AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
XXXX
& XXXXX FUNDS TRUST
AGREEMENT
AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
Β
Β
Β
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Β
Β | Β |
Page
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
I
|
Β |
Β |
Name
and Definitions
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
1.1
|
Name
|
1
|
1.2
|
Definitions
|
1
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
II
|
Β |
Β |
Trustees
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
2.1
|
Number
and Qualification
|
3
|
2.2
|
Term
and Election
|
3
|
2.3
|
Resignation
and Removal
|
3
|
2.4
|
Vacancies
|
3
|
2.5
|
Meetings
|
4
|
2.6
|
Trustee
Action by Written Consent
|
5
|
2.7
|
Officers
|
5
|
2.8
|
Ownership
of Trust Property
|
5
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
III
|
Β |
Β |
Powers
and Duties of Trustees
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
3.1
|
General
|
5
|
3.2
|
Investments
|
6
|
3.3
|
Legal
Title
|
8
|
3.4
|
Issuance
and Repurchase of Shares
|
8
|
3.5
|
Borrow
Money
|
8
|
3.6
|
Delegation;
Committees
|
9
|
3.7
|
Collection
and Payment
|
9
|
3.8
|
Expenses
|
9
|
3.9
|
By-Laws
|
9
|
3.10
|
Miscellaneous
Powers
|
9
|
3.11
|
Further
Powers
|
10
|
Β
Β |
ARTICLE
IV
|
Β |
Β |
Advisory,
Management and Distribution Arrangements
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
4.1
|
Advisory
and Management Arrangements
|
10
|
4.2
|
Distribution
Arrangements
|
10
|
4.3
|
Other
Arrangements
|
10
|
4.4
|
Parties
to Contracts
|
10
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
Β
Β |
ARTICLE
V
|
Β |
Β |
Limitations
of Liability and Indemnification
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
5.1
|
No
Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc.
|
11
|
5.2
|
Mandatory
Indemnification
|
11
|
5.3
|
No
Bond Required of Trustees
|
13
|
5.4
|
No
Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, etc.
|
13
|
5.5
|
Reliance
on Experts, etc.
|
13
|
5.6
|
Insurance
|
13
|
5.7
|
Derivative
Actions
|
13
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
VI
|
Β |
Β |
Shares
of Beneficial Interest
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
6.1
|
Description
of Series and Shares
|
14
|
6.2
|
Rights
of Shareholders
|
17
|
6.3
|
Trust
Only
|
18
|
6.4
|
Register
of Shares
|
18
|
6.5
|
Transfer
Agent and Register
|
18
|
6.6
|
Notices
|
18
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
VII
|
Β |
Β |
Custodians
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
7.1
|
Appointment
and Duties
|
18
|
7.2
|
Central
Certificate System
|
19
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
VIII
|
Β |
Β |
Redemption
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
8.1
|
Redemptions
|
19
|
8.2
|
Disclosure
of Holding
|
19
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
IX
|
Β |
Β |
Determination
of Net Asset Value, Net Income and Distributions
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
9.1
|
Net
Asset Value
|
19
|
9.2
|
Distributions
to Shareholders
|
19
|
9.3
|
Power
to Modify Foregoing Procedures
|
20
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
X
|
Β |
Β |
Shareholders
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
10.1
|
Voting
Powers
|
20
|
10.2
|
Notice
of Meeting
|
21
|
10.3
|
Quorum
and Required Vote
|
21
|
10.4
|
Proxies,
etc.
|
21
|
Β
Β
Β
10.5
|
Shareholder
Action by Written Consent
|
22
|
10.6
|
Record
Dates
|
22
|
10.7
|
Additional
Provisions
|
22
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
XI
|
Β |
Β |
Duration;
Termination of Trust; Amendment; Mergers, Etc.
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
11.1
|
Duration
|
23
|
11.2
|
Termination
|
23
|
11.3
|
Reorganization
|
23
|
11.4
|
Amendment
Procedure
|
24
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
ARTICLE
XII
|
Β |
Β |
Miscellaneous
|
Β |
Β | Β | Β |
12.1
|
Filing
|
24
|
12.2
|
Resident
Agent
|
24
|
12.3
|
Governing
Law
|
25
|
12.4
|
Counterparts
|
25
|
12.5
|
Reliance
by Third Parties
|
25
|
12.6
|
Provisions
in Conflict with Law or Regulation
|
25
|
Β
Β
Β
Xxxx
& Xxxxx Funds Trust
Β
AGREEMENT
AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
Β
THIS
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST made as of theΒ 18th day of March,Β 2009,
by the Trustees hereunder, and by the holders of shares of beneficial interest
issued hereunder as hereinafter provided.
Β
WHEREAS,
the Trustees desire to create a statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Act to
carry on the business of an investment company;
Β
WHEREAS,
this Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of its shares of
beneficial interest all in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set
forth;
Β
WHEREAS,
the Trustees have agreed to manage all property coming into their hands as
Trustees of a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the provisions
hereinafter set forth.
Β
NOW,
THEREFORE, the Trustees, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of
which are hereby acknowledged, the Trustees hereby agree as
follows:
Β
ARTICLE
I
Name
and Definitions
Β
1.1 Name and Declaration of Trust.
This Trust shall be known as the βXxxx & Xxxxx Funds Trustβ and the
Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name, or any other
name or names as they may from time to time determine. However, should the
Trustees determine that the use of the name of the Trust is not advisable, they
may select such other name for the Trust as they deem proper and the Trust may
hold its property and conduct its activities under such other name. Any name
change shall become effective upon the execution by a majority of the then
Trustees of an instrument setting forth the new name and the filing of a
certificate of amendment to the Certificate of Trust pursuant to the Delaware
Act. Any such instrument shall not require the approval of the Shareholders, but
shall have the status of an amendment to this Declaration of Trust. The Trust
shall constitute a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the Delaware Act
and this Declaration of Trust, together with the By-Laws, shall constitute the
governing instrument of the Trust.Β Β The Trustees are hereby authorized
to file the Certificate of Trust with the Office of the Secretary of the State
of Delaware and do hereby declare that they will hold all cash, securities, and
other assets which they may from time to time acquire in any manner as Trustees
hereunder IN TRUST to manage and dispose of the same upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein for the benefit of the holders from time to time of
shares of beneficial interest in this Trust as hereinafter set
forth.
Β
1.2 Definitions. As used in this
Declaration, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
Β
β1940
Actβ shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the rules and
regulations thereunder and exemptions granted therefrom, all as adopted or
amended from time to time.
Β
βAffiliated
Personβ shall have the meaning given to it in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act
when used with reference to a specified person.
Β
βAssignmentβ
shall have the meaning given to it in Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940
Act.
Β
βBy-Lawsβ
shall mean the By-Laws of the Trust as amended from time to time by the
Trustees, which By-Laws are expressly herein incorporated by reference as part
of the βgoverning instrumentβ within the meaning of the DSTA.
Β
βCertificate
of Trustβ means the certificate of trust as amended from time to time, filed by
the Trustees in the Office of the Sectary of the State of the State of Delaware
in accordance with the Delaware Act.
Β
Β
Β
Β
βClassβ
means a class of Shares of a Series of the Trust established in accordance with
Article VI hereof.
Β
βCodeβ
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
Β
βCommissionβ
shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Β
βCovered
Personβ means every person who is, or has been, a trustee or an officer or
employee of the Trust.
Β
βCustodianβ
means any person other than the Trust who has custody of any Trust Property as
required by Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act, but does not include a system for the
central handling of securities described in said Section 17(f).
Β
βDeclarationβ
shall mean this Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, supplemented or
amended and restated from time to time.
Β
βDSTAβ or
the βDelaware Actβ shall mean Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, as
amended from time to time.
Β
βDelaware
General Corporation Lawβ means the Delaware General Corporation Law, 8 Del. C.
§§ 100, et. seq.,
as amended from time to time.
Β
βDistributorβ
or βPrincipal Underwriterβ means the party, other than the Trust, to the
contract described in Article IV, Section 4.2 hereof.
Β
βFundamental
Policiesβ shall mean the investment policies and restrictions as set forth from
time to time in any Registration Statement or contained in any current
Registration Statement of the Trust filed with the Commission or as otherwise
adopted by the Trustees and the Shareholders in accordance with the requirements
of the 1940 Act and designated as fundamental policies therein as they may be
amended from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the 1940
Act.
Β
βInterested
Personβ shall have the meaning given to it in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940
Act.
Β
βInvestment
Adviserβ or βAdviserβ shall mean a party furnishing services to the Trust
pursuant to any contract described in Section 4.1 hereof.
Β
βMajority
Shareholder Voteβ shall mean a vote of βa majority of the outstanding voting
securitiesβ (as such term is defined in the 0000 Xxx) of the Trust with each
Class and Series of Shares voting together as a single Class, except to the
extent otherwise required by the 1940 Act or this Declaration with respect to
any one or more Classes or Series of Shares, in which case the applicable
proportion of such Classes or Series of Shares voting as a separate Class or
Series, as case may be, also will be required.
Β
"Majority
of the Trustees" shall mean a majority of the Trustees in office at the time in
question. At any time at which there shall be only one (1) Trustee in office,
such term shall mean such Trustee.
Β
βPersonβ
shall mean and include individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, limited
liability companies, associations, joint ventures, estates and other entities,
whether or not legal entities, and governments and agencies and political
subdivisions thereof, whether domestic or foreign.
Β
βRegistration
Statementβ shall mean the registration statement of the Trust on Form Nβ1A under
the 1940 Act, if any, as in effect from time to time.
Β
βSecurities
Actβ shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Β
"Series"
shall mean one or more of the series of Shares authorized by the Trustees to
represent the beneficial interest in one or more separate components of the
assets of the Trust which are now or hereafter established and designated under
or in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 hereof.Β Β Each
βSeriesβ shall be a βseriesβ within the meaning of Section 3804(a) of the
DSTA.
Β
2
Β
Β
βShareholdersβ
shall mean as of any particular time the holders of record of outstanding Shares
of the Trust, at such time.
Β
βShareβ
means the equal proportionate transferable units of interest into which the
beneficial interest of each Series or Class is divided from time to time
(including whole Shares and fractions of Shares). βOutstanding Sharesβ means
Shares shown in the books of the Trust or its transfer agent as then issued and
outstanding, but does not include Shares which have been repurchased or redeemed
by the Trust and which are held in the treasury of the Trust.
Β
βTransfer
Agentβ means any Person other than the Trust who maintains the Shareholder
records of the Trust, such as the list of Shareholders, the number of Shares
credited to each account, and the like.
Β
βTrustβ
shall mean the Delaware statutory trust established under the DSTA by this
Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time, and the filing of the
Certificate of Trust in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.
Β
βTrust
Propertyβ shall mean as of any particular time any and all property, real or
personal, tangible or intangible, which at such time is owned or held by or for
the account of the Trust or the Trustees in such capacity.
Β
βTrusteesβ
shall mean person or persons who has signed this Declaration and all other
persons who may from time to time be duly elected or appointed to serve as
Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, in each case, so long as such
Person shall continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof, and all
other persons who at the time in question have been duly elected or appointed
and have qualified as trustees in accordance with the provisions hereof and are
then in office.
Β
ARTICLE
II
Trustees
Β
2.1 Number and Qualification. The
number of Trustees shall initially be one, and thereafter shall be such number
as fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by a Majority of the
Trustees, provided that the number of Trustees shall be no less than 3 or more
than 25. No reduction in the number of Trustees shall have the effect of
removing any Trustee from office prior to the expiration of his term unless the
Trustee is specifically removed pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Article II at
the time of decrease.
Β
2.2 Term and Election. Each
Trustee shall hold office for life or until his successor is elected or the
Trust terminates; except as herein after provided.
Β
2.3 Resignation and Removal. Any
of the Trustees may resign their trust (without need for prior or subsequent
accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by such Trustee and delivered or
mailed to the other Trustees or the Chairman, if any, the President or the
Secretary and such resignation shall be effective upon such delivery, or at a
later date according to the terms of the instrument. Any Trustee may be removed
with or without cause at any time by a written instrument signed by at least a
majority of the then Trustees, specifying the effective date of removal. Any
Trustee who requests to be retired, or who is declared bankrupt or has become
physically or mentally incapacitated or is otherwise unable to serve, may be
retired by a written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees,
specifying the effective date of retirement. Any Trustee may be removed at any
meeting of the Shareholders by a vote of at least 75% of the Outstanding
Shares.
Β
2.4 Vacancies. Whenever a vacancy
shall exist amongst the Trustees, regardless of the reason for such vacancy, the
remaining Trustees shall appoint any person as they determine in their sole
discretion to fill that vacancy, consistent with the limitations under the 1940
Act. Such appointment shall be made by a written instrument signed by a majority
of the Trustees or by a resolution of the Trustees, duly adopted and recorded in
the records of the Trust, specifying the effective date of the appointment. The
Trustees may appoint a new Trustee as provided above in anticipation of a
vacancy expected to occur because of the retirement, resignation or removal of a
Trustee, or an increase in number of Trustees, provided that such appointment
shall become effective only at or after the expected vacancy occurs. As soon as
any such Trustee has accepted his appointment in writing, the trust estate shall
vest in the new Trustee, together with the continuing Trustees, without any
further act or conveyance, and he shall be deemed a Trustee hereunder. The
Trusteesβ power of appointment is subject to Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act.
Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is
filled as provided in this Article, the Trustees in office, regardless of their
number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge
all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by the Declaration. The death,
declination to serve, resignation, retirement, removal or incapacity of one or
more Trustees, or all of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke
any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust.
Whenever a vacancy in amongst the Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is
filled, or while any Trustee is absent from his domicile (unless that Trustee
has made arrangements to be informed about, and to participate in, the affairs
of the Trust during such absence), or is physically or mentally incapacitated,
the remaining Trustees shall have all the powers hereunder and their certificate
as to such vacancy, absence, or incapacity shall be conclusive. Any Trustee may,
by power of attorney, delegate his powers as Trustee for a period not exceeding
six (6) months at any one time to any other Trustee or Trustees.
Β
3
Β
Β
2.5 Meetings. Meetings of the
Trustees shall be held from time to time upon the call of the Chairman, if any,
or the President or such other persons as may be specified in the By-Laws.
Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice at a time
and place fixed by the By-Laws or by resolution of the Trustees. Notice of any
other meeting shall be given to the Trustees before the meeting at the time and
in the manner specified in the By-Laws, but may be waived in writing by any
Trustee either before or after such meeting. The attendance of a Trustee at a
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a
Trustee attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the
transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting has not been properly
called or convened. A quorum for all meetings of the Trustees shall be a
majority of the authorized number of Trustees or such greater number as may be
specified in the By-Laws. Unless provided otherwise in this Declaration and
except as required under the 1940 Act, any action of the Trustees may be taken
at a meeting by vote of a majority of the Trustees present (a quorum being
present) or without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the
Trustees.
Β
Any
committee of the Trustees, including an executive committee, if any, may act
with or without a meeting. A quorum for all meetings of any such committee shall
be one-third, but not less than two, of the members thereof. Unless provided
otherwise in this Declaration, any action of any such committee may be taken at
a meeting by vote of a majority of the members present (a quorum being present)
or without a meeting by written consent of all of the members.
Β
With
respect to actions of the Trustees and any committee of the Trustees, Trustees
who are Interested Persons in any action to be taken may be counted for quorum
purposes under this Section and shall be entitled to vote to the extent not
prohibited by the 1940 Act.
Β
All or
any one or more Trustees may participate in a meeting of the Trustees or any
committee thereof by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear
each other; participation in a meeting pursuant to any such communications
system shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Β
4
Β
Β
2.6 Trustee Action by Written Consent.
Except as otherwise limited by the 1940 Act, any action which may be
taken by Trustees by vote may be taken without a meeting if that number of the
Trustees, or members of a committee, as the case may be, required for approval
of such action at a meeting of the Trustees or of such committee at which all of
the Trustees or the members of such committee are present consent to the action
in writing and the written consents are filed with the records of the meetings
of Trustees. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a
meeting of Trustees.
Β
2.7 Officers. The Trustees shall
elect a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Chief Compliance Officer and
may elect a Chairman or other officers of the Trust as the Trustees deem
appropriate or as required by applicable law who shall serve at the pleasure of
the Trustees or until their successors are elected. The Trustees may elect or
appoint or may authorize the Chairman, if any, or President to appoint such
other officers or agents with such powers as the Trustees may deem to be
advisable. A Chairman shall, and the President, Secretary and Treasurer may, but
need not, be a Trustee.
Β
2.8 Ownership of Trust Property.
The Trust Property 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 and
beneficial ownership of all of the assets of the Trust shall at all times be
considered as vested in the Trust, except that the Trustees may cause legal
title in and beneficial ownership of any Trust Property to be held by, or in the
name of one or more of the Trustees acting for and on behalf of the Trust, or in
the name of any person as nominee acting for and on behalf of the Trust. 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, as provided in Article VI, a
proportionate undivided beneficial interest in the Trust or Series or Class
thereof represented by Shares. The Shares shall be personal property giving only
the rights specifically set forth in this trust instrument. The Trust, or at the
determination of one or more of the Trustees or a nominee acting for and on
behalf of the Trust, shall be deemed to hold legal title and beneficial
ownership of any income earned on securities of the Trust issued by any business
entities formed, organized, or existing under the laws of any jurisdiction,
including the laws of any foreign country. Upon the resignation or removal of a
Trustee, or his otherwise ceasing to be a Trustee, he shall execute and deliver
such documents as the remaining Trustees shall require for the purpose of
conveying to the Trust or the remaining Trustees any Trust Property held in the
name of the resigning or removed Trustee. Upon the incapacity or death of any
Trustee, his legal representative shall execute and deliver on his behalf such
documents as the remaining Trustees shall require as provided in the preceding
sentence.
Β
ARTICLE
III
Powers
and Duties of Trustees
3.1 General. The Trustees in all
instances shall act as principals for and on behalf of the Trust and their acts
shall bind the Trust. The business and affairs of the trust shall be managed by
the trustees and they shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts
and to make and execute all contracts and instruments that they may consider
necessary, appropriate or desirable in connection with the management of the
Trust. The Trustees shall have the full power and authority to adopt such
accounting and tax accounting practices as they consider appropriate for the
trust and for any Class or Series. The Trustees shall have power to conduct the
business of the Trust and 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, and in
any and all commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies, possessions,
agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States of America and of foreign
governments, and to do all such other things as they deem necessary, appropriate
or desirable in order to promote or implement the interests of the Trust or of
any Class or Series although such things are not herein specifically mentioned.
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 Declaration. The Trustees
may perform such acts as in their sole discretion are proper for conducting the
business of the Trust. The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be
construed as limiting the aforesaid power. Such powers of the Trustees may be
exercised without order of or resort to any court. Any determination as to what
is in the interest of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be
conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the
presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.
Β
Β
5
Β
3.2 Investments. The Trustees
shall have full power and authority, subject to the Fundamental Policies in
effect from time to time with respect to the Trust to:
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β manage,
conduct, operate and carry on the business of an investment company, and
exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to the conduct of such
operations;
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β subscribe
for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell,
assign, transfer, exchange, distribute or otherwise deal in or dispose of any
and all sorts of property, tangible or intangible, including but not limited to
securities and investments of any type whatsoever, whether equity or non-equity,
but not limited to, stocks, profit-sharing interests or participations and all
other contracts for or evidences of equity interests, bonds, debentures,
warrants and rights to purchase securities, and interests in loans, certificates
of beneficial interest, bills, notes and all other contracts for or evidences of
indebtedness, money market instruments including bank certificates of deposit,
finance paper, commercial paper, bankersβ acceptances and other obligations, and
all other negotiable and non-negotiable securities and instruments, however
named or described, issued by corporations, trusts, associations or any other
Persons, domestic or foreign, or issued or guaranteed by the United States of
America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, by the government of any
foreign country, by any State, territory or possession of the United States, by
any political subdivision or agency or instrumentality of any state or foreign
country, or by any other government or other governmental or quasi-governmental
agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign; to acquire and dispose of
interests in domestic or foreign loans made by banks and other financial
institutions; to deposit any assets of the Trust in any bank, trust company or
banking institution or retain any such assets in domestic or foreign cash or
currency; to purchase and sell gold and silver bullion, precious or strategic
metals, and coins and currency of all countries; to engage in βwhen issuedβ and
delayed delivery transactions; to enter into repurchase agreements, reverse
repurchase agreements and firm commitment agreements; to employ all types and
kinds of hedging techniques and investment management strategies; and to change
the investments of the Trust; and the right to consent and otherwise act with
respect thereto, with power to designate one or more Persons to exercise any of
said rights, powers and privileges in respect of any of said investments. The
Trustees shall not be limited by any law limiting the investments which may be
made by fiduciaries.
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
acquire (by purchase, subscription or otherwise), to hold, to trade in and deal
in, to acquire any rights or options to purchase or sell, to sell or otherwise
dispose of, to lend and to pledge any Trust Property or any of the foregoing
securities, instruments or investments; to purchase and sell options on
securities, currency, precious metals and other commodities, indices, futures
contracts and other financial instruments and assets and enter into closing and
other transactions in connection therewith; to enter into all types of
commodities contracts, including without limitation the purchase and sale of
futures contracts on securities, currency, precious metals and other
commodities, indices and other financial instruments and assets; to enter into
forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other foreign exchange and
currency transactions of all types and kinds; to enter into interest rate,
currency and other swap transactions; and to engage in all types and kinds of
hedging and risk management transactions.
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
exercise all rights, powers and privileges of ownership or interest in all
securities and other assets included in the Trust Property, including without
limitation the right to vote thereon and otherwise act with respect thereto; and
to do all acts and things for the preservation, protection, improvement and
enhancement in value of all such securities and assets.
Β
(v)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
acquire (by purchase, lease or otherwise) and to hold, use, maintain, lease,
develop and dispose of (by sale or otherwise) any type or kind of property, real
or personal, including domestic or foreign currency, and any right or interest
therein.
Β
(vi)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
borrow money and in this connection issue notes, commercial paper or other
evidence of indebtedness; to secure borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security all or any part of the Trust Property; to
endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance of any obligation or engagement
of any other Person; to lend all or any part of the Trust Property to other
Persons; and to issue general unsecured or other obligations of the Trust, and
enter into indentures or agreements relating thereto.
Β
Β
6
Β
(vii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
aid, support or assist by further investment or other action any Person, any
obligation of or interest which is included in the Trust Property or in the
affairs of which the Trust has any direct or indirect interest; to do all acts
and things designed to protect, preserve, improve or enhance the value of such
obligation or interest; and to guarantee or become surety on any or all of the
contracts, securities and other obligations of any such Person.
Β
(viii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
employ as Custodian of any assets of the Trust, subject to any provisions herein
or in the By-Laws, one or more banks, trust companies or companies that are
members of a national securities exchange, or other entities permitted by the
Commission to serve as such.
Β
(ix)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
retain one or more transfer agents and shareholder servicing agents, or
both.
Β
(x)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
provide for the distribution of Shares either through a Distributor or other
principal underwriter as provided herein or by the Trust itself, or both, or
pursuant to a distribution plan of any kind.
Β
(xi)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
set record dates in the manner provided for herein or in the
By-Laws.
Β
(xii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officers of the Trust
and to any agent, independent contractor, manager, investment adviser, Custodian
or Distributor or Principal Underwriter.
Β
(xiii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officers of the Trust
and to any manager, investment adviser, sub-investment adviser, Custodian or
Distributor or Principal Underwriter or other agent or independent
contractor,.
Β
(xiv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
join other security holders in acting through a committee, depositary, voting
trustee or otherwise, and in that connection to deposit any security with, or
transfer any security to, any such committee, depositary or trustee, and to
delegate to them such power and authority with relation to any security (whether
or not so deposited or transferred) as the Trustees shall deem proper, and to
agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses and compensation of such
committee, depositary or trustee as the Trustees shall deem proper.
Β
(xv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
carry on any other business in connection with or incidental to any of the
foregoing powers referred to in this Declaration, to do everything necessary,
appropriate or desirable for the accomplishment of any purpose or the attainment
of any object or the furtherance of any power referred to in this Declaration,
either alone or in association with others, and to do every other act or thing
incidental or appurtenant to or arising out of or connected with such business
or purposes, objects or powers.
Β
(xvi)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β 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 its own
name or in the name of a Custodian or a nominee or nominees, subject in either
case to proper safeguards according to the usual business practice of statutory
trusts or investment companies.
Β
(xvii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
establish separate and distinct Series with separately defined investment
objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes, and with separate
shares representing beneficial interests in such Series, and to establish
separate Classes.
Β
(xviii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
the full extent permitted by Section 3804 of the Delaware Act, to allocate
assets, liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular Series and assets,
liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular Class or to apportion the
same between or among two or more Series or Classes, provided that any
liabilities or expenses incurred by a particular Series or Class shall payable
solely out of the assets belonging to that Series or Class.
Β
Β
7
Β
(xiv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization, consolidation or
merger of any corporation or concern whose securities are held by 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.
Β
(xv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β 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.
Β
(xvi)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
make distributions of income, capital gains, returns of capital (if any) and
redemption proceeds to Shareholders in the manner hereinafter provided
for.
Β
(xvii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
establish committees for such purposes, with such membership, and with such
responsibilities as the Trustees may consider proper, including a committee
consisting of fewer than all of the Trustees then in office, which may act for
and bind the Trustees and the Trust with respect to the institution,
prosecution, dismissal, settlement, review or investigation of any legal action,
suit or proceeding, pending or threatened.
Β
The
foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and powers, and shall not
be held to limit or restrict in any manner the general and plenary powers of the
Trustees.
Β
Notwithstanding
any other provision herein, the Trustees shall have full power in their
discretion, without any requirement of approval by Shareholders, to invest part
or all of the Trust Property, or to dispose of part or all of the Trust Property
and invest the proceeds of such disposition, in securities issued by one or more
other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
Β
3.3 Legal Title. Legal title to
all of the Trust Property shall at all times be considered to be vested in the
Trust, except that the Trustees shall have the power to cause legal title to any
Trust Property to be held by or in the name of any Person (including a Trustee)
as nominee, on such terms as the Trustees may determine, in accordance with
applicable law. If a Trustee is holding legal title to any Trust Property for
the Trust, then the right, title and interest of each such Trustee in the Trust
Property shall vest automatically in each Person who may thereafter replace such
Trustee, and upon the resignation, removal or death of a Trustee, he or she
shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the
Trust Property, and the right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust
Property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and
cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have
been executed and delivered.
Β
3.4 Issuance and Repurchase of
Shares. The Trustees shall have the full power and authority to issue,
sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue,
dispose of, transfer, and otherwise deal in, Shares, including Shares in
fractional denominations, and, subject to the more detailed provisions set forth
in Articles VIII and IX, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption,
retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or property whether
capital or surplus or otherwise. Shares may be sold for cash or property or
other consideration whenever and in such amounts and manner as the Trustees deem
desirable. The Trustees shall have full power to provide for the distribution of
Shares either through one or more principal underwriters or by the Trust itself,
or both.
Β
3.5 Borrow Money. Subject to the
Fundamental Policies in effect from time to time with respect to the Trust, the
Trustees shall have the power to borrow money or other property in the name of
the Trust exclusively for Trust purposes 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; and to endorse, guarantee,
or undertake the performance of any obligation or engagement of any other Person
and to lend Trust Property.
Β
8
Β
Β
3.6 Delegation; Committees. The
Trustees shall have the power, consistent with their continuing exclusive
authority over the management of the Trust and the Trust Property, to delegate
from time to time to such of their number or to officers, employees or agents of
the Trust the doing of such things and the execution of such instruments either
in the name of the Trust or the names of the Trustees or otherwise as the
Trustees may deem expedient, to at least the same extent as such delegation is
permitted to directors of corporations formed under the Delaware General
Corporation Law and is permitted by the 1940 Act, as well as any further
delegations the Trustees may determine to be desirable, expedient or necessary
in order to effect the purpose hereof. The Trustees may designate an executive
committee which shall have the same authority as all of the Trustees acting
together except such committee cannot declare dividends except to the extent
specifically delegated by the Trustees and cannot authorize removal of a Trustee
or any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Trust.
Β
3.7 Collection and Payment. The
Trustees shall have full power and authority to collect all property due to the
Trust; to pay all claims, including taxes, against the Trust Property or the
Trust, the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust; to
prosecute, defend, compromise or abandon any claims relating to the Trust
Property or the Trust, or the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the
Trust; to foreclose any security interest securing any obligations, by virtue of
which any property is owed to the Trust; and to enter into releases, agreements
and other instruments.
Β
3.8 Expenses. The Trustees shall
have full power and authority to incur and pay out of the assets or income of
the Trust any expenses which in the opinion of the Trustees are necessary or
incidental to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration, the powers of
the Trustees, and the business of the Trust, and to pay reasonable compensation
from the funds of the Trust to themselves as Trustees. The Trustees shall fix
the compensation of all officers, employees and Trustees. The Trustees may pay
themselves such compensation for special services, including legal,
underwriting, syndicating and brokerage services, as they in good faith may deem
reasonable and reimbursement for expenses reasonably incurred by them on behalf
of the Trust.
Β
3.9 By-Laws. The Trustees shall
have the exclusive authority to adopt and from time to time amend or repeal
By-Laws for the conduct of the business of the Trust not inconsistent with this
Declaration of Trust. Unless the By-Laws specifically require that Shareholders
authorize or approve the amendment or repeal of a particular provision of the
By-Laws, any provision of the By-Laws may be amended or repealed by the Trustees
without Shareholder authorization or approval.
Β
3.10
Miscellaneous Powers.
The Trustees shall have the power to: (a) employ or contract with such
Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable for the transaction of the business
of the Trust; (b) enter into joint ventures, partnerships and any other
combinations or associations; (c) purchase, and pay for entirely out of Trust
Property, insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers,
employees, agents, investment advisors, distributors, selected dealers or
independent contractors of the Trust against all claims arising by reason of
holding any such position or by reason of any action taken or omitted by any
such Person in such capacity, whether or not constituting negligence, or whether
or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against such
liability; (d) establish pension, profit-sharing, share purchase, and other
retirement, incentive and benefit plans for any Trustees, officers, employees
and agents of the Trust; (e) make donations, irrespective of benefit to the
Trust, for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, civic or similar
purposes; (f) to the extent permitted by law, indemnify or reimburse any Person
with whom the Trust has dealings, including without limitation any advisor,
administrator, manager, transfer agent, Custodian, Distributor or selected
dealer, or any other person as the Trustees may see fit to such extent as the
Trustees shall determine; (g) guarantee indebtedness or contractual obligations
of others; (h) determine and change the fiscal year of the Trust and the method
in which its accounts shall be kept; (i) notwithstanding the Fundamental
Policies of the Trust, convert the Trust to a master-feeder structure; (j) adopt
a seal for the Trust but the absence of such seal shall not impair the validity
of any instrument executed on behalf of the Trust and (k) distribute to
Shareholders all or any part of the earnings or profits, surplus (including
paid-in surplus), capital (including paid-in capital) or assets of the Trust,
the amount of such distributions and the manner of payment thereof to be solely
at the discretion of the Trustees.
Β
9
Β
Β
3.11
Further Powers. The
Trustees shall have the power to conduct the business of the Trust and 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, and in any and all commonwealths,
territories, dependencies, colonies, possessions, agencies or instrumentalities
of the United States of America and of foreign governments, 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 Declaration, the presumption shall be in
favor of a grant of power to the Trustees. Neither the Trust nor the Trustees
shall be required to obtain any court order to deal with any of the Trust
Property or take any other action hereunder.
Β
ARTICLE
IV
Service
Contracts
Β
4.1 Advisory and Management
Arrangements. Subject to such requirements and restrictions as may be set
forth in the By-Laws and/or the 1940 Act, the Trustees may, at any time and from
time to time, contract for exclusive or nonexclusive advisory, management and/or
administrative services for the Trust or for any Series with any corporation,
trust, association or other organization, including any Affiliated Person; and
any such contract may contain such other terms as the Trustees may determine,
including without limitation, authority for the Investment Adviser or
administrator to determine from time to time without prior consultation with the
Trustees what securities and other instruments or property shall be purchased or
otherwise acquired, owned, held, invested or reinvested in, sold, exchanged,
transferred, mortgaged, pledged, assigned, negotiated, or otherwise dealt with
or disposed of, and what portion, if any, of the Trust Property shall be held
uninvested and to make changes in the Trustβs or a particular Seriesβ
investments, or such other activities as may specifically be delegated to such
party.
Β
The
Trustees may also authorize the Trust to employ, or authorize the Investment
Adviser to employ, one or more sub-investment advisers from time to time 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
such sub-investment adviser and approved by the Trustees.
Β
4.2 Distribution Arrangements.
Subject to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Trustees may retain
underwriters, Distributors and/or placement agents to sell Trust Shares. The
Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into one or more
contracts, providing for the sale of the Shares of the Trust, whereby the Trust
may either agree to sell such Shares to the other party to the contract or
appoint such other party its sales agent for such Shares. In either case, the
contract shall be on such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their
discretion determine, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article IV or
the By-Laws; and such contract may also provide for the repurchase or sale of
Shares of the Trust by such other party as principal or as agent of the Trust
and may provide that such other party may enter into selected dealer agreements
with registered securities dealers and brokers and servicing and similar
agreements with persons who are not registered securities dealers to further the
purposes of the distribution or repurchase of the Shares of the
Trust.
Β
4.3 Other Arrangements. The
Trustees are further empowered, at any time and from time to time, to contract
with any Persons to provide such other services to the Trust, as the Trustees
determine to be in the best interests of the Trust, including appointing it or
them to act as the Custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, fund
accountant, and/or shareholder servicing agent for the Trust or one or more of
the Series or Classes of its Shares.
Β
4.4 Parties to Contracts. The
fact that:
Β
10
Β
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
any of the Shareholders, Trustees, employees or officers of the Trust is a
shareholder, director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, manager, Adviser,
Principal Underwriter, Distributor, or Affiliated Person or agent of or for any
corporation, trust, association, or other organization, or for any parent or
Affiliated Person of any organization with which an Adviserβs, management or
administration contract, or Principal Underwriterβs or distributorβs contract,
or Custodian, transfer, dividend disbursing, fund accounting, shareholder
servicing or other type of service contract may have been or may hereafter be
made, or that any such organization, or any parent or Affiliated Person thereof,
is a Shareholder or has an interest in the Trust, or that
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β any
corporation, trust, association or other organization with which an Adviserβs,
management or administration contract or Principal Underwriterβs or
Distributorβs contract, or Custodian, transfer, dividend disbursing, fund
accounting, shareholder servicing or other type of service contract may have
been or may hereafter be made also has an Adviserβs, management or
administration contract, or Principal Underwriterβs or distributorβs contract,
or Custodian, transfer, dividend disbursing, shareholder servicing or other
service contract with one or more other corporations, trusts, associations, or
other organizations, or has other business or interests, shall not affect the
validity of any such contract or disqualify any Shareholder, Trustee, employee
or officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing the same, or create any
liability or accountability to the Trust or its Shareholders, provided that the
establishment of and performance under each such contract is permissible under
the provisions of the 1940 Act.
Β
ARTICLE
V
Limitations
of Liability and Indemnification
Β
5.1 No Personal Liability of
Shareholders, Trustees, etc. No Shareholder of the Trust shall be subject
in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person in
connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust.
As provided in the DSTA, and except to the extent otherwise provided in the
immediately preceding sentence, Shareholders shall have the same limitation of
personal liability as is extended to stockholders of a private corporation for
profit incorporated under the Delaware General Corporation Law. No Trustee or
officer of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability
whatsoever to any Person, save only liability to the Trust or its Shareholders
arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless
disregard for his duty to such Person; and, subject to the foregoing exception,
all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of
claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any
Shareholder, Trustee or officer, as such, of the Trust, is made a party to any
suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability, subject to the three
immediately preceding sentences, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to
any personal liability. Any repeal or modification of this Section 5.1 shall not
adversely affect any right or protection of a Trustee or officer of the Trust
existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or
omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
Β
The
Trustees may provide that every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or
undertaking made or issued by the Trustees or by any officer or officers shall
give notice that a Certificate of Trust in respect of the Trust is on file with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and may recite to the effect
that the same was executed or made by or on behalf of the Trust or by them as
Trustee or Trustees or as officer or officers, and not individually, and that
the obligations of any instrument made or issued by the Trustees or by any
officer or officers of the Trust are not binding upon any of them or the
Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of
the Trust.Β Β The omission of any statement to such effect from such
instrument shall not operate to bind any Trustee or Trustees or officer or
officers or Shareholder or Shareholders individually.
Β
5.2 Mandatory Indemnification.
(a) The Trust hereby agrees to indemnify each person who at any time serves as a
Trustee or officer of the Trust (each such person being an βindemniteeβ) against
any liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of
judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and reasonable counsel fees
reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
before any court or administrative or investigative body in which he may be or
may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which he may be or may
have been threatened, while acting in any capacity set forth in this Article V
by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with respect to any
matter as to which he shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable
belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust or, in the case of
any criminal proceeding, as to which he shall have had reasonable cause to
believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that no indemnitee
shall be indemnified hereunder against any liability to any person or any
expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii)
bad faith, (iii) gross negligence, or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses
(i) through (iv) being sometimes referred to herein as βdisabling conductβ).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any action, suit or other
proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff,
indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit
or other proceeding by such indemnitee (1) was authorized by a majority of the
Trustees or (2) was instituted by the indemnitee to enforce his or her rights to
indemnification hereunder in a case in which the indemnitee is found to be
entitled to such indemnification. The rights to indemnification set forth in
this Declaration shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Trustee or
officer of the Trust and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs,
executors and personal and legal representatives. No amendment or restatement of
this Declaration or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate any
of the benefits provided to any person who at any time is or was a Trustee or
officer of the Trust or otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder in
respect of any act or omission that occurred prior to such amendment,
restatement or repeal.
Β
11
Β
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made hereunder unless there has been
a determination (i) by a final decision on the merits by a court or other body
of competent jurisdiction before whom the issue of entitlement to
indemnification hereunder was brought that such indemnitee is entitled to
indemnification hereunder or, (ii) in the absence of such a decision, by (1) a
majority vote of a quorum of those Trustees who are neither βinterested personsβ
of the Trust (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 0000 Xxx) nor parties to the
proceeding (βDisinterested Non-Party Trusteesβ), that the indemnitee is entitled
to indemnification hereunder, or (2) if such quorum is not obtainable or even if
obtainable, if such majority so directs, independent legal counsel in a written
opinion concludes that the indemnitee should be entitled to indemnification
hereunder. All determinations to make advance payments in connection with the
expense of defending any proceeding shall be authorized and made in accordance
with the immediately succeeding paragraph (c) below.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Trust shall make advance payments in connection with the expenses of defending
any action with respect to which indemnification might be sought hereunder if
(i) the Trust receives a written affirmation by the indemnitee of the
indemniteeβs good faith belief that the standards of conduct necessary for
indemnification have been met and a written undertaking from such indemnitee to
reimburse the Trust if it is subsequently determined that the indemnitee is not
entitled to such indemnification, (ii) if a majority of the Trustees determine
that the applicable standards of conduct necessary for indemnification appear to
have been met, and (iii) at least one of the following conditions is met: (A)
the indemnitee shall provide adequate security for his undertaking, (B) the
Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances,
or (C) a majority of a quorum of the Disinterested NonβParty Trustees, or if a
majority vote of such quorum so direct, independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, shall conclude, based on a review of readily available facts (as
opposed to a full trialβtype inquiry), that there is substantial reason to
believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to
indemnification.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude any
other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this
Declaration, the By-Laws of the Trust, any statute, agreement, vote of
stockholders or Trustees who are βdisinterested personsβ (as defined in Section
2(a)(19) of the 0000 Xxx) or any other right to which he or she may be lawfully
entitled.
Β
12
Β
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Subject
to any limitations provided by the 1940 Act and this Declaration, the Trust
shall have the power and authority to indemnify and provide for the advance
payment of expenses to employees, agents and other Persons (other than officers
or Trustees, for whom indemnification is provided as set forth in Section 5.2(a)
through (d) above) providing services to the Trust or serving in any capacity at
the request of the Trust to the full extent corporations organized under the
Delaware General Corporation Law may indemnify or provide for the advance
payment of expenses for such Persons, provided that such indemnification has
been approved by a majority of the Trustees.
Β
5.3 No Bond Required of Trustees.
No Trustee shall be obligated to give any bond or other security for the
performance of any of his duties hereunder.
Β
5.4 No Duty of Investigation; Notice in
Trust Instruments, etc. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other
person dealing with the Trustees or with any officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any
transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee
or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or
delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or
agent. Every obligation, contract, undertaking, instrument, certificate, Share,
other security of the Trust, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in
connection with the Trust shall be conclusively taken to have been executed or
done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under this
Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust.
The Trustees may maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property,
its Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the
Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible tort liability, and such other
insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable or is
required by the 1940 Act.
Β
5.5 Reliance on Experts, etc.
Each Trustee and officer or employee of the Trust shall, in the
performance of its duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with
regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith
upon the books of account or other records of the Trust, upon an opinion of
counsel, or upon reports made or advice given to the Trust by any of the Trustβs
officers or employees or by any advisor, administrator, manager, distributor,
selected dealer, accountant, appraiser or other expert or consultant selected
with reasonable care by the Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust,
regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.
Β
5.6 Insurance. To the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, the officers and Trustees shall be entitled
and have the authority to purchase with Trust Property, insurance for liability
and for all expenses reasonably incurred or paid or expected to be paid by a
Trustee or officer in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in
which such Person becomes involved by virtue of such Personβs capacity or former
capacity with the Trust, whether or not the Trust would have the power to
indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this
Article.
Β
5.7.
Derivative Actions. In
addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Act, a
Shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the
following conditions are met:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Shareholders
eligible to bring such derivative action under the Delaware Act who hold at
least 10% of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust, or 10% of the Outstanding
Shares of the Series or Class to which such action relates, shall join in the
request for the Trustees to commence such action; and
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such
Shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees
shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits
of the request and shall require an undertaking by the Shareholders making such
request to reimburse the Trust for the expense of any such advisers in the event
that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.
Β
13
Β
Β
ARTICLE
VI
Shares
of Beneficial Interest
Β
6.1 Description of Series, Classes and
Shares. (a) General. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be
divided into Shares (either full or fractional) having $ 0.01 par value per
Share, of which an unlimited number may be issued. The Trustees shall have the
authority from time to time to establish and designate one or more separate,
distinct and independent Series of Shares (each of which Series, including
without limitation each Series authorized in Section 6.1(b) hereof, shall
represent interests only in the assets attributed by the Trustees to such
Series), and to authorize separate Classes of Shares of any such Series, as they
deem necessary or desirable. All Shares of any Series shall be of one Class,
provided that the Trustees shall have the power to classify or reclassify any
unissued Shares of any Series into any number of additional Classes of such
Series as set forth in Section 6.1(b).
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Establishment,
etc. of Series or Class; Authorization of Shares. Without limiting the authority
of the Trustees set forth in this Article VI to establish and designate any
further Series or Classes or to modify the rights and preferences of any Series
or Class, the following Series shall be, and is hereby, established and
designated: "The Xxxx & Xxxxx Fund".Β Β The establishment and
designation of any additional Series or Class and the authorization of the
Shares thereof shall be effective upon the execution by a Majority of the
Trustees (or by an officer of the Trust pursuant to the vote of a Majority of
the Trustees) of an instrument setting forth such establishment and designation
and the relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such Series or Class
and the manner in which the same may be amended (a βCertificate of
Designationβ), and may provide that the number of Shares of such Series or Class
which may be issued is unlimited, or may limit the number issuable. At any time
that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular Series or Class
previously established and designated, the Trustees may by an instrument
executed by a Majority of the Trustees (or by an officer of the Trust pursuant
to the vote of a Majority of the Trustees) terminate such Series or Class and
the establishment and designation thereof and the authorization of its Shares (a
βCertificate of Terminationβ). Each Certificate of Designation, Certificate of
Termination and any instrument amending a Certificate of Designation shall have
the status of an amendment to this Declaration of Trust.Β Β The debts,
liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise
existing with respect to a particular Series shall be enforceable against the
assets of such Series only, and not against the assets of the Trust generally or
any other Series thereof, and none of the debts, liabilities, obligations and
expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to the
Trust generally or any other Series shall be enforceable against the assets of
such Series.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Character
of Separate Series, Classes and Shares Thereof. Each Series established
hereunder shall represent beneficial interests in a separate component of the
assets of the Trust. Holders of Shares of a Series shall be considered
Shareholders of such Series, but such Shareholders shall also be considered
Shareholders of the Trust for purposes of receiving reports and notices and,
except as otherwise provided herein or in the Certificate of Designation of a
particular Series, or as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law, the
right to vote, all without distinction by Series. The Trustees shall have
exclusive power without the requirement of Shareholder approval to establish and
designate such separate and distinct Series, and to fix and determine the
relative rights and preferences as between the shares of the respective Series,
and as between the Classes of any Series, as to rights of redemption and the
price, terms and manner of redemption, special and relative rights as to
dividends and other distributions and on liquidation, sinking or purchase fund
provisions, conversion rights, and conditions under which the Shareholders of
the several Series or the several Classes of any Series of Shares shall have
separate voting rights or no voting rights. Except as otherwise provided as to a
particular Series herein, or in the Certificate of Designation therefor, the
Trustees shall have all the rights and powers, and be subject to all the duties
and obligations, with respect to each such Series and the assets and affairs
thereof as they have under this Declaration with respect to the Trust and the
Trust Property in general. Separate and distinct records shall be maintained for
each Series and the assets associated with any Series shall be held in separate
and distinct records (directly or indirectly, including through a nominee or
otherwise) and accounted for in such separate and distinct records separately
from the other assets of the Trust or any other Series.
Β
14
Β
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Consideration
for Shares. The Trustees may issue Shares of any Series for such consideration
(which may include property subject to, or acquired in connection with the
assumption of, liabilities) and on such terms as they may determine (or for no
consideration if pursuant to a Share dividend or split-up), all without action
or approval of the Shareholders. All Shares when so issued on the terms
determined by the Trustees shall be fully paid and nonassessable (but may be
subject to mandatory contribution back to the Trust as provided in Section
6.1(j) hereof). The Trustees may classify or reclassify any unissued Shares, or
any Shares of any Series previously issued and reacquired by the Trust, into
Shares of one or more other Series that may be established and designated from
time to time.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Assets
Belonging to Series. Any portion of the Trust Property allocated to a particular
Series, and all consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of
Shares of such Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is
invested or reinvested, all interest, dividends, income, earnings, profits and
gains therefrom, 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 by the Trustees in trust for the benefit of the holders of Shares of
that Series and shall irrevocably belong to that Series for all purposes, and
shall be so recorded upon the books of account of the Trust, and the
Shareholders of such Series shall not have, and shall be conclusively deemed to
have waived, any claims to the assets of any Series of which they are not
Shareholders. Such consideration, assets, interest, dividends, income, earnings,
profits, gains and proceeds, together with any General Items (as defined below)
allocated to that Series as provided in the following sentence, are herein
referred to collectively as assets "belonging to" that Series. In the event that
there are any assets, income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, funds, or
payments which are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular
Series (collectively, βGeneral Itemsβ), the Trustees shall allocate such General
Items to and among any one or more of the Series established and designated from
time to time in such manner and on such basis as they, in their sole discretion,
deem fair and equitable; and any General Items so allocated to a particular
Series shall belong to and be part of the assets belonging to that Series. Each
such allocation by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the
Shareholders of all Series for all purposes.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Liabilities
of Series. The assets belonging to each particular Series shall be charged with
the liabilities in respect of that Series and all expenses, costs, charges and
reserves attributable to that Series, and any general liabilities, expenses,
costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which are not readily identifiable as
pertaining to any particular Series shall be allocated and charged by the
Trustees to and among any one or more of the Series established and designated
from time to time in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole
discretion deem fair and equitable. The indebtedness, expenses, costs, charges
and reserves allocated and so charged to a particular Series are herein referred
to as βliabilities ofβ that Series. Each allocation of liabilities, expenses,
costs, charges and reserves by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon
the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes. Any creditor of any Series may
look only to the assets belonging to that Series to satisfy such creditor's
debt.
Β
Β (g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Liquidation.
Subject to Article 11 hereof, in the event of the liquidation or dissolution of
the Trust, the Shareholders of each Series of which Shares are outstanding shall
be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Trustees, the excess of the
assets belonging to that Series over the liabilities of such Series. The assets
so distributable to the Shareholders of any particular Series shall be
distributed among such Shareholders in proportion to the number of Shares of
that Series held by them and recorded on the books of the Trust. The liquidation
of any particular Series may be authorized by vote of a Majority of the Trustees
without the approval of Shareholders provided that Trustees shall provide at
least thirty (30) daysβ prior written notice to shareholders of the Trust, or
any particular affected Series, of such liquidation.
Β
15
Β
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Voting.
The Shareholders shall have the voting rights set forth in or determined under
Article X hereof.
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Redemption
by Shareholder. Each holder of Shares of a particular Series shall have the
right at such times as may be permitted by the Trust, but no less frequently
than required by the 1940 Act, to require the Series to redeem all or any part
of his Shares of that Series at a redemption price equal to the net asset value
per Share of that Series next determined in accordance with subsection (l) of
this Section 6.1 after the Shares are properly tendered for redemption;
provided, that the Trustees may from time to time, in their discretion,
determine and impose a fee for such redemption and that the proceeds of the
redemption of Shares (including a fractional Share) of any Class of a particular
Series shall be reduced by the amount of any applicable contingent deferred
sales charge or other sales charge, if any, payable on such redemption to the
distributor of Shares of such Class pursuant to the terms of the initial
issuance of the Shares of such Class (to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act
or regulations or exemptions thereunder) and the Trust shall promptly pay to
such distributor the amount of such deferred sales charge. Payment of the
redemption price shall be in cash; provided, however, that if the Trustees
determine, which determination shall be conclusive, that conditions exist which
make payment wholly in cash unwise or undesirable, the Trust may make payment
wholly or partly in Securities or other assets belonging to such Series at the
value of such Securities or assets used in such determination of net asset
value.Β Β Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust may postpone payment
of the redemption price and may suspend the right of the holders of Shares of
any Series to require the Trust to redeem Shares of that Series during any
period or at any time when and to the extent permissible under the 1940
Act.
Β
(j)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Redemption
at the Option of the Trust. The Trustees shall have the power to redeem Shares
of any Series at a redemption price determined in accordance with Section
6.1(i), if at any time (i) the total investment in such account does not have a
value of at least such minimum amount as may be specified in the Prospectus for
such Series from time to time (ii) the number of Shares held in such account is
equal to or in excess of a specified percentage of Shares of the Trust or any
Series as set forth from time to time in the applicable Prospectus. In the event
the Trustees determine to exercise their power to redeem Shares provided in this
Section 6.1(j), the Shareholder shall be notified that the value of his account
is less than the applicable minimum amount and shall be allowed 30 days to make
an appropriate investment before redemption is processed.
Β
(k)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Transfer.
All Shares of each particular Series shall be transferable, but transfers of
Shares of a particular Series will be recorded on the Share transfer records of
the Trust applicable to that Series only at such times as Shareholders shall
have the right to require the Trust to redeem Shares of that Series and at such
other times as may be permitted by the Trustees.Β Β Until such record is
made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares
for all purposes hereof and neither the Trustees 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.
Β
Any
person becoming entitled to any Shares in consequence of the death, bankruptcy,
or incompetence of any Shareholder, or otherwise by operation of law, shall be
recorded on the applicable register of Shares as the holder of such Shares upon
production of the proper evidence thereof to the Trustees or a transfer agent of
the Trust, but until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be
deemed to be the holder of such for all purposes hereof, and neither the
Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer or agent of the
Trust shall be affected by any notice of such death, bankruptcy or incompetence,
or other operation of law.
Β
(l)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Equality.
All Shares of each particular Series shall represent an equal proportionate
interest in the assets belonging to that Series (subject to the liabilities of
that Series), and each Share of any particular Series shall be equal to each
other Share thereof; but the provisions of this sentence shall not restrict any
distinctions between the several Classes of a Series permissible under this
SectionΒ 6.1 or under SectionΒ 10. 1 hereof nor any distinctions
permissible under SectionΒ 9.2 that may exist with respect to dividends and
distributions on Shares of the same Series. The Trustees may from time to time
divide or combine the Shares of any Class of a particular Series into a greater
or lesser number of Shares of that Class of that Series without thereby changing
the proportionate beneficial interest in the assets belonging to that Series or
in any way affecting the rights of the holders of Shares of any other
Series.
Β
16
Β
Β
(m)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Rights
of Fractional Shares. Any fractional Share of any Series shall carry
proportionately all the rights and obligations of a whole Share of that Series,
including rights and obligations with respect to voting, receipt of dividends
and distributions, redemption of Shares, and liquidation of the Trust or of the
Series to which they pertain.
Β
(n)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Conversion
Rights. (i) Subject to compliance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the
Trustees shall have the authority to provide that holders of Shares of any
Series shall have the right to convert said Shares into Shares of one or more
other Series, that holders of any Class of a Series of Shares shall have the
right to convert said Shares of such Class into Shares of one or more other
Classes of such Series, and that Shares of any Class of a Series shall be
automatically converted into Shares of another Class of such Series, in each
case in accordance with such requirements and procedures as the Trustees may
establish.
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
number of Shares into which a convertible Share shall convert shall equal the
number (including for this purpose fractions of a Share) obtained by dividing
the net asset value per Share for purposes of sales and redemptions of the
converting Share on the Conversion Date by the net asset value per Share for
purposes of sales and redemptions of the Class or Series of Shares into which it
is converting on the Conversion Date.
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
On the Conversion Date, the Share converting into another Share will cease to
accrue dividends and will no longer be deemed outstanding and the rights of the
holders thereof (except the right to receive the number of target Shares into
which the converting Shares have been converted and declared but unpaid
dividends to the Conversion Date) will cease.
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
The Trust will appropriately reflect the conversion of Shares of one Class or
Series into Shares of another Class or Series on the first periodic statements
of account sent to Shareholders of record affected which provide account
information with respect to a reporting period which includes the date such
conversion occurred.
Β
(o)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Combination
of Series.Β Β The Trustees shall have the authority, without the
approval of the Shareholders of any Series or Class unless otherwise required by
applicable law, to combine the assets and liabilities held with respect to any
two or more Series or Classes into assets and liabilities held with respect to a
single Series or Class.
Β
6.2 Rights of Shareholders. The
Shares shall be personal property giving only the rights in this Declaration
specifically set forth. The ownership of the Trust Property of every
description, subject to SectionΒ 3.3 of this Declaration, is vested in the
Trust and the right to conduct any business herein before described on behalf of
the Trust is vested exclusively in the Trustees, and the Shareholders shall have
no interest therein other than the beneficial interest conferred by their
Shares, and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of
any property, profits, rights or interests of the Trust nor can they be called
upon to share or assume any losses of the Trust or, subject to the right of the
Trustees to charge certain expenses directly to Shareholders, as provided in
Section 3.8, suffer an assessment of any kind by virtue of their ownership of
Shares. The Shares shall not entitle the holder to preference, preemptive,
appraisal, conversion or exchange rights (except as specified in this
SectionΒ 6.2, in SectionΒ 1.4 or as specified by the Trustees when
creating the Shares, as in preferred shares).
Β
Every
Shareholder by virtue of having become a Shareholder shall be held to have
expressly assented and agreed to the terms of this Declaration and the By-Laws
and to have become a party hereto and thereto. The death of a Shareholder during
the continuance of the Trust shall not operate to terminate the same nor entitle
the representative of any deceased Shareholder to an accounting or to take any
action in court or elsewhere against the Trust or the Trustees, but only to the
rights of said decedent under this Declaration of Trust.
Β
17
Β
Β
6.3 Trust Only. It is the
intention of the Trustees to create only the relationship of Trustee and
beneficiary between the Trustees and each Shareholder from time to time. It is
not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited
partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment or any form of legal
relationship other than a trust. Nothing in this Declaration shall be construed
to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or
members of a joint stock association.
Β
6.4 Register of Shares. A
register shall be kept at the offices of the Trust or any transfer agent duly
appointed by the Trustees under the direction of the Trustees which shall
contain the names and addresses of the Shareholders and the number of Shares
held by them respectively and a record of all transfers thereof. Separate
registers shall be established and maintained for each Class or Series of
Shares. Each such register shall be conclusive as to who are the holders of the
Shares of the applicable Class or Series of Shares and who shall be entitled to
receive dividends or distributions or otherwise to exercise or enjoy the rights
of Shareholders. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or distribution, nor to have notice given to him as herein provided,
until he has given his address to a transfer agent or such other officer or
agent of the Trustees as shall keep the register for entry thereon. The
Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the issuance of share certificates
and promulgate appropriate fees therefor and rules and regulations as to their
use.
Β
6.5 Transfer Agent and Registrar.
The Trustees shall have power to employ a transfer agent or transfer
agents, and a registrar or registrars, with respect to the Shares. The transfer
agent or transfer agents may keep the applicable register and record therein,
the original issues and transfers, if any, of the said Shares. Any such transfer
agents and/or registrars shall perform the duties usually performed by transfer
agents and registrars of certificates of stock in a corporation, as modified by
the Trustees.
Β
6.6 Notices. Any and all notices
to which any Shareholder hereunder may be entitled and any and all
communications shall be deemed duly served or given if mailed, postage prepaid,
addressed to any Shareholder of record at his last known address as recorded on
the applicable register of the Trust.
Β
ARTICLE
VII
Custodians
Β
7.1 Appointment and Duties. The
Trustees shall at all times employ a Custodian or Custodians, meeting the
qualifications for custodians for portfolio securities of investment companies
contained in the 1940 Act, as Custodian with respect to the assets of the Trust.
Any Custodian shall have authority as agent of the Trust with respect to which
it is acting as determined by the Custodian agreement or agreements, but subject
to such restrictions, limitations and other requirements, if any, as may be
contained in the By-Laws of the Trust and the 1940 Act:
Β
Β
|
(1)
|
to
hold the securities owned by the Trust and deliver the same upon written
order;
|
Β
Β
|
(2)
|
to
receive any receipt for any moneys due to the Trust and deposit the same
in its own banking department (if a bank) or elsewhere as the Trustees may
direct;
|
Β
Β
|
(3)
|
to
disburse such funds upon orders or
vouchers;
|
Β
Β
|
(4)
|
if
authorized by the Trustees, to keep the books and accounts of the Trust
and furnish clerical and accounting services;
and
|
Β
Β
18
Β
Β
Β
|
(5)
|
if
authorized to do so by the Trustees, to compute the net income or net
asset value of the Trust; all upon such basis of compensation as may be
agreed upon between the Trustees and the
Custodian.
|
The
Trustees may also authorize each Custodian to employ one or more subβcustodians
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 subβcustodian and approved by the Trustees, provided that in every case
such subβcustodian shall meet the qualifications for custodians contained in the
1940 Act.
Β
7.2 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, 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 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.
Β
ARTICLE
VIII
Redemption
Β
8.1 Redemptions. Shareholders of
the Trust have a restricted ability to redeem Shares, as provided in
SectionΒ 6.1(i) and the Registration Statement of the Trust relating to the
Shares or the Series or Class thereof, as such registration statement may be
amended from time to time.
Β
8.2 Disclosure of Holding. The
holders of Shares or other securities of the Trust shall upon demand disclose to
the Trustees in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect
ownership of Shares or other securities of the Trust as the Trustees deem
necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code, the 1940 Act or other
applicable laws or regulations, or to comply with the requirements of any other
taxing or regulatory authority.
Β
ARTICLE
IX
Determination
of Net Asset Value,
Net
Income and Distributions
Β
9.1 Net Asset Value. The net
asset value of each outstanding Share of the Trust shall be determined at such
time or times on such days as the Trustees may determine, in accordance with the
1940 Act. The method of determination of net asset value shall be determined by
the Trustees and shall be as set forth in the Registration Statement or as may
otherwise be determined by the Trustees. The power and duty to make the net
asset value calculations may be delegated by the Trustees and shall be as
generally set forth in the Registration Statement or as may otherwise be
determined by the Trustees.
Β
9.2 Distributions to Shareholders.
(a) Dividends and distributions on Shares of a particular Series may be
paid with such frequency as the Trustees may determine, which may be daily or
otherwise pursuant to a standing resolution or resolutions adopted only once or
with such frequency as the Trustees may determine, to the Shareholders of that
Series, from such of the income, accrued or realized, and capital gains,
realized or unrealized, and out of the assets belonging to that Series, as the
Trustees may determine, after providing for actual and accrued liabilities of
that Series. All dividends and distributions on Shares of a particular Series
shall be distributed pro rata to the Shareholders of that Series in proportion
to the number of such Shares held by such holders at the date and time of record
established for the payment of such dividends or distributions, except that the
dividends and distributions of investment income and capital gains with respect
to each Class of Shares of a particular Series shall be in such amount as may be
declared from time to time by the Trustees, and such dividends and distributions
may vary as between such Classes to reflect differing allocations of the
expenses of the Series between the Shareholders of such several Classes and any
resultant differences between the net asset value of such several Classes to
such extent and for such purposes as the Trustees may deem appropriate and
further except that, in connection with any dividend or distribution program or
procedure, the Trustees may determine that no dividend or distribution shall be
payable on Shares as to which the Shareholder's purchase order and/or payment
have not been received by the time or times established by the Trustees under
such program or procedure, or that dividends or distributions shall be payable
on Shares which have been tendered by the holder thereof for redemption or
repurchase, but the redemption or repurchase proceeds of which have not yet been
paid to such Shareholder. Such dividends and distributions may be made in cash,
property or Shares of any Class of that Series or a combination thereof as
determined by the Trustees, or pursuant to any program that the Trustees may
have in effect at the time for the election by each Shareholder of the mode of
the making of such dividend or distribution to that Shareholder. Any such
dividend or distribution paid in Shares will be paid at the net asset value
thereof as determined in accordance with SectionΒ 9.1.
Β
19
Β
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Distributions
pursuant to this Section 9.2 may be among the Shareholders of record of the
applicable Class or Series of Shares at the time of declaring a distribution or
among the Shareholders of record at such later date as the Trustees shall
determine and specify.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Trustees may always retain from the net profits such amount as they may deem
necessary to pay the debts or expenses of the Trust or to meet obligations of
the Trust, or as they otherwise may deem desirable to use in the conduct of its
affairs or to retain for future requirements or extensions of the
business.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Inasmuch
as the computation of net income and gains for Federal income tax purposes may
vary from the computation thereof on the books, the above provisions shall be
interpreted to give the Trustees the power in their discretion to distribute for
any fiscal year as ordinary dividends and as capital gains distributions,
respectively, additional amounts sufficient to enable the Trust to avoid or
reduce liability for taxes.
Β
9.3 Power to Modify Foregoing
Procedures. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this
Article IX, the Trustees may prescribe, in their absolute discretion except as
may be required by the 1940 Act, such other bases and times for determining the
per share asset value of the Trustβs Shares or net income, or the declaration
and payment of dividends and distributions as they may deem necessary or
desirable for any reason, including to enable the Trust to comply with any
provision of the 1940 Act, or any other applicable law, or any order of
exemption issued by the Commission, all as in effect now or hereafter amended or
modified.
ARTICLE
X
Shareholders
Β
10.1
Voting Powers. The
Shareholders shall have power to vote only with respect to (a) the election of
Trustees as provided in Section 2 of this Article; (b) the removal of Trustees
as provided in ArticleΒ II, Section 2.3; (c) any investment advisory or
management contract as provided in ArticleΒ IV, SectionΒ 4.1; (d) the
amendment of this Declaration to the extent and as provided in Article XI,
Section 11.4; and (f) such additional matters relating to the Trust as may be
required or authorized by law, this Declaration, or the By-Laws or any
registration of the Trust with the Commission or any State, or as the Trustees
may consider desirable.
On any
matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, all Shares shall be voted by
individual Series or Class, except (a) when required by the 1940 Act, Shares
shall be voted in the aggregate and not by individual Series or Class, and (b)
when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects the interests of more
than one Series or Class, then the Shareholders of all such Series or Classes
shall be entitled to vote thereon. As determined by the Trustees without the
vote or consent of Shareholders, on any matter submitted to a vote of
Shareholders either (i) 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 or (ii) each dollar of Net Asset
Value (number of Shares owned times Net Asset Value per share of such Series or
Class, as applicable) shall be entitled to one vote on any matter on which such
Shares are entitled to vote and each fractional dollar amount shall be entitled
to a proportionate fractional vote. Without limiting the power of the Trustees
in any way to designate otherwise in accordance with the preceding sentence, the
Trustees hereby initially establish that 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 By-Laws. The By-Laws may provide
that proxies may be given by any electronic or telecommunications device or in
any other manner, but if a proposal by anyone other than the officers or
Trustees is proxy contest or proxy solicitation or proposal in opposition to any
proposal by the officers or Trustees, Shares may be voted only in person or by
written proxy. Until Shares of a Series are issued, as to that Series the
Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action
required or permitted to be taken by Shareholders by law, this Declaration or
the By-Laws. Meetings of Shareholders shall be called and notice thereof and
record dates therefor shall be given and set as provided in the
By-Laws.
Β
20
Β
Β
10.2
Meetings; Notice of Meeting.
Notice of all meetings of Shareholders, stating the time, place and
purposes of the meeting, shall be given by the Trustees to each Shareholder of
record entitled to vote thereat at the time and in the manner specified in the
By-Laws. Only the business stated in the notice of the meeting shall be
considered at such meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned one
or more times without further notice not later than 180 days after the record
date.
Β
10.3
Quorum and Required Vote.
(a) Except where a higher quorum is required by applicable law, the
By-Laws or this Declaration, the holders of one third (33β1/3%) of the Shares
entitled to vote on any matter at a meeting present in person or by proxy shall
constitute a quorum at such meeting of the Shareholders for purposes of
conducting business on such matter. The absence from any meeting, in person or
by proxy, of a quorum of Shareholders for action upon any given matter shall not
prevent action at such meeting upon any other matter or matters which may
properly come before the meeting, if there shall be present thereat, in person
or by proxy, a quorum of Shareholders in respect of such other
matters.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Subject
to any provision of applicable law or stock exchange rules, this Declaration or
a resolution of the Trustees specifying a greater or a lesser vote requirement
for the transaction of any item of business at any meeting of Shareholders, (i)
in all matters other than the election of Trustees, the affirmative vote of a
majority of votes cast by the Shareholders entitled to vote on the subject
matter at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the
Shareholders entitled to vote with respect to such matter, and (ii) in an
election of Trustees, the qualified nominees receiving the highest numbers of
votes cast by the shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting at which a quorum
is present, up to the number of Trustees to be elected at such meeting, shall be
elected.
Β
10.4
Proxies, etc. At any
meeting of Shareholders, any holder of Shares entitled to vote thereat may vote
by properly executed proxy (or any other alternative permitted under the
By-Laws), provided that no proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall
have been placed on file with the Secretary, or with such other officer or agent
of the Trust as the Secretary may direct, for verification prior to the time at
which such vote shall be taken. Pursuant to a resolution of a majority of the
Trustees, proxies may be solicited in the name of one or more Trustees or one or
more of the officers or employees of the Trust. No proxy shall be valid after
the expiration of 11 months from the date thereof, unless otherwise provided in
the proxy. Only Shareholders of record shall be entitled to
vote.Β Β When any Share is held jointly by several persons, any one of
them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Share, but
if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy,
and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be
cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Share. A proxy
purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Shareholder shall be deemed valid
unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving
invalidity shall rest on the challenger. If the holder of any such Share is a
minor or a person of unsound mind, and subject to guardianship or toΒ the legal control of any
other person as regards the charge or management of such Share, he may vote by
his guardian or such other person appointed or having such control, and such
vote may be given in person or by proxy.
Β
21
Β
Β
10.5
Shareholder Action by Written
Consent. Any action which may be taken at any meeting of Shareholders may
be taken without a meeting and without prior notice if a consent or consents in
writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by the holders of Shares
having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to
authorize or take that action at a meeting at which all Shares entitled to vote
on that action were present and voted. All such consents shall be filed with the
secretary of the Trust and shall be maintained in the Trustβs records. Any
Shareholder giving a written consent or the Shareholderβs proxy-holders or a
transferee of the Shares or a personal representative of the Shareholder or its
respective proxy-holder may revoke the consent by a writing received by the
secretary of the Trust before written consents of the number of Shares required
to authorize the proposed action have been filed with the
secretary.
Β
If the
consents of all Shareholders entitled to vote have not been solicited in writing
and if the unanimous written consent of all such Shareholders shall not have
been received, the secretary shall give prompt notice of the action taken
without a meeting to such Shareholders. This notice shall be given in the manner
specified in the By-Laws.
Β
10.6
Record Dates. For
purposes of determining the Shareholders entitled to notice of any meeting or to
vote or entitled to give consent to action without a meeting, the Trustees may
fix in advance a record date which shall not be more than 120 days nor less than
10 days before the date of any such meeting.
Β
If the
Trustees do not so fix a record date:
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
record date for determining Shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a
meeting of Shareholders shall be at the close of business on the business day
before the notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on
the business day which is five (5) business days before the day on which the
meeting is held.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
record date for determining Shareholders entitled to give consent to action in
writing without a meeting, (i) when no prior action by the Trustees has been
taken, shall be the day on which the first written consent is given, or (ii)
when prior action of the Trustees has been taken, shall be at the close of
business on the day on which the Trustees adopts the resolution taking such
prior action.
Β
For the
purpose of determining the Shareholders of any Series or Class who are entitled
to receive payment of any dividend or of any other distribution, the Trustees
may from time to time fix a date, which shall be before the date for the payment
of such dividend or such other distribution, as the record date for determining
the Shareholders of such Series or Class having the right to receive such
dividend or distribution. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as
precluding the Trustees from setting different record dates for different Series
or Classes.
Β
10.7
Additional Provisions.
The By-Laws may include further provisions for Shareholdersβ votes,
meetings and related matters.
Β
ARTICLE
XI
Duration;
Termination of Trust; Amendment; Mergers, Etc.
Β
Β
22
Β
Β
11.1
Duration. Subject to
possible termination in accordance with the provisions of SectionΒ 11.2
hereof, the Trust created hereby shall have perpetual existence. The death,
declination, resignation, retirement, removal or incapacity of the Trustees, or
any one of them, shall not operate to terminate or annul the Trust or to revoke
any existing agency or delegation or authority pursuant to the terms of this
Declaration or of the By-Laws.
Β
11.2
Termination. (a) Unless
dissolved, wound-up and terminated as provided herein, the Trust shall continue
without limitation of time.Β Β The Trustees in their sole discretion may
dissolve the Trust.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Subject
to SectionΒ 6.1(g), upon the requisite action by the Trustees to dissolve
the Trust or any one or more Series of Shares or any Class thereof, after paying
or otherwise providing for all charges, taxes, expenses, claims, obligations and
liabilities, whether due, accrued, anticipated, conditional, contingent,
unmatured, known or likely to arise, of the Trust or of the particular Series or
Class thereof as may be determined by the Trustees, the Trust shall in
accordance with such procedures as the Trustees may consider appropriate wind up
and reduce the remaining assets of the Trust or of the affected Series or Class
to distributable form in cash or Shares (if any Series remain) or other
securities, or any combination thereof, and distribute the proceeds to the
Shareholders of the Series or Classes involved, ratably according to the number
of Shares of such Series or Class held by the Shareholders of such Series or
Class on the date of distribution.Β Β Thereupon and, in the case of the
Trust upon the filing of the certificate of cancellation, the Trust or any
affected Series or Class shall terminate and the Trustees and the Trust shall be
discharged from any and all further liabilities and duties relating thereto or
arising therefrom, and the right, title, and interest of all parties with
respect to the Trust or such Series or Class shall be canceled or
discharged.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Upon
dissolution of the Trust, following completion of winding up of its business,
the Trustees shall cause a certificate of cancellation of the Trustβs
Certificate of Trust to be filed in accordance with the Delaware Act, which
certificate of cancellation may be signed by any one Trustee.
Β
11.3
Reorganization.
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
anything else herein, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval unless such
approval is required by applicable law, (i) cause the Trust to merge or
consolidate with or into or transfer its assets and any liabilities to one or
more trusts (or series thereof to the extent permitted by law), partnerships,
associations, corporations or other business entities created by the Trustees to
accomplish such merger or consolidation or transfer of assets and any
liabilities) so long as the surviving or resulting entity is an investment
company as defined in the 1940 Act, or is a series thereof, that will succeed to
or assume the Trustβs registration under the 1940 Act and that is formed,
organized, or existing under the laws of the United States or of a state,
commonwealth, possession or colony of the United States, unless otherwise
permitted under the 1940Act, (ii) cause any one or more Series (or Classes) of
the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into or transfer its assets and any
liabilities to any one or more other Series (or Classes) of the Trust, one or
more trusts (or series or classes thereof to the extent permitted by law),
partnerships, associations, corporations, (iii) cause the Shares to be exchanged
under or pursuant to any state or federal statute to the extent permitted by law
or (iv) cause the Trust to reorganize as a corporation, limited liability
company or limited liability partnership under the laws of Delaware or any other
state or jurisdiction.Β Β .
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Pursuant
to and in accordance with the provisions of SectionΒ 3815(f) of the Delaware
Act, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Declaration
of Trust, an agreement of merger or consolidation or exchange or transfer of
assets and liabilities approved by the Trustees in accordance with this
SectionΒ 11.3 may (i) effect any amendment to the governing instrument of
the Trust or (ii) effect the adoption of a new governing instrument of the Trust
if the Trust is the surviving or resulting trust in the merger or
consolidation.
Β
23
Β
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Trustees may create one or more statutory trusts to which all or any part of the
assets, liabilities, profits, or losses of the Trust or any Series or Class
thereof may be transferred and may provide for the conversion of Shares in the
Trust or any Series or Class thereof into beneficial interests in any such newly
created trust or trusts or any series or classes thereof.
Β
11.4
Amendment Procedure.
(a) The Trustees may, without any Shareholder vote, amend or otherwise
supplement this Declaration by making an amendment, a Declaration of Trust
supplemental hereto or an amended and restated trust instrument; provided, that
Shareholders shall have the right to vote on any amendment: (i) which would
affect the voting rights of Shareholders granted in Section 2.1, Section 2.2,
Section 2.3, Section 3.9, Section 5.1, Section 5.2, (ii) to this Section 11.4,
(iii) required to be approved by Shareholders by law or by the Trustβs
Registration Statement(s) filed with the Commission, and (iv) submitted to them
by the Trustees in their discretion. Any amendment submitted to Shareholders
which the Trustees determine would affect the Shareholders of any Series shall
be authorized by vote of the Shareholders of such Series and no vote shall be
required of Shareholders of a Series not affected. Notwithstanding anything else
herein, any amendment to Article V which would have the effect of reducing the
indemnification and other rights provided thereby to Trustees, officers,
employees, and agents of the Trust or to Shareholders or former Shareholders,
and any repeal or amendment of this sentence shall each require the affirmative
vote of the holders of two-thirds of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust
entitled to vote thereon and no such amendment shall affect the right to
indemnification of any person who is no longer a Trustee, Officer or employee or
agent at the time of such amendment.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β An
amendment duly adopted by the requisite vote of the Trustees and, if required,
the Shareholders as aforesaid, shall become effective at the time of such
adoption or at such other time as may be designated by the Trustees or
Shareholders, as the case may be. A certification in recordable form signed by a
majority of the Trustees setting forth an amendment and reciting that it was
duly adopted by the Trustees and, if required, the Shareholders as aforesaid, or
a copy of the Declaration, as amended, in recordable form, and executed by a
majority of the Trustees, shall be conclusive evidence of such amendment when
lodged among the records of the Trust or at such other time designated by the
Trustees.
Β
Notwithstanding
any other provision hereof, until such time as any Series of the Trust has been
created and Shares have been issued, this Declaration may be terminated or
amended in any respect by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees or
by an instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees.
Β
ARTICLE
XII
Miscellaneous
Β
12.1
Filing. This
Declaration and any amendment or supplement hereto shall be filed in such places
as may be required or as the Trustees deem appropriate. Each amendment or
supplement shall be accompanied by a certificate signed and acknowledged by a
Trustee stating that such action was duly taken in a manner provided herein, and
shall, upon insertion in the Trustβs minute book, be conclusive evidence of all
amendments contained therein. A restated Declaration, containing the original
Declaration and all authorized amendments and supplements theretofore made, may
be executed from time to time by a majority of the Trustees and shall, upon
insertion in the Trustβs minute book, be conclusive evidence of all authorized
amendments and supplements contained therein and may thereafter be referred to
in lieu of the original Declaration and the various amendments and supplements
thereto.
Β
12.2Β Β Resident
Agent.Β Β The Trust shall maintain a resident agent in the State
of Delaware, which agent shall be Corporation Trust Company, 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000. The Trustees may designate a successor resident
agent, provided, however, that such appointment shall not become effective until
written notice thereof is delivered to the office of the Secretary of the
State.
Β
24
Β
Β
Β
12.3
Governing Law. This
Declaration is executed by the Trustees and delivered in the State of Delaware
and with reference to the laws thereof, and the rights of all parties and the
validity and construction of every provision hereof shall be subject to and
construed according to laws of said State and reference shall be specifically
made to the Delaware Act as to the construction of matters not specifically
covered herein or as to which an ambiguity exists, although such law shall not
be viewed as limiting the powers otherwise granted to the Trustees hereunder and
any ambiguity shall be viewed in favor of such powers.
Β
12.4
Counterparts. This
Declaration may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts, together, shall
constitute one and the same instrument, which shall be sufficiently evidenced by
any such original counterpart.
Β
12.5
Reliance by Third Parties.
Any certificate executed by an individual who, according to the records
of the Trust, or of any recording office in which this Declaration may be
recorded, appears to be a Trustee hereunder, certifying to: (a) the number or
identity of Trustees or Shareholders, (b) the name of the Trust, (c) the due
authorization of the execution of any instrument or writing, (d) the form of any
vote passed at a meeting of Trustees or Shareholders, (e) the fact that the
number of Trustees or Shareholders present at any meeting or executing any
written instrument satisfies the requirements of this Declaration, (f) the form
of any By-Laws adopted by or the identity of any officers elected by the
Trustees, or (g) the existence of any fact or facts which in any manner relate
to the affairs of the Trust, shall be conclusive evidence as to the matters so
certified in favor of any person dealing with the Trustees and their
successors.
Β
12.6
Provisions in Conflict with
Law or Regulation. (a) The provisions of this Declaration 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 Declaration; provided, however, that such
determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this
Declaration or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to
such determination.
Β
(b) If
any provision of this Declaration 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 manner affect such provision
in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Declaration in any
jurisdiction.
Β
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
Β
25
Β
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole initial Trustee of the Trust,
has executed this instrument effective as of the 18th day of
March, 2009.
Β
/s/ X. XXXX XXXXX
X. Xxxx
Xxxxx
Initial
Sole Trustee
Β
26
Β