Exhibit No. 8(a)
TRANSFER AGENCY AND RELATED SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of August 1, 1997 by and between PFPC INC., a
Delaware corporation ("PFPC"), and XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX SERIES TRUST, a
Massachusetts 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 to serve as transfer agent,
registrar, dividend disbursing agent and related services agent to the Fund's
Portfolios (as hereinafter defined) and PFPC wishes to furnish such services.
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 duly authorized by the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees ("Board") to
give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions on behalf of the Fund and listed
on the Authorized Persons Appendix attached hereto and made a part hereof or any
amendment thereto as may be received by PFPC. An Authorized Person's scope of
authority may be limited by the Fund by setting forth such limitation in the
Authorized Persons Appendix.
(d) "CEA" means the Commodities Exchange Act, as amended.
(e) "ORAL INSTRUCTIONS" mean oral instructions received by PFPC from
an Authorized Person.
(f) "PORTFOLIO" means a series or investment portfolio of the Fund
identified on Annex A hereto, as the same may from time to time be amended, if
the Fund consists of more than one series or investment portfolio; however, if
the Fund does not have separate series or investment portfolios, then this term
shall be deemed to refer to the Fund itself.
(g) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(h) "SECURITIES LAWS" mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act
and the CEA.
(i) "SHARES" mean the shares of common stock or beneficial interest
of any series or class of the Fund.
(j) "WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS" mean written instructions signed by an
Authorized Person and received by PFPC. The instructions may be delivered by
hand, mail, tested telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device.
2. APPOINTMENT. The Fund hereby appoints PFPC to serve as transfer agent,
registrar, dividend disbursing agent and related services agent to the Fund, and
should the Fund have separate Portfolios, those Portfolios which are listed on
Annex A hereto, in accordance with the terms set forth in this Agreement. PFPC
accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such services.
3. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Fund (or a particular Portfolio, as
appropriate) has provided or, where applicable, will provide PFPC with the
following:
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(a) Certified or authenticated copies of the resolutions of the Fund's
Board approving the appointment of PFPC to provide services to the
Fund and approving this Agreement;
(b) A copy of each executed broker-dealer agreement with respect to each
Fund; and
(c) Copies (certified or authenticated if requested by PFPC) of any
post-effective amendment to the Fund's registration statement,
advisory agreement, distribution agreement, shareholder servicing
agreement and all amendments or supplements to the foregoing upon
request.
4. COMPLIANCE WITH RULES AND REGULATIONS. PFPC undertakes to comply with
all applicable requirements of the Securities Laws and any laws, rules and
regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction with respect to the
duties to be performed by PFPC hereunder. Except as specifically set forth
herein, PFPC assumes no responsibility for such compliance by the Fund or any of
its Portfolios.
5. INSTRUCTIONS.
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(a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, PFPC shall act only upon
Oral Instructions and Written Instructions.
(b) PFPC shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions and Written
Instructions it receives from an Authorized Person pursuant to this Agreement.
PFPC may assume that any Oral Instruction or Written Instruction received
hereunder is not in any way inconsistent with the provisions of organizational
documents or of any vote, resolution or proceeding of the Fund's Board or of the
Fund's shareholders, unless and until PFPC receives Written Instructions to the
contrary.
(c ) The Fund agrees to forward to PFPC Written Instructions confirming
Oral Instructions so that PFPC receives the Written Instructions by the close of
business on the next day after such Oral Instructions are received. The fact
that such confirming Written Instructions are not received by PFPC shall in no
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way invalidate the transactions or enforceability of the transactions authorized
by the Oral Instructions. Where Oral Instructions or Written Instructions
reasonably appear to have been received from an Authorized Person, PFPC shall
incur no liability to the Fund in acting upon such Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions provided that PFPC's actions comply with the other provisions of
this Agreement.
6. RIGHT TO RECEIVE ADVICE.
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(a) ADVICE OF THE FUND. If PFPC is in doubt as to any action it should or
should not take, PFPC may request directions or advice, including Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions, from the Fund.
(b) ADVICE OF COUNSEL. If PFPC shall be in doubt as to any question of law
pertaining to any action it should or should not take, PFPC may request advice
at its own cost from such counsel of its own choosing (who may be counsel for
the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser or PFPC, at the option of PFPC).
(c ) CONFLICTING ADVICE. In the event of a conflict between directions,
advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions PFPC receives from the Fund,
and the advice it receives from counsel, PFPC may rely upon and follow the
advice of counsel. In the event PFPC so relies on the advice of counsel, PFPC
remains liable for any action or omission on the part of PFPC which constitutes
willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard by PFPC of any
duties, obligations or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement.
(d) PROTECTION OF PFPC. PFPC shall be protected in any action it takes or
does not take in reliance upon directions, advice or Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions it receives from the Fund or from counsel and which PFPC
believes, in good faith, to be consistent with those directions, advice or Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions. Nothing in this section shall be construed
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so as to impose an obligation upon PFPC (i) to seek such directions, advice or
Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, or (ii) to act in accordance with
such directions, advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions unless,
under the terms of other provisions of this Agreement, the same is a condition
of PFPC's properly taking or not taking such action. Nothing in this subsection
shall excuse PFPC when an action or omission on the part of PFPC constitutes
willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard by PFPC of any
duties, obligations or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement.
7. RECORDS; VISITS. PFPC shall prepare and maintain in complete and
accurate form all books and records necessary for it to serve as transfer agent,
registrar, dividend disbursing agent and related services agent to each
Portfolio, including (a) all those records required to be prepared and
maintained by the Fund under the 1940 Act, by other applicable Securities Laws,
rules and regulations and by state laws and (b) such books and records as are
necessary for PFPC to perform all of the services it agrees to provide in this
Agreement and the appendices attached hereto, including but not limited to the
books and records necessary to effect the conversion of Class B shares, the
calculation of any contingent deferred sales charges and the calculation of
front-end sales charges. The books and records pertaining to the Fund, which are
in the possession or under the control of PFPC, shall be the property of the
Fund. The Fund and Authorized Persons shall have access to such books and
records in the possession or under the control of PFPC at all times during
PFPC's normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, copies of
any such books and records in the possession or under the control of PFPC shall
be provided by PFPC to the Fund or to an Authorized Person. Upon reasonable
notice by the Fund, PFPC shall make available during regular business hours its
facilities and premises employed in connection with its performance of this
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Agreement for reasonable visits by the Fund, any agent or person designated by
the Fund or any regulatory agency having authority over the Fund.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY. PFPC agrees to keep confidential all records of the
Fund and information relating to the Fund and its shareholders (past, present
and future), its investment adviser and its principal underwriter, unless the
release of such records or information is otherwise consented to, in writing, by
the Fund prior to its release. The Fund agrees that such consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where PFPC may be exposed to civil
or criminal contempt proceedings or when required to divulge such information or
records to duly constituted authorities.
9. COOPERATION WITH ACCOUNTANTS. PFPC shall cooperate with the Fund's
independent public accountants and shall take all reasonable actions in the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement to ensure that the necessary
information is made available to such accountants for the expression of their
opinion, as required by the Fund.
10. DISASTER RECOVERY. PFPC shall enter into and shall maintain in effect
with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable provisions for
periodic backup of computer files and data with respect to the Fund and
emergency use of electronic data processing equipment. In the event of equipment
failures, PFPC shall, at no additional expense to the Fund, take reasonable
steps to minimize service interruptions. PFPC 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's own willful
misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties or
obligations under this Agreement and provided further that PFPC has complied
with the provisions of this paragraph 10.
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11. COMPENSATION. As compensation for services rendered by PFPC during the
term of this Agreement, the Fund will pay to PFPC a fee or fees as may be agreed
to from time to time in writing by the Fund and PFPC.
12. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless PFPC and its affiliates
from all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, penalties, claims and
liabilities (including, without limitation, liabilities arising under the
Securities Laws and any state and foreign securities and blue sky laws, and
amendments thereto), and expenses, including (without limitation) reasonable
attorneys' fees and disbursements, arising directly or indirectly from (i) any
action or omission to act which PFPC takes (a) at the request or on the
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Fund or (b) upon Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions or (ii) the acceptance, processing and/or
negotiation of checks or other methods utilized for the purchase of Shares.
Neither PFPC, nor any of its affiliates, shall be indemnified against any
liability (or any expenses incident to such liability) arising out of PFPC's or
its affiliates' own willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless
disregard of its duties and obligations under this Agreement. The Fund's
liability to PFPC for PFPC's acceptance, processing and/or negotiation of checks
or other methods utilized for the purchase of Shares shall be limited to the
extent of the Fund's policy(ies) of insurance that provide for coverage of such
liability, and the Fund's insurance coverage shall take precedence.
(b) PFPC agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund from all taxes,
charges, expenses, assessments, penalties, claims and liabilities arising from
PFPC's obligations pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation,
liabilities arising under the Securities Laws, and any state and foreign
securities and blue sky laws, and amendments thereto) and expenses, including
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(without limitation) reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements arising
directly or indirectly out of PFPC's or its nominee's own willful misfeasance,
bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under
this Agreement.
(c) In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this
Paragraph 12 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party
may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall
promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other
party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party
who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the
party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim. The party seeking
indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any
case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the
other party's prior written consent.
(d) The members of the Board of the Fund, its officers and Shareholders,
or of any Portfolio thereof, shall not be liable for any obligations of the
Fund, or any such Portfolio, under this Agreement, and PFPC agrees that in
asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement, it shall look only to the
assets and property of the Fund or the particular Portfolio in settlement of
such rights or claims and not to such members of the Board, its officers or
Shareholders. PFPC further agrees that it will look only to the assets and
property of a particular Portfolio of the Fund, should the Fund have established
separate series, in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement with
respect to services rendered with respect to that Portfolio and will not seek to
obtain settlement of such rights or claims from the assets of any other
Portfolio of the Fund.
13. INSURANCE. PFPC shall maintain insurance of the types and in the
amounts deemed by it to be appropriate. To the extent that policies of insurance
may provide for coverage of claims for liability or indemnity by the parties set
forth in this Agreement, the contracts of insurance shall take precedence, and
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no provision of this Agreement shall be construed to relieve an insurer of any
obligation to pay claims to the Fund, PFPC or other insured party which would
otherwise be a covered claim in the absence of any provision of this Agreement.
14. SECURITY.
(a) PFPC represents and warrants that, to the best of its knowledge, the
various procedures and systems which PFPC has implemented with regard to the
safeguarding from loss or damage attributable to fire, theft or any other cause
(including provision for twenty-four hours a day restricted access) of the
Fund's blank checks, certificates, records and other data and PFPC's equipment,
facilities and other property used in the performance of its obligations
hereunder are adequate, and that it will make such changes therein from time to
time as in its judgment are required for the secure performance of its
obligations hereunder. PFPC shall review such systems and procedures on a
periodic basis, and the Fund shall have reasonable access to review these
systems and procedures.
(b) Y2K Compliance. PFPC further represents and warrants that any and all
electronic data processing systems and programs that it uses or retains in
connection with the provision of services hereunder on or before January 1, 1999
will be year 2000 compliant.
15. RESPONSIBILITY OF PFPC.
(a) PFPC shall be under no duty to take any action on behalf of the Fund
except as specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by
PFPC in writing. PFPC shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the
performance of its duties hereunder, to act in good faith and to use its best
efforts in performing services provided for under this Agreement. PFPC shall be
liable for any damages arising out of PFPC's failure to perform its duties under
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this Agreement to the extent such damages arise out of PFPC's willful
misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of such duties.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of any other
provision of this Agreement, PFPC shall not be under any duty or obligation to
inquire into and shall not be liable for (A) the validity or invalidity or
authority or lack thereof of any Oral Instruction or Written Instruction, notice
or other instrument which conforms to the applicable requirements of this
Agreement, and which PFPC reasonably believes to be genuine; or (B) subject to
Section 10, delays or errors or loss of data occurring by reason of
circumstances beyond PFPC's control, including acts of civil or military
authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, flood, catastrophe,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails, transportation,
communication or power supply.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither
PFPC nor its affiliates shall be liable to the Fund for any consequential,
special or indirect losses or damages which the Fund may incur or suffer by or
as a consequence of PFPC's or its affiliates' performance of the services
provided hereunder, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was
known by PFPC or its affiliates.
(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund
shall not be liable to PFPC nor its affiliates for any consequential, special or
indirect losses or damages which PFPC or its affiliates may incur or suffer by
or as a consequence of PFPC's performance of the services provided hereunder,
whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was known by the Fund.
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16. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.
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(a) SERVICES PROVIDED ON AN ONGOING BASIS, IF APPLICABLE.
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(i) Calculate 12b-1 payments to financial intermediaries,
including brokers, and financial intermediary trail
commissions;
(ii) Develop, monitor and maintain, in consultation with the Fund,
all systems necessary to implement and operate the four-tier
distribution system, including Class B conversion feature, as
described in the registration statement and related documents
of the Fund, as they may be amended from time to time;
(iii) Calculate contingent deferred sales charge amounts upon
redemption of Fund shares and deduct such amounts from
redemption proceeds;
(iv) Calculate front-end sales load amounts at time of purchase of
shares;
(v) Determine dates of Class B conversion and effect the same;
(vi) Establish and maintain proper shareholder registrations;
(vii) Review new applications and correspond with shareholders to
complete or correct information;
(viii) Direct payment processing of checks or wires;
(ix) Prepare and certify stockholder lists in conjunction with
proxy solicitations;
(x) Prepare and mail to shareholders confirmation of activity;
(xi) Provide toll-free lines for direct shareholder use, plus
customer liaison staff for on-line inquiry response;
(xii) Send duplicate confirmations to broker-dealers of their
clients' activity, whether executed through the broker-dealer
or directly with PFPC;
(xiii) Provide periodic shareholder lists, outstanding share
calculations and related statistics to the Fund;
(xiv) Provide detailed data for underwriter/broker confirmations;
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(xv) Prepare and mail required calendar and taxable year-end tax
and statement information (including forms 1099-DIV and 1099-B
and accompanying statements);
(xvi) Notify on a daily basis the investment adviser, accounting
agent, and custodian of fund activity;
(xvii)Perform, itself or through a delegate, all of the services,
whether or not included within the scope of another paragraph
of this Paragraph 16(a), specified on Annex B hereto; and
(xviii)Perform other participating broker-dealer shareholder
services as may be agreed upon from time to time.
(b) SERVICES PROVIDED BY PFPC UNDER ORAL INSTRUCTIONS OR WRITTEN
INSTRUCTIONS.
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(i) Accept and post daily Fund and class purchases and redemptions;
(ii) Accept, post and perform shareholder transfers and exchanges;
(iii) Pay dividends and other distributions;
(iv) Solicit and tabulate proxies; and
(v) Cancel certificates.
(c) PURCHASE OF SHARES. PFPC shall issue and credit an account of an
investor, in the manner described in the Fund's prospectus, once it receives:
(i) A purchase order;
(ii) Proper information to establish a shareholder account; and
(iii) Confirmation of receipt or crediting of funds for such order
to the Fund's custodian.
(d) REDEMPTION OF SHARES. PFPC shall redeem Shares only if that function
is properly authorized by the Fund's organizational documents or resolutions of
the Fund's Board. Shares shall be redeemed and payment therefor shall be made in
accordance with the Fund's or Portfolio's prospectus.
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(i) BROKER-DEALER ACCOUNTS.
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When a broker-dealer notifies PFPC of a redemption desired by
a customer, and the Fund's or Portfolio's custodian (the
"Custodian") has provided PFPC with funds, PFPC shall (a)
transfer by Fedwire or other agreed upon electronic means such
redemption payment to the broker-dealer for the credit to, and
for the benefit of, the customer's account or (b) shall
prepare and send a redemption check to the broker-dealer, made
payable to the broker-dealer on behalf of its customer.
(ii) FUND-ONLY ACCOUNTS.
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If Shares (or appropriate instructions) are received in proper
form, at the Fund's request Shares may be redeemed before the
funds are provided to PFPC from the Custodian. If the
recordholder has not directed that redemption proceeds be
wired, when the Custodian provides PFPC with funds, the
redemption check shall be sent to and made payable to the
recordholder, unless:
(a) the surrendered certificate is drawn to the order of an
assignee or holder and transfer authorization is signed
by the recordholder; or
(b) transfer authorizations are signed by the recordholder
when Shares are held in book-entry form.
(e) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Upon receipt of a resolution of the
Fund's Board authorizing the declaration and payment of dividends and
distributions, PFPC shall issue dividends and distributions declared by the Fund
in Shares, or, upon shareholder election, pay such dividends and distributions
in cash, if provided for in the appropriate Fund's or Portfolio's prospectus.
Such issuance or payment, as well as payments upon redemption as described
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above, shall be made after deduction and payment of the required amount of funds
to be withheld in accordance with any applicable tax law or other laws, rules or
regulations. PFPC shall mail to the Fund's shareholders and the IRS and other
appropriate taxing authorities such tax forms, or permissible substitute forms,
and other information relating to dividends and distributions paid by the Fund
(including designations of the portions of distributions of net capital gain
that are 20% rate gain distributions and 28% rate gain distributions pursuant to
IRS Notice 97-64) as are required to be filed and mailed by applicable law, rule
or regulation within the time required thereby. PFPC shall prepare, maintain and
file with the IRS and other appropriate taxing authorities reports relating to
all dividends above a stipulated amount paid by the Fund to its shareholders as
required by tax or other law, rule or regulation.
(f) SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICES.
(i) PFPC will arrange, in accordance with the appropriate Fund's
or Portfolio's prospectus, for issuance of Shares obtained
through:
- The transfer of funds from shareholders' accounts at
financial institutions, provided PFPC receives advance
Oral or Written Instruction of such transfer;
- Any pre-authorized check plan; and
- Direct purchases through broker wire orders,
checks and applications.
(ii) PFPC will arrange, in accordance with the appropriate Fund's
or Portfolio's prospectus, for a shareholder's:
- Exchange of Shares for shares of another fund with
which the Fund has exchange privileges;
Automatic redemption from an account where that
shareholder participates in a systematic withdrawal
plan; and/or
- Redemption of Shares from an account with a
checkwriting privilege.
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(g) COMMUNICATIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Upon timely Written Instructions, PFPC
shall mail all communications by the Fund to its shareholders, including:
(i) Reports to shareholders;
(ii) Confirmations of purchases and sales of Fund shares;
(iii) Monthly or quarterly statements;
(iv) Dividend and distribution notices;
(v) Proxy material; and
(vi) Tax forms (including substitute forms) and accompanying
information containing the information required by paragraph
16(e).
If requested by the Fund, PFPC will receive and tabulate the proxy cards
for the meetings of the Fund's shareholders and supply personnel to serve as
inspectors of election.
(h) RECORDS. PFPC shall maintain those records required by the Securities
Laws and any laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having
jurisdiction with respect to the duties to be performed by PFPC hereunder with
respect to shareholder accounts or by transfer agents generally, including
records of the accounts for each shareholder showing the following information:
(i) Name, address and United States Taxpayer Identification
or Social Security number;
(ii) Number and class of Shares held and number and class of Shares
for which certificates, if any, have been issued, including
certificate numbers and denominations;
(iii) Historical information regarding the account of each
shareholder, including dividends and distributions paid, their
character (e.g. ordinary income, net capital gain (including
20% rate gain and 28% rate gain), exempt-interest, foreign
tax-credit and dividends received deduction eligible) for
federal income tax purposes and the date and price for all
transactions on a shareholder's account;
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(iv) Any stop or restraining order placed against a shareholder's
account;
(v) Any correspondence relating to the current maintenance of a
shareholder's account;
(vi) Information with respect to withholdings; and
(vii) Any information required in order for the transfer agent to
perform any calculations contemplated or required by this
Agreement.
(i) LOST OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES. PFPC shall place a stop notice against
any certificate reported to be lost or stolen and comply with all applicable
federal regulatory requirements for reporting such loss or alleged
misappropriation. The lost or stolen certificate will be canceled and
uncertificated Shares will be issued to a shareholder's account only upon:
(i) The shareholder's pledge of a lost instrument bond or such
other appropriate indemnity bond issued by a surety company
approved by PFPC; and
(ii) Completion of a release and indemnification agreement signed
by the shareholder to protect PFPC and its affiliates.
(j) SHAREHOLDER INSPECTION OF STOCK RECORDS. Upon a request from any Fund
shareholder to inspect stock records, PFPC will notify the Fund, and the Fund
will issue instructions granting or denying each such request. Unless PFPC has
acted contrary to the Fund's instructions, the Fund agrees and does hereby
release PFPC from any liability for refusal of permission for a particular
shareholder to inspect the Fund's shareholder records.
(k) WITHDRAWAL OF SHARES AND CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATES. Upon receipt of
Written Instructions, PFPC shall cancel outstanding certificates surrendered by
the Fund to reduce the total amount of outstanding shares by the number of
shares surrendered by the Fund.
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17. DURATION AND TERMINATION.
(a) This Agreement shall be effective on the date first written above and
shall continue for a period of three (3) years (the "Initial Term"). Upon the
expiration of the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for
successive terms of one (1) year ("Renewal Terms") each provided that it may be
terminated by either party during a Renewal Term upon written notice given at
least ninety (90) days prior to termination. During either the Initial Term or
the Renewal Terms, this Agreement may also be terminated on an earlier date by
either party for cause.
(b) With respect to the Fund, cause includes, but is not limited to, (i)
PFPC's material breach of this Agreement causing it to fail to substantially
perform its duties under this Agreement. In order for such material breach to
constitute "cause" under this Paragraph, PFPC must receive written notice from
the Fund specifying the material breach and PFPC shall not have corrected such
breach within a 15-day period; (ii) financial difficulties of PFPC evidenced by
the authorization or commencement of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy under
the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or any applicable bankruptcy or similar law, or under
any applicable law of any jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or
reorganization of debt, the appointment of a receiver or to the modification or
alleviation of the rights of creditors; and (iii) issuance of an administrative
or court order against PFPC with regard to the material violation or alleged
material violation of the Securities Laws or other applicable laws related to
its business of performing transfer agency services;
(c ) With respect to PFPC, cause includes, but is not limited to, the
failure of the Fund to pay the compensation set forth in writing pursuant to
Paragraph 11 of this Agreement.
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(d) Any notice of termination for cause in conformity with subparagraphs
(a), (b) and (c ) of this Paragraph by the Fund shall be effective thirty (30)
days from the date of any such notice. Any notice of termination for cause by
PFPC shall be effective 90 days from the date of such notice.
(e) Upon the termination hereof, the Fund shall pay to PFPC such
compensation as may be due for the period prior to the date of such termination.
In the event that the Fund designates a successor to any of PFPC's obligations
under this Agreement, PFPC shall, at the direction and expense of the Fund,
transfer to such successor all relevant books, records and other data
established or maintained by PFPC hereunder including, a certified list of the
shareholders of the Fund or any Portfolio thereof with name, address, and if
provided, taxpayer identification or Social Security number, and a complete
record of the account of each shareholder. To the extent that PFPC incurs
expenses related to a transfer of responsibilities to a successor, other than
expenses involved in PFPC's providing the Fund's books and records described in
the preceding sentence to the successors, PFPC shall be entitled to be
reimbursed for such extraordinary expenses, including any out-of-pocket expenses
reasonably incurred by PFPC in connection with the transfer.
(f) Any termination effected pursuant to this Paragraph shall not affect
the rights and obligations of the parties under Paragraph 12 hereof.
(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate with
respect to the Fund or any Portfolio thereof upon the liquidation, merger, or
other dissolution of the Fund or Portfolio or upon the Fund's ceasing to be a
registered investment company.
18. REGISTRATION AS A TRANSFER AGENT. PFPC represents that it is currently
registered with the appropriate federal agency for the registration of transfer
agents, or is otherwise permitted to lawfully conduct its activities without
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such registration and that it will remain so registered or able to so conduct
such activities for the duration of this Agreement. PFPC agrees that it will
promptly notify the Fund in the event of any material change in its status as a
registered transfer agent. Should PFPC fail to be registered with the SEC as a
transfer agent at any time during this Agreement, and such failure to register
does not permit PFPC to lawfully conduct its activities, the Fund may, on
written notice to PFPC, terminate this Agreement upon five days written notice
to PFPC.
19. NOTICES. All notices and other communications, including Written
Instructions, shall be in writing or by confirming telegram, cable, telex or
facsimile sending device. Notices shall be addressed (a) if to PFPC, at 000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000; (b) if to the Fund, at the address
of the Fund 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 telegram,
cable, telex or facsimile sending device during regular business hours, it shall
be deemed to have been given immediately; if sent at a time other than regular
business hours, such notice shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of
the next business day. If notice is sent by first-class mail, it shall be deemed
to have been given three 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. All
postage, cable, telegram, telex and facsimile sending device charges arising
from the sending of a notice hereunder shall be paid by the sender.
20. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, or any term thereof, may be changed or
waived only by a written amendment, signed by the party against whom enforcement
of such change or waiver is sought.
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21. ADDITIONAL PORTFOLIOS. In the event that the Fund establishes one or
more investment series in addition to and with respect to which it desires to
have PFPC render services as transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing
agent and related services agent under the terms set forth in this Agreement, it
shall so notify PFPC in writing, and PFPC shall agree in writing to provide such
services, and such investment series shall become a Portfolio hereunder, subject
to such additional terms, fees and conditions as are agreed to by the parties.
22. DELEGATION; ASSIGNMENT.
(a) PFPC may, at its own expense, assign its rights and delegate its
duties hereunder to any wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of PNC Bank,
National Association or PNC Bank Corp., provided that (i) PFPC gives the Fund
thirty (30) days' prior written notice; (ii) the delegate (or assignee) agrees
with PFPC and the Fund to comply with all relevant provisions of the Securities
Laws; and (iii) PFPC and such delegate (or assignee) promptly provide such
information as the Fund may request, and respond to such questions as the Fund
may ask, relative to the delegation (or assignment), including (without
limitation) the capabilities of the delegate (or assignee). The assignment and
delegation of any of PFPC's duties under this subparagraph (a) shall not relieve
PFPC of any of its responsibilities or liabilities under this Agreement.
(b) PFPC may delegate to PaineWebber Incorporated its obligation to
perform the services described on Annex B hereto. In addition, PFPC may assign
its rights and delegate its other duties hereunder to PaineWebber Incorporated
or Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Asset Management Inc. or an affiliated person of either,
provided that (I) PFPC gives the Fund thirty (30) days' prior written notice;
(ii) the delegate (or assignee) agrees with PFPC and the Fund to comply with all
relevant provisions of the Securities Laws; and (iii) PFPC and such delegate (or
assignee) promptly provide such information as the Fund may request, and respond
20
to such questions as the Fund may ask, relative to the delegation (or
assignment), including (without limitation) the capabilities of the delegate (or
assignee). In assigning its rights and delegating its duties under this
paragraph, PFPC may impose such conditions or limitations as it determines
appropriate including the condition that PFPC be retained as a sub-transfer
agent.
(c ) In the event that PFPC assigns its rights and delegates its duties
under this section, no amendment of the terms of this Agreement shall become
effective without the written consent of PFPC.
23. 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.
24. FURTHER ACTIONS. Each party agrees to perform such further acts and
execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes
hereof.
25. MISCELLANEOUS.
--------------
(a) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and
understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and
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 services to be performed and fees payable under this Agreement.
(b) 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.
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(c ) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
(f) FACSIMILE SIGNATURES. The facsimile signature of any party to this
Agreement shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.
PFPC INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
----------------------------------
Title: Vice President
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX SERIES TRUST
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. X'Xxxxxxx
----------------------------------
Title: Secretary and Vice President
22
ANNEX A
Portfolios
Money Market Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
Global Growth Portfolio
Global Income Portfolio
Strategic Fixed Income Portfolio
Growth and Income Portfolio
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
High Grade Fixed Income Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Tactical Allocation Portfolio
Strategic Income Portfolio
High Income Portfolio
Small Cap Portfolio
23
AUTHORIZED PERSONS APPENDIX
NAME (TYPE) SIGNATURE
--------------- ---------------
--------------- ---------------
--------------- ---------------
--------------- ---------------
--------------- ---------------
--------------- ---------------
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ANNEX B
a. Establish and maintain a dedicated service center with sufficient
facilities, equipment and skilled personnel to address all shareholder
inquiries received by telephone, mail or in-person regarding the Funds and
their accounts
b. Provide timely execution of redemptions, exchanges and non-financial
transactions directed to investment executives and specifically requested
by Fund shareholders
c. Issue checks from proceeds of Fund share redemptions to shareholders as
directed by the shareholders or their agents
d. Process and maintain shareholder account registration information
e. With respect to customer accounts maintained through PaineWebber
Incorporated ("PaineWebber"), review new applications and correspond with
shareholders to complete or correct information
f. Prepare and mail monthly or quarterly consolidated account statements that
reflect PaineWebber Mutual Fund balances and transactions (such
information to be combined with other activity and holdings in investors'
brokerage accounts if this responsibility is delegated to PaineWebber)
g. Establish and maintain a dedicated service center with sufficient
facilities, equipment and skilled personnel to address all branch
inquiries regarding operational issues and performance
h. Capture, process and mail required tax information to shareholders and
report this information to the Internal Revenue Service
i. Provide the capability to margin PaineWebber Mutual Funds held within the
client's brokerage account (if this responsibility is delegated to
PaineWebber)
j. Prepare and provide shareholder registrations for mailing of proxies,
reports and other communications to shareholders
k. Develop, maintain and issue checks from the PaineWebber systematic
withdrawal plan offered within the client's brokerage account (if this
responsibility is delegated to PaineWebber)
l. Maintain duplicate shareholder records and reconcile those records with
those at the transfer agent (if this responsibility is delegated to
PaineWebber)
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m. Process and mail duplicate PaineWebber monthly or quarterly statements to
PaineWebber Investment Executives
n. Establish and maintain shareholder distribution options (i.e., election to
have dividends paid in cash, rather than reinvested in Fund shares)
o. Process and mail purchase, redemption and exchange confirmations to Fund
shareholders and PaineWebber Investment Executives
p. Issue dividend checks to shareholders that select cash distributions to
their brokerage account (if this responsibility is delegated to
PaineWebber)
q. Develop and maintain the automatic investment plan offered within the
client's brokerage account (if this responsibility is delegated to
PaineWebber)
r. Provide bank-to-bank wire transfer capabilities related to transactions in
Fund shares
s. Maintain computerized compliance programs for blue sky and non-resident
alien requirements (only with respect to PaineWebber Cashfund, Inc.)
26
