. a portion of the net proceeds of the 2017 notes was used to fund the initial cash payment for the acquisition of the fund-of-funds business of quellos and the remainder was used for general corporate purposes . interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on march 15 and september 15 of each year , or approximately $ 44 million per year . the 2017 notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at any time in whole or in part at the option of the company at a 201cmake-whole 201d redemption price