EXHIBIT(9)(B)
MONARCH FUNDS
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of December, 1997, by and between
Monarch Funds, a Delaware business trust, with its principal office and place of
business at Two Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 (the "Trust"), and Forum
Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation with its principal office and place of
business at Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 ("Forum").
WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue shares in separate series,
with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets, and is authorized to divide those series into
separate classes; and
WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in various series as listed in
Appendix A hereto (each such series, together with all other series subsequently
established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with
Section 13, being herein referred to as a "Fund," and collectively as the
"Funds") and the Trust offers shares of various classes of each Fund as listed
in Appendix A hereto (each such class together with all other classes
subsequently established by the Trust in a Fund being herein referred to as a
"Class," and collectively as the "Classes"); and
WHEREAS, the Trust on behalf of the Funds desires to appoint Forum as
its transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent and Forum desires to accept
such appointment;
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, the Trust and Forum hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT; DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
(a) APPOINTMENT. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, hereby appoints
Forum to act as, and Forum agrees to act as, (i) transfer agent for the
authorized and issued shares of beneficial interest of the Trust representing
interests in each of the respective Funds and Classes thereof ("Shares"), (ii)
dividend disbursing agent and (iii) agent in connection with any accumulation,
open-account or similar plans provided to the registered owners of shares of any
of the Funds ("Shareholders") and set out in the currently effective
prospectuses and statements of additional information (collectively
"prospectus") of the applicable Fund, including, without limitation, any
periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program.
(b) DOCUMENT DELIVERY. The Trust has delivered to Forum copies of (i)
the Trust's Trust Instrument and Bylaws (collectively, as amended from time to
time, "Organic Documents"), (ii) the Trust's Registration Statement and all
amendments thereto filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940
Act")(the "Registration Statement"), (iii) the Trust's current Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information of each Fund (collectively, as currently in
effect and as amended or supplemented, the "Prospectus"), (iv) each current plan
of distribution or similar document adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act ("Plan") and each current shareholder service plan or similar
document adopted by the Trust ("Service Plan"), and (v) all procedures adopted
by the Trust with respect to the Funds (i.e., repurchase agreement procedures),
and shall promptly furnish Forum with all amendments of or supplements to the
foregoing. The Trust shall deliver to Forum a certified copy of the resolution
of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") appointing Forum and
authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
SECTION 2. DUTIES OF FORUM
(a) SERVICES. Forum agrees that in accordance with procedures
established from time to time by agreement between the Trust on behalf of each
of the Funds, as applicable, and Forum, Forum will perform the following
services:
(i) provide the services of a transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent
and, as relevant, agent in connection with accumulation, open-account
or similar plans (including without limitation any periodic investment
plan or periodic withdrawal program) that are customary for open-end
management investment companies including: (A) maintaining all
Shareholder accounts, (B) preparing Shareholder meeting lists, (C)
mailing proxies to Shareholders, (D) mailing Shareholder reports and
prospectuses to current Shareholders, (E) withholding taxes on U.S.
resident and non-resident alien accounts, (F) preparing and filing U.S.
Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate forms required by
federal authorities with respect to distributions for Shareholders, (G)
preparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account to
Shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other
confirmable transactions in Shareholder accounts, (H) preparing and
mailing activity statements for Shareholders, and (I) providing
Shareholder account information;
(ii) receive for acceptance orders for the purchase of Shares and
promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation therefor to the
custodian of the applicable Fund (the "Custodian") or, in the case of
Fund's operating in a master-feeder or fund of funds structure, to the
transfer agent or interestholder recordkeeper for the master portfolios
in which the Fund invests;
(iii) pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of
Shares and hold such Shares in the appropriate Shareholder account;
(iv) receive for acceptance redemption requests and deliver the
appropriate documentation therefor to the Custodian or, in the case of
Fund's operating in a master-feeder or fund of funds structure, to the
transfer agent or interestholder recordkeeper for the master portfolios
in which the Fund invests;
(v) as and when it receives monies paid to it by the Custodian with
respect to any redemption, pay the redemption proceeds as required by
the prospectus pursuant to which the redeemed Shares were offered and
as instructed by the redeeming Shareholders;
(vi) effect transfers of Shares upon receipt of appropriate
instructions from Shareholders;
(vii) prepare and transmit to Shareholders (or credit the appropriate
Shareholder accounts) payments for all distributions declared by the
Trust with respect to Shares;
(viii) issue share certificates and replacement share certificates for
those share certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen, or
destroyed upon receipt by Forum of indemnification satisfactory to
Forum and protecting Forum and the Trust and, at the option of Forum,
issue replacement certificates in place of mutilated share certificates
upon presentation thereof without requiring indemnification;
(ix) receive from Shareholders or debit Shareholder accounts for sales
commissions, including contingent deferred, deferred and other sales
charges, and service fees (i.e., wire redemption charges) and prepare
and transmit payments to underwriters, selected dealers and others for
commissions and service fees received;
(x) track shareholder accounts by financial intermediary source and
otherwise as requested by the Trust and provide periodic reporting to
the Trust or its administrator or other agent;
(xi) maintain records of account for and provide reports and statements
to the Trust and Shareholders as to the foregoing;
(xii) record the issuance of Shares of the Trust and maintain pursuant
to Rule 17Ad-10(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended ("1934 Act") a record of the total number of Shares of the
Trust, each Fund and each Class thereof, that are authorized, based
upon data provided to it by the Trust, and are issued and outstanding
and provide the Trust on a regular basis a report of the total number
of Shares that are authorized and the total number of Shares that are
issued and outstanding; and
(xiii) provide a system which will enable the Trust to calculate the
total number of Shares of each Fund and Class thereof sold in each
State.
(b) OTHER SERVICES. Forum shall provide the following additional
services on behalf of the Trust and such other services agreed to in writing by
the Trust and Forum:
(i) monitor and make appropriate filings with respect to the
escheatment laws of the various states and territories of the United
States; and
(ii) receive and tabulate proxy votes/oversee the activities of proxy
solicitation firms and coordinate the tabulation of proxy and
shareholder meeting votes.
(c) BLUE SKY MATTERS. The Trust or its administrator or other agent (i)
shall identify to Forum in writing those transactions and assets to be treated
as exempt from reporting for each state and territory of the United States and
for each foreign jurisdiction (collectively "States") and (ii) shall monitor the
sales activity with respect to Shareholders domiciled or resident in each State.
The responsibility of Forum for the Trust's State registration status is solely
limited to the reporting of transactions to the Trust, and Forum shall have no
obligation, when recording the issuance of Shares, to monitor the issuance of
such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of
such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Trust or
its administrator or other agent.
(d) SAFEKEEPING. Forum shall establish and maintain facilities and
procedures reasonably acceptable to the Trust for the safekeeping, control,
preparation and use of share certificates, check forms, and facsimile signature
imprinting devices. Forum shall establish and maintain facilities and procedures
reasonably acceptable to the Trust for safekeeping of all records maintained by
Forum pursuant to this Agreement.
(e) COOPERATION WITH ACCOUNTANTS. Forum shall cooperate with each
Fund's independent public accountants and shall take reasonable action to make
all necessary information available to the accountants for the performance of
the accountants' duties.
(f) RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. Except with respect to
Forum's duties as set forth in this Section 2 and except as otherwise
specifically provided herein, the Trust assumes all responsibility for ensuring
that the Trust complies with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act,
the 1940 Act and any laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities
with jurisdiction over the Trust. All references to any law in this Agreement
shall be deemed to include reference to the applicable rules and regulations
promulgated under authority of the law and all official interpretations of such
law or rules or regulations.
SECTION 3. RECORDKEEPING
(a) PREDECESSOR RECORDS. Prior to the commencement of Forum's
responsibilities under this Agreement, if applicable, the Trust shall deliver or
cause to be delivered over to Forum (i) an accurate list of Shareholders of the
Trust, showing each Shareholder's address of record, number of Shares owned and
whether such Shares are represented by outstanding share certificates and (ii)
all Shareholder records, files, and other materials necessary or appropriate for
proper performance of the functions assumed by Forum under this Agreement
(collectively referred to as the "Materials"). The Trust shall on behalf of each
applicable Fund or Class indemnify and hold Forum harmless from and against any
and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and
liability arising out of or attributable to any error, omission, inaccuracy or
other deficiency of the Materials, or out of the failure of the Trust to provide
any portion of the Materials or to provide any information in the Trust's
possession or control reasonably needed by Forum to perform the services
described in this Agreement.
(b) RECORDKEEPING. Forum shall keep records relating to the services to
be performed under this Agreement, in the form and manner as it may deem
advisable and as required by applicable law. To the extent required by Section
31 of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, Forum agrees that all such records
prepared or maintained by Forum relating to the services to be performed by
Forum under this Agreement are the property of the Trust and will be preserved,
maintained and made available in accordance with Section 31 of the 1940 Act and
the rules thereunder, and will be surrendered promptly to the Trust on and in
accordance with the Trust's request. The Trust and the Trust's authorized
representatives shall have access to Forum's records relating to the services to
be performed under this Agreement at all times during Forum's normal business
hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, copies of any such records
shall be provided promptly by Forum to the Trust or the Trust's authorized
representatives.
(c) CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS. Forum and the Trust agree that all
books, records, information, and data pertaining to the business of the other
party which are exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the
carrying out of this Agreement shall remain confidential, and shall not be
voluntarily disclosed to any other person, except as may be required by law.
(d) INSPECTION OF RECORDS BY OTHERS. In case of any requests or demands
for the inspection of the Shareholder records of the Trust, Forum will endeavor
to notify the Trust and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the
Trust as to such inspection. Forum shall abide by the Trust's instructions for
granting or denying the inspection; provided, however, that Forum may grant the
inspection without instructions if Forum is advised by counsel to Forum that
failure to do so will result in liability to Forum.
SECTION 4. ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES
(a) ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Forum shall make original issues of Shares of
each Fund and Class thereof in accordance with the Trust's then current
prospectus only upon receipt of (i) instructions requesting the issuance, (ii) a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board authorizing the issuance, (iii)
necessary funds for the payment of any original issue tax applicable to such
Shares, and (iv) an opinion of the Trust's counsel as to the legality and
validity of the issuance, which opinion may provide that it is contingent upon
the filing by the Trust of an appropriate notice with the SEC, as required by
Section 24 of the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder. If the opinion described in
(iv) above is contingent upon a filing under Section 24 of the 1940 Act, the
Trust shall indemnify Forum for any liability arising from the failure of the
Trust to comply with that section or the rules thereunder.
(b) TRANSFER OF SHARES. Transfers of Shares of each Fund and Class
thereof shall be registered on the Shareholder records maintained by Forum. In
registering transfers of Shares, Forum may rely upon the Uniform Commercial Code
as in effect in the State of Delaware or any other statutes that, in the opinion
of Forum's counsel, protect Forum and the Trust from liability arising from (i)
not requiring complete documentation, (ii) registering a transfer without an
adverse claim inquiry, (iii) delaying registration for purposes of such inquiry
or (iv) refusing
registration whenever an adverse claim requires such refusal. As Transfer Agent,
Forum will be responsible for delivery to the transferor and transferee of such
documentation as is required by the Uniform Commercial Code.
SECTION 5. SHARE CERTIFICATES
(a) CERTIFICATES. The Trust shall furnish to Forum a supply of blank
share certificates of each Fund and Class thereof and, from time to time, will
renew such supply upon Forum's request. Blank share certificates shall be signed
manually or by facsimile signatures of officers of the Trust authorized to sign
by the Organic Documents of the Trust and, if required by the Organic Documents,
shall bear the Trust's seal or a facsimile thereof. Unless otherwise directed by
the Trust, Forum may issue or register Share certificates reflecting the manual
or facsimile signature of an officer who has died, resigned or been removed by
the Trust.
(b) ENDORSEMENT; TRANSPORTATION. New Share certificates shall be issued
by Forum upon surrender of outstanding Share certificates in the form deemed by
Forum to be properly endorsed for transfer and satisfactory evidence of
compliance with all applicable laws relating to the payment or collection of
taxes. Forum shall forward Share certificates in "non-negotiable" form by
first-class or registered mail, or by whatever means Forum deems equally
reliable and expeditious. Forum shall not mail Share certificates in
"negotiable" form unless requested in writing by the Trust and fully indemnified
by the Trust to Forum's satisfaction.
(c) NON-ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES. In the event that the Trust informs
Forum that any Fund or Class thereof does not issue share certificates, Forum
shall not issue any such share certificates and the provisions of this Agreement
relating to share certificates shall not be applicable with respect to those
Funds or Classes thereof.
SECTION 6. SHARE PURCHASES; ELIGIBILITY TO RECEIVE DISTRIBUTIONS
(a) PURCHASE ORDERS. Shares shall be issued in accordance with the
terms of a Fund's or Class' prospectus after Forum or its agent receives either:
(i) (A) an instruction directing investment in a Fund or Class, (B) a
check (other than a third party check) or a wire or other electronic
payment in the amount designated in the instruction and (C), in the
case of an initial purchase, a completed account application; or
(ii) the information required for purchases pursuant to a selected
dealer agreement, processing organization agreement, or a similar
contract with a financial intermediary.
(b) DISTRIBUTION ELIGIBILITY. Shares issued in a Fund after receipt of
a completed purchase order shall be eligible to receive distributions of the
Fund at the time specified in the prospectus pursuant to which the Shares are
offered.
(c) DETERMINATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS. Shareholder payments shall be
considered Federal Funds no later than on the day indicated below unless other
times are noted in the prospectus of the applicable Class or Fund:
(i) for a wire received, at the time of the receipt of the wire;
(ii) for a check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System,
on the second Fund Business Day following receipt of the check; and
(iv) for a check drawn on an institution that is not a member of the
Federal Reserve System, at such time as Forum is credited with Federal
Funds with respect to that check.
SECTION 7. FEES AND EXPENSES
(a) FEES. For the services provided by Forum pursuant to this
Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to pay Forum the fees set
forth in Clauses (i) and (ii) of Appendix B hereto. Fees will begin to accrue
for each Fund on the latter of the date of this Agreement or the date of
commencement of operations of the Fund. If fees begin to accrue in the middle of
a month or if this Agreement terminates before the end of any month, all fees
for the period from that date to the end of that month or from the beginning of
that month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated
according to the proportion that the period bears to the full month in which the
effectiveness or termination occurs. Upon the termination of this Agreement with
respect to a Fund, the Trust shall pay to Forum such compensation as shall be
payable prior to the effective date of termination.
(b) EXPENSES. In connection with the services provided by Forum
pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to
reimburse Forum for the expenses set forth in Appendix B hereto. In addition,
the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all
expenses and employee time (at 150% of salary) attributable to any review of the
Trust's accounts and records by the Trust's independent accountants or any
regulatory body outside of routine and normal periodic reviews. Should the Trust
exercise its right to terminate this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the
applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for all out-of-pocket expenses and
employee time (at 150% of salary) associated with the copying and movement of
records and material to any successor person and providing assistance to any
successor person in the establishment of the accounts and records necessary to
carry out the successor's responsibilities.
(c) PAYMENT. All fees and reimbursements are payable in arrears on a
monthly basis and the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, agrees to pay all
fees and reimbursable expenses within five (5) business days following receipt`
of the respective billing notice.
SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FORUM. Forum represents and
warrants to the Trust that:
(i) It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
(ii) It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the State of
Maine.
(iii) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Article of
Incorporation and Bylaws to enter into this Agreement and perform its
duties under this Agreement.
(iv) All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize
it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this
Agreement.
(v) It has access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel
to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
(vi) This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a
legal, valid and binding obligation of Forum, enforceable against Forum
in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application
affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
(vii) It is registered as a transfer agent under Xxxxxxx 00X xx xxx
0000 Xxx.
(x) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE TRUST. The Trust represents
and warrants to Forum that:
(i) It is a business trust duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of Delaware.
(ii) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Organic Documents
to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this
Agreement.
(iii) All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize
it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this
Agreement.
(iv) It is an open-end management investment company registered under
the 1940 Act.
(v) This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against
the Trust in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured
parties.
(vi) A registration statement under the Securities Act is currently
effective and will remain effective, and appropriate State securities
law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect
to all Shares of the Funds and Classes of the Trust being offered for
sale.
SECTION 9. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
(a) PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF FORUM. The Trust acknowledges that the
databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design
techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by Forum on databases under the
control and ownership of Forum or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade
secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, "Proprietary
Information") of substantial value to Forum or the third party. The Trust agrees
to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to Forum and further agrees
that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information to any person or
organization except as may be provided under this Agreement.
(b) PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF THE TRUST. Forum acknowledges that the
Shareholder list and all information related to Shareholders furnished to Forum
by the Trust or by a Shareholder in connection with this Agreement
(collectively, "Customer Data") constitute proprietary information of
substantial value to the Trust. In no event shall Proprietary Information be
deemed Customer Data. Forum agrees to treat all Customer Data as proprietary to
the Trust and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Customer Data to any
person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement or as may
be directed by the Trust.
SECTION 10. INDEMNIFICATION
(a) INDEMNIFICATION OF FORUM. Forum shall not be responsible for, and
the Trust shall on behalf of each applicable Fund or Class thereof indemnify and
hold Forum harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs,
charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out
of or attributable to:
(i) all actions of Forum or its agents or subcontractors required to be
taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such actions are taken
in good faith and without gross negligence or willful misconduct;
(ii) the Trust's lack of good faith or the Trust's gross negligence or
willful misconduct;
(iii) the reliance on or use by Forum or its agents or subcontractors
of information, records, documents or services which have been
prepared, maintained or performed by the Trust or any other person or
firm on behalf of the Trust, including but not limited to any previous
transfer agent or registrar;
(iv) the reasonable reliance on, or the carrying out by Forum or its
agents or subcontractors of, any instructions or requests of the Trust
on behalf of the applicable Fund; and
(v) the offer or sale of Shares in violation of any requirement under
the Federal securities laws or regulations or the securities laws or
regulations of any State that such
Shares be registered in such State or in violation of any stop order
or other determination or ruling by any federal agency or any State
with respect to the offer or sale of such Shares in such State.
(b) INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUST. Forum shall indemnify and hold the Trust
and each Fund or Class thereof harmless from and against any and all losses,
damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and
liability arising out of or attributed to any action or failure or omission to
act by Forum as a result of Forum's lack of good faith, gross negligence or
willful misconduct with respect to the services performed under or in connection
with this Agreement.
(c) RELIANCE. At any time Forum may apply to any officer of the Trust
for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel to the Trust or to Forum
with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be
performed by Forum under this Agreement, and Forum and its agents or
subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust on
behalf of the applicable Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in
reasonable reliance upon such instructions or upon the advice of such counsel.
Forum, its agents and subcontractors shall be protected and indemnified in
acting upon (i) any paper or document furnished by or on behalf of the Trust,
reasonably believed by Forum to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper
person or persons, (ii) any instruction, information, data, records or documents
provided Forum or its agents or subcontractors by machine readable input, telex,
CRT data entry or other similar means authorized by the Trust, and (iii) any
authorization, instruction, approval, item or set of data, or information of any
kind transmitted to Forum in person or by telephone, vocal telegram or other
electronic means, reasonably believed by Forum to be genuine and to have been
given by the proper person or persons. Forum shall not be held to have notice of
any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice thereof
from the Trust. Forum, its agents and subcontractors shall also be protected and
indemnified in recognizing share certificates which are reasonably believed to
bear the proper manual or facsimile signatures of the officers of the Trust, and
the proper countersignature of any former transfer agent or former registrar or
of a co-transfer agent or co-registrar of the Trust.
(d) RELIANCE ON ELECTRONIC INSTRUCTIONS. If the Trust has the ability
to originate electronic instructions to Forum in order to (i) effect the
transfer or movement of cash or Shares or (ii) transmit Shareholder information
or other information, then in such event Forum shall be entitled to rely on the
validity and authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further
inquiry as long as such instruction is undertaken in conformity with security
procedures established by Forum from time to time.
(e) USE OF FUND/SERV AND NETWORKING. The Trust has authorized or in the
future may authorize Forum to act as a "Mutual Fund Services Member" for the
Trust or various Funds. Fund/SERV and Networking are services sponsored by the
National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") and as used herein have the
meanings as set forth in the then current edition of NSCC RULES AND PROCEDURES
published by NSCC or such other similar publication as may exist from time to
time. The Trust shall indemnify and hold Forum harmless from and against any and
all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses
and liability arising directly or indirectly out of or attributed to any action
or failure or omission to act by NSCC.
(f) NOTIFICATION OF CLAIMS. In order that the indemnification
provisions contained in this Section shall apply, 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.
SECTION 11. EFFECTIVENESS, DURATION AND TERMINATION
(a) EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement shall become effective with respect
to each Fund or Class on December 1, 1997. Upon effectiveness of this Agreement,
it shall supersede all previous agreements between the parties hereto covering
the subject matter hereof insofar as such Agreement may have been deemed to
relate to the Funds.
(b) DURATION. This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to a
Fund until terminated; provided, that continuance is specifically approved at
least annually (i) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund and (ii) by a vote of a majority of Trustees of
the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any
such party (other than as Trustees of the Trust).
(c) TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to a
Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty (i) by the Board on 60
days' written notice to Forum or (ii) by Forum on 60 days' written notice to the
Trust. Any termination shall be effective as of the date specified in the
notice. Upon notice of termination of this Agreement by either party, Forum
shall promptly transfer to the successor transfer agent the original or copies
of all books and records maintained by Forum under this Agreement including, in
the case of records maintained on computer systems, copies of such records in
machine-readable form, and shall cooperate with, and provide reasonable
assistance to, the successor transfer agent in the establishment of the books
and records necessary to carry out the successor transfer agent's
responsibilities.
(d) SURVIVAL. The obligations of Sections 7, 9 and 10 shall survive any
termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 12. ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES. In the event that the Trust
establishes one or more series of Shares or one or more classes of Shares after
the effectiveness of this Agreement, such series of Shares or classes of Shares,
as the case may be, shall become Funds and Classes under this Agreement. Forum
or the Trust may elect not to make and such series or classes subject to this
Agreement.
SECTION 13. ASSIGNMENT. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations under this Agreement may be
assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and
their respective permitted successors and assigns. Forum may, without further
consent on the part of the Trust, subcontract for the performance hereof with
any entity, including affiliated persons of Forum; provided however, that Forum
shall be as fully responsible to the Trust for the acts and omissions of any
subcontractor as Forum is for its own acts and omissions.
SECTION 14. FORCE MAJEURE. Forum shall not be responsible or liable for
any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement
arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its
reasonable control including, without limitation, acts of civil or military
authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical
breakdowns, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or
failure of the mails or any transportation medium, communication system or power
supply.
SECTION 15. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY OF THE TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS,
OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. The trustees of the Trust and the shareholders
of each Fund shall not be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the
Funds under this Agreement, and Forum agrees that, in asserting any rights or
claims under this Agreement, it shall look only to the assets and property of
the Trust or the Fund to which Forum's rights or claims relate in settlement of
such rights or claims, and not to the trustees of the Trust or the shareholders
of the Funds.
SECTION 16. TAXES. Forum shall not be liable for any taxes, assessments
or governmental charges that may be levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever
in connection with the Trust or any Shareholder or any purchase of Shares,
excluding taxes assessed against Forum for compensation received by it under
this Agreement.
SECTION 17. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) NO CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Neither party to this Agreement shall be
liable to the other party for consequential damages under any provision of this
Agreement.
(b) AMENDMENTS. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended or
modified in any manner except by a written agreement properly authorized and
executed by both parties hereto.
(c) CHOICE OF LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions
thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware.
(d) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to
the subject matter hereof whether oral or written.
(e) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto
on any number of counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall
be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
(f) 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, 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 provision held to be
illegal or invalid.
(g) 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.
(h) NOTICES. Notices, requests, instructions and communications
received by the parties at their respective principal addresses, or at such
other address as a party may have designated in writing, shall be deemed to have
been properly given.
(i) BUSINESS DAYS. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to
or shall require Forum, in any capacity hereunder, to perform any functions or
duties on any day other than a Fund Business Day. Functions or duties normally
scheduled to be performed on any day which is not a Fund Business Day shall be
performed on, and as of, the next Fund Business Day, unless otherwise required
by law.
(j) DISTINCTION OF FUNDS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the
Trust are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other
Fund and that no Fund shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt,
obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement
or otherwise.
(k) NONLIABILITY OF AFFILIATES. No affiliated person (as that term is
defined in the 1940 Act), employee, agent, director, officer or manager of Forum
shall be liable at law or in equity for Forum's obligations under this
Agreement.
(l) REPRESENTATION OF SIGNATORIES. Each of the undersigned expressly
warrants and represents that they have full power and authority to sign this
Agreement on behalf of the party indicated and that their signature will bind
the party indicated to the terms hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized
persons, as of the day and year first above written.
MONARCH FUNDS
By:/s/ Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxx
-----------------------
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxx
Trustee
FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
By:/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
-----------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
President
MONARCH FUNDS
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
APPENDIX A
FUNDS AND CLASSES
AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1997
TREASURY CASH FUND
Universal Shares
Institutional Shares
Investor Shares
GOVERNMENT CASH FUND
Universal Shares
Institutional Shares
Investor Shares
CASH FUND
Universal Shares
Institutional Shares
Investor Shares
MONARCH FUNDS
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
APPENDIX B
FEES AND EXPENSES
(I) BASE FEE:
Fees per Fund with $12,000 plus $6,000 per each class above one plus,
more than one Class
0.05% of the Average Annual Daily Net Assets
attributable to the Universal Class,
0.20% of the Average Annual Daily Net Assets
attributable to the Institutional Class, and
0.20% of the Average Annual Daily Net Assets
attributable to the Investor Class.
The rates set forth above shall remain fixed through December 31, 1998.
On January 1, 1999, and on each successive January 1, the rates may be
adjusted automatically by Forum without action of the Trust to reflect
changes in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding calendar year, as
published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Forum shall notify the Trust each year of the new rates, if applicable.
(II) SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT FEES:
$120 per Shareholder account per year for the Universal Class.
$24 per Shareholder account per year for the Institutional Class.
$24 per Shareholder account per year for the Investor Class.
Shareholder account fees are based upon the number of Shareholder
accounts as of the last Fund Business Day of the prior month.
(III) OUT-OF-POCKET AND RELATED EXPENSES
The Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse Forum for
all out-of-pocket and ancillary expenses in providing the services
described in this Agreement, including but not limited to the cost of
(or appropriate share of the cost of): (i) statement, confirmation,
envelope and stationary stock, (ii) share certificates, (iii) printing
of checks and drafts, (iv) postage, (v) telecommunications, (vi)
banking services (DDA account,
wire and ACH, check and draft clearing and lock box fees and charges),
(vii) NSCC Mutual Fund Service Member fees and expenses, (viii)
outside proxy solicitors and tabulators, (ix) proxy solicitation fees
and (ix) microfilm and microfiche. In addition, any other expenses
incurred by Forum at the request or with the consent of the Trust,
will be reimbursed by the Trust on behalf of the applicable Fund.
