FSP INVESTMENT TRUST
TRUST INSTRUMENT
Dated as of December 12, 2001
FSP INVESTMENT TRUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I - NAME AND DEFINITIONS...............................................1
Section 1.01 Name....................................................1
Section 1.02 Definitions.............................................1
ARTICLE II - BENEFICIAL INTEREST...............................................2
Section 2.01 Shares of Beneficial Interest...........................2
Section 2.02 Issuance of Shares......................................2
Section 2.03 Register of Shares and Share Certificates...............3
Section 2.04 Transfer of Shares......................................3
Section 2.05 Treasury Shares.........................................3
Section 2.06 Establishment of Series.................................3
Section 2.07 Investment in the Trust.................................4
Section 2.08 Assets and Liabilities of Series........................4
Section 2.09 No Preemptive Rights....................................5
Section 2.10 No Personal Liability of Shareholder....................5
Section 2.11 Assent to Trust Instrument..............................5
ARTICLE III - THE TRUSTEES.....................................................5
Section 3.01 Management of the Trust.................................5
Section 3.02 Initial Trustees........................................6
Section 3.03 Term of Office..........................................6
Section 3.04 Vacancies and Appointments..............................6
Section 3.05 Number of Trustees......................................7
Section 3.06 Effect of Ending of a Trustee's Service.................7
Section 3.07 Ownership of Assets of the Trust........................7
Section 3.08 Compensation............................................7
ARTICLE IV - POWER OF THE TRUSTEES.............................................7
Section 4.01 Powers..................................................7
Section 4.02 Issuance and Repurchase of Shares......................10
Section 4.03 Trustees and Officers as Shareholders..................10
Section 4.04 Action by the Trustees.................................10
Section 4.05 Chairman of the Trustees...............................11
Section 4.06 Principal Transactions.................................11
ARTICLE V - EXPENSES OF THE TRUST.............................................11
ARTICLE VI - INVESTMENT ADVISER, PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER, ADMINISTRATOR AND
TRANSFER AGENT...................................................12
Section 6.01 Investment Adviser.....................................12
Section 6.02 Principal Underwriter..................................12
Section 6.03 Administration.........................................12
Section 6.04 Transfer Agent.........................................12
Section 6.05 Parties to Contract....................................13
Section 6.06 Provisions and Amendments..............................13
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ARTICLE VII - SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS........................13
Section 7.01 Voting Powers..........................................13
Section 7.02 Meetings...............................................14
Section 7.03 Quorum and Required Vote...............................14
ARTICLE VIII - CUSTODIAN......................................................14
Section 8.01 Appointment and Duties.................................14
Section 8.02 Central Certificate System.............................15
ARTICLE IX - DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS....................................15
Section 9.01 Distributions..........................................15
Section 9.02 Redemptions............................................16
Section 9.03 Determination of Net Asset Value and Valuation of
Portfolio Assets.......................................16
Section 9.04 Suspension of the Right of Redemption..................17
ARTICLE X - LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION.......................17
Section 10.01 Limitation of Liability...............................17
Section 10.02 Indemnification.......................................18
Section 10.03 Shareholders..........................................19
Section 10.04 Insurance.............................................19
ARTICLE XI - MISCELLANEOUS....................................................19
Section 11.01 Trust Not A Partnership...............................19
Section 11.02 Trustee's Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond
or Surety.............................................19
Section 11.03 Establishment of Record Dates.........................20
Section 11.04 Termination of Trust..................................20
Section 11.05 Reorganization........................................21
Section 11.06 Filing of Copies, References, Headings................21
Section 11.07 Applicable Law........................................22
Section 11.08 Amendments............................................22
Section 11.09 Fiscal Year...........................................23
Section 11.10 Provisions in Conflict With Law.......................23
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FSP INVESTMENT TRUST
December 12, 2001
TRUST INSTRUMENT, made by Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx (the "Trustee").
WHEREAS, the Trustee desires to establish a business trust for the
investment and reinvestment of funds contributed thereto;
NOW THEREFORE, the Trustee declares that all money and property
contributed to the Trust hereunder shall be held and managed in trust under this
Trust Instrument as herein set forth below.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Name. The name of the Trust created hereby is FSP
Investment Trust.
Section 1.02 Definitions. Wherever used herein, unless otherwise
required by the context or specifically provided:
(a) "Bylaws" means the Bylaws of the Trust as adopted by the Trustees,
as hereinafter defined, as amended from time to time.
(b) "Commission" has the meaning given it in the 1940 Act, as
hereinafter defined. "Affiliated Person," "Assignment," "Interested Person" and
"Principal Underwriter" shall have the respective meanings given them in the
1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the
Commission or any rules or regulations adopted by or interpretive releases of
the Commission thereunder. "Majority Shareholder Vote" shall have the same
meaning as the term "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities" is
given in the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or
orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted by or interpretive
releases of the Commission thereunder.
(c) "Delaware Act" refers to Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware
Code entitled "Treatment of Delaware Business Trusts," as amended from time to
time.
(d) "Net Asset Value" means the net asset value of each Series, as
hereinafter defined, of the Trust determined in the manner provided in Article
IX, Section 9.03 hereof.
(e) "Outstanding Shares" means those Shares, as hereinafter defined,
shown from time to time in the books of the Trust or its transfer agent as then
issued and outstanding, but shall not include Shares which have been redeemed or
repurchased by the Trust and which are at the time held in the treasury of the
Trust.
(f) "Principal Underwriter" means a party, other than the Trust, to a
contract described in Article VI, Section 6.02 hereof.
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(g) "Series" means a series of Shares of the Trust established in
accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 2.06 hereof.
(h) "Shareholder" means a record owner of Outstanding Shares of the
Trust.
(i) "Shares" means the equal proportionate transferable units of
beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest of each Series of the
Trust or class thereof shall be divided and may include fractions of Shares as
well as whole Shares.
(j) The "Trust" means the FSP Investment Trust and reference to the
Trust, when applicable to one or more Series of the Trust, shall refer to any
such Series.
(k) The "Trustees" means the person or persons who has or have signed
this Trust Instrument, so long as he or they shall continue in office in
accordance with the terms hereof, and all other persons who may from time to
time be duly qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the provisions
of Article III hereof and reference herein to a Trustee or to the Trustees shall
refer to the individual Trustees in their capacity as Trustees hereunder.
(l) "Trust Property" means any and all property, real or personal,
tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the account of one or
more of the Trust or any Series, or the Trustees on behalf of the Trust or any
Series.
(m) The "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended from time to time.
ARTICLE II
BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Section 2.01 Shares of Beneficial Interest. The beneficial interest in
the Trust shall be divided into such transferable Shares of one or more separate
and distinct Series or classes of a Series as the Trustees shall from time to
time create and establish. The number of Shares of each Series, and class
thereof, authorized hereunder is unlimited and each Share shall have a par value
of $0.00. All Shares issued hereunder, including without limitation, Shares
issued in connection with a dividend in Shares or a split or reverse split of
Shares, shall be fully paid and nonassessable.
Section 2.02 Issuance of Shares. The Trustees in their discretion may,
from time to time, without vote of the Shareholders, issue Shares, in addition
to the then issued and Outstanding Shares and Shares held in the treasury, to
such party or parties and for such amount and type of consideration, subject to
applicable law, including cash or securities, at such time or times and on such
terms as the Trustees may deem appropriate, and may in such manner acquire other
assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and in connection with,
the assumption of liabilities) and businesses. In connection with any issuance
of Shares, the Trustees may issue fractional Shares and Shares held in the
treasury. The Trustees may from time to time divide or combine the Shares into a
greater or lesser number without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial
interests in the Trust. Contributions to the Trust may be accepted for, and
Shares shall be redeemed as, whole Shares and/or 1/1,000th of a Share or
integral multiples thereof. The Trustees, the Principal Underwriter or any other
person the Trustees may authorize for the purpose may, in their discretion,
reject any application for the issuance of Shares.
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Section 2.03 Register of Shares and Share Certificates. A register
shall be kept at the principal office of the Trust or at the office of the
Trust's transfer agent that shall contain the names and addresses of the
Shareholders of each Series, the number of Shares of that Series (or any class
or classes thereof) held by them respectively and a record of all transfers
thereof. As to Shares for which no certificate has been issued, such register
shall be conclusive as to who are the holders of the Shares and who shall be
entitled to receive dividends or other distributions or otherwise to exercise or
enjoy the rights of Shareholders. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive
payment of any dividend or other distribution, nor to have notice given to him
as herein or in the Bylaws provided, until he has given his address to the
transfer agent or such officer or other agent of the Trustees as shall keep the
said register for entry thereon. It is not contemplated that certificates will
be issued for the Shares; however, the Trustees, in their discretion, may
authorize the issuance of Share certificates and promulgate appropriate rules
and regulations as to their use.
Section 2.04 Transfer of Shares. Except as otherwise provided by the
Trustees, Shares shall be transferable on the records of the Trust only by the
record holder thereof or by his agent thereunto duly authorized in writing, upon
delivery to the Trustees or the Trust's transfer agent of a duly executed
instrument of transfer and such evidence of the genuineness of such execution
and authorization and of such other matters as may be required. Upon such
delivery, the transfer shall be recorded on the register of the Trust, after
which the transferee of Shares will be regarded as a Shareholder. Until such
record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of
such Shares for all purposes hereunder and neither the Trustees nor the Trust,
nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be affected by any notice of the proposed transfer.
Section 2.05 Treasury Shares. Shares held in the treasury shall not,
until reissued pursuant to Section 2.02 hereof, confer any voting rights on the
Trustees, nor shall such Shares be entitled to any dividends or other
distributions declared with respect to the Shares.
Section 2.06 Establishment of Series. The Trust created hereby shall
consist of one or more Series and separate and distinct records shall be
maintained by the Trust for each Series and the assets associated with any such
Series shall be held and accounted for separately from the assets of the Trust
or any other Series. The Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their
sole discretion, and without obtaining any prior authorization or vote of the
Shareholders of any Series of the Trust, to establish and designate and to
change in any manner any such Series of Shares or any classes of initial or
additional Series and to fix such preferences, voting powers, rights and
privileges of such Series or classes thereof as the Trustees may from time to
time determine, to divide or combine the Shares or any Series or classes thereof
into a greater or lesser number, to classify or reclassify any issued Shares or
any Series or classes thereof into one or more Series or classes of Shares, and
to take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem
desirable. The establishment and designation of any Series shall be effective
upon the adoption of a resolution by a majority of the Trustees setting forth
such establishment and designation and the relative rights and preferences of
the Shares of such Series. A Series may issue any number of Shares and need not
issue certificates. At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any
particular Series previously established and designated, the Trustees may by a
majority vote abolish that Series and the establishment and designation thereof.
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All references to Shares in this Trust Instrument shall be deemed to be
Shares of any or all Series, or classes thereof, as the context may require. All
provisions herein relating to the Trust shall apply equally to each Series of
the Trust, and each class thereof, except as the context otherwise requires.
Each Share of a Series of the Trust shall represent an equal beneficial
interest in the net assets of such Series. Each holder of Shares of a Series
shall be entitled to receive his pro rata share of all distributions made with
respect to such Series. Upon redemption of his Shares, such Shareholder shall be
paid solely out of the funds and property of such Series of the Trust.
Section 2.07 Investment in the Trust. The Trustees shall accept
investments in any Series of the Trust from such persons and on such terms as
they may from time to time authorize. At the Trustees' discretion, such
investments, subject to applicable law, may be in the form of cash or securities
in which the affected Series is authorized to invest, valued as provided in
Article IX, Section 9.03 hereof. Investments in a Series shall be credited to
each Shareholder's account in the form of full Shares at the Net Asset Value per
Share next determined after the investment is received or accepted as may be
determined by the Trustees; provided, however, that the Trustees may, in their
sole discretion, (a) fix the Net Asset Value per Share of the initial capital
contribution, (b) impose a sales charge upon investments in the Trust in such
manner and at such time determined by the Trustees, or (c) issue fractional
Shares.
Section 2.08 Assets and Liabilities of Series. All consideration
received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a particular Series,
together with all assets in which such consideration is invested or reinvested,
all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, including any proceeds
derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or
payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the
same may be, shall be held and accounted for separately from the other assets of
the Trust and of every other Series and may be referred to herein as "assets
belonging to" that Series. The assets belonging to a particular Series shall
belong to that Series for all purposes, and to no other Series, subject only to
the rights of creditors of that Series. In addition, any assets, income,
earnings, profits or funds, or payments and proceeds with respect thereto, which
are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall be
allocated by the Trustees between and among one or more of the Series in such
manner as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable. Each
such allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all
Series for all purposes, and such assets, income, earnings, profits or funds, or
payments and proceeds with respect thereto, shall be assets belonging to that
Series. The assets belonging to a particular Series shall be so recorded upon
the books of the Trust, and shall be held by the Trustees in trust for the
benefit of the holders of Shares of that Series. The assets belonging to each
particular Series shall be charged with the liabilities of that Series and all
expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to that Series. Any general
liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which are not
readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall be allocated
and charged by the Trustees between or among any one or more of the Series in
such manner as the Trustees in their sole discretion deem fair and equitable.
Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of
all Series for all purposes. Without limitation of the foregoing provisions of
this Section 2.08, but subject to the right of the Trustees in their discretion
to allocate general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves as herein
provided, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted
for or otherwise existing with respect to a particular Series shall be
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enforceable against the assets of such Series only, and not against the assets
of the Trust generally. Notice of this contractual limitation on inter-Series
liabilities may, in the Trustees' sole discretion, be set forth in the
Certificate of Trust of the Trust (whether originally or by amendment) as filed
or to be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
pursuant to the Delaware Act, and upon the giving of such notice in the
certificate of trust, the statutory provisions of Section 3804 of the Delaware
Act relating to limitations on inter-Series liabilities (and the statutory
effect under Section 3804 of setting forth such notice in the certificate of
trust) shall become applicable to the Trust and each Series. Any person
extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against any Series may
look only to the assets of that Series to satisfy or enforce any debt,
liability, obligation or expense incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing
with respect to that Series. No Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series
shall have a claim on or any right to any assets allocated or belonging to any
other Series.
Section 2.09 No Preemptive Rights. Shareholders shall have no
preemptive or other right to subscribe to any additional Shares or other
securities issued by the Trust or the Trustees, whether of the same or other
Series.
Section 2.10 No Personal Liability of Shareholder. Each Shareholder of
the Trust and of each Series shall not be personally liable for the debts,
liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or otherwise
existing with respect to, the Trust or by or on behalf of any Series. The
Trustees shall have no power to bind any Shareholder personally or to call upon
any Shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever
other than such as the Shareholder may at any time personally agree to pay by
way of subscription for any Shares or otherwise. Every note, bond, contract or
other undertaking issued by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees relating
to the Trust or to a Series shall include a recitation limiting the obligation
represented thereby to the Trust or to one or more Series and its or their
assets (but the omission of such a recitation shall not operate to bind any
Shareholder or Trustee of the Trust).
Section 2.11 Assent to Trust Instrument. Every Shareholder, by virtue
of having purchased a Share, shall become a Shareholder and shall be held to
have expressly assented and agreed to be bound by the terms hereof.
ARTICLE III
THE TRUSTEES
Section 3.01 Management of the Trust. The Trustees shall have
exclusive and absolute control over the Trust Property and over the business of
the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the
Trust Property and business in their own right, but with such powers of
delegation as may be permitted by this Trust Instrument. The Trustees shall have
power to conduct the business of the Trust and to carry on its operations in any
and all of its branches and maintain offices both within and without the State
of Delaware, in any and all states of the United States of America, in the
District of Columbia, in any and all commonwealths, territories, dependencies,
colonies, or possessions of the United States of America, and in any foreign
jurisdiction and to do all such other things and execute all such instruments as
they deem necessary, proper or desirable in order to promote the interests of
the Trust although such things are not herein specifically mentioned. Any
determination as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Trustees
in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Trust
Instrument, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the
Trustees.
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The enumeration of any specific power in this Trust Instrument shall
not be construed as limiting the aforesaid power. The powers of the Trustees may
be exercised without order of or resort to any court.
Except for the Trustees named herein or appointed to fill vacancies
pursuant to Section 3.04 of this Article III, the Trustees shall be elected by
the Shareholders owning of record a plurality of the Shares voting at a meeting
of Shareholders. Such a meeting shall be held on a date fixed by the Trustees.
In the event that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been
elected by Shareholders, the Trustees then in office will call a Shareholders'
meeting for the election of Trustees.
Section 3.02 Initial Trustees. The initial Trustees shall be the
person(s) named herein. On a date fixed by the Trustees, the Shareholders shall
elect at least one (1) but not more than fifteen (15) Trustees, as specified by
the Trustees pursuant to Section 3.05 of this Article III.
Section 3.03 Term of Office. The Trustees shall hold office during the
lifetime of this Trust, and until its termination as herein provided; except (a)
that any Trustee may resign his position by written instrument signed by him and
delivered to the other Trustees, which shall take effect upon such delivery or
upon such later date as is specified therein; (b) that any Trustee may be
removed at any time by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the
number of Trustees prior to such removal, specifying the date when such removal
shall become effective; (c) that any Trustee who requests in writing to be
retired or who has died, become physically or mentally incapacitated by reason
of disease or otherwise, or is otherwise unable to serve, may be retired or
otherwise removed from his position by written instrument signed by a majority
of the other Trustees, specifying the date of his retirement or removal; and (d)
that a Trustee may be removed at any meeting of the Shareholders of the Trust by
a vote of Shareholders owning at least two-thirds of the Outstanding Shares.
Section 3.04 Vacancies and Appointments. In case of the declination to
serve, death, resignation, retirement, removal, physical or mental incapacity by
reason of disease or otherwise, other inability of a Trustee to serve, or an
increase in the number of Trustees, a vacancy shall occur. Whenever a vacancy in
the Board of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled, the other
Trustees shall have all the powers hereunder and the certification of the other
Trustees of such vacancy shall be conclusive. In the case of an existing
vacancy, the remaining Trustees shall fill such vacancy by appointing such other
person as they in their discretion shall see fit consistent with the limitations
under the 1940 Act. Such appointment shall be evidenced by a written instrument
signed by a majority of the Trustees in office or by resolution of the Trustees,
duly adopted, which shall be recorded in the minutes of a meeting of the
Trustees, whereupon the appointment shall take effect.
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An appointment of a Trustee may be made by the Trustees then in office
in anticipation of a vacancy to occur by reason of retirement, resignation or
increase shall become effective only at or after the effective date of said
retirement, resignation or increase in number of Trustees. As soon as any
Trustee appointed pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall have accepted this Trust,
the Trust estate shall vest in the new Trustee or Trustees, together with the
continuing Trustees, without any further act or conveyance, and he or she shall
be deemed a Trustee hereunder. The power to appoint a Trustee pursuant to this
Section 3.04 is subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act.
Section 3.05 Number of Trustees. The number of Trustees shall be at
least one (1), and thereafter shall be such number as shall be fixed from time
to time by a majority of the Trustees, provided, however, that the number of
Trustees shall in no event be more than fifteen (15).
Section 3.06 Effect of Ending of a Trustee's Service. The
disinclination to serve, death, resignation, retirement, removal, incapacity, or
inability of the Trustees, or any one of them, shall not operate to terminate
the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this
Trust Instrument.
Section 3.07 Ownership of Assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust
and of each Series shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or
hereafter held in any capacity other than as Trustee hereunder by the Trustees
or any successor Trustees. Legal title in all of the assets of the Trust and the
right to conduct any business shall at all times be considered as vested in the
Trustees on behalf of the Trust, except that the Trustees may cause legal title
to any Trust Property to be held by or in the name of the Trust, or in the name
of any person as nominee. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a severable
ownership in any individual asset of the Trust or of any Series or any right of
partition or possession thereof, but each Shareholder shall have, except as
otherwise provided for herein, a proportionate undivided beneficial interest in
the Trust or Series. The Shares shall be personal property giving only the
rights specifically set forth in this Trust Instrument.
Section 3.08 Compensation. The Trustees in such capacity shall be
entitled to reasonable compensation from the Trust and they may fix the amount
of such compensation. However, the Trust will not compensate those Trustees who
are employees of the Trust, its adviser, subadvisers, distributor or Principal
Underwriter. Nothing herein shall in any way prevent the employment of any
Trustee for advisory, management, legal, accounting, investment banking or other
services and payment for such services by the Trust.
ARTICLE IV
POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES
Section 4.01 Powers. The Trustees in all instances shall act as
principals, and are and shall be free from the control of the Shareholders. The
Trustees shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts and to make
and execute any and all contracts and instruments that they may consider
necessary or appropriate in connection with the management of the Trust, and to
vary the investments of any Series in accordance with the prospectus applicable
to such Series. The Trustees shall not in any way be bound or limited by present
or future laws or customs in regard to Trust investments, but shall have full
authority and power to make any and all investments which they, in their sole
discretion, shall deem proper to accomplish the purpose of this Trust without
recourse to any court or other authority. Subject to any applicable limitation
in this Trust Instrument or the Bylaws of the Trust, the Trustees shall have the
power and authority:
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(a) To invest and reinvest cash and other property, and to hold cash
or other property uninvested, without in any event being bound or limited by any
present or future law or custom in regard to investments by Trustees, and to
sell, exchange, lend, pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, write options on and lease
any or all of the assets of the Trust;
(b) To operate as and carry on the business of an investment company,
and exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to the conduct of such
operations;
(c) To borrow money and in this connection issue notes or other
evidence of indebtedness; to secure borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security the Trust Property; to endorse, guarantee, or
undertake the performance of an obligation or engagement of any other person and
to lend Trust Property;
(d) To provide for the distribution of interests of the Trust either
through a Principal Underwriter in the manner hereinafter provided for or by the
Trust itself, or both, or otherwise pursuant to a plan of distribution of any
kind;
(e) To adopt Bylaws not inconsistent with this Trust Instrument
providing for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend and repeal
them to the extent that they do not reserve that right to the Shareholders; such
Bylaws shall be deemed incorporated and included in this Trust Instrument;
(f) To elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such
agents as they consider appropriate;
(g) To employ one or more banks, trust companies or companies that are
members of a national securities exchange or such other entities as the
Commission may permit as custodians of any assets of the Trust subject to any
conditions set forth in this Trust Instrument or in the Bylaws;
(h) To retain one or more transfer agents, shareholder servicing
agents, and/or fund accountants;
(i) To set record dates in the manner provided herein or in the
Bylaws;
(j) To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any
officers of the Trust and to any investment adviser, manager, custodian,
underwriter or other agent or independent contractor;
(k) To sell or exchange any or all of the assets of the Trust, subject
to the provisions of Article XI, Subsection 11.04(b) hereof;
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(l) To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with
respect to stock or other securities or property, and to execute and deliver
powers of attorney to such person or persons as the Trustees shall deem proper,
granting to such person or persons such power and discretion with relation to
securities or property as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(m) To exercise powers and rights of subscription or otherwise which
in any manner arise out of ownership of securities;
(n) To hold any security or property in a form not indicating any
trust, whether in bearer, book entry, unregistered or other negotiable form; or
either in the name of the Trust or in the name of a custodian or a nominee or
nominees, subject in either case to proper safeguards according to the usual
practice of Delaware business trusts or investment companies;
(o) To establish separate and distinct Series with separately defined
investment objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes in
accordance with the provisions of Article II hereof and to establish classes of
such Series having relative rights, powers and duties as they may provide
consistent with applicable law;
(p) Subject to the provisions of Section 3804 of the Delaware Act, to
allocate assets, liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular Series or
to apportion the same between or among two or more Series, provided that any
liabilities or expenses incurred by a particular Series shall be payable solely
out of the assets belonging to that Series as provided for in Article II hereof;
(q) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization,
consolidation or merger of any corporation or concern, any security of which is
held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase, or
sale of property by such corporation or concern; and to pay calls or
subscriptions with respect to any security held in the Trust;
(r) To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of
or against the Trust or any matter in controversy including, but not limited to,
claims for taxes;
(s) To make distributions of income and of capital gains to
Shareholders in the manner provided herein;
(t) To establish, from time to time, a minimum investment for
Shareholders in the Trust or in one or more Series or classes, and to require
the redemption of the Shares of any Shareholders whose investment is less than
such minimum, or who does not satisfy any other criteria the Trustees may set
from time to time, upon giving notice to such Shareholder;
(u) To establish one or more committees, to delegate any of the powers
of the Trustees to said committees and to adopt a committee charter providing
for such responsibilities, membership (including Trustees, officers or other
agents of the Trust therein) and any other characteristics of said committees as
the Trustees may deem proper. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article IV,
and in addition to such provisions or any other provision of this Trust
Instrument or of the Bylaws, the Trustees may by resolution appoint a committee
consisting of less than the whole number of Trustees then in office, which
committee may be empowered to act for and bind the Trustees and the Trust, as if
the acts of such committee were the acts of all the Trustees then in office,
with respect to the institution, prosecution, dismissal, settlement, review or
investigation of any action, suit or proceeding which shall be pending or
threatened to be brought before any court, administrative agency or other
adjudicatory body;
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(v) To interpret the investment policies, practices or limitations of
any Series;
(w) To establish a registered office and have a registered agent in
the state of Delaware; and
(x) In general to carry on any other business in connection with or
incidental to any of the foregoing powers, to do everything necessary, suitable
or proper for the accomplishment of any purpose or the attainment of any object
or the furtherance of any power hereinbefore set forth, either alone or in
association with others, and to do every other act or thing incidental or
appurtenant to or growing out of or connected with the aforesaid business or
purposes, objects or powers.
The foregoing clauses shall be construed as objects and powers, and the
foregoing enumeration of specific powers shall not be held to limit or restrict
in any manner the general powers of the Trustees. Any action by one or more of
the Trustees in their capacity as such hereunder shall be deemed an action on
behalf of the Trust or the applicable Series, and not an action in an individual
capacity.
The Trustees shall not be limited to investing in obligations maturing
before the possible termination of the Trust.
No one dealing with the Trustees shall be under any obligation to make
any inquiry concerning the authority of the Trustees, or to see to the
application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trustees or upon
their order.
Section 4.02 Issuance and Repurchase of Shares. The Trustees shall
have the power to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire,
hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, and otherwise deal in Shares and, subject to
the provisions set forth in Article II and Article IX, to apply to any such
repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any
funds or property of the Trust, or the particular Series of the Trust, with
respect to which such Shares are issued.
Section 4.03 Trustees and Officers as Shareholders. Any Trustee,
officer or other agent of the Trust may acquire, own and dispose of Shares to
the same extent as if he were not a Trustee, officer or agent; and the Trustees
may issue and sell or cause to be issued and sold, Shares, to and buy such
Shares from, any such person or any firm or company in which he is interested,
subject only to the general limitations herein contained as to the sale and
purchase of such Shares; and all subject to any restrictions which may be
contained in the Bylaws.
Section 4.04 Action by the Trustees. Except as otherwise provided
herein or in the Bylaws, any action to be taken by the Trustees may be taken by
a majority of the Trustees present at a meeting of Trustees (a quorum being
present), including any meeting held by means of a conference telephone circuit
or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating
in the meeting can hear each other, or by written consents of the entire number
of Trustees then in office. The Trustees may adopt Bylaws not inconsistent with
this Trust Instrument to provide for the conduct of the business of the Trust
and may amend or repeal such Bylaws to the extent such power is not reserved to
the Shareholders.
10
Section 4.05 Chairman of the Trustees. The Trustees shall appoint one
of their number to be Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall
preside at all meetings of the Trustees, shall be responsible for the execution
of policies established by the Trustees and the administration of the Trust, and
may be (but is not required to be) the chief executive, financial and/or
accounting officer of the Trust.
Section 4.06 Principal Transactions. Except to the extent prohibited
by applicable law, the Trustees may, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities
from or sell any securities to, or lend any assets of the Trust to, any Trustee
or officer of the Trust or any firm of which any such Trustee or officer is a
member acting as principal, or have any such dealings with any investment
adviser, administrator, distributor or transfer agent for the Trust or with any
Interested Person of such person; and the Trust may employ any such person, or
firm or company in which such person is an Interested Person, as broker, legal
counsel, registrar, investment adviser, administrator, distributor, transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent, custodian or in any other capacity upon
customary terms.
ARTICLE V
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
Subject to the provisions of Article II, Section 2.08 hereof, the
Trustees shall be reimbursed from the Trust estate or the assets belonging to
the appropriate Series for their expenses and disbursements, including, without
limitation, interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; expenses of
issue, repurchase and redemption of shares; certain insurance premiums;
applicable fees, interest charges and expenses of third parties, including the
Trust's investment advisers, managers, administrators, distributors, custodian,
transfer agent and fund accountant; fees of pricing, interest, dividend, credit
and other reporting services; costs of membership in trade associations;
telecommunications expenses; funds transmission expenses; auditing, legal and
compliance expenses; costs of forming the Trust and maintaining corporate
existence; costs of preparing and printing the Trust's prospectuses, statements
of additional information and shareholder reports and delivering them to
existing shareholders; expenses of meetings of shareholders and proxy
solicitations therefore; costs of maintaining books and accounts; costs of
reproduction, stationery and supplies; fees and expenses of the Trustees;
compensation of the Trust's officers and employees and costs of other personnel
performing services for the Trust; costs of Trustee meetings; Securities and
Exchange Commission registration fees and related expenses; state or foreign
securities laws registration fees and related expenses; and for such
non-recurring items as may arise, including litigation to which the Trust (or a
Trustee acting as such) is a party, and for all losses and liabilities by them
incurred in administering the Trust, and for the payment of such expenses,
disbursements, losses and liabilities the Trustees shall have a lien on the
assets belonging to the appropriate Series, or in the case of an expense
allocable to more than one Series, on the assets of each such Series, prior to
any rights or interests of the Shareholders thereto. This section shall not
preclude the Trust from directly paying any of the aforementioned fees and
expenses.
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ARTICLE VI
INVESTMENT ADVISER, PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER,
ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Section 6.01 Investment Adviser. The Trustees may in their discretion,
from time to time, enter into an investment advisory contract or contracts with
respect to the Trust or any Series whereby the other party or parties to such
contract or contracts shall undertake to furnish the Trustees with such
investment advisory, statistical and research facilities and services and such
other facilities and services, if any, all upon such terms and conditions as may
be prescribed in the Bylaws or as the Trustees may in their discretion determine
(such terms and conditions not to be inconsistent with the provisions of this
Trust Instrument or of the Bylaws). Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Trust Instrument, the Trustees may authorize any investment adviser (subject to
such general or specific instructions as the Trustees may from time to time
adopt) to effect purchases, sales or exchanges of portfolio securities, other
investment instruments of the Trust, or other Trust Property on behalf of the
Trustees, or may authorize any officer, agent, or Trustee to effect such
purchases, sales or exchanges pursuant to recommendations of the investment
adviser (and all without further action by the Trustees). Any such purchases,
sales and exchanges shall be deemed to have been authorized by all of the
Trustees.
The Trustees may, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act,
authorize the investment adviser to employ, from time to time, one or more
sub-advisers to perform such of the acts and services of the investment adviser,
and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the investment
adviser and sub-adviser (such terms and conditions not to be inconsistent with
the provisions of this Trust Instrument or of the Bylaws). Any reference in this
Trust Instrument to the investment adviser shall be deemed to include such
sub-advisers, unless the context otherwise requires.
Section 6.02 Principal Underwriter. The Trustees may in their
discretion from time to time enter into an exclusive or non-exclusive
underwriting contract or contracts providing for the sale of Shares, whereby the
Trust may either agree to sell Shares to the other party to the contract or
appoint such other party as its sales agent for such Shares. In either case, the
contract shall be on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the
Bylaws and as the Trustees may in their discretion determine (such terms and
conditions not to be inconsistent with the provisions of this Trust Instrument
or of the Bylaws); and such contract may also provide for the repurchase or sale
of Shares by such other party as principal or as agent of the Trust.
Section 6.03 Administration. The Trustees may in their discretion from
time to time enter into one or more management or administrative contracts
whereby the other party or parties shall undertake to furnish the Trustees with
management or administrative services. The contract or contracts shall be on
such terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the Bylaws and as the Trustees
may in their discretion determine (such terms and conditions not to be
inconsistent with the provisions of this Trust Instrument or of the Bylaws).
Section 6.04 Transfer Agent. The Trustees may in their discretion from
time to time enter into one or more transfer agency and shareholder service
contracts whereby the other party or parties shall undertake to furnish the
Trustees with transfer agency and shareholder services. The contract or
contracts shall be on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the
Bylaws and as the Trustees may in their discretion determine (such terms and
conditions not to be inconsistent with the provisions of this Trust Instrument
or of the Bylaws).
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Section 6.05 Parties to Contract. Any contract of the character
described in Sections 6.01, 6.02, 6.03 and 6.04 of this Article VI or any
contract of the character described in Article VIII hereof may be entered into
with any corporation, firm, partnership, trust or association, although one or
more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be an officer, director,
trustee, shareholder, or member of such other party to the contract, and no such
contract shall be invalidated or rendered void or voidable by reason of the
existence of any relationship, nor shall any person holding such relationship be
disqualified from voting on or executing the same in his capacity as Shareholder
and/or Trustee, nor shall any person holding such relationship be liable merely
by reason of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Trust under or by
reason of said contract or accountable for any profit realized directly or
indirectly therefrom, provided that the contract when entered into was not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Article VI or Article VIII hereof or of
the Bylaws. The same person (including a firm, corporation, partnership, trust,
or association) may be the other party to contracts entered into pursuant to
Sections 6.01, 6.02, 6.03 and 6.04 of this Article VI or pursuant to Article
VIII hereof, and any individual may be financially interested or otherwise
affiliated with persons who are parties to any or all of the contracts mentioned
in this Section 6.05.
Section 6.06 Provisions and Amendments. Any contract entered into
pursuant to Sections 6.01 or 6.02 of this Article VI shall be consistent with
and subject to the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, if applicable, or
other applicable Act of Congress hereafter enacted with respect to its
continuance in effect, its termination, and the method of authorization and
approval of such contract or renewal thereof, and no amendment to any contract
entered into pursuant to Section 6.01 of this Article VI shall be effective
unless assented to in a manner consistent with the requirements of said Section
15, as modified by any applicable rule, regulation or order of the Commission.
ARTICLE VII
SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
Section 7.01 Voting Powers. The Shareholders shall have power to vote
only (a) for the election of Trustees as provided in Article III, Sections 3.01
and 3.02 hereof, (b) for the removal of Trustees as provided in Article III,
Subsection 3.03(d) hereof, (c) with respect to any investment advisory contract
as provided in Article VI, Section 6.01 hereof, and (d) with respect to such
additional matters relating to the Trust as may be required by law, by this
Trust Instrument, or the Bylaws or any registration of the Trust with the
Commission or any state, or as the Trustees may consider desirable.
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On any matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, all Shares shall
be voted separately by individual Series, except (i) when required by the 1940
Act, Shares shall be voted in the aggregate and not by individual Series; and
(ii) when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects the interests of
more than one Series, then the Shareholders of all such Series shall be entitled
to vote thereon. The Trustees may also determine that a matter affects only the
interests of one or more classes of a Series, in which case any such matter
shall be voted on by such class or classes. Each whole Share shall be entitled
to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote, and each
fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. There
shall be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees. Shares may be voted
in person or by proxy or in any manner provided for in the Bylaws. A proxy may
be given in writing. The Bylaws may provide that proxies may also, or may
instead, be given by any electronic or telecommunications device or in any other
manner. Notwithstanding anything else herein or in the Bylaws, in the event a
proposal by anyone other than the officers or Trustees of the Trust is submitted
to a vote of the Shareholders of one or more Series or of the Trust, or in the
event of any proxy contest or proxy solicitation or proposal in opposition to
any proposal by the officers or Trustees of the Trust, Shares may be voted only
in person or by written proxy. Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may
exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or
permitted by law, this Trust Instrument or any of the Bylaws of the Trust to be
taken by Shareholders.
Section 7.02 Meetings. A meeting of the Shareholders shall be held at
such times, on such day and at such hour as the Trustees may from time to time
determine, either at the principal office of the Trust, or at such other place,
within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by the Trustees,
for such purposes as may be specified by the Trustees.
Section 7.03 Quorum and Required Vote. One-third of Shares entitled to
vote in person or by proxy shall be a quorum for the transaction of business at
a Shareholders' meeting, except that where any provision of law or of this Trust
Instrument permits or requires that holders of any Series shall vote as a Series
(or that holders of a class shall vote as a class), then one-third of the
aggregate number of Shares of that Series (or that class) entitled to vote shall
be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by that
Series (or that class). Any lesser number shall be sufficient for adjournments.
Any adjourned session or sessions may be held, within a reasonable time after
the date set for the original meeting, without the necessity of further notice.
Except when a larger vote is required by law or by any provision of this Trust
Instrument or the Bylaws, a majority of the Shares voted in person or by proxy
shall decide any questions and a plurality shall elect a Trustee, provided that
where any provision of law or of this Trust Instrument permits or requires that
the holders of any Series shall vote as a Series (or that the holders of any
class shall vote as a class), then a majority of the Shares present in person or
by proxy of that Series (or class) or, if required by law, a majority of the
Shares of that Series (or class), voted on the matter in person or by proxy
shall decide that matter insofar as that Series (or class) is concerned.
Shareholders may act by unanimous written consent. Actions taken by Series (or
class) may be consented to unanimously in writing by Shareholders of that Series
(or class).
Section 7.04 Additional Provisions. The Bylaws may include further
provisions for Shareholders, votes and meetings and related matters.
ARTICLE VIII
CUSTODIAN
Section 8.01 Appointment and Duties. Except to the extent not required
with respect to any Series that is a feeder fund, the Trustees shall employ a
bank, a company that is a member of a national securities exchange, or a trust
company that has capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least two million
dollars ($2,000,000) and is a member of the Depository Trust Company, as
custodian with authority as its agent, but subject to such restrictions,
limitations and other requirements, if any, as may be contained in the Bylaws of
the Trust. Said custodian shall be authorized: (a) to hold the securities owned
by the Trust and deliver the same upon written order or oral order confirmed in
writing; (b) to receive and receipt for any moneys due to the Trust and deposit
the same in its own banking department or elsewhere as the Trustees may direct;
and (c) to disburse such funds upon orders or vouchers.
14
The Trustees may also authorize the custodian to employ one or more
sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the
custodian, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the
custodian and such sub-custodian and approved by the Trustees, subject to such
restrictions, limitations and other requirements, if any, as may be contained in
the Bylaws of the Trust.
Section 8.02 Central Certificate System. Subject to such rules,
regulations and orders as the Commission may adopt, the Trustees may direct the
custodian to deposit all or any part of the securities owned by the Trust in a
system for the central handling of securities established by a national
securities exchange or a national securities association registered with the
Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or such other
person as may be permitted by the Commission, or otherwise in accordance with
the 1940 Act, pursuant to which system all securities of any particular class or
series of any issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and may
be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of such
securities, provided that all such deposits shall be subject to withdrawal only
upon the order of the Trust or its custodians, sub-custodians or other agents.
ARTICLE IX
DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS
Section 9.01 Distributions.
(a) The Trustees may from time to time declare and pay dividends or
other distributions with respect to any Series. The amount of such dividends or
distributions and the payment of them and whether they are in cash or any other
Trust Property shall be within the sole discretion of the Trustees.
(b) Dividends and other distributions may be paid or made to the
Shareholders of record at the time of declaring a dividend or other distribution
or among the Shareholders of record at such other date or time or dates or times
as the Trustees shall determine, which dividends or distributions, at the
election of the Trustees, may be paid pursuant to a standing resolution or
resolutions adopted only once or with such frequency as the Trustees may
determine. The Trustees may adopt and offer to Shareholders such dividend
reinvestment plans, cash dividend payout plans or related plans as the Trustees
shall deem appropriate.
(c) Anything in this Trust Instrument to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Trustees may at any time declare and distribute a stock dividend pro rata
among the Shareholders of a particular Series, or class thereof, as of the
record date of that Series fixed as provided in Subsection 9.01(b) hereof.
15
Section 9.02 Redemptions. In case any holder of record of Shares of a
particular Series desires to dispose of his Shares or any portion thereof, he
may deposit at the office of the transfer agent or other authorized agent of
that Series a written request or such other form of request as the Trustees may
from time to time authorize, requesting that the Series purchase the Shares in
accordance with this Section 9.02; and the Shareholder so requesting shall be
entitled to require the Series to purchase, and the Series or the Principal
Underwriter of the Series shall purchase his said Shares, but only at the Net
Asset Value thereof (as described in Section 9.03 of this Article IX). Any
Shareholder may be required to redeem some or all of his shares involuntarily
under such circumstances as the Trustees may determine from time to time. The
Series shall make payment for any such Shares to be redeemed, as aforesaid, in
cash or property from the assets of that Series and payment for such Shares
shall be made by the Series or the Principal Underwriter of the Series to the
Shareholder of record within seven (7) days after the date upon which the
request is effective, or such longer period as may be permitted. Upon
redemption, Shares shall become Treasury shares and may be re-issued from time
to time.
Section 9.03 Determination of Net Asset Value and Valuation of
Portfolio Assets. The term "Net Asset Value" of any Series shall mean that
amount by which the assets of that Series exceed its liabilities, all as
determined by or under the direction of the Trustees. Such value shall be
determined separately for each Series and shall be determined on such days and
at such times as the Trustees may determine. Such determination shall be made
with respect to securities for which market quotations are readily available, at
the market value of such securities; and with respect to other securities and
assets, at the fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees; provided,
however, that the Trustees, without Shareholder approval, may alter the method
of valuing portfolio securities insofar as permitted or allowed under the 1940
Act and the rules, regulations and interpretations thereof promulgated or issued
by the Commission or insofar as permitted by any Order of the Commission
applicable to the Series. The Trustees may delegate any of their powers and
duties under this Section 9.03 with respect to valuation of assets and
liabilities. The resulting amount, which shall represent the total Net Asset
Value of the particular Series, shall be divided by the total number of Shares
of that Series outstanding at the time and the quotient so obtained shall be the
Net Asset Value per Share of that Series. At any time the Trustees may cause the
Net Asset Value per Share last determined to be determined again in similar
manner and may fix the time when such redetermined value shall become effective.
If, for any reason, the net income of any Series, determined at any time, is a
negative amount, the Trustees shall have the power with respect to that Series
(a) to offset each Shareholder's pro rata share of such negative amount from the
accrued dividend account of such Shareholder; (b) to reduce the number of
Outstanding Shares of such Series by reducing the number of Shares in the
account of each Shareholder by a pro rata portion of that number of full and
fractional Shares which represents the amount of such excess negative net
income; (c) to cause to be recorded on the books of such Series an asset account
in the amount of such negative net income (provided that the same shall
thereupon become the property of such Series with respect to such Series and
shall not be paid to any Shareholder), which account may be reduced by the
amount, of dividends declared thereafter upon the Outstanding Shares of such
Series on the day such negative net income is experienced, until such asset
account is reduced to zero; (d) to combine the methods described in clauses (a)
and (b) and (c) of this sentence; or (e) to take any other action they deem
appropriate, in order to cause (or in order to assist in causing) the Net Asset
Value per Share of such Series to remain at a constant amount per Outstanding
Share immediately after each such determination and declaration. The Trustees
shall also have the power not to declare a dividend out of net income for the
purpose of causing the Net Asset Value per Share to be increased. The Trustees
shall not be required to adopt, but may at any time adopt, discontinue or amend
the practice of maintaining the Net Asset Value per Share of the Series at a
constant amount.
16
Section 9.04 Suspension of the Right of Redemption. The Trustees may
declare a suspension of the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment
as permitted or allowed under the 1940 Act. Such suspension shall take effect at
such time as the Trustees shall specify but not later than the close of business
on the business day next following the declaration of suspension, and thereafter
there shall be no right of redemption or payment until the Trustees shall
declare the suspension at an end. In the case of a suspension of the right of
redemption, a Shareholder may either withdraw his request for redemption or
receive payment based on the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the
termination of the suspension. In the event that any Series is divided into
classes, the provisions of this Section 9.04, to the extent applicable as
determined in the discretion of the Trustees and consistent with applicable law,
may be equally applied to each such class.
ARTICLE X
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.01 Limitation of Liability. A Trustee, when acting in such
capacity, shall not be personally liable to any person other than the Trust or a
beneficial owner for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust or any
Trustee. A Trustee shall not be liable for any act or omission or any conduct
whatsoever in his capacity as Trustee, provided that nothing contained herein or
in the Delaware Act shall protect any Trustee against any liability to the Trust
or to Shareholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee hereunder.
All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim
against the Trust or the Trustees shall look only to the assets of the
appropriate Series of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract, or
claim; and neither the Trustees nor the Shareholders, nor any of the Trust's
officers, employees, or agents, whether past, present, or future, shall be
personally liable therefor.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and
every other act or thing whatsoever executed or done by or on behalf of the
Trust or the Trustees by any of them in connection with the Trust shall
conclusively be deemed to have been executed or done only in or with respect to
his or their capacity as Trustee or Trustees, and such Trustee or Trustees shall
not be personally liable thereon. At the Trustees' discretion, any note, bond,
contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking made or issued by the Trustees
or by any officer or officers may give notice that the Certificate of Trust is
on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and
that a limitation on liability of Series exists and such note, bond, contract,
instrument, certificate or undertaking may, if the Trustees so determine, recite
that the same was executed or made on behalf of the Trust by a Trustee or
Trustees in such capacity and not individually and that the obligations of such
instrument are not binding upon any of them or the Shareholders individually but
are binding only on the assets and property of the Trust or Series thereof, and
may contain such further recital as such Person or Persons deem appropriate. The
omission of any such notice or recital shall in no way operate to bind any
Trustee, officer, or Shareholder individually.
17
Section 10.02 Indemnification.
(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in Subsection
10.02(b):
(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the
Trust (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person") shall be
indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted or allowed by
law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or
paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in
which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his
being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or
incurred by him in the settlement thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall
apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or
other, including appeals), actual or threatened while in office or
thereafter, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include,
without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in
settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered
Person:
(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before
which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its
Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his office or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable
belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a
determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office, (A) by the court or other
body approving the settlement; (B) by at least a majority of those
Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor are
parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts
(as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or (C) by written opinion of
independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available
facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); provided, however,
that any Shareholder may, by appropriate legal proceedings, challenge
any such determination by the Trustees or by independent counsel.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured
against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be
exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or
hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a
Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any
rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel, other than Covered Persons,
and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
18
(d) Expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a
defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of the character described in
Subsection 10.02(a) of this Section 10.02 may be paid by the Trust or Series
from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid
over by him to the Trust or Series if it is ultimately determined that he is not
entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02; provided, however, that
either (i) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such
undertaking, (ii) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such
advance payments, or (iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither
Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal
counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of
readily available facts (as opposed to a trial-type inquiry or full
investigation), that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be
found entitled to indemnification under Section 10.02.
Section 10.03 Shareholders. In case any Shareholder of any Series
shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having
been a Shareholder of such Series and not because of his acts or omissions or
for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs,
executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a
corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be
entitled out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series to be held
harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such
liability. The Trust, on behalf of the affected Series, shall, upon request by
the Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder
for any act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from
the assets of the Series.
Section 10.04 Insurance. The Trustees shall be entitled and empowered
to the fullest extent permitted or allowed by law to purchase with Trust assets
insurance for liability and for all expenses reasonably incurred or paid or
expected to be paid by a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Trust in
connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding in which he or she may
become involved by virtue of his or her capacity or former capacity as a Trustee
of the Trust.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.01 Trust Not A Partnership. It is hereby expressly declared
that a trust and not a partnership is created hereby; provided, however, that it
is acknowledged that, for federal tax purposes, the trust created hereby may be
characterized as a corporation. No Trustee hereunder shall have any power to
bind personally either the Trust officers or any Shareholder. All persons
extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or
the Trustees shall look only to the assets of the appropriate Series or (if the
Trustees shall have yet to have established Series) of the Trust for payment
under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Shareholders nor the
Trustees, nor any of their agents, whether past, present or future, shall be
personally liable therefor.
Section 11.02 Trustee's Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond or
Surety. The exercise by the Trustees of their powers and discretion hereunder in
good faith and with reasonable care under the circumstances then prevailing
shall be binding upon everyone interested. Subject to the provisions of Article
X hereof and to Section 11.01 of this Article XI, the Trustees shall not be
liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take
advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of
this Trust Instrument, and subject to the provisions of Article X hereof and
Section 11.01 of this Article XI, shall be under no liability for any act or
omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to follow such advice.
The Trustees shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a
bond is obtained.
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Section 11.03 Establishment of Record Dates. The Trustees may close
the Share transfer books of the Trust for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days
preceding the date of any meeting of Shareholders, or the date for the payment
of any dividends or other distributions, or the date for the allotment of
rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of Shares shall go
into effect. In lieu of closing the stock transfer books as aforesaid, the
Trustees may fix in advance a date, not exceeding sixty (60) days preceding the
date of any meeting of Shareholders, or the date for payment of any dividend or
other distribution, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the date when
any change or conversion or exchange of Shares shall go into effect, as a record
date for the determination of the Shareholders entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, any such meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any such dividend
or other distribution, or to any such allotment of rights, or to exercise the
rights in respect of any such change, conversion or exchange of Shares, and in
such case such Shareholders and only such Shareholders as shall be Shareholders
of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to such notice of, and to vote
at, such meeting, or to receive payment of such dividend or other distribution,
or to receive such allotment or rights, or to exercise such rights, as the case
may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any Shares on the books of the Trust
after any such record date fixed as aforesaid.
Section 11.04 Termination of Trust.
(a) This Trust shall continue without limitation of time but subject
to the provisions of Subsection 11.04(b).
(b) The Trustees may, subject to a Majority Shareholder Vote of each
Series affected by the matter or, if applicable, to a Majority Shareholder Vote
of the Trust, and subject to a vote of a majority of the Trustees,
(i) sell and convey all or substantially all of the assets of the
Trust or any affected Series to another trust, partnership, association
or corporation, or to a separate series of shares thereof, organized
under the laws of any state which trust, partnership, association or
corporation is an open-end management investment company as defined in
the 1940 Act, or is a series thereof, for adequate consideration which
may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes and
other liabilities, accrued or contingent, of the Trust or any affected
Series, and which may include shares of beneficial interest, stock or
other ownership interests of such trust, partnership, association or
corporation or of a series thereof; or
(ii) at any time sell and convert into money all of the assets of
the Trust or any affected Series.
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Upon making reasonable provision, in the determination of the Trustees, for the
payment of all such liabilities in either (i) or (ii), by such assumption or
otherwise, the Trustees shall distribute the remaining proceeds or assets (as
the case may be) of each Series (or class) ratably among the holders of Shares
of that Series then outstanding.
(c) Upon completion of the distribution of the remaining proceeds or
the remaining assets as provided in Subsection 11.05(b), the Trust or any
affected Series shall terminate and the Trustees and the Trust shall be
discharged of any and all further liabilities and duties hereunder and the
right, title and interest of all parties with respect to the Trust or Series
shall be canceled and discharged.
Upon termination of the Trust, following completion of the winding up
of its business, the Trustees shall cause a certificate of cancellation of the
Trust's Certificate of Trust to be filed in accordance with the Delaware Act,
which certificate of cancellation may be signed by any one Trustee.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the existence of the
Trust shall not be affected by sales or purchases of Shares or status of any
Shareholders.
Section 11.05 Reorganization. Notwithstanding anything else herein,
the Trustees, in order to change the form of organization of the Trust, may,
without prior Shareholder approval, (a) cause the Trust to merge or consolidate
with or into one or more trusts, partnerships, associations or corporations so
long as the surviving or resulting entity is an open-end management investment
company under the 1940 Act, or is a series thereof, that will succeed to or
assume the Trust's registration under that Act and which is formed, organized or
existing under the laws of a state, commonwealth, possession or colony of the
United States or (b) cause the Trust to incorporate under the laws of Delaware.
Any agreement of merger or consolidation or certificate of merger may be signed
by a majority of Trustees and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or
telecommunication means shall be valid.
Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3815(f) of
the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Trust Instrument, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved by the
Trustees in accordance with this Section 11.05 may effect any amendment to the
Trust Instrument or effect the adoption of a new trust instrument of the Trust
if it is the surviving or resulting trust in the merger or consolidation.
Section 11.06 Filing of Copies, References, Headings. The original or
a copy of this Trust Instrument and of each amendment hereof or Trust Instrument
supplemental hereto shall be kept at the office of the Trust where it may be
inspected by any Shareholder. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a
certificate by an officer or Trustee of the Trust as to whether or not any such
amendments or supplements have been made and as to any matters in connection
with the Trust hereunder, and with the same effect as if it were the original,
may rely on a copy certified by an officer or Trustee of the Trust to be a copy
of this Trust Instrument or of any such amendment or supplemental Trust
Instrument. In this Trust Instrument or in any such amendment or supplemental
Trust Instrument, references to this Trust Instrument, and all expressions like
"herein," "hereof" and "hereunder," shall be deemed to refer to this Trust
Instrument as amended or affected by any such supplemental Trust Instrument. All
expressions like "his," "he" and "him," shall be deemed to include the feminine
and neuter, as well as masculine, genders. Headings are placed herein for
convenience of reference only and in case of any conflict, the text of this
Trust Instrument, rather than the headings, shall control. This Trust Instrument
may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed an
original.
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Section 11.07 Applicable Law. The Trust set forth in this instrument
is made in the State of Delaware, and the Trust and this Trust Instrument, and
the rights and obligations of the Trustees and Shareholders hereunder, are to be
governed by and construed and administered according to the Delaware Act and the
laws of said State; provided, however, that there shall not be applicable to the
Trust, the Trustees or this Trust Instrument (a) the provisions of Section 3540
of Title 12 of the Delaware Code or (b) any provisions of the laws (statutory or
common) of the State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Act) pertaining to
trusts which relate to or regulate (i) the filing with any court or governmental
body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges,
(ii) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or
employees of a trust, (iii) the necessity for obtaining court or other
governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real
or personal property, (iv) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers,
agents or employees of a trust, (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures
to income or principal, (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible
nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to
the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets, or (vii) the
establishment of fiduciary or other standards of responsibilities or limitations
on the acts or powers of trustees, which are inconsistent with the limitations
or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustees set forth or referenced
in this Trust Instrument. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a
"business trust," and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may
exercise all powers that are ordinarily exercised by such a trust under Delaware
law. The Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the powers or
privileges afforded to trusts or actions that may be engaged in by trusts under
the Delaware Act, and the absence of a specific reference herein to any such
power, privilege or action shall not imply that the Trust may not exercise such
power or privilege or take such actions.
Section 11.08 Amendments. Except as specifically provided herein, the
Trustees may, without Shareholder vote, amend or otherwise supplement this Trust
Instrument by making an amendment, a Trust Instrument supplemental hereto or an
amended and restated Trust Instrument. Shareholders shall have the right to vote
(a) on any amendment which would affect their right to vote granted in Section
7.01 of Article VII hereof, (b) on any amendment to this Section 11.08, (c) on
any amendment as may be required by law or by the Trust's registration statement
filed with the Commission, and (d) on any amendment submitted to them by the
Trustees. Any amendment required or permitted to be submitted to Shareholders
which, as the Trustees determine, shall affect the Shareholders of one or more
Series (or classes) shall be authorized by vote of the Shareholders of each
Series (or class) affected and no vote of Shareholders of a Series (or class)
not affected shall be required. Notwithstanding anything else herein, any
amendment to Article X hereof shall not limit the rights to indemnification or
insurance provided therein with respect to action or omission of Covered Persons
prior to such amendment.
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Section 11.09 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Trust shall end on a
specified date as set forth in the Bylaws, provided, however, that the Trustees
may, without Shareholder approval, change the fiscal year of the Trust.
Section 11.10 Provisions in Conflict With Law. The provisions of this
Trust Instrument are severable, and if the Trustees shall determine, with the
advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with the 1940 Act,
the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or with
other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed
never to have constituted a part of this Trust Instrument; provided, however,
that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this
Trust Instrument or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior
to such determination. If any provision of this Trust Instrument shall be held
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and
shall not in any matter affect such provisions in any other jurisdiction or any
other provision of this Trust Instrument in any jurisdiction.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being all of the initial Trustees
of the Trust, have executed this instrument as of date first written above.
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx , as Trustee
________________________ and not individually
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