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EXHIBIT (h)(4)
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF NOVEMBER
23, 1999, BETWEEN THE REGISTRANT AND BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
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TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 23rd day of November, 1999, between AMSOUTH MUTUAL
FUNDS (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place
of business at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, and BISYS FUND SERVICES
OHIO, INC. ("BISYS"), an Ohio corporation having its principal place of business
at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000.
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that BISYS perform certain services for each
series of the Trust (individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and
collectively as the "Funds"); and
WHEREAS, BISYS is willing to perform such services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants
herein set forth, the parties agree as follows:
1. Services.
BISYS shall perform for the Trust the transfer agent services
set forth in Schedule A hereto. BISYS also agrees to perform for the Trust such
special services incidental to the performance of the services enumerated herein
as agreed to by the parties from time to time. BISYS shall perform such
additional services as are provided on an amendment to Schedule A hereof, in
consideration of such fees as the parties hereto may agree.
BISYS may, in its discretion, appoint in writing other parties
qualified to perform transfer agency services reasonably acceptable to the Trust
(individually, a "Sub-transfer Agent") to carry out some or all of its
responsibilities under this Agreement with respect to a Fund; provided, however,
that the Sub-transfer Agent shall be the agent of BISYS and not the agent of the
Trust or such Fund, and that BISYS shall be fully responsible for the acts of
such Sub-transfer Agent and shall not be relieved of any of its responsibilities
hereunder by the appointment of such Sub-transfer Agent.
2. Fees.
The Trust shall pay BISYS for the services to be provided by
BISYS under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in,
Schedule B hereto. Fees for any additional services to be provided by BISYS
pursuant to an amendment to Schedule A hereto shall be subject to mutual
agreement at the time such amendment to Schedule A is proposed.
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3. Reimbursement of Expenses.
In addition to paying BISYS the fees described in Section 2
hereof, the Trust agrees to reimburse BISYS for BISYS' out-of-pocket expenses in
providing services hereunder, including without limitation, the following:
(a) All freight and other delivery and bonding charges
incurred by BISYS in delivering materials to and from the
Trust and in delivering all materials to shareholders;
(b) All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy
or other electronic transmission expenses incurred by
BISYS in communication with the Trust, the Trust 's
investment adviser or custodian, dealers, shareholders or
others as required for BISYS to perform the services to be
provided hereunder;
(c) Costs of postage, couriers, stock computer paper,
statements, labels, envelopes, checks, reports, letters,
tax forms, proxies, notices or other forms of printed
material which shall be required by BISYS for the
performance of the services to be provided hereunder;
(d) The cost of microfilm or microfiche of records or other
materials;
(e) All systems-related expenses associated with the provision
of special reports and services pursuant to Schedule C
attached hereto; and
(f) Any expenses BISYS shall incur at the written direction of
an officer of the Trust thereunto duly authorized.
4. Effective Date.
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first
written above (the "Effective Date").
5. Term.
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective
Date and shall remain in effect for a period of two (2) years following the
merger (the "Merger") of the ISG Funds (investment portfolios within the
Infinity Mutual Funds, Inc.) into the Trust (the "Initial Term"); provided,
however, that, in the event that an acquisition of AmSouth Bank is announced
during the Initial Term, such Initial Term shall be automatically extended in
which case this Agreement shall remain in effect for period of three (3) years
following the Merger. Thereafter, unless otherwise terminated as provided
herein, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically
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for successive two-year periods ("Rollover Periods"). This Agreement may be
terminated without penalty (i) by provision of a notice of nonrenewal in the
manner set forth below, (ii) by mutual agreement of the parties or (iii) for
"cause," as defined below, upon the provision of sixty (60) days advance written
notice by the party alleging cause. Written notice of nonrenewal must be
provided at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or any
Rollover Period, as the case may be.
For purposes of this Agreement, "cause" shall mean (a) willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of
the party to be terminated with respect to its obligations and duties set forth
herein; (b) a final, unappealable judicial, regulatory or administrative ruling
or order in which the party to be terminated has been found guilty of criminal
or unethical behavior in the conduct of its business; (c) financial difficulties
on the part of the party to be terminated which is evidenced by the
authorization or commencement of, or involved by way of pleading, consent, or
acquiescence in, a voluntary case under Title 11 of the United States Code, as
from time to time is in effect, or any applicable law, other than said Title 11,
of any jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or reorganization of debtors or
to the modification or alteration of the rights of creditors; or (d) any
circumstance which substantially impairs the performance of the obligations and
duties of the party to be terminated, or the ability to perform those
obligations and duties, as contemplated herein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, after such termination, for so
long as BISYS, with the written consent of the Trust, in fact continues to
perform any one or more of the services contemplated by this Agreement or any
schedule or exhibit hereto, the provisions of this Agreement, including without
limitation the provisions dealing with indemnification, shall continue in full
force and effect. Compensation due BISYS and unpaid by the Trust upon such
termination shall be immediately due and payable upon and notwithstanding such
termination. BISYS shall be entitled to collect from the Trust, in addition to
the compensation described in this Schedule A, the amount of all of BISYS's cash
disbursements for services in connection with BISYS's activities in effecting
such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the Trust and/or
its designees of the Trust 's property, records, instruments and documents.
If, during the term of this Agreement, there is a change of
control of AmSouth Bank and BISYS is not retained by the Trust as transfer agent
at comparable fees in effect prior to the change of control, liquidated damages
shall be paid by the Trust to BISYS in an amount equal to the fees that are due
and payable under this Agreement for the greater of (i) the remainder of the
contract term this Agreement or (ii) a one-year period.
6. Uncontrollable Events.
BISYS assumes no responsibility hereunder, and shall not be
liable for any damage, loss of data, delay or any other loss whatsoever caused
by events beyond its reasonable control.
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7. Legal Advice.
BISYS shall notify the Trust at any time BISYS believes that it
is in need of the advice of counsel (other than counsel in the regular employ of
BISYS or any affiliated companies) with regard to BISYS' responsibilities and
duties pursuant to this Agreement; and after so notifying the Trust, BISYS, at
its discretion, shall be entitled to seek, receive and act upon advice of legal
counsel of its choosing, such advice to be at the expense of the Trust or Funds
unless relating to a matter involving BISYS' willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard with respect to BISYS' responsibilities
and duties hereunder and BISYS shall in no event be liable to the Trust or any
Fund or any shareholder or beneficial owner of the Trust for any action
reasonably taken pursuant to such advice.
8. Instructions.
Whenever BISYS is requested or authorized to take action
hereunder pursuant to instructions from a shareholder, or a properly authorized
agent of a shareholder ("shareholder's agent"), concerning an account in a Fund,
BISYS shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate, letter or other instrument
or communication, believed by BISYS to be genuine and to have been properly
made, signed or authorized by an officer or other authorized agent of the Trust
or by the shareholder or shareholder's agent, as the case may be, and shall be
entitled to receive as conclusive proof of any fact or matter required to be
ascertained by it hereunder a certificate signed by an officer of the Trust or
any other person authorized by the Trust 's Board of Trustees (hereafter
referred to as the "Trustees") or by the shareholder or shareholder's agent, as
the case may be.
As to the services to be provided hereunder, BISYS may rely
conclusively upon the terms of the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional
Information of the Trust relating to the Funds to the extent that such services
are described therein unless BISYS receives written instructions to the contrary
in a timely manner from the Trust.
9. Standard of Care; Reliance on Records and Instructions;
Indemnification.
BISYS shall use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of all
services performed under this Agreement, but shall not be liable to the Trust
for any action taken or omitted by BISYS in the absence of bad faith, willful
misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and
duties. The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BISYS, its employees,
agents, directors, officers and nominees from and against any and all claims,
demands, actions and suits, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and
against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges,
counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character arising out of or
in any way relating to BISYS' actions taken or nonactions with respect to the
performance of services under this Agreement or based, if applicable, upon
reasonable reliance on information, records, instructions or requests given or
made to BISYS by the Trust, the investment adviser and on any records provided
by any fund accountant or
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custodian thereof; provided that this indemnification shall not apply to actions
or omissions of BISYS in cases of its own bad faith, willful misfeasance,
negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties; and
further provided that prior to confessing any claim against it which may be the
subject of this indemnification, BISYS shall give the Trust written notice of
and reasonable opportunity to defend against said claim in its own name or in
the name of BISYS.
10. Record Retention and Confidentiality.
BISYS shall keep and maintain on behalf of the Trust all books
and records which the Trust or BISYS is, or may be, required to keep and
maintain pursuant to any applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including
without limitation Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), relating to the maintenance of books and
records in connection with the services to be provided hereunder. BISYS further
agrees that all such books and records shall be the property of the Trust and to
make such books and records available for inspection by the Trust or by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") at reasonable times and
otherwise to keep confidential all books and records and other information
relative to the Trust and its shareholders, except when requested to divulge
such information by duly-constituted authorities or court process, or requested
by a shareholder or shareholder's agent with respect to information concerning
an t as to which such shareholder has either a legal or beneficial interest
or when requested by the Trust , the shareholder, or shareholder's agent, or the
dealer of record as to such account.
11. Reports.
BISYS will furnish to the Trust and to its properly-authorized
auditors, investment advisers, examiners, distributors, dealers, underwriters,
salesmen, insurance companies and others designated by the Trust in writing,
such reports at such times as are prescribed in Schedule C attached hereto, or
as subsequently agreed upon by the parties pursuant to an amendment to Schedule
C. The Trust agrees to examine each such report or copy promptly and will report
or cause to be reported any errors or discrepancies therein.
12. Rights of Ownership.
All computer programs and procedures developed to perform
services required to be provided by BISYS under this Agreement are the property
of BISYS. All records and other data except such computer programs and
procedures are the exclusive property of the Trust and all such other records
and data will be furnished to the Trust in appropriate form as soon as
practicable after termination of this Agreement for any reason.
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13. Return of Records.
BISYS may at its option at any time, and shall promptly upon the
Trust 's demand, turn over to the Trust and cease to retain BISYS' files,
records and documents created and maintained by BISYS pursuant to this Agreement
which are no longer needed by BISYS in the performance of its services or for
its legal protection. If not so turned over to the Trust, such documents and
records will be retained by BISYS for the lesser of (i) the remaining duration
of this Agreement or (ii) six years fro the year of creation. At the end of such
period, such records and documents will be turned over to the Trust unless the
Trust authorizes in writing the destruction of such records and documents.
14. Bank Accounts.
The Trust and the Funds shall establish and maintain such bank
accounts with such bank or banks as are selected by the Trust, as are necessary
in order that BISYS may perform the services required to be performed hereunder.
To the extent that the performance of such services shall require BISYS directly
to disburse amounts for payment of dividends, redemption proceeds or other
purposes, the Trust and Funds shall provide such bank or banks with all
instructions and authorizations necessary for BISYS to effect such
disbursements.
15. Representations of the Trust.
The Trust certifies to BISYS that: (a) as of the close of
business on the Effective Date, each Fund which is in existence as of the
Effective Date has authorized unlimited shares, and (b) by virtue of its
Declaration of Trust, shares of each Fund which are redeemed by the Trust may be
sold by the Trust from its treasury, and (c) this Agreement has been duly
authorized by the Trust and, when executed and delivered by the Trust, will
constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust , enforceable
against the Trust in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application
affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
16. Representations of BISYS.
BISYS represents and warrants that: (a) BISYS has been in, and
shall continue to be in, substantial compliance with all provisions of law,
including Section 17A(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), required in connection with the performance of its duties under
this Agreement; and (b) the various procedures and systems which BISYS has
implemented with regard to safekeeping from loss or damage attributable to fire,
theft or any other cause of the blank checks, records, and other data of the
Trust and BISYS' records, data, equipment, facilities and other property used in
the performance of its obligations hereunder are adequate and that it will make
such changes therein from time to time as are required for the secure
performance of its obligations hereunder.
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17. Insurance.
BISYS shall notify the Trust should its insurance coverage with
respect to professional liability or errors and omissions coverage be canceled
or reduced. Such notification shall include the date of change and the reasons
therefor. BISYS shall notify the Trust of any material claims against it with
respect to services performed under this Agreement, whether or not they may be
covered by insurance, and shall notify the Trust from time to time as may be
appropriate of the total outstanding claims made by BISYS under its insurance
coverage.
18. Information to be Furnished by the Trust and Funds.
The Trust has furnished to BISYS the following:
(a) Copies of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and of
any amendments thereto, certified by the proper official
of the state in which such Declaration has been filed.
(b) Copies of the following documents:
1. The Trust 's Bylaws and any amendments thereto;
2. Certified copies of resolutions of the Trustees
covering the following matters:
A. Approval of this Agreement and authorization
of a specified officer of the Trust to execute
and deliver this Agreement and authorization
for specified officers of the Trust to
instruct BISYS hereunder; and
B. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer
Agent for the Trust on behalf of the Funds.
(c) A list of all officers of the Trust, together with
specimen signatures of those officers, who are authorized
to instruct BISYS in all matters.
(d) Two copies of the following (if such documents are
employed by the Trust):
1. Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information;
2. Distribution Agreement; and
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3. All other forms commonly used by the Trust or its
Distributor with regard to their relationships and
transactions with shareholders of the Funds.
(e) A certificate as to shares of beneficial interest of the
Trust authorized, issued, and outstanding as of the
Effective Date of BISYS' appointment as Transfer Agent (or
as of the date on which BISYS' services are commenced,
whichever is the later date) and as to receipt of full
consideration by the Trust for all shares outstanding,
such statement to be certified by the Treasurer of the
Trust.
19. Information Furnished by BISYS.
BISYS has furnished to the Trust the following:
(a) BISYS' Articles of Incorporation.
(b) BISYS' Bylaws and any amendments thereto.
(c) Certified copies of actions of BISYS covering the following
matters:
1. Approval of this Agreement, and authorization of a
specified officer of BISYS to execute and deliver this
Agreement;
2. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for the
Trust.
(d) A copy of the most recent independent accountants' report
relating to internal accounting control systems as filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 under the
Exchange Act.
20. Amendments to Documents.
The Trust shall furnish BISYS written copies of any amendments
to, or changes in; any of the items referred to in Section 18 hereof forthwith
upon such amendments or changes becoming effective. In addition, the Trust
agrees that no amendments will be made to the Prospectuses or Statement of
Additional Information of the Trust which might have the effect of changing the
procedures employed by BISYS in providing the services agreed to hereunder or
which amendment might affect the duties of BISYS hereunder unless the Trust
first obtains BISYS' approval of such amendments or changes.
21. Reliance on Amendments.
BISYS may rely on any amendments to or changes in any of the
documents and other items to be provided by the Trust pursuant to Sections 18
and 20 of this Agreement and the
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Trust hereby indemnifies and holds harmless BISYS from and against any and all
claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs,
charges, counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character which may
result from actions or omissions on the part of BISYS in reasonable reliance
upon such amendments and/or changes. Although BISYS is authorized to rely on the
above-mentioned amendments to and changes in the documents and other items to be
provided pursuant to Sections 18 and 20 hereof, BISYS shall be under no duty to
comply with or take any action as a result of any of such amendments or changes
unless the Trust first obtains BISYS' written consent to and approval of such
amendments or changes.
22. Compliance with Law.
Except for the obligations of BISYS set forth in Section 10 hereof, the
Trust assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, and
distribution of each prospectus of the Trust as to compliance with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"), the 1940 Act, and any other laws, rules and regulations of governmental
authorities having jurisdiction. BISYS shall have no obligation to take
cognizance of any laws relating to the sale of the Trust 's shares. The Trust
represents and warrants that no shares of the Trust will be offered to the
public until the Trust 's registration statement under the 1933 Act and the 1940
Act has been declared or becomes effective.
23. Notices.
Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when
sent by registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with
such notice at the following address: 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000,
or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing
to the other party pursuant to this Section.
24. Headings.
Paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for
convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
25. Assignment.
This Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be
assignable by either of the parties hereto except by the specific written
consent of the other party. This Section 25 shall not limit or in any way affect
BISYS' right to appoint a Sub-transfer Agent pursuant to Section 1 hereof. This
Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
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26. Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be governed by and provisions shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
27. Limitation of Liability of the Trustees and Shareholders.
The names "AmSouth Mutual Funds" and "Trustees of AmSouth Mutual
Funds" refer respectively to the Trust created and the Trustees, as trustees but
not individually or personally, acting from time to time under a Declaration of
Trust dated as of October 1, 1987, as amended June 25, 1993, to which reference
is hereby made and a copy of which is on file at the office of the Secretary of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and elsewhere as required by law, and to any
and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The obligations of
"AmSouth Mutual Funds" entered into in the name or on behalf thereof by any of
the Trustees, representatives or agents are made not individually, but in such
capacities, and are not binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders or
representatives of the Trust personally, but bind only the assets of the Trust,
and all persons dealing with any series of shares of the Trust must look solely
to the assets of the Trust belonging to such series for the enforcement of any
claims against the Trust.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
AMSOUTH MUTUAL FUNDS
By: /s/ J. Xxxxx Xxxxx
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Title: Chairman
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BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Title: President
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SCHEDULE A
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
AMSOUTH MUTUAL FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
1. Shareholder Transactions
a. Process shareholder purchase and redemption orders.
b. Set up account information, including address, dividend
option, taxpayer identification numbers and wire instructions.
c. Issue confirmations in compliance with Rule 10b-10 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
d. Issue periodic statements for shareholders.
e. Process transfers and exchanges.
f. Process dividend payments, including the purchase of new
shares, through dividend reimbursement.
2. Shareholder Information Services
a. Make information available to shareholder servicing unit and
other remote access units regarding trade date, share price,
current holdings, yields, and dividend information.
b. Produce detailed history of transactions through duplicate or
special order statements upon request.
c. Provide mailing labels for distribution of financial reports,
prospectuses, proxy statements or marketing material to
current shareholders.
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3. Compliance Reporting
a. Provide reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
National Association of Securities Dealers and the States in
which the Fund is registered.
b. Prepare and distribute appropriate Internal Revenue Service
forms for corresponding Fund and shareholder income and
capital gains.
c. Issue tax-withholding reports to the Internal Revenue Service.
4. Dealer/Load Processing (if applicable)
a. Provide reports for tracking rights of accumulation and
purchases made under a Letter of Intent.
b. Account for separation of shareholder investments from
transaction sale charges for purchase of Fund shares.
c. Calculate fees due under 12b-1 plans for distribution and
marketing expenses.
d. Track sales and commission statistics by dealer and provide
for payment of commissions on direct shareholder purchases in
a load Fund.
5. Shareholder Account Maintenance
a. Maintain all shareholder records for each account in the
Trust.
b. Issue customer statements on scheduled cycle, providing
duplicate second and third party copies if required.
c. Record shareholder account information changes.
d. Maintain account documentation files for each shareholder.
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SCHEDULE B
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
AMSOUTH MUTUAL FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
TRANSFER AGENT FEES
A. ANNUAL FEE
1. Subject to the annual minimum fee set forth in A.2.
below, BISYS shall be entitled to receive an annual
base fee equal to one and one-half one-hundredths of
one percent (.015%) of the Trust's total assets. Such
base fee shall then be allocated to each Fund/class
based on relative total asset size.
2. The base fee set forth above shall be subject to an
annual minimum fee of $10,000 per Fund/class.
B. ADDITIONAL FEES
1. Each Fund utilizing the payroll deduction feature
will pay a fee of $.50 per transaction plus a $500
set-up fee.
2. Each Fund will pay a $20.00 fee per T.I.N. per year
for each X.X.X.
3. Each Fund with asset allocation will pay the
following fees:
$3,000 annually (quarterly rebalancing)
$4,000 annually (monthly rebalancing)
$.05 per transaction fee
C. Multiple Classes of Shares
Funds that have two or more classes of shares each having different net
asset values or paying different daily dividends shall be subject to an
additional annual fee of $10,000 per additional class.
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D. OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
BISYS shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, the expenses set forth in
Section 3 of the Transfer Agency Agreement to which this Schedule B is attached.
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SCHEDULE C
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
AMSOUTH MUTUAL FUNDS
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
REPORTS
1. Daily Shareholder Activity Journal
2. Daily Fund Activity Summary Report
a. Beginning Balance
b. Dealer Transactions
c. Shareholder Transactions
d. Reinvested Dividends
e. Exchanges
f. Adjustments
g. Ending Balance
3. Daily Wire and Check Registers
4. Monthly Dealer Processing Reports
5. Monthly Dividend Reports
6. Sales Data Reports for Blue Sky Registration
7. Annual report by independent public accountants concerning BISYS'
shareholder system and internal accounting control systems to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule
17Ad-13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
8. Such special reports and additional information that the parties may
agree upon, from time to time.
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