NEW YORK — Stradley Ronon partner Nicole Simon, chair of the firm’s alternative funds practice, spoke at a Strafford CLE webinar on August 20. The webinar addressed the recent development from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permitting certain business development companies (BDCs) and closed-end investment companies to engage in co-investment transactions under a new, simplified exemptive relief framework. During the session, “New SEC Co-Investment Relief Framework: Increased Flexibility for Business Development Companies and Closed-End Funds,” Nicole and her co-panelists examined how the new co-investment relief differs from the prior framework, how the new framework provides greater flexibility to managers of BDCs and closed-end investment companies, and key considerations for those wanting to take advantage of the new framework. In her practice, Nicole counsels clients focused on making alternative asset classes and strategies available to a broader audience, including high-net-worth and retail investors. Nicole’s experience includes advising investment advisers, funds and boards of directors/trustees with regard to traditional and novel product offerings. She regularly advises on the practical and regulatory considerations central to the design, formation and ongoing operation of funds regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including interval funds, tender offer funds, BDCs and funds electing to be taxed as real estate investment trusts (REITs). About Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP Counseling clients since 1926, Stradley Ronon has helped private and public companies — from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations — achieve their goals by providing pragmatic, value-driven legal counsel. With offices coast to coast, our lawyers seamlessly address the full spectrum of our clients’ needs, ranging from sophisticated corporate transactions to complex commercial litigation.