MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Master Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated July 1, 2022, is between Asset Management Fund (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, on behalf of the Funds, as defined below, and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Ohio.
Background
The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Foreside Management Services, LLC, on behalf of the Trust, and Xxxxxxx had previously entered in a Master Services Agreement dated June 6, 2017 (the “Previous Agreement”), pursuant to which Xxxxxxx performed certain services for the Trust. The Previous Agreement was terminated pursuant to its terms. Now therefore, the Trust desires that Xxxxxxx perform certain services for each of its series listed on Schedule A (as may be amended from time to time)(individually referred to herein as a “Fund” and collectively as the “Funds”). Xxxxxxx is willing to perform such services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
Terms and Conditions
1. | Retention of Ultimus |
The Trust retains Ultimus on behalf of each Fund to provide the services set forth in each Addendum selected below (collectively, the “Services”), which are incorporated by reference into this Agreement. Xxxxxxx agrees to perform the selected Services below:
[X] | Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum |
[ ] | Fund Administration Addendum |
[ ] | Transfer Agent and Shareholder Servicing Addendum |
Each selected Addendum is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
2. | Allocation of Charges and Expenses |
2.1. | Ultimus shall furnish at its own expense the executive, supervisory, and clerical personnel necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Xxxxxxx shall also pay all compensation of any officers of the Trust who are affiliated persons of Xxxxxxx, except when such person is serving as the Trust’s chief compliance officer. |
2.2. | The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all other expenses of the Trust or a Fund not otherwise allocated under this Section 2, including, without limitation, organization costs, taxes, expenses for legal and auditing services, the expenses of preparing (including typesetting), printing and mailing reports, prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and related materials, all expenses incurred in connection with issuing and redeeming shares, the costs of custodial services, the cost of initial and ongoing registration or qualification of the shares under federal and state securities laws, fees and reimbursable expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of Ultimus or the investment adviser(s) to the Trust, insurance premiums, interest, brokerage costs, litigation and other extraordinary or nonrecurring expenses, and all fees and charges of investment advisers to the Trust. |
3. | Compensation |
3.1. | The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, shall pay for the Services to be provided by Xxxxxxx under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the fee letter attached to each addendum (each a “Fee Letter”), which may be amended from time to time. Each Fee Letter is incorporated by reference into this Agreement. |
3.2. | If this Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month, Xxxxxxx’ compensation for that part of the month in which the Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as set forth in the applicable Fee Letter. If this Agreement terminates before the last day of a month, Xxxxxxx’ compensation for that part of the month in which the Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as set forth in the applicable Fee Letter. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, shall promptly pay Xxxxxxx’ compensation for the preceding month. |
3.3. | In the event that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), or any other regulator or self-regulatory authority adopts regulations and requirements relating to the payment of fees to service providers for the Services, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith amendments to this Agreement in order to comply with any such future regulatory requirements. |
3.4. | In the event that any fees are disputed, the Trust shall, on or before the due date, pay all undisputed amounts due hereunder and notify Xxxxxxx in writing of any disputed fees which it is disputing in good faith. Payment for such disputed fees shall be due on or before the tenth (10th) business day after the day on which Xxxxxxx provides to the Trust documentation which reasonably supports the disputed charges. |
4. | Reimbursement of Expenses |
In addition to paying Xxxxxxx the fees described in each Fee Letter, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to reimburse Ultimus for its actual reimbursable expenses in providing services hereunder, if applicable, including without limitation the following:
4.1. | Reasonable travel and lodging expenses incurred by officers and employees of Xxxxxxx in connection with attendance at meetings of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) or any Committee thereof and shareholders’ meetings; |
4.2. | All freight and other delivery charges incurred by Xxxxxxx in delivering materials on behalf of the Trust; |
4.3. | All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy or other electronic transmission expenses incurred by Xxxxxxx in communication with the Trust, the Trust’s investment adviser(s) or custodian, counsel for the Trust or a Fund, counsel for the Trust’s independent Trustees, the Trust’s independent accountants, dealers or others as required for Ultimus to perform the Services; |
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4.4. | The cost of electronic or other methods of storing records and materials; |
4.5. | All fees and expenses incurred in connection with any licensing of software, subscriptions to databases, custom programming or systems modifications required to provide any special reports or services requested by the Trust; |
4.6. | Any expenses Ultimus shall incur at the direction of an officer of the Trust thereunto duly authorized other than an employee or other affiliated person of Xxxxxxx who may otherwise be named as an authorized representative of the Trust for certain purposes; and |
4.7. | Any additional expenses reasonably incurred by Xxxxxxx in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement and approved in advance by the Trust. |
5. | Maintenance of Books and Records; Record Retention |
5.1. | Xxxxxxx shall maintain and keep current the accounts, books, records and other documents relating to the Services as may be required by applicable law, rules, and regulations, including Federal Securities Laws as defined under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. |
5.2. | Ownership of Records |
X. | Xxxxxxx agrees that all such books, records, and other data (except computer programs and procedures) developed to perform the Services (collectively, “Client Records”) shall be the property of the Trust or Fund. |
X. | Xxxxxxx agrees to provide the Client Records of the Trust or a Fund upon reasonable request, and to make such books and records available for inspection by the Trust, a Fund, or its regulators at reasonable times. |
X. | Xxxxxxx agrees to furnish to the Trust or a Fund, at the expense of the Trust or Fund, all Client Records in the electronic or other medium in which such material is then maintained by Xxxxxxx as soon as practicable after any termination of this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, rules, or regulations, Xxxxxxx shall promptly turn over to the Trust or Fund or, upon the written request of the Trust or Fund, destroy the Client Records maintained by Ultimus pursuant to this Agreement. If Ultimus is required by applicable law, rule, or regulation to maintain any Client Records, it will provide the Trust or Fund with copies as soon as reasonably practical after the termination. |
5.3. | Xxxxxxx agrees to keep confidential all Client Records, except when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or court process. |
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5.4. | If Xxxxxxx is requested or required to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or court process, Ultimus shall, unless prohibited by law, promptly notify the Trust or Fund of such request(s) so that the Trust or Fund may seek an appropriate protective order. |
6. | Subcontracting |
Ultimus may, at its expense, subcontract with any entity or person concerning the provision of the Services; provided, however, that Xxxxxxx shall not be relieved of any of its obligations under this Agreement by the appointment of such subcontractor, that Xxxxxxx shall be responsible, to the extent provided in Section 10, for all acts of any subcontractor.
7. | Effective Date |
7.1. | This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above with respect to each Fund in existence on such date (or, if a particular Fund is not in existence on that date, on the date such Fund commences operation) (the “Agreement Effective Date”). |
7.2. | Each Addendum shall become effective as of the date first written in the Addendum with respect to each Fund in existence on such date (or, if a particular Fund is not in existence on that date, on the date such Fund commences operation) (collectively with the Agreement Effective Date, the “Addendum Effective Date”). |
8. | Term |
8.1. | Initial Term. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless earlier terminated by either party as provided under this Section 8, for a period of one year from the date first written above (the “Initial Term”). |
8.2. | Renewal Terms. Immediately following the Initial Term this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods (a “Renewal Term”). |
8.3. | Termination. A party may terminate this Agreement under the following circumstances. |
A. | Termination for Good Cause. During the Initial Term or a Renewal Term, a party (the “Terminating Party”) may only terminate the Agreement against the other party (the “Non-Terminating Party”) for good cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “good cause” shall mean: |
(1) | a material breach of this Agreement by the Non-Terminating Party that has not been cured or remedied within 30 days after the Non-Terminating Party receives written notice of such breach from the Terminating Party; |
(2) | the Non-Terminating Party takes a position regarding compliance with Federal Securities Laws that the Terminating Party reasonably disagrees with, the Terminating Party provides 30 days’ prior written notice of such disagreement, and the parties fail to come to agreement on the position; |
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(3) | a final and unappealable judicial, regulatory, or administrative ruling or order in which the Non-Terminating Party has been found guilty of criminal or unethical behavior in the conduct of its business; |
(4) | the authorization or commencement of, or involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent, or acquiescence in, a voluntary or involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States Code, as then in effect. |
B. | Out-of-Scope Termination. If a Trust or Fund demands services that are beyond the scope of this Agreement and any incorporated Addendum, and the parties cannot agree on appropriate terms relating to such out-of-scope services, either party may terminate this Agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice. |
C. | End-of-Term Termination. A party can terminate this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term or a Renewal Term by providing written notice of termination to the other party at least 90 days prior to the end of the Initial Term or then-current Renewal Term. |
D. | Early Termination. Any termination by the Trust or Fund other than termination under Section 8.3.A-C is deemed an “Early Termination”. The Trust or Fund that provides a notice of early termination is subject to an “Early Termination Fee” equal to the pro rated fee amount due to Ultimus through the end of the then-current term as calculated in the applicable Fee Letter, including the repayment of any negotiated discounts provided by Xxxxxxx during the term of the Agreement. |
E. | Final Payment. Any unpaid compensation, reimbursement of expenses, or Early Termination Fee is due to Ultimus within 15 calendar days of the termination date provided in the notice of termination. |
F. | Transition. Upon termination of this Agreement, Xxxxxxx will cooperate with any reasonable request of the Trust to effect a prompt transition to a new service provider selected by the Trust. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to collect from the Trust, in addition to the compensation described in each applicable Fee Letter, the amount of all of Ultimus’ cash disbursements reasonably made for services in connection with Ultimus’ activities in effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the Trust or its designees the Trust’s property, records, instruments, and documents. |
G. | Liquidation. Upon termination of this Agreement due to the liquidation of the Trust or a Fund, Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to collect from the Trust, in addition to the compensation described in each applicable Fee Letter, the amount of all of Ultimus’ cash disbursements reasonably made for services in connection with Ultimus’ activities in effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the Trust or its designees the Trust’s property, records, instruments, and documents. Such liquidation shall not be subject to an Early Termination Fee. |
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8.4. | No Waiver. Failure by either party to terminate this Agreement for a particular cause shall not constitute a waiver of its right to subsequently terminate this Agreement for the same or any other cause. |
9. | Additional Funds or Classes of Shares |
In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series or classes of shares after the Agreement Effective Date, each such series or class of shares shall become a Fund or class of shares of a Fund (if applicable), under this Agreement and shall be added to Schedule A.
10. | Standard of Care; Limits of Liability; Indemnification |
10.1. | Standard of Care. Each party's duties are limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the parties do not assume any implied duties. Each party shall use its best efforts in the performance of its duties and act in good faith in performing the Services or its obligations under this Agreement. Each party shall be liable for any damages, losses or costs arising directly out of such party’s failure to perform its duties under this Agreement to the extent such damages, losses or costs arise directly out of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. |
10.2. | Limits of Liability |
X. | Xxxxxxx shall not be liable for any Losses (as defined below in Section 10.3) arising from the following: |
(1) | performing Services or duties pursuant to any instruction, notice, or other instrument that Xxxxxxx reasonably believes to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by a duly authorized representative of the Trust or any Fund (other than an employee or other affiliated persons of Xxxxxxx who may otherwise be named as an authorized representative of the Trust for certain purposes); |
(2) | operating under its own initiative, in good faith and in accordance with the standard of care set forth herein, in performing its duties or the Services; |
(3) | using valuation information provided by the Trust’s approved third-party pricing service(s) or the investment adviser(s) to the Fund for the purpose of valuing a Fund’s portfolio holdings; |
(4) | any default, damages, costs, loss of data or documents, errors, delay, or other loss whatsoever caused by events beyond Ultimus’ reasonable control, provided that Xxxxxxx has established and maintained disaster recovery and contingency plans and systems as described in the Section 11 below; and |
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(5) | any error, action or omission by the Trust or other past or current service provider. |
B. | Ultimus may apply to the Trust at any time for instructions and may consult with counsel for the Trust or a Fund, counsel for the Trust’s independent Trustees, and with accountants and other experts with respect to any matter arising in connection with Xxxxxxx' duties or the Services. Ultimus shall not be liable or accountable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with such instruction or with the reasonable opinion of such counsel, accountants, or other experts qualified to render such opinion |
C. | Notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Trust and not the Trustees individually and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust (or if the matter relates only to a particular Fund, that Fund), and Xxxxxxx shall look only to the assets of the Trust (or the particular Fund), for the satisfaction of such obligations. |
X. | Xxxxxxx shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any officer, agent, representative or employee of the Trust, the Trust’s investment adviser or any of the Trust’s other service providers until receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust. As used in this Agreement, the term “investment adviser” includes all sub-advisers or person performing similar services. |
E. | The Board has and retains primary responsibility for oversight of all compliance matters relating to the Funds including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and the policies and limitations of each Fund relating to the portfolio investments as set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information. Ultimus’ monitoring and other functions hereunder shall not relieve the Board of its primary responsibility for overseeing such compliance. |
F. | In no event shall any party be liable for special, incidental, punitive, indirect, consequential or exemplary damages or lost profits, whether or not such damages were foreseeable or a party was advised of the possibility thereof. The parties acknowledge that the other parts of this agreement are premised upon the limitation stated in this section. |
10.3. | Indemnification |
A. | Each party (the “Indemnifying Party”) agrees to indemnify, defend, and protect the other party, including its trustees or directors, officers, employees, and other agents (collectively, the “Indemnitees”), and shall hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against any actions, suits, claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and reasonable costs, charges, expenses (including attorney fees and investigation expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) arising directly out of (1) the Indemnifying Party’s failure to exercise the standard of care set forth above unless such Losses were caused in part by the Indemnitees own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence; (2) any violation of Applicable Law (defined below) by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents relating to this Agreement and the activities thereunder; and (3) any material breach by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents of this Agreement. |
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B. | Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, each Fund, severally and not jointly, shall indemnify Xxxxxxx for Xxxxxxx’ Losses arising from circumstances under Section 10.2.A. |
C. | Upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party’s prior written consent. |
10.4. | The provisions of this Section 10 shall survive termination of this Agreement. |
11. | Force Majeure. |
Neither party will be liable for Losses, loss of data, delay of Services, or any other issues caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, delays by third party vendors and/or communications carriers, acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or (unless such failures are within Ultimus’ reasonable control) failure of the mails, transportation, communication, or power supply. Ultimus shall maintain throughout the term of this Agreement, commercially reasonable disaster recovery and contingency plans and systems to recover its operations from the occurrence of a Force Majeure event.
12. | Representations and Warranties |
12.1. | Joint Representations. Each party represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(A) | It is a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized. |
(B) | To the extent required by Applicable Law (defined below), it is duly registered with all appropriate regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations and such registration will remain in full force and effect for the duration of this Agreement. |
(C) | For the duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, it is currently and will continue to abide by all applicable federal and state laws, including without limitation federal and state securities laws; regulations, rules, and interpretations of the SEC and its authorized regulatory agencies and organizations, including FINRA; and all other self-regulatory organizations governing the transactions contemplated under this Agreement (collectively, “Applicable Law”). |
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(D) | It has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of the transactions, duties, and responsibilities contemplated by the Agreement. |
(E) | This Agreement constitutes a legal obligation of the party, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties. |
(F) | Whenever, in the course of performing its duties under this Agreement, it determines that a violation of Applicable Law has occurred, or that, to its knowledge, a possible violation of Applicable Law may have occurred, or with the passage of time could occur, it shall promptly notify the other party of such violation. |
12.2. | Representations of the Trust. The Trust represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(A) | (1) as of the close of business on the Agreement Effective Date, each Fund that is then in existence has authorized unlimited shares, and (2) no shares of the Trust will be offered to the public until the Trust’s registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the 1940 Act has been declared or becomes effective. |
(B) | It shall cause the investment adviser(s) and sub-advisers, prime broker, custodian, legal counsel, independent accountants, and other service providers and agents, past or present, for each Fund to cooperate with Xxxxxxx and to provide it with such information, documents, and advice relating to the Fund as appropriate or requested by Xxxxxxx, in order to enable Xxxxxxx to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement. |
(C) | To the knowledge of the Trust and the Fund, the Trust’s Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”), Bylaws and registration statement and the Fund’s prospectus are true and accurate and will remain true and accurate at all times during the term of this Agreement in conformance with applicable federal and state securities laws. |
(D) | If employees of Ultimus serve at any time as an officer of the Trust, including the CCO, President, Treasurer, Secretary and the AML Compliance Officer, the Trust shall confirm that such employees are covered by the Trust’s Directors & Officers/Errors & Omissions insurance policy (the “Policy”) and that such employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and Bylaws regarding indemnification of its officers. To the extent necessary, the Trust shall provide Ultimus with proof of current coverage, including a copy of the Policy, and shall notify Ultimus immediately should the Policy be cancelled or terminated. |
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(E) | Any officer of the Trust shall be considered an individual who is authorized to provide Xxxxxxx with instructions and requests on behalf of the Trust (an “Authorized Person”) (unless such authority is limited in a writing from the Trust and received by Xxxxxxx) and has the authority to appoint additional Authorized Persons, to limit or revoke the authority of any previously designated Authorized Person, and to certify to Ultimus the names of the Authorized Persons from time to time. |
13. | Insurance |
13.1. | Maintenance of Insurance Coverage. Each party agrees to maintain throughout the term of this Agreement professional liability insurance coverage of the type and amount reasonably customary in its industry. Upon request, a party shall furnish the other party with pertinent information concerning the professional liability insurance coverage that it maintains. Such information shall include the identity of the insurance carrier(s), coverage levels, and deductible amounts. |
13.2. | Notice of Claims. As it relates to the Services provided under this Agreement, each party shall notify the other party of any material claims against the notifying party under such insurance, whether or not the party is covered by insurance, and, if requested by the non-notifying party, the notifying party shall aggregate and disclose all outstanding claims against the notifying party. |
13.3. | Notice of Termination. A party shall promptly notify the other party should any of the notifying party’s insurance coverage be canceled or reduced. Such notification shall include the date of change and the reasons therefore. |
14. | Information Provided By The Trust |
14.1. | Prior to the Agreement Effective Date. Prior to the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust will furnish to Ultimus the following: |
(A) | the Trust’s Bylaws and any amendments thereto; |
(B) | certified copies of resolutions of the Board covering the approval of this Agreement, authorization of a specified officer of the Trust to execute and deliver this Agreement and authorization for specified officers of the Trust to instruct Ultimus thereunder; |
(C) | a list of all the officers of the Trust, together with specimen signatures of those officers who are authorized to instruct Xxxxxxx in all matters; |
(D) | the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A relating to a Fund and all amendments thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act and the 1940 Act; |
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(E) | an accurate current list of shareholders of each existing series of the Trust, if applicable, showing each shareholder’s address of record, number of shares owned and whether such shares are represented by outstanding share certificates; |
(F) | copies of the current plan of distribution adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for each Fund, if applicable; |
(G) | copies of the current investment advisory agreement and current investment sub-advisory agreement, if applicable, for each Fund; |
(H) | copies of the current underwriting agreement for each Fund; |
(I) | contact information for each Fund’s service providers, including but not limited to, the custodian, independent accountants, legal counsel, underwriter and chief compliance officer; and |
(J) | a copy of procedures adopted by the Trust in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. |
14.2. | After the Agreement Effective Date. After the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust will furnish to Ultimus any amendments to the items listed in Section 14.1. |
15. | Compliance with Law |
The Trust assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, and distribution of each prospectus of a Fund and further agrees to comply with all applicable requirements of the Federal Securities Laws and any other laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Trust or a Fund, including, but not limited to, the Internal Revenue Code, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, each as amended.
16. | Privacy and Confidentiality |
16.1. | Definition of Confidential Information. The term “Confidential Information” shall mean all non-public information that either party discloses (a “Disclosing Party”) to the other party (a “Receiving Party”), whether in writing, electronically, or orally and in any form (tangible or intangible), that is confidential, proprietary, or relates to clients or shareholders (each either existing or potential). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to: |
(A) | any information concerning technology, such as systems, source code, databases, hardware, software, programs, applications, engaging protocols, routines, models, displays, and manuals; |
(B) | any unpublished information concerning research activities and plans, customers, clients, shareholders, strategies and plans, costs, operational techniques; |
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(C) | any unpublished financial information, including information concerning revenues, profits and profit margins, and costs or expenses; and |
(D) | Customer Information (as defined below). |
Confidential Information is deemed confidential and proprietary to the Disclosing Party regardless of whether such information was disclosed intentionally or unintentionally, or marked appropriately.
16.2. | Definition of Customer Information. Any Customer Information will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Trust. “Customer Information” shall mean all non-public, personally identifiable information as defined by Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act of 1999, as amended, and its implementing regulations (e.g., SEC Regulation S-P and Federal Reserve Board Regulation P) (collectively, the “GLB Act”). |
16.3. | Treatment of Confidential Information |
(A) | Each party agrees that at all times during and after the terms of this Agreement, it shall use, handle, collect, maintain, and safeguard Confidential Information in accordance with (1) the confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements of this Agreement; (2) the GLB Act, as applicable and as it may be amended; and (3) such other Applicable Law, whether in effect now or in the future. |
(B) | Each party agrees that: |
(1) | The Receiving Party will hold all Confidential Information it obtains in strictest confidence and will use and permit use of Confidential Information solely for the purposes of this Agreement; |
(2) | Without limiting the foregoing, the Receiving Party shall apply at least the same degree of reasonable care used for its own confidential and proprietary information to avoid disclosure or use of Confidential Information under this Agreement; |
(3) | The Receiving Party may disclose or provide access only to its responsible employees or agents who have a need to know and are under adequate confidentiality agreements or arrangements, and the Receiving Party or its employees may make copies of Confidential Information only to the extent reasonably necessary to carry out the obligations under this Agreement; and |
(4) | The Receiving Party will immediately notify the Disclosing Party of any unauthorized disclosure or use, and will cooperate with the Disclosing Party to protect all proprietary rights in any Confidential Information. |
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16.4. | Severability. This provision and the obligations under this Section 16 shall survive termination of the Agreement. |
17. | Press Release |
Within the first 60 days of the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust agrees to review in good faith a press release (in any format or medium) announcing the Agreement with Xxxxxxx; provided that Xxxxxxx must obtain the Trust’s prior written consent prior to publication of such release, which consent may only be reasonably denied by the Trust.
18. | Non-Exclusivity |
The services of Ultimus rendered to the Trust are not deemed to be exclusive. Except to the extent necessary to perform Ultimus’ obligations under this Agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict Ultimus’ right, or the right of any of Ultimus’ managers, officers or employees who also may be a trustee, officer or employee of the Trust, or persons who are otherwise affiliated persons of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote time and attention to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to render services of any kind to any other person.
19. | Arbitration |
Any dispute relating to the validity, enforcement or interpretation of this Agreement will be determined by final and binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules and Supplemental Procedures for Securities Arbitration. Judgment upon arbitration awards may be entered in any court, state or federal, having jurisdiction over the relevant party. The prevailing party in any arbitration or other legal proceeding authorized by this Paragraph will be entitled to its reasonable attorneys' fees and other reasonable legal costs and expenses
20. | Notices |
Any notice provided under this Agreement shall be sufficiently given when either delivered personally by hand or received by facsimile, electronic mail, or certified mail at the following address.
20.1. | If to the Trust: |
Asset
Management Fund
Attn: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
000 Xxxxxx Xx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Email: Xxxxx.Xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
20.2. | If to Ultimus: |
Ultimus
Fund Solutions, LLC
Attn: General Counsel
0000 Xxxxx 000xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Email: xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
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21. | General Provisions |
21.1. | Incorporation by Reference. This Agreement and its addendums, schedules, exhibits, and other documents incorporated by reference express the entire understanding of the parties and supersede any other agreement between them relating to the Services. |
21.2. | Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any Appendices or Addendum thereto, this Agreement shall control. |
21.3. | Amendments. The parties may only amend or waive all or part of this Agreement by written amendment or waiver signed by both parties. |
21.4. | Assignments |
(A) | Except as provided in this Section 21.4, this Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be assignable by either of the parties except by the specific written consent of the non-assigning party. |
(B) | The terms and provisions of this Agreement shall become automatically applicable to any investment company that is the successor to the Trust because of reorganization, recapitalization, or change of domicile. |
(C) | Unless the Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 8 of this Agreement, Ultimus may, to the extent permitted by law and in its sole discretion, assign all its rights and interests in this Agreement to an affiliate, parent, subsidiary or to the purchaser of substantially all of its business, provided that Ultimus provides to the Trust at least 90 days’ prior written notice. |
(D) | This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. |
21.5. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control. |
21.6. | Headings. Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement. |
Ultimus
Master Services Agreement Asset Management Fund |
Page 14 of 16 |
21.7. | Multiple Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. |
21.8. | Severability. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected by such determination, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provisions held to be illegal or invalid. |
Signatures are located on the next page.
Ultimus
Master Services Agreement Asset Management Fund |
Page 15 of 16 |
The parties duly executed this Agreement as of July 1, 2022.
Asset Management Fund | Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC | ||||
By: |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | By: |
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: | President | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Ultimus
Master Services Agreement Asset Management Fund |
Page 16 of 16 |
SCHEDULE A
to the
Master
Services Agreement
between
Asset
Management Fund
and
Ultimus
Fund Solutions, LLC
Dated July1, 2022
Fund Portfolio(S) (By Fiscal Year End)
AAMA
Equity Fund
AAMA Income Fund
Master Services Agreement – Schedule A Asset Management Fund |
Fund
Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum
For
Asset Management Fund
This Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum, dated July 1, 2022, is between Asset Management Fund (the “Trust”), on behalf of the Funds listed on Schedule A to that certain Master Services Agreement dated July 1, 2022, and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Master Services Agreement.
Fund Accounting Services
1. | Performance of Daily Accounting Services |
Xxxxxxx shall perform the following accounting services daily for each Fund, each in accordance with the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information:
1.1. | calculate the net asset value per share utilizing prices obtained from the sources described in subsection 1.2 below; |
1.2. | obtain security prices from independent pricing services, or if such quotes are unavailable, then obtain such prices from each Fund’s investment adviser or its designee, as approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (hereafter referred to as “Board”); |
1.3. | verify and reconcile with the Funds’ custodian cash and all daily activity; |
1.4. | compute, as appropriate, each Fund’s net income and realized capital gains, dividend payables, dividend factors, and weighted average portfolio maturity; |
1.5. | review daily the net asset value calculation and dividend factor (if any) for each Fund prior to release to shareholders, check and confirm the net asset values and dividend factors for reasonableness and deviations, and distribute net asset values and/or yields to NASDAQ and such other entities as directed by the Fund; |
1.6. | determine unrealized appreciation and depreciation on securities held by the Funds; |
1.7. | accrue income of each Fund; |
1.8. | amortize premiums and accrete discounts on securities purchased at a price other than face value, if requested by the Trust; |
1.9. | update fund accounting system to reflect rate changes, as received/obtained by Ultimus, on variable interest rate instruments; |
1.10. | calculate Fund expenses based on instructions from the Fund’s administrator; |
1.11. | accrue expenses of each Fund; |
Fund
Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum Asset Management Fund |
Page 1 of 6 |
1.12. | determine the outstanding receivables and payables for all (1) security trades, (2) Fund share transactions and (3) income and expense accounts; |
1.13. | provide accounting reports in connection with the Trust’s regular annual audit and other audits and examinations by regulatory agencies; |
1.14. | provide such periodic reports as agreed to by the parties; |
1.15. | prepare and maintain the following records upon receipt of information in proper form from the Fund or its authorized agents: (1) cash receipts journal; (2) cash disbursements journal; (3) dividend record; (4) purchase and sales-portfolio securities journals; (5) subscription and redemption journals; (6) security ledgers; (7) broker ledger; (8) general ledger; (9) daily expense accruals; (10) daily income accruals, (11) securities and monies borrowed or loaned and collateral therefore; (12) foreign currency journals; and (13) trial balances; |
1.16. | provide information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information with respect to investment companies; and |
1.17. | cooperate with, and take all reasonable actions in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, to ensure that all necessary information is made available to, the Trust’s independent public accountants in connection with any audit or the preparation of any report requested by the Trust. |
2. | Additional Accounting Services |
Xxxxxxx shall also perform the following additional accounting services for each Fund.
2.1. | Financial Statements. Ultimus will provide monthly (or as frequently as may reasonably be requested by the Trust or a Fund’s investment adviser) a set of Financial Statements for each Fund. For purposes of this Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum, “Financial Statements” include the following: (A) Statement of Assets and Liabilities; (B) Statement of Operations; (C) Statement of Changes in Net Assets; (D) Security Purchases and Sales Journals; and (E) Fund Holdings Reports. |
2.2. | Other Information. Provide accounting information for the following: |
(A) | federal and state income tax returns and federal excise tax returns; |
(B) | reports to the SEC on Forms N-CEN, N-CSR, N-PORT, N-LIQUID, N-23c-3, Schedule TO, and N-PX (as applicable); |
(C) | registration statements on Form N-1A and other filings relating to the registration of shares; |
(D) | Ultimus’ monitoring of the Trust’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”); |
(E) | annual audit by the Trust’s independent accountants; and |
Fund
Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum Asset Management Fund |
Page 2 of 6 |
(F) | examinations performed by the SEC. |
2.3. | Other Services |
(A) | Prepare, subject to all non-accounting information being provided by Trust, and file with the SEC the funds Form N-SAR; |
(B) | as appropriate, compute the Trust’s yields, total return, expense ratios, and portfolio turnover rate, and any other financial ratios required by regulatory filings. |
3. | Special Reports and Services |
3.1. | Ultimus may provide additional special reports upon the request of the Trust or a Fund’s investment adviser, which may result in an additional charge, the amount of which shall be agreed upon by the parties prior to the reports being made available. |
3.2. | Ultimus may provide such other similar services with respect to a Fund as may be reasonably requested by the Trust, which may result in an additional charge, the amount of which shall be agreed upon between the parties prior to such services being provided. |
3.3. | For special cases, the parties hereto may amend the procedures or services set forth in this Agreement as may be appropriate or practical under the circumstances, and Ultimus may conclusively assume that any special procedure or service which has been approved by the Trust does not conflict with or violate any requirements of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or then current prospectuses, or any rule, regulation or requirement of any regulatory body. |
4. | Other Services |
Ultimus shall provide such other services as the Trust or Funds may reasonably request that Xxxxxxx perform consistent with its obligations under the Master Services Agreement and this Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum, including:
4.1. | prepare and maintain the Trust’s operating budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund in order to calculate its daily net asset value; |
4.2. | prepare, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports, including Fund budgets, expense reports, pro-forma financial statements, expense and profit/loss projections and fee waiver/expense reimbursement projections on a periodic basis; |
4.3. | assist the Trust’s independent public accountants with the preparation and filing of the Trust’s tax returns, Form W-2P, and Form 5498 to appropriate shareholders, with copies to the Internal Revenue Service. Xxxxxxx will also research and calculate the qualified dividend rate for income and short-term capital gain distributions and produce supplemental tax information letters for each Fund; and |
4.4. | administer all disbursements for a Fund. |
Fund
Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum Asset Management Fund |
Page 3 of 6 |
For special cases, the parties hereto may amend the procedures or services set forth in this Agreement as may be appropriate or practical under the circumstances, and Ultimus may conclusively assume that any special procedure or service which has been approved by the Trust does not conflict with or violate any requirements of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or then current prospectuses, or any rule, regulation or requirement of any regulatory body.
5. | Tax Matters |
Xxxxxxx does not provide tax advice. Nothing in the Master Services Agreement or this Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum shall be construed or have the effect of rendering tax advice. It is important that the Trust or a Fund consult a professional tax advisor regarding its individual tax situation.
6. | Legal Representation |
Notwithstanding any provision of the Master Services Agreement or this Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum to the contrary, Xxxxxxx will not provide legal representation to the Trust or any Fund, including through the use of attorneys that are employees of, or contractually engaged by, Xxxxxxx. The Trust acknowledges that in-house Ultimus attorneys exclusively represent Xxxxxxx and will rely on outside counsel retained by the Trust to review all services provided by in-house Ultimus attorneys and to provide independent judgment on the Trust’s behalf. The Trust acknowledges that because no attorney-client relationship exists between in-house Ultimus attorneys and the Trust, any information provided to Ultimus attorneys will not be privileged and may be subject to compulsory disclosure under certain circumstances. Xxxxxxx represents that it will maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed to its in-house attorneys on a best efforts basis.
Signatures are located on the next page.
Fund
Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum Asset Management Fund |
Page 4 of 6 |
The parties duly executed this Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum as of July 1, 2022.
Asset Management Fund | Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC | ||||
By: |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | By: |
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: | President | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Fund
Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum Asset Management Fund |
Page 5 of 6 |
Fund Accounting and Financial Administration Fee Letter
for
the
Funds listed on Schedule A
each a series of
Asset Management Fund
[Intentionally Omitted]
Asset Management Fund | Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC | ||||
By: |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | By: |
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: | President | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Fund
Accounting and Financial Administration Addendum Asset Management Fund |
Page 6 of 6 |