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EXHIBIT h(61)
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.,
AND
NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND
ITS SEPARATE ACCOUNTS,
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Description Page
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Section 1. Available Funds..................................................................2
1.1 Availability..................................................................2
1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds...................................2
1.3 No Sales to the General Public................................................2
Section 2. Processing Transactions..........................................................2
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders.....................................................2
2.2 Timely Payments...............................................................3
2.3 Applicable Price..............................................................3
2.4 Dividends and Distributions...................................................4
2.5 Book Entry....................................................................4
Section 3. Costs and Expenses...............................................................4
3.1 General.......................................................................4
3.2 Parties To Cooperate..........................................................4
Section 4. Legal Compliance.................................................................5
4.1 Tax Laws......................................................................5
4.2 Insurance and Certain Other Laws..............................................7
4.3 Securities Laws...............................................................8
4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstances.........................9
4.5 LIFE COMPANY To Provide Documents; Information About AVIF.....................9
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About LIFE COMPANY....................10
Section 5. Mixed and Shared Funding........................................................12
5.1 General......................................................................12
5.2 Disinterested Directors......................................................12
5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts.............................12
5.4 Conflict Remedies............................................................13
5.5 Notice to LIFE COMPANY.......................................................14
5.6 Information Requested by Board of Directors..................................14
5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules....................................................15
5.8 Other Requirements...........................................................15
Section 6. Termination.....................................................................15
6.1 Events of Termination........................................................15
6.2 Notice Requirement for Termination...........................................16
6.3 Funds To Remain Available....................................................17
6.4 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications..................................17
6.5 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes................................17
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Section 7. Parties To Cooperate Respecting Termination.....................................17
Section 8. Assignment......................................................................17
Section 9. Notices.........................................................................18
Section 10. Voting Procedures..............................................................18
Section 11. Foreign Tax Credits............................................................19
Section 12. Indemnification................................................................19
12.1 Of AVIF by LIFE COMPANY......................................................19
12.2 Of LIFE COMPANY by AVIF......................................................21
12.3 Effect of Notice.............................................................24
12.4 Successors...................................................................24
Section 13. Applicable Law.................................................................24
Section 14. Execution in Counterparts......................................................24
Section 15. Severability...................................................................24
Section 16. Rights Cumulative..............................................................24
Section 17. Headings.......................................................................25
Section 18. Confidentiality................................................................25
Section 19. Trademarks and Fund Names......................................................26
Section 20. Parties to Cooperate...........................................................26
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PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the 28th day of January,
2000 ("Agreement"), by and among AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., a Maryland
corporation ("AVIF"), and Northbrook Life Insurance Company, an Arizona life
insurance company ("LIFE COMPANY"), on behalf of itself and each of its
segregated asset accounts listed in Schedule A hereto, as the parties hereto may
amend from time to time (each, an "Account," and collectively, the "Accounts").
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, AVIF is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") as an open-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, AVIF currently consists of seventeen separate series
("Series"), shares ("Shares") of each of which are registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") and are currently sold to
one or more separate accounts of life insurance companies to fund benefits under
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts; and
WHEREAS, AVIF will make Shares of each Series listed on Schedule A
hereto as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time (each a "Fund";
reference herein to "AVIF" includes reference to each Fund, to the extent the
context requires) available for purchase by the Accounts; and
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY will be the issuer of certain variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance contracts ("Contracts") and/or policies
("Policies") as set forth on Schedule A hereto, as the Parties hereto may amend
from time to time, which Contracts and Policies (hereinafter collectively, the
"Policies"), if required by applicable law, will be registered under the 1933
Act; and
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY will fund the Policies through the Accounts, each
of which may be divided into two or more subaccounts ("Subaccounts"; reference
herein to an "Account" includes reference to each Subaccount thereof to the
extent the context requires); and
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY will serve as the depositor of the Accounts, each
of which is registered as a unit investment trust investment company under the
1940 Act (or exempt therefrom), and the security interests deemed to be issued
by the Accounts under the Policies will be registered as securities under the
1933 Act (or exempt therefrom); and
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WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, LIFE COMPANY intends to purchase Shares in one or more of the Funds
on behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits and promises
contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. AVAILABLE FUNDS
1.1 AVAILABILITY.
AVIF will make Shares of each Fund available to LIFE COMPANY for
purchase and redemption at net asset value and with no sales charges, subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Board of Directors of AVIF may
refuse to sell Shares of any Fund to any person, or suspend or terminate the
offering of Shares of any Fund if such action is required by law or by
regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the
Directors acting in good faith and in light of their fiduciary duties under
federal and any applicable state laws, such action is deemed in the best
interests of the shareholders of such Fund.
1.2 ADDITION, DELETION OR MODIFICATION OF FUNDS.
LIFE COMPANY hereto may agree, from time to time, to add other Funds to
provide additional funding media for the Policies, or to delete, combine, or
modify existing Funds, by amending Schedule A hereto. Upon such amendment to
Schedule A, any applicable reference to a Fund, AVIF, or its Shares herein shall
include a reference to any such additional Fund. Schedule A, as amended from
time to time, is incorporated herein by reference and is a part hereof.
1.3 NO SALES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
AVIF represents and warrants that no Shares of any Fund have been or
will be sold to the general public.
SECTION 2. PROCESSING TRANSACTIONS
2.1 TIMELY PRICING AND ORDERS.
(a) AVIF or its designated agent will use its best efforts to provide
LIFE COMPANY with the net asset value per Share for each Fund by 6:00 p.m.
Central Time on each Business Day. As used herein, "Business Day" shall mean any
day on which (i) the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading, (ii)
AVIF calculates the Fund's net asset value and (iii) LIFE COMPANY is open for
business.
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(b) LIFE COMPANY will use the data provided by AVIF each Business Day
pursuant to paragraph (a) immediately above to calculate Account unit values and
to process transactions that receive that same Business Day's Account unit
values. LIFE COMPANY will perform such Account processing the same Business Day,
and will place corresponding orders to purchase or redeem Shares with AVIF by
9:00 a.m. Central Time the following Business Day; provided, however, that AVIF
shall provide additional time to LIFE COMPANY in the event that AVIF is unable
to meet the 6:00 p.m. time stated in paragraph (a) immediately above. Such
additional time shall be equal to the additional time that AVIF takes to make
the net asset values available to LIFE COMPANY.
(c) Each order to purchase or redeem Shares will separately describe the
amount of Shares of each Fund to be purchased, redeemed or exchanged and will
not be netted; provided however, with respect to payment of the purchase price
by LIFE COMPANY and of redemption proceeds by AVIF, LIFE COMPANY and AVIF shall
net purchase and redemption orders with respect to each Fund and shall transmit
one net payment per Fund in accordance with Section 2.2, below. Each order to
purchase or redeem Shares shall also specify whether the order results from
purchase payments, surrenders, partial withdrawals of charges or requests for
other transactions under Policies (collectively, "Policy transactions").
(d) If AVIF provides materially incorrect Share net asset value
information (as determined under SEC guidelines), LIFE COMPANY shall be entitled
to an adjustment to the number of Shares purchased or redeemed to reflect the
correct net asset value per Share. Any material error in the calculation or
reporting of net asset value per Share, dividend or capital gain information
shall be reported promptly upon discovery to LIFE COMPANY. Materiality and
reprocessing cost reimbursement shall be determined in accordance with standards
established by the parties as provided in Schedule B, attached hereto and herein
incorporated.
2.2 TIMELY PAYMENTS.
LIFE COMPANY will wire payment for net purchases to a custodial account
designated by AVIF by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the order for
Shares is placed, to the extent practicable. AVIF will wire payment for net
redemptions to an account designated by LIFE COMPANY by 1:00 p.m. Central Time
on the same day as the Order is placed, to the extent practicable, but in any
event within five (5) calendar days after the date the order is placed in order
to enable LIFE COMPANY to pay redemption proceeds within the time specified in
Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act or such shorter period of time as may be required
by law.
2.3 APPLICABLE PRICE.
(a) Share purchase and redemption orders that result from Policy
transactions and that LIFE COMPANY receives prior to the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange on a Business Day will be executed at the
net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after receipt by AVIF or
its designated agent of the orders. For purposes of this Section 2.3(a), LIFE
COMPANY shall be the designated agent of AVIF for receipt of orders relating to
Policy transactions on each Business Day and receipt by such designated agent
shall constitute receipt by
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AVIF; provided, that AVIF receives notice of such orders by 9:00 a.m. Central
Time on the next following Business Day or such later time as computed in
accordance with Section 2.1(b) hereof.
(b) All other Share purchases and redemptions by LIFE COMPANY will be
effected at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after
receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the order therefor, and such orders
will be irrevocable.
2.4 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.
AVIF will furnish notice promptly to LIFE COMPANY any income dividends
or capital gain distributions payable on the Shares of any Fund. LIFE COMPANY
hereby elects to reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions in
additional Shares of the corresponding Fund at the ex-dividend date net asset
values until LIFE COMPANY otherwise notifies AVIF in writing, it being agreed by
the Parties that the ex-dividend date and the payment date with respect to any
dividend or distribution will be the same Business Day. LIFE COMPANY reserves
the right to revoke this election and to receive all such income dividends and
capital gain distributions in cash.
2.5 BOOK ENTRY.
Issuance and transfer of AVIF Shares will be by book entry only. Stock
certificates will not be issued to LIFE COMPANY. Shares ordered from AVIF will
be recorded in an appropriate title for LIFE COMPANY, on behalf of its Account.
SECTION 3. COSTS AND EXPENSES
3.1 GENERAL.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in Schedule C, attached hereto
and made a part hereof, each Party will bear, or arrange for others to bear, all
expenses incident to its performance under this Agreement.
3.2 PARTIES TO COOPERATE.
Each Party agrees to cooperate with the others, as applicable, in
arranging to print, mail and/or deliver, in a timely manner, combined or
coordinated prospectuses or other materials of AVIF and the Accounts.
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SECTION 4. LEGAL COMPLIANCE
4.1 TAX LAWS.
(a) AVIF represents and warrants that each Fund is currently qualified
and will continue to qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). AVIF
will notify LIFE COMPANY immediately upon having a reasonable basis for
believing that a Fund has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify
in the future.
(b) AVIF represents that it will comply and maintain each Fund's
compliance with the diversification requirements set forth in Section 817(h) of
the Code and Section 1.817-5(b) of the regulations under the Code. AVIF will
notify LIFE COMPANY immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing
that a Fund has ceased to so comply or that a Fund might not so comply in the
future.
(c) LIFE COMPANY agrees that if the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")
asserts in writing in connection with any governmental audit or review of LIFE
COMPANY or, to LIFE COMPANY's knowledge, of any Policy owner, annuitant or
participant under the Policies (collectively, "Participants"), that any Fund has
failed to comply with the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the
Code or LIFE COMPANY otherwise becomes aware of any facts that could give rise
to any claim against AVIF or its affiliates as a result of such a failure or
alleged failure to so comply with Section 817(h) (hereinafter respectively
referred to in this paragraph (c) as "failure" or "alleged failure"):
(i) LIFE COMPANY shall promptly notify AVIF of such assertion
or potential claim (subject to the Confidentiality
provisions of Section 18 as to any Participant);
(ii) LIFE COMPANY shall consult with AVIF as to how to minimize
any liability that may arise as a result of such failure
or alleged failure;
(iii) LIFE COMPANY shall use its best efforts to minimize any
liability of AVIF or its affiliates resulting from such
failure, including, without limitation, demonstrating,
pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.817-5(a)(2), to
the Commissioner of the IRS that such failure was
inadvertent, provided that LIFE COMPANY shall not be
required to make any such demonstration of inadvertence
unless AVIF represents or provides an opinion of counsel,
which representation or opinion shall be reasonably
satisfactory to LIFE COMPANY, to the effect that a
reasonable basis exists for making such demonstration;
(iv) LIFE COMPANY shall permit AVIF, its affiliates and their
legal and accounting advisors to participate in any
conferences, settlement discussions or other
administrative or judicial proceeding or contests
(including judicial
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appeals thereof) with the IRS, any Participant or any
other claimant regarding any claims that could give rise
to liability to AVIF or its affiliates as a result of
such a failure or alleged failure; provided, however,
that LIFE COMPANY will retain control of the conduct of
such conferences, discussions, proceedings, contests or
appeals thereof;
(v) any written materials to be submitted by LIFE COMPANY to
the IRS, any Participant or any other claimant in
connection with any of the foregoing proceedings or
contests (including, without limitation, any such
materials to be submitted to the IRS pursuant to Treasury
Regulations Section 1.817-5(a)(2)), (a) shall be provided
by LIFE COMPANY to AVIF (together with any supporting
information or analysis); subject to the confidentiality
provisions of Section 18, at least ten (10) business days
or such shorter period to which the Parties hereto may
from time to time agree, prior to the day on which such
proposed materials are to be submitted and (b) shall not
be submitted by LIFE COMPANY to any such person without
the express written consent of AVIF which shall not be
unreasonably withheld;
(vi) LIFE COMPANY shall provide AVIF or its affiliates and
their accounting and legal advisors with such cooperation
as AVIF shall reasonably request (including, without
limitation, by providing AVIF and its accounting and legal
advisors with copies of any relevant books and records (or
portions thereof) of LIFE COMPANY that may be reasonably
requested by or on behalf of AVIF and that LIFE COMPANY is
permitted to provide in accordance with applicable law) in
order to facilitate review by AVIF or its advisors of any
written submissions provided to it pursuant to the
preceding clause or its assessment of the validity or
amount of any claim against its arising from such a
failure or alleged failure;
(vii) LIFE COMPANY shall not with respect to any claim of the
IRS or any Participant that would give rise to a claim
against AVIF or its affiliates (a) compromise or settle
any claim, (b) accept any adjustment on audit, or (c)
forego any allowable administrative or judicial appeals,
without the express written consent of AVIF or its
affiliates, which shall not be unreasonably withheld,
provided that LIFE COMPANY shall not be required, after
exhausting all administrative remedies, to appeal any
adverse IRS or judicial decision unless AVIF or its
affiliates shall have provided an opinion of independent
counsel approved by LIFE COMPANY, which approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld, to the effect that a reasonable
basis exists for taking such appeal (or, in the case of an
appeal to the United States Supreme Court, that LIFE
COMPANY should be more likely than not to prevail on such
appeal) and provided further that the costs of any such
appeal shall be borne equally by the Parties hereto; and
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(viii) AVIF and its affiliates shall have no liability as a
result of such failure or alleged failure if LIFE COMPANY
fails to comply with any of the foregoing clauses (i)
through (vii), and such failure could be shown to have
materially contributed to the liability.
Should AVIF or any of its affiliates refuse to give its written consent
to any compromise or settlement of any claim or liability hereunder, LIFE
COMPANY may, in its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates to act in the
name of LIFE COMPANY in, and to control the conduct of, such conferences,
discussions, proceedings, contests or appeals and all administrative or judicial
appeals thereof, and in that event AVIF or its affiliates shall bear the fees
and expenses associated with the conduct of the proceedings that it is so
authorized to control; provided, that in no event shall LIFE COMPANY have any
liability resulting from AVIF's refusal to accept the proposed settlement or
compromise with respect to any failure caused by AVIF. As used in this
Agreement, the term "affiliates" shall have the same meaning as "affiliated
person" as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act.
(d) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that the Policies currently are
and at all times will be treated as annuity, endowment or life insurance
contracts under applicable provisions of the Code. LIFE COMPANY will notify AVIF
immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that any of the
Policies have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in
the future, provided that such notice shall be kept confidential during the
period of LIFE COMPANY's investigation of any such circumstances to the extent
permitted by applicable law.
(e) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that each Account is and at all
times will be a "segregated asset account" and that interests in each Account
are offered exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a "variable
contract," within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and
the regulations thereunder. LIFE COMPANY will notify AVIF immediately upon
having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be
met or that they might not be met in the future.
4.2 INSURANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER LAWS.
(a) AVIF will use its best effort to comply with any applicable state
insurance laws or regulations, to the extent specifically requested in writing
by LIFE COMPANY.
(b) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that (i) it is an insurance
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Arizona and has full corporate power, authority and legal right to
execute, deliver and perform its duties and comply with its obligations under
this Agreement, (ii) it has legally and validly established and maintains each
Account as a segregated asset account under Section 245.21 of the Illinois
Insurance Code and the regulations thereunder, and (iii) the Policies comply in
all material respects with all other applicable federal and state laws and
regulations.
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(c) AVIF represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Maryland and has full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver,
and perform its duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement.
4.3 SECURITIES LAWS.
(a) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that (i) interests in each
Account pursuant to the Policies will be registered under the 1933 Act to the
extent required by the 1933 Act, (ii) the Policies will be duly authorized for
issuance and sold in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws,
including, without limitation, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and
Arizona law, (iii) each Account is and will remain registered under the 1940
Act, to the extent required by the 1940 Act, (iv) each Account does and will
comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the
rules thereunder, to the extent required, (v) each Account's 1933 Act
registration statement relating to the Policies, together with any amendments
thereto, will at all times comply in all material respects with the requirements
of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder, (vi) LIFE COMPANY will amend the
registration statement for its Contracts under the 1933 Act and for its Policies
under the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the
continuous offering of its Policies or as may otherwise be required by
applicable law, and (vii) each Account Prospectus will at all times comply in
all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules
thereunder.
(b) AVIF represents and warrants that (i) Shares sold pursuant to this
Agreement will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent required by the
1933 Act and duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with Maryland
law, (ii) AVIF is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act to the extent
required by the 1940 Act, (iii) AVIF will amend the registration statement for
its Shares under the 1933 Act and itself under the 1940 Act from time to time as
required in order to effect the continuous offering of its Shares, (iv) AVIF
does and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940
Act and the rules thereunder, (v) AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement,
together with any amendments thereto, will at all times comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and rules thereunder, and (vi)
AVIF's Prospectus will at all times comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.
(c) AVIF will register and qualify its Shares for sale in accordance
with the laws of any state or other jurisdiction if and to the extent reasonably
deemed advisable by AVIF.
(d) AVIF currently does not intend to make any payments to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or otherwise,
although it reserves the right to make such payments in the future. To the
extent that it decides to finance distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1,
AVIF undertakes to have its Board of Directors, a majority of whom are not
"interested" persons of the Fund, formulate and approve any plan under Rule
12b-1 to finance distribution expenses.
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4.4 NOTICE OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
(a) AVIF will immediately notify LIFE COMPANY of (i) the issuance by any
court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other
similar order with respect to AVIF's registration statement under the 1933 Act
or AVIF Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any amendment to such
registration statement or AVIF Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares
of AVIF, (iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or for any
other purpose relating to the registration or offering of AVIF's Shares, or (iv)
any other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful offer or sale of
Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction, including, without limitation,
any circumstances in which (a) such Shares are not registered and, in all
material respects, issued and sold in accordance with applicable state and
federal law, or (b) such law precludes the use of such Shares as an underlying
investment medium of the Policies issued or to be issued by LIFE COMPANY. AVIF
will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance, with respect to any
Fund, of any such stop order, cease and desist order or similar order and, if
any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible
time.
(b) LIFE COMPANY will immediately notify AVIF of (i) the issuance by any
court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other
similar order with respect to each Account's registration statement under the
1933 Act relating to the Policies or each Account Prospectus, (ii) any request
by the SEC for any amendment to such registration statement or Account
Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation
of any proceedings for that purpose or for any other purpose relating to the
registration or offering of each Account's interests pursuant to the Policies,
or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful offer or
sale of said interests in any state or jurisdiction, including, without
limitation, any circumstances in which said interests are not registered and, in
all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with applicable state and
federal law. LIFE COMPANY will make every reasonable effort to prevent the
issuance of any such stop order, cease and desist order or similar order and, if
any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible
time.
4.5 LIFE COMPANY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT AVIF.
(a) LIFE COMPANY will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of all SEC registration statements, Account Prospectuses,
reports, any preliminary and final voting instruction solicitation material,
applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments
to any of the above, that relate to each Account or the Policies,
contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other
regulatory authorities.
(b) LIFE COMPANY will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material not prepared by AVIF or its affiliates, in which AVIF or any of its
affiliates is named, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to its use or such
shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. No such
material shall be used if AVIF or its designated agent objects to such use
within ten (10) Business Days after receipt of such material or such shorter
period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. AVIF hereby
designates its investment advisor as the entity to receive such sales
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literature, until such time as AVIF appoints another designated agent by giving
notice to LIFE COMPANY in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.
(c) Neither LIFE COMPANY nor any of its affiliates, will give any
information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning
AVIF or its affiliates in connection with the sale of the Policies other than
(i) the information or representations contained in the registration statement,
including the AVIF Prospectus contained therein, relating to Shares, as such
registration statement and AVIF Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or
(ii) in reports or proxy materials for AVIF; or (iii) in published reports for
AVIF that are in the public domain and approved by AVIF for distribution; or
(iv) in sales literature or other promotional material approved by AVIF, except
with the express written permission of AVIF.
(d) LIFE COMPANY shall adopt and implement procedures reasonably
designed to ensure that information concerning AVIF and its affiliates that is
intended for use only by brokers or agents selling the Policies (i.e.,
information that is not intended for distribution to Participants or offeree)
("broker only materials") is so used, and neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates
shall be liable for any losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use
of such broker only materials.
(e) For the purposes of this Section 4.5, the phrase "sales literature
or other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g.,
on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research
reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of
any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or
training materials or other communications distributed or made generally
available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and
proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or
advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 0000 Xxx.
4.6 AVIF TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS; INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE COMPANY .
(a) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY at least one (1) complete copy of
all SEC registration statements, AVIF Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary and
final proxy material, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action
letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to AVIF or the
Shares of a Fund, contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the
SEC or other regulatory authorities.
(b) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY a camera ready copy of all AVIF
prospectuses and a printed copy, to be reproduced by LIFE COMPANY, of AVIF
statements of additional information, additionally AVIF will provide printed
copies of proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials
required by law to be sent to Participants who have allocated any Policy value
to a Fund.
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AVIF will provide such copies to LIFE COMPANY in a timely manner so
as to enable LIFE COMPANY, as the case may be, to print and distribute such
materials within the time required by law to be furnished to Participants.
(c) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which LIFE COMPANY, or any of its affiliates is named, or that
refers to the Policies, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to its use or such
shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. No such
material shall be used if LIFE COMPANY or its designated agent objects to such
use within ten (10) Business Days after receipt of such material or such shorter
period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. LIFE COMPANY
shall receive all such sales literature until such time as it appoints a
designated agent by giving notice to AVIF in the manner required by Section 9
hereof.
(d) Neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates will give any information or
make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning LIFE COMPANY,
each Account, or the Policies other than (i) the information or representations
contained in the registration statement, including each Account Prospectus
contained therein, relating to the Policies, as such registration statement and
Account Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or (ii) in published
reports for the Account or the Policies that are in the public domain and
approved by LIFE COMPANY for distribution; or (iii) in sales literature or other
promotional material approved by LIFE COMPANY or its affiliates, except with the
express written permission of LIFE COMPANY.
(e) AVIF shall cause its principal underwriter to adopt and implement
procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning LIFE
COMPANY, and its affiliates that is intended for use only by brokers or agents
selling the Policies (i.e., information that is not intended for distribution to
Participants or offerees) ("broker only materials") is so used, and neither LIFE
COMPANY nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any losses, damages or
expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only materials.
(f) For purposes of this Section 4.6, the phrase "sales literature or
other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g.,
on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research
reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of
any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or
training materials or other communications distributed or made generally
available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and
proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or
advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.
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SECTION 5. MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING
5.1 GENERAL.
The SEC has granted an order to AVIF exempting it from certain
provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder so that AVIF may be available
for investment by certain other entities, including, without limitation,
separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
contracts, separate accounts of insurance companies unaffiliated with LIFE
COMPANY, and trustees of qualified pension and retirement plans (collectively,
"Mixed and Shared Funding"). The Parties recognize that the SEC has imposed
terms and conditions for such orders that are substantially identical to many of
the provisions of this Section 5. Sections 5.2 through 5.8 below shall apply
pursuant to such an exemptive order granted to AVIF. AVIF hereby notifies LIFE
COMPANY that, in the event that AVIF implements Mixed and Shared Funding, it may
be appropriate to include in the prospectus pursuant to which a Policy is
offered disclosure regarding the potential risks of Mixed and Shared Funding.
5.2 DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors shall at all times consist of
directors a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Directors") are not interested
persons of AVIF within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the
Rules thereunder and as modified by any applicable orders of the SEC, except
that if this condition is not met by reason of the death, disqualification, or
bona fide resignation of any director, then the operation of this condition
shall be suspended (a) for a period of forty-five (45) days if the vacancy or
vacancies may be filled by the Board;(b) for a period of sixty (60) days if a
vote of shareholders is required to fill the vacancy or vacancies; or (c) for
such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by order upon application.
5.3 MONITORING FOR MATERIAL IRRECONCILABLE CONFLICTS.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors will monitor for the existence
of any material irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the
Participants in all separate accounts of life insurance companies utilizing AVIF
("Participating Insurance Companies"), including each Account, and participants
in all qualified retirement and pension plans investing in AVIF ("Participating
Plans"). LIFE COMPANY agrees to inform the Board of Directors of AVIF of the
existence of or any potential for any such material irreconcilable conflict of
which it is aware. The concept of a "material irreconcilable conflict" is not
defined by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder, but the Parties recognize that
such a conflict may arise for a variety of reasons, including, without
limitation:
(a) an action by any state insurance or other regulatory authority;
(b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance, tax or securities
laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter ruling, no-action or
interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance, tax or securities
regulatory authorities;
(c) an administrative or judicial decision in any relevant proceeding;
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(d) the manner in which the investments of any Fund are being managed;
(e) a difference in voting instructions given by variable annuity
contract and variable life insurance contract Participants or by Participants of
different Participating Insurance Companies;
(f) a decision by a Participating Insurance Company to disregard the
voting instructions of Participants; or
(g) a decision by a Participating Plan to disregard the voting
instructions of Plan participants.
Consistent with the SEC's requirements in connection with exemptive
orders of the type referred to in Section 5.1 hereof, LIFE COMPANY will assist
the Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the
Board of Directors with all information reasonably necessary for the Board of
Directors to consider any issue raised, including information as to a decision
by LIFE COMPANY to disregard voting instructions of Participants. LIFE COMPANY's
responsibilities in connection with the foregoing shall be carried out with a
view only to the interests of Participants.
5.4 CONFLICT REMEDIES.
(a) It is agreed that if it is determined by a majority of the members
of the Board of Directors or a majority of the Disinterested Directors that a
material irreconcilable conflict exists, LIFE COMPANY will, if it is a
Participating Insurance Company for which a material irreconcilable conflict is
relevant, at its own expense and to the extent reasonably practicable (as
determined by a majority of the Disinterested Directors), take whatever steps
are necessary to remedy or eliminate the material irreconcilable conflict, which
steps may include, but are not limited to:
(i) withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of the
Accounts from AVIF or any Fund and reinvesting such assets
in a different investment medium, including another Fund
of AVIF, or submitting the question whether such
segregation should be implemented to a vote of all
affected Participants and, as appropriate, segregating the
assets of any particular group (e.g., annuity
Participants, life insurance Participants or all
Participants) that votes in favor of such segregation, or
offering to the affected Participants the option of making
such a change; and
(ii) establishing a new registered investment company of the
type defined as a "management company" in Section 4(3) of
the 1940 Act or a new separate account that is operated as
a management company.
(b) If the material irreconcilable conflict arises because of LIFE
COMPANY's decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that
decision represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, LIFE
COMPANY may be required, at AVIF's election, to withdraw each Account's
investment in AVIF or any Fund. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result
of such
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withdrawal. Any such withdrawal must take place within six (6) months after
AVIF gives notice to LIFE COMPANY that this provision is being implemented, and
until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and implement orders by LIFE
COMPANY for the purchase and redemption of Shares of AVIF.
(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular
state insurance regulator's decision applicable to LIFE COMPANY conflicts with
the majority of other state regulators, then LIFE COMPANY will withdraw each
Account's investment in AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of
Directors informs LIFE COMPANY that it has determined that such decision has
created a material irreconcilable conflict (after consideration of all
Participants), and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and
implement orders by LIFE COMPANY for the purchase and redemption of Shares of
AVIF. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal.
(d) LIFE COMPANY agrees that any remedial action taken by it in
resolving any material irreconcilable conflict will be carried out at its
expense and with a view only to the interests of Participants.
(e) For purposes hereof, a majority of the Disinterested Directors will
determine whether or not any proposed action adequately remedies any material
irreconcilable conflict. In no event, however, will AVIF or any of its
affiliates be required to establish a new funding medium for any Policies. LIFE
COMPANY will not be required by the terms hereof to establish a new funding
medium for any Policies if an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a
majority of Participants materially adversely affected by the material
irreconcilable conflict.
5.5 NOTICE TO LIFE COMPANY.
AVIF will promptly make known in writing to LIFE COMPANY the Board of
Directors' determination of the existence of a material irreconcilable conflict,
a description of the facts that give rise to such conflict and the implications
of such conflict.
5.6 INFORMATION REQUESTED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
LIFE COMPANY and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at least annually
submit to the Board of Directors of AVIF such reports, materials or data as the
Board of Directors may reasonably request so that the Board of Directors may
fully carry out the obligations imposed upon it by the provisions hereof or any
exemptive order granted by the SEC to permit Mixed and Shared Funding, and said
reports, materials and data will be submitted at any reasonable time deemed
appropriate by the Board of Directors. All reports received by the Board of
Directors of potential or existing conflicts, and all Board of Directors actions
with regard to determining the existence of a conflict, notifying Participating
Insurance Companies and Participating Plans of a conflict, and determining
whether any proposed action adequately remedies a conflict, will be properly
recorded in the minutes of the Board of Directors or other appropriate records,
and such minutes or other records will be made available to the SEC upon
request.
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5.7 COMPLIANCE WITH SEC RULES.
If, at any time during which AVIF is serving as an investment medium for
variable life insurance Policies, 1940 Act Rules 6e-3(T) or, if applicable, 6e-2
are amended or Rule 6e-3 is adopted to provide exemptive relief with respect to
Mixed and Shared Funding, AVIF agrees that it will comply with the terms and
conditions thereof and that the terms of this Section 5 shall be deemed modified
if and only to the extent required in order also to comply with the terms and
conditions of such exemptive relief that is afforded by any of said rules that
are applicable.
5.8 OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
AVIF will require that each Participating Insurance Company and
Participating Plan enter into an agreement with AVIF that contains in substance
the same provisions as are set forth in Sections 4.1(b), 4.1(d), 4.3(a), 4.4(b),
4.5(a), 5, and 10 of this Agreement.
SECTION 6. TERMINATION
6.1 EVENTS OF TERMINATION.
Subject to Section 6.4 below, this Agreement will terminate as to a
Fund:
(a) at the option of AVIF or LIFE COMPANY upon the approval by (i) a
majority of the Disinterested Directors or (ii) a majority vote of the Shares of
the affected Fund that are held in the corresponding Subaccount of an Account
(pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 10 of this Agreement for voting
Shares in accordance with Participant instructions); or
(b) at the option of AVIF upon institution of formal proceedings against
LIFE COMPANY or its affiliates by the NASD, the SEC, any state insurance
regulator or any other regulatory body regarding LIFE COMPANY's obligations
under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Policies, the operation of
each Account, or the purchase of Shares, if, in each case, AVIF reasonably
determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such proceedings would
be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material adverse consequences
on the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or
(c) at the option of LIFE COMPANY upon institution of formal proceedings
against AVIF, its principal underwriter, or its investment adviser by the NASD,
the SEC, or any state insurance regulator or any other regulatory body regarding
AVIF's obligations under this Agreement or related to the operation or
management of AVIF or the purchase of AVIF Shares, if, in each case, LIFE
COMPANY reasonably determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such
proceedings would be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material
adverse consequences on LIFE COMPANY, or the Subaccount corresponding to the
Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or
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(d) at the option of any Party in the event that (i) the Fund's Shares
are not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance
with any applicable federal or state law, or (ii) such law precludes the use of
such Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Policies issued or to be
issued by LIFE COMPANY; or
(e) upon termination of the corresponding Subaccount's investment in the
Fund pursuant to Section 5 hereof; or
(f) at the option of LIFE COMPANY if the Fund ceases to qualify as a RIC
under Subchapter M of the Code or under successor or similar provisions, or if
LIFE COMPANY reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so qualify; or
(g) at the option of LIFE COMPANY if the Fund fails to comply with
Section 817(h) of the Code or with successor or similar provisions (other than
by reason of failure of the Policies issued by LIFE COMPANY to qualify as
annuity or life insurance contracts under the Code, or the failure of any
account or Policy to meet the definition of "segregated asset account" or
"variable contract"; respectively, within the meaning of the Code) or if LIFE
COMPANY reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so comply; or
(h) at the option of AVIF if the Policies issued by LIFE COMPANY cease
to qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under the Code
(other than by reason of the Fund's noncompliance with Section 817(h) or
Subchapter M of the Code) or if interests in an Account under the Policies are
not registered, where required, and, in all material respects, are not issued or
sold in accordance with any applicable federal or state law; or
(i) upon another Party's material breach of any provision of this
Agreement.
6.2 NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR TERMINATION.
No termination of this Agreement will be effective unless and until the
Party terminating this Agreement gives prior written notice to the other Party
to this Agreement of its intent to terminate, and such notice shall set forth
the basis for such termination. Furthermore:
(a) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(a) or 6.1(e) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given at
least six (6) months in advance of the effective date of termination unless a
shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto;
(b) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(b) or 6.1(c) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given at
least ninety (90) days in advance of the effective date of termination unless a
shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto; and
(c) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of
Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof, such prior written
notice shall be given as soon as possible within twenty-four (24) hours after
the terminating Party learns of the event causing termination to be required.
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6.3 FUNDS TO REMAIN AVAILABLE.
Except (a) as necessary to implement Participation-initiated
transactions, (b) as required by state insurance laws or regulations, (c) as
required pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, or (d) with respect to any
Fund as to which this Agreement has terminated pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof,
LIFE COMPANY shall not (i) redeem AVIF Shares attributable to the Policies (as
opposed to AVIF Shares attributable to LIFE COMPANY's assets held in each
Account), or (ii) prevent Participants from allocating payments to or
transferring amounts from a Fund that was otherwise available under the
Policies, until six (6) months after LIFE COMPANY shall have notified AVIF of
its intention to do so and until 36 full calendar months shall have expired from
the date on which an Account first invested in any Fund.
6.4 SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS.
All warranties and indemnifications will survive the termination of this
Agreement.
6.5 CONTINUANCE OF AGREEMENT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
If any Party terminates this Agreement with respect to any Fund pursuant
to Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof,
this Agreement shall nevertheless continue in effect as to any Shares of that
Fund that are outstanding as of the date of such termination (the "Initial
Termination Date"). This continuation shall extend to the earlier of the date as
of which an Account owns no Shares of the affected Fund or a date (the "Final
Termination Date") six (6) months following the Initial Termination Date, except
that LIFE COMPANY may, by written notice shorten said six (6) month period in
the case of a termination pursuant to Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or
6.1(i).
SECTION 7. PARTIES TO COOPERATE RESPECTING TERMINATION
The Parties hereto agree to cooperate and give reasonable assistance to
one another in taking all necessary and appropriate steps for the purpose of
ensuring that an Account owns no Shares of a Fund after the Final Termination
Date with respect thereto, or, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section
6.1(a), the termination date specified in the notice of termination. Such steps
may include combining the affected Account with another Account, substituting
other mutual fund shares for those of the affected Fund, or otherwise
terminating participation by the Policies in such Fund.
SECTION 8. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the written
consent of each other Party.
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SECTION 9. NOTICES
Notices and communications required or permitted will be given by means
mutually acceptable to the Parties concerned. Each other notice or communication
required or permitted by this Agreement will be given to the following persons
at the following addresses and facsimile numbers, or such other persons,
addresses or facsimile numbers as the Party receiving such notices or
communications may subsequently direct in writing:
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx X0X
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Vellota, Esq.
SECTION 10. VOTING PROCEDURES
Subject to the cost allocation procedures set forth in Section 3 hereof,
LIFE COMPANY will distribute all proxy material furnished by AVIF to
Participants to whom pass-through voting privileges are required to be extended
and will solicit voting instructions from Participants. LIFE COMPANY will vote
Shares in accordance with timely instructions received from Participants. LIFE
COMPANY will vote Shares that are (a) not attributable to Participants to whom
pass-through voting privileges are extended, or (b) attributable to
Participants, but for which no timely instructions have been received, in the
same proportion as Shares for which said instructions have been received from
Participants, so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret
the 1940 Act to require pass through voting privileges for Participants. Neither
LIFE COMPANY nor any of its affiliates will in any way recommend action in
connection with or oppose or interfere with the solicitation of proxies for the
Shares held for such Participants except with respect to matters as to which
LIFE COMPANY has the right, under Rule 6e-2 or 6e-3(T) under the 1940 Act, to
vote the Shares without regard to voting instructions from Participants. LIFE
COMPANY reserves the right to vote shares held in any Account in its own right,
to the extent permitted by law. LIFE COMPANY shall be responsible for assuring
that each of its Accounts holding Shares calculates voting privileges in a
manner consistent with that of other Participating Insurance Companies or in the
manner required by the Mixed and Shared Funding exemptive order obtained by
AVIF. AVIF will notify LIFE COMPANY of any changes of interpretations or
amendments to Mixed and Shared
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Funding exemptive order it has obtained. AVIF will comply with all provisions
of the 1940 Act requiring voting by shareholders, and in particular, AVIF either
will provide for annual meetings (except insofar as the SEC may interpret
Section 16 of the 1940 Act not to require such meetings) or will comply with
Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act (although AVIF is not one of the trusts described
in Section 16(c) of that Act) as well as with Sections 16(a) and, if and when
applicable, 16(b). Further, AVIF will act in accordance with the SEC's
interpretation of the requirements of Section 16(a) with respect to periodic
elections of directors and with whatever rules the SEC may promulgate with
respect thereto.
SECTION 11. FOREIGN TAX CREDITS
AVIF agrees to consult in advance with LIFE COMPANY concerning any
decision to elect or not to elect pursuant to Section 853 of the Code to pass
through the benefit of any foreign tax credits to its shareholders.
SECTION 12. INDEMNIFICATION
12.1 OF AVIF BY LIFE COMPANY.
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.1(b) and 12.1(c),
below, LIFE COMPANY agrees to indemnify and hold harmless AVIF, its affiliates,
and each person, if any, who controls AVIF, or its affiliates within the meaning
of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their respective directors and
officers, (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section
12.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including
amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of LIFE COMPANY) or actions
in respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other
expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any
statute, regulation, at common law or otherwise; provided, the Account owns
shares of the Fund and insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
actions are related to the sale or acquisition of AVIF's Shares and:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account
Prospectus, the Policies, or sales literature or
advertising for the Policies (or any amendment or
supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided, that this agreement to indemnify
shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such
statement or omission or such alleged statement or
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to LIFE COMPANY by or on behalf of
AVIF, for use in any Account's 1933 Act registration
statement, any Account Prospectus, the Policies, or sales
literature or advertising or otherwise for use in
connection with the sale of
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Policies or Shares (or any amendment or supplement to
any of the foregoing); or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements or
representations (other than statements or representations
contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF
Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or
any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, not
supplied for use therein by or on behalf of LIFE COMPANY,
or its affiliates and on which such persons have
reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent
conduct of LIFE COMPANY, or its affiliates or persons
under their control (including, without limitation, their
employees and "persons associated with a member," as that
term is defined in paragraph (q) of Article I of the
NASD's By-Laws), in connection with the sale or
distribution of the Policies or Shares; or
(iii) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus,
sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment
or supplement to any of the foregoing, or the omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was
made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to AVIF, or its affiliates by or on behalf of
LIFE COMPANY, or its affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act
registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales literature
or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to
any of the foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by LIFE COMPANY to
perform the obligations, provide the services and furnish
the materials required of them under the terms of this
Agreement, or any material breach of any representation
and/or warranty made by LIFE COMPANY in this Agreement or
arise out of or result from any other material breach of
this Agreement by LIFE COMPANY; or
(v) arise as a result of failure by the Policies issued by
LIFE COMPANY to qualify as life insurance, endowment or
annuity contracts under the Code, otherwise than by reason
of any Fund's failure to comply with Subchapter M or
Section 817(h) of the Code.
(b) Neither LIFE COMPANY shall be liable under this Section 12.1 with
respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an
Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of
its duties or by reason of that Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of
obligations or duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to AVIF.
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(c) LIFE COMPANY shall not be liable under this Section 12.1 with
respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless AVIF shall have
notified LIFE COMPANY in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or
other first legal process giving information of the nature of the action shall
have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party
shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure
to notify LIFE COMPANY of any such action shall not relieve LIFE COMPANY from
any liability which they may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such
action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section 12.1. Except as
otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought against an
Indemnified Party, LIFE COMPANY shall be entitled to participate, at its own
expense, in the defense of such action and also shall be entitled to assume the
defense thereof, with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named in the
action, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice from
LIFE COMPANY to such Indemnified Party of LIFE COMPANY's election to assume the
defense thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with LIFE COMPANY
and shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it,
and LIFE COMPANY shall not be liable to such Indemnified Party under this
Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such
Indemnified Party independently in connection with the defense thereof, other
than reasonable costs of investigation.
12.2 OF LIFE COMPANY BY AVIF .
(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and 12.2(e),
below, AVIF agrees to indemnify and hold harmless LIFE COMPANY, its affiliates,
and each person, if any, who controls LIFE COMPANY, or its affiliates within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of its directors and officers,
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 12.2)
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid
in settlement with the written consent of AVIF) or actions in respect thereof
(including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other expenses), to which the
Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute, regulation, at common
law, or otherwise; provided, the Account owns shares of the Fund and insofar as
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions are related to the sale or
acquisition of AVIF's Shares and:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus or
sales literature or advertising of AVIF (or any amendment
or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided, that this agreement to indemnify
shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such
statement or omission or such alleged statement or
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to AVIF or its affiliates by or on
behalf of LIFE COMPANY or its affiliates for use in AVIF's
1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, or in
sales literature or advertising or otherwise for use in
connection with the sale of Contracts or Shares (or any
amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing); or
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(ii) arise out of or as a result of any other statements or
representations (other than statements or representations
contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration
statement, any Account Prospectus, sales literature or
advertising for the Policies, or any amendment or
supplement to any of the foregoing, not supplied for use
therein by or on behalf of AVIF or its affiliates and on
which such persons have reasonably relied) or the
negligent, illegal or fraudulent conduct of AVIF or its
affiliates or persons under its control (including,
without limitation, their employees and "persons
associated with a member" as that term is defined in
Section (q) of Article I of the NASD By-Laws), in
connection with the sale or distribution of AVIF Shares;
or
(iii) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account
Prospectus, sales literature or advertising covering the
Policies, or any amendment or supplement to any of the
foregoing, or the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon
and in conformity with information furnished to LIFE
COMPANY or its affiliates by or on behalf of AVIF for use
in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any
Account Prospectus, sales literature or advertising
covering the Policies, or any amendment or supplement to
any of the foregoing; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by AVIF to perform the
obligations, provide the services (including but not
limited to, the provisions of correct net asset value) and
furnish the materials required of it under the terms of
this Agreement, or any material breach of any
representation and/or warranty made by AVIF in this
Agreement or arise out of or result from any other
material breach of this Agreement by AVIF.
(b) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and
12.2(e) hereof, AVIF agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified
Parties from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities
(including amounts paid in settlement thereof with, the written consent of AVIF)
or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and
other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject directly or
indirectly under any statute, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions directly or indirectly result
from or arise out of the failure of any Fund to operate as a regulated
investment company in compliance with (i) Subchapter M of the Code and
regulations thereunder, or (ii) Section 817(h) of the Code and regulations
thereunder, including, without limitation, any income taxes and related
penalties, rescission charges, liability under state law to Participants
asserting liability against LIFE COMPANY pursuant to the Policies, the costs of
any ruling and closing agreement or other settlement with the IRS, and the cost
of any substitution by LIFE COMPANY of Shares of another investment company or
portfolio for those of any adversely affected Fund as a funding medium for
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each Account that LIFE COMPANY reasonably deems necessary or appropriate as a
result of the noncompliance.
(c) AVIF shall not be liable under this Section 12.2 with respect to any
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an Indemnified Party
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross
negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of its duties or by
reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to LIFE COMPANY, each Account or
Participants.
(d) AVIF shall be liable under this Section 12.2 with respect to any action
against an Indemnified Party unless the Indemnified Party shall have notified
AVIF in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal
process giving information of the nature of the action shall have been served
upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received
notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify AVIF of
any such action shall not relieve AVIF from any liability which it may have to
the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on
account of this Section 12.2. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any
such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, AVIF will be entitled to
participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action and also shall be
entitled to assume the defense thereof (which shall include, without limitation,
the conduct of any ruling request and closing agreement or other settlement
proceeding with the IRS), with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named
in the action, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice
from AVIF to such Indemnified Party of AVIF's election to assume the defense
thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with AVIF and shall bear the
fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and AVIF will not be
liable to such Indemnified Party under this Agreement for any legal or other
expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party independently in
connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable costs of
investigation.
(e) In no event shall AVIF be liable under the indemnification
provisions contained in this Agreement to any individual or entity, including,
without limitation, LIFE COMPANY, or any other Participating Insurance Company
or any Participant, with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses that arise out of or result from (i) a breach of any representation,
warranty, and/or covenant made by LIFE COMPANY hereunder or by any Participating
Insurance Company under an agreement containing substantially similar
representations, warranties and covenants; (ii) the failure by LIFE COMPANY or
any Participating Insurance Company to maintain its segregated asset account
(which invests in any Fund) as a legally and validly established segregated
asset account under applicable state law and as a duly registered unit
investment trust under the provisions of the 1940 Act (unless exempt therefrom);
or (iii) the failure by LIFE COMPANY or any Participating Insurance Company to
maintain its variable annuity and/or variable life insurance contracts (with
respect to which any Fund serves as an underlying funding vehicle) as life
insurance, endowment or annuity contracts under applicable provisions of the
Code; provided however, that the limitation of liability contained in this
paragraph (e) shall not apply if the breach or failures described in
subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii), above, by LIFE COMPANY or any Participating
Insurance Company resulted from failure of AVIF to comply with the requirements
of Subchapter M or Section 817(h) of the Code.
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12.3 EFFECT OF NOTICE.
Any notice given by the indemnifying Party to an Indemnified Party
referred to in Sections 12.1(c) or 12.2(d) above of participation in or control
of any action by the indemnifying Party will in no event be deemed to be an
admission by the indemnifying Party of liability, culpability or responsibility,
and the indemnifying Party will remain free to contest liability with respect to
the claim among the Parties or otherwise.
12.4 SUCCESSORS.
A successor by law of any Party shall be entitled to the benefits of the
indemnification contained in this Section 12.
SECTION 13. APPLICABLE LAW
This Agreement will be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted
under and in accordance with Maryland law, without regard for that state's
principles of conflict of laws.
SECTION 14. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which taken together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
SECTION 15. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not
be affected thereby.
SECTION 16. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE
The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are
cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations,
at law or in equity, that the Parties are entitled to under federal and state
laws.
SECTION 17. HEADINGS
The Table of Contents and headings used in this Agreement are for
purposes of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning of the
provisions of this Agreement.
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SECTION 18. CONFIDENTIALITY
AVIF acknowledges that the identities of the customers of LIFE COMPANY
or any of its affiliates (collectively, the "LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties" for
purposes of this Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers,
and all computer programs and procedures or other information developed by the
LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection
with LIFE COMPANY's performance of its duties under this Agreement are the
valuable property of the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties. AVIF agrees that if it
comes into possession of any list or compilation of the identities of or other
information about the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' customers, or any other
information or property of the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties, other than such
information as may be independently developed or compiled by AVIF from
information supplied to it by the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' customers who
also maintain accounts directly with AVIF, AVIF will hold such information or
property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of
such information or other property except: (a) with LIFE COMPANY's prior written
consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. LIFE COMPANY
acknowledges that the identities of the customers of AVIF or any of its
affiliates (collectively, the "AVIF Protected Parties" for purposes of this
Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers, and all computer
programs and procedures or other information developed by the AVIF Protected
Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection with AVIF's
performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the
AVIF Protected Parties. LIFE COMPANY agrees that if it comes into possession of
any list or compilation of the identities of or other information about the AVIF
Protected Parties' customers or any other information or property of the AVIF
Protected Parties, other than such information as may be independently developed
or compiled by LIFE COMPANY from information supplied to it by the AVIF
Protected Parties' customers who also maintain accounts directly with LIFE
COMPANY, LIFE COMPANY will hold such information or property in confidence and
refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of such information or other
property except: (a) with AVIF's prior written consent; or (b) as required by
law or judicial process. Each party acknowledges that any breach of the
agreements in this Section 18 would result in immediate and irreparable harm to
the other parties for which there would be no adequate remedy at law and agree
that in the event of such a breach, the other parties will be entitled to
equitable relief by way of temporary and permanent injunctions, as well as such
other relief as any court of competent jurisdiction deems appropriate.
SECTION 19. TRADEMARKS AND FUND NAMES
(a) Except as may otherwise be provided in a License Agreement among A I
M Management Group, Inc. and LIFE COMPANY, neither LIFE COMPANY or any of its
affiliates, shall use any trademark, trade name, service xxxx or logo of AVIF or
any of its affiliates, or any variation of any such trademark, trade name,
service xxxx or logo, without AVIF's prior written consent, the granting of
which shall be at AVIF's sole option.
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(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, neither
AVIF, its investment adviser, its principal underwriter, or any affiliates
thereof shall use any trademark, trade name, service xxxx or logo of LIFE
COMPANY or any of its, or any variation of any such trademark, trade name,
service xxxx or logo, without LIFE COMPANY's prior written consent, the
granting of which shall be at LIFE COMPANY's sole option.
SECTION 20. PARTIES TO COOPERATE
Each party to this Agreement will cooperate with each other party and
all appropriate governmental authorities (including, without limitation, the
SEC, the NASD and state insurance regulators) and will permit each other and
such authorities reasonable access to its books and records (including copies
thereof) in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 21. AMENDMENTS
No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified in any manner
except by a written agreement executed by all parties hereto.
--------------------------------------
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized
officers signing below.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Attest: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
---------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title Assistant Secretary Title: President
NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
on behalf of itself and its separate
accounts
Attest: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx
----------------------- -----------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx By: Xxxx Xxxxxx
Title: Actuary & Director Title: Vice President
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SCHEDULE A
FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE POLICIES
o AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund
AIM V.I. Growth Fund
AIM V.I. Value Fund
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
o Northbrook Variable Annuity Account II
Established May 18, 1990
POLICIES FUNDED BY THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
o NLU906 Countrywide Contract
Master Group Policy NLU904
Certificate From NLU905
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SCHEDULE B
AIM'S PRICING ERROR POLICIES
Determination of Materiality
In the event that AIM discovers an error in the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value, the following policies will apply:
If the amount of the error is less than $.01 per share, it is considered
immaterial and no adjustments are made.
If the amount of the error is $.01 per share or more, then the following
thresholds are applied:
a. If the amount of the difference in the erroneous net asset value
and the correct net asset value is less than .5% of the correct
net asset value, AIM will reimburse the affected Fund to the
extent of any loss resulting from the error. No other adjustments
shall be made.
b. If the amount of the difference in the erroneous net asset value
and the correct net asset value is .5% of the correct net asset
value or greater, then AIM will determine the impact of the error
to the affected Fund and shall reimburse such Fund (and/or LIFE
COMPANY, as appropriate) to the extent of any loss resulting from
the error. To the extent that an overstatement of net asset value
per share is detected quickly and LIFE COMPANY has not mailed
redemption checks to Participants, LIFE COMPANY and AIM agree to
examine the extent of the error to determine the feasibility of
reprocessing such redemption transaction (for purposes of
reimbursing the Fund to the extent of any such overpayment).
Reprocessing Cost Reimbursement
To the extent a reprocessing of Participant transactions is required pursuant to
paragraph (b), above, AIM shall reimburse LIFE COMPANY for LIFE COMPANY's
reprocessing costs in an amount not to exceed $3.00 per contract affected by $10
or more.
The Pricing Policies described herein may be modified by AVIF as approved by its
Board of Directors. AIM agrees to use its best efforts to notify LIFE COMPANY at
least five (5) days prior to any such meeting of the Board of Directors of AVIF
to consider such proposed changes.
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SCHEDULE C
EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS
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DESCRIPTION LIFE COMPANY AVIF
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Registration
Prepare and file Account registration Fund registration statements
registration statements(1) statements
Payment of fees Account fees Fund fees
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Prospectuses
Typesetting Account Prospectuses Fund Prospectuses
Printing(2) Account Prospectuses Fund Prospectuses
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SAIs
Typesetting Account SAIs Fund SAIs
Printing Account SAIs Fund SAIs
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Supplements (to
Prospectuses or SAIs)
Typesetting and Printing Account Supplements (unless Fund Supplements (unless
changes relate only to the changes relate only to the
Fund) Account)
Account Supplements (for
Fund Supplements (for changes changes that relate
only to that relate only to
Fund) Account)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Reports
Typesetting
Account Reports Fund Reports
Printing(2)
Account Reports Fund Reports
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-----------------------
(1) Includes all filings and costs necessary to keep registrations
current and effective; including, without limitation, filing Forms N-SAR and
Rule 24f-2 Notices as required by law.
(2) To the extent that documents prepared by LIFE COMPANY and AVIF are
printed together, the printing cost shall be allocated in proportion to the
number of pages attributable to each document.
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DESCRIPTION LIFE COMPANY AVIF
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Proxies(3)
Typesetting, printing and Account and Fund Proxies Account and Fund Proxies
where mailing of proxy where the matters submitted the matters submitted are
solicitation materials and are solely Account related solely Fund related voting
instruction solicitation materials and tabulation of proxies to Participants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other (Sales Related)
Contract owner Account related items Fund related items
communication
Distribution Policies
Administration Account (Policies)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
(3) When proxy materials are required for both Account and Fund matters,
the costs shall be split proportionately based upon those materials related
solely to the Account and those materials related solely to the Fund. The cost
with respect to joint materials shall be allocated evenly between LIFE COMPANY
and AVIF.
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