EXHIBIT 99.g.9
CUSTODIAN SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of May 5, 2003 by and between PFPC TRUST
COMPANY, a limited purpose trust company incorporated under the laws of Delaware
("PFPC Trust"), and ABN AMRO FUNDS, a Delaware business trust (the "Fund").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");
and
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to retain PFPC Trust to provide custodian
services, and PFPC Trust wishes to furnish custodian services, either directly
or through an affiliate or affiliates, as more fully described herein with
respect to each portfolio of the Fund set forth on Schedule A hereto (each a
"Portfolio").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS AGREEMENT:
(a) "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(b) "1934 Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(c) "Authorized Person" means any officer of the Fund and any
other person authorized by the Fund to give Oral or Written
Instructions on behalf of the Fund. An Authorized Person's
scope of authority may be limited by setting forth such
limitation in a written document signed by both parties
hereto.
(d) "Book-Entry System" means Federal Reserve Treasury book-entry
system for United States and federal agency securities, its
successor or successors, and its
nominee or nominees and any book-entry system maintained by
an exchange registered with the SEC under the 1934 Act.
(e) "CEA" means the Commodities Exchange Act, as amended.
(f) "Change of Control" means a change in ownership or control
(not including transactions between wholly-owned direct or
indirect subsidiaries of a common parent) of 25% or more of
the beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock or
shares of beneficial interest of an entity or its parent(s).
(g) "Oral Instructions" mean oral instructions received by PFPC
Trust from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably
believed by PFPC Trust to be an Authorized Person. PFPC Trust
may, in its sole discretion in each separate instance,
consider and rely upon instructions it receives from an
Authorized Person via electronic mail as Oral Instructions.
(h) "PFPC Trust" means PFPC Trust Company or a subsidiary or
affiliate of PFPC Trust Company.
(i) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(j) "Securities Laws" mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940
Act and the CEA.
(k) "Shares" mean the shares of beneficial interest of any series
or class of a Portfolio.
(l) "Property" means:
(i) any and all securities and other investment items
which a Portfolio may from time to time deposit, or
cause to be deposited, with PFPC Trust or which PFPC
Trust may from time to time hold for a Portfolio;
(ii) all income in respect of any of such securities or
other investment items;
(iii) all proceeds of the sale of any of such securities or
investment items; and
(iv) all proceeds of the sale of securities issued by a
Portfolio, which are
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received by PFPC Trust from time to time, from or on
behalf of the Fund.
(m) "Written Instructions" mean (i) written instructions signed by
two Authorized Persons and received by PFPC Trust or (ii)
trade instructions transmitted by means of an electronic
transaction reporting system which requires the use of a
password or other authorized identifier in order to gain
access. The instructions may be delivered electronically or by
hand, mail or facsimile sending device.
2. APPOINTMENT. The Fund hereby appoints PFPC Trust to provide custodian
services to the Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio, and PFPC Trust
accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such services.
3. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Fund has provided or, where applicable,
will provide PFPC Trust with the following:
(a) at PFPC Trust's request, certified or authenticated copies of
the resolutions of the Fund's Board of Trustees, approving the
appointment of PFPC Trust or its affiliates to provide
services;
(b) a copy of the Fund's most recent effective registration
statement;
(c) a copy of each Portfolio's advisory agreements;
(d) a copy of the distribution/underwriting agreement with respect
to each class of Shares;
(e) a copy of each Portfolio's administration agreement;
(f) copies of any distribution and/or shareholder servicing plans
and agreements made in respect of the Fund or a Portfolio; and
(g) certified or authenticated copies of any and all amendments or
supplements to the foregoing.
4. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.
PFPC Trust undertakes to comply with material applicable requirements
of the Securities
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Laws and material laws, rules and regulations of governmental
authorities having jurisdiction with respect to the duties to be
performed by PFPC Trust hereunder. Except as specifically set forth
herein, PFPC Trust assumes no responsibility for such compliance by the
Fund or any other entity.
5. INSTRUCTIONS.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, PFPC Trust shall
act only upon Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.
(b) PFPC Trust shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instruction
or Written Instruction it receives from an Authorized Person
(or from a person reasonably believed by PFPC Trust to be an
Authorized Person) pursuant to this Agreement. PFPC Trust may
assume that any Oral Instructions or Written Instructions
received hereunder are not in any way inconsistent with the
provisions of organizational documents of the Fund or of any
vote, resolution or proceeding of the Fund's Board of Trustees
or of the Fund's shareholders, unless and until PFPC Trust
receives Written Instructions to the contrary.
(c) The Fund agrees to forward to PFPC Trust Written Instructions
confirming Oral Instructions (except where such Oral
Instructions are given by PFPC Trust or its affiliates) so
that PFPC Trust receives the Written Instructions by the close
of business on the same day that such Oral Instructions are
received. The fact that such confirming Written Instructions
are not received by PFPC Trust or differ from the Oral
Instructions shall in no way invalidate the transactions or
enforceability of the transactions authorized by the Oral
Instructions or PFPC Trust's ability to rely upon such Oral
Instructions.
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6. RIGHT TO RECEIVE ADVICE.
(a) Advice of the Fund. If PFPC Trust is in doubt as to any action
it should or should not take, PFPC Trust may request
directions or advice, including Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, from the Fund.
(b) Advice of Counsel. If PFPC Trust shall be in doubt as to any
question of law pertaining to any action it should or should
not take, PFPC Trust may request advice from counsel of its
own choosing (who may be counsel for the Fund, the Fund's
investment adviser or PFPC Trust, at the option of PFPC
Trust). The parties agree to use good faith efforts to
properly allocate the fees of any such counsel between the
parties.
(c) Conflicting Advice. In the event of a conflict between
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions PFPC Trust receives from the Fund, and the advice
it receives from counsel, PFPC Trust shall be entitled to rely
upon and follow the advice of counsel.
(d) Protection of PFPC Trust. PFPC Trust shall be indemnified
by the Fund and without liability for any action PFPC Trust
takes or does not take in reliance upon directions or advice
or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions PFPC Trust
receives from or on behalf of the Fund or from counsel and
which PFPC Trust believes, in good faith, to be consistent
with those directions or advice or Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions. Nothing in this section shall be
construed so as to impose an obligation upon PFPC Trust (i) to
seek such directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, or (ii) to act in accordance with such
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directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
instructions.
7. RECORDS; VISITS. The books and records pertaining to any Portfolio,
which are in the possession or under the control of PFPC Trust, shall
be the property of the Fund. Such books and records shall be prepared
and maintained as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable
securities laws, rules and regulations. The Fund and Authorized Persons
shall have access to such books and records at all times during PFPC
Trust's normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund,
copies of any such books and records shall be provided by PFPC Trust to
the Fund or to an authorized representative of the Fund, at the Fund's
expense.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY. Each party shall keep confidential any information
relating to the other party's business ("Confidential Information").
Confidential Information shall include (a) any data or information that
is competitively sensitive material, and not generally known to the
public, including, but not limited to, information about product plans,
marketing strategies, finances, operations, customer relationships,
customer profiles, customer lists, sales estimates, business plans, and
internal performance results relating to the past, present or future
business activities of the Fund or PFPC Trust, their respective
subsidiaries and affiliated companies and the customers, clients and
suppliers of any of them; (b) any scientific or technical information,
design, process, procedure, formula, or improvement that is
commercially valuable and secret in the sense that its confidentiality
affords the Fund or PFPC Trust a competitive advantage over its
competitors; (c) all confidential or proprietary concepts,
documentation, reports, data, specifications, computer software, source
code, object code, flow charts, databases, inventions, know-how, and
trade secrets, whether or not patentable or copyrightable; and (d)
anything
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designated as confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, information
shall not be subject to such confidentiality obligations if: (a) it is
already known to the receiving party at the time it is obtained; (b) it
is or becomes publicly known or available through no wrongful act of
the receiving party; (c) it is rightfully received from a third party
who, to the best of the receiving party's knowledge, is not under a
duty of confidentiality; (d) it is released by the protected party to a
third party without restriction; (e) it is required to be disclosed by
the receiving party pursuant to a requirement of a court order,
subpoena, governmental or regulatory agency or law (provided the
receiving party will provide the other party written notice of such
requirement, to the extent such notice is permitted); (f) release of
such information by PFPC Trust is necessary or desirable in connection
with the provision of services under this Agreement; (g) it is relevant
to the defense of any claim or cause of action asserted against the
receiving party; or (h) it has been or is independently developed or
obtained by the receiving party.
9. COOPERATION WITH ACCOUNTANTS. PFPC Trust shall cooperate with the
Fund's independent public accountants and shall take all reasonable
action to make any requested information available to such accountants
as reasonably requested by the Fund.
10. PFPC SYSTEM. PFPC Trust shall retain title to and ownership of any and
all data bases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats,
interactive design techniques, derivative works, inventions,
discoveries, patentable or copyrightable matters, concepts, expertise,
patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and other related legal rights
utilized by PFPC Trust in connection with the services provided by PFPC
Trust to the Fund.
11. DISASTER RECOVERY. PFPC Trust shall enter into and shall maintain in
effect with appropriate parties one or more agreements making
reasonable provisions for emergency
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use of electronic data processing equipment to the extent appropriate
equipment is available. In the event of equipment failures, PFPC Trust
shall, at no additional expense to the Fund, take reasonable steps to
minimize service interruptions. PFPC Trust shall have no liability with
respect to the loss of data or service interruptions caused by
equipment failure provided such loss or interruption is not caused by
PFPC Trust's own willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless
disregard of its duties or obligations under this Agreement.
12. COMPENSATION. As compensation for custody services rendered by PFPC
Trust during the term of this Agreement, the Fund, on behalf of each of
the Portfolios, will pay to PFPC Trust a fee or fees as may be agreed
to in writing from time to time by the Fund and PFPC Trust. The Fund
acknowledges that PFPC Trust may receive float benefits in connection
with maintaining certain accounts required to provide services under
this Agreement.
13. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio, agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless PFPC Trust and its affiliates,
including their respective officers, directors, agents and
employees from all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments,
claims and liabilities (including, without limitation,
attorneys' fees and disbursements and liabilities arising
under the Securities Laws and any state and foreign securities
and blue sky laws) arising directly or indirectly from any
action or omission to act which PFPC Trust takes in connection
with the provision of services to the Fund. Neither PFPC
Trust, nor any of its affiliates, shall be indemnified against
any liability (or any expenses incident to such liability)
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caused by PFPC Trust's or its affiliates' own willful
misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard in
the performance of PFPC Trust's activities under this
Agreement.
(b) PFPC Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
fund from all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims
and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorneys'
fees and disbursements and liabilities arising under the
Securities Laws and any state and foreign securities and blue
sky laws) provided that such liability was caused by PFPC
Trust's or its affiliates' own willful misfeasance, bad faith,
negligence or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations
under this Agreement. This indemnification shall be the Fund's
sole remedy under this Agreement.
(c) The provisions of this Section 13 shall survive termination of
this Agreement.
14. RESPONSIBILITY OF PFPC TRUST.
(a) PFPC Trust shall be under no duty to take any action hereunder
on behalf of the Fund or any Portfolio except as specifically
set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by PFPC
Trust and the Fund in a written amendment hereto. PFPC Trust
shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the
performance of its duties hereunder and to act in good faith
in performing services provided for under this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
(i) PFPC Trust shall not be liable for losses, delays,
failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring
directly or indirectly by reason of circumstances beyond its
reasonable control, including without limitation acts of God;
action or inaction of civil or
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military authority; public enemy; war; terrorism; riot; fire;
flood; sabotage; epidemics; labor disputes; civil commotion;
interruption, loss or malfunction of utilities,
transportation, computer or communications capabilities;
insurrection; elements of nature; or non-performance by a
third party; and (ii) PFPC Trust shall not be under any duty
or obligation to inquire into and shall not be liable for the
validity or invalidity, authority or lack thereof, or
truthfulness or accuracy or lack thereof, of any Oral
Instruction or Written Instruction, notice or other instrument
which PFPC Trust reasonably believes to be genuine.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
neither party to this Agreement nor their affiliates shall be
liable for any consequential, special or indirect losses or
damages, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or
damages was known by a party or its affiliates.
(d) No party may assert a cause of action against the other party
to this Agreement or any of its affiliates that allegedly
occurred more than three (3) years immediately prior to the
filing of the suit (or, if applicable, commencement of
arbitration proceedings) alleging such cause of action.
(e) Each party shall have a duty to mitigate damages for which the
other party may become responsible.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary
(other than as specifically provided in Section
15(h)(ii)(B)(4) and Section 15(h)(iii)(A) of this Agreement),
the Fund shall be responsible for all filings, tax returns and
reports on any transactions undertaken pursuant to this
Agreement, or in respect of the Property or any collections
undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, which may be
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requested by any relevant authority. In addition, the Fund
shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes and similar
items (including without limitation penalties and interest
related thereto).
(g) The provisions of this Section 14 shall survive termination of
this Agreement.
15. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.
(a) Delivery of the Property. The Fund will deliver or arrange for
delivery to PFPC Trust, all the Property owned by the
Portfolios, including cash received as a result of the
distribution of Shares, during the term of this Agreement.
PFPC Trust will not be responsible for such property until
actual receipt.
(b) Receipt and Disbursement of Money. PFPC Trust, acting upon
Written Instructions, shall open and maintain separate
accounts in each Portfolio's name using all cash received from
or for the account of the Portfolio, subject to the terms of
this Agreement. In addition, upon Written Instructions, PFPC
Trust shall open separate custodial accounts for each separate
Portfolio of the Fund (collectively, the "Accounts") and shall
hold in the Accounts all cash received from or for the Fund
specifically designated to each separate Portfolio.
PFPC Trust shall make cash payments from or for the Accounts
of a Portfolio only for:
(i) purchases of securities in the name of a Portfolio,
PFPC Trust, PFPC Trust's nominee or a sub-custodian
or nominee thereof as provided in sub-section (j) and
for which PFPC Trust has received a copy of the
broker's or dealer's confirmation or payee's invoice,
as appropriate;
(ii) purchase or redemption of Shares delivered to PFPC
Trust;
(iii) payment of, subject to Written Instructions,
interest, taxes (provided that tax which PFPC Trust
considers is required to be deducted or withheld "at
source" will be governed by Section 15(h)(iii)(B) of
this Agreement),
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administration, accounting, distribution, advisory
and management fees which are to be borne by a
Portfolio;
(iv) payment to, subject to receipt of Written
Instructions, the Portfolio's transfer agent, as
agent for the shareholders, of an amount equal to the
amount of dividends and distributions stated in the
Written Instructions to be distributed in cash by the
transfer agent to shareholders, or, in lieu of paying
the Portfolio's transfer agent, PFPC Trust may
arrange for the direct payment of cash dividends and
distributions to shareholders in accordance with
procedures mutually agreed upon from time to time by
and among the Fund, PFPC Trust and the Portfolio's
transfer agent;
(v) payments, upon receipt of Written Instructions, in
connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender
of securities owned or subscribed to by the Portfolio
and held by or delivered to PFPC Trust;
(vi) payments of the amounts of dividends received with
respect to securities sold short;
(vii) payments to PFPC Trust for its services hereunder;
(viii) payments to a sub-custodian pursuant to provisions in
sub-section (c) of this Section; and
(ix) other payments, upon Written Instructions.
PFPC Trust is hereby authorized to endorse and collect all checks,
drafts or other orders for the payment of money received as custodian
for the Accounts.
(c) Receipt of Securities; Subcustodians.
(i) PFPC Trust shall hold all securities received by it
for the Accounts in a separate account that
physically segregates such securities from those of
any other persons, firms or corporations, except for
securities held in a Book-Entry System or through a
sub-custodian or depository. All such securities
shall be held or disposed of only upon Written
Instructions of the Fund pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement. PFPC Trust shall have no power or
authority to assign, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise
dispose of any such securities or investment, except
upon the express terms of this Agreement or upon
Written Instructions authorizing the transaction. In
no case may any member of the Fund's Board of
Trustees, or any officer, employee or agent of the
Fund withdraw any securities.
At PFPC Trust's own expense and for its own
convenience, PFPC Trust
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may enter into sub-custodian agreements with other
banks or trust companies to perform duties described
in this sub-section (c) with respect to domestic
assets. Such bank or trust company shall have an
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits,
according to its last published report, of at least
one million dollars ($1,000,000), if it is a
subsidiary or affiliate of PFPC Trust, or at least
twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) if such bank or
trust company is not a subsidiary or affiliate of
PFPC Trust. In addition, such bank or trust company
must be qualified to act as custodian and agree to
comply with the relevant provisions of applicable
rules and regulations. Any such arrangement will not
be entered into without prior written notice to the
Fund (or as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act).
In addition, PFPC Trust may enter into arrangements
with sub-custodians with respect to services
regarding foreign assets. Any such arrangement will
not be entered into without prior written notice to
the Fund (or as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act).
PFPC Trust shall remain responsible for the acts and
omissions of any sub-custodian chosen by PFPC Trust
under the terms of this sub-section (c) to the same
extent that PFPC Trust is responsible for its own
acts and omissions under this Agreement.
(d) Transactions Requiring Instructions. Upon receipt of Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions and not otherwise, PFPC
Trust shall:
(i) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio against
the receipt of payment for the sale of such
securities or otherwise in accordance with standard
market practice;
(ii) execute and deliver to such persons as may be
designated in such Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, proxies, consents, authorizations, and
any other instruments whereby the authority of a
Portfolio as owner of any securities may be
exercised;
(iii) deliver any securities to the issuer thereof, or its
agent, when such securities are called, redeemed,
retired or otherwise become payable at the option of
the holder; provided that, in any such case, the cash
or other consideration is to be delivered to PFPC
Trust;
(iv) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio against
receipt of other securities or cash issued or paid in
connection with the liquidation, reorganization,
refinancing, tender offer, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of any
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corporation, or the exercise of any conversion
privilege;
(v) deliver any securities held for a Portfolio to any
protective committee, reorganization committee or
other person in connection with the reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization
or sale of assets of any corporation, and receive and
hold under the terms of this Agreement such
certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other
instruments or documents as may be issued to it to
evidence such delivery;
(vi) make such transfer or exchanges of the assets of the
Portfolios and take such other steps as shall be
stated in said Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions to be for the purpose of effectuating a
duly authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the
Fund;
(vii) release securities belonging to a Portfolio to any
bank or trust company for the purpose of a pledge or
hypothecation to secure any loan incurred by the Fund
on behalf of that Portfolio; provided, however, that
securities shall be released only upon payment to
PFPC Trust of the monies borrowed, except that in
cases where additional collateral is required to
secure a borrowing already made subject to proper
prior authorization, further securities may be
released for that purpose; and repay such loan upon
redelivery to it of the securities pledged or
hypothecated therefor and upon surrender of the note
or notes evidencing the loan;
(viii) release and deliver securities owned by a Portfolio
in connection with any repurchase agreement entered
into by the Fund on behalf of that Portfolio, but
only on receipt of payment therefor; and pay out
monies of a Portfolio in connection with such
repurchase agreements, but only upon the delivery of
the securities;
(ix) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by a
Portfolio in connection with any conversion of such
securities, pursuant to their terms, into other
securities;
(x) release and deliver securities to a broker in
connection with the broker's custody of margin
collateral relating to futures and options
transactions;
(xi) release and deliver securities owned by a Portfolio
for the purpose of redeeming in kind shares of the
Portfolio upon delivery thereof to PFPC Trust; and
(xii) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by a
Portfolio for other purposes.
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PFPC Trust must also receive a certified resolution
describing the nature of the corporate purpose and
the name and address of the person(s) to whom
delivery shall be made when such action is pursuant
to sub-paragraph d(xii).
(e) Use of Book-Entry System or Other Depository. PFPC Trust is
authorized and instructed, on a continuous basis, to deposit
in Book-Entry Systems and other depositories all securities
belonging to the Portfolios eligible for deposit therein and
to utilize Book-Entry Systems and other depositories to the
extent possible in connection with settlements of purchases
and sales of securities by the Portfolios, and deliveries and
returns of securities loaned, subject to repurchase agreements
or used as collateral in connection with borrowings. PFPC
Trust shall continue to perform such duties until it receives
Written Instructions or Oral Instructions authorizing contrary
actions.
PFPC Trust shall administer a Book-Entry System or other depository as
follows:
(i) With respect to securities of each Portfolio which
are maintained in a Book-Entry System or another
depository, the records of PFPC Trust shall identify
by book-entry or otherwise those securities belonging
to each Portfolio.
(ii) Assets of each Portfolio deposited in a Book-Entry
System or another depository will (to the extent
consistent with applicable law and standard practice)
at all times be segregated from any assets and cash
controlled by PFPC Trust in other than a fiduciary or
custodian capacity but may be commingled with other
assets held in such capacities.
PFPC Trust will provide the Fund with such reports on
its own system of internal control as the Fund may
reasonably request from time to time.
(f) Registration of Securities. All Securities held for a
Portfolio which are issued or issuable only in bearer form,
except such securities held in the Book-Entry System or in
another depository, shall be held by PFPC Trust in bearer
form; all other
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securities held for a Portfolio may be registered in the name
of the Fund on behalf of that Portfolio, PFPC Trust, a
Book-Entry System, another depository, a sub-custodian, or any
duly appointed nominee of the Fund, PFPC Trust, Book-Entry
System, depository or sub-custodian. The Fund reserves the
right to instruct PFPC Trust as to the method of registration
and safekeeping of the securities of the Portfolios. The Fund
agrees to furnish to PFPC Trust appropriate instruments to
enable PFPC Trust to hold or deliver in proper form for
transfer, or to register in the name of its nominee or in the
name of the Book-Entry System or in the name of another
appropriate entity, any securities which it may hold for the
Accounts.
(g) Voting and Other Action. Neither PFPC Trust nor its nominee
shall vote any of the securities held pursuant to this
Agreement by or for the account of a Portfolio, except in
accordance with Written Instructions. PFPC Trust, directly or
through the use of another entity, shall execute in blank and
promptly deliver all notices, proxies and proxy soliciting
materials received by PFPC Trust as custodian of the Property
to the registered holder of such securities. If the registered
holder is not the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, then Written
Instructions or Oral Instructions must designate the person
who owns such securities.
(h) Transactions Not Requiring Instructions. In the absence of
contrary Written Instructions, PFPC Trust is authorized to
take the following actions:
(i) Collection of Income and Other Payments.
(A) collect and receive for the account of
each Portfolio, all income, dividends,
distributions, coupons, option premiums,
other payments and similar items, included
or to be included in the
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Property, and, in addition, promptly advise
each Portfolio of such receipt and credit
such income to each Portfolio's custodian
account;
(B) endorse and deposit for collection, in the
name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts, or
other orders for the payment of money;
(C) receive and hold for the account of each
Portfolio all securities received as a
distribution on the Portfolio's securities
as a result of a stock dividend, share
split-up or reorganization,
recapitalization, readjustment or other
rearrangement or distribution of rights or
similar securities issued with respect to
any securities belonging to a Portfolio and
held by PFPC Trust hereunder;
(D) present for payment and collect the amount
payable upon all securities which may mature
or be called, redeemed, retired or otherwise
become payable (on a mandatory basis) on the
date such securities become payable; and
(E) take any action which may be necessary and
proper in connection with the collection and
receipt of such income and other payments
and the endorsement for collection of
checks, drafts, and other negotiable
instruments.
(ii) Miscellaneous Transactions.
(A) PFPC Trust is authorized to deliver or cause
to be delivered Property against payment or
other consideration or written receipt
therefor in the following cases:
(1) for examination by a broker or
dealer selling for the account of
a Portfolio in accordance with
street delivery custom;
(2) for the exchange of interim receipts
or temporary securities for
definitive securities; and
(3) for transfer of securities into
the name of the Fund on behalf of a
Portfolio or PFPC Trust or a
sub-custodian or a nominee of one of
the foregoing, or for exchange of
securities for a different number of
bonds, certificates, or other
evidence, representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of
units bearing the same interest
rate, maturity date and call
provisions, if any; provided that,
in any such case, the new securities
are to be delivered to
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PFPC Trust.
(B) unless and until PFPC Trust receives Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions to the
contrary, PFPC Trust shall:
(1) pay all income items held by it
which call for payment upon
presentation and hold the cash
received by it upon such payment for
the account of each Portfolio;
(2) collect interest and cash dividends
received, with notice to the Fund,
to the account of each Portfolio;
(3) hold for the account of each
Portfolio all stock dividends,
rights and similar securities issued
with respect to any securities held
by PFPC Trust; and
(4) subject to receipt of such
documentation and information as
PFPC Trust may request, execute as
agent on behalf of the Fund all
necessary ownership certificates
required by a national governmental
taxing authority or under the laws
of any U.S. state now or hereafter
in effect, inserting the Fund's
name, on behalf of a Portfolio, on
such certificate as the owner of the
securities covered thereby, to the
extent it may lawfully do so.
(iii) Other Matters.
(A) subject to receipt of such documentation and
information as PFPC Trust may request, PFPC
Trust will, in such jurisdictions as PFPC
Trust may agree from time to time, seek to
reclaim or obtain a reduction with respect
to any withholdings or other taxes relating
to assets maintained hereunder (provided
that PFPC Trust will not be liable for
failure to obtain any particular relief in a
particular jurisdiction); and
(B) PFPC Trust is authorized to deduct or
withhold any sum in respect of tax which
PFPC Trust considers is required to be
deducted or withheld "at source" by any
relevant law or practice.
(i) Segregated Accounts.
(i) PFPC Trust shall upon receipt of Written Instructions
or Oral Instructions establish and maintain
segregated accounts on its records for and on behalf
of each Portfolio. Such accounts may be used to
transfer cash and
18
securities, including securities in a Book-Entry
System or other depository:
(A) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund
with the procedures required by a securities
or option exchange, providing such
procedures comply with the 1940 Act and any
releases of the SEC relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies; and
(B) upon receipt of Written Instructions, for
other purposes.
(ii) PFPC Trust shall arrange for the establishment of XXX
custodian accounts for such shareholders holding
Shares through XXX accounts, in accordance with the
Fund's prospectuses, the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (including regulations promulgated
thereunder), and with such other procedures as are
mutually agreed upon from time to time by and among
the Fund, PFPC Trust and the Portfolio's transfer
agent.
(j) Purchases of Securities. PFPC Trust shall settle purchased
securities upon receipt of Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions that specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the title of the
securities, including CUSIP number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or the principal amount
purchased and accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of purchase and settlement;
(iv) the purchase price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable upon such purchase;
(vi) the Portfolio involved; and
(vii) the name of the person from whom or the broker
through whom the purchase was made. PFPC Trust shall
upon receipt of securities purchased by or for a
Portfolio (or otherwise in accordance with standard
market practice) pay out of the monies held for the
account of the Portfolio the total amount payable to
the person from whom or the broker through whom the
purchase was made, provided that the same conforms to
the total amount payable as set forth in such Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions.
19
(k) Sales of Securities. PFPC Trust shall settle sold securities
upon receipt of Oral Instructions or Written Instructions that
specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the title of the security,
including CUSIP number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or principal amount sold, and
accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of trade and settlement;
(iv) the sale price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable to the Portfolio upon such
sale;
(vi) the name of the broker through whom or the person to
whom the sale was made;
(vii) the location to which the security must be delivered
and delivery deadline, if any; and
(viii) the Portfolio involved.
PFPC Trust shall deliver the securities upon receipt of the total
amount payable to the Portfolio upon such sale, provided that the total
amount payable is the same as was set forth in the Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions. Notwithstanding the other provisions hereof, PFPC
Trust may accept payment in such form as is consistent with standard
industry practice and may deliver securities and arrange for payment in
accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in securities.
(l) Reports; Proxy Materials.
(i) PFPC Trust shall furnish to the Fund the following
reports:
(A) such periodic and special reports as the
Fund may reasonably request;
(B) a monthly statement summarizing all
transactions and entries for the account of
each Portfolio, listing each portfolio
security belonging to each Portfolio with
the adjusted average cost of each
20
issue and the market value at the end of
such month and stating the cash account of
each Portfolio including disbursements;
(C) the reports required to be furnished to the
Fund pursuant to Rule 17f-4 of the 1940 Act;
and
(D) such other information as may be agreed upon
from time to time between the Fund and PFPC
Trust.
(ii) PFPC Trust shall transmit promptly to the Fund any
proxy statement, proxy material, notice of a call or
conversion or similar communication received by it as
custodian of the Property. PFPC Trust shall be under
no other obligation to inform the Fund as to such
actions or events. For clarification, upon
termination of this Agreement PFPC Trust shall have
no responsibility to transmit such material or to
inform the Fund or any other person of such actions
or events.
(m) Crediting of Accounts. If PFPC Trust in its sole discretion
credits an Account with respect to (a) income, dividends,
distributions, coupons, option premiums, other payments or
similar items on a contractual payment date or otherwise in
advance of PFPC Trust's actual receipt of the amount due, (b)
the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of assets on the
contractual settlement date or otherwise in advance of PFPC
Trust's actual receipt of the amount due or (c) provisional
crediting of any amounts due, and (i) PFPC Trust is
subsequently unable to collect full and final payment for the
amounts so credited within a reasonable time period using
reasonable efforts or (ii) pursuant to standard industry
practice, law or regulation PFPC Trust is required to repay to
a third party such amounts so credited, or if any Property has
been incorrectly credited, PFPC Trust shall have
21
the absolute right in its sole discretion without demand to
reverse any such credit or payment, to debit or deduct the
amount of such credit or payment from the Account, and to
otherwise pursue recovery of any such amounts so credited from
the Fund. Nothing herein or otherwise shall require PFPC Trust
to make any advances or to credit any amounts until PFPC
Trust's actual receipt thereof. The Fund hereby grants a first
priority contractual possessory security interest in and a
right of setoff against the assets maintained in an Account
hereunder in the amount necessary to secure the return and
payment to PFPC Trust of any advance or credit made by PFPC
Trust (including charges related thereto) to such Account.
(n) Collections. All collections of monies or other property in
respect, or which are to become part, of the Property (but not
the safekeeping thereof upon receipt by PFPC Trust) shall be
at the sole risk of the Fund. If payment is not received by
PFPC Trust within a reasonable time after proper demands have
been made, PFPC Trust shall notify the Fund in writing,
including copies of all demand letters, any written responses
and memoranda of all oral responses and shall await
instructions from the Fund. PFPC Trust shall not be obliged to
take legal action for collection unless and until reasonably
indemnified to its satisfaction. PFPC Trust shall also notify
the Fund as soon as reasonably practicable whenever income due
on securities is not collected in due course and shall provide
the Fund with periodic status reports of such income collected
after a reasonable time.
(o) Foreign Exchange.
PFPC Trust and/or sub-custodians may enter into or arrange
foreign exchange transactions (in accordance with usual
commercial terms) in order to facilitate
22
transactions under this Agreement, and such entities and/or
their affiliates may receive compensation in connection with
such foreign exchange transactions.
16. DURATION AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall continue until
terminated by the Fund or PFPC Trust on ninety (90) days' prior written
notice to the other party. In the event this Agreement is terminated
(pending appointment of a successor to PFPC Trust or vote of the
shareholders of the Fund to dissolve or to function without a custodian
of its cash, securities or other property), PFPC Trust shall not
deliver cash, securities or other property of the Portfolios to the
Fund. It may deliver them to a bank or trust company of PFPC Trust's
choice, having an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits, as
shown by its last published report, of not less than twenty million
dollars ($20,000,000), as a custodian for the Fund to be held under
terms similar to those of this Agreement. PFPC Trust shall not be
required to make any delivery or payment of assets upon termination
until full payment shall have been made to PFPC Trust of all of its
fees, compensation, costs and expenses (such expenses include, without
limitation, expenses associated with movement (or duplication) of
records and materials and conversion thereof to a successor service
provider, or to a bank or trust company pending appointment of such
successor, and all trailing expenses incurred by PFPC Trust). PFPC
Trust shall have a security interest in and shall have a right of
setoff against the Property as security for the payment of such fees,
compensation, costs and expenses.
17. CHANGE OF CONTROL. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, in the event of an agreement to enter into a transaction
that would result in a Change of Control of the Fund's adviser or
sponsor, the Fund's ability to terminate the Agreement pursuant to
Section 16 will be suspended from the time of such agreement until one
year after the
23
Change of Control.
18. NOTICES. Notices shall be addressed (a) if to PFPC Trust at 0000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000,
Attention: Xxx Xxxxxxxx; (b) if to the Fund, at 000 X. Xxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxx; or (c) if to neither of the
foregoing, at such other address as shall have been given by like
notice to the sender of any such notice or other communication by the
other party. If notice is sent by confirming electronic, hand or
facsimile sending device, it shall be deemed to have been given
immediately. If notice is sent by first-class mail, it shall be deemed
to have been given five days after it has been mailed. If notice is
sent by messenger, it shall be deemed to have been given on the day it
is delivered.
19. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, or any term hereof, may be changed or
waived only by a written amendment, signed by the party against whom
enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.
20. DELEGATION; ASSIGNMENT. PFPC Trust may assign its rights and delegate
its duties hereunder to any affiliate of PFPC Trust or of The PNC
Financial Services Group, Inc., provided that PFPC Trust gives the Fund
30 days' prior written notice of such assignment or delegation.
21. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
22. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties and
supersedes all prior agreements and
24
understandings relating to the subject matter hereof, provided
that the parties may embody in one or more separate documents
their agreement, if any, with respect to delegated duties.
(b) No Representations or Warranties. Except as expressly provided
in this Agreement, PFPC Trust hereby disclaims all
representations and warranties, express or implied, made to
the Fund or any other person, including, without limitation,
any warranties regarding quality, suitability,
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise
(irrespective of any course of dealing, custom or usage of
trade), of any services or any goods provided incidental to
services provided under this Agreement. PFPC Trust disclaims
any warranty of title or non-infringement except as otherwise
set forth in this Agreement.
(c) No Changes that Materially Affect Obligations. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund agrees
not to make any modifications to its registration statement or
adopt any policies which would affect materially the
obligations or responsibilities of PFPC Trust hereunder
without the prior written approval of PFPC Trust, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(d) Captions. The captions 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.
(e) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a
contract made in Delaware and governed by Delaware law,
without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
25
(f) Partial Invalidity. If any provision of this Agreement shall
be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or
otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
affected thereby.
(g) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.
(h) Facsimile Signatures. The facsimile signature of any party to
this Agreement shall constitute the valid and binding
execution hereof by such party.
26
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.
PFPC TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------------
Title:
--------------------------------------
ABN AMRO FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------------
Title: S.V.P/COO
--------------------------------------
27
EXHIBIT A
THIS EXHIBIT A, dated as of May 5, 2003 is Exhibit A to that certain
Custodian Services Agreement dated as of May 5, 2003 between PFPC Trust Company
and ABN AMRO Funds.
PORTFOLIOS
ABN AMRO Montag & Xxxxxxxx Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Mid Cap Fund
ABN AMRO Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Montag & Xxxxxxxx Balanced Fund
ABN AMRO Balanced Fund
ABN AMRO Bond Fund
ABN AMRO Municipal Bond Fund
ABN AMRO Investor Money Market Fund
ABN AMRO Veredus Aggressive Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Veredus SciTech Fund
ABN AMRO Tamro Small Cap Fund
ABN AMRO Tamro Large Cap Value Fund
ABN AMRO Veredus Select Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Investment Grade Bond Fund
ABN AMRO Select Small Cap Fund
ABN AMRO Equity Plus Fund
28
REVISED EXHIBIT A
THIS EXHIBIT A, dated as of May 19, 2003, is revised Exhibit A to that
certain Custodian Services Agreement dated as of May 5, 2003, between PFPC Trust
Company and ABN AMRO Funds.
PORTFOLIOS
ABN AMRO Montag & Xxxxxxxx Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Mid Cap Fund
ABN AMRO Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Montag & Xxxxxxxx Balanced Fund
ABN AMRO Balanced Fund
ABN AMRO Bond Fund
ABN AMRO Municipal Bond Fund
ABN AMRO Investor Money Market Fund
ABN AMRO Veredus Aggressive Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Veredus SciTech Fund
ABN AMRO Tamro Small Cap Fund
ABN AMRO Tamro Large Cap Value Fund
ABN AMRO Veredus Select Growth Fund
ABN AMRO Investment Grade Bond Fund
ABN AMRO Select Small Cap Fund
ABN AMRO Equity Plus Fund
ABN AMRO Treasury Money Market Fund
ABN AMRO Government Money Market Fund
ABN AMRO Money Market Fund
ABN AMRO Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
ABN AMRO Value Fund
ABN AMRO International Equity Fund
ABN AMRO Real Estate Fund
ABN AMRO Institutional Prime Money Market
ABN AMRO High Yield Bond Fund
ABN AMRO Global Emerging Markets Fund
PFPC TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
---------------------------------
Title: Chairman
------------------------------
ABN AMRO FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
---------------------------------
Title: C.O.O.
------------------------------
