DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT |
Distribution
Agreement (the “Agreement”) made this 1st day of November,
2011, by and between Nottingham Investment Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust
(the “Trust”) and ALPS Distributors, Inc., a Colorado corporation (the
“Distributor”). |
WHEREAS, the
Trust is a registered open-end management investment company organized as a series
trust offering a number of portfolios of securities (each a “Fund” and
collectively, the “Funds”); |
WHEREAS, the
Trust and Distributor are party to a Distribution Agreement dated August 1, 2011,
attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference (the “Distribution
Agreement”) whereby the Trust retained the Distributor to promote and distribute
the shares of the Funds. |
WHEREAS, on
July 19, 2011, ALPS Holdings, Inc., (“AHI”) the parent company of the
Distributor, entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which AHI agreed to be
acquired by DST Systems, Inc. (“DST”) (the “Transaction”); the
acquisition also includes an indirect controlling interest in the Distributor; |
WHEREAS, upon
completion of the Transaction, the Transaction may result in an “assignment”, as such term is defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
(the “1940 Act”) of the Distribution Agreement; |
WHEREAS, under
the 1940 Act, an assignment includes any direct or indirect transfer of a controlling
block of an entity’s voting securities and a result of the assignment, henceforth
the Distribution Agreement may be deemed terminated; and |
WHEREAS, in
light of the proposed assignment and change in control of the Distributor in connection
with the Transaction, the Distributor and Trust wish to enter into this Agreement
effective upon close of the Transaction. |
NOW, THEREFORE,
in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the Trust
and the Distributor agree as follows: |
1. | Appointment.
The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor to provide the distribution services set
forth in the Distribution Agreement. |
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2. | All terms,
conditions, representations and warranties contained in the Distribution Agreement
are incorporated herein by reference and both the Trust and Distributor hereby agree
that unless specified elsewhere in this Agreement, all terms, conditions, representations
and warranties contained in the this Agreement, including the Distribution Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, constitutes the
entire understanding between the parties hereto, and supersede any prior understanding
or agreements between the parties related to the services contemplated herein, including
the Distribution Agreement. |
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3. | Duration and
Termination. This Agreement shall be effective on the date first set forth above,
and unless terminated as provided herein, shall continue for two years from its
effective date, and thereafter from year to year, provided such continuance is approved
annually by the vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees, and by the vote of
those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Independent
Trustees”) and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act is in effect,
by the vote of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the
Trust and who are not parties to such plan or this Agreement and have no financial
interest in the operation of such plan
or in any agreements related to such plan, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement may be terminated at any time,
without the |
payment of any penalty, as to each Fund (i) by vote of majority of the
Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority (as defined in the 0000 Xxx)
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, on at least sixty (60) days prior
written notice to the Distributor. In addition, this Agreement may be terminated
at any time by the Distributor upon at least sixty (60) days prior written notice
to the Trust. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
As such in this paragraph, the terms “assignment” and “interested
persons” shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act. |
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4. | Amendment.
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated
except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which an enforcement
of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. |
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5. | Choice of
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance
with the laws of the State of Colorado, without giving effect to the choice of laws
provisions thereof. |
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6. | 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. |
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7. | All capitalized
terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in the Distribution Agreement. |
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their officers
designated below as of the date first set forth above. |
ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. |
By: ____/s/ Xxxxxx Carter________
Name:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title: President
NOTTINGHAM INVESTMENT TRUST II
By: ___/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxx ________
Name:
___Keith A. Lee_________
Title: _____PEO_____________
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT |
THIS AGREEMENT
is made as of August 1st, 2011, between Nottingham Investment Trust II,
a Massachusetts trust (the “Fund”), and ALPS Distributors, Inc., a Colorado
corporation (“ALPS”). |
WHEREAS, the
Fund is an open-end diversified investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the series portfolios of the Fund that will
be covered by this Agreement are listed in Appendix A (the “Portfolios”); |
WHEREAS, ALPS
is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
“1934 Act”) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(“FINRA”); and |
WHEREAS, the
Fund wishes to employ the services of ALPS in connection with the promotion and
distribution of the shares of the Fund (the “Shares”). |
NOW, THEREFORE,
in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties
agree as follows. |
1. | ALPS Appointment and Duties. | |||
(a) | The Fund hereby
appoints ALPS to provide the distribution services set forth in this Agreement on
Appendix B with respect to the Portfolios, as amended from time to time, upon the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. ALPS hereby accepts such appointment
and agrees to furnish such specified services. ALPS shall for all purposes be deemed
to be an independent contractor and shall, except as otherwise expressly authorized
in this Agreement, have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in any way
or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund. |
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(b) | ALPS may employ
or associate itself with a person or persons or organizations as ALPS believes to
be desirable in the performance of its duties hereunder; provided that, in such
event, the compensation of such person or persons or organizations shall be paid
by and be the sole responsibility of ALPS, and the Fund shall bear no cost or obligation
with respect thereto; and provided further that ALPS shall not be relieved of any
of its obligations under this Agreement in such event and shall be responsible for
all acts of any such person or persons or organizations taken in furtherance of
this Agreement to the same extent it would be for its own acts. |
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2. | ALPS Compensation; Expenses. | |||
(a) | ALPS will
bear all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this
Agreement, except as otherwise provided herein. ALPS will not bear any of the costs
of Fund personnel. Other Fund expenses incurred shall be borne by the Fund or the
Fund’s investment adviser, including, but not limited to, initial organization
and offering expenses; the blue sky registration and qualification of Shares for
sale in the |
various states
in which the officers of the Fund shall determine it advisable to qualify such Shares
for sale (including registering the Fund as a broker or dealer or any officer of
the Fund as agent or salesman in any state); litigation expenses; taxes; costs of
preferred shares; expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing
Fund shares; administration, transfer agency, and custodial expenses; interest;
Fund directors’ or trustees’ fees; brokerage fees and commissions; state
and federal registration fees; advisory fees; insurance premiums; fidelity bond
premiums; Fund and investment advisory related legal expenses; costs of maintenance
of Fund existence; printing and delivery of materials in connection with meetings
of the Fund’s directors or trustees; printing and mailing of shareholder reports,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, other offering documents and
supplements, proxy materials, and other communications to shareholders; securities
pricing data and expenses in connection with electronic filings with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). |
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3. |
Documents. The Fund has furnished or will furnish, upon request, ALPS with copies
of the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, advisory agreement, custodian agreement,
transfer agency agreement, administration agreement, current prospectus, statement
of additional information, periodic Fund reports, and all forms relating to any
plan, program or service offered by the Fund. The Fund shall furnish, within a reasonable
time period, to ALPS a copy of any amendment or supplement to any of the above-mentioned
documents. Upon request, the Fund shall furnish promptly to ALPS any additional
documents necessary or advisable to perform its functions hereunder. As used in
this Agreement the terms “registration statement,” “prospectus”
and “statement of additional information” shall mean any registration
statement, prospectus and statement of additional information filed by the Fund
with the SEC and any amendments and supplements thereto that are filed with the
SEC. |
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4. | Sales of Shares. | |||
(a) | The Fund grants
to ALPS the right to sell the Shares as agent on behalf of the Fund, during the
term of this Agreement, subject to the registration requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and of the laws governing the sale
of securities in the various states (“Blue Sky Laws”), under the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement. ALPS shall have the right to sell, as
agent on behalf of the Fund, the Shares covered by the registration statement, prospectus
and statement of additional information for the Fund then in effect under the 1933
Act and 1940 Act. |
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(b) | The rights
granted to ALPS shall be exclusive, except that the Fund reserves the right to sell
Shares directly to investors on applications received and accepted by the Fund. |
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(c) | Except as
otherwise noted in the Fund’s current prospectus and/or statement of additional
information, all Shares sold to investors by ALPS or the Fund will be sold at the
public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the
net asset value per Share, as determined in the manner described in the Fund’s
current prospectus and/or statement of additional information. |
(d) | The Fund shall
receive the net asset value per Share on all sales. If a fee in connection with
shareholder redemptions is in effect, such fee will be paid to the Fund. The net
asset value of the Shares will be calculated by the Fund or by another entity on
behalf of the Fund. ALPS has no duty to inquire into, or liability for, the accuracy
of the net asset value per Share as calculated. |
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(e) | The Fund reserves
the right to suspend sales and ALPS’ authority to process orders for Shares
on behalf of the Fund if, in the judgment of the Fund, it is in the best interests
of the Fund to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined
by the Fund. |
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(f) | In consideration
of these rights granted to ALPS, ALPS agrees to use its best efforts to solicit
orders for the sale of the Shares at the public offering price and will undertake
such advertising and promotion as it believes is reasonable in connection with such
solicitation. ALPS shall review and file such materials with the SEC and/or FINRA
to the extent required by the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, and by the rules of FINRA. This shall not prevent ALPS from entering
into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting
commissions) with other issuers. ALPS will act only on its own behalf as principal
should it choose to enter into selling agreements with selected dealers or others. |
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(g) | ALPS is not
authorized by the Fund to give any information or to make any representations other
than those contained in the registration statement or prospectus and statement of
additional information, or contained in shareholder reports or other material that
may be prepared by or on behalf of the Fund for ALPS’ use. Consistent with
the foregoing, ALPS may prepare and distribute sales literature or other material
as it may deem appropriate in consultation with the Fund, provided such sales literature
complies with applicable law and regulations. |
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(h) | The Fund agrees
that it will take all action necessary to register the Shares under the 1933 Act
and the 1940 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders). The Fund
shall make available to ALPS, at ALPS’ expense, such number of copies of its
prospectus, statement of additional information, and periodic reports as ALPS may
reasonably request. The Fund shall furnish to ALPS copies of all information, financial
statements and other papers, which ALPS may reasonably request for use in connection
with the distribution of Shares of the Fund. |
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(i) | The Fund agrees
to execute any and all documents and to furnish any and all information and otherwise
to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection with the qualification
of the Shares for sale in such states as ALPS may designate. The Fund must notify
ALPS in writing of the states in which the Shares |
may be sold
and must notify ALPS in writing of any changes to the information contained in the
previous notification. |
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(j) | The Fund shall
not use the name of ALPS, or any of its affiliates, in any prospectus or statement
of additional information, sales literature, and other material relating to the
Fund in any manner without the prior written consent of ALPS (which shall not be
unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that ALPS hereby approves all lawful
uses of the names of ALPS and its affiliates in the prospectus and statement of
additional information of the Fund and in all other materials which merely refer
in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC,
FINRA, OCC or any state securities authority. |
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(k) | Neither ALPS
nor any of its affiliates shall use the name of the Fund in any publicly disseminated
materials, including sales literature, in any manner without the prior consent of
the Fund (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that the
Fund hereby approves all lawful uses of its name in any required regulatory filings
of ALPS which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of ALPS hereunder,
or which are required by the SEC, FINRA, OCC or any state securities authority. |
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(l) | ALPS will
promptly transmit any orders received by it for purchase, redemption, or exchange
of the Shares to the Fund’s transfer agent. |
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(m) | The Fund agrees
to issue Shares of the Fund and to request The Depository Trust Company to record
on its books the ownership of such Shares in accordance with the book-entry system
procedures described in the prospectus in such amounts as ALPS has requested through
the transfer agent in writing or other means of data transmission, as promptly as
practicable after receipt by the Fund of the requisite deposit securities and cash
component (together with any fees) and acceptance of such order, upon the terms
described in the Registration Statement. |
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(n) | The Fund agrees
that it will take all action necessary to register an indefinite number of Shares
under the 0000 Xxx. The Fund shall make available to ALPS, at ALPS’ expense,
such number of copies of its prospectus, statement of additional information, and
periodic reports as ALPS may reasonably request. The Fund will furnish to ALPS copies
of all information, financial statements and other papers, which ALPS may reasonably
request. |
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(o) | The Fund agrees
to execute any and all documents and to furnish any and all information and otherwise
to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection with the qualification
of the Shares for sale in such states as ALPS may designate. The Fund will keep
ALPS informed of the jurisdictions in which Shares of the Fund are authorized for
sale and shall promptly notify ALPS of any change in this information. |
5. |
Insurance. ALPS agrees to maintain fidelity bond and liability insurance coverages
which are, in scope and amount, consistent with coverages customary for distribution
activities relating to the Fund. ALPS shall notify the Fund upon receipt of any
notice of material, adverse change in the terms or provisions of its insurance coverage.
Such notification shall include the date of change and the reason or reasons therefor.
ALPS shall notify the Fund of any material claims against it, whether or not covered
by insurance, and shall notify the Fund from time to time as may be appropriate
of the total outstanding claims made by it under its insurance coverage. |
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6. | Right to Receive Advice. | |||||
(a) |
Advice of the Fund and Service Providers. If ALPS is in doubt as to any action it
should or should not take, ALPS may request directions, advice, or instructions
from the Fund or, as applicable, the Fund’s investment adviser, custodian,
or other service providers. |
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(b) |
Advice of Counsel. If ALPS is in doubt as to any question of law pertaining to any
action it should or should not take, ALPS may request advice from counsel of its
own choosing (who may be counsel for the Fund, the Fund’s investment adviser,
or ALPS, at the option of ALPS). |
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7. | Standard of Care; Limitation of Liability; Indemnification. | |||||
(a) |
ALPS shall be obligated to act in good faith and to exercise commercially reasonable
care and diligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. |
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(b) |
In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence, or reckless disregard
by ALPS in the performance of its duties, obligations, or responsibilities set forth
in this Agreement, ALPS and its affiliates, including their respective officers,
directors, agents, and employees, shall not be liable for, and the Fund agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold harmless such persons from, all taxes, charges, expenses,
assessments, claims, and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorneys’
fees and disbursements and liabilities arising under applicable federal and state
laws) arising directly or indirectly from the following: |
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(i) |
the inaccuracy of factual information furnished to ALPS by the Fund or the Fund’s
investment adviser, custodians, or other service providers; |
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(ii) |
any untrue statement of a material fact or omission of a material fact required to
be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the
1933 Act, the 1940 Act, or any other statute or the common law, in any registration
statement, prospectus, statement of additional information, shareholder report,
or other information filed or made public by the Fund (as amended from time to time),
except to the extent the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in
conformity with, information furnished to the Fund by or on behalf of ALPS; |
(iii) |
any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection
with the matters to which this Agreement relates; |
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(iv) |
losses, delays, failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring directly
or indirectly by reason of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including
without limitation, acts of God, action or inaction of civil or military authority,
war, terrorism, riot, fire, flood, sabotage, labor disputes, elements of nature,
or non-performance by a third party; |
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(v) |
ALPS’ reliance on any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information
that ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine; |
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(vi) | loss of data or service interruptions caused by equipment failure; or | |||||
(vii) |
any other action or omission to act which ALPS takes in connection with the provision
of services to the Fund. |
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(c) |
ALPS shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Fund’s investment adviser
and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees from and against
any and all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims, and liabilities (including,
without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements and liabilities arising
under applicable federal and state laws) arising directly or indirectly from ALPS’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence, or reckless disregard in the performance
of its duties, obligations, or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement. |
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(d) |
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither party shall be
liable under this Agreement to the other party hereto for any punitive, consequential,
special or indirect losses or damages. Any indemnification payable by a party to
this Agreement shall be net of insurance maintained by the indemnified party as
of the time the claim giving rise to indemnity hereunder is alleged to have arisen
to the extent it covers such claim. |
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8. |
Activities of ALPS. The services of ALPS under this Agreement are not to be deemed
exclusive, and ALPS shall be free to render similar services to others. The Fund
recognizes that from time to time directors, officers and employees of ALPS may
serve as directors, officers and employees of other corporations or businesses (including
other investment companies) and that such other corporations and businesses may
include ALPS as part of their name and that ALPS or its affiliates may enter into
distribution agreements or other agreements with such other corporations and businesses. |
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9. |
Accounts and Records. The accounts and records maintained by ALPS shall be the property
of the Fund. ALPS shall prepare, maintain and preserve such accounts and records
as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations.
ALPS shall surrender such accounts and records to the Fund, in the form in
which such accounts and records have been maintained or preserved, promptly
upon |
receipt of instructions from the Fund. The Fund shall have access to such accounts
and records at all times during ALPS’ normal business hours. Upon the reasonable
request of the Fund, copies of any such books and records shall be provided by ALPS
to the Fund at the Fund’s expense. ALPS shall assist the Fund, the Fund’s
independent auditors, or, upon approval of the Fund, any regulatory body, in any
requested review of the Fund’s accounts and records, and reports by ALPS or
its independent accountants concerning its accounting system and internal auditing
controls will be open to such entities for audit or inspection upon reasonable request.
ALPS or its undersigned as defined by Rule 17a-4 of the Securities and Exchange
Act (the “Exchange Act”), shall have access to all electronic communications,
including password access to the system storing the electronic communications, of
registered representatives of ALPS that are associated with the Fund and are required
to be maintained under Rule 17a-4 of the Exchange Act and FINRA Rules 3110 and 3010.
Electronic storage media maintained by the Fund will comply with Rule 17a-4 of the
Exchange Act. |
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10. |
Confidential and Proprietary Information. ALPS agrees that it will, on behalf of
itself and its officers and employees, treat all transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and all records and information relative to the Fund and its current
and former shareholders and other information germane thereto, as confidential and
as proprietary information of the Fund and not to use, sell, transfer, or divulge
such information or records to any person for any purpose other than performance
of its duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing
from the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Approval may not
be withheld where ALPS may be exposed to civil, regulatory, or criminal proceedings
for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted
authorities, or when requested by the Fund. When requested to divulge such information
by duly constituted authorities, ALPS shall use reasonable commercial efforts to
request confidential treatment of such information. ALPS shall have in place and
maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to
protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized
access to or use of records and information relating to the Fund and its current
and former shareholders. |
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11. |
Compliance with Rules and Regulations. ALPS shall comply (and to the extent ALPS
takes or is required to take action on behalf of the Fund hereunder shall cause
the Fund to comply) with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable
laws, rules, regulations, orders and code of ethics, as well as all investment restrictions,
policies and procedures adopted by the Fund of which ALPS has knowledge (it
being understood that ALPS is deemed to have knowledge of all investment restrictions,
policies or procedures set out in the Fund’s public filings or otherwise provided
to ALPS and with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable
laws, rules, regulations, orders and code of ethics). Except as set out in this
Agreement, ALPS assumes no responsibility for such compliance by the Fund. ALPS
shall maintain at all times a program reasonably designed to prevent violations
of the federal securities laws (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 0000 Xxx) with
respect to the services provided, and shall provide to the Fund a certification
to such effect no less than annually or as otherwise reasonably requested by the
Fund. ALPS shall make available its compliance personnel and shall provide at its
own expense summaries and other relevant materials relating to such program as reasonably requested
by the Fund. |
12. | Representations and Warranties of ALPS. ALPS represents and warrants to the Fund that: | |||
(a) | It is duly
organized and existing as a corporation and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Colorado. |
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(b) | It is empowered
under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to enter
into and perform this Agreement. |
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(c) | All requisite
corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform
this Agreement. |
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(d) | It has and
will continue to have access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel
to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement in accordance with industry
standards. |
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(e) | ALPS has conducted
a review of its supervisory controls system and has made available to the Fund the
most current report of such review and any updates thereto. Every time ALPS conducts
a review of its supervisory control system it will make available to the Fund for
inspection a report of such review and any updates thereto. ALPS shall immediately
notify the Fund of any changes in how it conducts its business that would materially
change the results of its most recent review of its supervisory controls system
and any other changes to ALPS’ business that would affect the business of the
Fund or the Fund’s investment adviser. |
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13. |
Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund represents and warrants to ALPS that: |
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(a) | It is a trust
duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of
Massachusetts and is registered with the SEC as an open-end diversified management
investment company. |
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(b) | It is empowered
under applicable laws and by its Declaration of Trust and By-laws to enter into
and perform this Agreement. |
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(c) | The Board
of Trustees of the Fund has duly authorized it to enter into and perform this Agreement. |
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(d) | Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund agrees not to make any modifications
to its registration statement or adopt any policies which would affect materially
the obligations or responsibilities of ALPS hereunder without the prior notification
to ALPS. |
14. |
Consultation Between the Parties. ALPS and the Fund shall regularly consult with
each other regarding ALPS’ performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
In connection therewith, the Fund shall submit to ALPS at a reasonable time in advance
of filing with the SEC reasonably final copies of any amended or supplemented registration
statement (including exhibits) under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act; provided, however,
that nothing contained in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Fund’s
right to file at any time such amendments to any registration statement and/or supplements
to any prospectus or statement of additional information, of whatever character,
as the Fund may deem advisable, such right being in all respects absolute and unconditional. |
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15. |
Anti-Money Laundering. ALPS agrees to maintain an anti-money laundering program in
compliance with Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the
“USA Patriot Act”) and all applicable laws and regulations promulgated
thereunder. ALPS confirms that, as soon as possible, following the request from
the Fund, ALPS will supply the Fund with copies of ALPS’ anti-money laundering
policy and procedures, and such other relevant certifications and representations
regarding such policy and procedures as the Fund may reasonably request from time
to time. |
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16. |
Business Interruption Plan. ALPS shall maintain in effect a business interruption
plan, and enter into any agreements necessary with appropriate parties making reasonable
provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing equipment customary in
the industry. In the event of equipment failures, ALPS shall, at no additional expense
to the Fund, take commercially reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions. |
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17. | Duration and Termination of this Agreement. | |||
(a) | Initial Term.
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above (the “Start
Date”) and shall continue thereafter throughout the period that ends two (2)
years after the Start Date (the “Initial Term”). |
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(b) | Renewal Term.
If not sooner terminated, this Agreement shall renew at the end of the Initial Term
and shall thereafter continue for successive annual periods, provided such continuance
is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Fund’s Board of Trustees
or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant
portfolio of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved
by the majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined
in the 0000 Xxx) of any party to this Agreement by vote cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval. If a plan under Rule 12b-1 of
the 1940 Act is in effect, continuance of the plan and this Agreement must be approved
at least annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested
persons (as defined in the 0000 Xxx) and have no financial interest in the operation
of such plan or in any agreements related to such plan, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval. |
(c) | This Agreement
is terminable without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the relevant portfolio of the Fund, or by ALPS. |
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(d) | Deliveries
Upon Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement, ALPS agrees to cooperate in
the orderly transfer of distribution duties and shall deliver to the Fund or as
otherwise directed by the Fund (at the expense of the Fund) all records and other
documents made or accumulated in the performance of its duties for the Fund hereunder.
In the event ALPS gives notice of termination under this Agreement, it will continue
to provide the services contemplated hereunder after such termination at the contractual
rate for up to 120 days, provided that the Fund uses all reasonable commercial efforts
to appoint such replacement on a timely basis. |
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18. |
Assignment. This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment
(as defined in the 1940 Act). This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund
without the prior written consent of ALPS. |
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19. | ||||
20. |
Names. The obligations of the Fund entered into in the name or on behalf thereof
by any director, shareholder, representative, or agent thereof are made not individually,
but in such capacities, and are not binding upon any of the directors, shareholders,
representatives or agents of the Fund personally, but bind only the property of
the Fund, and all persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property
of the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund. |
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21. |
Amendments to this Agreement. This Agreement may only be amended by the parties in
writing. |
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22. |
Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall
be deemed to have been given when received or when sent by telex or facsimile, and
shall be given to the following addresses (or such other addresses as to which notice
is given): |
To ALPS: | ||
ALPS Distributors, Inc. | ||
0000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000 | ||
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 | ||
Attn: General Counsel | ||
Fax: (000) 000-0000 | ||
To the Fund: |
Name: Nottingham Investment Trust II | ||
Address: 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 | ||
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx and Xxx Xxxxx | ||
Fax: 000.000.0000 | ||
With a copy to Fund Counsel: | ||
The Law Offices of Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
A Member Firm of the 1940 Act Law Group | ||
0000 X. 000xx Xxxxxxx | ||
Xxxxx 000 | ||
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000 | ||
Fax: 000.000.0000 |
24. |
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number
of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to
constitute one and the same instrument. |
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25. |
Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding
among the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating
to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that ALPS may embody in one or
more separate documents its agreement, if any, with respect to delegated duties
and oral instructions. |
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IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written. |
NOTTINGHAM INVESTMENT TRUST II | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxx | |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Name: | Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Title: | President |
APPENDIX A |
LIST OF PORTFOLIOS |
The Xxxxx Capital Management Small Company Fund (BCSIX) |
The Xxxxx Capital Management International Equity Fund (BCIIX) |
The Xxxxx Capital Management Mid-Cap Fund (BCMSX) |
APPENDIX B |
SERVICES |
• | Act as legal underwriter/distributor | ||
• | Maintain licensing of sponsor’s staff: | ||
• | Coordinate testing | ||
• | File documentation | ||
• | Maintain and supervise existing registrations | ||
• | Prepare, update, execute and maintain broker/dealer selling agreements | ||
• | Review/ file all marketing materials with FINRA | ||
• | Oversee and administer 12b-1 plans | ||
• | AVA: AdLit advertising review system & Selling Agreement Maintenance System | ||
• |
Providing reasonable assistance to the Fund’s CCO in the performance of its
duties, including responding to periodic checklists, granting interviews with key
ALPS staff that the CCO determines appropriate in conjunction with the CCO’s
monitoring of the Fund’s service provider and such other assistance as the
CCO may reasonably request from time to time. |