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EXHIBIT 8(a)(ix)
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
AMONG
X. XXXX PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC.,
X. XXXX PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.,
AND
SAGE LIFE ASSURANCE OF AMERICA, INC.
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of this_______ day of
_______________, 1999 by and among Sage Life Assurance of America, Inc.
(hereinafter, the "Company"), a Delaware insurance company, on its own behalf
and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on
Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter
referred to as an "Account" and collectively as the "Accounts"), and X. Xxxx
Price Equity Series, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Maryland
(each hereinafter referred to as the "Fund") and X. Xxxx Price Investment
Services, Inc. (hereinafter the "Underwriter"), a Maryland corporation.
WHEREAS, the Fund engages in business as an open-end management
investment company and is or will be available to act as the investment vehicle
for separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable
annuity contracts (the "Variable Insurance Products") to be offered by insurance
companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Fund and
Underwriter (hereinafter "Participating Insurance Companies"); and
WHEREAS, the beneficial interest in the Fund is divided into several
series of shares, each designated a "Portfolio" and representing the interest in
a particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund has obtained an order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") granting Participating Insurance Companies and variable
annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the
provisions of sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, (hereinafter the "1940 Act") and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and
6e-3(T) (b)(15) thereunder, to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Fund
to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate
accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies
(hereinafter the "Shared Funding Exemptive Order"); and
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the 1940 Act and shares of the Portfolios are registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (hereinafter the "1933 Act"); and
WHEREAS, X. Xxxx Price Associates, Inc. (referred to as the "Adviser")
is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended, and any applicable state securities laws and manages certain
Portfolios of the Fund; and
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WHEREAS, the Company has issued or will issue certain variable life
insurance or variable annuity contracts (including any certificates thereunder)
supported wholly or partially by the Account (the "Contracts"), and said
Contracts are listed in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to
time by mutual written agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated
asset account, established by resolution or under authority of the Board of
Directors of the Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A
hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts;
and
WHEREAS, the Company has registered or will register the Account as a
unit investment trust under the 1940 Act or will not register the Account in
proper reliance upon an exclusion from registration under the 1940 Act; and
WHEREAS, the Underwriter is registered as a broker dealer with the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (hereinafter the "1934
Act"), and is a member in good standing of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (hereinafter "NASD") and serves as principal
underwriter of the shares of the Fund; and
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Portfolios listed in
Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written
agreement (the "Designated Portfolios") on behalf of the Account to fund the
aforesaid Contracts, and the Underwriter is authorized to sell such shares to
unit investment trusts such as the Account at net asset value;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company,
the Fund and the Underwriter agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. Sale of Fund Shares
1.1 The Underwriter agrees to sell to the Company those shares of the
Designated Portfolios which the Account orders, executing such orders on a daily
basis at the net asset value next computed after receipt by the Fund or its
designee of the order for the shares of the Designated Portfolios.
1.2 The Fund agrees to make shares of the Designated Portfolios
available for purchase at the applicable net asset value per share by the
Company and the Account on those days on which the Fund calculates its net asset
value pursuant to rules of the SEC, and the Fund shall use its best efforts to
calculate such net asset value on each day which the New York Stock Exchange is
open for trading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors of the
Fund (hereinafter the "Board") may refuse to sell shares of any Designated
Portfolio to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any
Designated Portfolio if such action is required by law or by regulatory
authorities having jurisdiction, or is, in the sole discretion of the Board
acting in good faith and in light of their fiduciary duties under federal and
any applicable state laws, necessary in the best interests of the shareholders
of such Designated Portfolio.
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1.3 The Fund and the Underwriter agree that shares of the Fund will be
sold only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts. No
shares of any Designated Portfolios will be sold to the general public. The Fund
and the Underwriter will not sell Fund shares to any insurance company or
separate account unless an agreement containing provisions substantially the
same as Articles I, VI, and VII of this Agreement is in effect to govern such
sales.
1.4 The Fund agrees to redeem, on the Company's request, any full or
fractional shares of the Designated Portfolios held by the Company, executing
such requests on a daily basis at the net asset value next computed after
receipt by the Fund or its designee of the request for redemption, except that
the Fund reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption or postpone the
date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption consistent with Section 22(e) of
the 1940 Act and any sales thereunder, and in accordance with the procedures and
policies of the Fund as described in the then current prospectus.
1.5 For purposes of Sections 1.1 and 1.4, the Company shall be the
designee of the Fund for receipt of purchase and redemption orders from the
Account, and receipt by such designee shall constitute receipt by the Fund;
provided that the Company receives the order by close of the New York Stock
Exchange and the Fund receives notice of such order by 9:30 a.m. Baltimore time
on the next following Business Day. "Business Day" shall mean any day on which
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Fund calculates
its net asset value pursuant to the rules of the SEC.
1.6 The Company agrees to purchase and redeem the shares of each
Designated Portfolio offered by the then current prospectus of the Fund and in
accordance with the provisions of such prospectus.
1.7 The Company shall pay for Fund shares one Business Day after receipt
of an order to purchase Fund shares is made in accordance with the provisions of
Section 1.5 hereof. Payment shall be in federal funds transmitted by wire by
3:00 p.m. Baltimore time. If payment in Federal Funds for any purchase is not
received or is received by the Fund after 3:00 p.m. Baltimore time on such
Business Day, the Company shall promptly, upon the Fund's request, reimburse the
Fund for any charges, costs, fees, interest or other expenses incurred by the
Fund in connection with any advances to, or borrowings or overdrafts by, the
Fund, or any similar expenses incurred by the Fund, as a result of portfolio
transactions effected by the Fund based upon such purchase request. For purposes
of Section 2.8 and 2.9 hereof, upon receipt by the Fund of the federal funds so
wired, such funds shall cease to be the responsibility of the Company and shall
become the responsibility of the Fund.
1.8 Issuance and transfer of the Fund's shares will be by book entry
only. Stock certificates will not be issued to the Company or any Account.
Shares ordered from the Fund will be recorded in an appropriate title for each
Account or the appropriate subaccount of each Account.
1.9 The Fund shall furnish same day notice (by wire or telephone,
followed by written confirmation) to the Company of any income, dividends or
capital gain distributions payable on the Designated Portfolios' shares. The
Company hereby elects to receive all such income, dividends, and capital gain
distributions as are payable on Designated Portfolio shares in additional shares
of that Portfolio. The Company reserves the right to revoke this election and to
receive all such income
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dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Fund shall notify the
Company of the number of shares so issued as payment of such dividends and
distributions.
1.10 The Fund shall make the net asset value per share for each
Designated Portfolio available to the Company on a daily basis as soon as
reasonably practical after the net asset value per share is calculated (normally
by 6:30 p.m. Baltimore time) and shall use its best efforts to make such net
asset value per share available by 7 p.m. Baltimore time. If the net asset value
is materially incorrect through no fault of the Company, the Company on behalf
of each Account, shall be entitled to an adjustment to the number of shares
purchased or redeemed to reflect the correct net asset value per share in
accordance with Fund procedures. Any material error in the net asset value shall
be reported to the Company promptly upon discovery. Any administrative or other
costs or losses incurred for correcting underlying Contract owner accounts shall
be at Company's expense.
1.11 The Parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by
this Agreement is not exclusive; the Fund's shares may be sold to other
insurance companies (subject to Section 1.3 and Article VI hereof) and the cash
value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.
ARTICLE II. Representations and Warranties
2.1 The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are or will
be registered under the 1933 Act or that the Contracts are not registered
because they are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be
offered exclusively in transactions that are properly exempt from registration
under the 1933 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that the
Contracts will be issued and sold in compliance in all material respects with
all applicable federal and state laws and that the sale of the Contracts shall
comply in all material respects with state insurance suitability requirements.
The Company further represents and warrants that it is an insurance company duly
organized and in good standing under applicable law and that it has legally and
validly established the Account prior to any issuance or sale thereof as a
segregated asset account under the Delaware insurance laws and has registered
or, prior to any issuance or sale of the Contracts, will register the Account as
a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to
serve as a segregated investment account for the Contracts or that it has not
registered the Account in proper reliance upon an exclusion from registration
under the 0000 Xxx.
2.2 The Fund represents and warrants that Fund shares sold pursuant to
this Agreement shall at all times be registered under the 1933 Act, duly
authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with the laws of the state of
Delaware and all applicable federal and state securities laws and that the Fund
is and shall remain registered under the 0000 Xxx. The Fund shall amend the
Registration Statement for its shares under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from
time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of its
shares. The Fund shall register and qualify the shares for sale in accordance
with the laws of the various states only if and to the extent deemed advisable
by the Fund or the Underwriter.
2.3 The Fund currently does not intend to make any payments to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, although it may
make such payments in the future. To the extent that it decides to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1, the Fund will undertake to have
the Board, a majority of whom are not interested persons of the Fund,
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formulate and approve any plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act to
finance distribution expenses and the Fund agrees to notify the Company of any
such plan as soon as reasonably practicable.
2.4 The Fund makes no representations as to whether any aspect of its
operations, including but not limited to, investment policies, fees and
expenses, complies with the insurance and other applicable laws of the various
states, except that the Fund represents that the Fund's investment policies,
fees and expenses are and shall at all times remain in compliance with the laws
of the state of Delaware to the extent required to perform this Agreement.
2.5 The Fund represents and warrants that it is and shall remain
lawfully organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland
and that it does and will comply in all material respects with the 1940 Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
2.6 The Underwriter represents and warrants that it is duly organized
and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and that it is and
shall remain a member in good standing of the NASD and is and shall remain
registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC. The Underwriter further represents
that it will sell and distribute the Fund shares in accordance with the laws of
the State of Delaware and any applicable state and federal securities laws.
2.7 The Underwriter represents and warrants that the Adviser is duly
organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and that
it is and shall remain duly registered under all applicable federal and state
securities laws and that the Adviser shall perform its obligations for the Fund
in compliance in all material respects with the laws of the State of Delaware
and any applicable state and federal securities laws.
2.8 The Fund and the Underwriter represent and warrant that all of their
directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or
entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund are and shall
continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar
coverage for the benefit of the Fund in an amount not less than the minimum
coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act or related
provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall
include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable
bonding company. The Fund agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see that this
bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect, and agrees
to notify the Company in the event that such coverage no longer applies.
2.9 The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors,
officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed or controlled by
the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund are covered by
a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage in an amount not less than $5
million. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and
is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees that any amounts
received under such bond in connection with claims that arise from the
arrangements described in this Agreement will be held by the Company for the
benefit of the Fund. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see
that this bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect,
and agrees to notify the Fund and the Underwriter in the event that such
coverage no longer applies. The Company agrees to exercise its best efforts to
ensure that other individuals/entities not employed or
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controlled by the Company and dealing with the money and/or securities of the
Fund maintain a similar bond or coverage in a reasonable amount.
ARTICLE III. Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information, and Proxy
Statements; Voting
3.1 Until such time as the net assets of the Fund that are attributable
to variable life or variable annuity contracts offered by the Company and its
affiliates ("Company-Originated Assets") equal or exceed $25 million:
(a) The Underwriter at least annually shall provide the Company,
free of charge, with as many copies of the current prospectuses
for the Designated Portfolios as the Company may reasonably
request for distribution to existing Contract owners whose
Contracts are funded by such Designated Portfolios. The
Underwriter shall provide the Company, at the Company's expense,
with as many copies of the current prospectuses for the
Designated Portfolios as the Company may reasonably request for
distribution to prospective purchasers of Contracts. If requested
by the Company in lieu thereof, the Fund shall provide such
documentation (including a "camera ready" copy of the new
prospectuses as set in type or, at the request of the Company, as
a diskette in the form sent to the financial printer) and other
assistance as is reasonably necessary in order for the parties
hereto once each year (or more frequently if the prospectuses for
the Designated Portfolios are supplemented or amended) to have
the prospectus for the Contracts and the prospectuses for the
Designated Portfolios printed together in one document. With
respect to any prospectuses of the Designated Portfolios that are
printed in combination with any one or more Contract prospectus
(the "Prospectus Booklet"), the costs of printing Prospectus
Booklets for distribution to existing Contract owners shall be
prorated to the Underwriter based on (a) the ratio of the number
of pages of the prospectuses for the Designated Portfolios
included in the Prospectus Booklet to the number of pages in the
Prospectus Booklet as a whole; and (b) the ratio of the number of
Contract owners with Contract value allocated to the Designated
Portfolios to the total number of Contract owners; provided,
however, that the Company shall bear all printing expenses of
such combined documents where used for distribution to
prospective purchasers or to owners of existing Contracts not
funded by the Designated Portfolios; and provided further, that
the Underwriter's reimbursement obligation for prospectus
printing expenses under this subparagraph (a) shall not exceed
$10,000 per year. The Underwriter may request a statement from
the Company showing how the printing expenses were prorated and
the number of Contract owners with Contract value allocated to
the Designated Portfolios.
(b) The prospectuses for the Designated Portfolios shall state
that the current Statements of Additional Information (the SAI")
for the Designated Portfolios are available from the Company. The
Underwriter, at its expense, shall print and provide as many
copies of the SAI as the Company may reasonably request for
distribution to existing Contract owners whose Contract are
funded by such Designated Portfolios. The Underwriter, at the
Company's expense, shall print and provide such SAI to the
Company (or a master of such SAI suitable for duplication by the
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Company) for distribution to a prospective purchaser who requests
such SAI or to an owner of a Contract not funded by the
Designated Portfolios.
3.2 After such time that Company-Originated assets equal or exceed
$25 million the Underwriter will have no further reimbursement
obligation under Section 3.1(a):
(a) The Underwriter shall provide the company (at the company's
expense) with as many copies of the fund's current prospectus
(describing only the Designated Portfolios listed on Schedule A)
as the Company may reasonably request. If requested by the
Company in lieu thereof the Fund shall provide such documentation
(including a final copy of the new prospectus as set in type or
on a diskette, at the Fund's expense) and other assistance as is
reasonably necessary in order for the Company (at the Company's
expense) once each year (or more frequently if the prospectus for
the Fund is amended) to have the prospectus (which shall include
an offering memorandum if any) for the Contracts, and the Fund's
prospectus printed together in one document (such printing to be
at the Company's expense).
(b) The Fund's prospectus shall state that the current Statement
of Additional Information ("SAI") for the Fund is available from
the Company (or, in the Fund's discretion, from the Fund), and
the Underwriter (or the Fund), at its expense, shall print, or
otherwise reproduce, and provide a copy of such SAI free of
charge to the Company for itself and for any owner of a Contract
who requests such SAI.
3.3 The Fund, at its expense, shall provide the Company with copies
of its proxy material, reports to shareholders, and other communications to
shareholders in such quantity as the Company reports to shareholders in such
quantity as the Company shall reasonably request for use in connection with
offering the Variable Contracts issued by the Company. If requested by the
Company in lieu thereof, the Underwriter shall provide such documentation (which
may include a final copy of the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports as set in
type or on diskette) and other assistance as is reasonably necessary in order
for the Company (at the Company's expense) to print such shareholder
communications for distribution to Contract owners.
3.4 The Company shall:
(i) solicit voting instructions from Contract owners;
(ii) vote the Fund shares in accordance with instructions
received from Contract owners; and
(iii) vote Fund shares for which no instructions have been
received in the same proportion as Fund shares of such
Designated Portfolio for which instructions have been
received,
so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act to
require pass-through voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the
extent otherwise required by law. The Company reserves the right to vote Fund
shares held in any segregated asset account in its own right, to the extent
permitted by law.
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3.5 Participating Insurance Companies shall be responsible for assuring
that each of their separate accounts participating in a Designated Portfolio
calculates voting privileges as required by the Shared Funding Exemptive Order
and consistent with any reasonable standards that the Fund may adopt.
3.6 The Fund will comply with all provisions of the 1940 Act requiring
voting by shareholders, and in particular the Fund will either provide for
annual meetings or comply with Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act (although the Fund
is not one of the trusts described in Section 16(c)of that Act) as well as with
Sections 16(a) and, if and when applicable, 16(b). Further, the Fund will act in
accordance with the SEC's interpretation of the requirements of Section 16(a)
with respect to periodic elections of directors or trustees and with whatever
rules the SEC may promulgate with respect thereto.
ARTICLE IV. Sales Material and Information
4.1 The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the
Fund or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material that the Company develops or uses and in which the Fund (or a Portfolio
thereof) or the Adviser or the Underwriter is named, at least five Business Days
prior to its use. No such material shall be used if the Fund or its designee
reasonably object to such use within five Business Days after receipt of such
material. The Fund or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to
the continued use of such material, and no such material shall be used if the
Fund or its designee so object.
4.2 The Company shall not give any information or make any
representations or statements on behalf of the Fund or concerning the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Contracts other than the information or
representations contained in the registration statement or prospectus or SAI for
the Fund shares, as such registration statement and prospectus or SAI may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for
the Fund, or in published reports for the Fund which are in the public domain or
approved by the Fund for distribution to shareholders, or in sales literature or
other promotional material approved by the Fund or its designee or by the
Underwriter, except with the permission of the Fund or the Underwriter or the
designee of either. If the Fund or Underwriter produces information concerning
the Company, any of its affiliates, or the Contracts which is intended for use
only by brokers or agents (i.e., information that is not intended for
distribution to Contract owners or prospective Contract owners), the fund or
Underwriter shall add an appropriate legend on the cover designating the
materials as "broker only" and not intended for distribution to members of the
public. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any
losses, damages, or expenses relating to the improper use of "broker only"
materials produced and used by the Fund or Underwriter.
4.3 The Fund, Underwriter, or its designee shall furnish, or shall cause
to be furnished, to the Company, each piece of sales literature or other
promotional material in which the Company, its Account and/or the Contracts, is
named at least five Business Days prior to its use. No such material shall be
used if the Company reasonably objects to such use within five Business days
after receipt of such material. The Company reserves the right to reasonably
object to the continued use of such material and no such material shall be used
if the Company so objects.
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4.4. The Fund and the Underwriter shall not give any information or make
any representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the
Account, or the Contracts other than the information or representations
contained in a registration statement, prospectus, or SAI for the Contracts, as
such registration statement, prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented
from time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the
public domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or
in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its
designee, except with the permission of the Company. If the Company produces
information concerning the Fund or any of its affiliates which is intended for
use only by brokers or agents (i.e., information that is not intended for
distribution to contract owners or prospective Contract owners), the Company
shall add an appropriate legend on the cover designating the materials as
"broker only" and not intended for distribution to members of the public.
Neither the Fund nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any losses,
damages, or expenses relating to the improper use of "broker only" materials
produced and used by the Company or its affiliates.
4.5 The Fund will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of
all registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, reports, proxy statements,
sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions,
requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that
relate to the Fund or its shares, within a reasonable time after the filing of
such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
4.6 The Company will provide to the Fund at least one complete copy of
all registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, reports, solicitations for
voting instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials,
applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments
to any of the above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account, within a
reasonable time after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other
regulatory authorities.
4.7 For purposes of this Article IV, the phrase "sales literature and
other promotional materials" includes, but is not limited to, any of the
following that refer to the Fund or any affiliate of the Fund: advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, reports,
market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other
advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training
materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to
some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses,
SAIs, shareholder reports, proxy materials, any other communications distributed
or made generally available with regard to the Funds, and any other material
constituting sales literature or advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act,
or the 0000 Xxx.
4.8 The Company, the Fund, and the Underwriter agree that the provisions
of this Article IV are not intended to designate nor otherwise imply that the
Company is an underwriter or distributor of shares of the Fund or that the Fund
and the Underwriter is an underwriter or distributor of the Contracts.
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ARTICLE V. Fees and Expenses
5.1 Subject to Article III hereof, the Fund and the Underwriter shall
pay no fee or other compensation to the Company under this Agreement, except
that if the Fund or any Portfolio adopts and implements a plan pursuant to Rule
12b-1 to finance distribution expenses pursuant to the requirements of Section
2.3 hereof, then the Underwriter may make payments to the Company or to the
underwriter for the Contracts if and in amounts agreed to by the Underwriter in
writing, and such payments will be made out of existing fees otherwise payable
to the Underwriter, past profits of the Underwriter, or other resources
available to the Underwriter. No such payments shall be made directly by the
Fund. Currently, no such payments are contemplated.
5.2 All expenses incident to performance by the Fund under this
Agreement shall be paid by the Fund, except as otherwise provided herein. At its
expense, the Fund shall see to it that all its shares are registered and
authorized for issuance in accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to
the extent deemed advisable by the Fund, in accordance with applicable state
laws prior to their sale. The Fund shall bear the expenses for the cost of
registration and qualification of the Fund's shares, preparation and filing of
the Fund's registration statement, registration statement amendments,
prospectuses, proxy materials and reports, setting the prospectus and SAI in
type, setting in type and printing the proxy, materials and reports to
shareholders (including the costs of printing a prospectus that constitutes an
annual report), the preparation of all statements and notices required by any
federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Fund's
shares.
5.3 The Company shall bear the expenses of distributing the Fund's
prospectus, proxy materials, and reports to Contract owners and prospective
Contract owners.
ARTICLE VI. Diversification and Qualification
6.1 The Fund will invest the assets of each Designated Portfolio in such
a manner as to ensure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity, endowment,
or life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and the regulations issued
thereunder (or any successor provisions). Without limiting the scope of the
foregoing, each Designated Portfolio of the Fund currently complies and will
continue to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and Treasury Regulation
Section 1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof, relating to the
diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or life insurance
contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor provisions to
such Section or Regulations. In the event of a breach of this Article VI by the
Fund, it will take all reasonable and necessary steps (a) to notify the Company
of such breach as soon as reasonably practicable and (b) to adequately diversify
the Fund so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by
Regulation 817.5.
6.2 The Fund represents that each Designated Portfolio is or will be
qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, and
that it maintain such qualification (under Subchapter M or any successor or
similar provisions) and that it will notify the Company immediately upon having
a reasonable basis for believing that it has ceased to so qualify or that it
might not so qualify in the future.
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6.3 Subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.2 hereof, the Company represents that
the Contracts are currently, and at the time of issuance shall be, treated as
life insurance, endowment contracts, or annuity insurance contracts, under
applicable provisions of the Code, and that it will make every effort to
maintain such treatment, and that it will notify the Fund and the Underwriter
immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing the Contracts have
ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future.
ARTICLE VII. Potential Conflicts.
7.1 The Board will monitor the Fund for the existence of any material
irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the contract owners of all
separate accounts investing in the Fund. An irreconcilable material conflict may
arise for a variety of reasons, including: (a) an action by any state insurance
regulatory authority; (b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance,
tax, or securities laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter
ruling, no-action or interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance,
tax, or securities regulatory authorities; (c) an administrative or judicial
decision in any relevant proceeding; (d) the manner in which the investments of
any Portfolio are being managed; (e) a difference in voting instructions given
by variable annuity contract and variable life insurance contract owners; or (f)
a decision by an insurer to disregard the voting instructions of contract
owners. The Board shall promptly inform the Company if it determines that an
irreconcilable material conflict exists and the implications thereof.
7.2. The Company will report any potential or existing conflicts of
which it is aware to the Board. The Company will assist the Board in carrying
out its responsibilities under the Shared Funding Exemptive Order, by providing
the Board with all information reasonably necessary for the Board to consider
any issues raised. This includes, but is not limited to, an obligation by the
Company to inform the Board whenever Contract owner voting instructions are
disregarded.
7.3 If it is determined by a majority of the Board, or a majority of its
disinterested members, that a material irreconcilable conflict exists, the
Company and other Participating Insurance Companies shall, at their expense and
to the extent reasonably practicable (as determined by a majority of the
disinterested Board members), take whatever steps are necessary to remedy or
eliminate the irreconcilable material conflict, up to and including: (1),
withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of the separate accounts from
the Fund or any Portfolio and reinvesting such assets in a different investment
medium, including (but not limited to) another Portfolio of the Fund, or
submitting the question whether such segregation should be implemented to a vote
of all affected contract owners and, as appropriate, segregating the assets of
any appropriate group (i.e., annuity contract owners, life insurance contract
owners, or variable contract owners of one or more Participating Insurance
Companies) that votes in favor of such segregation, or offering to the affected
contract owners the option of making such a change; and (2), establishing a new
registered management investment company or managed separate account.
7.4 If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because of a decision
by the Company to disregard contract owner voting instructions and that decision
represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, the Company
may be required, at the Fund's election, to withdraw the affected Account's
investment in the Fund and terminate this Agreement with respect to such Account
provided, however, that such withdrawal and termination shall be limited to the
extent required by the foregoing material irreconcilable conflict as determined
by a majority of the
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disinterested members of the Board. Any such withdrawal and termination must
take place within six (6) months after the Fund gives written notice that this
provision is being implemented, and until the end of that six month period the
Fund shall continue to accept and implement orders by the Company for the
purchase (and redemption) of shares of the Fund.
7.5 If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular
state insurance regulator's decision applicable to the Company conflicts with
the majority of other state regulators, then the Company will withdraw the
affected Account's investment in the Fund and terminate this Agreement with
respect to such Account within six months after the Board informs the Company in
writing that it has determined that such decision has created an irreconcilable
material conflict; provided, however, that such withdrawal and termination shall
be limited to the extent required by the foregoing material irreconcilable
conflict as determined by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board.
Until the end of the foregoing six month period, the Fund shall continue to
accept and implement orders by the company for the purchase (and redemption) of
shares of the Fund.
7.6 For purposes of Section 7.3 through 7.6 of this Agreement, a
majority of the disinterested members of the Board shall determine whether any
proposed action adequately remedies any irreconcilable material conflict, but in
no event will the Fund be required to establish a new funding medium for the
Contracts. The Company shall not be required by Section 7.3 or 7.4 to establish
a new funding medium for the Contract if an offer to do so has been declined by
vote of a majority of Contract owners materially adversely affected by the
irreconcilable material conflict. In the event that the Board determines that
any proposed action does not adequately remedy any irreconcilable material
conflict, then the Company will withdraw the Account's investment in the Fund
and terminate this Agreement within six (6) months after the Board informs the
Company in writing of the foregoing determination; provided, however, that such
withdrawal and termination shall be limited to the extent required by any such
material irreconcilable conflict as determined by a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board.
7.7 If and to the extent Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, Rule 6e-3 is adopted,
to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940 Act or the rules
promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as defined in
the shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different
from those contained in the Shared funding Exemptive Order, then (a) the Fund
and/or the Participating Insurance Companies, as appropriate, shall take such
steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and
Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable; and (b) Sections
3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 7.1., 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 of this Agreement shall continue in
effect only to the extent that terms and conditions substantially identical to
such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so amended or adopted.
ARTICLE VIII. Indemnification
8.1 Indemnification By the Company
8.1(a). The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Fund and the Underwriter and each of their officers and directors and each
person, if any, who controls the Fund or the Underwriter within the meaning of
Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes
of this Section 8.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities
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(including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company)
or litigation (including legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified
Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or
otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof) or settlements are related to the sale or
acquisition of the Fund's shares or the Contracts and:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statements or
alleged untrue statements of any material fact contained
in the Registration Statement, prospectus (which shall
include an offering memorandum, if any), or statement of
additional information ("SAI") for the Contracts or
contained in the Contracts or sales literature or other
promotional material for the Contracts (or any amendment
or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify
shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such
statement or omission or such alleged statement or
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of
the Fund for use in the Registration Statement, prospectus
or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales
literature or other promotional material (or any amendment
or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the
sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or
representations (other than statements or representations
contained in the Registration Statement, prospectus or
sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund
not supplied by the Company or persons under its control)
or wrongful conduct of the Company or persons under its
authorization or control, with respect to the sale or
distribution of the Contracts or Fund Shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in a Registration
Statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other
promotional material of the Fund or any amendment thereof
or supplement thereto or the omission or alleged omission
to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading if such a statement or omission was made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished
to the Fund by or on behalf of the Company; or
(iv) arise as a result of any material failure by the Company
to provide the services and furnish the materials under
the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether
unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply
with the qualification requirements specified in Section
6.3 of this Agreement); or
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14
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any
representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this
Agreement or arise out of or result from any other
material breach of this Agreement by the Company,
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 8.1(b) and
8.1(c) hereof.
8.1(b). The Company shall not be liable under this
indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be
subject by reason of such Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or
gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by
reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of its obligations or
duties under this Agreement or its obligations and duties to the Fund or
Underwriter, whichever is applicable.
8.1(c). The Company shall not be liable under this
indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified
Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing
within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving
information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any
such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to
the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on
account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought
against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at
its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be
entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party
named in the action and to settle the claim at its own expense; provided,
however, that no such settlement shall, without the Indemnified Parties' written
consent, include any factual stipulation referring to the Indemnified Parties or
their conduct. After notice from the Company to such party of the Company's
election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the
fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will
not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense
thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
8.1(d). The Indemnified Parties will promptly notify the Company
of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection
with the Agreement, the issuance or sale of the Fund Shares or the Contracts, or
the operation of the Fund.
8.2 Indemnification by the Underwriter
8.2(a). The Underwriter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company and each of it's directors and officers and each person, if any, who
controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 8.2)
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid
in settlement with the written consent of the Underwriter) or litigation
(including legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become
subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect
thereof) or settlements are related to the sale or acquisition of the Fund's
shares or the Contracts; and
-14-
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(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in the Registration Statement or
prospectus or SAI or sales literature or other
promotional material of the Fund (or any amendment
or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out
of or are based upon the omission or the alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, provided that
this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to
any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission
or such alleged statement or omission was made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to the Underwriter or Fund by or on behalf
of the Company for use in the Registration Statement
or prospectus for the Fund or in sales literature or
other promotional material (or any amendment or
supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with
the sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or
representations (other than statements or
representations contained in the Registration
Statement, prospectus or sales literature or other
promotional material for the Contracts not supplied
by the Underwriter or persons under its control) or
wrongful conduct of the Fund or Underwriter or
persons under their authorization or control, with
respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts
or Fund shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in a
Registration Statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales
literature or other promotional material of the
Contracts, or any amendment thereof or supplement
thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statement or
statements therein not misleading, if such statement
or omission was made in reliance upon information
furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the
Fund; or
(iv) arise as a result of any material failure by the
Fund to provide the services and furnish the
materials under the terms of this Agreement
(including a failure, whether unintentional or in
good faith or otherwise, to comply with the
diversification and other qualification requirements
specified in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of this
Agreement); or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of
any representation and/or warranty made by the
Underwriter in this Agreement or arise out of or
result from any other material breach of this
Agreement by the Underwriter;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 8.2(b) and
8.2(c) hereof.
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8.2(b). The Underwriter shall not be liable under this
indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be
subject by reason of such Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or
gross negligence in the performance or such Indemnified Party's duties or by
reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of obligations and duties
under this Agreement or to the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.
8.2(c). The Underwriter shall not be liable under this
indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified
Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Underwriter in
writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process
giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Underwriter of
any such claim shall not relieve the Underwriter from any liability which it may
have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than
on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought
against the Indemnified Party, the Underwriter will be entitled to participate,
at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Underwriter also shall be
entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party
named in the action and to settle the claim at its own expense; provided,
however, that no such settlement shall, without the Indemnified Parties' written
consent, include any factual stipulation referring to the Indemnified Parties or
their conduct. After notice from the Underwriter to such party of the
Underwriter's election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party
shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and
the Underwriter will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any
legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in
connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation.
8.2(d). The Company agrees promptly to notify the Underwriter of
the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its
officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts
or the operation of the Account.
8.3 Indemnification By the Fund
8.3(a). The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who
controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
(collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 8.3)
against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities (including
amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Fund) or litigation
(including legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be
required to pay or may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common
law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities
or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the
operations of the Fund and:
(i) arise as a result of any material failure by the
Fund to provide the services and furnish the
materials under the terms of this Agreement
(including a failure, whether unintentional or in
good faith or otherwise, to comply with the
diversification and other qualification requirements
specified in-Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of this
Agreement); or
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17
(ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of
any representation and/or warranty made by the Fund
in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any
other material breach of this Agreement by the Fund;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 8.3(b) and
8.3(c) hereof.
8.3(b). The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such
Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the
performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified
Party's reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to
the Company, the Fund, the Underwriter or the Account, whichever is applicable.
8.3(c). The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification
provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless
such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Fund in writing within a
reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving
information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such
Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of
such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any
such claim shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which it may have to
the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on
account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought
against the Indemnified Parties, the Fund will be entitled to participate, at
its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Fund also shall be entitled to
assume the expense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the
action and to settle the claim at its own expense; provided, however, that no
such settlement shall, without the Indemnified Parties' written consent, include
any factual stipulation referring to the Indemnified Parties or their conduct.
After notice from the Fund to such party of the Fund's election to assume the
defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any
additional counsel retained by it, and the Fund will not be liable to such party
under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by
such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than
reasonable costs of investigation.
8.3(d). The Company and the Underwriter agree promptly to notify
the Fund of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any
of its respective officers or directors in connection with the Agreement, the
issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or
acquisition of shares of the Fund.
ARTICLE IX. Applicable Law
9.1 This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof
interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland,
without giving effect to conflict of laws principles.
9.2 This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933, 1934
and 1940 Acts, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including
such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant
(including, but not limited to, any Shared Funding Exemptive Order) and the
terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith.
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18
ARTICLE X. Termination
10.1 This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the
first to occur of:
(a) termination by any party, for any reason with respect to
some or all Designated Portfolios, by six (6) months'
advance written notice delivered to the other parties; or
(b) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund
and the Underwriter with respect to any Designated
Portfolio based upon the Company's determination that
shares of the Fund are not reasonably available to meet
the requirements of the Contracts; provided that such
termination shall apply only to the Designated Portfolio
not reasonably available; or
(c) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund
and the Underwriter in the event any of the Designated
Portfolio's shares are not registered, issued or sold in
accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or
such law precludes the use of such shares as the
underlying investment media of the Contracts issued or to
be issued by the Company; or
(d) termination by the Fund or Underwriter in the event that
formal administrative proceedings are instituted against
the Company by the NASD, the SEC, the Insurance
Commissioner or like official of any state or any other
regulatory body regarding the Company's duties under this
Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the
operation of any Account, or the purchase of the Fund
shares; provided, however, that the Fund or Underwriter
determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith,
that any such administrative proceedings will have a
material adverse effect upon the ability of the Company to
perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(e) termination by the Company in the event that formal
administrative proceedings are instituted against the Fund
or Underwriter by the NASD, the SEC, or any state
securities or insurance department or any other regulatory
body; provided, however, that the Company determines in
its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such
administrative proceedings will have a material adverse
effect upon the ability of the Fund or Underwriter to
perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund
and the Underwriter with respect to any Designated
Portfolio in the event that such Designated Portfolio
ceases to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company under
Subchapter M or fails to comply with the Section 817(h)
diversification requirements specified in Article VI
hereof, or if the Company reasonably believes that such
Designated Portfolio may fail to so qualify or comply; or
(g) termination by the Fund or Underwriter by written notice
to the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to
meet the qualifications specified in Section
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6.3 hereof; or if the Fund or Underwriter reasonably
believes that such Contracts may fail to so qualify; or
(h) termination by either the Fund or the Underwriter by
written notice to the Company, if either one or both of
the Fund or the Underwriter respectively, shall determine,
in their sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the
Company has suffered a material adverse change in its
business, operations, financial condition, or prospects
since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of
material adverse publicity and have a reasonable belief
that such material adverse publicity will have a material
adverse impact upon the business and operations of the
Company;
(i) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund
and the Underwriter, if the Company shall determine, in
its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Fund
or the Underwriter has suffered a material adverse change
in its business, operations, financial condition or
prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the
subject of material adverse publicity and have a
reasonable belief that such material adverse publicity
will have a material adverse impact upon the business and
operations of the Fund or the Underwriter;
(j) termination by the Company upon the Fund's failure to cure
a material breach of any provision of this Agreement
within thirty days after written notice thereof; or
(k) termination by the Fund or Underwriter upon the Company's
failure to cure a material breach of any provision of this
Agreement within thirty days after written notice thereof.
10.2 Effect of Termination. Notwithstanding any termination of this
Agreement, the Fund and the Underwriter shall, at the option of the Company,
continue to make available additional shares of the Fund pursuant to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective
date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as "Existing
Contracts"). Specifically, the owners of the Existing Contracts may be permitted
to reallocate investments in the Fund, redeem investments in the Fund and/or
invest in the Fund upon the making of additional purchase payments under the
Existing Contracts. The parties agree that this Section 10.2 shall not apply to
any termination under Article VII and the effect of such Article VII termination
shall be governed by Article VII of this Agreement.
10.3 Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party's
obligation under Article VIII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.
ARTICLE XI. Notices
Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or
certified mail to the other party at the address of such party set forth below
or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing
to the other party.
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If to the Fund:
X. Xxxx Price Associates, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
If to the Company:
Sage Life Assurance of America, Inc.
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
If to Underwriter:
X. Xxxx Price Investment Services
000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
ARTICLE XII. Miscellaneous
12.1 All references herein to the Fund are to each of the undersigned
Funds as if this agreement were between such individual Fund and the Underwriter
and the Company. All references herein to the Adviser relate solely to the
Adviser of such individual Fund, as appropriate. All persons dealing with a Fund
must look solely to the property of such Fund, and in the case of a series
company, the respective Designated Portfolio listed on Schedule A hereto as
though such Designated Portfolio had separately contracted with the Company and
the Underwriter for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund. The parties
agree that neither the Board, officers, agents or shareholders assume any
personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on
behalf of the Fund.
12.2 Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory
authority, each party hereto shall treat as confidential the names and addresses
of the owners of the Contracts and all information reasonably identified as
confidential in writing by any other party hereto and, except as permitted by
this Agreement, shall not disclose, disseminate or utilize such names and
addresses and other confidential information without the express written consent
of the affected party until such time as such information may come into the
public domain.
12.3 The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or
otherwise affect their construction or effect.
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12.4 This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
12.5 If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by
a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement
shall not be affected thereby.
12.6 Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all
appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, the
NASD, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit each other and such
authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any
investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party
hereto further agrees to furnish the Delaware Insurance Commissioner with any
information or reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement
which such Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable
annuity operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent
with Delaware variable annuity laws and regulations and any other applicable law
or regulations.
12.7 The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement
are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and
obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under
state and federal laws.
12.8 This Agreement or any of the rights and obligations hereunder may
not be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of all parties
hereto.
12.9 Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, neither
the Fund, its Adviser, its Underwriter, or any affiliates thereof, shall use any
trademark, trade name, service xxxx or logo of the Company or any of its
affiliates, or any variation of any such trademark, trade name, service xxxx or
logo, without the Company's prior written consent, the granting of which shall
be at the Company's sole option.
12.10 Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, neither
the Company nor any of its affiliates shall use any trademark, trade name,
service xxxx or logo of the Fund, its Adviser, its Underwriter, or any
affiliates thereof, or any variation of any such trademark, trade name, service
xxxx or logo without the Fund's or Adviser's prior written consent, the granting
of which shall be at the Fund's or Adviser's sole option.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement
to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized
representative and its seal to be hereunder affixed hereto as of the date
specified below.
COMPANY: SAGE LIFE ASSURANCE OF AMERICA, INC.
By its authorized officer
By:
---------------------------------------
Title:
------------------------------------
Date:
-------------------------------------
FUND: X. XXXX PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC.
By its authorized officer
By:
---------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
------------------------------------
Date:
-------------------------------------
UNDERWRITER: X. XXXX PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
By its authorized officer
By:
---------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
------------------------------------
Date:
-------------------------------------
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SCHEDULE A
Name of Separate Account Contracts Funded by
and Date Established Separate Account Designated Portfolios
by Board of Directors
X. Xxxx Price Equity
Series, Inc.
- X. Xxxx Price Equity
Income Portfolio
- X. Xxxx Price Mid-Cap
Growth Portfolio
- X. Xxxx Price
Personal Strategy
Balanced Portfolio
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