NAME OF REGISTRANT Franklin Growth and Income Fund File No. 811-334 EXHIBIT ITEM No. 77q(g): Exhibit to accompany Exhibit No. 77M. AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Plan"), is made as of this 1st day...
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NAME OF REGISTRANT
Franklin Growth and Income Fund
File No. 811-334
EXHIBIT ITEM No. 77q(g): Exhibit to accompany Exhibit No. 77M.
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Plan"), is
made as of this 1st day of December, 2000, by and between
Franklin Asset Allocation Fund ("Asset Allocation Fund"), a
business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware in
1996, and Franklin Growth and Income Fund ("Growth and Income
Fund") a business trust created under the laws of the State of
Delaware in 2000, each with its principal place of business at
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000.
PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
The reorganization (hereinafter referred to as the "Plan of
Reorganization") will consist of (i) the acquisition by Growth
and Income Fund, of substantially all of the property, assets and
goodwill of Asset Allocation Fund in exchange solely for full and
fractional shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per
share, of Growth and Income Fund - Class A ("Growth and Income
Fund Class A Shares") and full and fractional shares of
beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of Growth and
Income Fund - Class C ("Growth and Income Fund Class C Shares")
(collectively, " Growth and Income Fund Shares"); (ii) the
distribution of (a) Growth and Income Fund Class A Shares to the
shareholders of Asset Allocation Fund - Class A shares ("Asset
Allocation Fund Class A Shares") and (b) Growth and Income Fund
Class C Shares to the shareholders of Asset Allocation Fund -
Class C shares ("Asset Allocation Fund Class C Shares"),
according to their respective interests; and (iii) the
dissolution of Asset Allocation Fund as soon as practicable after
the closing (as defined in Section 3, hereinafter called the
"Closing"), all upon and subject to the terms and conditions of
this Plan hereinafter set forth.
AGREEMENT
In order to consummate the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization and in consideration of the premises and of the
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and intending to
be legally bound, the parties hereto covenant and agree as
follows:
1. Sale and Transfer of Assets, Liquidation and Dissolution of
Asset Allocation Fund.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, and
in reliance on the representations and warranties of Growth and
Income Fund herein contained, and in consideration of the
delivery by Growth and Income Fund of the number of Growth and
Income Fund Class A Shares and Growth and Income Fund Class C
Shares hereinafter provided, Asset Allocation Fund agrees that it
will convey, transfer and deliver to Growth and Income Fund at
the Closing all of Asset Allocation Fund's then existing assets,
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, and claims whatsoever
(other than shareholders' rights of redemption), except for cash,
bank deposits, or cash equivalent securities in an estimated
amount necessary to: (i) pay the costs and expenses of carrying
out this Plan (including, but not limited to, fees of counsel and
accountants, and expenses of its liquidation and dissolution
contemplated hereunder), which costs and expenses shall be
established on Asset Allocation Fund's books as liability
reserves; (ii) discharge its unpaid liabilities on its books at
the closing date (as defined in Section 3, hereinafter called the
"Closing Date"), including, but not limited to, its income
dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, payable for
the period prior to, and through, the Closing Date and excluding
those liabilities that would otherwise be discharged at a later
date in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) pay such
contingent liabilities as its Board of Trustees shall reasonably
deem to exist against Asset Allocation Fund, if any, at the
Closing Date, for which contingent and other appropriate
liability reserves shall be established on Asset Allocation
Fund's books (hereinafter "Net Assets"). Asset Allocation Fund
shall also retain any and all rights that it may have over and
against any person that may have accrued up to and including the
close of business on the Closing Date.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, and in
reliance on the representations and warranties of Asset
Allocation Fund herein contained, and in consideration of such
sale, conveyance, transfer, and delivery, Growth and Income Fund
agrees at the Closing to deliver to Asset Allocation Fund: (i)
the number of Growth and Income Fund Class A Shares, determined
by dividing the net asset value per share of the Asset Allocation
Fund Class A Shares by the net asset value per share of Growth
and Income Fund Class A Shares, and multiplying the result
thereof by the number of outstanding Asset Allocation Fund Class
A Shares, as of 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date; and
(ii) the number of Growth and Income Fund Class C Shares,
determined by dividing the net asset value per share of the Asset
Allocation Fund Class C Shares by the net asset value per share
of Growth and Income Fund Class C Shares, and multiplying the
result thereof by the number of outstanding Asset Allocation Fund
Class C Shares, as of 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date.
All such values shall be determined in the manner and as of the
time set forth in Section 2 hereof.
(c) Immediately following the Closing, the Asset Allocation
Fund shall dissolve and distribute pro rata to its shareholders
of record as of the close of business on the Closing Date, Growth
and Income Fund Shares received by Asset Allocation Fund pursuant
to this Section 1. Such liquidation and distribution shall be
accomplished by the establishment of accounts on the share
records of Asset Allocation Fund of the type and in the amounts
due such shareholders based on their respective holdings as of
the close of business on the Closing Date. Fractional Growth and
Income Fund Shares shall be carried to the third decimal place.
As promptly as practicable after the Closing, each holder of any
outstanding certificate or certificates representing shares of
beneficial interest of Asset Allocation Fund shall be entitled to
surrender the same to the transfer agent for Growth and Income
Fund in exchange for the number of Growth and Income Fund Shares
into which the Asset Allocation Fund Shares theretofore
represented by the certificate or certificates so surrendered
shall have been converted. Certificates for Growth and Income
Fund Shares shall not be issued, unless specifically requested by
the shareholders. Until so surrendered, each outstanding
certificate which, prior to the Closing, represented shares of
beneficial interest of Asset Allocation Fund shall be deemed for
all Growth and Income Fund's purposes to evidence ownership of
the number of Growth and Income Fund Shares into which the Asset
Allocation Fund Shares (which prior to the Closing were
represented thereby) have been converted.
2. Valuation.
(a) The value of Asset Allocation Fund's Net Assets to be
acquired by Growth and Income Fund, hereunder shall be computed
as of 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date using the
valuation procedures set forth in Asset Allocation Fund's
currently effective prospectus.
(b) The net asset value of a share of beneficial interest
of Asset Allocation Fund Shares shall be determined to the fourth
decimal place as of 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date
using the valuation procedures set forth in Asset Allocation
Fund's currently effective prospectus.
(c) The net asset value of a share of beneficial interest
of Growth and Income Fund Shares shall be determined to the
nearest full cent as of 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing
Date using the valuation procedures set forth in Growth and
Income Fund's currently effective prospectus.
3. Closing and Closing Date.
The Closing Date shall be February 8, 2001, or such later date
as the parties may mutually agree. The Closing shall take place
at the principal office of the Funds at 2:00 p.m., Pacific time,
on the Closing Date. Asset Allocation Fund shall have provided
for delivery as of the Closing of those Net Assets of Asset
Allocation Fund to be transferred to the account of Growth and
Income Fund's Custodian, Bank of New York, Mutual Funds Division,
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000. Also, Asset
Allocation Fund shall deliver at the Closing a list of names and
addresses of the shareholders of record of its Asset Allocation
Fund Class A Shares and Asset Allocation Fund Class C Shares and
the number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest
of such classes owned by each such shareholder, indicating
thereon which such shares are represented by outstanding
certificates and which by book-entry accounts, all as of
1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date, certified by its
transfer agent or by its President to the best of its or his
knowledge and belief. Growth and Income Fund shall issue and
deliver a certificate or certificates evidencing the shares of
beneficial interest of Growth and Income Fund to be delivered to
the account of Asset Allocation Fund at said transfer agent
registered in such manner as the officers of Asset Allocation
Fund may request, or provide evidence satisfactory to Asset
Allocation Fund that such Growth and Income Fund Shares have been
registered in an account on the books of Growth and Income Fund
in such manner as Asset Allocation Fund may request.
4. Representations and Warranties by Growth and Income Fund.
Growth and Income Fund represents and warrants to Asset
Allocation Fund that:
(a) Growth and Income Fund is a business trust created
under the laws of the State of Delaware on March 21, 2000, and is
validly existing under the laws of that State. Growth and Income
Fund is duly registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a diversified open-end,
management investment company and all Growth and Income Fund
Shares sold were sold pursuant to an effective registration
statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), except for those shares sold pursuant to the private
offering exemption for the purpose of raising the required
initial capital.
(b) Growth and Income Fund is authorized to issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of Growth and
Income Fund Shares, par value $0.01 per share, each outstanding
share of which is fully paid, non-assessable, freely transferable
and has full voting rights. Growth and Income Fund is further
divided into four classes of shares of which Growth and Income
Fund Class A Shares and Growth and Income Fund Class C Shares are
two, and an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest,
par value $0.01 per share, have been allocated and designated to
each Class of Growth and Income Fund.
(c) The financial statements appearing in the Growth and
Income Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2000, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP,
copies of which have been delivered to Asset Allocation Fund,
fairly present the financial position of Growth and Income Fund
as of such date and the results of its operations for the period
indicated in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles applied on a consistent basis.
(d) The books and records of Growth and Income Fund
accurately summarize the accounting data represented and contain
no material omissions with respect to the business and operations
of Growth and Income Fund.
(e) Growth and Income Fund has the necessary power and
authority to conduct its business as such business is now being
conducted.
(f) Growth and Income Fund is not a party to or obligated
under any provision of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or
By-laws ("By-laws"), or any contract or any other commitment or
obligation, and is not subject to any order or decree that would
be violated by its execution of or performance under this Plan.
(g) Growth and Income Fund has elected to be treated as a
regulated investment company ("RIC") for federal income tax
purposes under Part I of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and Growth and Income Fund
has qualified as a RIC for each taxable year since its inception,
and will qualify as a RIC as of the Closing Date.
(h) Growth and Income Fund is not under jurisdiction of a
Court in a Title 11 or similar case within the meaning of Section
368(a)(3)(A) of the Code.
(i) Growth and Income Fund does not have any unamortized or
unpaid organizational fees or expenses.
5. Representations and Warranties by Asset Allocation Fund.
Asset Allocation Fund represents and warrants to Growth and
Income Fund that:
(a) Asset Allocation Fund is a business trust created under
the laws of the State of Delaware on July 24, 1996, and is
validly existing under the laws of that state. Asset Allocation
Fund is duly registered under the 1940 Act as a diversified open-
end, management investment company and all Asset Allocation Fund
Shares sold were sold pursuant to an effective registration
statement filed under the 1933 Act, except for those shares sold
pursuant to the private offering exemption for the purpose of
raising the required initial capital.
(b) Asset Allocation Fund is authorized to issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of Asset
Allocation Fund, par value $0.01 per share, each outstanding
share of which is fully paid, non-assessable, freely
transferable, and has full voting rights. Asset Allocation Fund
is further divided into two classes of shares, Asset Allocation
Fund Class A Shares and Asset Allocation Fund Class C Shares, and
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, par value
$0.01 per share, have been allocated and designated to each Class
of Asset Allocation Fund.
(c) The financial statements appearing in the Asset
Allocation Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1999, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers,
LLP, and the Semiannual Report to Shareholders for the six month
period ended June 30, 2000, copies of which have been delivered
to Growth and Income Fund, fairly present the financial position
of Asset Allocation Fund as of such dates and the results of its
operations for the period indicated in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
(d) The books and records of Asset Allocation Fund
accurately summarize the accounting data represented and contain
no material omissions with respect to the business and operations
of Asset Allocation Fund.
(e) Asset Allocation Fund has the necessary power and
authority to conduct its business as such business is now being
conducted.
(f) Asset Allocation Fund is not a party to or obligated
under any provision of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or
By-laws, or any contract or any other commitment or obligation,
and is not subject to any order or decree, that would be violated
by its execution of or performance under this Plan.
(g) Asset Allocation Fund has elected to be treat as a RIC
for federal income tax purposes under Part I of Subchapter M of
the Code, and Asset Allocation Fund has qualified as a RIC for
each taxable year since its inception and will qualify as a RIC
as of the Closing Date.
(h) Asset Allocation Fund is not under jurisdiction of a
Court in a Title 11 or similar case within the meaning of Section
368(a)(3)(A) of the Code.
(i) Asset Allocation Fund does not have any unamortized or
unpaid organization fees or expenses.
6. Representations and Warranties by the Funds.
Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and Income Fund each
represents and warrants to the other that:
(a) The statement of assets and liabilities to be furnished
by it as of 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date for the
purpose of determining the number of Growth and Income Fund
Shares to be issued pursuant to Section 1 of this Plan, will
accurately reflect its Net Assets in the case of Asset Allocation
Fund and its net assets in the case of Growth and Income Fund,
and outstanding shares of beneficial interest, as of such date,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis.
(b) At the Closing, it will have good and marketable title
to all of the securities and other assets shown on the statement
of assets and liabilities referred to in "(a)" above, free and
clear of all liens or encumbrances of any nature whatsoever,
except such imperfections of title or encumbrances as do not
materially detract from the value or use of the assets subject
thereto, or materially affect title thereto.
(c) Except as disclosed in its currently effective
prospectuses, there is no material suit, judicial action, or
legal or administrative proceeding pending or threatened against
it.
(d) There are no known actual or proposed deficiency
assessments with respect to any taxes payable by it.
(e) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Plan
have been duly authorized by all necessary action of its Boards
of Trustees, and this Plan constitutes a valid and binding
obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(f) Each Fund anticipates that consummation of this Plan
will not cause it to fail to conform to the requirements of
Subchapter M of the Code for federal income taxation as a RIC at
the end of its fiscal year.
(g) It has the necessary power and authority to conduct its
business, as such business is now being conducted.
7. Covenants of Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and Income Fund.
(a) Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and Income Fund each
covenant to operate their respective businesses, as presently
conducted between the date hereof and the Closing.
(b) Asset Allocation Fund undertakes that it will not
acquire Growth and Income Fund Shares for the purpose of making
distributions thereof to anyone other than Asset Allocation
Fund's shareholders.
(c) Asset Allocation Fund undertakes that, if this Plan is
consummated, it will liquidate and dissolve Asset Allocation
Fund.
(d) Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and Income Fund each
agree that, by the Closing, all of the their Federal and other
tax returns and reports required by law to be filed on or before
such date shall have been filed, and all Federal and other taxes
shown as due on said returns shall have either been paid or
adequate liability reserves shall have been provided for the
payment of such taxes.
(e) At the Closing, Asset Allocation Fund will provide
Growth and Income Fund a copy of the shareholder ledger accounts,
certified by the Asset Allocation Fund's transfer agent or its
President to the best of its or his knowledge and belief, for all
the shareholders of record of Asset Allocation Fund Shares as of
1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date who are to become
shareholders of Growth and Income Fund as a result of the
transfer of assets that is the subject of this Plan.
(f) Asset Allocation Fund agrees to mail to each
shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting of its
shareholders at which action on this Plan is to be considered, in
sufficient time to comply with requirements as to notice thereof,
a combined Prospectus and Proxy Statement that complies in all
material respects with the applicable provisions of Section
14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
Section 20(a) of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations,
respectively, thereunder.
(g) Growth and Income Fund will file with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on
Form N-14 under the 1933 Act relating to Growth and Income Fund
Shares issuable hereunder ("Registration Statement"), and will
use its best efforts to provide that the Registration Statement
becomes effective as promptly as practicable. At the time it
becomes effective, the Registration Statement will (i) comply in
all material respects with the applicable provisions of the 1933
Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and
(ii) not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading. At the time the
Registration Statement becomes effective, at the time of Asset
Allocation Fund's shareholders' meeting, and at the Closing Date,
the prospectus and statement of additional information included
in the Registration Statement will not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
8. Conditions Precedent to be Fulfilled by Asset Allocation Fund
and Growth and Income Fund.
The consummation of this Plan hereunder shall be subject to
the following respective conditions:
(a) That: (i) all the representations and warranties of the
other party contained herein shall be true and correct as of the
Closing with the same effect as though made as of and at such
date; (ii) the other party shall have performed all obligations
required by this Plan to be performed by it prior to the Closing;
and (iii) the other party shall have delivered to such party a
certificate signed by the President and by the Secretary or
equivalent officer to the foregoing effect.
(b) That each party shall have delivered to the other party
a copy of the resolutions approving the Plan adopted and approved
by the appropriate action of the Board of Trustees certified by
its Secretary or equivalent officer of each of the Funds.
(c) That the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shall
not have issued an unfavorable management report under Section
25(b) of the 1940 Act or instituted or threatened to institute
any proceeding seeking to enjoin consummation of the Plan under
Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act. And, further, no other legal,
administrative or other proceeding shall have been instituted or
threatened that would materially affect the financial condition
of either party or would prohibit the transactions contemplated
hereby.
(d) That this Plan and the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization contemplated hereby shall have been adopted and
approved by the appropriate action of the shareholders of Asset
Allocation Fund at an annual or special meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
(e) That a distribution or distributions shall have been
declared for Asset Allocation Fund prior to the Closing Date
that, together with all previous distributions, shall have the
effect of distributing to its shareholders (i) all of its
ordinary income and all of its capital gain net income, if any,
for the period from the close of its last fiscal year to
1:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Closing Date; and (ii) any
undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income from
any period to the extent not otherwise declared for distribution.
Capital gain net income has the meaning given such term by
Section 1222(a) of the Code.
(f) That there shall be delivered to Asset Allocation Fund
and Growth and Income Fund an opinion from Messrs. Xxxxxxxx,
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx, LLP, counsel to Asset Allocation Fund and
Growth and Income Fund, to the effect that, provided the
acquisition contemplated hereby is carried out in accordance with
this Plan and based upon certificates of the officers of Asset
Allocation Fund and Growth and Income Fund with regard to matters
of fact:
(1) The acquisition by Growth and Income Fund of
substantially all the assets of Asset Allocation Fund as provided
for herein in exchange for Growth and Income Fund Shares followed
by the distribution by Asset Allocation Fund to its shareholders
of Growth and Income Fund Shares in complete liquidation will
qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1) of the Code, and Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and
Income Fund will each be a "party to the reorganization" within
the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(2) No gain or loss will be recognized by Asset Allocation
Fund upon the transfer of substantially all of its assets to
Growth and Income Fund in exchange solely for voting shares of
Growth and Income Fund (Code Sections 361(a) and 357(a)). No
opinion, however, will be expressed as to whether any accrued
market discount will be required to be recognized as ordinary
income pursuant to Section 1276 of the Code;
(3) No gain or loss will be recognized by Asset Allocation
Fund upon the distribution of Growth and Income Fund Shares to
its shareholders pursuant to the liquidation of Asset Allocation
Fund (in pursuance of the Plan) (Section 361(c)(1) of the Code);
(4) No gain or loss will be recognized by Growth and Income
Fund upon the receipt of substantially all of the assets of Asset
Allocation Fund in exchange solely for voting shares of Growth
and Income Fund (Section 1032(a) of the Code);
(5) The basis of the assets of Asset Allocation Fund
received by Growth and Income Fund will be the same as the basis
of such assets to Asset Allocation Fund immediately prior to the
exchange (Section 362(b) of the Code);
(6) The holding period of the assets of Asset Allocation
Fund received by Growth and Income Fund will include the period
during which such assets were held by Asset Allocation Fund
(Section 1223(2) of the Code);
(7) No gain or loss will be recognized to the shareholders
of Asset Allocation Fund Shares upon the exchange of their shares
in Asset Allocation Fund for voting shares of Growth and Income
Fund including fractional shares to which they may be entitled
(Section 354(a) of the Code);
(8) The basis of Growth and Income Fund Shares received by
Asset Allocation Fund Shares' shareholders including fractional
shares to which they may be entitled shall be the same as the
basis of the Asset Allocation Fund Shares exchanged therefor
(Section 358(a)(1) of the Code);
(9) The holding period of Growth and Income Fund Shares
received by shareholders of Asset Allocation Fund Shares
(including fractional shares to which they may be entitled) will
include the holding period of the Asset Allocation Fund Shares
surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the Asset
Allocation Fund Shares were held as a capital asset on the
effective date of the exchange (Section 1223(1) of the Code); and
(10) Growth and Income Fund will succeed to and take
into account as of the date of the transfer (as defined in
Section 1.381(b)-1(b) of the Income Tax Regulations) the items of
Asset Allocation Fund described in Section 381(c) of the Code,
subject to the conditions and limitations specified in Sections
381, 382, 383 and 384 of the Code and the Income Tax Regulations
thereunder.
(g) That there shall be delivered to Growth and Income Fund
an opinion in form and substance satisfactory to it from Messrs.
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx, LLP, counsel to Asset
Allocation Fund, to the effect that, subject in all respects to
the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, and other laws now or
hereafter affecting generally the enforcement of creditors'
rights:
(1) Asset Allocation Fund is a business trust organized
under the laws of the State of Delaware on July 24, 1996, and is
a validly existing business trust and in good standing under the
laws of that state;
(2) Asset Allocation Fund is authorized to issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, par value
$0.01 per share. Two classes of shares of Asset Allocation Fund
have been designated as the Asset Allocation Fund Class A Shares
and Asset Allocation Fund Class C Shares, and an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust has been allocated
to each Class of Asset Allocation Fund. Assuming that the initial
shares of beneficial interest of Asset Allocation Fund were
issued in accordance with the 1940 Act and the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust and By-laws of Asset Allocation Fund, and
that all other outstanding shares of Asset Allocation Fund were
sold, issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of Asset
Allocation Fund's prospectus in effect at the time of such sales,
each such outstanding share is fully paid, non-assessable, freely
transferable and has full voting rights;
(3) Asset Allocation Fund is a diversified open-end
investment company of the management type registered as such
under the 1940 Act;
(4) Except as disclosed in Asset Allocation Fund's
currently effective prospectus, such counsel does not know of any
material suit, action, or legal or administrative proceeding
pending or threatened against Asset Allocation Fund, the
unfavorable outcome of which would materially and adversely
affect Asset Allocation Fund;
(5) All actions required to be taken by Asset Allocation
Fund to authorize this Plan and to effect the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization contemplated hereby have been duly authorized
by all necessary action on the part of Asset Allocation Fund; and
(6) Neither the execution, delivery, nor performance of
this Plan by Asset Allocation Fund violates any provision of its
Agreement and Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or the provisions
of any agreement or other instrument known to such counsel to
which Asset Allocation Fund is a party or by which Asset
Allocation Fund is otherwise bound; this Plan is the legal, valid
and binding obligation of Asset Allocation Fund and is
enforceable against Asset Allocation Fund in accordance with its
terms.
In giving the opinions set forth above, this counsel may
state that it is relying on certificates of the officers of Asset
Allocation Fund with regard to matters of fact, and certain
certifications and written statements of governmental officials
with respect to the good standing of Asset Allocation Fund.
(h) That there shall be delivered to Asset Allocation Fund
an opinion in form and substance satisfactory to it from Messrs.
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx, LLP, counsel to Growth and
Income Fund, to the effect that, subject in all respects to the
effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
fraudulent conveyance and other laws now or hereafter affecting
generally the enforcement of creditors' rights:
(1) Growth and Income Fund is a business trust organized
under the laws of the State of Delaware on March 21, 2000 and is
a validly existing business trust and in good standing under the
laws of that state;
(2) Growth and Income Fund is authorized to issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, par value
$0.01 per share. Growth and Income Fund is further divided into
four classes of shares of which Growth and Income Fund Class A
Shares and Growth and Income Fund Class C Shares are two, and an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, par value
$0.01 per share, have been allocated and designated to each of
those Classes of Growth and Income Fund. Assuming that the
initial shares of beneficial interest of Growth and Income Fund
were issued in accordance with the 1940 Act, and the Agreement
and Declaration of Trust and By-laws of the Trust, and that all
other outstanding shares of Growth and Income Fund were sold,
issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of Growth and
Income Fund's prospectus in effect at the time of such sales,
each such outstanding share of Growth and Income Fund is fully
paid, non-assessable, freely transferable and has full voting
rights;
(3) Growth and Income Fund is a diversified open-end
investment company of the management type registered as such
under the 1940 Act;
(4) Except as disclosed in Growth and Income Fund's
currently effective prospectus, such counsel does not know of any
material suit, action, or legal or administrative proceeding
pending or threatened against Growth and Income Fund, the
unfavorable outcome of which would materially and adversely
affect Growth and Income Fund;
(5) Growth and Income Fund Shares to be issued pursuant to
the terms of this Plan have been duly authorized and, when issued
and delivered as provided in this Plan, will have been validly
issued and fully paid and will be non-assessable by Growth and
Income Fund;
(6) All actions required to be taken by Growth and Income
Fund to authorize this Plan and to effect the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization contemplated hereby have been duly authorized
by all necessary action on the part of Growth and Income Fund;
(7) Neither the execution, delivery, nor performance of
this Plan by Growth and Income Fund violates any provision of its
Agreement and Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or the provisions
of any agreement or other instrument known to such counsel to
which Growth and Income Fund is a party or by which Growth and
Income Fund is otherwise bound; this Plan is the legal, valid and
binding obligation of Growth and Income Fund and is enforceable
against Growth and Income Fund in accordance with its terms; and
(8) The registration statement of Growth and Income Fund,
of which the prospectus dated November 1, 2000 is a part (the
"Prospectus") is, at the time of the signing of this Plan,
effective under the 1933 Act, and, to the best knowledge of such
counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such
registration statement has been issued, and no proceedings for
such purpose have been instituted or are pending before or
threatened by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under
the 1933 Act, and nothing has come to counsel's attention that
causes it to believe that, at the time the Prospectus became
effective, or at the time of the signing of this Plan, or at the
Closing, such Prospectus (except for the financial statements and
other financial and statistical data included therein, as to
which counsel need not express an opinion), contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading; and such counsel knows of no legal or
government proceedings required to be described in the
Prospectus, or of any contract or document of a character
required to be described in the Prospectus that is not described
as required.
In giving the opinions set forth above, this counsel may
state that it is relying on certificates of the officers of
Growth and Income Fund with regard to matters of fact, and
certain certifications and written statements of governmental
officials with respect to the good standing of Growth and Income
Fund.
(i) That Asset Allocation Fund shall have received a
certificate from the President and Secretary of Growth and Income
Fund to the effect that the statements contained in the
Prospectus, at the time the Prospectus became effective, at the
date of the signing of this Plan, and at the Closing, did not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading
(j) That Growth and Income Fund's Registration Statement to
be delivered to Asset Allocation Fund's shareholders in
accordance with this Plan shall have become effective, and no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, shall have been
issued prior to the Closing Date or shall be in effect at
Closing, and no proceedings for the issuance of such an order
shall be pending or threatened on that date.
(k) That Growth and Income Fund Shares to be delivered
hereunder shall be eligible for sale with each state commission
or agency with which such eligibility is required in order to
permit Growth and Income Fund Shares lawfully to be delivered to
each holder of Asset Allocation Fund Shares.
(l) That, at the Closing, there shall be transferred to
Growth and Income Fund, aggregate Net Assets of Asset Allocation
Fund comprising at least 90% in fair market value of the total
net assets and 70% of the fair market value of the total gross
assets recorded on the books of Asset Allocation Fund on the
Closing Date.
9. Brokerage Fees and Expenses.
(a) Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and Income Fund each
represents and warrants to the other that there are no broker or
finders' fees payable by it in connection with the transactions
provided for herein.
(b) The expenses of entering into and carrying out the
provisions of this Plan shall be borne one-quarter by Growth and
Income Fund, one-quarter by Asset Allocation Fund, and one-half
by Xxxxxxxx Advisers, Inc.
10. Termination; Postponement; Waiver; Order.
(a) Anything contained in this Plan to the contrary
notwithstanding, this Plan may be terminated and the Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization abandoned at any time (whether before
or after approval thereof by the shareholders of Asset Allocation
Fund) prior to the Closing, or the Closing may be postponed as
follows:
(1) by mutual consent of Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and
Income Fund;
(2) by Growth and Income Fund if any condition of its
obligations set forth in Section 8 has not been fulfilled or
waived; or
(3) by Asset Allocation Fund if any conditions of its
obligations set forth in Section 8 has not been fulfilled or
waived.
An election by Growth and Income Fund or Asset
Allocation Fund to terminate this Plan and to abandon the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization shall be exercised
respectively, by the Board of Trustees of either Growth and
Income Fund or Asset Allocation Fund.
(b) If the transactions contemplated by this Plan have not
been consummated by June 30, 2001, the Plan shall automatically
terminate on that date, unless a later date is agreed to by both
Growth and Income Fund and Asset Allocation Fund.
(c) In the event of termination of this Plan pursuant to
the provisions hereof, the same shall become void and have no
further effect, and neither Asset Allocation Fund nor Growth and
Income Fund, nor their trustees, officers, or agents or the
shareholders of Asset Allocation Fund or Growth and Income Fund
shall have any liability in respect of this Plan.
(d) At any time prior to the Closing, any of the terms or
conditions of this Plan may be waived by the party who is
entitled to the benefit thereof by action taken by that party's
Board of Trustees if, in the judgment of such Board of Trustees,
such action or waiver will not have a material adverse effect on
the benefits intended under this Plan to its shareholders, on
behalf of whom such action is taken.
(e) The respective representations and warranties contained
in Sections 4 to 6 hereof shall expire with and be terminated by
the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, and neither Asset
Allocation Fund nor Growth and Income Fund, nor any of their
officers, trustees, agents or shareholders shall have any
liability with respect to such representations or warranties
after the Closing. This provision shall not protect any officer,
trustee, agent or shareholder of Growth and Income Fund or Asset
Allocation Fund against any liability to the entity for which
that officer, trustee, agent or shareholder so acts or to its
shareholders to which that officer, trustee, agent or shareholder
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties in
the conduct of such office.
(f) If any order or orders of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission with respect to this Plan shall be issued
prior to the Closing and shall impose any terms or conditions
that are determined by action of the Board of Trustees of Asset
Allocation Fund or Growth and Income Fund to be acceptable, such
terms and conditions shall be binding as if a part of this Plan
without further vote or approval of the shareholders of Asset
Allocation Fund, unless such terms and conditions shall result in
a change in the method of computing the number of Growth and
Income Fund Shares to be issued to Asset Allocation Fund in which
event, unless such terms and conditions shall have been included
in the proxy solicitation material furnished to the shareholders
of Asset Allocation Fund prior to the meeting at which the
transactions contemplated by this Plan shall have been approved,
this Plan shall not be consummated and shall terminate unless
Asset Allocation Fund shall promptly call a special meeting of
the shareholders at which such conditions so imposed shall be
submitted for approval.
11. Entire Agreement and Amendments.
This Plan embodies the entire agreement between the parties
and there are no agreements, understandings, restrictions, or
warranties relating to the transactions contemplated by this Plan
other than those set forth herein or herein provided for. This
Plan may be amended only by mutual consent of the parties in
writing. Neither this Plan nor any interest herein may be
assigned without the prior written consent of the other party.
12. Counterparts.
This Plan may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts together shall constitute but one instrument.
13. Notices.
Any notice, report, or demand required or permitted by any
provision of this Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been given if delivered or mailed, first class postage
prepaid, addressed to Asset Allocation Fund, at 777 Mariners
Island Boulevard, San Mateo, California 94404, Attention:
Secretary, or Growth and Income Fund, at 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Boulevard, San Mateo, California 94404, Attention: Secretary, as
the case may be.
14. Governing Law.
This Plan shall be governed by and carried out in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Asset Allocation Fund and Growth and Income
Fund have each caused this Plan to be executed on its behalf by
its duly authorized officers, all as of the date and year first-
above written.
FRANKLIN GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
Attest:
_/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx________ By:_/s/ Xxxxx
X.Goss_________________
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Xxxxx X. Xxxx
Secretary Vice President
FRANKLIN ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
Attest:
_/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx_________ By:_/s/ Xxxxx
X.Goss___________
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Xxxxx X. Xxxx
Secretary Vice President