disposition of securities, non-actively managed rents, fees for services provided to
certain related persons and certain other passive types of income. The aggregate Subpart F income
inclusions in any taxable year relating to a particular CFC are limited to such entity's current earnings
and profits. These inclusions are treated as ordinary income (whether or not such inclusions are
attributable to net capital gains). The tax basis of our shares of such non-U.S. entity, and your tax basis
in your units, will be increased to reflect any required Subpart F income inclusions. Such income will
be treated as income from sources within the United States, for certain foreign tax credit purposes, to
the extent derived by the CFC from U.S. sources. Such income will not be eligible for the reduced rate
of tax applicable to "qualified dividend income" for individual U.S. persons. See above under
"—Limitations on Interest Deductions." Amounts included as such income with respect to direct and
indirect investments generally will not be taxable again when actually distributed.
Regardless of whether any CFC has Subpart F income, any gain allocated to you from our
disposition of stock in a CFC will be treated as dividend income to the extent of your allocable share
of the current and/or accumulated earnings and profits of the CFC, which may be eligible for the
reduced rates of taxation applicable to certain qualified dividends. In this regard, earnings would not
include any amounts previously taxed pursuant to the CFC rules. However, net losses (if any) of a
non-U.S. entity owned by us that is treated as a CFC will not pass through to you. Moreover, a portion
of your gain from the sale or exchange of your units may be treated as ordinary income. Any portion of
any gain from the sale or exchange of a unit that is attributable to a CFC may be treated as an
"unrealized receivable" taxable as ordinary income. See "—Sale or Exchange of Units."
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If a non-U.S. entity held by us is classified as both a CFC and a PFIC during the time we are a
U.S. Shareholder of such non-U.S. entity, you will be required to include amounts in income with
respect to such non-U.S. entity pursuant to this subheading, and the consequences described under
"—Passive Foreign Investment Companies" above will not apply. If our ownership percentage in a
non-U.S. entity changes such that we are not a U.S. Shareholder with respect to such non-U.S. entity,
then you may be subject to the PFIC rules. The interaction of these rules is complex, and prospective
holders are urged to consult their tax advisors in this regard.
Investment Structure
lb manage our affairs so as to meet the Qualifying Income Exception (discussed above) and
comply with certain requirements in our partnership agreement, we may need to structure certain
investments through entities classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However,
because our unitholders will be located in numerous taxing jurisdictions, no assurances can be given
that any such investment structure will be beneficial to all our unitholders to the same extent, and may
even impose additional tax burdens on some of our unitholders. As discussed above, if the entity were
a non-U.S. corporation it may be considered a CFC or PFIC. If the entity were a U.S. corporation, it
would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its operating income, including any gain recognized on
its disposal of its investments. In addition, if the investment involves U.S. real estate, gain recognized
on disposition of the real estate would generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax, whether the
corporation is a U.S. or a non-U.S. corporation.
Taxes in Other State, Local, and Non-U.S. Jurisdictions
In addition to U.S. federal income tax consequences, you may be subject to potential U.S. state
and local taxes because of an investment in us in the U.S. state or locality in which you are a resident
for tax purposes or in which we have investments or activities, including jurisdictions in which we hold
certain real estate, oil, gas or similar natural resource-related investments. You may also be subject to
tax return filing obligations and income, franchise or other taxes, including withholding taxes, in state,
local or non-U.S. jurisdictions in which we invest, or in which entities in which we own interests
conduct activities or derive income. Income or gains from investments held by us may be subject to
withholding or other taxes in jurisdictions outside the United States, subject to the possibility of
reduction under applicable income tax treaties. If you wish to claim the benefit of an applicable income
tax treaty, you may be required to submit information to tax authorities in such jurisdictions. You
should consult your own tax advisors regarding the U.S. state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of
an investment in us.
U.S. Federal Estate Taxes
If units are included in the gross estate of a U.S. citizen or resident for U.S. federal estate tax
purposes, then a U.S. federal estate tax may be payable in connection with the death of such person.
Prospective individual U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the potential U.S.
federal estate tax consequences with respect to our units.
Medicare Tax
U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are subject to a Medicare tax of 3.8% on "net
investment income" (or undistributed "net investment income," in the case of estates and trusts) for
each taxable year, with such tax applying to the lesser of such income or the excess of such person's
adjusted gross income (with certain adjustments) over a specified amount. Net investment income
includes net income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents and net gain attributable to
the disposition of investment property. It is anticipated that net income and gain attributable to your
ownership of units will be included in your "net investment income" subject to this Medicare tax.
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U.S. 7bsation of 7bx-Exempt U.S. Holders of Units
A holder of units that is a tax-exempt organization for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including
an individual retirement account or 401(k) plan participant) and therefore generally exempt from U.S.
federal income taxation will nevertheless be subject to "unrelated business income tax" to the extent, if
any, that its allocable share of our income consists of "unrelated business taxable income," or UBTI. A
tax-exempt partner of a partnership that regularly engages in a trade or business which is unrelated to
the exempt function of the tax-exempt partner must include in computing its UBTI its pro rata share
(whether or not distributed) of such partnership's gross income and deductions derived from such
unrelated trade or business. Moreover, a tax-exempt partner of a partnership will be treated as earning
UBTI to the extent that such partnership derives income from "debt-financed property," or if the
partnership interest itself is debt financed. Debt-financed property means property held to produce
income with respect to which there is "acquisition indebtedness" (that is, indebtedness incurred in
acquiring or holding property).
As a result of incurring acquisition indebtedness and certain of our investments, including
investments in natural resource assets, such as oil and gas properties, we will derive income that
constitutes UBTI. Consequently, a holder of units that is a tax-exempt organization will likely be
subject to unrelated business income tax to the extent that its allocable share of our income consists of
UBTI. In addition, a tax-exempt partner may be subject to unrelated business income tax on a sale of
their units. Tax exempt U.S. Holders of units should consult their own tax advisors regarding all aspects
of UBTI.
Investments by U.S. Mutual Funds
U.S. mutual funds that are treated as regulated investment companies, or RICs, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes are required, among other things, to meet an annual 90% gross income and a
quarterly 50% asset value test under Section 851(b) of the Code to maintain their favorable U.S.
federal income tax status. The 90% gross income test requires that, for a corporation to qualify as a
RIC, at least 90% of such corporation's annual income must be "qualifying income," which is generally
limited to investment income of various types. The 50% asset value test requires that, for a corporation
to qualify as a RIC, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year, at least 50% of the value of such
corporation's total assets must be represented by cash and cash items (including receivables),
government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer
to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the total assets of the corporation and to
not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
The treatment of an investment by a RIC in units for purposes of these tests will depend on
whether we are treated as a "qualifying publicly traded partnership." If our partnership is so treated,
then the units themselves are the relevant assets for purposes of the 50% asset value test and the net
income from the units is the relevant gross income for purposes of the 90% gross income test. RICs
may not invest greater than 25% of their assets in one or more qualifying publicly traded partnerships.
All income derived from a qualifying publicly traded partnership is considered qualifying income for
purposes of the RIC 90% gross income test described above. However, if we are not treated as a
qualifying publicly traded partnership for purposes of the RIC rules, then the relevant assets for the
RIC asset test will be the RIC's allocable share of the underlying assets held by us and the relevant
gross income for the RIC income test will be the RIC's allocable share of the underlying gross income
earned by us, including assets held in connection with and income derived with respect to our
investments in natural resources assets, such as oil and gas properties, which may not be qualifying
assets or income for the RIC qualifying asset and income tests above. Whether we will qualify as a
"qualifying publicly traded partnership" depends on the exact nature of our future investments, but it is
likely that we will not be treated as a "qualifying publicly traded partnership." In addition, as discussed
above under "—Consequences to U.S. Holders of Units," we may derive taxable income from an
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investment that is not matched by a corresponding cash distribution. Accordingly, a RIC investing in
our units may recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes without receiving cash with which
to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements under Sections 852
and 4982 of the Code for avoiding income and excise taxes. RICs should consult their own tax advisors
about the U.S. tax consequences of an investment in units.
Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of Units
U.S. Income Tax Consequences
We expect that we will be engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, including by reason of our investments in U.S. real property, corporations that own
significant amounts of U.S. real property, and oil and gas properties, in which case some portion of our
income would be treated as effectively connected income with respect to Non-U.S. Holders, or ECI. If
a Non-U.S. Holder were treated as being engaged in a U.S. trade or business in any year because of an
investment in our units in such year, such Non-U.S. Holder generally would be: (1) subject to
withholding by us on such Non-U.S. Holder's distributions of ECI; (2) required to file a U.S. federal
income tax return for such year reporting its allocable share, if any, of income or loss effectively
connected with such trade or business, including certain income from U.S. sources not related to
KKR & Co. LP.; and (3) required to pay U.S. federal income tax at regular U.S. federal income tax
rates on any such income. Moreover, a corporate Non-U.S. Holder might be subject to a U.S. branch
profits tax on its allocable share of its ECI. Any amount withheld would be creditable against such
Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, and such Non-U.S. Holder could claim a refund to
the extent that the amount withheld exceeded such Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability
for the taxable year. Finally, if we were treated as being engaged in a U.S. trade or business, a portion
of any gain recognized by a holder who is a Non-U.S. Holder on the sale or exchange of its units could
be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as ECI, and hence such Non-U.S. Holder could be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on the sale or exchange of its units.
Distributions to you may also be subject to U.S. withholding tax to the extent such distribution is
attributable to the sale of a U.S. real property interest. Also, you may be subject to U.S. withholding
tax at a rate of 30% on allocations of our income that are fixed or determinable annual or periodic
income under the Code, including dividends from U.S. corporations, unless an exemption from or a
reduced rate of such withholding applies and certain tax status information is provided. Although each
Non-U.S. Holder is required to provide an IRS Form W-8, we may not be able to provide complete
information related to the tax status of our unitholders to the Group Partnerships or KKR
Management Holdings Corp. for purposes of obtaining reduced rates of withholding on behalf of our
unitholders. If such information is not provided, to the extent we receive dividends from KKR
Management Holdings Corp. or from a U.S. corporation through KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and its
investment vehicles, your allocable share of distributions of such income will be subject to U.S.
withholding tax. Therefore, if you would not be subject to U.S. tax based on your tax status or are
eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding, you may need to take additional steps to receive a
credit or refund of any excess withholding tax paid on your account. This may include the filing of a
non-resident U.S. income tax return with the IRS. Among other limitations, if you reside in a treaty
jurisdiction which does not treat us as a pass-through entity, you may not be eligible to receive a refund
or credit of excess U.S. withholding taxes paid on your account. You should consult your tax advisors
regarding the treatment of U.S. withholding taxes.
Special rules may apply in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that: (i) has an office or fixed place of
business in the United States; (ii) is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a taxable
year; or (iii) is a former citizen of the United States, a foreign insurance company that is treated as
holding a partner interest in us in connection with their U.S. business, a PFIC or a corporation that
accumulates earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax. You should consult your tax advisors regarding
the application of these special rules.
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U.S. Federal Estate Tax Consequences
The U.S. federal estate tax treatment of our units with regard to the estate of a non-citizen who is
not a resident of the United States is not entirely clear. If our units are includable in the U.S. gross
estate of such person, then a U.S. federal estate tax might be payable in connection with the death of
such person. Prospective individual Non-U.S. Holders who are non-citizens and not residents of the
United States should consult their own tax advisors concerning the potential U.S. federal estate tax
consequences of owning our units.
Administrative Matters
Taxable Year
We currently use the calendar year as our taxable year for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Under certain circumstances which we currently believe are unlikely to apply, a taxable year other than
the calendar year may be required for such purposes.
Tax Matters Partner
Our Managing Partner will act as our "tax matters partner." As the tax matters partner, our
Managing Partner will have the authority, subject to certain restrictions, to act on our behalf in
connection with any administrative or judicial review of our items of income, gain, loss, deduction or
credit.
Information Returns
We have agreed to furnish to you, as soon as reasonably practicable after the close of each
calendar year, Schedule K-1 to IRS Form 1065, which describes on a U.S. dollar basis your share of our
income, gain, loss and deduction for our preceding taxable year. It may require longer than 90 days
after the end of our fiscal year to obtain the requisite information from all lower-tier entities so that
IRS Schedules K-1 may be prepared for us. Consequently, unitholders who are U.S. taxpayers should
anticipate the need to file annually with the IRS (and certain states) a request for an extension past
April 15 or the otherwise applicable due date of their income tax return for the taxable year. In
addition, each unitholder will be required to report for all tax purposes consistently with the
information provided by us for the taxable year.
In preparing this information, we will use various accounting and reporting conventions, some of
which have been mentioned in the previous discussion, to determine your share of income, gain, loss
and deduction. The IRS may successfully contend that certain of these reporting conventions are
impermissible, which could result in an adjustment to your income or loss.
We may be audited by the IRS. Adjustments resulting from an IRS audit may require you to
adjust a prior year's tax liability and possibly may result in an audit of your own tax return. Any audit
of your tax return could result in adjustments not related to our tax returns as well as those related to
our tax returns.
Tax Shelter Regulations
If we were to engage in a "reportable transaction," we (and possibly you and others) would be
required to make a detailed disclosure of the transaction to the IRS in accordance with regulations
governing tax shelters and other potentially tax-motivated transactions. A transaction may be a
reportable transaction based upon any of several factors, including the fact that it is a type of tax
avoidance transaction publicly identified by the IRS as a "listed transaction" or that it produces certain
kinds of losses in excess of $2 million. An investment in us may be considered a "reportable
transaction" if, for example, we recognize certain significant losses in the future. In certain
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circumstances, a unitholder who disposes of units in a transaction resulting in the recognition by such
holder of significant losses in excess of certain threshold amounts may be obligated to disclose its
participation in such transaction. Our participation in a reportable transaction also could increase the
likelihood that our U.S. federal income tax information return (and possibly your tax return) would be
audited by the IRS. Certain of these rules are currently unclear and it is possible that they may be
applicable in situations other than significant loss transactions.
Moreover, if we were to participate in a reportable transaction with a significant purpose to avoid
or evade tax, or in any listed transaction, you may be subject to: (i) significant accuracy-related
penalties with a broad scope; (ii) for those persons otherwise entitled to deduct interest on federal tax
deficiencies, nondeductibility of interest on any resulting tax liability; and (iii) in the case of a listed
transaction, an extended statute of limitations.
Unitholders should consult their tax advisors concerning any possible disclosure obligation under
the regulations governing tax shelters with respect to the dispositions of their interests in us.
Constructive Termination
Subject to the electing large partnership rules described below, we will be considered to have been
terminated for U.S. federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the
total interests in our capital and profits within a 12-month period.
Our termination would result in the close of our taxable year for all of our unitholders. In the case
of a holder reporting on a taxable year other than a fiscal year ending on our year-end, the closing of
our taxable year may result in more than 12 months of our taxable income or loss being includable in
the holder's taxable income for the year of termination. We would be required to make new tax
elections after a termination, including a new tax election under Section 754 of the Code. A
termination could also result in penalties if we were unable to determine that the termination had
occurred. Moreover, a termination might either accelerate the application of, or subject us to, any tax
legislation enacted before the termination.
Elective Procedures for Large Partnerships
The Code allows large partnerships to elect streamlined procedures for income tax reporting. This
election would reduce the number of items that must be separately stated on the Schedules K-I that
are issued to the unitholders, and such Schedules K-1 would have to be provided to unitholders on or
before the first March 15 following the close of each taxable year. In addition, this election would
prevent us from suffering a "technical termination" (which would close our taxable year) if within a
12-month period there is a sale or exchange of 50% or more of our total interests. We have the
discretion to make such an election, if eligible. If we make such election, IRS audit adjustments will
flow through to unitholders for the years in which the adjustments take effect, rather than the year to
which the adjustment relates. In addition, we, rather than the unitholders individually, generally will be
liable for any interest and penalties that result from an audit adjustment.
Withholding and Backup Withholding
For each calendar year, we will report to you and the IRS the amount of distributions we made to
you and the amount of U.S. federal income tax (if any) that we withheld on those distributions. The
proper application to us of rules for withholding under Section 1441 of the Code (applicable to certain
dividends, interest and similar items) is unclear. Because the documentation we receive may not
properly reflect the identities of partners at any particular time (in light of possible sales of units), we
may over-withhold or under-withhold with respect to a particular holder of units. For example, we may
impose withholding, remit that amount to the IRS and thus reduce the amount of a distribution paid to
a Non-U.S. Holder. It may turn out, however, the corresponding amount of our income was not
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properly allocable to such holder, and the withholding should have been less than the actual
withholding. Such holder would be entitled to a credit against the holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability for all withholding, including any such excess withholding, but if the withholding exceeded the
holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, the holder would have to apply for a refund to obtain the
benefit of the excess withholding. Similarly, we may fail to withhold on a distribution, and it may turn
out the corresponding income was properly allocable to a Non-U.S. Holder and withholding should
have been imposed. In that event, we intend to pay the underwithheld amount to the IRS, and we may
treat such under- withholding as an expense that will be borne by all partners on a pro rata basis (since
we may be unable to allocate any such excess withholding tax cost to the relevant Non-U.S. Holder).
Under the backup withholding rules, you may be subject to backup withholding tax (at the
applicable rate, currently 28%) with respect to distributions paid unless: (i) you are a corporation or
come within another exempt category and demonstrate this fact when required; or (ii) you provide a
taxpayer identification number, certify as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding tax and
otherwise comply with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding tax rules. If you are an
exempt holder, you should indicate your exempt status on a properly completed IRS Form W-9. A
Non-U.S. Holder may qualify as an exempt recipient by submitting a properly completed, applicable
IRS Form W-8. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding
from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability and
may entitle you to a refund.
If you or any other unitholder does not timely provide us (or the clearing agent or other
intermediary, as appropriate) with IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, or such form is not properly
completed, we may withhold U.S. backup withholding taxes in excess of what would have been withheld
had we received certifications from all unitholders. Such excess U.S. backup withholding taxes may be
treated by us as an expense that will be borne by all unitholders on a pro rata basis (since we may be
unable to allocate any such excess withholding tax cost to the holders that failed to timely provide the
proper U.S. tax certifications).
Additional Withholding Requirements
Under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as "FATCA),
a 30% U.S. withholding tax may apply to certain payments or, for a disposition occurring after
December 31, 2018, the gross proceeds from a disposition of any U.S. stock or securities, in each case
paid to (i) a "foreign financial institution" (as specifically defined in the Code) which does not provide
sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (x) an exemption from
FATCA, or (y) its compliance (or deemed compliance) with FATCA (which may alternatively be in the
form of compliance with an intergovernmental agreement with the United States) in a manner which
avoids withholding, or (ii) a "non-financial foreign entity" (as specifically defined in the Code) which
does not provide sufficient documentation, typically on IRS Form W-8BEN-E, evidencing either (x) an
exemption from FATCA, or (y) adequate information regarding certain substantial U.S. beneficial
owners of such entity (if any). Non-U.S. and U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax
advisors regarding the implications of FATCA on their investment in our units.
Nominee Reporting
Persons who hold an interest in our partnership as a nominee for another person are required to
furnish to us:
(I) name, address and taxpayer identification number of the beneficial owner and the nominee;
(2) whether the beneficial owner is: (i) a person that is not a U.S. person; (ii) a foreign
government, an international organization or any wholly owned agency or instrumentality of
either of the foregoing; or (iii) a tax-exempt entity;
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(3) the amount and description of units held, acquired or transferred for the beneficial owner;
and
(4) specific information including the dates of acquisitions and transfers, means of acquisitions
and transfers and acquisition cost for purchases, as well as the amount of net proceeds from
sales.
Brokers and financial institutions are required to furnish additional information, including whether
they are U.S. persons and specific information on units they acquire, hold or transfer for their own
account. A penalty of $50 per failure, up to a maximum of $100,000 per calendar year, is imposed by
the Code for failure to report that information to us. The nominee is required to supply the beneficial
owner of the units with the information furnished to us.
New Legislation or Administrative or- Judicial Action
The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons
involved in the legislative process, the IRS and the U.S. Tkeasury Department, frequently resulting in
revised interpretations of established concepts, statutory changes, revisions to regulations and other
modifications and interpretations. No assurance can be given as to whether, or in what form, any
proposals affecting us or our unitholders will be enacted. The present U.S. federal income tax
treatment of an investment in our units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial
interpretation at any time, and any such action may affect investments and commitments previously
made. Changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof could make it more
difficult or impossible to meet the Qualifying Income Exception to be treated as a partnership that is
not taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, affect or cause us to change our
investments and commitments, affect the tax considerations of an investment in us, change the
character or treatment of portions of our income (including, for instance, the treatment of carried
interest as ordinary income rather than capital gain) and adversely affect an investment in our units. .
We and our unitholders could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, tax law,
regulation or interpretation. Our organizational documents and agreements permit the board of
directors to modify the amended and restated operating agreement from time to time, without the
consent of the unitholders, in order to address certain changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations,
legislation or interpretation. In some circumstances, such revisions could have a material adverse
impact on some or all of our unitholders.
Partnership Audit Legislation
Legislation was recently enacted that significantly changes the rules for U.S. federal income tax
audits of partnerships. Such audits will continue to be conducted at the partnership level, but with
respect to tax returns for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, unless a partnership
qualifies for and affirmatively elects an alternative procedure, the partnership will be required to pay
tax (including interest and penalties) with respect to any adjustments to the amount of income, gain,
loss deduction or other tax items of the partnership or to the allocation of such items among its
partners. Under the elective alternative procedure, a partnership would issue information returns to
persons who were partners in the audited year, who would then be required to take the adjustments
into account in calculating their own tax liability, and the partnership would not be liable for the
adjustments. If a partnership elects the alternative procedure for a given adjustment, the amount of
taxes for which its partners would be liable would be increased by any applicable penalties and a
special interest charge. There can be no assurance that we will be eligible to make such an election or
that we will, in fact, make such an election for any given adjustment. If we do not or are not able to
make such an election, then (1) our then-current unitholders, in the aggregate, could indirectly bear
income tax liabilities in excess of the aggregate amount of taxes that would have been due had we
elected the alternative procedure, and (2) a given unitholder may indirectly bear taxes attributable to
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income allocable to other unitholders or former unitholders, including taxes (as well as interest and
penalties) with respect to periods prior to such holder's ownership of units. Amounts available for
distribution to our unitholders may be reduced as a result of our obligation to pay any taxes associated
with an adjustment. Many issues and the overall effect of this new legislation on us are uncertain, and
unitholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding all aspects of this legislation as it affects
their particular circumstances.
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We or any selling unitholders may sell the preferred units offered by this prospectus:
• through underwriters or dealers;
• through agents; or
• directly to purchasers.
The preferred units may be sold in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may
be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices.
We will describe in a prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus the particular terms of
the offering of the preferred units, including the following:
• the method of distribution of the preferred units offered thereby;
• the names of any underwriters or agents;
• the proceeds we will receive from the sale, if any;
• any discounts and other items constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation;
• any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers; and
• any securities exchanges on which the applicable preferred units may be listed.
The preferred units may be offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by
managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate, and may also be offered through
standby underwriting or purchase arrangements entered into by us or any selling unitholders. We or any
selling unitholders may also sell preferred units through agents or dealers designated by us or any
selling unitholders. We or any selling unitholders also may sell preferred units directly, in which case no
underwriters or agents would be involved.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the preferred units may be
underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions received by them from
us or any selling unitholders and any profit on the resale of the securities by them may be treated as
underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
We or any selling unitholders may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents
involved in the offering of the preferred units to indemnify them against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments which the underwriters,
dealers or agents may be required to make.
Underwriters, dealers and agents involved in the offering of the preferred units may engage in
transactions with, or perform services for, us, our subsidiaries or other affiliates (including, without
limitation, any guarantors) or any selling unitholders in the ordinary course of their businesses.
In order to facilitate the offering of the preferred units, any underwriters or agents, as the case
may be, involved in the offering of such preferred units may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain or otherwise affect the market price of such preferred units or other securities that may be
issued upon conversion, exchange or exercise of such preferred units or the prices of which may be
used to determine payments on such preferred units . Specifically, the underwriters or agents, as the
case may be, may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position in such preferred
units for their own account. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of the
preferred units or of such other preferred units, the underwriters or agents, as the case may be, may
39
EFTA01108637
bid for, and purchase, such preferred units in the open market. Finally, in any offering of securities
through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed
to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing such securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases
previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization
transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the
securities above independent market levels. The underwriters or agents, as the case may be, are not
required to engage in these activities and, if they engage in any of these activities, may end any of
these activities at any time without notice.
The preferred units are new issues of securities with no established trading market. Neither we nor
any selling unitholders can give any assurances as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of our
securities.
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EFTA01108638
LEGAL MATTERS
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP have passed upon the validity of the preferred units, and have
provided certain other legal services to us in connection with this prospectus. Certain partners of
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, members of their families and related persons have an interest
representing less than I% of our common units.
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EFTA01108639
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements, and the related financial statement schedule incorporated in
this Prospectus by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the effectiveness of
the Company's internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein
by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so incorporated in
reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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EFTA01108640
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with
respect to the preferred units to be sold pursuant to this prospectus. The registration statement,
including the exhibits and schedules attached to the registration statement, contains additional relevant
information about us and our preferred units. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit
certain information from this prospectus.
We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. The SEC's rules
allow us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the information 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 an important part of this prospectus, and information that we
file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede such information, as well as the
information included in this prospectus. Some documents or information, such as that called for by
Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K, or the exhibits related thereto under Item 9.01 of Form 8-K, are
deemed furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules. None of those documents and none of
that information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus also contains
summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is
made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the actual documents.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2015.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and are required to file
reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the
SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may
obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800- SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at
http:/Avww.sec.gov.
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this
prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the information
that has been incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus,
excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those
documents. You may request copies of those documents from KKR & Co. LP., 9 West 57th Street,
Suite 4200, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Investor Relations. You also may contact us at
1- 877-610-4910 or visit our website at http:/Avww.kkr.com for copies of those documents. Information
contained in, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
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EFTA01108641
KKR
KKR & Co. L.P.
% Series A Preferred Units
March
, 2016
Joint Book-Running Managers
Morgan Stanley
BofA Merrill Lynch
UBS Investment Bank
Wells Fargo Securities
EFTA01108642