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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2010

Registration No. 333-163760

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM N-14

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 ý
Post-Effective Amendment No. o
(Check appropriate box or boxes)

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Ares Capital Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

280 Park Avenue, 22nd Floor
Building East
New York, New York 10017
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Telephone Number: (212) 750-7300
(Area Code and Telephone Number)

Joshua M. Bloomstein
Ares Capital Corporation
280 Park Avenue, 22nd Floor
Building East
New York, New York 10017
(212) 750-7300
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

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Copies to:

         Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:    As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective and upon completion of the merger described in the enclosed document.

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Calculation of Registration Fee
under the Securities Act of 1933:

(1)

The number of shares to be registered represents the maximum number of shares of the registrant's common stock estimated to be issuable in connection with the merger agreement described in the enclosed document (assuming all "in-the-money" Allied Capital stock options are exercised for shares of Ares Capital common stock). Pursuant to Rule 416, this registration statement also covers additional securities that may be issued as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.

(2)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and calculated pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(f)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price is equal to: (1) $3.54, the average of the high and low prices per share of Allied Capital Corporation's common stock (the securities to be cancelled in the merger) on December 14, 2009, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, multiplied by (2) 67,962,680, the maximum number of shares of the registrant's common stock expected to be issued in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement (assuming all "in-the-money" Allied Capital stock options are exercised for shares of Ares Capital common stock).

(3)

Based on a rate of $55.80 per $1,000,000 of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.

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         The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION—DATED FEBRUARY 11, 2010

MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Dear Stockholder,

        On October 26, 2009, Allied Capital Corporation, or "Allied Capital," and Ares Capital Corporation, or "Ares Capital," announced a strategic business combination in which ARCC Odyssey Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ares Capital, or "Merger Sub," would merge with and into Allied Capital and, immediately thereafter, Allied Capital would merge with and into Ares Capital.

        If the merger of Merger Sub into Allied Capital is completed, holders of Allied Capital common stock will have a right to receive 0.325 shares of Ares Capital common stock for each share of Allied Capital common stock held immediately prior to such merger. In connection with such merger, Ares Capital expects to issue a maximum of approximately 58.3 million shares of its common stock (assuming that holders of all "in-the-money" Allied Capital stock options elect to be cashed out), subject to adjustment in certain limited circumstances.

        Allied Capital and Ares Capital are specialty finance companies that are closed-end, non-diversified management investment companies. They are both incorporated in Maryland and have elected to be regulated as business development companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Ares Capital's investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Allied Capital has a similar investment objective to achieve current income and capital gains.

        The market value of the merger consideration will fluctuate with the market price of Ares Capital common stock. The following table shows the closing sale prices of Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, or "NASDAQ," and the New York Stock Exchange, or the "NYSE," respectively, on October 23, 2009, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the merger, and on February 10, 2010, the last full trading day before the date of this document.

        This table also shows the implied value of the merger consideration proposed for each share of Allied Capital common stock, which was calculated by multiplying the closing price of Ares Capital common stock on those dates by 0.325, the exchange ratio.

        The market prices of both Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock will fluctuate before the merger. You should obtain current stock price quotations for Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock. Ares Capital common stock trades on NASDAQ under the symbol "ARCC." Allied Capital common stock trades on the NYSE and NASDAQ under the symbol "ALD."

        The merger and subsequent combination are intended to qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and holders of Allied Capital common stock are not expected to recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the exchange of shares of Allied Capital common stock for shares of Ares Capital common stock, except with respect to any cash received instead of fractional shares of Ares Capital common stock.

        At a special meeting of Allied Capital stockholders, Allied Capital stockholders will be asked to vote on the approval of the merger and the merger agreement described in this document. Approval of the merger and the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of Allied Capital's outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter.

        Prospect Capital Corporation, or "Prospect Capital," has made an unsolicited acquisition proposal for Allied Capital. Prospect Capital is trying to solicit votes from Allied Capital's stockholders against the merger. For all the reasons set forth in this document under "The Merger—The Unsolicited Offer

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from Prospect Capital," Allied Capital's Board of Directors has unanimously concluded that Prospect Capital's proposal does not constitute, and is not reasonably likely to result in, a "Superior Proposal." Accordingly, Allied Capital recommends that you do not give your proxy to Prospect Capital.

        Whether or not you expect to attend the Allied Capital special meeting in person, Allied Capital urges you to submit your proxy as promptly as possible by: (1) accessing the Internet website specified on your enclosed WHITE proxy card, (2) calling the telephone number specified on your enclosed WHITE proxy card or (3) completing, signing and dating the enclosed WHITE proxy card and returning it in the postage-paid envelope provided. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished to you by such record holder. If you have any questions about the merger or need assistance voting your shares, please call Georgeson, which is assisting Allied Capital with the solicitation of proxies, toll-free at (866) 695-6072. Please disregard any [    •    ] proxies you receive from Prospect Capital and vote only the enclosed WHITE proxy card today.

        At a special meeting of Ares Capital stockholders, Ares Capital stockholders will be asked to vote on the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger. The stock issuance proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all of the votes cast on the matter at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

        After careful consideration, the board of directors of Allied Capital unanimously recommends that its stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the merger and the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

        This document concisely describes the special meetings, the merger, the documents related to the merger and other related matters that an Allied Capital stockholder ought to know before voting on the proposals described herein and should be retained for future reference. Please carefully read this entire document, including "Risk Factors" beginning on page 28, for a discussion of the risks relating to the merger. You also can obtain information about Ares Capital and Allied Capital from documents that each has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See "Where You Can Find More Information" for instructions on how to obtain such information.

Sincerely,
William L. Walton
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Allied Capital Corporation

        The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved the Ares Capital common stock to be issued under this document or determined if this document is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        The date of this document is February 11, 2010 and it is first being mailed or otherwise delivered to Allied Capital stockholders on or about [    •    ], 2010.

        In addition, if you have questions about the merger or this document, would like additional copies of this document or need to obtain proxy cards or other information related to the proxy solicitation, you may contact Georgeson, Allied Capital's proxy solicitor, at the address and telephone number listed below. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request.

Georgeson
199 Water Street, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10038
Banks and Brokers Call (212) 440-9800
All Others Call Toll-Free (866) 695-6072

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Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION—DATED FEBRUARY 11, 2010

MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Dear Stockholder,

        On October 26, 2009, Ares Capital Corporation, or "Ares Capital," and Allied Capital Corporation, or "Allied Capital," announced a strategic business combination in which ARCC Odyssey Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ares Capital, or "Merger Sub," would merge with and into Allied Capital and, immediately thereafter, Allied Capital would merge with and into Ares Capital.

        If the merger of Merger Sub and Allied Capital is completed, holders of Allied Capital common stock will have a right to receive 0.325 shares of Ares Capital common stock for each share of Allied Capital common stock held immediately prior to such merger. In connection with such merger, Ares Capital expects to issue a maximum of approximately 58.3 million shares of its common stock (assuming that holders of all "in-the-money" Allied Capital stock options elect to be cashed out), subject to adjustment in certain limited circumstances.

        Ares Capital and Allied Capital are specialty finance companies that are closed-end, non-diversified management investment companies. They are both incorporated in Maryland and have elected to be regulated as business development companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Ares Capital's investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Allied Capital has a similar investment objective to achieve current income and capital gains.

        The market value of the merger consideration will fluctuate with the market price of Ares Capital common stock. The following table shows the closing sale prices of Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, or "NASDAQ," and the New York Stock Exchange, or the "NYSE," respectively, on October 23, 2009, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the merger, and on February 10, 2010, the last full trading day before the date of this document.

        This table also shows the implied value of the merger consideration proposed for each share of Allied Capital common stock, which was calculated by multiplying the closing price of Ares Capital common stock on those dates by 0.325, the exchange ratio.

        The market prices of both Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock will fluctuate before the merger. You should obtain current stock price quotations for Ares Capital and Allied Capital common stock. Ares Capital common stock trades on NASDAQ under the symbol "ARCC." Allied Capital common stock trades on the NYSE and NASDAQ under the symbol "ALD."

        The merger and subsequent combination are intended to qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and holders of Allied Capital common stock are not expected to recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the exchange of shares of Allied Capital common stock for shares of Ares Capital common stock, except with respect to any cash received instead of fractional shares of Ares Capital common stock.

        Your vote is extremely important. At a special meeting of Ares Capital stockholders, Ares Capital stockholders will be asked to vote on the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with

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the merger. The stock issuance proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all of the votes cast on the matter at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

        Whether or not you expect to attend the Ares Capital special meeting in person, Ares Capital urges you to submit your proxy as promptly as possible by: (1) accessing the Internet website specified on your enclosed proxy card, (2) calling the telephone number specified on your enclosed proxy card or (3) completing, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and returning it in the postage-paid envelope provided. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished to you by such record holder. If you have any questions about the merger or need assistance voting your shares, please call D. F. King & Co., Inc., which is assisting Ares Capital with the solicitation of proxies, toll-free at 1-800-967-7635 or call collect at 1-212-269-5550.

        At a special meeting of Allied Capital stockholders, Allied Capital stockholders will be asked to vote on the approval of the merger and the merger agreement. The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the shares of Allied Capital common stock outstanding and entitled to vote is required to approve such matters.

        After careful consideration, the board of directors of Ares Capital unanimously recommends that its stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement described in this document and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

        This document concisely describes the special meetings, the merger, the documents related to the merger and other related matters that an Ares Capital stockholder ought to know before voting on the proposals described herein and should be retained for future reference. Please carefully read this entire document, including "Risk Factors" beginning on page 28, for a discussion of the risks relating to the merger. You also can obtain information about Ares Capital and Allied Capital from documents that each has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See "Where You Can Find More Information" for instructions on how to obtain such information.

        The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved the Ares Capital common stock to be issued under this document or determined if this document is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        The date of this document is February 11, 2010 and it is first being mailed or otherwise delivered to Ares Capital stockholders on or about [    •    ], 2010.

        In addition, if you have questions about the merger or this document, would like additional copies of this document or need to obtain proxy cards or other information related to the proxy solicitation, you may contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., Ares Capital's proxy solicitor, at the address and telephone number listed below. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request.

D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, New York 10005
1-800-967-7635 (toll free) or 1-212-269-5550 (call collect)

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF ALLIED CAPITAL

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To the Stockholders of Allied Capital Corporation:

        You are cordially invited to a special meeting of stockholders of Allied Capital Corporation, or "Allied Capital," to be held at the offices of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 on March 26, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to consider and vote on the following matters:

1.

A proposal to approve the merger of ARCC Odyssey Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ares Capital Corporation, or "Ares Capital," with and into Allied Capital and to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as such agreement may be amended from time to time, or the "merger agreement," dated as of October 26, 2009, among Allied Capital, Ares Capital and ARCC Odyssey Corp.; and



2.

A proposal to approve the adjournment of the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

        You have the right to receive notice of and to vote at the Allied Capital special meeting if you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on February 2, 2010. Whether or not you expect to be present in person at the Allied Capital special meeting, please sign the enclosed WHITE proxy card and return it promptly in the postage-paid envelope provided or authorize your proxy by telephone or through the Internet. Instructions are shown on the proxy card.

        You have the option to revoke the proxy at any time prior to the vote at the meeting or to vote your shares personally on request if you attend the meeting. Please disregard any [    •    ] proxy cards you receive from Prospect Capital and only vote the enclosed WHITE proxy card today.

        The Allied Capital board of directors has unanimously approved the merger and the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that Allied Capital stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the merger and the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Miriam G. Krieger
Executive Vice President
and Corporate Secretary

Washington, DC
[    •    ], 2010

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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ALLIED CAPITAL SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, ALLIED CAPITAL URGES YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE BY: (1) ACCESSING THE INTERNET WEBSITE SPECIFIED ON YOUR ENCLOSED WHITE PROXY CARD, (2) CALLING THE TELEPHONE NUMBER SPECIFIED ON YOUR ENCLOSED WHITE PROXY CARD OR (3) COMPLETING, SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED WHITE PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished to you by such record holder.

This document provides a description of the merger, the merger agreement and the matters to be considered at the Allied Capital special meeting. Allied Capital urges you to read this document and its annexes carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger, the matters to be considered at the Allied Capital special meeting or this document, would like additional copies of this document or need help voting your shares, please contact Allied Capital's proxy solicitor:

Georgeson
199 Water Street, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10038
Banks and Brokers Call (212) 440-9800
All Others Call Toll-Free (866) 695-6072

Please disregard any [    •    ] proxy cards you
receive from Prospect Capital and only
vote the enclosed WHITE proxy card today.

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Ares Capital Corporation
280 Park Avenue, 22nd Floor
Building East
New York, NY 10017

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MARCH 26, 2010

To the Stockholders of Ares Capital Corporation:

        Notice is hereby given that Ares Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, or "Ares Capital," will hold a Special Meeting of the Stockholders of Ares Capital, or the "Ares Capital special meeting," on March 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at The Westin Grand, 2350 M Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., United States 20037 for the following purposes:

        1.     To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as such agreement may be amended from time to time, or the "merger agreement," dated as of October 26, 2009, among Ares Capital, Allied Capital Corporation, or "Allied Capital," and ARCC Odyssey Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ares Capital; and

        2.     To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

        You have the right to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Ares Capital special meeting if you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on February 2, 2010. Whether or not you expect to be present in person at the Ares Capital special meeting, we urge you to promptly fill out, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the postage-paid envelope provided or authorize your proxy by telephone or through the Internet. Instructions are shown on the proxy card.

        You have the option to revoke the proxy at any time prior to the vote at the meeting or to vote your shares personally on request if you attend the meeting.

        The Ares Capital board of directors has unanimously approved the merger and the merger agreement and the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that Ares Capital stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Merritt S. Hooper
Secretary

New York, New York
[    •    ], 2010

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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

        WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ARES CAPITAL SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, ARES CAPITAL URGES YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE BY (1) ACCESSING THE INTERNET WEBSITE SPECIFIED ON YOUR ENCLOSED PROXY CARD, (2) BY CALLING THE TELEPHONE NUMBER SPECIFIED ON YOUR ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR (3) BY COMPLETING, SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished to you by such record holder.

        This document provides a description of the merger, the merger agreement and the matters to be considered at the Ares Capital special meeting. Ares Capital urges you to read this document and its annexes carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger, the matters to be considered at the Ares Capital special meeting or this document, would like additional copies of this document or need help voting your shares, please contact Ares Capital's proxy solicitor:

D. F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, New York 10005
1-800-967-7635 (toll free)
1-212-269-5550 (call collect)

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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

        This document, which forms part of a registration statement on Form N-14 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the "SEC," by Ares Capital (File No. 333-163760), constitutes a prospectus of Ares Capital under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, or the "Securities Act," with respect to the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued to Allied Capital common stockholders as required by the merger agreement.

        This document also constitutes a joint proxy statement of Ares Capital and Allied Capital under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the "Exchange Act." It also constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the special meetings of Allied Capital common stockholders, at which Allied Capital common stockholders will be asked to vote on a proposal to approve the merger and the merger agreement, and Ares Capital common stockholders, at which Ares Capital common stockholders will be asked to vote on the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger.

        You should rely only on the information contained in this document. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this document. This document is dated [    •    ], 2010. You should not assume that the information contained in this document is accurate as of any date other than that date. Neither the mailing of this document to Ares Capital common stockholders or Allied Capital common stockholders nor the issuance by Ares Capital of common stock in connection with the merger will create any implication to the contrary.

        This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

        Except where the context otherwise indicates, information contained in this document regarding Ares Capital has been provided by Ares Capital and information contained in this document regarding Allied Capital has been provided by Allied Capital.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS AND THE MERGER

        The questions and answers below highlight only selected information from this document. They do not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read carefully this entire document to fully understand the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger and subsequent combination, and the voting procedures for the Allied Capital and Ares Capital special meetings. Unless otherwise indicated in this document or the context otherwise requires, throughout this document we generally refer to Ares Capital Corporation and, where applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries as "Ares Capital," its investment adviser Ares Capital Management LLC as "Ares Capital Management" or as "investment adviser," Ares Management LLC, the sole member of Ares Capital Management, as "Ares Management," Ares Operations LLC as "Ares Operations," Ares Partners Management Company LLC and its affiliated companies (other than portfolio companies of its affiliated funds), including Ares Management, as "Ares," Allied Capital Corporation and, where applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries as "Allied Capital," ARCC Odyssey Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ares Capital, as "Merger Sub," the merger of Merger Sub with and into Allied Capital as the "merger," the merger of Allied Capital with and into Ares Capital as the "subsequent combination" and the effective time of the merger as the "effective time."

Q:    Why am I receiving these materials?

A:

Allied Capital and Ares Capital are sending these materials to their respective stockholders to help them decide how to vote their shares of Allied Capital or Ares Capital common stock, as the case may be, at their respective special meetings concerning the merger. At the Allied Capital special meeting, Allied Capital common stockholders will be asked to vote on a proposal to approve the merger and the merger agreement or approval to adjourn the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal. At the Ares Capital special meeting, Ares Capital common stockholders will be asked to vote on the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger or approval to adjourn the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal. Information about these meetings and the merger is contained in this document.

The boards of directors of Allied Capital and Ares Capital have both unanimously approved the merger and the merger agreement as in the best interests of Allied Capital and Ares Capital, respectively, and their respective stockholders. Please see the section entitled "The Merger—Reasons for the Merger" for an important discussion of the merger.

This document summarizes the information regarding the matters to be voted upon at the special meetings of Allied Capital and Ares Capital. However, you do not need to attend your special meeting to vote your shares. You may simply sign the enclosed WHITE proxy card and return it promptly in the postage-paid envelope provided or authorize your proxy by telephone or through the Internet. Instructions are shown on the proxy card. It is very important that you vote your shares at your special meeting. The merger cannot be completed unless Allied Capital stockholders approve the merger and the merger agreement and Ares Capital stockholders approve the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger.

If you hold some or all of your shares in a brokerage account, your broker will not be permitted to vote your shares unless you provide them with instructions on how to vote your shares. For this reason, you should provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your shares or arrange to attend your special meeting and vote your shares in person. Stockholders are urged to authorize proxies by telephone or the Internet if their broker has provided them with the opportunity to do so. See your voting instruction form for details. If your broker holds your shares and you attend your special meeting in person, please bring a letter from your broker identifying you as the beneficial owner of the shares and authorizing you to vote your shares at the special meeting.

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If you are an Allied Capital stockholder and do not provide your broker with instructions or vote at the Allied Capital special meeting, it will have the same effect as a vote "against" approval of the merger and the merger agreement.

Q:    When and where is the Allied Capital special meeting?

        

A:

The Allied Capital special meeting will take place on March 26, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C., United States 20004.

Q:    When and where is the Ares Capital special meeting?

        

A:

The Ares Capital special meeting will take place on March 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at The Westin Grand, 2350 M Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., United States 20037.

Q:    What is happening at the Allied Capital special meeting?

A:

Allied Capital stockholders are being asked to consider and vote on the following matters at their special meeting:

•

a proposal to approve the merger and the merger agreement among Ares Capital, Allied Capital and Merger Sub, as such agreement may be amended from time to time; and

•

a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

Q:    What is happening at the Ares Capital special meeting?

A:

Ares Capital stockholders are being asked to consider and vote on the following matters at their special meeting:

•

a proposal to approve the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement among Ares Capital, Allied Capital and Merger Sub, as such agreement may be amended from time to time; and

•

a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

Q:    What will happen in the merger and subsequent combination?

A:

Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be accomplished in two steps. In the first step, Merger Sub will merge with and into Allied Capital and the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease. Immediately thereafter, in the subsequent combination, Allied Capital will merge with and into Ares Capital and the separate corporate existence of Allied Capital will cease. Ares Capital will be the surviving entity of the subsequent combination and Ares Capital will succeed to and assume all the rights and obligations of Allied Capital and will continue its existence as a corporation under Maryland law. The transaction has been structured in two steps to avoid certain potential adverse tax consequences that could result in the unlikely event that the transaction failed to qualify as a "reorganization," within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the "Code," and Allied Capital failed to qualify as a regulated investment company, or "RIC."

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Q:    What will Allied Capital stockholders receive in the merger?

A:

Each Allied Capital stockholder will be entitled to receive 0.325 shares of Ares Capital common stock for each share of Allied Capital common stock owned by such Allied Capital stockholder immediately prior to the merger, or the "exchange ratio," subject to the payment of cash instead of fractional shares. For example, if an Allied Capital stockholder currently owns 100 shares of Allied Capital common stock, then, as a result of the merger, the stockholder will receive 32 shares of Ares Capital common stock, plus cash instead of the fractional 0.5 share of Ares Capital common stock, in exchange for the stockholder's 100 shares of Allied Capital common stock.

On October 23, 2009, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the merger, the closing price of Ares Capital common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, or "NASDAQ," was $10.69. Based upon this closing price, each share of Allied Capital common stock had an implied value of $3.47 per share and the aggregate value of the stock consideration in the merger, including outstanding "in-the-money" options (assuming a value per Allied Capital common share of $3.47), would have been approximately $648 million. On February 10, 2010, the last full trading day prior to the date of this document, the closing price of Ares Capital common stock on NASDAQ was $11.85, and the closing price of Allied Capital's shares of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, or the "NYSE," was $3.92. Based upon this closing price, each share of Allied Capital common stock had an implied value of $3.85 per share and the aggregate value of the stock consideration in the merger, including outstanding "in-the-money" options (assuming a value per Allied Capital common share of $3.85), would have been approximately $691 million.

Until the merger is completed, the value of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued in the merger will continue to fluctuate but the number of shares to be issued to Allied Capital stockholders will remain fixed.

The term "implied value" refers to the value of the Ares Capital common stock that Allied Capital stockholders would receive if the merger took place on a given day, based on the market price of Ares Capital common stock on such date. The value of Ares Capital common stock to be received in the merger will continue to fluctuate and, as a result, Allied Capital stockholders will not know the value of the Ares Capital common stock they will receive in the merger at the time they vote.

Q:    Is the exchange ratio subject to any adjustment?

A:

Generally, no. The exchange ratio will only be adjusted if the outstanding shares of Ares Capital common stock have themselves been increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities as a result of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, combination or exchange of shares, or if a stock dividend (other than as a result of shares delivered pursuant to Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan) or dividend payable in any other securities shall be declared with a record date prior to closing or if any other similar event shall have occurred.

Q:    Who is responsible for paying the expenses relating to completing the merger, including the preparation of this document and the solicitation of proxies?

A:

In general, Allied Capital and Ares Capital will each be responsible for its own expenses incurred in connection with the completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. However, the costs and expenses of printing and mailing the registration statement (of which this document forms a part) and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the merger and all filing and other fees in connection with any filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or the "HSR Act," will be borne equally by Allied Capital and Ares Capital. See "Description of the Merger Agreement—Expenses and Fees."

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Q:    What will happen to Allied Capital stock options at the effective time?

A:

At the effective time, each Allied Capital stock option that has not been exercised will be cancelled and, if the exercise price of such option is less than the product of (1) the average closing price per share of Ares Capital common stock for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the closing and (2) the exchange ratio of 0.325, then the holder of such option will have the right to receive, at such holder's election, cash or shares of Ares Capital common stock (and cash, without interest, instead of any fractional shares) in an amount equal to such difference. Holders of Allied Capital stock options should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of their election and any cash or stock received by them.

Q:    Will I receive dividends after the merger?

A:

Ares Capital currently intends to distribute quarterly dividends to its stockholders. For a history of the dividends and distributions paid by Ares Capital since January 1, 2008, see "Market Price, Dividend and Distribution Information." The amount and timing of past dividends and distributions are not a guarantee of any future dividends or distributions, or the amount thereof, the payment, timing and amount of which will be determined by Ares Capital's board of directors and depend on Ares Capital's cash requirements, its financial condition and earnings, contractual restrictions, legal and regulatory considerations and other factors. See "Ares Capital Dividend Reinvestment Plan" for additional information regarding Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan.

For a history of the dividends and distributions paid by Allied Capital since January 1, 2008, see "Market Price, Dividend and Distribution Information."

No dividends or other distributions with respect to shares of Ares Capital common stock will be paid to any former Allied Capital stockholders who held their shares in certificated form and who have not surrendered their certificates to the exchange agent for shares of Ares Capital common stock until such certificates are surrendered in accordance with the letter of transmittal. Following the surrender of any such certificates in accordance with the letter of transmittal, the record holders of such certificates shall be entitled to receive, without interest, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the effective time payable with respect to shares of Ares Capital common stock exchangeable for such certificates and not previously paid.

Q:    Is the merger subject to any third party consents?

A:

Yes, under the merger agreement, Ares Capital's obligation to complete the merger is subject to the prior receipt of certain approvals, confirmations and consents required to be obtained from certain agents, lenders, noteholders and other parties. As of the date of this document, Ares Capital and Allied Capital believe that, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, they have obtained all necessary third party consents other than stockholder approvals and, if necessary, rating agency confirmation with respect to the notes, or "CLO Notes," under its on-balance-sheet debt securitization, or "Debt Securitization."

On January 22, 2010, Ares Capital entered into an agreement to amend and restate its senior secured revolving credit facility, or the "Credit Facility." The amendment and restatement of the Credit Facility, among other things, increases the size of the facility from $525 million to $690 million (comprised of $615 million in commitments on a stand-alone basis and an additional $75 million in commitments contingent upon the closing of the merger), extends the maturity date to January 22, 2013, modifies pricing and permits certain mergers, including a merger of the type currently contemplated by the merger agreement. The Credit Facility also includes an "accordion" feature that allows Ares Capital, under certain circumstances, to increase the Credit Facility's size

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to a maximum of $897.5 million prior to the closing of the merger and up to a maximum of $1.05 billion upon the closing of the merger.

On that same date, Ares Capital also combined its existing $225 million amortizing Ares Capital CP Funding LLC facility, or the "CP Funding Facility," with its existing $200 million revolving Ares Capital CP Funding II LLC facility, or the "CP Funding II Facility," into a single $400 million revolving securitized facility. The combined CP Funding Facility, among other things, converted the existing facility from an amortizing facility to a revolving facility, extended the maturity date to January 22, 2013 (with two one-year extension options, subject to mutual consent), modified the pricing structure of the CP Funding Facility and pre-approved the merger. In connection with the combination, Ares Capital terminated the CP Funding II Facility.

On January 29, 2010, Allied Capital entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, or the "Credit Agreement," pursuant to which Allied Capital obtained its $250 million senior secured term loan, or the "Term Loan." The proceeds of the Term Loan were used to refinance Allied Capital's private notes and bank facility. In connection with entering into the Term Loan, Allied Capital used the proceeds from the Term Loan and cash on hand from asset sales and repayments to repay its private notes and bank facility in full. On January 29, 2010, after giving effect to the refinancing and the full repayment of the private notes and bank facility, Allied Capital had total outstanding debt of $995.5 million and cash and investments in money market and other securities of approximately $128 million. The Term Loan matures on February 28, 2011 and is subject to certain mandatory prepayments prior to maturity, including repayments related to asset dispositions. The Term Loan generally becomes due and payable upon a change of control or merger; except that, in certain circumstances, the Term Loan may be assumed by Ares Capital in connection with the consummation of the merger. Borrowings under the Term Loan will bear interest based on LIBOR or a base rate and the Term Loan will initially bear interest at a rate per annum of 4.74%. In addition to the interest paid on the Term Loan, Allied Capital incurred other fees and costs associated with the repayment and refinancing and will also incur additional exit fees, which increase over the term of the loan, as the Term Loan is repaid. Consistent with the terms of the private notes and bank facility, Allied Capital has granted the Term Loan lenders a blanket lien on a substantial portion of its assets.

For more information, see "The Merger—Third Party Consents Required for the Merger."

Q:    How does Ares Capital's investment objective and strategy differ from Allied Capital's?

A:

Like Allied Capital, Ares Capital is a specialty finance company that is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. Both Allied Capital and Ares Capital are incorporated in Maryland and have elected to be regulated as business development companies, or "BDCs," under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the "Investment Company Act." Ares Capital's investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Allied Capital has a similar investment objective to achieve current income and capital gains. Ares Capital and Allied Capital each focus on making investments in privately-held companies.

Allied Capital has primarily invested in debt and equity securities of private companies in a variety of industries. However, from time to time, Allied Capital has invested in companies that are public, but lack access to additional public capital. Allied Capital's private finance portfolio primarily is composed of debt and equity investments. Allied Capital's private finance portfolio includes buyout transactions in which it holds investments in senior debt, subordinated debt and equity (preferred and/or voting or non-voting common) where Allied Capital's equity ownership represents a significant portion of the equity, but may or may not represent a controlling interest. Ares Capital generally has not historically engaged in such buyout transactions. In addition to managing its own assets, Allied Capital manages certain funds that also invest in the debt and

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equity securities of primarily private middle-market companies in a variety of industries and broadly syndicated senior secured loans. Allied Capital's typical investments are in companies that operate in diverse industries with EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, of between $5 million and $150 million.

Ares Capital concentrates on making investments in companies with annual EBITDA of between $10 million and $250 million. Ares Capital has built an investment portfolio of primarily first and second lien loans, mezzanine debt and to a lesser extent equity investments in private middle-market companies. Ares Capital's portfolio is well diversified by industry sector and its concentration to any single issuer is limited. Ares Capital's debt investments have ranged between $10 million and $100 million each, although the investment sizes may be more or less than the targeted range. Ares Capital's investment sizes are expected to grow with Ares Capital's capital availability. To a lesser extent, Ares Capital also makes equity investments. Ares Capital's equity investments have generally been less than $20 million each but may grow with Ares Capital's capital availability and are usually made in conjunction with loans extended by Ares Capital. The proportion of these investments will change over time given Ares Capital's views on, among other things, the economic and credit environment in which Ares Capital operates.

Q:    How will the combined company be managed following the merger?

A:

Unlike Allied Capital, Ares Capital is an externally managed closed end fund. Upon completion of the merger and subsequent combination, the current directors and officers of Ares Capital are expected to continue in their current positions and Ares Capital's investment adviser, Ares Capital Management, will externally manage the combined company.

At the effective time, Ares Capital's board of directors will be increased by at least one member and Ares Capital will submit the name of one member of Allied Capital's board of directors for consideration to Ares Capital's nominating and governance committee to fill the vacancy.

Q:    What is expected to happen to annual expenses following the merger?

A:

As is shown in more detail in "Comparative Fees and Expenses," and based on the assumptions described in that section, in the first year following the merger, absent any change in Allied Capital's interest expense, annual expenses as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock is estimated to (1) increase for Ares Capital stockholders from 8.91% on a stand-alone basis to 16.24% on a pro forma combined basis and (2) decrease for Allied Capital stockholders from 21.29% on a stand-alone basis to 16.24% on a pro forma combined basis. The pro forma estimated increase to Ares Capital stockholders results primarily from the pro forma combined interest payments on borrowed funds, which reflect Allied Capital's significantly higher average borrowings and interest expense of 10.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Allied Capital and Ares Capital expect that as a result of completed and anticipated asset sales and debt repayments and refinancings the combined company's interest payments on borrowed funds in the first year following the merger will be less than the amounts used in such pro forma combined estimate and, accordingly, that estimated total expenses will be lower than as reflected in the pro forma combined estimate as of September 30, 2009.

Q:    Are Allied Capital stockholders able to exercise dissenters' rights?

A:

No. Allied Capital stockholders will not be entitled to exercise dissenters' rights with respect to any matter to be voted upon at their special meeting. Any Allied Capital stockholder may abstain from or vote against any of such matters.

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Q:    Are Ares Capital stockholders able to exercise dissenters' rights?

A:

No. Ares Capital stockholders will not be entitled to exercise dissenters' rights with respect to any matter to be voted upon at their special meeting. Any Ares Capital stockholder may abstain from or vote against any of such matters.

Q:    When do you expect to complete the merger and subsequent combination?

A:

While there can be no assurance as to the exact timing, or that the merger will be completed at all, we are working to complete the merger in the first quarter of 2010. We currently expect to complete the merger promptly following receipt of the required approvals at the Allied Capital and Ares Capital special meetings and satisfaction of the other closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement. The subsequent combination will occur immediately after the merger is completed.

Q:    Is the merger expected to be taxable to Allied Capital stockholders?

A:

The merger and subsequent combination are intended to qualify as a "reorganization," within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and it is a condition to Ares Capital's and Allied Capital's respective obligations to complete the merger that each of them receives a legal opinion to that effect. Holders of Allied Capital common stock are not expected to recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the exchange of shares of Allied Capital common stock for shares of Ares Capital common stock in the merger, except with respect to cash received instead of fractional shares of Ares Capital common stock. Holders of Allied Capital common stock should read "Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger and subsequent combination to Allied Capital stockholders. Tax matters can be complicated and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your particular tax situation. Holders of Allied Capital common stock should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of the merger to them.

Q:    What happens if the merger is not consummated?

A:

If the merger is not approved by the requisite vote of Allied Capital's stockholders or the issuance of shares of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger is not approved by the requisite vote of Ares Capital's stockholders, or if the merger is not completed for any other reason, Allied Capital's stockholders will not receive any payment for their shares in connection with the merger. Instead, Allied Capital will remain an independent public company and its common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE. In addition, under circumstances specified in the merger agreement, Allied Capital may be required to pay Ares Capital a termination fee of $30 million ($15 million if Allied Capital stockholders do not approve the merger and the merger agreement) and Ares Capital may be required to pay Allied Capital a termination fee of $30 million ($30 million if Ares Capital stockholders do not approve the issuance of shares of Ares Capital common stock in the merger). See "Description of the Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement."

Q:    What Allied Capital stockholder vote is required to approve the merger and the merger agreement?

A:

The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the shares of Allied Capital common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter is required to approve the merger and the merger agreement. Stockholders who abstain or who fail to (1) return their proxies, (2) instruct the proxy solicitor on how to cast their vote by telephone or via the Internet pursuant to the instructions

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shown on the proxy card or (3) vote at the Allied Capital special meeting, will have the same effect as if they voted "against" the merger agreement and the merger.

Q:    What Ares Capital stockholder vote is required to approve the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger?

A:

Approval of the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all of the votes cast on the matter at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Q:    Does Allied Capital's board of directors recommend approval of the merger and the merger agreement and the proposal to adjourn the Allied Capital special meeting if necessary?

A:

Yes. Allied Capital's board of directors, including its independent directors, unanimously approved the merger and the merger agreement and recommends that Allied Capital stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the merger and the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the proposal.

Q:    Does Ares Capital's board of directors recommend approval of the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger and the proposal to adjourn the Ares Capital special meeting if necessary?

A:

Yes. Ares Capital's board of directors, including its independent directors, unanimously approved the merger and the merger agreement, including the issuance of common stock in connection therewith, and recommends that Ares Capital stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the issuance of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

Q:    Did the boards of directors of Allied Capital and Ares Capital receive opinions from financial advisors regarding the exchange ratio?

A:

In connection with the merger, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, or "BofA Merrill Lynch," and Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P., or "Sandler O'Neill," Allied Capital's financial advisors, delivered to Allied Capital's board of directors their separate written opinions, each dated October 25, 2009, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion, of the exchange ratio to the holders of Allied Capital common stock. The full text of these opinions, which describe, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations on the review undertaken, are attached to this document and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as Annex B-2 and Annex C-2, respectively. BofA Merrill Lynch's and Sandler O'Neill's respective opinions were provided to Allied Capital's board of directors for the benefit and use of Allied Capital's board of directors in connection with and for purposes of its evaluation of the exchange ratio from a financial point of view. The written opinions do not address any other aspect of the merger and do not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how to vote or act in connection with the merger.

Similarly, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., or "J.P. Morgan," delivered its written opinion to Ares Capital's board of directors that, as of October 26, 2009, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the exchange ratio in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Ares Capital. The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan, dated October 26, 2009, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters

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considered and limits on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex D-2 to this document and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Ares Capital stockholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. J.P. Morgan's written opinion is addressed to the board of directors of Ares Capital, is directed only to the exchange ratio in the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Ares Capital as to how such stockholder should vote at the Ares Capital special meeting. The summary of the opinion of J.P. Morgan set forth in this document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion.

Q:    What do I need to do now?

A:

We urge you to read carefully this entire document, including its annexes. You should also review the documents referenced under "Where You Can Find More Information" and consult with your accounting, legal and tax advisors.

Q:    If I am an Allied Capital stockholder, how do I vote my shares?

A:

You may indicate how you want to vote on your proxy card and then sign and mail your proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope as soon as possible so that your shares may be represented at the Allied Capital special meeting. You may instruct the proxy solicitor on how to cast your vote by calling the proxy solicitor or via the Internet pursuant to the instructions shown on the proxy card. If you are a record stockholder, you may also attend the Allied Capital special meeting in person instead of submitting a proxy.

Unless your shares are held in a brokerage account, if you sign, date and send your proxy card and do not indicate how you want to vote on a proposal, your proxy will be voted "FOR" the approval of the merger and the merger agreement or "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the proposal. If your shares are held in a brokerage account, or in "street name," please see the answer to the next question.

If you fail to (1) return your proxy card, (2) instruct the proxy solicitor on how to cast your vote by telephone or via the Internet pursuant to the instructions shown on the proxy card or (3) vote at the Allied Capital special meeting, or if you "abstain," the effect will be the same as a vote "against" the merger and the merger agreement.

With respect to the adjournment proposal, a vote to "abstain" will have no effect on the vote on such matter.

Q:    If I am an Allied Capital stockholder and some or all of my shares are held in a brokerage account, or in "street name," will my broker vote my shares for me?

A:

No. With respect to the merger and adjournment proposals, if you do not provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your street name shares, your broker will not be permitted to vote them.

For this reason, you should provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your shares or arrange to attend the Allied Capital special meeting and vote your shares in person. If you do not provide your broker with instructions or attend the Allied Capital special meeting, it will have the same effect as a vote "against" approval of the merger and the merger agreement. Stockholders are urged to authorize proxies by telephone or the Internet if their broker has provided them with the opportunity to do so. See your voting instruction form for details.

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If your broker holds your shares and you attend the Allied Capital special meeting in person, please bring a letter from your broker identifying you as the beneficial owner of the shares and authorizing you to vote your shares at the Allied Capital special meeting.

Q:    If I am an Ares Capital stockholder, how do I vote my shares?

A:

You may indicate how you want to vote on your proxy card and then sign and mail your proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope as soon as possible so that your shares may be represented at the Ares Capital special meeting. You may also instruct the proxy solicitor on how to cast your vote by calling the proxy solicitor or via the Internet pursuant to the instructions shown on the proxy card. If you are a record stockholder, you may also attend the Ares Capital special meeting in person instead of submitting a proxy.

Unless your shares are held in a brokerage account, if you sign, date and send your proxy card and do not indicate how you want to vote on a proposal, your proxy will be voted "FOR" the approval of the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger or "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal. If your shares are held in a brokerage account or in "street name," please see the answer to the next question.

If you fail to (1) return your proxy card, (2) instruct the proxy solicitor on how to cast your vote by telephone or via the Internet pursuant to the instructions shown on the proxy card or (3) vote at the Ares Capital special meeting, or if you "abstain," there will be no effect on the vote on the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger.

With respect to the adjournment proposal, a vote to "abstain" will also have no effect on the vote on such matter.

Q:    If I am an Ares Capital stockholder and some or all of my shares are held in a brokerage account, or in "street name," will my broker vote my shares for me?

A:

No. With respect to the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger and the adjournment proposal, if you do not provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your street name shares, your broker will not be permitted to vote them.

For this reason, you should provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your shares or arrange to attend the Ares Capital special meeting and vote your shares in person. With respect to the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger, broker shares for which written authority to vote has not been obtained will not be treated as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the vote on such proposal. Stockholders are urged to authorize proxies by telephone or the Internet if their broker has provided them with the opportunity to do so. See your voting instruction form for details.

If your broker holds your shares and you attend the Ares Capital special meeting in person, please bring a letter from your broker identifying you as the beneficial owner of the shares and authorizing you to vote your shares at the Ares Capital special meeting.

Q:    If I am an Allied Capital stockholder, what happens if I sell my shares before the Allied Capital special meeting?

A:

The record date of the Allied Capital special meeting is earlier than the date the merger is expected to be completed. If you transfer your shares of Allied Capital common stock after the record date but before the Allied Capital special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the Allied Capital special meeting, but will have transferred the right to receive 0.325 shares of Ares

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Capital common stock, subject to the payment of cash instead of fractional shares, for each share of Allied Capital common stock owned immediately prior to the merger. In order to receive the 0.325 shares of Ares Capital common stock for each share of Allied Capital common stock owned, subject to the payment of cash instead of fractional shares, you must hold your shares through completion of the merger.

Q:    If I want to change my vote, what can I do?

A:

You may change your vote at any time before your special meeting takes place. To do so, you may either complete and submit a new proxy card or send a written notice stating that you would like to revoke your proxy. You may also change your vote by calling the applicable proxy solicitor or via the Internet pursuant to the instructions shown on the proxy card and simply authorizing a new proxy to vote your shares. The last recorded vote will be the vote that is counted. In addition, you may elect to attend your special meeting and vote in person, as described above.

Q:    If I am an Allied Capital stockholder and my shares are represented by stock certificates, should I send them in now?

A:

No. Allied Capital stockholders should not send in their stock certificates at this time. If the merger is consummated, Ares Capital's exchange agent will send former Allied Capital stockholders who held their shares in certificated form a letter of transmittal explaining what they must do to exchange their Allied Capital stock certificates for the merger consideration payable to them. Former Allied Capital stockholders who held their shares in uncertificated form will receive a confirmation as to the Ares Capital common stock issued in exchange for such Allied Capital common stock and cash instead of fractional shares without any action on the part of such holders.

Q:    Whom can I contact with any additional questions?

Q:    Where can I find more information about Ares Capital and Allied Capital?

A:

You can find more information about Ares Capital and Allied Capital in the documents described under "Where You Can Find More Information."

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SUMMARY

        This summary highlights some of the information contained elsewhere in this document. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you may want to consider. We urge you to read carefully this entire document, including "Risk Factors" beginning on page 28, and the other documents we refer you to for a more complete understanding of the merger and subsequent combination. See "Where You Can Find More Information." Certain items in this summary include a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that item.

Allied Capital and Ares Capital Propose a Merger of Merger Sub into Allied Capital Followed Immediately by a Merger of Allied Capital into Ares Capital (page 118)

        Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, in the merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Allied Capital and, immediately thereafter, in the subsequent combination, Allied Capital will be merged with and into Ares Capital. Ares Capital will be the surviving entity of the subsequent combination and, following the subsequent combination, Allied Capital will no longer exist as a separate corporation. As a result, all of Allied Capital's assets, liabilities and subsidiaries immediately before the subsequent combination will become assets, liabilities and subsidiaries of Ares Capital.

        After the merger, based on the number of shares of Ares Capital common stock issued and outstanding on the date hereof and assuming that holders of all "in-the-money" Allied Capital stock options elect to be cashed out, Ares Capital stockholders will own approximately 70% of the combined company's outstanding common stock and Allied Capital stockholders will own approximately 30% of the combined company's outstanding common stock.

        The merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this document and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Allied Capital and Ares Capital encourage their respective stockholders to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety, as it is the principal legal document governing the merger.

The Parties to the Merger

Allied Capital Corporation
1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 721-6100

        Like Ares Capital, Allied Capital is a specialty finance company that is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. Both Allied Capital and Ares Capital are incorporated in Maryland and have elected to be regulated as BDCs under the Investment Company Act. Unlike Ares Capital, Allied Capital is internally managed. Allied Capital and Ares Capital each focus on making investments in privately-held companies.

        Similar to Ares Capital, Allied Capital's investment objective is to achieve current income and capital gains. In order to achieve this objective, Allied Capital has primarily invested in debt and equity securities of private companies in a variety of industries. However, from time to time, Allied Capital has invested in companies that are public, but lack access to additional public capital.

        Allied Capital's private finance portfolio primarily is composed of debt and equity investments. Debt investments include senior loans, unitranche debt (an instrument that combines both senior and subordinated financing, generally in a first lien position) or subordinated debt (with or without equity features). The junior debt that Allied Capital has in its portfolio is lower in repayment priority than the senior debt and is also known as mezzanine debt. Allied Capital's portfolio contains equity investments generally for a minority equity stake in portfolio companies and includes equity features, such as nominal cost warrants, received in conjunction with its debt investments.

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        Allied Capital's private finance portfolio includes buyout transactions in which it holds investments in senior debt, subordinated debt and equity (preferred and/or voting or non-voting common) where Allied Capital's equity ownership represents a significant portion of the equity, but may or may not represent a controlling interest. If Allied Capital invests in non-voting equity in a buyout investment, it generally has an option to acquire a controlling stake in the voting securities of the portfolio company at fair market value. Ares Capital generally has not historically engaged in such buyout transactions.

        In addition to managing its own assets, Allied Capital manages (either directly or through one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries) certain funds that also invest in the debt and equity securities of primarily private middle-market companies in a variety of industries and broadly syndicated senior secured loans.

Ares Capital Corporation
280 Park Avenue, 22nd Floor
Building East
New York, NY 10017
(212) 750-7300

        Like Allied Capital, Ares Capital is a specialty finance company that is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. Both Ares Capital and Allied Capital are incorporated in Maryland and have elected to be regulated as BDCs under the Investment Company Act. Unlike Allied Capital, Ares Capital is externally managed.

        Similar to Allied Capital, Ares Capital's investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Ares Capital invests primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, where it believes the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. However, Ares Capital may from time to time invest in larger companies.

        Ares Capital has built an investment portfolio of primarily first and second lien loans, mezzanine debt (which in some cases include an equity component like warrants) and to a lesser extent equity investments in private middle-market companies. Ares Capital's portfolio is well diversified by industry sector and its concentration to any single issuer is limited. Ares Capital's debt investments have ranged between $10 million and $100 million each, although the investment sizes may be more or less than the targeted range. Ares Capital's investment sizes are expected to grow with Ares Capital's capital availability. To a lesser extent, Ares Capital also makes equity investments. Ares Capital's equity investments have generally been less than $20 million each but may grow with Ares Capital's capital availability and are usually made in conjunction with loans extended by Ares Capital. The proportion of these investments will change over time given Ares Capital's views on, among other things, the economic and credit environment in which Ares Capital operates.

ARCC Odyssey Corp.
280 Park Avenue, 22nd Floor
Building East
New York, NY 10017
(212) 750-7300

        Merger Sub is a Maryland corporation and a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Ares Capital. Merger Sub was formed in connection with and for the sole purpose of the merger with Allied Capital.

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In the Merger, Allied Capital Common Stockholders Will Have a Right to Receive 0.325 of a Share of Ares Capital Common Stock per Share of Allied Capital Common Stock (page 118)

        If the merger is consummated, each share of Allied Capital common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the right to receive 0.325 of a share of Ares Capital common stock, subject to the payment of cash instead of fractional shares. To the extent that Allied Capital stockholders have shares represented by stock certificates, they should not send in any stock certificates until they receive written instructions to do so.

What Holders of Allied Capital Stock Options Will Receive (page 146)

        At the effective time, each Allied Capital stock option that has not been exercised will be cancelled and, if the exercise price of such option is less than the product of (1) the average closing price per share of Ares Capital common stock for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the closing and (2) the exchange ratio of 0.325, then the holder of such option will have the right to receive, at such holder's election, cash or shares of Ares Capital common stock (and cash, without interest, instead of any fractional shares) in an amount equal to such difference. Holders of Allied Capital stock options should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of their election and any cash or stock received by them.

Special Meeting of Allied Capital Common Stockholders (page 83)

        Allied Capital plans to hold its special meeting of common stockholders on March 26, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C., United States 20004. At the Allied Capital special meeting, holders of Allied Capital common stock will be asked to consider and vote on the following matters:

•

a proposal to approve the merger and the merger agreement; and



•

a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

        You can vote at the Allied Capital special meeting if you owned Allied Capital common stock at the close of business on February 2, 2010. As of that date, there were approximately 179,940,040 shares of Allied Capital common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Approximately 9,802,168 of such total outstanding shares, or 5.4%, were owned beneficially or of record by directors and executive officers of Allied Capital.

Special Meeting of Ares Capital Common Stockholders (page 86)

        Ares Capital plans to hold its special meeting of common stockholders on March 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at The Westin Grand, 2350 M Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., United States 20037. At the Ares Capital special meeting, holders of Ares Capital common stock will be asked to consider and vote on the following matters:

•

a proposal to approve the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement; and



•

a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

        You can vote at the Ares Capital special meeting if you owned Ares Capital common stock at the close of business on February 2, 2010. As of that date, there were approximately 130,944,674 shares of Ares Capital common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, approximately 306,490 of which, or less

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than 1%, were owned beneficially or of record by directors and executive officers of Ares Capital. In addition, Ares Investments LLC, or "Ares Investments," an affiliate of Ares Capital's investment adviser, owned approximately 2,859,882 shares or 2.2% of the total shares of Ares Capital common stock outstanding as of such date.

Comparative Market Price of Securities (page 185)

        Ares Capital common stock trades on NASDAQ under the symbol "ARCC." Allied Capital common stock trades on the NYSE and NASDAQ under the symbol "ALD."

        The following table presents the closing prices and most recently determined net asset values per share of Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock, as well as the implied value of Allied Capital common stock (as determined by multiplying the closing price of Ares Capital common stock on those dates by the exchange ratio of 0.325), on the last full trading day before public announcement of the merger and the last full trading day prior to the date of this document.

        The term "implied value" refers to the value of the Ares Capital common stock that Allied Capital stockholders would receive if the merger took place on a given day, based on the market price of Ares Capital common stock or its net asset value per share, as applicable, on such date. The value of Ares Capital common stock to be received in the merger will continue to fluctuate and, as a result, Allied Capital stockholders will not know the value of the Ares Capital common stock they will receive in the merger at the time they vote.

        For each share of Allied Capital common stock held immediately prior to the effective date, holders of Allied Capital common stock will be entitled to receive 0.325 of a share of Ares Capital common stock, subject to the payment of cash instead of fractional shares. The market prices of both Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock will fluctuate prior to the merger. You should obtain current stock price quotations for Ares Capital common stock and Allied Capital common stock.

Dividends (page 185)

        Ares Capital currently intends to distribute quarterly dividends to its stockholders. For a history of the dividends and distributions paid by Ares Capital since January 1, 2008, see "Market Price, Dividend and Distribution Information." The amount and timing of past dividends and distributions are not a guarantee of any future dividends or distributions, or the amount thereof, the payment, timing and amount of which will be determined by Ares Capital's board of directors and depend on Ares Capital's cash requirements, its financial condition and earnings, contractual restrictions, legal and regulatory considerations and other factors. See "Ares Capital Dividend Reinvestment Plan" for additional information regarding Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan.

        For a history of the dividends and distributions paid by Allied Capital since January 1, 2008, see "Market Price, Dividend and Distribution Information."

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The Merger Is Intended to Be Tax-Free to Allied Capital Common Stockholders as to the Shares of Ares Capital Common Stock They Receive (page 174)

        The merger and subsequent combination are intended to qualify as a "reorganization," within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and it is a condition to Ares Capital and Allied Capital's respective obligations to complete the merger that each of them receives a legal opinion to that effect. Accordingly, the merger generally will be tax-free to Allied Capital stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes as to the shares of Ares Capital common stock they receive in the merger, except for any gain or loss that may result from the receipt of cash instead of fractional shares of Ares Capital common stock that they would otherwise be entitled to receive.

        Holders of Allied Capital common stock should read "Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. Tax matters can be complicated and the tax consequences of the merger to Allied Capital stockholders will depend on their particular tax situation. Holders of Allied Capital common stock should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of the merger to them.

The Merger Will Be Accounted for as a "Business Combination" (page 173)

        The merger will be treated as a "business combination" using the acquisition method of accounting, with Ares Capital treated as the acquirer under generally accepted accounting principles, or "GAAP."

Reasons for the Merger (page 129)

Allied Capital

        Allied Capital's board of directors believes that the merger represents the best alternative that is reasonably available to Allied Capital. Allied Capital's board of directors consulted with Allied Capital's management as well as its financial advisors and legal advisors and considered numerous factors, including the ones described below, and, as a result, determined that the merger is in Allied Capital's best interests and the best interests of Allied Capital's stockholders. Certain material factors considered by Allied Capital's board of directors, including its independent directors, in evaluating the merger included, among others:

•

Resumption of Dividend Payments.  The receipt of shares of Ares Capital common stock in exchange for shares of Allied Capital common stock will likely permit Allied Capital's stockholders to receive dividend payments again by taking advantage of Ares Capital's dividend which has been consistently paid on a quarterly basis since April 2006 in an amount of at least $0.35 per share.



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Improved Access to Debt Capital Markets on More Favorable Terms.  It was anticipated that the combined company would be able to access debt capital with lower interest rates and longer maturities than was available to Allied Capital on a stand alone basis.



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Improved Ability to Access the Equity Capital Markets.  Ares Capital was recently able to access the equity capital markets even at a price below its net asset value per share.



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Lack of Liquidity/Flexibility.  The merger would reduce the pressure to sell assets to retire costly debt with stringent amortization requirements in an effort to de-lever the Allied Capital balance sheet.



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Increased Portfolio Diversity.  The merger will increase portfolio diversity and concentration of lower risk debt investments.



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Thorough Review of Strategic Alternatives.  Allied Capital engaged in a thorough review of the strategic alternatives reasonably believed to be available to Allied Capital, including, among

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other alternatives, to continue as a stand-alone entity, recapitalize the company and partner with a strategic investor and assessed the difficulties associated with pursuing each strategic alternative.

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Strategic and Business Considerations.  Because Allied Capital's stockholders will be stockholders of Ares Capital following the merger and subsequent combination, Allied Capital stockholders stand to participate in the future growth of Ares Capital.



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Terms of the Merger Agreement.  The exchange ratio of 0.325 shares of Ares Capital common stock to be received in exchange for each share of Allied Capital common stock represents a 27.3% premium to the closing price of Allied Capital common stock on October 23, 2009, based on the closing price of Allied Capital common stock and Ares Capital common stock on that date (which was the last full trading day before public announcement of the merger).



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Opinion of Its Financial Advisors.  The financial analyses reviewed and discussed with Allied Capital's board of directors by representatives of BofA Merrill Lynch and Sandler O'Neill (a summary of which is attached as Annex B-1 and Annex C-1 to this document, respectively, and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), as well as the oral opinions of BofA Merrill Lynch and Sandler O'Neill rendered to Allied Capital's board of directors on October 25, 2009 (which were subsequently confirmed in writing by delivery of written opinions dated the same date, attached as Annex B-2 and Annex C-2 to this document, respectively, and incorporated by reference herein in their entirety) with respect to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinions, of the exchange ratio to the holders of Allied Capital common stock.



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Tax Free Treatment of Merger.  The merger and subsequent combination are expected to be treated as a "reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the Code and will generally be tax free.

        The foregoing list does not include all the factors that Allied Capital's board of directors considered in making its decision. For a further discussion of the material factors considered by Allied Capital's board of directors, see "The Merger—Reasons for the Merger."

Ares Capital

        Ares Capital's board of directors consulted with representatives of management, its investment adviser, Ares Capital Management, as well as Ares Capital's financial, legal and other advisors and considered numerous factors, including the ones described below, and, as a result, determined that the merger is in Ares Capital's best interests and the best interests of Ares Capital's stockholders.

        Certain material factors considered by Ares Capital's board of directors, including its independent directors, included, among others:

•

Increased Scale and Presence in Middle Market.  The unique opportunity to acquire a franchise of Allied Capital's size and scope and the fact that the combined company will have a broad and diverse platform from which to provide capital to middle-market companies, including the ability to originate larger transactions with larger final hold positions.



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Continued Access to Capital.  The combined company is expected to have access to capital even in a credit challenged environment to reinvest in its portfolio and to pursue new attractive investment opportunities in what Ares Capital's management believes is a compelling investment environment following the credit dislocation.



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More Diversified Asset Base.  The limited overlap of assets and investments of Allied Capital and Ares Capital will further limit single issuer and industry credit exposure of the combined company following the merger.

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Strengthened Asset Management Platform.  The merger will create a large scale middle-market asset management platform that is expected to bring meaningful information and deal flow benefits.



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Accretive to NAV and Core EPS.  The merger is expected to be accretive to Ares Capital's net asset value and core earnings per share in the first year following its closing.



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Cost Savings/Synergies.  The merger is expected to result in cost savings and synergies for the combined company.



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Change of Control Payments.  As an inducement for Ares Capital and Merger Sub to enter into the merger agreement, certain Allied Capital key executives agreed to waive, contingent on the closing of the merger, a portion of the change-of-control payments that otherwise might be due to them under their respective employment or retention agreements.



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Ability to Unlock Potential Value in Allied Capital's Portfolio.  Allied Capital has limited liquidity, which has required it to sell assets in order to de-lever its balance sheet and satisfy stringent debt amortization requirements. Ares Capital's management believes that it will have the time, capital and expertise to re-position Allied Capital's existing portfolio into higher yielding, cash generating securities with less volatility because the combined company will face less pressure to sell assets in the portfolio at an inopportune time. To the extent asset sales are deemed necessary or advisable by the combined company, the combined company would have the flexibility to sell Ares Capital's assets as well.



•

Opinion of Its Financial Advisor.  The financial analyses reviewed and discussed with Ares Capital's board of directors by representatives of J.P. Morgan (a summary of which is attached as Annex D-1 to this document and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), as well as the oral opinion of J.P. Morgan rendered to Ares Capital's board of directors on October 25, 2009, which opinion was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated October 26, 2009, attached as Annex D-2 to this document and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, to the effect that, as of that date, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the exchange ratio in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Ares Capital.

        The foregoing list does not include all the factors that Ares Capital's board of directors considered in making its decision. For a further discussion of the material factors considered by Ares Capital's board of directors, see "The Merger—Reasons for the Merger."

Risks Relating to the Proposed Merger (page 28)

        The merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are subject to the following risks. Allied Capital and Ares Capital stockholders should carefully consider these risks before deciding how to vote on the proposals to be voted on at their respective special meetings. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Merger" below for a more detailed discussion of these factors.

•

Because the market price of Ares Capital common stock will fluctuate, Allied Capital common stockholders cannot be sure of the market value of the merger consideration they will receive until the closing date.



•

Allied Capital stockholders and Ares Capital stockholders will experience a reduction in percentage ownership and voting power in the combined company as a result of the merger.



•

Ares Capital may be unable to realize the benefits anticipated by the merger and subsequent combination, including estimated cost savings and synergies, or it may take longer than anticipated to achieve such benefits.

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•

Allied Capital's and Ares Capital's inability to obtain certain third party approvals, confirmations and consents with respect to certain of their outstanding indebtedness could delay or prevent the completion of the merger.



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The transactions contemplated by the merger agreement may trigger certain "change of control" provisions and other restrictions in contracts of Allied Capital, Ares Capital or their affiliates and the failure to obtain any required consents or waivers could adversely impact the combined company.



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Several lawsuits have been filed against Allied Capital, members of Allied Capital's board of directors, Ares Capital and Merger Sub challenging the merger. An adverse ruling in any such lawsuit may prevent the merger from becoming effective within the expected timeframe or at all. If the merger is consummated, these lawsuits and other legal proceedings could have a material impact on the results of operations, cash flows or financial condition of the combined company.



•

Allied Capital has received an unsolicited non-binding acquisition proposal from Prospect Capital, which may complicate or delay or prevent completion of the merger.



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The opinions obtained by Allied Capital and Ares Capital from their respective financial advisors will not reflect changes in circumstances between signing the merger agreement and completion of the merger.



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If the merger does not close, neither Ares Capital nor Allied Capital will benefit from the expenses incurred in its pursuit.



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Termination of the merger agreement could negatively impact Allied Capital and Ares Capital.



•

Under certain circumstances, Allied Capital and Ares Capital are obligated to pay each other a termination fee upon termination of the merger agreement.



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The merger agreement limits Allied Capital's ability to pursue alternatives to the merger.



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The merger is subject to closing conditions, including stockholder approvals, that, if not satisfied or waived, will result in the merger not being completed, which may result in material adverse consequences to Allied Capital's business and operations.



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Certain persons related to Allied Capital have interests in the merger that differ from the interests of Allied Capital stockholders.



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Allied Capital will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the merger is pending.



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The shares of Ares Capital common stock to be received by Allied Capital common stockholders as a result of the merger will have different rights associated with them than shares of Allied Capital common stock currently held by them.



•

The market price of Ares Capital common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those affecting Allied Capital common stock or Ares Capital common stock currently.



•

Allied Capital stockholders who hold their shares in certificated form and who do not timely surrender their Allied Capital common stock certificates for Ares Capital common stock after the completion of the merger will be deemed to have elected to receive dividends and other distributions declared after the completion of the merger with respect to Ares Capital common stock in the form of Ares Capital common stock in accordance with Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan and, as a result, may suffer adverse tax consequences.

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        In addition, stockholders should carefully consider the other matters described in "Risk Factors" in determining whether to approve the merger and the merger agreement, in the case of Allied Capital stockholders, and approve the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger, in the case of Ares Capital stockholders. If any of the events described in such section occurs, Ares Capital, Allied Capital or, following the merger and subsequent combination, the combined company's business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Allied Capital's Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends That Allied Capital Stockholders Vote "FOR" Approval of the Merger and the Merger Agreement (page 135)

        Allied Capital's board of directors, including its independent directors, believes that the merger is advisable and in the best interest of Allied Capital's stockholders and unanimously recommends that its stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the merger and the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Allied Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Allied Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

Ares Capital's Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends That Ares Capital Stockholders Vote "FOR" Approval of the Issuance of Ares Capital Common Stock in Connection with the Merger (page 135)

        Ares Capital's board of directors, including its independent directors, unanimously approved the merger and the merger agreement, including the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection therewith, and recommends that Ares Capital stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the issuance of the Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of the proposal to adjourn the Ares Capital special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Ares Capital special meeting to approve the foregoing proposal.

Certain Persons Related to Allied Capital Have Interests in the Merger that Differ from Your Interests (page 146)

        Certain persons related to Allied Capital have financial interests in the merger that are different from, and/or in addition to, the interests of Allied Capital's stockholders. The members of Allied Capital's board of directors were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and the merger and in recommending to Allied Capital stockholders that the merger and the merger agreement be approved. These interests are described in more detail in the section of this document entitled "The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons Related to Allied Capital in the Merger."

        Based on the assumptions set forth in "The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons Related to Allied Capital in the Merger," Allied Capital's named executive officers may be entitled to receive aggregate payments of approximately $6,086,663 for accelerated vesting and payout of stock options upon completion of the merger. The maximum amounts that would be payable to Allied Capital's named executive officers in the aggregate under each of their current employment agreements or retention agreements, assuming that certain conditions regarding change of control and termination are met, would be approximately $28,585,957. In addition, Allied Capital may be required to pay up to $12,875,000 plus health care continuation coverage for up to 12 months to certain of its officers, other than its named executive officers, pursuant to the terms of certain retention agreements. Certain existing executive officers of Allied Capital may, however, become paid employees of Ares Capital, one of its portfolio companies or subsidiaries or its investment adviser. See "The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons Related to Allied Capital in the Merger" for a further description of these interests,

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including the payments that each named executive officer is or may be entitled to receive upon completion of the merger.

Ares Capital's Investment Adviser Has Interests in the Merger that Differ from the Interests of Ares Capital Stockholders (page 153)

        Ares Capital's investment adviser, Ares Capital Management, has financial interests in the merger that are different from, and/or in addition to, the interests of Ares Capital's stockholders. For example, Ares Capital Management's management fee is based on a percentage of Ares Capital's total assets. Because total assets under management will increase as a result of the merger, the dollar amount of Ares Capital Management's management fee will increase as a result of the merger. In addition, the incentive fee payable by Ares Capital to Ares Capital Management may be positively impacted as a result of the merger. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements."

        Ares Capital Management has committed to defer up to $15 million in base management and incentive fees for each of the first two years following the merger if certain earnings targets are not met to help support consistent cash flows and the combined company's dividend payments.

Allied Capital and Ares Capital Stockholders Do Not Have Dissenters' Rights

        Neither Allied Capital's nor Ares Capital's stockholders will be entitled to exercise dissenters' rights in connection with the merger under Maryland law.

Allied Capital and Ares Capital Have Agreed When and How Allied Capital Can Consider Third-Party Acquisition Proposals (page 166)

        Allied Capital has agreed to, and will cause its affiliates, consolidated subsidiaries and its and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, employees and other advisors, representatives and agents to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions and negotiations with respect to a "Takeover Proposal" (as defined in the merger agreement) from a third party and not to directly or indirectly solicit or take any other action (including providing information) with the intent to solicit any inquiry, proposal or offer with respect to a Takeover Proposal.

        However, if Allied Capital receives a bona fide unsolicited Takeover Proposal from a third party and its board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with reputable outside legal counsel and financial advisers experienced in such matters, that failure to consider such proposal would breach the duties of its directors under applicable law, and the Takeover Proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a "Superior Proposal" (as defined in the merger agreement), Allied Capital may engage in discussions and negotiations with such third party so long as certain notice and other procedural requirements are satisfied. In addition, subject to certain procedural requirements (including the ability of Ares Capital to revise its offer) and the payment of a $30 million termination fee, Allied Capital may terminate the merger agreement and enter into an agreement with a third party who makes a Superior Proposal.

        Allied Capital's board of directors, together with its external legal and financial advisors, has carefully reviewed and analyzed the proposals submitted by Prospect Capital Corporation, or "Prospect Capital." Allied Capital's board of directors has concluded that the unsolicited offer does not constitute, and is not reasonably likely to result in, a Superior Proposal and is not in the best interests of Allied Capital or its stockholders and, therefore, has not authorized any negotiations with Prospect Capital. As a part of its determination, Allied Capital sought, and obtained, permission from Ares Capital to engage in a discussion with Prospect Capital about the financial assumptions of Prospect Capital's offer, with a specific focus on the stability and safety of Prospect Capital's dividend. Allied Capital's financial advisors met with representatives of Prospect Capital (which had not retained financial advisors) on the evening of February 1, 2010 for this purpose, and did not receive any

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information that alleviated the concerns of Allied Capital's board with Prospect Capital's offer, including, without limitation, the concern about Prospect Capital's inability to generate sufficient earnings to support its current dividend levels.

Merger Requires the Approval of Allied Capital Stockholders Holding at Least Two-Thirds of Votes Entitled to Be Cast (page 83)

        The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Allied Capital common stock outstanding and entitled to vote is required to approve the merger and the merger agreement. Stockholders who abstain or who fail to (1) return their proxies, (2) instruct the proxy solicitor on how to cast their vote by telephone or via the Internet pursuant to the instructions shown on the proxy card or (3) vote at the Allied Capital special meeting, will have the same effect as if they voted "against" the merger agreement and the merger.

Votes Required to Approve the Issuance of Shares of Ares Capital Common Stock (page 86)

        The affirmative vote of at least a majority of all of the votes cast on the matter at a meeting at which a quorum is present is required to approve the issuance of the shares of Ares Capital common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement.

Completion of the Merger (page 157)

        While there can be no assurances as to the exact timing, or that the merger will be completed at all, Allied Capital and Ares Capital are working to complete the merger in the first quarter of 2010. As more fully described in this document and in the merger agreement, the completion of the merger depends on a number of conditions being satisfied or, where legally permissible, waived.

Conditions That Must Be Satisfied or Waived for the Merger to Occur (page 168)

        While there can be no assurances as to the exact timing, or that the merger will be completed at all, we are working to complete the merger in the first quarter of 2010. As more fully described in this document and in the merger agreement, the obligations of Allied Capital and Ares Capital to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or, where permissible, waiver of the following conditions:

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the approvals of Allied Capital and Ares Capital stockholders are obtained at their respective special meetings;



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the shares of Ares Capital stock to be issued in connection with the merger have been authorized for listing on NASDAQ;



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the registration statement, of which this document forms a part, has become effective and no stop order suspending its effectiveness has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated by the SEC;



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no order or law preventing or making illegal the consummation of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement is in effect;



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all regulatory approvals required to consummate the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and all statutory waiting periods required by applicable law have expired;



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the receipt by each of Ares Capital and Allied Capital of a legal opinion with respect to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger;

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•

the truth and correctness of the representations and warranties of each other party in the merger agreement, subject to the materiality standards provided in the merger agreement, and the receipt by each party of a certificate from the other party to that effect;



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the performance by each other party in all material respects of their obligations under the merger agreement and the receipt by each party of a certificate from the other party to that effect;



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since the date of the merger agreement, there has not occurred any condition, change or event that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect in respect of the other party, other than certain previously disclosed matters; and



•

the absence of certain bankruptcy and insolvency related events with respect to the other party and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than, in the case of Allied Capital, Ciena Capital LLC, or "Ciena").

        In addition, the obligation of Ares Capital to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or, where permissible, waiver of the following conditions:

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Allied Capital has delivered a certificate stating that it is not and has not been within the preceding five years a "United States real property holding corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and



•

consents in respect of certain outstanding debt of Allied Capital and Ares Capital have been obtained.

        We cannot be certain when, or if, the conditions to the merger will be satisfied or waived or that the merger will ever be completed.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (page 170)

        The merger agreement contains certain termination rights for Allied Capital or Ares Capital, as applicable, including if:

•

the parties mutually agree to terminate;



•

a government entity that must grant a regulatory approval has issued a final and non-appealable denial;



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a governmental entity has issued a final and non-appealable order or promulgated a law prohibiting or making illegal the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;



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the merger has not been completed by June 30, 2010;



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the stockholders of Allied Capital fail to approve the merger and the merger agreement;



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the stockholders of Ares Capital fail to approve the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger;



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a Special Termination Event occurs;



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there is a breach by Allied Capital, on the one hand, or Ares Capital or Merger Sub, on the other, that would result in a failure of the conditions of Ares Capital and Merger Sub or Allied Capital, as the case may be, to close (subject to cure, if curable);

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•

either Allied Capital or Ares Capital changes its recommendation that its stockholders vote to approve the matters described in this document to be voted on at their respective special meetings;



•

either Allied Capital or Ares Capital fails to cause a vote of its respective stockholders to occur in respect of the matters described in this document to be voted on at their respective special meetings prior to June 30, 2010;



•

Allied Capital enters into an agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal, provided that prior to doing so it pays Ares Capital a $30 million termination fee;



•

a tender or exchange offer or a Takeover Proposal is publicly announced and Allied Capital fails to recommend against such offer or reaffirm its recommendation of the merger;



•

Allied Capital or Ares Capital materially breaches its obligation to use reasonable best efforts to obtain stockholder approval or recommend the matters described in this document to be voted on at their respective special meetings; or



•

Allied Capital breaches the non-solicitation provisions.

        The Prospect Capital proposal is a third party acquisition proposal for purposes of the eleventh and twelfth bullet points above.

Termination Fee (page 170)

        The merger agreement provides that, in connection with the termination of the merger agreement under specified circumstances, Allied Capital may be required to pay Ares Capital a termination fee of $30 million ($15 million if Allied Capital stockholders do not approve the merger and the merger agreement) and Ares Capital may be required to pay Allied Capital a reverse termination fee of $30 million ($30 million if Ares Capital stockholders do not approve the issuance of shares of Ares Capital common stock in the merger).

Board of Directors and Management of the Combined Company Following Completion of the Merger (page 156)

        Upon completion of the merger and subsequent combination, the current directors and officers of Ares Capital are expected to continue in their current positions and Ares Capital's investment adviser, Ares Capital Management, will externally manage the combined company. At the effective time, Ares Capital's board of directors will be increased by at least one member and Ares Capital will submit the name of one member of Allied Capital's board of directors for consideration to Ares Capital's nominating and governance committee to fill the vacancy.

Third Party Consents Required for the Merger (page 154)

        Under the merger agreement, Ares Capital's obligation to complete the merger is subject to the prior receipt of certain approvals, confirmations and consents required to be obtained from certain agents, lenders, noteholders and other parties. As of the date of this document, Ares Capital and Allied Capital believe that, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, they have obtained all necessary third party consents other than stockholder approvals and, if necessary, rating agency confirmation with respect to the Debt Securitization.

        On January 22, 2010, Ares Capital amended and restated the Credit Facility. The amendment and restatement, among other things, increases the size of the Credit Facility from $525 million to $690 million (comprised of $615 million in commitments on a stand-alone basis and an additional $75 million in commitments contingent upon the closing of the merger), extends the maturity date to January 22, 2013, modifies pricing and permits certain mergers, including a merger of the type currently

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contemplated by the merger agreement. The Credit Facility also includes an "accordion" feature that allows Ares Capital, under certain circumstances, to increase the Credit Facility's size to a maximum of $897.5 million prior to the closing of the merger and up to a maximum of $1.05 billion upon the closing of the merger.

        On that same date, Ares Capital also combined its existing $225 million amortizing CP Funding Facility with its existing $200 million revolving CP Funding II Facility into a single $400 million revolving securitized facility. The combined CP Funding Facility, among other things, converted the existing facility from an amortizing facility to a revolving facility, extended the maturity date to January 22, 2013 (with two one-year extension options, subject to mutual consent), modified the pricing structure of the CP Funding Facility and pre-approved the merger. In connection with the combination, Ares Capital terminated the CP Funding II Facility.

        On January 29, 2010, Allied Capital entered into the Credit Agreement pursuant to which Allied Capital obtained the Term Loan. The proceeds of the Term Loan were used to refinance Allied Capital's private notes and bank facility. In connection with entering into the Term Loan, Allied Capital used the proceeds from the Term Loan and cash on hand from asset sales and repayments to repay its private notes and bank facility in full. On January 29, 2010, after giving effect to the refinancing and the full repayment of the private notes and bank facility, Allied Capital had total outstanding debt of $995.5 million and cash and investments in money market and other securities of approximately $128 million. The Term Loan matures on February 28, 2011 and is subject to certain mandatory prepayments prior to maturity, including repayments related to asset dispositions. The Term Loan generally becomes due and payable upon a change of control or merger; except that, in certain circumstances, the Term Loan may be assumed by Ares Capital in connection with the consummation of the merger. Borrowings under the Term Loan will bear interest based on LIBOR or a base rate and the Term Loan will initially bear interest at a rate per annum of 4.74%. In addition to the interest paid on the Term Loan, Allied Capital incurred other fees and costs associated with the repayment and refinancing and will also incur additional exit fees, which increase over the term of the loan, as the Term Loan is repaid. Consistent with the terms of the private notes and bank facility, Allied Capital has granted the Term Loan lenders a blanket lien on a substantial portion of its assets.

        Although not a condition to either Allied Capital's or Ares Capital's obligation to complete the merger, certain agreements of Allied Capital and Ares Capital or their affiliates, including with respect to certain managed funds of Allied Capital and its affiliates, will or may require the consent or waiver of one or more counterparties in connection with the merger or subsequent combination. The failure to obtain any such consent or waiver may permit such counter-parties to terminate, or otherwise increase their rights or the combined company's obligations under, such agreements because the merger, subsequent combination or other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement may violate an anti-assignment, change of control or other provision relating to any of such transactions. If this happens, Ares Capital may have to seek to replace that agreement with a new agreement or seek an amendment to such agreement. Allied Capital and Ares Capital cannot assure you that Ares Capital will be able to replace or amend any such agreement on comparable terms or at all.

The Rights of Allied Capital Common Stockholders Following the Merger Will Be Different (page 406)

        The rights of Allied Capital's stockholders are currently governed by Maryland law and Allied Capital's charter and bylaws. When the merger is completed, Allied Capital's stockholders will become stockholders of Ares Capital, a Maryland corporation, and their rights will be governed by Maryland law and Ares Capital's charter and bylaws. The rights of Allied Capital's stockholders and the rights of Ares Capital's stockholders differ in certain respects.

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The Unsolicited Offer from Prospect Capital (page 137)

        On January 14, 2010, Prospect Capital proposed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Allied Capital in a stock-for-stock merger. On January 19, 2010, the board of directors of Allied Capital unanimously rejected the unsolicited non-binding offer. On January 26, 2010, Prospect Capital renewed its unsolicited non-binding proposal and increased its proposed share exchange ratio from 0.385 Prospect Capital shares for each Allied Capital share to 0.40 Prospect Capital shares for each Allied Capital share. The Allied Capital board, after consulting with its management and its financial and legal advisors, has determined that Prospect Capital's proposal does not constitute, and is not reasonably likely to result in, a Superior Proposal. On February 9, 2010, Prospect Capital issued a third unsolicited non-binding proposal and increased its proposed share exchange ratio from 0.40 Prospect Capital shares for each Allied Capital share to 0.4416 Prospect Capital shares for each Allied Capital share. The Allied Capital board, after consulting with its management and its financial and legal advisors, has determined that Prospect Capital's proposal does not constitute, and is not reasonably likely to result in, a Superior Proposal.

        In reaching that determination, Allied Capital's board took into account, among other things, its belief that a merger with Allied Capital would put Prospect Capital's dividend at risk, resulting in a near term dividend cut, Ares Capital Management's commitment to defer up to $15 million in base management and incentive fees for each of the first two years following the merger if certain earnings targets are not met, Prospect Capital's lack of managerial expertise, the conditional nature of Prospect Capital's offer, the relative liquidity of Prospect Capital and Ares Capital, the belief that Prospect Capital's management platform is inferior to that of Ares Capital, the belief that Prospect Capital's recent acquisition of Patriot Capital Funding, Inc. weakens, rather than strengthens, Prospect Capital, Prospect Capital's track record of highly dilutive equity capital raises and the belief that Prospect Capital's portfolio is riskier than that of Ares Capital. Allied Capital's board further determined that the Prospect Capital offer did not measure up to the merger on all of the criteria that Allied Capital's board considered in determining to accept the Ares Capital proposal and enter into the merger agreement. Accordingly, Allied Capital's board also unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation that Allied Capital's stockholders vote in favor of the merger and the merger agreement. See "The Merger—The Unsolicited Proposal from Prospect."

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RISK FACTORS

        In addition to the other information included in this document, stockholders should carefully consider the matters described below in determining whether to approve the merger and the merger agreement, in the case of Allied Capital stockholders, and approve the issuance of Ares Capital common stock in connection with the merger, in the case of Ares Capital stockholders. The risks set out below are not the only risks Ares Capital, Allied Capital and, following the merger and subsequent combination, the combined company face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Ares Capital or Allied Capital or that they currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect their or, following the merger and subsequent combination, the combined company's business, financial condition or operating results. If any of the following events occur, Ares Capital, Allied Capital or, following the merger and subsequent combination, the combined company's business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Ares Capital

         Capital markets have recently been in a period of disruption and instability. These market conditions have materially and adversely affected debt and equity capital markets in the United States, which has had, and may in the future have, a negative impact on Ares Capital's business and operations.

        Beginning in 2007, the U.S. capital markets entered into a period of disruption as evidenced by a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of major financial institutions. Despite actions of the U.S. federal government, these events contributed to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. While these conditions appear to be improving, they could continue for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future. While these conditions persist, Ares Capital and other companies in the financial services sector may have to access, if available, alternative markets for debt and equity capital in order to grow. Equity capital may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a BDC, Ares Capital is generally not able to issue additional shares of Ares Capital common stock at a price less than net asset value without first obtaining approval for such issuance from Ares Capital's stockholders and its independent directors. At Ares Capital's 2009 annual stockholders meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by Ares Capital's board of directors, Ares Capital stockholders approved its ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of Ares Capital common stock, not exceeding 25% of its outstanding common stock at the time of such issuance, at a price below its then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 4, 2009 and expiring on the earlier of the anniversary of the date of the 2009 annual stockholders meeting and the date of the Ares Capital 2010 annual stockholders meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2010. In addition, Ares Capital's ability to incur indebtedness (including by issuing preferred stock) is limited by applicable regulations such that Ares Capital's asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, must equal at least 200% immediately after each time Ares Capital incurs indebtedness. The debt capital that will be available, if at all, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions in the future. Any inability to raise capital could have a negative effect on Ares Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Moreover, recent market conditions have made, and may in the future make, it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance Ares Capital's existing indebtedness and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's business. The illiquidity of Ares Capital's investments may make it difficult for Ares Capital to sell such investments if required. As a result, Ares Capital may realize significantly less than the value at which Ares Capital has recorded its investments.

        Capital markets volatility also affects Ares Capital's investment valuations. While most of Ares Capital's investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require Ares Capital to

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assume as part of its valuation process that its investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if Ares Capital plans on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can adversely affect Ares Capital's valuations.

        Given the recent extreme volatility and dislocation in the capital markets, many BDCs have faced, and may in the future face, a challenging environment in which to raise capital. As a result of the recent significant changes in the capital markets affecting Ares Capital's ability to raise capital, the pace of Ares Capital's investment activity has slowed. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets, including the recent extreme volatility and disruption, has had, and may in the future have, a negative effect on the valuations of Ares Capital's investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving Ares Capital's investments. An inability to raise capital, and any required sale of Ares Capital's investments for liquidity purposes, could have a material adverse impact on Ares Capital's business, financial condition or results of operations.

         A failure on Ares Capital's part to maintain its status as a BDC would significantly reduce Ares Capital's operating flexibility.

        If Ares Capital fails to maintain its status as a BDC, Ares Capital might be regulated as a closed-end investment company under the Investment Company Act, which would subject Ares Capital to additional regulatory restrictions and significantly decrease its operating flexibility. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under Ares Capital's outstanding indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's business, financial condition or results of operations.

         Ares Capital is dependent upon Ares Capital Management's key personnel for Ares Capital's future success and upon their access to Ares' investment professionals.

        Ares Capital depends on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of Ares Capital Management's key personnel, including its investment committee. Ares Capital also depends, to a significant extent, on Ares Capital Management's access to the investment professionals of Ares and the information and deal flow generated by Ares' investment professionals in the course of their investment and portfolio management activities. Ares Capital's future success depends on the continued service of Ares Capital Management's key personnel, including its investment committee. The departure of any of Ares Capital Management's key personnel, including members of its investment committee, or of a significant number of the investment professionals or partners of Ares, could have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, Ares Capital cannot assure you that Ares Capital Management will remain Ares Capital's investment adviser or that Ares Capital will continue to have access to Ares' investment professionals or its information and deal flow.

         Ares Capital's financial condition and results of operations depend on Ares Capital's ability to manage future growth effectively.

        Ares Capital's ability to achieve its investment objective depends on its ability to acquire suitable investments and monitor and administer those investments, which depends, in turn, on Ares Capital Management's ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet Ares Capital's investment criteria.

        Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of Ares Capital Management's structuring of the investment process and its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to Ares Capital. Ares Capital's executive officers and the members of Ares Capital Management's investment committee have substantial responsibilities in connection with their roles at Ares and with the other Ares funds, as well as responsibilities under the investment advisory and management agreement. They may also be called upon to provide significant managerial assistance to certain of Ares Capital's portfolio companies on behalf of Ares Capital's administrator. These demands

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on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order to grow, Ares Capital Management will need to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees. However, Ares Capital cannot assure you that any such employees will be retained. Any failure to manage Ares Capital's future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In addition, as Ares Capital grows, Ares Capital may open up new offices in new geographic regions that may increase its direct operating expenses without corresponding revenue growth.

         Ares Capital's ability to grow depends on its ability to raise capital.

        Ares Capital will need to periodically access the capital markets to raise cash to fund new investments. Ares Capital has elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and operates in a manner so as to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax treatment applicable to RICs. Among other things, in order to maintain Ares Capital's RIC status, Ares Capital must distribute to its stockholders on a timely basis generally an amount equal to at least 90% of Ares Capital's investment company taxable income and, as a result, such distributions will not be available to fund investment originations. Ares Capital must continue to borrow from financial institutions and issue additional securities to fund Ares Capital's growth. Unfavorable economic or capital market conditions may increase Ares Capital's funding costs, limit Ares Capital's access to the capital markets or could result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to Ares Capital. An inability to successfully access the capital markets could limit Ares Capital's ability to grow its business and fully execute its business strategy and could decrease Ares Capital's earnings, if any.

        In addition, with certain limited exceptions, Ares Capital is only allowed to borrow amounts or issue debt securities or preferred stock such that Ares Capital's asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, equals at least 200% immediately after such borrowing, which, in certain circumstances, may restrict Ares Capital's ability to borrow or issue debt securities or preferred stock. The amount of leverage that Ares Capital employs will depend on its investment adviser's and Ares Capital's board of directors' assessments of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing or issuance of debt securities or preferred stock. Ares Capital cannot assure you that it will be able to maintain its current facilities or obtain other lines of credit at all or on terms acceptable to Ares Capital.

         Regulations governing Ares Capital's operation as a BDC affect its ability to raise, and the way in which Ares Capital raises, additional capital.

        Ares Capital may issue debt securities or preferred stock, which Ares Capital refers to collectively as "senior securities," or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, up to the maximum amount permitted by the Investment Company Act. Under the provisions of the Investment Company Act, Ares Capital is permitted, as a BDC, to incur indebtedness or issue senior securities only in amounts such that Ares Capital's asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, equals at least 200% after each such incurrence or issuance. If the value of Ares Capital's assets declines, Ares Capital may be unable to satisfy this test, which may prohibit it from paying dividends and could prevent Ares Capital from maintaining its status as a RIC or may prohibit Ares Capital from repurchasing shares of its common stock. If Ares Capital cannot satisfy this test, Ares Capital may be required to sell a portion of its investments at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous and, depending on the nature of its leverage, repay a portion of its indebtedness. As of September 30, 2009, Ares Capital's asset coverage for senior securities was 259%.

        Ares Capital is not generally able to issue and sell Ares Capital common stock at a price below net asset value per share. Ares Capital may, however, sell Ares Capital common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire Ares Capital common stock, at a price below the current net asset value per share of Ares Capital common stock if Ares Capital's board of directors determines that such sale is in Ares

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Capital's best interests and the best interests of Ares Capital's stockholders, and Ares Capital's stockholders approve such sale. Any such sale would be dilutive to the net asset value per share of Ares Capital common stock. In any such case, the price at which Ares Capital's securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price which, in the determination of Ares Capital's board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any commission or discount). If Ares Capital common stock trades at a discount to net asset value, this restriction could adversely affect its ability to raise capital.

        At Ares Capital's 2009 annual stockholders meeting, subject to the board of directors determination described above, Ares Capital stockholders approved its ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of Ares Capital common stock, not exceeding 25% of its outstanding common stock at the time of such issuance, at a price below its then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 4, 2009 and expiring on the earlier of the anniversary of the date of the 2009 annual stockholders meeting and the date of the Ares Capital 2010 annual stockholders meeting, which is expected to be held in May 2010.

        To generate cash for funding new investments, Ares Capital has also securitized, and may in the future seek to securitize, its loans. To securitize loans, Ares Capital may create a separate, wholly owned subsidiary and contribute or sell a pool of loans to such subsidiary (or one of its subsidiaries). Such subsidiary may then sell equity, issue debt or sell interests in the pool of loans, on a limited-recourse basis, the payments on which are generally limited to the pool of loans and the proceeds therefrom. Ares Capital may also retain a portion of the equity interests in the securitized pool of loans. Any retained equity would be exposed to losses on the related pool of loans before any of the related debt securities. An inability to successfully securitize Ares Capital's loan portfolio could limit Ares Capital's ability to raise capital and grow its business and fully execute its business strategy. The securitization market is subject to changing market conditions (including the recent, unprecedented dislocation of the securitization and finance markets generally) and Ares Capital may not be able to access this market when Ares Capital would otherwise deem appropriate. Moreover, the successful securitization of Ares Capital's loan portfolio might expose Ares Capital to losses as the residual loans in which Ares Capital does not sell interests may be those that are riskier and more apt to generate losses. The Investment Company Act may also impose restrictions on the structure of any securitization.

         Ares Capital borrows money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing with Ares Capital.

        As of September 30, 2009, Ares Capital had $271.1 million of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, $223 million of outstanding borrowings under the CP Funding Facility and $273.8 million of CLO Notes. In order for Ares Capital to cover its annual interest payments on indebtedness, Ares Capital must achieve annual returns on Ares Capital's September 30, 2009 total assets of at least 1.21%. The weighted average interest rate charged on Ares Capital's borrowings as of September 30, 2009 was 2.02%. Ares Capital intends to continue borrowing under its credit facilities in the future and Ares Capital may increase the size of its credit facilities or issue debt securities or other evidences of indebtedness (although there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so). Ares Capital's ability to service its debt depends largely on its financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The amount of leverage that Ares Capital employs at any particular time will depend on its investment adviser's and its board of directors' assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.

        Ares Capital's credit facilities and CLO Notes impose financial and operating covenants that restrict Ares Capital's business activities, including limitations that could hinder Ares Capital's ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain its status as a RIC. A failure to renew Ares Capital's credit facilities or to add new or replacement debt facilities

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could have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's business, financial condition or results of operations.

        Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in Ares Capital's securities. Ares Capital currently borrows under Ares Capital's credit facilities and, in the future, may borrow from or issue debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Holders of such debt securities have fixed dollar claims on Ares Capital's consolidated assets that are superior to the claims of its common stockholders or any preferred stockholders. If the value of Ares Capital's consolidated assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value per share of its common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had Ares Capital not leveraged.

        Conversely, if the value of Ares Capital's consolidated assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had Ares Capital not leveraged. Similarly, any increase in Ares Capital's consolidated income in excess of consolidated interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause Ares Capital's net income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in Ares Capital's consolidated income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had Ares Capital not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect Ares Capital's ability to make common stock dividend payments. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful.

        The following table illustrates the effect on return to a holder of Ares Capital common stock of the leverage created by Ares Capital's use of borrowing at the interest rate of 2.02% and assumes (1) Ares Capital's total value of net assets as of September 30, 2009; (2) $767.9 million debt outstanding as of September 30, 2009 and (3) hypothetical annual returns on Ares Capital's portfolio of minus 15 to plus 15 percent.

         In addition to regulatory requirements that restrict Ares Capital's ability to raise capital, its Credit Facility, CP Funding Facility and CLO Notes contain various covenants which, if not complied with, could accelerate repayment under the Credit Facility, CP Funding Facility and CLO Notes, thereby materially and adversely affecting Ares Capital's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

        The agreements governing Ares Capital's Credit Facility, CP Funding Facility and CLO Notes require Ares Capital to comply with certain financial and operational covenants. These covenants include:

•

restrictions on the level of indebtedness that Ares Capital is permitted to incur in relation to the value of Ares Capital's assets;



•

restrictions on Ares Capital's ability to incur liens; and

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•

maintenance of a minimum level of stockholders' equity.

        As of the date of this document, Ares Capital is in compliance with the covenants of Ares Capital's Credit Facility, CP Funding Facility and CLO Notes. However, Ares Capital's continued compliance with these covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond Ares Capital's control. For example, depending on the condition of the public debt and equity markets and pricing levels, net unrealized depreciation in Ares Capital's portfolio may increase in the future. Any such increase could result in Ares Capital's inability to comply with its obligation to restrict the level of indebtedness that Ares Capital is able to incur in relation to the value of its assets or to maintain a minimum level of stockholders' equity.

        Accordingly, although Ares Capital believes it will continue to be in compliance, there are no assurances that Ares Capital will continue to comply with the covenants in its Credit Facility, CP Funding Facility and CLO Notes. Failure to comply with these covenants would result in a default under its Credit Facility, CP Funding Facility or CLO Notes, which, if Ares Capital were unable to obtain a waiver from the lenders under its Credit Facility, the purchasers under its CP Funding Facility or the trustee or holders of CLO Notes, respectively, could accelerate repayment under its Credit Facility, CP Funding Facility or CLO Notes, respectively, and thereby have a material adverse impact on Ares Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations.

         Ares Capital operates in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities.

        A number of entities compete with Ares Capital to make the types of investments that Ares Capital makes in middle-market companies. Ares Capital competes with other BDCs, public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, insurance companies, high yield investors, hedge funds, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Many of Ares Capital's competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than Ares Capital does. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to Ares Capital. In addition, some of Ares Capital's competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than Ares Capital. Furthermore, many of Ares Capital's competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on Ares Capital as a BDC and that the Code imposes on Ares Capital as a RIC. Ares Capital cannot assure you that the competitive pressures it faces will not have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, Ares Capital may not be able to pursue attractive investment opportunities from time to time.

        Ares Capital does not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates it offers and Ares Capital believes that some of its competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates Ares Capital offers. Rather, Ares Capital competes with its competitors based on its existing investment platform, seasoned management team, experience and focus on middle-market companies, disciplined investment philosophy, extensive industry focus and flexible transaction structuring. For a more detailed discussion of these competitive advantages, see "Business of Ares Capital—Competitive Advantages."

        Ares Capital may lose investment opportunities if it does not match its competitors' pricing, terms and structure. If Ares Capital matches its competitors' pricing, terms and structure, Ares Capital may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit loss. As a result of operating in such a competitive environment, Ares Capital may make investments that are on better terms to its portfolio companies than what Ares Capital may have originally anticipated, which may impact its return on these investments.

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         Ares Capital may be subject to certain corporate-level taxes regardless of whether Ares Capital continues to qualify as a RIC.

        Ares Capital has elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax treatment applicable to RICs. As a RIC, Ares Capital generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on its income and gain that it distributes to its stockholders as dividends on a timely basis. To qualify as a RIC under the Code, Ares Capital must meet certain income source, asset diversification and annual distribution requirements. Ares Capital may also be subject to certain U.S. federal excise taxes, as well as state, local and foreign taxes.

        The annual distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if Ares Capital distributes to its stockholders on a timely basis generally an amount equal to at least 90% of Ares Capital's investment company taxable income for each year. Because Ares Capital uses debt financing, Ares Capital is subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the Investment Company Act and financial covenants under Ares Capital's indebtedness that could, under certain circumstances, restrict Ares Capital from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If Ares Capital is unable to obtain cash from other sources, Ares Capital may fail to qualify as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax. In that event, the resulting corporate-level taxes could substantially reduce Ares Capital's net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of Ares Capital's distributions. Because Ares Capital must make distributions to its stockholders as described above, such amounts, to the extent a stockholder is not participating in Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan, will not be available to fund investment originations. Ares Capital will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on any undistributed income or gain.

        To qualify as a RIC, Ares Capital must also meet certain annual income source requirements at the end of each taxable year and asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in Ares Capital's having to (1) dispose of certain investments quickly or (2) raise additional capital to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of Ares Capital's investments are in private companies and are generally illiquid, any such dispositions may be at disadvantageous prices and may result in losses. Also, the rules applicable to Ares Capital's qualification as a RIC under the Code are complex with many areas of uncertainty. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that Ares Capital has qualified or will qualify as a RIC. If Ares Capital fails to qualify as a RIC for any reason and becomes subject to regular "C" corporation income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce Ares Capital's net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of Ares Capital's distributions. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital and its stockholders. See "Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of an Investment in Ares Capital Common Stock—Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company."

         Ares Capital may have difficulty paying its required distributions under applicable tax rules if Ares Capital recognizes income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

        For U.S. federal income tax purposes, Ares Capital includes in income certain amounts that it has not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount, which may arise if Ares Capital receives warrants in connection with the making of a loan or possibly in other circumstances, or payment-in-kind interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such original issue discount or increases in loan balances are included in income before Ares Capital receives any corresponding cash payments. Ares Capital also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that Ares Capital will not receive in cash, including, for example, non-cash income from payment-in-kind securities, deferred payment securities and hedging and foreign currency transactions.

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        Since, in certain cases, Ares Capital may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, Ares Capital may have difficulty meeting the U.S. federal income tax requirement to distribute generally an amount equal to at least 90% of its investment company taxable income to maintain its status as a RIC. Accordingly, Ares Capital may have to sell some of its investments at times Ares Capital would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If Ares Capital is not able to obtain cash from other sources, Ares Capital may fail to qualify as a RIC and thus be subject to additional corporate-level taxes. See "Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of an Investment in Ares Capital Common Stock—Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company."

        If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of the incentive fee will become uncollectible. The investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse Ares Capital for any part of the incentive fee it received that was based on accrued income that Ares Capital never receives as a result of a default by an entity on the obligation that resulted in the accrual of such income.

         Ares Capital may in the future determine to fund a portion of its investments with preferred stock, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss and the risks of investing in Ares Capital in the same way as Ares Capital's borrowings.

        Because preferred stock is another form of leverage and the dividends on any preferred stock Ares Capital issues must be cumulative, preferred stock has the same risks to Ares Capital's common stockholders as borrowings. Payment of such dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of such preferred stock must take preference over any dividends or other payments to Ares Capital's common stockholders, and preferred stockholders are not subject to any of Ares Capital's expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference.

         Ares Capital is exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.

        General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on Ares Capital's investments and investment opportunities and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's investment objective and rate of return on invested capital. Because Ares Capital borrows money and may issue debt securities or preferred stock to make investments, Ares Capital's net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which Ares Capital borrows funds or pays interest or dividends on such debt securities or preferred stock and the rate at which Ares Capital invests these funds. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on Ares Capital's net investment income. Trading prices for debt that pays a fixed rate of return tend to fall as interest rates rise. Trading prices tend to fluctuate more for fixed-rate securities that have longer maturities. Ares Capital has entered into certain hedging transactions, such as interest rate swap agreements, to mitigate its exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates, and Ares Capital may continue to do so in the future. However, Ares Capital cannot assure you that such transactions will be successful in mitigating Ares Capital's exposure to credit risk. Hedging transactions may also limit Ares Capital's ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to Ares Capital's portfolio investments. Although Ares Capital has no policy governing the maturities of its investments, under current market conditions, Ares Capital expects that it will invest in a portfolio of debt generally having maturities of up to 10 years. This means that Ares Capital is subject to greater risk (other things being equal) than a fund invested solely in shorter-term securities. A decline in the prices of the debt Ares Capital owns could adversely affect the trading price of its shares. Also, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make investment in Ares Capital common stock less attractive if Ares Capital is not able to increase its dividend rate, which could reduce the value of its common stock.

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         Many of Ares Capital's portfolio investments are not publicly traded and, as a result, there is uncertainty as to the value of Ares Capital's portfolio investments.

        A large percentage of Ares Capital's portfolio investments are not publicly traded. The fair value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. Ares Capital values these investments quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by its board of directors based on the input of Ares Capital's management and audit committee and independent valuation firms that have been engaged at the direction of the board to assist in the valuation of each portfolio investment without a readily available market quotation at least once during a trailing six-month period. The valuation process is conducted at the end of each fiscal quarter, with approximately 50% (based on value) of Ares Capital's valuations of portfolio companies without readily available market quotations subject to review by an independent valuation firm each quarter. However, Ares Capital may use additional independent valuation firms to value Ares Capital's investments more frequently as determined in good faith by its board of directors to the extent necessary to reflect significant events affecting the value of Ares Capital's investments. The types of factors that may be considered in valuing Ares Capital's investments include the enterprise value of the portfolio company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company's ability to make payments and its earnings, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, Ares Capital's determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed and may differ materially from the values that Ares Capital may ultimately realize. Ares Capital's net asset value per share could be adversely affected if Ares Capital's determinations regarding the fair value of these investments are materially higher than the values that Ares Capital realizes upon disposition of such investments.

         The lack of liquidity in Ares Capital's investments may adversely affect Ares Capital's business.

        As Ares Capital generally makes investments in private companies, substantially all of these investments are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of Ares Capital's investments may make it difficult for Ares Capital to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if Ares Capital is required to liquidate all or a portion of Ares Capital's portfolio quickly, Ares Capital may realize significantly less than the value at which Ares Capital has recorded its investments. In addition, Ares Capital may face other restrictions on its ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that Ares Capital or an affiliated manager of Ares has material non-public information regarding such portfolio company.

         Ares Capital may experience fluctuations in its quarterly results.

        Ares Capital could experience fluctuations in its quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the interest rates payable on the debt investments Ares Capital makes, the default rates on such investments, the level of its expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses and the degree to which Ares Capital encounters competition in its markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.

         There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could impact Ares Capital's investment returns.

        Certain of Ares Capital's executive officers and directors, and members of the investment committee of Ares Capital's investment adviser, serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities and affiliates of Ares Capital's investment adviser and investment funds managed by Ares Capital's affiliates. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment

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of which might not be in the best interests of Ares Capital or its stockholders or that may require them to devote time to services for other entities, which could interfere with the time available to provide services to Ares Capital. For example, Messrs. Ressler, Rosenthal, Kissick and Sachs each will continue to have significant responsibilities for other Ares funds. Messrs. Ressler and Rosenthal are required to devote a substantial majority of their business time, and Mr. Kissick is required to devote a majority of his business time, to the affairs of ACOF (as defined below). However, Ares believes that the efforts of Messrs. Ressler, Rosenthal and Kissick relative to Ares Capital and ACOF are synergistic with and beneficial to the affairs of each of Ares Capital and ACOF.

        Although other Ares funds generally have different primary investment objectives than Ares Capital, they may from time to time invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by Ares Capital. In addition, Ares is not restricted from raising an investment fund with investment objectives similar to that of Ares Capital. Any such funds may also, from time to time, invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by Ares Capital. Ares Capital Management endeavors to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, and in any event consistent with any fiduciary duties owed to Ares Capital. Nevertheless, it is possible that Ares Capital may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds managed by investment managers affiliated with Ares Capital Management. In addition, there may be conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among Ares Capital and the funds managed by it or one or more of its controlled affiliates, including Ares Capital's portfolio company Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P., or "IHAM," or among the funds they manage. Ares Capital may or may not participate in investments made by funds managed by Ares Capital or one or more of its controlled affiliates.

        Ares Capital has from time to time sold assets to certain funds managed by IHAM and, as part of its investment strategy, Ares Capital may offer to sell additional assets to funds managed by it and/or one or more of its controlled affiliates or Ares Capital may purchase assets from funds managed by it and/or one or more of its controlled affiliates. In addition, funds managed by Ares Capital or one or more of its controlled affiliates may offer assets to or may purchase assets from one another. While assets may be sold or purchased at prices that are consistent with those that could be obtained from third parties in the marketplace, and although these types of transactions generally require approval of one or more independent parties, there is an inherent conflict of interest in such transactions between Ares Capital and funds managed by Ares Capital or one of its controlled affiliates.

        Ares Capital pays management and incentive fees to Ares Capital Management, and reimburses Ares Capital Management for certain expenses it incurs. In addition, investors in Ares Capital common stock will invest on a gross basis and receive distributions on a net basis after expenses, resulting in, among other things, a lower rate of return than one might achieve through direct investments.

        Ares Capital Management's management fee is based on a percentage of Ares Capital's total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) and Ares Capital Management may have conflicts of interest in connection with decisions that could affect Ares Capital's total assets, such as decisions as to whether to incur indebtedness or to engage in the merger.

        The part of the incentive fee payable by Ares Capital that relates to Ares Capital's pre-incentive fee net investment income is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of the incentive fee will become uncollectible.

        Ares Capital's investment adviser, Ares Capital Management, also has financial interests in the merger that are different from, and/or in addition to, the interests of Ares Capital's stockholders. For example, Ares Capital Management's management fee is based on a percentage of Ares Capital's total assets. Because total assets under management will increase as a result of the merger, the dollar

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amount of Ares Capital Management's management fee will increase as a result of the merger. In addition, the incentive fee payable by Ares Capital to Ares Capital Management may be positively impacted as a result of the merger. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements."

        Ares Capital's investment advisory and management agreement renews for successive annual periods if approved by Ares Capital's board of directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of Ares Capital's outstanding voting securities, including, in either case, approval by a majority of Ares Capital's directors who are not interested persons. However, both Ares Capital and Ares Capital Management have the right to terminate the agreement without penalty upon 60 days' written notice to the other party. Moreover, conflicts of interest may arise if Ares Capital's investment adviser seeks to change the terms of Ares Capital's investment advisory and management agreement, including, for example, the terms for compensation. While any material change to the investment advisory and management agreement must be submitted to stockholders for approval under the Investment Company Act, Ares Capital may from time to time decide it is appropriate to seek stockholder approval to change the terms of the agreement.

        Pursuant to a separate amended and restated administration agreement, referred to herein as Ares Capital's "administration agreement," Ares Operations, an affiliate of Ares Capital Management, furnishes Ares Capital with administrative services and Ares Capital pays Ares Operations its allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Ares Operations in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including Ares Capital's allocable portion of the cost of its officers and their respective staffs.

        Ares Capital's portfolio company, IHAM, is party to a services agreement with Ares Capital Management, pursuant to which Ares Capital Management provides IHAM with the facilities, investment advisory services and administrative services necessary for the operations of IHAM. IHAM reimburses Ares Capital Management for the costs associated with such services, including Ares Capital Management's allocable portion of overhead and the cost of its officers and respective staff in performing its obligations under such services agreement.

        Ares Capital rents office space directly from a third party pursuant to a lease that expires on February 27, 2011. In addition, Ares Capital has entered into a sublease with Ares Management whereby Ares Management subleases approximately 25% of the office space for a fixed rent equal to 25% of the basic annual rent payable by Ares Capital under this lease, plus certain additional costs and expenses.

        As a result of the arrangements described above, there may be times when the management team of Ares Management has interests that differ from those of Ares Capital's stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.

        Ares Capital's stockholders may have conflicting investment, tax and other objectives with respect to their investments in Ares Capital. The conflicting interests of individual stockholders may relate to or arise from, among other things, the nature of Ares Capital's investments, the structure or the acquisition of Ares Capital's investments, and the timing of disposition of Ares Capital's investments. As a consequence, conflicts of interest may arise in connection with decisions made by Ares Capital's investment adviser, including with respect to the nature or structuring of Ares Capital's investments, that may be more beneficial for one stockholder than for another stockholder, especially with respect to stockholders' individual tax situations. In selecting and structuring investments appropriate for Ares Capital, Ares Capital's investment adviser will consider the investment and tax objectives of Ares Capital and its stockholders, as a whole, not the investment, tax or other objectives of any stockholder individually.

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         Ares Capital's investment adviser's liability is limited under the investment advisory and management agreement, and Ares Capital is required to indemnify its investment adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead its investment adviser to act in a riskier manner on Ares Capital's behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

        Ares Capital's investment adviser has not assumed any responsibility to Ares Capital other than to render the services described in the investment advisory and management agreement, and it will not be responsible for any action of Ares Capital's board of directors in declining to follow Ares Capital's investment adviser's advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the investment advisory and management agreement, Ares Capital's investment adviser and its managing members, officers and employees will not be liable to Ares Capital for their acts under the investment advisory and management agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. Ares Capital has agreed to indemnify, defend and protect Ares Capital's investment adviser and its managing members, officers and employees with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from acts of Ares Capital's investment adviser not arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties under the investment advisory and management agreement. These protections may lead Ares Capital's investment adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on Ares Capital's behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Ares Capital—Ares Capital's investment adviser's incentive fee may induce Ares Capital Management to make certain investments, including speculative investments."

         Ares Capital may be obligated to pay Ares Capital's investment adviser incentive compensation even if Ares Capital incurs a loss.

        Ares Capital's investment adviser is entitled to incentive compensation for each fiscal quarter in an amount equal to a percentage of the excess of Ares Capital's pre-incentive fee net investment income for that quarter (before deducting incentive compensation, net operating losses and certain other items) above a threshold return for that quarter. Ares Capital's pre-incentive fee net investment income for incentive compensation purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses or depreciation that Ares Capital may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital losses or depreciation result in a net loss on Ares Capital's statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, Ares Capital may be required to pay Ares Capital's manager incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of its portfolio or Ares Capital incurs a net loss for that quarter.

        Under the investment advisory and management agreement, Ares Capital will defer cash payment of any incentive fee otherwise earned by Ares Capital's investment adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter periods ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made, the sum of (a) Ares Capital's aggregate distributions to Ares Capital's stockholders and (b) Ares Capital's change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period) is less than 8.0% of Ares Capital's net assets at the beginning of such period. These calculations will be adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. Any deferred incentive fees will be carried over for payment in subsequent calculation periods to the extent such payment can then be made under the investment advisory and management agreement.

         Changes in laws or regulations governing Ares Capital's operations, or changes in the interpretation thereof, and any failure by Ares Capital to comply with laws or regulations governing Ares Capital's operations may adversely affect Ares Capital's business.

        Ares Capital and its portfolio companies are subject to regulation by laws at the local, state and federal levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may be changed from time to time. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, or their interpretation, or any failure by Ares Capital to comply with these laws or regulations may adversely affect Ares Capital's business.

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         Ares Capital may not replicate Ares' historical success and Ares Capital's ability to enter into transactions with Ares and Ares Capital's other affiliates is restricted.

        Ares Capital's primary focus in making investments differs from those of other private funds that are or have been managed by Ares' investment professionals. Further, investors in Ares Capital are not acquiring an interest in other Ares managed funds. Accordingly, Ares Capital cannot assure you that Ares Capital will replicate Ares' historical success, and Ares Capital cautions you that its investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by those private funds.

        Further, Ares Capital and certain if its controlled affiliates are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with Ares Capital's upstream affiliates, Ares Capital's investment adviser and its affiliates without the prior approval of Ares Capital's independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of Ares Capital's outstanding voting securities is Ares Capital's upstream affiliate for purposes of the Investment Company Act and Ares Capital is generally prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of Ares Capital's independent directors. The Investment Company Act also prohibits "joint" transactions with an upstream affiliate, or Ares Capital's investment adviser or its affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of Ares Capital's independent directors. In addition, Ares Capital and certain of its controlled affiliates are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to, or entering into joint transactions with, Ares Capital's investment adviser and its affiliates, or any person who owns more than 25% of Ares Capital's voting securities or is otherwise deemed to control, be controlled by, or be under common control with Ares Capital, absent the prior approval of the SEC through an exemptive order (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance). The analysis of whether a particular transaction constitutes a joint transaction requires a review of the relevant facts and circumstances then existing.

        Ares Capital has applied for an exemptive order from the SEC that would permit Ares Capital and certain of its controlled affiliates to co-invest with funds managed by Ares. Any such order will be subject to certain terms and conditions and there can be no assurance that such order will be granted by the SEC. Accordingly, Ares Capital cannot assure you that it or its controlled affiliates will be permitted to co-invest with funds managed by Ares, other than in the limited circumstances currently permitted by regulatory guidance or in the absence of a joint transaction.

         Price declines and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets have adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, the fair value of Ares Capital's portfolio investments, reducing Ares Capital's net asset value through increased net unrealized depreciation.

        As a BDC, Ares Capital is required to carry Ares Capital's investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of Ares Capital's board of directors. Ares Capital may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of Ares Capital's investments: the enterprise value of a portfolio company (an estimate of the total fair value of the portfolio company's debt and equity), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company's ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company's securities to publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made in the future and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, Ares Capital uses the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate Ares Capital's valuation. Decreases in the market values or fair values of Ares Capital's investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. Unprecedented declines in prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets resulted in significant net unrealized depreciation in Ares Capital's

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portfolio in the recent past. The effect of all of these factors on Ares Capital's portfolio has reduced Ares Capital's net asset value by increasing net unrealized depreciation in Ares Capital's portfolio. Depending on market conditions, Ares Capital could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer additional unrealized losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse impact on Ares Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations.

         Economic recessions or downturns could impair Ares Capital's portfolio companies and harm Ares Capital's operating results.

        As of the date of this document, the economy recently has been in the midst of a recession and in the difficult part of a credit cycle with industry defaults increasing. Many of Ares Capital's portfolio companies may be materially and adversely affected by the credit cycle and, in turn, may be unable to satisfy their financial obligations (including their loans to Ares Capital) over the coming months.

        Many of Ares Capital's portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay Ares Capital's loans during these periods. Therefore, Ares Capital's non-performing assets may increase and the value of Ares Capital's portfolio may decrease during these periods if Ares Capital is required to write down the values of its investments. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of Ares Capital's loans and the value of Ares Capital's equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in Ares Capital's portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase Ares Capital's funding costs, limit Ares Capital's access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to Ares Capital. These events could prevent Ares Capital from increasing investments and harm Ares Capital's operating results.

        A portfolio company's failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by Ares Capital or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross defaults under other agreements and jeopardize Ares Capital's portfolio company's ability to meet its obligations under the debt that Ares Capital holds and the value of any equity securities Ares Capital owns. Ares Capital may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company.

         Investments in privately held middle-market companies involve significant risks.

        Ares Capital primarily invests in privately held U.S. middle-market companies. Investments in privately held middle-market companies involve a number of significant risks, including the following:

•

these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of Ares Capital realizing any guarantees Ares Capital may have obtained in connection with its investment;



•

they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;



•

they typically depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on Ares Capital's portfolio company and, in turn, on Ares Capital;



•

there is generally little public information about these companies. These companies and their financial information are not subject to the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules that govern public companies, and Ares Capital may be unable to uncover all material information

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about these companies, which may prevent Ares Capital from making a fully informed investment decision and cause Ares Capital to lose money on its investments;

•

they generally have less predictable operating results, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. In addition, Ares Capital's executive officers, directors and Ares Capital's investment adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from Ares Capital's investments in the portfolio companies; and



•

they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs.

         Ares Capital's debt investments may be risky, and Ares Capital could lose all or part of its investment.

        The debt that Ares Capital invests in is typically not initially rated by any rating agency, but Ares Capital believes that if such investments were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than "Baa3" by Moody's Investors Service or lower than "BBB-" by Standard & Poor's). Indebtedness of below investment grade quality is regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Ares Capital's mezzanine investments may result in an above average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal. Ares Capital also invests in assets other than mezzanine investments, including first and second lien loans, high-yield securities, U.S. government securities, credit derivatives and other structured securities and certain direct equity investments. These investments will entail additional risks that could adversely affect Ares Capital's investment returns. In addition, to the extent interest payments associated with such debt are deferred, such debt will be subject to greater fluctuations in value based on changes in interest rates. Also, such debt could subject Ares Capital to phantom income, and since Ares Capital generally does not receive any cash prior to maturity of the debt, the investment is of greater risk.

         Investments in equity securities involve a substantial degree of risk.

        Ares Capital may purchase common and other equity securities. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns and in recent years have significantly under performed relative to fixed income securities. The equity securities Ares Capital acquires may fail to appreciate and may decline in value or become worthless and Ares Capital's ability to recover its investment will depend on its portfolio company's success. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including:

•

any equity investment Ares Capital makes in a portfolio company could be subject to further dilution as a result of the issuance of additional equity interests and to serious risks as a junior security that will be subordinate to all indebtedness or senior securities in the event that the issuer is unable to meet its obligations or becomes subject to a bankruptcy process;



•

to the extent that the portfolio company requires additional capital and is unable to obtain it, Ares Capital may not recover its investment in equity securities; and



•

in some cases, equity securities in which Ares Capital invests will not pay current dividends, and Ares Capital's ability to realize a return on its investment, as well as to recover its investment, will be dependent on the success of Ares Capital's portfolio companies. Even if the portfolio companies are successful, Ares Capital's ability to realize the value of its investment may be dependent on the occurrence of a liquidity event, such as a public offering or the sale of the portfolio company. It is likely to take a significant amount of time before a liquidity event occurs or Ares Capital can sell its equity investments. In addition, the equity securities Ares Capital receives or invests in may be subject to restrictions on resale during periods in which it could be advantageous to sell.

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        There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including:

•

preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If Ares Capital owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, Ares Capital may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not yet received such income;



•

preferred securities are subordinated to debt in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than debt;



•

preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or U.S. government securities; and



•

generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company, subject to limited exceptions.

        Additionally, when Ares Capital invests in first and second lien senior loans or mezzanine debt, Ares Capital may acquire warrants or other equity securities as well. Ares Capital's goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon its disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests Ares Capital receives may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, Ares Capital may not be able to realize gains from its equity interests, and any gains that Ares Capital does realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses it experiences.

        Ares Capital may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the equity securities of investment funds that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions to the Investment Company Act and in advisers to similar investment funds, and, to the extent Ares Capital so invests, will bear its ratable share of any such company's expenses, including management and performance fees. Ares Capital will also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to Ares Capital Management with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of such companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of Ares Capital's common stockholders will bear his or her share of the management and incentive fee of Ares Capital Management as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any such investment funds or advisers.

         There may be circumstances where Ares Capital's debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or Ares Capital could be subject to lender liability claims.

        If one of Ares Capital's portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, even though Ares Capital may have structured its interest as senior debt, depending on the facts and circumstances, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize Ares Capital's debt holding as an equity investment and subordinate all or a portion of Ares Capital's claim to that of other creditors. In addition, lenders can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them where they become too involved in the borrower's business or exercise control over the borrower. For example, Ares Capital could become subject to a lender's liability claim, if, among other things, Ares Capital actually renders significant managerial assistance.

         Ares Capital's portfolio companies may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, Ares Capital's investments in such companies.

        Ares Capital's portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt, or issue other equity securities, that rank equally with, or senior to, Ares Capital's investments. By their terms, such instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of dividends, interest or principal on or before the dates on which Ares Capital is entitled to receive payments in respect of its investments. These debt instruments usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying Ares Capital's investments in the event and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a

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portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to Ares Capital's investment in that portfolio company typically are entitled to receive payment in full before Ares Capital receives any distribution in respect of its investment. After repaying such holders, the portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to Ares Capital. In the case of securities ranking equally with Ares Capital's investments, Ares Capital would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other security holders in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.

        The rights Ares Capital may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans Ares Capital makes to its portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that Ares Capital enters into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that senior obligations are outstanding, Ares Capital may forfeit certain rights with respect to the collateral to the holders of the senior obligations. These rights may include the right to commence enforcement proceedings against the collateral, the right to control the conduct of such enforcement proceedings, the right to approve amendments to collateral documents, the right to release liens on the collateral and the right to waive past defaults under collateral documents. Ares Capital may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if as a result its rights as junior lenders are adversely affected.

         When Ares Capital is a debt or minority equity investor in a portfolio company, Ares Capital may not be in a position to exert influence on the entity, and management of the company may make decisions that could decrease the value of Ares Capital's portfolio holdings.

        Ares Capital makes both debt and minority equity investments; therefore, Ares Capital is subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which Ares Capital disagrees, and the stockholders and management of such company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve Ares Capital's interests. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that could decrease the value of Ares Capital's investment.

         Ares Capital's portfolio companies may be highly leveraged.

        Some of Ares Capital's portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these companies and to Ares Capital as an investor. These companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these companies' ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these companies' flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company's income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used.

         Ares Capital's investment adviser's incentive fee may induce Ares Capital Management to make certain investments, including speculative investments.

        The incentive fee payable by Ares Capital to Ares Capital Management may create an incentive for Ares Capital Management to make investments on Ares Capital's behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in which the incentive fee payable to Ares Capital's investment adviser is determined, which is calculated as a percentage of the return on invested capital, may encourage Ares Capital's investment adviser to use leverage to increase the return on Ares Capital's investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor the holders of Ares Capital common stock, including investors in offerings of common stock, securities convertible into Ares Capital common stock or warrants representing rights to purchase Ares Capital common stock or securities convertible into Ares Capital common stock. In addition, the investment adviser will receive the incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on Ares Capital's investments. Unlike

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the portion of the incentive fee based on income, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fee based on net capital gains. As a result, the investment adviser may have a tendency to invest more in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities. Such a practice could result in Ares Capital's investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The part of the incentive fee payable by Ares Capital that relates to Ares Capital's pre-incentive fee net investment income will be computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of the incentive fee will become uncollectible. The investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse Ares Capital for any part of the incentive fee it received that was based on such accrued interest that Ares Capital never actually receives.

        Because of the structure of the incentive fee, it is possible that Ares Capital may have to pay an incentive fee in a quarter where it incurs a loss. For example, if Ares Capital receives pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the hurdle rate for a quarter, Ares Capital will pay the applicable incentive fee even if it has incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized capital losses. In addition, if market interest rates rise, Ares Capital may be able to invest its funds in debt instruments that provide for a higher return, which would increase Ares Capital's pre-incentive fee net investment income and make it easier for Ares Capital's investment adviser to surpass the fixed hurdle rate and receive an incentive fee based on such net investment income.

         Ares Capital's investments in foreign debt may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments. Ares Capital may expose itself to risks if it engages in hedging transactions.

        Ares Capital's investment strategy contemplates potential investments in debt of foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose Ares Capital to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility.

        Although most of Ares Capital's investments will be U.S. dollar denominated, Ares Capital's investments that are denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, and political developments. Ares Capital may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but Ares Capital cannot assure you that such strategies will be effective.

        Ares Capital has and may in the future enter into hedging transactions, which may expose it to risks associated with such transactions. Ares Capital may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of Ares Capital's portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Use of these hedging instruments may include counter party credit risk. Hedging against a decline in the values of Ares Capital's portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is

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so generally anticipated that Ares Capital is not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price.

        The success of Ares Capital's hedging transactions will depend on Ares Capital's ability to correctly predict movements, currencies and interest rates. Therefore, while Ares Capital may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if Ares Capital had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, Ares Capital may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent Ares Capital from achieving the intended hedge and expose Ares Capital to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. See also "Risk Factors—Risk Relating to Ares Capital—Ares Capital is exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates."

         Ares Capital's shares of common stock have recently traded at a discount from net asset value and may do so again in the future, which could limit Ares Capital's ability to raise additional equity capital.

        Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that Ares Capital's net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to predict whether any shares of common stock offered hereby will trade at, above, or below net asset value. As of the date of this document, the stocks of BDCs as an industry, including at times shares of Ares Capital common stock, have been trading below net asset value and at near historic lows as a result of concerns over liquidity, leverage restrictions and distribution requirements. When Ares Capital common stock is trading below its net asset value per share, Ares Capital will generally not be able to issue additional shares of Ares Capital common stock at its market price without first obtaining approval for such issuance from its stockholders and independent directors.

         There is a risk that investors in Ares Capital's equity securities may not receive dividends or that Ares Capital's dividends may not grow over time and that investors in Ares Capital's debt securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled.

        Ares Capital intends to make distributions on a quarterly basis to its stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. Ares Capital cannot assure you that it will achieve investment results that will allow it to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If Ares Capital declares a dividend and if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan, Ares Capital may be forced to sell some of Ares Capital's investments in order to make cash dividend payments.

        In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to Ares Capital as a BDC, Ares Capital may be limited in its ability to make distributions. Further, if Ares Capital invests a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends, it could reduce the amount available for distribution. See "Market Price, Dividend and Distribution Information."

        The above referenced distribution requirement may also inhibit Ares Capital's ability to make required interest payments to holders of its debt securities, which may cause a default under the terms of its debt securities. Such a default could materially increase Ares Capital's cost of raising capital, as well as cause Ares Capital to incur penalties under the terms of its debt securities.

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         Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of Ares Capital's charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of Ares Capital common stock.

        The Maryland General Corporation Law, Ares Capital's charter and Ares Capital's bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Ares Capital or the removal of Ares Capital's directors. Ares Capital is subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act. Ares Capital's board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the Business Combination Act any business combination between Ares Capital and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by Ares Capital's board, including approval by a majority of Ares Capital's disinterested directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or Ares Capital's board does not approve a business combination, the Business Combination Act may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of Ares Capital and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Ares Capital's bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act acquisitions of Ares Capital's stock by any person. If Ares Capital amends its bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act, the Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of Ares Capital and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.

        Ares Capital has also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of Ares Capital, including provisions of Ares Capital's charter classifying its board of directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of Ares Capital's charter authorizing its board of directors to classify or reclassify shares of Ares Capital's stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of Ares Capital's stock, and to amend Ares Capital's charter, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock that Ares Capital has authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of Ares Capital's charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of Ares Capital's stockholders.

         Investing in Ares Capital's securities may involve an above average degree of risk.

        The investments Ares Capital makes in accordance with Ares Capital's investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Ares Capital's investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore, an investment in Ares Capital's securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.

         The market price of Ares Capital common stock may fluctuate significantly.

        The capital and credit markets have experienced a period of extreme volatility and disruption since 2007. The market price and liquidity of the market for shares of Ares Capital common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond Ares Capital's control and may not be directly related to Ares Capital's operating performance. These factors include:

•

significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of publicly traded RICs, business development companies or other companies in Ares Capital's sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;



•

price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;



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changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or business development companies;



•

loss of RIC status;



•

changes in Ares Capital's earnings or variations in its operating results;

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•

changes in the value of Ares Capital's portfolio of investments;



•

any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;



•

departure of Ares Capital Management's key personnel;



•

operating performance of companies comparable to Ares Capital;



•

short-selling pressure with respect to shares of Ares Capital common stock or BDCs generally;



•

general economic trends and other external factors; and



•

loss of a major funding source.

        In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If Ares Capital's stock price fluctuates significantly, Ares Capital may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management's attention and resources from Ares Capital's business.

         The net asset value per share of Ares Capital common stock may be diluted if Ares Capital sells shares of its common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of its common stock or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of its common stock.

        At Ares Capital's 2009 Annual Stockholders Meeting, Ares Capital's stockholders approved two proposals designed to allow Ares Capital to access the capital markets in ways that it would otherwise be unable to as a result of restrictions that, absent stockholder approval, apply to BDCs under the Investment Company Act. Specifically, Ares Capital's stockholders have authorized Ares Capital to sell or otherwise issue (1) shares of Ares Capital common stock below its then current net asset value per share in one or more offerings subject to certain limitations (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issuable does not exceed 25% of Ares Capital's then outstanding common stock) and (2) warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of Ares Capital common stock subject to certain limitations (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issuable does not exceed 25% of Ares Capital's then outstanding common stock and that the exercise or conversion price thereof is not, at the date of issuance, less than the greater of the market value per share and the net asset value per share of Ares Capital common stock). Any decision to sell shares of Ares Capital common stock below its then current net asset value per share or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of Ares Capital common stock would be subject to the determination by Ares Capital's board of directors that such issuance is in Ares Capital's and its stockholders' best interests.

        If Ares Capital was to sell shares of its common stock below its then current net asset value per share, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to the net asset value per share of Ares Capital common stock. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current net asset value per share of Ares Capital common stock and a proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders' interest in Ares Capital's earnings and assets and their voting interest in Ares Capital than the increase in Ares Capital's assets resulting from such issuance. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted.

        In addition, if Ares Capital issues warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of Ares Capital common stock, subject to certain limitations, the exercise or conversion price per share could be less than net asset value per share at the time of exercise or conversion (including through the operation of anti-dilution protections). Because Ares Capital would incur expenses in connection with any issuance of such securities, such issuance could result in a dilution of the net asset value per share at the time of exercise or conversion. This dilution would include reduction in net asset value per share

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as a result of the proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders' interest in Ares Capital's earnings and assets and their voting interest than the increase in Ares Capital's assets resulting from such issuance.

        Further, if current stockholders of Ares Capital do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current net asset value per share, their voting power will be diluted.

        In addition, Ares Capital common stock will suffer immediate dilution of their voting power if the merger is consummated. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Merger—Allied Capital stockholders and Ares Capital stockholders will experience a reduction in percentage ownership and voting power with respect to their shares as a result of the merger."

         Ares Capital stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they do not participate in Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan.

        All dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan are automatically reinvested in shares of Ares Capital common stock. As a result, stockholders that do not participate in the Ares Capital dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of Ares Capital common stock over time.

         You may receive shares of Ares Capital common stock as dividends, which could result in adverse tax consequences to you.

        In order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement applicable to RICs, Ares Capital has the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in shares of Ares Capital common stock instead of in cash. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash (which portion can be as low as 10% for Ares Capital's taxable years ending on or before December 31, 2011) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution would be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder would be taxed on 100% of the dividend in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of Ares Capital common stock.

         Sales of substantial amounts of Ares Capital common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of Ares Capital common stock.

        Sales of substantial amounts of Ares Capital common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for Ares Capital common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair Ares Capital's ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should Ares Capital desire to do so.

Comparison of Risks between Ares Capital and Allied Capital

        Allied Capital and Ares Capital are both specialty finance companies that are closed-end, non-diversified management investment companies that invest mainly in private middle-market companies. They are both incorporated in Maryland and have elected to be regulated as BDCs under the Investment Company Act. Ares Capital's investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Allied Capital has a similar investment objective to achieve current income and capital gains. As such, they are subject to many of the same risks and uncertainties such as, among others, the use of leverage magnifying the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increasing the risk of investing in them, uncertainty as to the value of their portfolio investments, investing in illiquid securities for which there is no readily available market value, needing additional capital for growth and being subject to various regulatory requirements in order to operate as a BDC and qualify as a RIC.

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        However, Allied Capital and Ares Capital are subject to certain different risks and uncertainties as a result of differences in their portfolios and operations. These differences include, among others: while Allied Capital is internally managed, Ares Capital is externally managed and is dependent upon its investment adviser's key personnel for its future success and upon their access to Ares' investment professionals; Ares Capital's investment adviser's liability is limited under the investment advisory and management agreement, and Ares Capital is required to indemnify its investment adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead its investment adviser to act in a riskier manner on Ares Capital's behalf than it would when acting for its own account; Ares Capital's investment adviser is subject to certain conflicts of interest that are different from those faced by Allied Capital; as of September 30, 2009, unlike Ares Capital, Allied Capital did not meet the asset coverage threshold under the Investment Company Act and, therefore, was restricted in its ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or repurchase shares of its common stock; Allied Capital has been significantly more limited in its ability to raise additional new equity capital; and, unlike Ares Capital who has regularly paid dividends, Allied Capital has not paid any quarterly dividends or distributions to holders of its common stock since the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008.

Risks Relating to Allied Capital

         Allied Capital's use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in Allied Capital.

        Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in Allied Capital's securities. Allied Capital borrows from, and issues senior debt securities to, banks, insurance companies and other lenders or investors. Holders of these senior securities have fixed dollar claims on Allied Capital's consolidated assets that are superior to the claims of Allied Capital's common stockholders. In the case of the lenders under Allied Capital's Term Loan, these claims are secured by a substantial portion of Allied Capital's assets. If the value of Allied Capital's consolidated assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value attributable to Allied Capital common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had Allied Capital not leveraged. Conversely, if the value of Allied Capital's consolidated assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had Allied Capital not leveraged. Similarly, any increase in Allied Capital's consolidated income in excess of consolidated interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause Allied Capital's net income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in Allied Capital's consolidated income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had Allied Capital not borrowed. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Allied Capital and, indirectly, Allied Capital's stockholders will bear the cost associated with Allied Capital's leverage activity.

        Allied Capital's Term Loan contains financial and operating covenants that restrict certain of Allied Capital's business activities, including Allied Capital's ability to declare dividends. Breach of any of those covenants could cause a default under those instruments. Such a default, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on Allied Capital.

        At September 30, 2009, Allied Capital had $1.6 billion of outstanding indebtedness bearing a weighted average annual interest cost of 10.7% and a debt to equity ratio of 1.33 to 1.00. If Allied Capital's portfolio of investments fails to produce adequate returns, Allied Capital may be unable to make interest or principal payments on Allied Capital's indebtedness when they are due. In order for Allied Capital to cover annual interest payments on indebtedness, Allied Capital must achieve annual returns on Allied Capital's assets of at least 6.12% as of September 30, 2009.

        Illustration.    The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in Allied Capital common stock assuming various annual returns net of expenses. The calculations in the

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table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below. The calculation (1) assumes $2.8 billion in total assets, (2) an average cost of funds of 10.7%, (3) $1.6 billion in debt outstanding and (4) $1.2 billion of stockholders' equity.

         Regulations governing Allied Capital's operation as a BDC affect its ability to, and the way in which it, raises additional debt and equity capital.

        Allied Capital will continue to need capital to fund growth in its investments. Under the Investment Company Act, Allied Capital is not permitted to issue indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing Allied Capital has an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 200%. As of September 30, 2009, Allied Capital's asset coverage was 175%. There can be no assurance as to when Allied Capital will be able to satisfy the asset coverage requirements of the Investment Company Act, if at all, and Allied Capital's failure to do so would have a material adverse impact on Allied Capital's liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

        Allied Capital generally is not able to issue and sell its common stock at a price below net asset value per share. Allied Capital may, however, sell its common stock, warrants, options or rights to acquire its common stock at a price below the current net asset value per share of its common stock if Allied Capital's board of directors determines that such sale is in Allied Capital's best interests and the best interests of its stockholders and its stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which Allied Capital's securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than the price which, in the determination of Allied Capital's board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any commission or discount). If Allied Capital common stock continues to trade at a discount to net asset value, this restriction could adversely affect its ability to raise capital. Shares of many BDCs, including shares of Allied Capital common stock, have been trading at discounts to their net asset values. As of September 30, 2009, Allied Capital's net asset value per share was $6.70. The closing price of Allied Capital's shares on the NYSE at February 10, 2010 was $3.92. If Allied Capital's common stock continues trading below net asset value, the higher cost of equity capital may result in it being unattractive to raise new equity, which may limit Allied Capital's ability to grow. The risk of trading below net asset value is separate and distinct from the risk that Allied Capital's net asset value per share may decline.

         Allied Capital's credit ratings may change and may not reflect all risks of an investment in its debt securities.

        At September 30, 2009, Allied Capital's long-term debt carries a non-investment grade credit rating of "B1" by Moody's Investors Service, "BB+" by Standard & Poor's and "BB" by Fitch Ratings. Allied Capital's credit ratings are an assessment of Allied Capital's ability to pay its obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in its credit ratings will generally affect the market value of its publicly issued debt securities. There can be no assurance that the long-term debt ratings will be maintained.

         Allied Capital's independent registered public accounting firm has expressed substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

        Prior to its debt restructuring, certain events of default occurred under Allied Capital's bank facility and its private notes. These events of default provided the respective lenders the right to declare immediately due and payable unpaid amounts approximating $1.1 billion at June 30, 2009. Had the lenders accelerated these obligations, Allied Capital would not have had available cash resources to

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satisfy all of the obligations under the bank facility and the private notes. These factors raised substantial doubt about Allied Capital's ability to continue as a going concern. In its audit report on Allied Capital's financial statements for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, Allied Capital's independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph indicating that Allied Capital's consolidated financial statements were prepared assuming that Allied Capital will continue as a going concern.

         The U.S. capital markets are currently in a period of disruption and the United States and global economies are in a severe recession and Allied Capital does not expect these conditions to improve in the near future. These market conditions have materially and adversely affected the debt and equity capital markets in the United States, which has had and could continue to have a negative impact on Allied Capital's business and operations.

        The U.S. capital markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than 12 months as evidenced by a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the repricing of credit risk in the credit market and the failure of major financial institutions. These events have contributed to worsening general economic conditions that are materially and adversely impacting the broader financial and credit markets and reducing the availability of credit and equity capital for the markets as a whole and financial services firms in particular. Allied Capital believes these conditions may continue for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future. A prolonged period of market illiquidity will continue to have an adverse effect on Allied Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase Allied Capital's funding costs, limit Allied Capital's access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to Allied Capital. Equity capital may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions, Allied Capital generally is not able to issue and sell its common stock at a price below its net asset value per share. In addition, the debt capital that will be available, if at all, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions. These events and the inability to raise capital has significantly limited Allied Capital's investment originations and ability to grow and negatively impacted Allied Capital's operating results.

         Economic recessions, including the current global recession, could impair Allied Capital's portfolio companies and harm Allied Capital's operating results.

        Many of the companies in which Allied Capital has made or will make investments are susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions. An economic recession, including the current and any future recessions or economic slowdowns, may affect the ability of a company to repay Allied Capital's loans or engage in a liquidity event such as a sale, recapitalization or initial public offering. Allied Capital's non-performing assets are likely to increase and the value of Allied Capital's portfolio is likely to decrease during these periods. Current adverse economic conditions also have decreased the value of any collateral securing Allied Capital's loans and a prolonged recession or depression may further decrease such value. These conditions are contributing to and, if prolonged, could lead to further losses of value in Allied Capital's portfolio and a decrease in Allied Capital's revenues, net income, assets and net worth.

         Declining asset values and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the fair value of Allied Capital's portfolio investments, reducing the value of Allied Capital's assets.

        As a BDC, Allied Capital is required to carry Allied Capital's investments at market value or, if no market value is readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith by Allied Capital's board of directors. Decreases in the values of Allied Capital's investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The unprecedented declines in asset values and liquidity in the corporate debt markets have resulted in significant net unrealized depreciation in Allied Capital's portfolio. Conditions in the debt and equity markets may continue to deteriorate and pricing levels may continue to decline. As a result, Allied Capital has incurred and, depending on market conditions, Allied Capital may incur further unrealized depreciation in future periods, which could have a material adverse impact on Allied Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations.

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         Substantially all of Allied Capital's portfolio investments, which are generally illiquid, are recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by Allied Capital's board of directors and, as a result, there is uncertainty regarding the value of Allied Capital's portfolio investments.

        At September 30, 2009, portfolio investments recorded at fair value were 88% of Allied Capital's total assets. Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act, Allied Capital values substantially all of its investments at fair value as determined in good faith by Allied Capital's board of directors on a quarterly basis. Since there is typically no market quotation in an active market for the investments in Allied Capital's portfolio, Allied Capital's board of directors determines in good faith the fair value of these investments pursuant to a valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process.

        There is no single approach for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments Allied Capital makes. In determining fair value in good faith, Allied Capital generally obtains financial and other information from portfolio companies, which may represent unaudited, projected or pro forma financial information. Unlike banks, Allied Capital is not permitted to provide a general reserve for anticipated loan losses; Allied Capital is instead required by the Investment Company Act to specifically value each individual investment on a quarterly basis. Allied Capital will record unrealized depreciation on investments when it determines that the fair value of a security is less than its cost basis and unrealized appreciation when it determines that the fair value of a security is greater than its cost basis. Without a market quotation in an active market and because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, the fair value of Allied Capital's investments determined in good faith by Allied Capital's board of directors may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for the investments and the differences could be material. Allied Capital's net asset value could be affected if Allied Capital's determination of the fair value of Allied Capital's investments is materially different than the value that Allied Capital ultimately realizes.

         Allied Capital's portfolio of investments is illiquid.

        Allied Capital generally acquires its investments directly from the issuer in privately negotiated transactions. The majority of the investments in Allied Capital's portfolio are subject to certain restrictions on resale or otherwise have no established trading market. Allied Capital typically exits its investments when the portfolio company has a liquidity event such as a sale, recapitalization or initial public offering. The illiquidity of Allied Capital's investments may adversely affect its ability to dispose of debt and equity securities at times when Allied Capital may need to or when it may be otherwise advantageous for Allied Capital to liquidate such investments. In addition, if Allied Capital were forced to immediately liquidate some or all of the investments in its portfolio, the proceeds of such liquidation could be significantly less than the current value of such investments.

        Allied Capital's business of making private equity investments and positioning them for liquidity events also may be affected by current and future market conditions. Current economic and capital markets conditions in the United States have severely reduced capital availability, senior lending activity and middle-market merger and acquisition activity. The absence of an active senior lending environment and the slowdown or stalling in middle-market merger and acquisition activity has slowed the amount of private equity investment activity generally. As a result, Allied Capital's investment activity has also significantly slowed. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets, including the recent extreme volatility and disruption, has had, and may continue to have, a negative effect on the valuations of Allied Capital's investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving such investments. This could affect the timing of exit events in Allied Capital's portfolio, reduce the level of net realized gains from exit events in a given year and negatively affect the amount of gains or losses upon exit.

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         Investing in private companies involves a high degree of risk.

        Allied Capital's portfolio primarily consists of long-term loans to, and investments in, middle-market private companies. Investments in private businesses involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which can result in substantial losses for Allied Capital in those investments and, accordingly, should be considered speculative. There is generally no publicly available information about the companies in which Allied Capital invests and Allied Capital relies significantly on the diligence of its employees and agents to obtain information in connection with its investment decisions. If Allied Capital is unable to identify all material information about these companies, among other factors, Allied Capital may fail to receive the expected return on its investment or lose some or all of the money invested in these companies. In addition, these businesses may have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines, smaller market shares and less experienced management than their competition and may be more vulnerable to customer preferences, market conditions, loss of key personnel or economic downturns, which may adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, Allied Capital's investment in such businesses. As an investor, Allied Capital is subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make a business decision that does not serve its interest, which could decrease the value of Allied Capital's investment. Deterioration in a portfolio company's financial condition and prospects may be accompanied by deterioration in the collateral for a loan, if any.

         Allied Capital's borrowers may default on their payments, which may have a negative effect on Allied Capital's financial performance.

        Allied Capital makes long-term loans and invests in equity securities primarily in private middle-market companies, which may involve a higher degree of repayment risk. Allied Capital primarily invests in companies that may have limited financial resources, may be highly leveraged and may be unable to obtain financing from traditional sources. Numerous factors may affect a borrower's ability to repay its loan, including the failure to meet its business plan, a downturn in its industry or negative economic conditions. A portfolio company's failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by Allied Capital or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans or foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the ability of Allied Capital's portfolio company to meet its obligations under the loans or debt securities that Allied Capital holds. In addition, Allied Capital's portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks senior to or equally with Allied Capital's securities. This means that payments on such senior-ranking securities may have to be made before Allied Capital receives any payments on Allied Capital's subordinated loans or debt securities. Deterioration in a borrower's financial condition and prospects may be accompanied by deterioration in any related collateral and may have a negative effect on Allied Capital's financial results.

         Allied Capital may be unable to fund its commitments to its portfolio companies as they become due, which may have a material adverse effect on Allied Capital's business.

        Allied Capital has outstanding investment commitments that at September 30, 2009 totaled $543.9 million. At September 30, 2009, Allied Capital's asset coverage was less than the 200% required by the Investment Company Act for Allied Capital to issue new debt. As a result, Allied Capital would be unable to borrow additional money to fund these commitments. In addition, because Allied Capital's common stock trades at a price that is less than Allied Capital's net asset value per share, Allied Capital may not be able to raise funds through additional equity offerings in order to fund these commitments. To the extent Allied Capital is unable to fund these commitments, it could have a material adverse effect on its portfolio companies and, as a result, have a material adverse effect on Allied Capital's results of operations.

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         Allied Capital's private finance investments may not produce current returns or capital gains.

        Allied Capital's private finance portfolio includes loans and debt securities that require the payment of interest currently and equity securities such as conversion rights, warrants or options, minority equity co-investments or more significant equity investments in the case of buyout transactions. Allied Capital's private finance debt investments are generally structured to generate interest income from the time they are made and Allied Capital's equity investments may also produce a realized gain. Allied Capital cannot be sure that its portfolio will generate a current return or capital gains.

         Allied Capital's financial results could be negatively affected if a significant portfolio company fails to perform as expected.

        Allied Capital's total investment in its portfolio companies may be significant individually or in the aggregate. As a result, if a significant investment in one or more portfolio companies fails to perform as expected, Allied Capital's financial results could be more negatively affected and the magnitude of the loss could be more significant than if Allied Capital had made smaller investments in more portfolio companies.

        At September 30, 2009, Allied Capital's investment in Ciena totaled $547.6 million at cost and $102.2 million at value, after the effect of unrealized depreciation of $445.3 million. Other assets includes additional amounts receivable from or related to Ciena totaling $112.7 million, which have a value of $2.0 million at September 30, 2009. During the three months ended September 30, 2009, Allied Capital funded the remaining $46.0 million of standby letters of credit issued in connection with term securitization transactions completed by Ciena. In addition, Allied Capital has issued a performance guarantee in connection with Ciena's non-recourse warehouse facility. On September 30, 2008, Ciena voluntarily filed for bankruptcy.

        Ciena has been a participant in the 7(a) Guaranteed Loan Program of the Small Business Administration, or "SBA," and its wholly owned subsidiary is licensed by the SBA as a Small Business Lending Company. Ciena remains subject to SBA rules and regulations. The Office of the Inspector General of the SBA, or "OIG," and the United States Secret Service are conducting ongoing investigations of allegedly fraudulently obtained SBA-guaranteed loans issued by Ciena. Ciena is also subject to other SBA and OIG audits, investigations and reviews.

        In addition, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting an investigation of Ciena's lending practices under the Business and Industry Loan program. The OIG and the U.S. Department of Justice are also conducting a civil investigation of Ciena's lending practices in various jurisdictions. These investigations, audits and reviews are ongoing. These investigations, audits and reviews have had and may continue to have a material adverse impact on Ciena and, as a result, could negatively affect Allied Capital's financial results. Allied Capital is unable to predict the outcome of these inquiries and it is possible that third parties could try to seek to impose liability against Allied Capital in connection with certain defaulted loans in Ciena's portfolio.

         Allied Capital operates in a competitive market for investment opportunities.

        Allied Capital competes for investments with a large number of private equity funds and mezzanine funds, other BDCs, investment banks, other equity and non-equity based investment funds and other sources of financing, including specialty finance companies and traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks. Some of Allied Capital's competitors have greater resources than Allied Capital does. Increased competition would make it more difficult for Allied Capital to purchase or originate investments at attractive prices. As a result of this competition, sometimes Allied Capital may be precluded from making otherwise attractive investments.

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         Loss of RIC tax treatment could negatively impact Allied Capital's ability to service its debt and pay dividends.

        Allied Capital has operated so as to qualify as a RIC. If Allied Capital meets source of income, asset diversification and distribution requirements, Allied Capital generally will not be subject to corporate-level income taxation on income Allied Capital timely distributes, or is deemed to distribute, to its stockholders as dividends. Allied Capital would cease to qualify for such tax treatment if it were unable to comply with these requirements. Allied Capital may have difficulty meeting the requirement to make distributions to its stockholders because in certain cases Allied Capital may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income. If Allied Capital fails to qualify as a RIC, Allied Capital will have to pay corporate-level taxes on all of its income whether or not Allied Capital distributes it, which could negatively impact Allied Capital's ability to service its debt and pay dividends to its stockholders. Even if Allied Capital qualifies as a RIC, Allied Capital generally will be subject to a corporate-level income tax on the income it does not distribute. If Allied Capital does not distribute at least 98% of its annual taxable income (excluding net long-term capital gains retained or deemed to be distributed) in the year earned, Allied Capital generally will be required to pay an excise tax on amounts carried over and distributed to stockholders in the next year equal to 4% of the amount by which 98% of Allied Capital's annual taxable income available for distribution exceeds the distributions from such income for the current year.

         Failure to invest a sufficient portion of Allied Capital's assets in qualifying assets could preclude Allied Capital from investing in accordance with its current business strategy.

        As a BDC, Allied Capital may not acquire any assets other than "qualifying assets" unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of Allied Capital's total assets are qualifying assets. Therefore, Allied Capital may be precluded from investing in what Allied Capital believes are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act. If Allied Capital does not invest a sufficient portion of its assets in qualifying assets, Allied Capital could lose its status as a BDC, which would have a material adverse effect on Allied Capital's business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, these rules could prevent Allied Capital from making additional investments in existing portfolio companies, which could result in the dilution of Allied Capital's position or could require Allied Capital to dispose of investments at inopportune times in order to comply with the Investment Company Act. If Allied Capital was forced to sell nonqualifying investments for compliance purposes, the proceeds from such sale could be significantly less than the current value of such investments.

         Changes in the law or regulations that govern Allied Capital could have a material impact on Allied Capital or its operations.

        Allied Capital is regulated by the SEC. In addition, changes in the laws or regulations that govern BDCs, RICs, asset managers and real estate investment trusts may significantly affect Allied Capital's business. There are proposals being considered by the current administration to change the regulation of financial institutions that may affect, possibly adversely, investment managers or investment funds. Any change in the laws or regulations that govern Allied Capital's business could have a material impact on Allied Capital or its operations. Laws and regulations may be changed from time to time and the interpretations of the relevant laws and regulations also are subject to change, which may have a material effect on Allied Capital's operations.

         There is a risk that Allied Capital's common stockholders may not receive dividends or distributions.

        Allied Capital may not be able to achieve operating results that will allow Allied Capital to make distributions at a specific level or at all. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to Allied

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Capital as a BDC, Allied Capital may be precluded from making distributions. Also, Allied Capital's currently outstanding debt limits Allied Capital's ability to declare dividends.

        If Allied Capital does not meet the distribution requirements for RICs, Allied Capital will suffer adverse tax consequences. In addition, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and tax regulations, Allied Capital includes in income certain amounts that Allied Capital has not yet received in cash, such as contractual payment-in-kind interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance that becomes due at the end of the loan term, or the accrual of original issue discount. The increases in loan balances as a result of contractual payment-in-kind arrangements are included in income in advance of receiving cash payment and are separately included in payment-in-kind interest and dividends, net of cash collections, in Allied Capital's consolidated statement of cash flows. Since Allied Capital may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, Allied Capital may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income to obtain tax benefits as a RIC.

         Changes in interest rates may affect Allied Capital's cost of capital and net investment income.

        Because Allied Capital borrows money to make investments, Allied Capital's net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which Allied Capital borrows funds and the rate at which Allied Capital invests these funds. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on Allied Capital's net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, Allied Capital's cost of funds would increase, which would reduce Allied Capital's net investment income. In addition, defaults under Allied Capital's borrowing arrangements may result in higher interest costs during the continuance of an event of default. Allied Capital may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act.

         There are potential conflicts of interest between Allied Capital and the funds managed by Allied Capital.

        Certain of Allied Capital's officers serve or may serve in an investment management capacity to funds managed by Allied Capital or its affiliates. As a result, investment professionals may allocate such time and attention as is deemed appropriate and necessary to carry out the operations of the managed funds. In this respect, they may experience diversions of their attention from Allied Capital and potential conflicts of interest between their work for Allied Capital and their work for the managed funds in the event that the interests of the managed funds run counter to Allied Capital's interests.

        Although the managed funds may have a different primary investment objective than Allied Capital does, the managed funds may, from time to time, invest in the same or similar asset classes that Allied Capital targets. In addition, more than one fund managed by Allied Capital may invest in the same or similar asset classes. These investments may be made at the direction of the same individuals acting in their capacity on behalf of Allied Capital and one or more of the managed funds. As a result, there may be conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities between Allied Capital and the managed funds or among the managed funds. Allied Capital may or may not participate in investments made by funds managed by Allied Capital or one of its affiliates.

        Allied Capital has sold assets to certain managed funds and, as part of its investment strategy, Allied Capital may offer to sell additional assets to managed funds or Allied Capital may purchase assets from managed funds. In addition, funds managed by Allied Capital may offer assets to or may purchase assets from one another. While assets may be sold or purchased at prices that are consistent with those that could be obtained from third parties in the marketplace, there is an inherent conflict of interest in such transactions between Allied Capital and funds Allied Capital manages.

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         Allied Capital's financial results could be negatively affected if Allied Capital's managed funds fail to perform as expected.

        In the event that any of Allied Capital's managed funds were to perform below Allied Capital's expectations, Allied Capital's financial results could be negatively affected as a result of a reduction in management fees, the deferral in payment of management fees or a reduction in incentive fees Allied Capital earns. Also, if the managed funds perform below expectations, investors could demand lower fees or fee concessions which could also cause a decline in Allied Capital's income. In addition, certain of Allied Capital's managed funds are required to meet various compliance and maintenance tests related to, among other things, the ratings on fund assets and the ratio of collateral to a fund's outstanding debt. If a managed fund fails to comply with these tests, the payment of a portion of Allied Capital's fees could be deferred until a fund regains compliance with such tests.

        Moreover, because Allied Capital is also an investor in certain of its managed funds, Allied Capital could experience losses on Allied Capital's investments if such managed funds were to fail to perform as expected.

         Allied Capital's business depends on Allied Capital's key personnel.

        Allied Capital depends on the continued services of its executive officers and other key management personnel. If Allied Capital were to lose certain of these officers or other management personnel, such a loss could result in inefficiencies in Allied Capital's operations and lost business opportunities, which could have a negative effect on Allied Capital's business.

         Allied Capital's operating results may fluctuate and may not be indicative of future performance.

        Allied Capital's operating results may fluctuate and, therefore, Allied Capital's stockholders should not rely on current or historical period results to be indicative of Allied Capital's performance in future reporting periods. Factors that could cause operating results to fluctuate include, but are not limited to, variations in the investment origination volume and fee income earned, changes in the accrual status of Allied Capital's loans and debt securities, variations in timing of prepayments, variations in and the timing of the recognition of net realized gains or losses and changes in unrealized appreciation or depreciation, the level of Allied Capital's expenses, the degree to which Allied Capital encounters competition in its markets and general economic conditions.

         Allied Capital's common stock price may be volatile.

        The trading price of Allied Capital common stock may fluctuate substantially. The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption since 2007, reaching unprecedented levels. Allied Capital has experienced significant stock price volatility. In general, the price of Allied Capital common stock may be higher or lower than the price paid by its stockholders, depending on many factors, some of which are beyond Allied Capital's control and may not be directly related to Allied Capital's operating performance. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;



•

significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of BDCs or other financial services companies;



•

volatility resulting from trading in derivative securities related to Allied Capital's common stock, including puts, calls, long-term equity anticipation securities or short trading positions;



•

the financial performance of the specific industries in which Allied Capital invests on a recurring basis;

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•

changes in laws or regulatory policies or tax guidelines with respect to BDCs or RICs;



•

actual or anticipated changes in Allied Capital's earnings or fluctuations in Allied Capital's operating results or changes in the expectations of securities analysts;



•

general economic conditions and trends;



•

loss of a major funding source; or



•

departures of key personnel.

         The trading market or market value of Allied Capital's publicly issued debt securities may be volatile.

        Allied Capital's publicly issued debt securities may or may not have an established trading market. Allied Capital cannot assure that a trading market for its publicly issued debt securities will ever develop or be maintained if developed. In addition to Allied Capital's creditworthiness, many factors may materially adversely affect the trading market for, and market value of, Allied Capital's publicly issued debt securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

the time remaining to the maturity of these debt securities;



•

the outstanding principal amount of debt securities with terms identical to these debt securities;



•

the ratings assigned by national statistical ratings agencies;



•

the general economic environment;



•

the supply of debt securities trading in the secondary market, if any;



•

the redemption or repayment features, if any, of these debt securities;



•

the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; and



•

market rates of interest higher or lower than rates borne by the debt securities.

        There also may be a limited number of buyers for Allied Capital's debt securities. This too may materially adversely affect the market value of the debt securities or the trading market for the debt securities.

         Allied Capital common stock could be delisted from the NYSE if it trades below $1.00 or if Allied Capital fails to meet other listing criteria.

        In order to maintain its listing on the NYSE, Allied Capital must continue to meet the minimum share price listing rule, the minimum market capitalization rule and other continued listing criteria. Under the continued listing criteria, the average closing price of Allied Capital common stock must not be below $1.00 per share for 30 or more consecutive trading days. In the event that the average closing price of Allied Capital common stock is below $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30-day trading period, Allied Capital would have a six-month cure period to attain both a $1.00 share price and a $1.00 average share price over 30 trading days.

        If Allied Capital's common stock were delisted, it could (1) reduce the liquidity and market price of Allied Capital common stock, (2) negatively impact Allied Capital's ability to raise equity financing and access the public capital markets and (3) materially adversely impact Allied Capital's results of operations and financial condition.

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Risks Relating to the Merger

         Because the market price of Ares Capital common stock will fluctuate, Allied Capital common stockholders cannot be sure of the market value of the merger consideration they will receive until the closing date.

        The exchange ratio of 0.325 of a share of Ares Capital common stock for each share of Allied Capital common stock was fixed on October 26, 2009, the date of the signing of the merger agreement, and is not subject to adjustment based on changes in the trading price of Ares Capital or Allied Capital common stock before the closing of the merger.

        The market value of the merger consideration may vary from the closing price of Ares Capital common stock on the date the merger was announced, on the date that this document was mailed to stockholders, on the date of the Allied Capital special meeting or the date of the Ares Capital special meeting and on the date the merger is completed and thereafter. Any change in the market price of Ares Capital common stock prior to completion of the merger will affect the market value of the merger consideration that Allied Capital common stockholders will receive upon completion of the merger.

        Accordingly, at the time of their special meeting, Allied Capital common stockholders will not know or be able to calculate the market value of the merger consideration they would receive upon completion of the merger. Neither Allied Capital nor Ares Capital is permitted to terminate the merger agreement or re-solicit the vote of Allied Capital's or Ares Capital common stockholders solely because of changes in the market prices of either company's stock. There will be no adjustment to the merger consideration for changes in the market price of either shares of Ares Capital common stock or shares of Allied Capital common stock. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including, among other things:

•

changes in the business, operations or prospects of Ares Capital or Allied Capital;



•

the financial condition of current or prospective portfolio companies of Ares Capital or Allied Capital;



•

interest rates or general market or economic conditions;



•

market assessments of the likelihood that the merger will be completed and the timing of the merger; and



•

market perception of the future profitability of the combined company.

        See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" for other factors that could cause the price of Allied Capital and Ares Capital common stock to change.

        These factors are generally beyond the control of either Ares Capital or Allied Capital. It should be noted that during the 12-month period ending February 10, 2010, the closing price per share of Ares Capital common stock varied from a low of $3.12 to a high of $14.32. However, historical trading prices are not necessarily indicative of future performance. You should obtain current market quotations for shares of Ares Capital common stock and for shares of Allied Capital common stock prior to voting your shares.

         Allied Capital stockholders and Ares Capital stockholders will experience a reduction in percentage ownership and voting power in the combined company as a result of the merger.

        Allied Capital stockholders will experience a substantial reduction in their respective percentage ownership interests and effective voting power in respect of the combined company relative to their respective percentage ownership interests in Allied Capital prior to the merger. Consequently, Allied Capital stockholders should expect to exercise less influence over the management and policies of the

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combined company following the merger and subsequent combination than they currently exercise over the management and policies of Allied Capital. Ares Capital stockholders will experience a substantial reduction in their respective percentage ownership interests and effective voting power in respect of the combined company relative to their respective ownership interests in Ares Capital prior to the merger. Consequently, Ares Capital stockholders should expect to exercise less influence over the management and policies of the combined company following the merger and subsequent combination than they currently exercise over the management and policies of Ares Capital.

        If the merger is consummated, based on the number of shares of Ares Capital common stock issued and outstanding on the date hereof and assuming that holders of all "in-the-money" Allied Capital stock options elect to be cashed out), Ares Capital stockholders will own approximately 70% of the combined company's outstanding common stock and Allied Capital stockholders will own approximately 30% of the combined company's outstanding common stock. In addition, both prior to and after completion of the merger, Ares Capital may issue additional shares of common stock (including, subject to certain restrictions under the Investment Company Act, at prices below Ares Capital common stock's then current net asset value per share), all of which would further reduce the percentage ownership of the combined company held by former Allied Capital stockholders and current Ares Capital stockholders. In addition, the issuance or sale by Ares Capital of shares of its common stock at a discount to net asset value poses a risk of dilution to stockholders.

         Ares Capital may be unable to realize the benefits anticipated by the merger and subsequent combination, including estimated cost savings and synergies, or it may take longer than anticipated to achieve such benefits.

        The realization of certain benefits anticipated as a result of the merger will depend in part on the integration of Allied Capital's investment portfolio with Ares Capital's and the integration of Allied Capital's business with Ares Capital's. There can be no assurance that Allied Capital's investment portfolio or business can be operated profitably or integrated successfully into Ares Capital's in a timely fashion or at all. The dedication of management resources to such integration may detract attention from the day-to-day business of Ares Capital and there can be no assurance that there will not be substantial costs associated with the transition process or there will not be other material adverse effects as a result of these integration efforts. Such effects, including but not limited to, incurring unexpected costs or delays in connection with such integration and failure of Allied Capital's investment portfolio to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on the financial results of Ares Capital.

        Ares Capital also expects to achieve certain cost savings and synergies from the merger when the two companies have fully integrated their portfolios. It is possible that the estimates of the potential cost savings and synergies could turn out to be incorrect. As is shown in more detail in "Comparative Fees and Expenses," based on the assumptions described in that section, in the first year following the merger, absent any change in Allied Capital's interest expense, annual expenses as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock is estimated to increase for Ares Capital stockholders on a pro forma combined basis primarily as result of Allied Capital's significantly higher average borrowings and interest expense of 10.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. In addition, the cost savings and synergies estimates also assume Ares Capital's ability to pay down or refinance certain portions of Allied Capital's debt and to combine the investment portfolios and businesses of Ares Capital and Allied Capital in a manner that permits those cost savings and synergies to be fully realized. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or Ares Capital is not able to successfully refinance or pay down Allied Capital's debt and combine the investment portfolios and businesses of the two companies, the anticipated cost savings and synergies may not be fully realized or realized at all or may take longer to realize than expected.

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         Allied Capital's and Ares Capital's inability to obtain certain third party approvals, confirmations and consents with respect to certain of their outstanding indebtedness could delay or prevent the completion of the merger.

        Under the merger agreement, Ares Capital's obligation to complete the merger is subject to the prior receipt of certain approvals, confirmations and consents required to be obtained from certain agents, lenders, noteholders and other parties. As of the date of this document, Ares Capital and Allied Capital believe that, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, they have obtained all necessary third party consents other than stockholder approvals and, if necessary, rating agency confirmation with respect to the Debt Securitization.

        Although Allied Capital and Ares Capital expect that all such approvals, confirmations and consents will be obtained and remain in effect and all conditions related to such consents will be satisfied, if they are not, the closing of the merger could be significantly delayed or the merger may not occur at all.

         The transactions contemplated by the merger agreement may trigger certain "change of control" provisions and other restrictions in contracts of Allied Capital, Ares Capital or their affiliates and the failure to obtain any required consents or waivers could adversely impact the combined company.

        Certain agreements of Allied Capital and Ares Capital or their affiliates, including with respect to certain managed funds of Allied Capital and its affiliates, will or may require the consent or waiver of one or more counter-parties in connection with the merger or subsequent combination. The failure to obtain any such consent or waiver may permit such counter-parties to terminate, or otherwise increase their rights or the combined company's obligations under, any such agreement because the merger, subsequent combination or other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement may violate an anti-assignment, change of control or other provision relating to any of such transactions. If this happens, Ares Capital may have to seek to replace that agreement with a new agreement or seek an amendment to such agreement. Allied Capital and Ares Capital cannot assure you that Ares Capital will be able to replace or amend any such agreement on comparable terms or at all.

        If any such agreement is material, the failure to obtain consents, amendments or waivers under, or to replace on similar terms or at all, any of these agreements could adversely affect the financial performance or results of operations of the combined company following the merger and subsequent combination, including preventing Ares Capital from operating a material part of Allied Capital's business.

        In addition, the consummation of the merger and subsequent combination may violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event that, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination, cancellation, acceleration or other change of any right or obligation (including any payment obligation) under agreements of Allied Capital or Ares Capital. Any such violation, conflict, breach, loss, default or other effect could, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, assets or business of the combined company following completion of the merger and subsequent combination.

        On January 22, 2010, both the Credit Facility and the CP Funding Facility were amended to permit the merger.

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         Several lawsuits have been filed against Allied Capital, members of Allied Capital's board of directors, Ares Capital and Merger Sub challenging the merger. An adverse ruling in any such lawsuit may prevent the merger from becoming effective within the expected timeframe or at all. If the merger is consummated, these lawsuits and other legal proceedings could have a material impact on the results of operations, cash flows or financial condition of the combined company.

        Allied Capital and Ares Capital are aware that a number of lawsuits have been filed by stockholders of Allied Capital challenging the merger. The suits are filed either as putative stockholder class actions, shareholder derivative actions or both. All of the actions assert similar claims against the members of Allied Capital's board of directors alleging that the merger agreement is the product of a flawed sales process and that Allied Capital's directors breached their fiduciary duties by agreeing to a structure that was not designed to maximize the value of Allied Capital's stockholders and by failing to adequately value and obtain fair consideration for Allied Capital's shares. They also claim that Ares Capital (and, in several cases, Merger Sub, and, in several other cases, Allied Capital) aided and abetted the directors' alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. All of the actions demand, among other things, a preliminary and permanent injunction enjoining the merger and rescinding the transaction or any part thereof that may be implemented. Such legal proceedings could delay or prevent the transaction from becoming effective within the agreed upon timeframe or at all, and, if the merger is consummated, may be material to the results of operations, cash flows or financial condition of the combined company.

        Allied Capital is also involved in various other legal proceedings. In addition, Allied Capital's portfolio company, Ciena, is the subject of ongoing governmental investigations, audits and reviews being conducted by the Small Business Administration, the United States Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice. Neither Ares Capital nor Allied Capital can predict the eventual outcome of these investigations, audits and reviews or other legal proceedings and the ultimate outcome of such matters could, upon consummation of the merger, be material to the results of operations, cash flows or financial condition of the combined company. It is possible that third parties could try to seek to impose liability against the combined company in connection with these matters. See "Business of Allied Capital—Legal Proceedings."

         Allied Capital has received an unsolicited non-binding acquisition proposal from Prospect Capital, which may complicate or delay or prevent completion of the merger.

        Prospect Capital has made an unsolicited non-binding acquisition proposal for Allied Capital and has begun an aggressive campaign to stop the merger. As part of its campaign, Prospect Capital may attempt to solicit votes against the merger, which could result in a failure of Allied Capital to obtain the required stockholder approval. In addition, Prospect Capital's campaign includes the potential for lawsuits. There have been lawsuits related to the merger initiated by persons other than Prospect Capital. See "The Merger—Litigation Relating to the Merger."

        The boards of directors of both Ares Capital and Allied Capital remain committed to the merger. However, there can be no assurance that Prospect Capital's aggressive tactics, or any potential lawsuits related to Prospect Capital's campaign, will not complicate or delay or prevent completion of the merger.

         The opinions obtained by Allied Capital and Ares Capital from their respective financial advisors will not reflect changes in circumstances between signing the merger agreement and completion of the merger.

        Neither Allied Capital nor Ares Capital has obtained an updated opinion as of the date of this document from their respective financial advisors and neither anticipates obtaining an updated opinion prior to closing. Changes in the operations and prospects of Allied Capital or Ares Capital, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond the control of Allied Capital or Ares Capital, and on which their respective financial advisors' opinions were based, may significantly

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alter the value of Allied Capital or the prices of shares of Ares Capital common stock or Allied Capital common stock by the time the merger is completed. The opinions do not speak as of the time the merger will be completed or as of any date other than the date of such opinions. Because neither Allied Capital nor Ares Capital currently anticipates asking their respective financial advisors to update their opinions, the opinions will not address the fairness of the exchange ratio from a financial point of view at the time the merger is completed. The recommendations of the boards of directors of Allied Capital and Ares Capital that their respective stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the matters described in this document are made as of the date of this document. For a description of the opinions that Allied Capital received from its financial advisors, see "The Merger—Opinion of Allied Capital's Financial Advisors." For a description of the opinion that Ares Capital received from its financial advisor, see "The Merger—Opinion of Ares Capital's Financial Advisor."

         If the merger does not close, neither Ares Capital nor Allied Capital will benefit from the expenses incurred in its pursuit.

        The merger may not be completed. If the merger is not completed, Ares Capital and Allied Capital will have incurred substantial expenses for which no ultimate benefit will have been received. Both companies have incurred out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the merger for investment banking, legal and accounting fees and financial printing and other related charges, much of which will be incurred even if the merger is not completed.

         Termination of the merger agreement could negatively impact Allied Capital and Ares Capital.

        If the merger agreement is terminated, there may be various consequences, including:

•

Allied Capital's and Ares Capital's businesses may have been adversely impacted by the failure to pursue other beneficial opportunities due to the focus of management on the merger, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the merger;



•

the market price of Allied Capital common stock and Ares Capital common stock might decline to the extent that the market price prior to termination reflects a market assumption that the merger will be completed;



•

in the case of Allied Capital, it may not be able to find a party willing to pay an equivalent or more attractive price than the price Ares Capital has agreed to pay in the merger; and



•

the payment of any termination fee or reverse termination fee, if required under the circumstances, could adversely affect the financial condition and liquidity of Allied Capital or Ares Capital.

         Under certain circumstances, Allied Capital and Ares Capital are obligated to pay each other a termination fee upon termination of the merger agreement.

        No assurance can be given that the merger will be completed. The merger agreement provides for the payment by Allied Capital to Ares Capital of a termination fee of $30 million if the merger is terminated by Allied Capital or Ares Capital under certain circumstances ($15 million if Allied Capital stockholders do not approve the merger and the merger agreement). In addition, the merger agreement provides for a payment by Ares Capital to Allied Capital of a reverse termination fee of $30 million under certain other circumstances ($30 million if Ares Capital stockholders do not approve the issuance of shares of Ares Capital common stock in the merger). See "Description of the Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement" for a discussion of the circumstances that could result in the payment of a termination fee.

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         The merger agreement limits Allied Capital's ability to pursue alternatives to the merger.

        The merger agreement contains provisions that limit Allied Capital's ability to discuss, facilitate or commit to competing third-party proposals to acquire all or a significant part of Allied Capital. These provisions, which are typical for transactions of this type, and include a $30 million termination fee payable under certain circumstances, might discourage a potential competing acquiror that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of Allied Capital from considering or proposing that acquisition even if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share market price than that proposed in the merger or might result in a potential competing acquiror proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire Allied Capital than it might otherwise have proposed to pay.

         The merger is subject to closing conditions, including stockholder approvals, that, if not satisfied or waived, will result in the merger not being completed, which may result in material adverse consequences to Allied Capital's business and operations.

        The merger is subject to closing conditions, including certain approvals of Allied Capital's and Ares Capital's respective stockholders that, if not satisfied, will prevent the merger from being completed. The closing condition that Allied Capital's stockholders approve the merger and the merger agreement may not be waived under applicable law and must be satisfied for the merger to be completed. Allied Capital currently expects that all directors and executive officers of Allied Capital will vote their shares of Allied Capital common stock in favor of the proposals presented at the Allied Capital special meeting. If Allied Capital's stockholders do not approve the merger and the merger agreement and the merger is not completed, the resulting failure of the merger could have a material adverse impact on Allied Capital's business and operations and may result in the payment by Allied Capital to Ares Capital of a $15.0 million termination fee. In addition to the required approvals of Allied Capital's and Ares Capital's stockholders, the merger is subject to a number of other conditions beyond Allied Capital's control that may prevent, delay or otherwise materially adversely affect its completion. Neither Allied Capital nor Ares Capital can predict whether and when these other conditions will be satisfied.

         Certain persons related to Allied Capital have interests in the merger that differ from the interests of Allied Capital stockholders.

        Certain persons related to Allied Capital have financial interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of Allied Capital's stockholders. The members of the Allied Capital board of directors were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and the merger and in recommending to Allied Capital stockholders that the merger agreement and merger be approved. These interests are described in more detail in the section of this document entitled "The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons Related to Allied Capital in the Merger."

        Based on the assumptions set forth in "The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons Related to Allied Capital in the Merger," Allied Capital's named executive officers may be entitled to receive aggregate payments of approximately $6,086,663 for accelerated vesting and payout of stock options upon completion of the merger. The maximum amounts that would be payable to Allied Capital's named executive officers in the aggregate under each of their current employment agreements or retention agreements, assuming that certain conditions regarding change of control and termination are met, would be approximately $28,585,957. In addition, Allied Capital may be required to pay up to $12,875,000 plus health care continuation coverage for up to 12 months to certain of its officers, other than its named executive officers, pursuant to the terms of certain retention agreements. Certain existing executive officers of Allied Capital may, however, become paid employees of Ares Capital, one of its portfolio companies or subsidiaries or its investment adviser. See "The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons Related to Allied Capital in the Merger" for a further description of these interests,

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including the payments that each named executive officer is or may be entitled to receive upon completion of the merger.

         Allied Capital will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the merger is pending.

        Uncertainty about the effect of the merger may have an adverse effect on Allied Capital and, consequently, on the combined company following completion of the merger. These uncertainties may impair Allied Capital's ability to retain and motivate key personnel until the merger is consummated and could cause those that deal with Allied Capital to seek to change their existing business relationships with Allied Capital. Retention of certain employees may be challenging during the pendency of the merger, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about their future following completion of the merger. If key Allied Capital employees depart because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain affiliated with the combined company following completion of the merger, the combined company's business following the merger could be harmed. In addition, the merger agreement restricts Allied Capital from taking actions that it might otherwise consider to be in its best interests. These restrictions may prevent Allied Capital from pursuing certain business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the merger. Please see the section entitled "Description of the Merger Agreement—Conduct of Business Pending Completion of the Merger" for a description of the restrictive covenants to which Allied Capital is subject.

         The shares of Ares Capital common stock to be received by Allied Capital common stockholders as a result of the merger will have different rights associated with them than shares of Allied Capital common stock currently held by them.

        The rights associated with Allied Capital common stock are different from the rights associated with Ares Capital common stock. See the section of this document entitled "Comparison of Stockholder Rights."

         The market price of Ares Capital common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those affecting Allied Capital common stock or Ares Capital common stock currently.

        The businesses of Ares Capital and Allied Capital differ in some respects and, accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price of Ares Capital common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of each of Ares Capital and Allied Capital. These factors include:

•

greater number of shares outstanding;



•

different composition of stockholder base;



•

different portfolio composition and asset management activities;



•

different management structure; and



•

different asset allocation and capitalization.

        Accordingly, the historical trading prices and financial results of Ares Capital and Allied Capital may not be indicative of these matters for the combined company following the merger and subsequent combination. For a discussion of the business of Ares Capital and of certain factors to consider in connection with its business, see "Business of Ares Capital." For a discussion of the business of Allied Capital and of certain factors to consider in connection with its business, see "Business of Allied Capital."

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         Allied Capital stockholders who hold their shares in certificated form and who do not timely surrender their Allied Capital common stock certificates for Ares Capital common stock after the completion of the merger will be deemed to have elected to receive dividends and other distributions declared after the completion of the merger with respect to Ares Capital common stock in the form of Ares Capital common stock in accordance with Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan and, as a result, may suffer adverse tax consequences.

        As soon as reasonably practicable after completion of the merger, the exchange agent will mail a letter of transmittal to each record holder of Allied Capital common stock who holds their shares in certificated form. This mailing will contain instructions on how to surrender Allied Capital common stock certificates in exchange for statements indicating book-entry ownership of Ares Capital common stock and a check in the amount of cash to be paid instead of fractional shares. Until Allied Capital common stock is surrendered for exchange, any dividends or other distributions declared after the completion of the merger with respect to Ares Capital common stock into which shares of Allied Capital common stock may have been converted will accrue, without interest, but will not be paid. Ares Capital will pay to such former Allied Capital stockholders any unpaid dividends or other distributions, without interest, only after they have duly surrendered their Allied Capital stock certificates.

        In addition, any such unpaid dividends or other distributions will be payable in the form of shares of Ares Capital common stock in accordance with Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan for stockholders who have not opted out of the plan. Because stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock generally will be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash, Allied Capital stockholders who do not timely surrender their Allied Capital common stock certificates for Ares Capital common stock after the completion of the merger may suffer adverse tax consequences attributable to non-cash income realized with respect to any dividends.

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COMPARATIVE FEES AND EXPENSES

        The following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in the common stock of Allied Capital and Ares Capital bears directly or indirectly and, based on the assumptions set forth below, the pro forma costs and expenses estimated to be incurred by the combined company in the first year following the merger. Allied Capital and Ares Capital caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this document contains a reference to fees or expenses paid or to be paid by "you," "Allied Capital" or "Ares Capital," stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in Allied Capital or Ares Capital, as applicable.

 

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(1)

Purchases of shares of common stock of Allied Capital or Ares Capital on the secondary market are not subject to sales charges, but may be subject to brokerage commissions or other charges. The table does not include any sales load (underwriting discount or commission) that stockholders may have paid in connection with their purchase of shares of Allied Capital or Ares Capital common stock.

(2)

The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in "Other expenses."

(3)

"Consolidated net assets attributable to common stock" equals stockholders' equity at September 30, 2009. For Pro Forma Combined, the stockholders' equity for Pro Forma Ares Capital Combined as of September 30, 2009 was used from the pro forma information beginning on page 89.

(4)

Allied Capital does not have an investment adviser and is internally managed by its management team under the supervision of its board of directors. Therefore, Allied Capital pays operating costs associated with employing a management team and investment professionals instead of paying investment advisory fees. As a result, the estimate of the annual expenses Allied Capital incurs in connection with the employment of such employees is included in the line item "Other expenses" and, accordingly, any comparison of the individual items of Allied Capital and Ares Capital set forth under "Estimated annual expenses" above may not be informative because Allied Capital is

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internally managed and Ares Capital is externally managed. The pro forma combined company estimated annual expenses are consistent with the information presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included in this document. See "Unaudited Selected Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data."

(5)

Ares Capital is externally managed by its investment adviser, Ares Capital Management. Following completion of the merger, the combined company will continue to be externally managed by Ares Capital Management and the pro forma combined company management fee has been calculated in a manner consistent with Ares Capital's investment advisory and management agreement. Ares Capital's management fee is currently 1.5% of its total assets other than cash and cash equivalents (which includes assets purchased with borrowed amounts). For the purposes of this table, Ares Capital has assumed that it maintains no cash or cash equivalents and that the management fee remains at 1.5% as set forth in its current investment advisory and management agreement. Ares Capital may from time to time decide it is appropriate to change the terms of such agreement. Under the Investment Company Act, any material change to its investment advisory and management agreement must be submitted to its stockholders for approval. The 2.53% reflected on the table is calculated on Ares Capital's net assets (rather than its total assets). See "Management of Ares Capital—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement."

(6)

This item represents Ares Capital's investment adviser's incentive fees based on annualizing actual amounts earned on its pre-incentive fee net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and assumes that the incentive fees earned at the end of September 30, 2009 will be based on the actual realized capital gains as of September 30, 2009, computed net of realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation. It also assumes that this fee will remain constant although it is based on Ares Capital's performance and will not be paid unless Ares Capital achieves certain goals. The combined company may have capital gains and interest income that could result in the payment of an incentive fee to its investment adviser in the first year after completion of the merger. Since its inception, the average quarterly incentive fee payable to its investment adviser has been approximately 0.56% of its weighted net assets (2.24% on an annualized basis). The pro forma combined company incentive fees have been calculated in a manner consistent with Ares Capital's investment advisory and management agreement. For more detailed information about incentive fees previously incurred by Ares Capital, please see Note 3 to its consolidated financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2009.

The incentive fee consists of two parts:

The first, payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20% of Ares Capital's pre-incentive fee net investment income (including interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash), subject to a 2.00% quarterly (8% annualized) hurdle rate and a "catch-up" provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under this provision, in any calendar quarter, Ares Capital's investment adviser receives no incentive fee until Ares Capital's net investment income equals the hurdle rate of 2.00% but then receives, as a "catch-up," 100% of its pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.50%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.50% in any calendar quarter, Ares Capital's investment adviser will receive 20% of its pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply.

The second part, payable annually in arrears for each calendar year, equals 20% of Ares Capital's realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of the year, if any, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees.

Ares Capital will defer cash payment of any incentive fee otherwise earned by its investment adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter period ending on or prior to the date

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such payment is to be made, the sum of (1) its aggregate distributions to its stockholders and (2) its change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period) is less than 8.0% of its net assets at the beginning of such period. These calculations will be adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. See "Management of Ares Capital—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement."

(7)

"Interest payments on borrowed funds" represents an estimate of annualized interest expenses based on actual interest and credit facility expenses incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Allied Capital's average borrowings were $1.8 billion and cash paid for interest expense was $141 million and Ares Capital's average borrowings were $865 million and cash paid for interest expense was $15.1 million. Allied Capital had outstanding borrowings of $1.6 billion at September 30, 2009. Ares Capital had outstanding borrowings of $767.9 million at September 30, 2009. The amount of leverage that Allied Capital or Ares Capital may employ at any particular time will depend on, among other things, Allied Capital and Ares Capital's boards of directors' and, in the case of Ares Capital, its investment adviser's assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Ares Capital—Ares Capital borrows money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing with Ares Capital." See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Allied Capital—Allied Capital's use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in Allied Capital."

(8)

This is based on the assumption that borrowings and interest costs after the merger will remain the same as those costs prior to the merger. Ares Capital and Allied Capital expect that as a result of completed and anticipated asset sales, debt repayments and refinancings the combined company's interest payments on borrowed funds in the first year following the merger will be less than the amounts used in the pro forma combined estimate and, accordingly, that estimated total expenses will be lower than as reflected in the pro forma combined estimate as of September 30, 2009.

(9)

Includes overhead expenses, including, in the case of Ares Capital, payments under its administration agreement based on its allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Ares Operations in performing its obligations under such administration agreement. In the case of Allied Capital, such expenses are based on annualized employee, employee stock options and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. In the case of Ares Capital, such expenses are based on annualized "Other expenses" for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. See "Management of Ares Capital—Administration Agreement." For the pro forma combined company, "Other expenses" were based on the amount indicated in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The holders of shares of Allied Capital and Ares Capital common stock (and not the holders of their debt securities or preferred stock, if any) indirectly bear the cost associated with their annual expenses.

(10)

With respect to "Acquired fund fees and expenses," Allied Capital and Ares Capital stockholders indirectly bear the expenses of underlying investment companies managed by third parties in which Allied Capital and Ares Capital invest. This amount includes the fees and expenses of investment companies in which Allied Capital or Ares Capital is invested as of September 30, 2009. Certain of these investment companies are subject to management fees, which generally range from 1% to 2.5% of total net assets, or incentive fees, which generally range between 15% to 25% of net profits. When applicable, fees and expenses are based on historic fees and expenses for the investment companies. For those investment companies with little or no operating history, fees and expenses are based on expected fees and expenses stated in the investment companies' offering memorandum, private placement memorandum or other similar communication without giving effect to any performance. Future fees and expenses for these investment companies may be

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substantially higher or lower because certain fees and expenses are based on the performance of the investment companies, which may fluctuate over time. The amount of Allied Capital's average net assets used in calculating this percentage was based on average net assets of $1.3 billion for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009. The amount of Ares Capital's average net assets used in calculating this percentage was based on average net assets of $1.1 billion for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009.

(11)

"Total annual expenses" as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. Allied Capital and Ares Capital borrow money to leverage and increase their total assets. The SEC requires that the "Total annual expenses" percentage be calculated as a percentage of net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period), rather than the total assets, including assets that have been funded with borrowed monies.

Example

        The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in Allied Capital, Ares Capital or, following the merger, the combined company's common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, each of Allied Capital and Ares Capital has assumed that it would have no additional leverage, that none of its assets are cash or cash equivalents and that its annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above. Transaction expenses related to the merger are not included in the following example.

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(1)

The above illustration assumes that Allied Capital, Ares Capital and, following the merger, the combined company will not realize any capital gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation. In the case of Ares Capital, the expenses you would pay, based on a $1,000 investment and assuming a 5% annual return resulting entirely from net realized capital gains (and therefore subject to the capital gain incentive fee), and otherwise making the same assumptions in the example above, would be: 1 year, $75; 3 years, $220; 5 years, $359; and 10 years, $683. In the case of the pro forma combined company following the merger, the expenses you would pay, based on a $1,000 investment and assuming a 5% annual return resulting entirely from net realized capital gains (and therefore subject to the capital gain incentive fee), and otherwise making the same assumptions in the example above, would be: 1 year, $162; 3 years, $437; 5 years, $657; and 10 years, $1,033. However, cash payment of the capital incentive fee would be deferred if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter period ending on or prior to the date the payment set forth in the example is to be made, the sum of (a) Ares Capital's aggregate distributions to its stockholders and (b) its change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period) was less than 8.0% of its net assets at the beginning of such period (as adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases).

        The foregoing table is to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in Allied Capital, Ares Capital or, following the merger, the combined company's common

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stock will bear directly or indirectly. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. In the case of Ares Capital, the incentive fee under the investment advisory and management agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual return, would either not be payable or have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. If Ares Capital were to achieve sufficient returns on its investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, its expenses, and returns to its investors, would be higher.

        In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value, if Ares Capital's board of directors authorizes and Ares Capital declares a cash dividend, participants in its dividend reinvestment plan who have not otherwise elected to receive cash will receive a number of shares of its common stock determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of Ares Capital common stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the dividend. See "Ares Capital Dividend Reinvestment Plan" for additional information regarding Ares Capital's dividend reinvestment plan.

This example and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a representation of Allied Capital, Ares Capital or, following the merger, the combined company's future expenses as actual expenses (including the cost of debt, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown.

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SELECTED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF ALLIED CAPITAL

        You should read the condensed consolidated financial information below with Allied Capital's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein. Financial information at and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 has been derived from Allied Capital's financial statements that were audited by KPMG LLP. Quarterly financial information is derived from unaudited financial data, but in the opinion of Allied Capital's management, reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary to present fairly the results for such interim periods. Interim results at and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Allied Capital" and "Senior Securities of Allied Capital" below for more information.

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