EXHIBIT 99.B5-9
EXHIBIT (D)(10)
CO-SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
ON BEHALF OF WRL GE/SCOTTISH EQUITABLE INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
WRL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
AND
SCOTTISH EQUITABLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT, made as of the 1st day of January, 1997,
between WRL Investment Management, Inc. ("Investment Adviser"), a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida and Scottish
Equitable Investment Management Limited ("Co-Sub-Adviser"), a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of Scotland, United Kingdom.
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory
Agreement dated as of the 1st day of January, 1997 ("Advisory Agreement") with
the WRL Series Fund, Inc. ("Fund"), a Maryland corporation which is engaged in
business as an open-end investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares of the International
Equity Portfolio ("Portfolio"), a separate series of the Fund;
WHEREAS, the Co-Sub-Adviser is engaged principally in the business of
rendering investment advisory services and is registered as an investment
adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act");
and
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser desires to retain the Co-Sub-Adviser as
sub-adviser to furnish certain investment advisory services to the Investment
Adviser with respect to the Portfolio and the Co-Sub-Adviser is willing to
furnish such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises
herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT.
Investment Adviser hereby appoints the Co-Sub-Adviser as an investment
sub-adviser with respect to the Portfolio for the period and on the terms set
forth in this Agreement. The Co-Sub-Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees
to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. DUTIES OF THE CO-SUB-ADVISER.
A. INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY SERVICES. Subject to the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors ("Board") and the Investment
Adviser, the Co-Sub-Adviser shall act as an investment sub-adviser and shall
supervise and direct the investments of the Portfolio's assets under its
management in accordance with the Portfolio's investment objective, policies,
and restrictions as provided in the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented
from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus"), and such other
limitations as directed by the appropriate officers of the Investment Adviser or
the Fund by notice in writing to the Co-Sub-Adviser. The Co-Sub-Adviser shall
obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries,
businesses, securities markets, and securities as it may deem necessary or
useful in the discharge of its obligations hereunder and shall formulate and
implement a continuing program for the management of the assets and resources of
the Portfolio allocated to it in a manner consistent with the Portfolio's
investment objective, policies, and restrictions. In furtherance of this duty,
the Co-Sub-Adviser, on behalf of the Portfolio, is authorized, in its discretion
and without prior consultation with the Portfolio or the Investment Adviser, to:
(1) buy, sell, exchange, convert, lend, and otherwise trade in
any stocks, bonds and other securities or assets; and
(2) place orders and negotiate the commissions (if any) for
the execution of transactions in securities or other assets
with or through such brokers, dealers, underwriters or issuers
as the Co-Sub-Adviser may select.
B. ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF CO-SUB-ADVISER. In addition to the
above, Co-Sub-Adviser shall:
(1) furnish continuous investment information, advice and
recommendations to the Fund as to the acquisition, holding or
disposition of any or all of the securities or other assets
which the Portfolio may own or contemplate acquiring from time
to time;
(2) cause its officers or other representatives to attend
meetings of the Fund and furnish oral or written reports, as
the Fund may reasonably require, in order to keep the Fund and
its officers and Board fully informed as to the condition of
the investment securities of the Portfolio, the investment
recommendations of the Co-Sub-Adviser, and the investment
considerations which have given rise to those recommendations;
and
(3) furnish such statistical and analytical information and
reports as may reasonably be required by the Fund from time to
time.
C. FURTHER DUTIES OF CO-SUB-ADVISER. In all matters relating
to the performance of this Agreement, the Co-Sub-Adviser shall act in conformity
with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, as each may be amended or
supplemented, and currently effective Registration Statement (as defined below)
and with the written instructions and directions of the Board and the Investment
Adviser, and shall comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers
Act, the rules thereunder, and all other applicable federal and state laws and
regulations.
3. COMPENSATION.
For the services provided and the expenses assumed by the
Co-Sub-Adviser pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Sub-Adviser shall receive a
monthly investment management fee equal to (i) 50% of the fees received by the
Investment Adviser for services rendered under the Advisory Agreement by the
Investment Adviser with respect to the amount of the Portfolio's assets managed
by the Co-Sub-Adviser during such period, less (ii) 50% of the amount paid by
the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Portfolio pursuant to any expense
limitation with respect to the amount of the Portfolio's assets managed by the
Co-Sub-Adviser during such period. The management fee shall be payable by the
Investment Adviser monthly to the Co-Sub-Adviser upon receipt by the Investment
Adviser from the Portfolio of advisory fees payable to the Investment Adviser.
If this Agreement becomes effective or terminates before the end of any month,
the investment management fee for the period from the effective date to the end
of such month or from the beginning of such month to the date of termination, as
the case may be, shall be pro-rated according to the pro-ration which such
period bears to the full month in which such effectiveness or termination
occurs.
4. DUTIES OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER.
A. The Investment Adviser shall continue to have
responsibility for all services to be provided to the Portfolio pursuant to the
Advisory Agreement and shall oversee and review the Co-Sub-Adviser's performance
of its duties under this Agreement.
B. The Investment Adviser has furnished the Co-Sub-Adviser
with copies of each of the following documents and will furnish to the
Co-Sub-Adviser at its principal office all future amendments and supplements to
such documents, if any, as soon as practicable after such documents become
available:
(1) The Articles of Incorporation of the Fund, as filed with
the State of Maryland, as in effect on the date hereof and as
amended from time to time ("Articles"):
(2) The By-Laws of the Fund as in effect on the date hereof
and as amended from time to time ("By-Laws");
(3) Certified resolutions of the Board of the Fund authorizing
the appointment of the Investment Adviser and the
Co-Sub-Adviser and approving the form of the Advisory
Agreement and this Agreement;
(4) The Fund's Registration Statement under the 1940 Act and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on Form N-1A, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") relating
to the Portfolio and its shares and all amendments thereto
("Registration Statement");
(5) The Notification of Registration of the Fund under the
1940 Act on Form N-8A as filed with the SEC and any amendments
thereto:
(6) The Fund's Prospectus (as defined above) and any
amendments effected from time to time; and
(7) A certified copy of any publicly available financial
statement or report prepared for the Fund by certified or
independent public accountants, and copies of any financial
statements or reports made by the Portfolio to its
shareholders or to any governmental body or securities
exchange.
(8) Written instructions and directions of the Board and such
other limitations applicable from time to time, including
those specified in Clause 2.A.
The Investment Adviser shall furnish the Co-Sub-Adviser with any
further documents, materials or information that the Co-Sub-Adviser may
reasonably request to enable it to perform its duties pursuant to this
Agreement.
C. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser
shall furnish to the Co-Sub-Adviser at its principal office all prospectuses,
proxy statements, reports to shareholders, sales literature, or other material
prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Portfolio or the public, which
refer to the Co-Sub-Adviser or investment companies or other advisory accounts
advised or sponsored by the Co-Sub-Adviser or investment companies or other
advisory accounts advised or sponsored by the Co-Sub-Adviser in any way, prior
to the use thereof, and the Investment Adviser shall not use any such materials
if the Co-Sub-Adviser reasonably objects in writing fifteen business days (or
such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof.
5. BROKERAGE.
A. The Co-Sub-Adviser agrees that, in placing orders with
broker-dealers for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, it shall
attempt to obtain quality execution at favorable security prices (best price and
execution); provided that, on behalf of the Fund, the Co-Sub-Adviser may, in its
discretion, agree to pay a broker-dealer that furnishes brokerage or research
services as such services are defined under Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), a higher commission than that
which might have been charged by another broker-dealer for effecting the same
transactions, if the Co-Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such
commission is reasonable in relation to the brokerage and research services
provided by the broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular
transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Sub-Adviser with respect
to the accounts as to which it exercises investment discretion (as such term is
defined under Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act). In no instance will portfolio
securities be purchased from or sold to the Co-Sub-Adviser, or any affiliated
person thereof, except in accordance with the federal securities laws and the
rules and regulations thereunder.
B. On occasions when the Co-Sub-Adviser deems the purchase or
sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as other
clients of the Co-Sub-Adviser, the Co-Sub-Adviser, to the extent permitted by
applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to,
aggregate the securities to be purchased or sold to attempt to obtain a more
favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. In such
event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the
expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Co-Sub-Adviser in the
manner the Co-Sub-Adviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with
its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients.
C. In addition to the foregoing, the Co-Sub-Adviser agrees
that orders with broker-dealers for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities
by the Portfolio shall be placed in accordance with the standards set forth in
the Advisory Agreement.
6. OWNERSHIP OF RECORDS.
The Co-Sub-Adviser shall maintain all books and records required to be
maintained by the Co-Sub-Adviser pursuant to the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to transactions on behalf of the
Fund. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the
Co-Sub-Adviser hereby agrees: (i) that all records that it maintains for the
Fund are the property of the Fund, (ii) to preserve for the periods prescribed
by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any records that it maintains for the Fund and
that are required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and (iii)
agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any records that it maintains for the
Fund upon request by the Fund; provided, however, the Co-Sub-Adviser may retain
copies of such records.
7. REPORTS.
The Co-Sub-Adviser shall furnish to the Board or the Investment
Adviser, or both, as appropriate, such information, reports, evaluations,
analyses and opinions as the Co-Sub-Adviser and the Board or the Investment
Adviser, as appropriate, may mutually agree upon from time to time.
8. SERVICES TO OTHERS CLIENTS.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit or restrict (i) the
freedom of the Co-Sub-Adviser, or any affiliated person thereof, to render
investment management and corporate administrative services to other investment
companies, to act as investment manager or investment counselor to other
persons, firms, or corporations, or to engage in any other business activities,
or (ii) the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Co-Sub-Adviser,
who may also be a director, officer, or employee of the Fund, to engage in any
other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the
management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature
or a dissimilar nature.
9. REPRESENTATIONS OF CO-SUB-ADVISER.
The Co-Sub-Adviser represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:
A. The Co-Sub-Adviser: (i) is registered as an investment
adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long
as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act or
the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement;
(iii) has met, and will continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains
in effect, any applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable
requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency, necessary to
be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iv) has
the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this
Agreement; and (v) will immediately notify the Investment Adviser of the
occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Co-Sub-Adviser from serving as
an
investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9 (a) of the
1940 Act or otherwise.
B. The Co-Sub-Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics
complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and, if it has
not already done so, will provide the Investment Adviser and the Fund with a
copy of such code of ethics, together with evidence of its adoption.
C. The Co-Sub-Adviser has provided the Investment Adviser and
the Fund with a copy of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the SEC and
will, promptly after filing any amendment to its Form ADV with the SEC, furnish
a copy of such amendment to the Investment Adviser.
10. TERM OF AGREEMENT.
This Agreement shall become effective upon the date first above
written, provided that this Agreement shall not take effect unless it has first
been approved (i) by a vote of a majority of those Directors of the Fund who are
not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (ii)
by vote of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities. Unless
sooner terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall continue in effect
for two years from its effective date. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue
in effect from year to year, with respect to the Portfolio, subject to the
termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof, so long as
such continuation shall be specifically approved at least annually (a) by either
the Board, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Portfolio; and (b) in either event, by the vote, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the
Directors of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested
persons of any such party. The Co-Sub-Adviser shall furnish to the Fund,
promptly upon its request such information as may reasonably be necessary to
evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal, or amendment
hereof.
11. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated at any
time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of the Board or by a vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio on at least 60
days' prior written notice to the Co-Sub-Adviser. This Agreement may also be
terminated by the Investment Adviser: (i) on at least 60 days' prior written
notice to the Co-Sub-Adviser, without the payment of any penalty; or (ii) if the
Co-Sub-Adviser becomes unable to discharge its duties and obligations under this
Agreement. The Co-Sub-Adviser may terminate this Agreement at any time, or
preclude its renewal without the payment of any penalty, on at least 60 days'
prior notice to the Investment Adviser. This Agreement shall terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment or upon termination of the Advisory
Agreement.
12. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT.
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or
terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge, or termination is
sought, and no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by
vote of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities, unless
otherwise permitted in accordance with the 1940 Act.
13. MISCELLANEOUS.
A. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland without giving effect to the
conflicts of laws principles thereof, and the 1940 Act. To the extent that the
applicable laws of the State of Maryland conflict with the applicable provisions
of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
B. CAPTIONS. The captions contained in this Agreement are
included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any
of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
C. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement represents the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and shall supersede any prior
agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and all
such prior agreements shall be deemed terminated upon the effectiveness of this
Agreement.
D. INTERPRETATION. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
require the Fund to take any action contrary to its Articles or By-Laws, or any
applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by
which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Board of its responsibility for
and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Fund.
E. DEFINITIONS. Any question of interpretation of any term of
provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a
term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or
provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United
States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court,
by rules, regulations, or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940
Act. As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting
securities," "affiliated person," "interested person," "assignment," "broker,"
"investment adviser," "net assets," "sale," "sell," and "security" shall have
the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act, subject to such exemption
as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation, or order. Where the effect
of a requirement of the federal securities laws reflected in any provision of
this Agreement is made less restrictive by a rule, regulation, or order of the
SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed
to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation, or order, unless the
Investment Adviser and the Co-Sub-Adviser agree to the contrary.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized signatories as of the date and year first
above written.
Attest: WRL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
/s/ XXXXXXXXX X. XXXXXXX By: /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXX
------------------------ -------------------
Assistant Secretary Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Title: President and Treasurer
Attest: SCOTTISH EQUITABLE INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT LIMITED
/s/ XXX XXXXX By: /s/ XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXX
------------------------ ----------------------
Solicitor Name: Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Title: Director
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
WRL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
AND
GE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT, made as of the 1st day of January, 1997,
between WRL Investment Management, Inc. ("Investment Adviser"), a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida and GE Investment
Management Incorporated ("Co-Sub-Adviser"), a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware.
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory
Agreement dated as of the 1st day of January, 1997 ("Advisory Agreement") with
the WRL Series Fund, Inc. ("Fund"), a Maryland corporation which is engaged in
business as an open-end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares of the International
Equity Portfolio ("Portfolio"), a separate series of the Fund;
WHEREAS, the Co-Sub-Adviser is engaged principally in the business of
rendering investment advisory services and is registered as an investment
adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act");
and
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser desires to retain the Co-Sub-Adviser as
sub-adviser to furnish certain investment advisory services to the Investment
Adviser with respect to the Portfolio and the Co-Sub-Adviser is willing to
furnish such services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises
herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT.
Investment Adviser hereby appoints the Co-Sub-Adviser as an investment
sub-adviser with respect to the Portfolio for the period and on the terms set
forth in this Agreement. The Co-Sub-Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees
to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. DUTIES OF THE CO-SUB-ADVISER.
A. INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY SERVICES. Subject to the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors ("Board") and the Investment
Adviser, the Co-Sub-Adviser shall act as an investment sub-adviser and shall
supervise and direct the investments of the Portfolio's assets under its
management in accordance with the Portfolio's investment objective, policies,
and restrictions as provided in the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented
from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus"), and such other
limitations as directed by the appropriate officers of the Investment Adviser or
the Fund by notice in writing to the Co-Sub-Adviser. The Co-Sub-Adviser shall
obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries,
businesses, securities markets, and securities as it may deem necessary or
useful in the discharge of its obligations hereunder and shall formulate and
implement a continuing program for the management of the assets and resources of
the Portfolio allocated to it in a manner consistent with the Portfolio's
investment objective, policies, and restrictions. In furtherance of this duty,
the Co-Sub-Adviser, on behalf of the Portfolio, is authorized, in its discretion
and without prior consultation with the Portfolio or the Investment Adviser, to:
(1) buy, sell, exchange, convert, lend, and otherwise trade in
any stocks, bonds and other securities or assets; and
(2) place orders and negotiate the commissions (if any) for
the execution of transactions in securities or other assets
with or through such brokers, dealers, underwriters or issuers
as the Co-Sub-Adviser may select.
B. ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF CO-SUB-ADVISER. In addition to the
above, Co-Sub-Adviser shall:
(1) furnish continuous investment information, advice and
recommendations to the Fund as to the acquisition, holding or
disposition of any or all of the securities or other assets
which the Portfolio may own or contemplate acquiring from time
to time;
(2) cause its officers to attend quarterly (or such less
frequent) meetings of the Fund in person, via telephone or
teleconference capabilities and furnish oral or written
reports, as the Fund may reasonably require, in order to keep
the Fund and its officers and Board fully informed as to the
condition of the investment securities of the Portfolio, the
investment recommendations of the Co-Sub-Adviser, and the
investment considerations which have given rise to those
recommendations; and
(3) furnish such statistical and analytical information and
reports as may reasonably be required by the Fund from time to
time.
C. FURTHER DUTIES OF CO-SUB-ADVISER. In all matters relating
to the performance of this Agreement, the Co-Sub-Adviser shall act in conformity
with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, as each may be amended or
supplemented, and currently effective Registration Statement (as defined below)
and with the written instructions and directions of the Board and the Investment
Adviser, either as reflected in the Registration Statement (as defined below) or
otherwise provided in writing to the Co-Sub-Adviser by the Investment Adviser,
and shall comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the
rules thereunder, and all other applicable federal and state laws and
regulations, either as reflected in the Registration Statement (as defined
below), or otherwise provided in writing to the Co-Sub-Adviser by the Investment
Adviser.
3. COMPENSATION.
For the services provided and the expenses assumed by the
Co-Sub-Adviser pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Sub-Adviser shall receive a
monthly investment management fee equal to (i) 50% of the fees received by the
Investment Adviser for services rendered under the Advisory Agreement by the
Investment Adviser with respect to the amount of the Portfolio's assets managed
by the Co-Sub-Adviser during such period, less (ii) 50% of the amount paid by
the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Portfolio pursuant to any expense
limitation with respect to the amount of the Portfolio's assets managed by the
Co-Sub-Adviser during such period. The management fee shall be payable by the
Investment Adviser monthly to the Co-Sub-Adviser upon receipt by the Investment
Adviser from the Portfolio of advisory fees payable to the Investment Adviser.
If this Agreement becomes effective or terminates before the end of any month,
the investment management fee for the period from the effective date to the end
of such month or from the beginning of such month to the date of termination, as
the case may be, shall be pro-rated according to the pro-ration which such
period bears to the full month in which such effectiveness or termination
occurs. Any amount borne by the Co-Sub-Adviser pursuant to (ii) above in this
paragraph constitutes an agreement between the Investment Adviser and
Co-Sub-Adviser only for the first twelve months following commencement of
operations of the Portfolio. The fee payable to the Co-Sub-Adviser pursuant to
this paragraph will not be waived by the Co-Sub-Adviser or otherwise reduced by
any waiver or expense limitation affecting the fee that is payable to the
Investment Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, except as may be mutually
agreed upon by the Co-Sub-Adviser and the Investment Adviser.
4. DUTIES OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER.
A. The Investment Adviser shall continue to have
responsibility for all services to be provided to the Portfolio pursuant to the
Advisory Agreement and shall oversee and review the Co-Sub-Adviser's performance
of its duties under this Agreement.
B. The Investment Adviser has furnished the Co-Sub-Adviser
with copies of each of the following documents and will furnish to the
Co-Sub-Adviser at its principal office all future amendments and supplements to
such documents, if any, as soon as practicable after such documents become
available:
(1) The Articles of Incorporation of the Fund, as filed with
the State of Maryland, as in effect on the date hereof and as
amended from time to time ("Articles");
(2) The By-Laws of the Fund as in effect on the date hereof
and as amended from time to time ("By-Laws");
(3) Certified resolutions of the Board of the Fund authorizing
the appointment of the Investment Adviser and the
Co-Sub-Adviser and approving the form of the Advisory
Agreement and this Agreement;
(4) The Fund's Registration Statement under the 1940 Act and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), on Form
N-1A, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") relating to the Portfolio and its shares and all
amendments thereto ("Registration Statement");
(5) The Notification of Registration of the Fund under the
1940 Act on Form N-8A as filed with the SEC and any amendments
thereto;
(6) The Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information (as defined above); and
(7) A certified copy of any publicly available financial
statement or report prepared for the Fund by certified or
independent public accountants, and copies of any financial
statements or reports made by the Portfolio to its
shareholders or to any governmental body or securities
exchange.
The Investment Adviser shall furnish the Co-Sub-Adviser with any
further documents, materials or information that the Co-Sub-Adviser may
reasonably request to enable it to perform its duties pursuant to this
Agreement.
C. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser
shall furnish to the Co-Sub-Adviser at its principal office all prospectuses,
proxy statements, reports to shareholders, sales literature, or other material
prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Portfolio or the public, which
refer to the Co-Sub-Adviser or investment companies or other advisory accounts
advised or sponsored by the Co-Sub-Adviser in any way, prior to the use thereof,
and the Investment Adviser shall not use any such materials if the
Co-Sub-Adviser reasonably objects in writing fifteen business days (or such
other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof.
5. BROKERAGE.
A. The Co-Sub-Adviser agrees that, in placing orders with
broker-dealers for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, it shall
attempt to obtain quality execution at favorable security prices (best price and
execution); provided that, on behalf of the Fund, the Co-Sub-Adviser may, in its
discretion, agree to pay a broker-dealer that furnishes brokerage or research
services as such services are defined under Section 28(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), a higher
commission than that which might have been charged by another broker-dealer for
effecting the same transactions, if the Co-Sub-Adviser determines in good faith
that such commission is reasonable in relation to the brokerage and research
services provided by the broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either that
particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Sub-Adviser
with respect to the accounts as to which it exercises investment discretion (as
such term is defined under Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act). In no instance
will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to the Co-Sub-Adviser, or
any affiliated person thereof, except in accordance with the federal securities
laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
B. On occasions when the Co-Sub-Adviser deems the purchase or
sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as other
clients of the Co-Sub-Adviser, the Co-Sub-Adviser, to the extent permitted by
applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to,
aggregate the securities to be purchased or sold to attempt to obtain a more
favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. In such
event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the
expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Co-Sub-Adviser in the
manner the Co-Sub-Adviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with
its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients.
C. In addition to the foregoing, the Co-Sub-Adviser agrees
that orders with broker-dealers for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities
by the Portfolio shall be placed in accordance with the standards set forth in
the Advisory Agreement, and the Investment Adviser acknowledges in this
Agreement the specific authority given to both the Investment Adviser and the
Co-Sub-Adviser under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the placement of
brokerage.
6. OWNERSHIP OF RECORDS.
The Co-Sub-Adviser shall maintain all books and records required to be
maintained by the Co-Sub-Adviser pursuant to the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to transactions on behalf of the
Fund. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the
Co-Sub-Adviser hereby agrees: (i) that all records that it maintains for the
Fund are the property of the Fund, (ii) to preserve for the periods prescribed
by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any records that it maintains for the Fund and
that are required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and (iii)
agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any records that it maintains for the
Fund upon request by the Fund; provided, however, the Co-Sub-Adviser may retain
copies of such records.
7. REPORTS.
The Co-Sub-Adviser shall furnish to the Board or the Investment
Adviser, or both, as appropriate, such information, reports, evaluations,
analyses and opinions as the Co-Sub-Adviser and the Board or the Investment
Adviser, as appropriate, may mutually agree upon from time to time.
8. SERVICES TO OTHERS CLIENTS.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit or restrict (i) the
freedom of the Co-Sub-Adviser, or any affiliated person thereof, to render
investment advisory, management and corporate administrative services to any
other investment companies, to act as investment manager or investment counselor
to any other persons, firms, or corporations, or to engage in any other business
activities, or (ii) the right of any director, officer, or employee of the
Co-Sub-Adviser, who may also be a director, officer, or employee of the Fund, to
engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part
to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar
nature or a dissimilar nature.
9. REPRESENTATIONS OF CO-SUB-ADVISER.
The Co-Sub-Adviser represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:
A. The Co-Sub-Adviser: (i) is registered as an investment
adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long
as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act or
the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement;
(iii) has met, and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement
remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the
applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency,
necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this
Agreement; (iv) has the authority to enter into and perform the services
contemplated by this Agreement; and (v) will promptly notify the Investment
Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Co-Sub-Adviser
from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to
Section 9 (a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
B. The Co-Sub-Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics
complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and, if it has
not already done so, will provide the Investment Adviser and the Fund with a
copy of such code of ethics, together with evidence of its adoption.
C. The Co-Sub-Adviser has provided the Investment Adviser and
the Fund with a copy of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the SEC and
will, promptly after filing any amendment to its Form ADV with the SEC, furnish
a copy of such amendment to the Investment Adviser.
10. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
The Investment Adviser represents, warrants and agrees as follows:
A. The Investment Adviser (i) is registered as an investment
adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long
as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act from
performing the services contemplated by the Advisory Agreement; (iii) has met,
and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in
effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable
requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency, necessary to
be met in order to perform the services contemplated by the Advisory Agreement;
(iv) has the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by
the Advisory Agreement and has the authority to enter into this Agreement; and
(v) will promptly notify the Co-Sub-Adviser of the occurrence of any event that
would disqualify the Investment Adviser from serving as an investment adviser of
an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
B. The Investment Adviser agrees that it will notify the
Co-Sub-Adviser, to the extent possible, within a reasonable period of time prior
to any termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 14 which arises from a
termination of the Advisory Agreement (including any termination by assignment
resulting from a foreseeable change in control of the Investment Adviser that is
a matter of public information).
11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
The Co-Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or
mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Portfolio, the Fund or its
shareholders or by the Investment Adviser in connection with the matters to
which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or
from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement.
12. INDEMNIFICATION.
A. The Investment Adviser agrees to indemnify the
Co-Sub-Adviser, its officers and directors, and any person who controls the
Co-Sub-Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act for any loss or
expense (including attorney's fees) arising out of any claim, demand, action or
suit in the event that the Co-Sub-Adviser has been found to be without fault and
the Investment Adviser or any other investment sub-adviser to the Portfolio, or
any person who controls the Investment Adviser or such other investment
sub-adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act has been found at
fault (i) by the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (ii) in
any order of settlement of any claim, demand, action or suit that has been
approved by the Board of Directors of the Investment Adviser, such other
investment sub-adviser or such other controlling person.
B. The Co-Sub-Adviser agrees to indemnify the Investment
Adviser, its officers and directors, and any person who controls the Investment
Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act for any loss or expense
(including attorney's fees) arising out of any claim, demand, action or suit in
the event that the Investment Adviser has been found to be without fault and the
Co-Sub-Adviser or any person who controls the Co-Sub-Adviser within the meaning
of Section 15 of the 1933 Act has been found at fault (i) by the final judgment
of a court of competent jurisdiction or (ii) in any order of settlement of any
claim, demand, action or suit that has been approved by the Board of Directors
of the Co-Sub-Adviser or such other controlling person.
13. TERM OF AGREEMENT.
This Agreement shall become effective upon the date first above
written, provided that this Agreement shall not take effect unless it has first
been approved (i) by a vote of a majority of those Directors of the Fund who are
not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (ii)
by vote of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities. Unless
sooner terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall continue in effect
for two years from its effective date. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue
in effect from year to year, with respect to the Portfolio, subject to the
termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof, so long as
such continuation shall be specifically approved at least annually (a) by either
the Board, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Portfolio; and (b) in either event, by the vote, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the
Directors of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested
persons of any such party. The Co-Sub-Adviser shall furnish to the Fund,
promptly upon its request such information as may reasonably be necessary to
evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal, or amendment
hereof.
14. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated at any
time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of the Board or by a vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio on at least 60
days' prior written notice to the Co-Sub-Adviser. This Agreement may also be
terminated by the Investment Adviser: (i) on at least 60 days' prior written
notice to the Co-Sub-Adviser, without the payment of any penalty; or (ii) if the
Co-Sub-Adviser becomes unable to discharge its duties and obligations under this
Agreement. The Co-Sub-Adviser may terminate this Agreement at any time, or
preclude its renewal without the payment of any penalty, on at least 60 days'
prior notice to the Investment Adviser. This Agreement shall terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment or upon termination of the Advisory
Agreement.
15. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT.
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or
terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge, or termination is
sought, and no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by
vote of a
majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities, unless otherwise
permitted in accordance with the 1940 Act.
16. MISCELLANEOUS.
A. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland without giving effect to the
conflicts of laws principles thereof, and the 1940 Act. To the extent that the
applicable laws of the State of Maryland conflict with the applicable provisions
of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
B. CAPTIONS. The captions contained in this Agreement are
included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any
of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
C. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement represents the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and shall supersede any prior
agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and all
such prior agreements shall be deemed terminated upon the effectiveness of this
Agreement.
D. INTERPRETATION. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
require the Fund to take any action contrary to its Articles or By-Laws, or any
applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by
which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Board of its responsibility for
and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Fund.
E. DEFINITIONS. Any question of interpretation of any term or
provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a
term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or
provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United
States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court,
by rules, regulations, or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940
Act. As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting
securities," "affiliated person," "interested person," "assignment," "broker,"
"investment adviser," "net assets," "sale," "sell," and "security" shall have
the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act, subject to such exemption
as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation, or order. Where the effect
of a requirement of the federal securities laws reflected in any provision of
this Agreement is made less restrictive by a rule, regulation, or order of the
SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed
to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation, or order, unless the
Investment Adviser and the Co-Sub-Adviser agree to the contrary.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized signatories as of the date and year first
above written.
Attest: WRL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
/s/ XXXXXXXXX X. XXXXXXX By: XXXXXXX X. XXXX
------------------------ ---------------
Assistant Secretary Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Title: President and Treasurer
Attest: GE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
ILLEGIBLE By /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX
------------------------- ------------------------
Assistant Secretary Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: Executive Vice President
