CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
XXXX XXXXX INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
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This Contract between Xxxx Xxxxx Investment Trust, Inc., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland, having its
principal place of business at 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
hereinafter called the "FUND", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a
Massachusetts trust company, having its principal place of business at 000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 00000, hereinafter called the
"CUSTODIAN,"
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities
and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in one (1) series, the
Xxxx Xxxxx Opportunity Trust (such series together with all other series
subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Contract in
accordance with paragraph 17, being herein referred to as the "PORTFOLIO(S)");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
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The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of
the Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of
the applicable Portfolio desires to be held in places within the United States
("DOMESTIC SECURITIES") and securities it desires to be held outside the United
States ("FOREIGN SECURITIES") pursuant to the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the
Custodian all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income,
payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to
all securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital stock of
the Fund representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may be issued
or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any
property of a Portfolio held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered to
the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Section 5),
the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to time
employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only in
accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Directors of the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall
have no more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any
actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such
sub-custodian has to the Custodian; provided, however, that (a) the Custodian
will be liable to the Fund for the Custodian's own negligence in transmitting
any instructions received by it from the Fund and for the Custodian's own
negligence in connection with the delivery of any securities, cash or other
assets held by it to any sub-custodian and (b) in the event of any loss, damage
or expense suffered or incurred by the Fund caused by or resulting from actions
or omissions for which the Custodian would be liable pursuant to this section,
the Custodian shall promptly reimburse the Fund in the amount of any such loss,
damage or expense. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian for the Fund's
foreign securities on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) the foreign banking
institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in Schedule A hereto
but only in accordance with the provisions of Section 3. The Fund may instruct
the Custodian, through Proper Instructions, to cease the employment of any one
or more sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the Fund's assets, and to
cause the prompt delivery of such assets to another sub-custodian acceptable to
the Fund and the Custodian.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By the
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Custodian in the United States
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2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by it in
the United States including all domestic securities owned by such
Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to
Section 2.10 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or
in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury
and certain federal agencies (each, a "U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEM") and (b)
commercial paper of an issuer for which State Street Bank and Trust
Company acts as issuing and paying agent ("DIRECT PAPER") which is
deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System of the Custodian
(the "DIRECT PAPER SYSTEM") pursuant to Section 2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic
securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a U.S.
Securities System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct
Paper book entry system account ("DIRECT PAPER SYSTEM ACCOUNT") only upon
receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by
the parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called,
redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of
the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the
Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
pursuant to Section 2.9 or into the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1; or for exchange for a
different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence
representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio, to
the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination
in accordance with "STREET DELIVERY" custom; provided that in any
such case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability
for any loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to
receiving payment for such securities except as may arise from the
Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of
the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to
provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant
to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new
securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender
thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar
securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary
securities for definitive securities; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the
Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed
upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, which may be in the form of cash or obligations issued by
the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
except that in connection with any loans for which collateral is to
be credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Custodian will
not be held liable or responsible for the delivery of securities
owned by the Portfolio prior to the receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts
borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "EXCHANGE ACT") and a member of The National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating to compliance with the
rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection
with transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian, and a Futures
Commission Merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act,
relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market, or any similar
organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in
connection with transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("TRANSFER
AGENT") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to the
holders of shares in connection with distributions in kind, as may be
described from time to time in the currently effective prospectus and
statement of additional information of the Fund, related to the
Portfolio ("PROSPECTUS"), in satisfaction of requests by holders of
Shares for repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board
of Directors or of the Executive Committee signed by an officer of
the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
specifying the securities of the Portfolio to be delivered, setting
forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring
such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person
or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be
assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized in
writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other
registered investment companies having the same investment adviser as the
Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant
to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian
on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Contract shall be in
"street name" or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund directs
the Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the Custodian shall
utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on
such securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of
relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of
calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio of
the Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant
to the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts,
subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the
account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a
bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian for a
Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the Banking
Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as
it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however,
that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a
custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that each such bank
or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or
trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be approved by
vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund. Such funds shall
be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be
withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the Custodian
shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of
a Portfolio, make federal funds available to such Portfolio as of
specified times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the
Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares of such
Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect, and shall require any sub-custodian to collect,
on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to registered
domestic securities held hereunder to which each Portfolio shall be
entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business,
and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the
issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and
shall promptly credit such income, as collected, to such Portfolio's
custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other
income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall
collect interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income due each
Portfolio on securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2
(10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no
duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the
Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund
in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to
which the Portfolio is properly entitled. The Custodian shall promptly
notify the Fund by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the
Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with
respect to Shares of the Fund or other assets of the Fund is not received
by the Custodian when due.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall
pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures contracts
or options on futures contracts for the account of the Portfolio but
only (a) against the delivery of such securities or evidence of title
to such options, futures contracts or options on futures contracts to
the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm or trust company doing
business in the United States or abroad which is qualified under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian and
has been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose)
registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee
of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form
for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a U.S.
Securities System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in
Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase involving the
Direct Paper System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in
Section 2.11; (d) in the case of repurchase agreements entered into
between the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the Custodian, or
another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i)
against delivery of the securities either in certificate form or
through an entry crediting the Custodian's account at the Federal
Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii) against delivery of the
receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of securities owned by
the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by the
Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Portfolio or (e) for
transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank, whether
domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt
of a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant
to Proper Instructions from the Fund as defined in Section 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities
owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Portfolio as
set forth in Section 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments for
the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes, management,
accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and operating expenses of
the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or part
capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the Portfolio declared
pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in addition
to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors or of the
Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an officer of the Fund and
certified by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the
amount of such payment, setting forth the purpose for which such
payment is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose,
and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every
case where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the account of
a Portfolio is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the
securities purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from
the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio to so pay in advance, the Custodian
shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the same
extent as if the securities had been received by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of
the provisions of this Section 2 as the Custodian may from time to time
direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any agent shall not
relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder. In
the event of any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Fund,
caused by or resulting from the actions or omissions of any agent for
which the Custodian would be liable if said act or omission had been
committed by the Custodian, the Custodian shall promptly reimburse the
Fund in the amount of any such loss, damage or expense.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a
securities depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies, collectively
referred to herein as "U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEM" in accordance with
applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission
rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a U.S.
Securities System provided that such securities are represented in an
account ("ACCOUNT") of the Custodian in the U.S. Securities System
which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets
held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in a U.S. Securities System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S. Securities
System that such securities have been transferred to the Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such payment and transfer for the account of the Portfolio.
The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account of the
Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S. Securities System
that payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account,
and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Portfolio.
Copies of all advices from the U.S. Securities System of transfers of
securities for the account of the Portfolio shall identify the
Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by the Custodian and be
provided to the Fund at its request. Upon request, the Custodian
shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio confirmation of
each transfer to or from the account of the Portfolio in the form of
a written advice or notice and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each
day's transactions in the U.S. Securities System for the account of
the Portfolio.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio with any
report obtained by the Custodian on the U.S. Securities System's
accounting system, internal accounting control or procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the U.S. Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio the initial certificate required by Section 14 hereof;
6) At the written request of the Fund, the Custodian will terminate the
use of any such Securities System as promptly as practicable;
7) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the
Portfolio for any loss or damage to the Portfolio resulting from use
of the U.S. Securities System by reason of any negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents or of
any of its or their employees or from failure of the Custodian or any
such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it may have against
the U.S. Securities System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect
to any claim against the U.S. Securities System or any other person
which the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss or
damage if and to the extent that the Portfolio has not been made
whole for any such loss or damage. In the event of any such
subrogation, the Custodian shall cooperate with the Fund in asserting
such rights and shall take all actions reasonably necessary to enable
the Fund to assert such rights.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System will
be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions from the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the Direct
Paper System only if such securities are represented in an account
("ACCOUNT") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper System which shall
not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer of securities to the
account of the Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer securities
sold for the account of the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on
the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt of
payment for the account of the Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the
Portfolio, in the form of a written advice or notice, of Direct Paper
on the next business day following such transfer and shall furnish to
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the U.S. Securities
System for the account of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio with
any report on its system of internal accounting control as the Fund
may reasonably request from time to time.
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio
establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf
of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred
cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by
the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the
Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a
member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered
contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by
the Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government
securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the
Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or
sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the
Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release
No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies and (iv) for other proper corporate
purposes, but only, in the case of clause (iv), upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors or
of the Executive Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified
by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or
purposes of such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be
proper corporate purposes.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall, and shall
require any sub-custodian to, promptly execute ownership and other
certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in
connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to
domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection with
transfers of securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities held
hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of
the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Portfolio such proxies, all proxy soliciting
materials and all notices relating to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities. Subject to the provisions
of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund for each
Portfolio all written information (including, without limitation, pendency
of calls and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights
in connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures
contracts purchased or sold by the Portfolio) received by the Custodian
from issuers of the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect
to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the
Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from issuers
of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party
(or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Portfolio
desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or
any other similar transaction, the Portfolio shall if reasonably
practicable notify the Custodian at least three business days prior to the
date on which the Custodian is to take such action. If the Portfolio
provides the Custodian with such notification less than three business
days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action, the
Custodian shall use best efforts only to take such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside
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of the United States
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3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Portfolio's
securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories
designated on Schedule A hereto ("FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIANS"). Upon receipt
of "Proper Instructions", as defined in Section 5 of this Contract,
together with a certified resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors, the
Custodian and the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to
time to designate additional foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the employment
of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the
Portfolio's assets and to cause the delivery of such assets to the
Custodian (if reasonably practicable) or to another sub-custodian
acceptable to the Custodian and the Fund.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"FOREIGN SECURITIES", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in
such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect the Portfolio's foreign securities transactions. The
Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Fund, the
foreign securities of the Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian.
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Portfolios shall be
maintained in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or
in a book-entry system for the central handling of securities located
outside of the United States (each a "FOREIGN SECURITIES SYSTEM") only
through arrangements implemented by the foreign banking institutions
serving as sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof (Foreign Securities
Systems and U.S. Securities Systems are collectively referred to herein as
the "SECURITIES SYSTEMS"). Where possible, such arrangements shall include
entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.5
hereof.
3.4 Holding Securities. The Custodian may hold securities and other non-cash
property for all of its customers, including the Fund, with a foreign
sub-custodian in a single account that is identified as belonging to the
Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i) the
records of the Custodian with respect to securities and other non-cash
property of the Fund which are maintained in such account shall identify
by book-entry those securities and other non-cash property belonging to
the Fund and (ii) the Custodian shall require that securities and other
non-cash property so held by the foreign sub-custodian be held separately
from any assets of the Custodian, of the foreign sub-custodian or of
others.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall provide that: (a) the assets of each
Portfolio will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest,
lien or claim of any kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or
its creditors or agent, except a claim of payment for their safe custody
or administration; (b) beneficial ownership for the assets of each
Portfolio will be freely transferable without the payment of money or
value other than for custody or administration; (c) adequate records will
be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to each applicable
Portfolio; (d) officers of or auditors employed by, or other
representatives of the Custodian, including to the extent permitted under
applicable law the independent public accountants for the Fund, will be
given access to the books and records of the foreign banking institution
relating to its actions under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e)
assets of the Portfolios held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject
only to the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the Fund,
the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the Fund, its
independent accountants and/or its attorneys to be afforded access to the
books and records of any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign
sub-custodian insofar as such books and records relate to the performance
of such foreign banking institution under its agreement with the
Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time to
time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and
other assets of the Portfolio(s) held by foreign sub-custodians, including
but not limited to an identification of entities having possession of the
Portfolio(s) securities and other assets and advices or notifications of
any transfers of securities to or from each custodial account maintained
by a foreign banking institution for the Custodian on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio indicating, as to securities acquired for a
Portfolio, the identity of the entity having physical possession of such
securities. The Custodian shall also provide to the Fund such other
information as may be reasonably requested by the Fund to evidence
compliance with Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise provided
in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and
2.7 of this Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign
securities of the Fund held outside the United States by foreign
sub-custodians. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the
contrary, settlement and payment for securities received for the account
of each applicable Portfolio and delivery of securities maintained for the
account of each applicable Portfolio may be effected in accordance with
the customary established securities trading or securities processing
practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in which the
transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering securities
to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such
purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of receiving
later payment for such securities from such purchaser or dealer. (c)
Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian may be
maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same extent as set
forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the Fund agrees to hold any
such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such
securities (except liability for failing to act in accordance with
instructions).
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which the
Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign sub-custodian
shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care and diligence in
the performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the
Custodian and each Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the institution's
performance of such obligations. At the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to
any claims against a foreign banking institution as a consequence of any
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent
that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim. In the event of such subrogation, the
Custodian shall cooperate with the Fund in asserting such rights and shall
take all actions reasonably necessary to enable the Fund to assert such
rights.
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth
with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and, regardless
of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking
institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as
contemplated by paragraph 3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable
for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from
nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or
terrorism or any loss where the sub-custodian has otherwise exercised
reasonable care and diligence.
In the event that any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to the provisions
of this Section 3 fails to perform any of its obligations under the terms
and conditions of the applicable sub-custodian agreement, the Custodian
shall use its best efforts to cause such sub-custodian to fully perform
its obligations. In the event that the Custodian is unable to cause such
sub-custodian to perform its obligations thereunder, the Custodian shall
forthwith notify the Fund of the same and, upon the Fund's request,
terminate such sub-custodian as a sub-custodian for the Fund in accordance
with the termination provisions of the applicable sub-custodian agreement
and, if requested by the Fund, appoint another sub-custodian acceptable to
the Custodian and the Fund.
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance
cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a Portfolio
including the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of contracts for
foreign exchange, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall
incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or
liabilities in connection with the performance of this Contract, except
such as may arise from its or its nominee's own negligent action,
negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any property at any time
held for the account of the applicable Portfolio, having a fair market
value not in excess of 125% of the advance, shall be security therefor if
specifically identified as such by the Custodian and should the Fund fail
to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to
utilize available cash and to dispose of such Portfolios assets to the
extent necessary to obtain reimbursement. For any property identified as
security under this paragraph, the Fund may substitute other property of
equivalent value upon permission of the Custodian, which permission shall
not be unreasonably withheld.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to the
Fund, during the month of June, and as reasonably requested by the Fund
from time to time, information concerning the foreign sub-custodians
employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be similar in kind and
scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Contract. In addition, the Custodian shall monitor the
performance and financial condition of the foreign sub-custodians and
foreign securities depositories to the extent practicable and will
promptly inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a
material adverse change in the performance or financial condition of a
foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the assets of the Fund.
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this
Contract, the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of the
Portfolios assets are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking
institution which is a "bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 meeting the qualification set forth in
Section 26(a) of said Act. The appointment of any such branch as a
sub-custodian shall be governed by paragraph 1 of this Contract. (b) Cash
held for each Portfolio of the Fund in the United Kingdom shall be
maintained in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with
the Custodian's London branch, which account shall be subject to the
direction of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or both.
3.14 Tax Law. Except as provided in Section 2.13, the Custodian shall have no
responsibility or liability for any obligations now or hereafter imposed
on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the Fund by the tax law of
the United States of America or any state or political subdivision
thereof. It shall be the responsibility of the Fund to notify the
Custodian of the obligations imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as
custodian of the Fund by the tax law of jurisdictions other than those
mentioned in the above sentence, including responsibility for withholding
and other taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, certifications
and governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with
regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist the
Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the tax law
of jurisdictions for which the Fund has provided such information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from
the Transfer Agent of the Fund and promptly deposit into the account of the
appropriate Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio
issued or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent
of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and any applicable votes of the
Board of Directors of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for
payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request
for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of a Portfolio, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt
of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial
bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on
the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the
Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with
such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
between the Fund and the Custodian.
5. Proper Instructions
-------------------
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing
signed or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of Directors
shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them
to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect
to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be
confirmed in writing. Proper Instructions may include communications effected
directly between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the
instructions are consistent with any security procedures agreed to by the Fund
and the Custodian, including but not limited to, the security procedures
selected by the Fund on the Funds Transfer Addendum to this Contract. For
purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include instructions
received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement which requires a
segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.12.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
-------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the
Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this
Contract, provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other
dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as
otherwise directed by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
7. Evidence of Authority
---------------------
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper reasonably believed
by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the
Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the
Board of Directors of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of
any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of
any action by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation
as described in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and
effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
of Net Asset Value and Net Income
---------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund to keep the
books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per share
of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio or, if directed in writing to do so
by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of account
and/or compute such net asset value per share. If so directed, the Custodian
shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as described in the
Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio and shall advise
the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income
and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise
the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its
various components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and the
daily income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from
time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such
Portfolio. On each day that the Custodian computes the net asset value per share
of the Fund, the Custodian will provide information sufficient to permit the
Fund to verify that portfolio transactions are reconciled with the Fund's
trading records.
9. Records
-------
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all
records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in such
manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and
31a-2 thereunder and under applicable state and federal tax laws. All such
records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during the
regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection and audit by duly
authorized officers, employees, agents and auditors of and attorneys for the
Fund and employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Custodian shall, at the Fund's request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of
securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when
requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon
between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such
tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf of
each applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to
year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect to
its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form
N-1A, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
-------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios
at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by independent
public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding cash, securities, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts, including cash, securities, and other assets deposited and/or
maintained in a Securities System or with a sub-custodian, relating to the
services provided by the Custodian, directly or through any agent, under this
Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail,
as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that
any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination, and, if there
are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon in writing from time to time
between the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian. The
Custodian shall provide the Fund a written invoice for each such payment.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
---------------------------
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties,
including any futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a
three-party futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the
exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but
shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any
action taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be
entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for
the Fund) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action
reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice that such actions or
omissions comply with the terms of the Contract and with all applicable laws,
provided the Custodian acts in good faith and without negligence.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution employed as a sub-custodian to the same extent as set forth
with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract.
If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any
action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or
which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or
its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment
of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action,
shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to
it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or
agents, to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited
to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) or
in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's or agent's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful
misconduct, (collectively referred to herein as a "Liability"), then in such
event cash held for the account of the Fund and securities issued by United
States issuers or other securities selected by the Custodian equal in value to
not more than 125% of such Advance and accrued interest on the Advance or the
anticipated amount of such Liability, held at any time for the account of the
Fund by the Custodian or sub-custodian, shall be held as security for such
Liability or for such Advance and the accrued interest on the Advance. The
Custodian shall designate the security or securities constituting security for
an Advance or Liability (the "Designated Securities") by notice in writing to
the Fund (which may be sent by telefax). In the event the value of the
Designated Securities shall decline to less than 110% of the amount of such
Advance and accrued interest on the Advance or the anticipated amount of such
Liability, then the Custodian may designate inn the same manner additional
securities to be held as security for such obligation ("Additional Securities")
but the aggregate value of the Designated Securities and the Additional
Securities shall not be in excess of 125% of the amount of such Advance and the
accrued interest on the Advance or the anticipated amount of such Liability. At
the request of the Fund, the Custodian shall agree to substitution of a security
or securities which have a value equal to the value of the Designated or
Additional Securities which the Fund desires to be released from their status as
security, and such release from status as security shall be effective upon the
Custodian and the Fund agreeing in writing as to the identity of the substituted
security or securities, which shall thereupon become Designated Securities.
Notwithstanding the above, the Custodian shall, at the request of the
Fund, immediately release from their status as security any or all of the
Designated Securities or Additional Securities upon the Custodian's receipt from
such Fund of cash or cash equivalents in an amount equal to 100% of the value of
the Designated Securities or Additional Securities that the Fund desires to be
released from their status as security pursuant to this Section. The Fund shall
reimburse the Custodian in respect of a Liability and shall pay any Advances
upon demand; provided, however, that the Custodian first notified the Fund of
such demand for repayment or reimbursement. If, upon notification, the Fund
shall fail to pay such advance or interest when due or shall fail to reimburse
the Custodian promptly in respect of a Liability, the Fund acknowledges and
agrees that the Custodian shall be entitled to apply cash held for the Fund
and/or dispose of the Designated Securities and Additional Securities to the
extent necessary to obtain repayment or reimbursement. Interest, dividends and
other distributions paid or received on the Designated Securities or Additional
Securities, other than payments of principal or payments upon retirement,
redemption or repurchase, shall remain the property of the Fund, and shall not
be subject to this Section. To the extent that the dispositions of the Fund's
property, designated as security for such Advance or Liability, results in an
amount less than necessary to obtain repayment or reimbursement, the Fund shall
continue to be liable to the Custodian for the difference between the proceeds
of the dispositions of the Fund's property, designated as security for such
Advance or Liability, and the amount of the repayment or reimbursement due to
the Custodian and the Custodian shall be entitled to designate Additional
Securities to secure the amount of the shortfall and shall have the same rights
with respect to such Additional Securities as are provided herein with respect
to Designated Securities generally.
In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or
consequential damages.
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
-------------------------------------------
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue
in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be
amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under
Section 2.10 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors of the Fund has
approved the initial use of a particular Securities System by such Portfolio, as
required by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and
that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.11
hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors has approved the initial use
of the Direct Paper System by such Portfolio; provided further, however, that
the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation, and further provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of
the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board of Directors (i)
substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as
described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in
the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for its
costs, expenses and disbursements.
15. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or more of the Portfolios
shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund, the Custodian shall,
upon termination, promptly deliver to such successor custodian at the office of
the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities and
funds, as well as all books and records, of each applicable Portfolio then held
by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all
of the securities of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and promptly
transfer such securities, funds, books and records, and other properties in
accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all
instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held
by it under this Contract on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and to transfer
to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such
Portfolio held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company
shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract. The Custodian
agrees to cooperate with the successor custodian and the Fund in the execution
of documents and performance of other actions necessary or desirable in order to
substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and
the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
--------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such
provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Contract as
may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this
Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing
signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no such
interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable federal or
state regulations or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund.
No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding
sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
----------------
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to Xxxx Xxxxx Opportunity Trust with respect to which it desires to
have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall
so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to
provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
--------------------------
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
19. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the Custodian
relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
20. Reproduction of Documents
-------------------------
This Contract and all schedules, exhibits, attachments and amendments
hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm,
micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto
all/each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the
original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the
original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a
party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or
further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in
evidence.
21. Notices.
-------
Any notice, instruction or other instrument required to be given hereunder
may be delivered in person to the offices of the parties as set forth herein
during normal business hours or delivered prepaid registered mail or by telex,
cable or telecopy to the parties at the following addresses or such other
addresses as may be notified by any party from time to time.
To the Fund: Xxxx Xxxxx Investment Trust, Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Telephone: 000-000-0000
Telecopy: 410-454-
To the Custodian: State Street Bank and Trust Company
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, XXX/0XX
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
Telephone: 000-000-0000
Telecopy: 000-000-0000
Such notice, instruction or other instrument shall be deemed to have been
served in the case of a registered letter at the expiration of five business
days after posting, in the case of cable twenty-four hours after dispatch and,
in the case of telex, immediately on dispatch and if delivered outside normal
business hours it shall be deemed to have been received at the next time after
delivery when normal business hours commence and in the case of cable, telex or
telecopy on the business day after the receipt thereof. Evidence that the notice
was properly addressed, stamped and put into the post shall be conclusive
evidence of posting.
22. Data Access Service Addendum
----------------------------
The Fund and the Custodian agree to be bound by the terms of the Data
Access Services Addendum attached hereto.
23. Shareholder Communications
--------------------------
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether the Fund authorizes
the Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to
requesting companies whose stock the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian
"no", the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies.
If the Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or do not check either "yes" or "no"
below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to
disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds
or accounts established by the Fund. For the Fund's protection, the Rule
prohibits the requesting company from using the Fund's name and address for any
purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the
Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name, address,
and share positions.
NO [ ] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
24. Miscellaneous
-------------
24.1 Expenses of the Fund
--------------------
In addition to any liability to the Fund for which the Custodian is
determined to be liable under this Contract, the Custodian shall be liable
to the Fund for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Fund in
connection with a claim by the Fund against the Custodian, an Agent or
sub-custodian for which the Custodian is liable under this Contract,
including, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and other reasonable
fees incurred in any investigation, lawsuit or other proceeding related to
such claim. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude the parties from
agreeing to payment of such expenses by the Custodian in connection with a
claim settled by arbitration, mediation or negotiation.
24.2 Assignment
----------
This Contract may not be assigned by either party without the written
consent of the other.
24.3 Insurance
---------
The Custodian agrees to maintain insurance adequate to the protection of
all assets of the Fund that may come into the Custodian's care under this
Contract.
24.4 Confidentiality
---------------
The Custodian agrees that all books, records, information and data
pertaining to the business of the Fund which are exchanged or received
pursuant to the negotiation or carrying out of this Contract shall remain
confidential, shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person,
except as may be required by law, and shall not be used by the Custodian
for any purpose not directly related to the business of the Fund, except
with the Fund's written consent.
24.5 Separate Portfolios
-------------------
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, the parties agree
that the assets and liabilities of each series of the Fund are separate
and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other series and that
no series shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or
liability of any other series, whether arising under this Contract or
otherwise.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the ____ day of __________, ____.
XXXX XXXXX INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. FUND SIGNATURE ATTESTED TO BY:
By: _________________________ By: ____________________
Name: _________________________ Name: ____________________
Title: _________________________ Title:____________________
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY SIGNATURE ATTESTED TO BY:
By: _________________________ By: ____________________
Name: Name: ____________________
_________________________
Title: Title:____________________
_________________________
