Faegre & Benson's investment management practice counsels clients throughout the United States in three primary areas:

• Private fund formation and management company counseling
• Representation of registered investment advisers
• Representation of mutual funds and/or their boards of directors

We represent sponsors/advisors of private investment funds, including domestic and offshore hedge funds, venture capital funds and private equity funds. We advise on fund structure and prepare offering materials, including private placement memoranda and subscription agreements. In addition, we structure fund management companies and provide ongoing representation.

We also provide advice to SEC- and state-registered investment advisers on matters such as disclosure, sales and marketing activities, advertising, advisory agreements, trading practices and regulatory compliance and examinations.

Concerning mutual funds, we provide fund start-up services as well as ongoing representation, including compliance programs, fund service provider agreements, regulatory reporting and disclosures and state securities registration issues. We also provide various services in connection with mutual fund board of directors' meetings, including serving as independent counsel to fund directors.

In addition to these main areas, we also provide services in connection with the acquisition, consolidation and sale of investment management firms, mutual fund complexes and other financial services firms such as broker-dealers.