Exhibit 99.B.8.1
FORM OF PARTICIPATION AGREEMEENT
BY AND AMONG
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.,
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY,
ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND
ITS SEPARATE ACCOUNTS,
AND
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
Description
Section 1. Available Funds........................................2
1.1 Availability ................................................2
1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds..................2
1.3 No Sales to the General Public...............................2
Section 2. Processing Transactions.........................................2
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders....................................2
2.2 Timely Payments .............................................3
2.3 Applicable Price ............................................3
2.4 Dividends and Distributions .................................4
2.5 Book Entry ..................................................4
Section 3. Costs and Expenses..............................................4
3.1 General .....................................................4
3.2 Registration ................................................4
3.3 Other (Non-Sales-Related) ...................................5
3.4 Other (Sales-Related) .......................................5
3.5 Parties To Cooperate.........................................5
Section 4. Legal Compliance................................................5
4.1 Tax Laws ....................................................5
4.2 Insurance and Certain Other Laws.............................8
4.3 Securities Laws..............................................8
4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstances........9
4.5 LIFE COMPANY To Provide Documents; Information About AVIF 10
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About LIFE COMPANY 11
Section 5. Mixed and Shared Funding.......................................12
5.1 General ....................................................12
5.2 Disinterested Directors.....................................13
5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts............13
5.4 Conflict Remedies...........................................14
5.5 Notice to LME COMPANY.......................................15
5.6. Information Requested by Board of Directors.................15
5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules...................................15
5.8 Other Requirements..........................................16
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Section 6. Termination ...................................................16
6.1 Events of Termination.......................................16
6.2 Notice Requirement for Termination..........................17
6.3 Funds To Remain Available...................................17
6.4 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications.................18
6.5 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes...............18
Section 7. Parties To Cooperate Respecting Termination....................18
Section 8. Assignment ....................................................18
Section 9. Notices .......................................................18
Section 10. Voting Procedures............................................19
Section II. Foreign Tax Credits..........................................20
Section 12. Indemnification..............................................20
12.1 Of AVIF by LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER.....................20
12.2 Of LIFE COMPANY and UNDERWRITER by AVIF.....................22
12.3 Effect of Notice............................................25
12.4 Successors ...............................................25
Section 13. Applicable Law ...............................................25
Section 14. Execution in Counterparts.....................................25
Section 15. Severability..................................................25
Section 16. Rights Cumulative.............................................25
Section 17. Headings .....................................................25
Section 18. Confidentiality...............................................26
Section 19. Trademarks and Fund Names.....................................26
Section 20. Parties to Cooperate.........................................28
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PARTICIPATION AGREEMEENT
THIS AGREEMEENT, made and entered into as of the day of 1998
("Agreement"), by and among AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., a
Maryland corporation ("AVIF"); _______________, a _____________
corporation ("the Adviser"), Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company,
a Connecticut life insurance company ("ALIAC"), on behalf of itself and
each of its segregated asset accounts listed in Schedule A hereto, as
the parties hereto may amend from time to time (each, an "Account, "
and collectively, the "Accounts"); and AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY
COMPANY, the principal underwriter of the Contracts ("UNDERWRITER")
(collectively, the "Parties').
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, AVIF is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") as an open-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the " 1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, AVIF currently consists of nine separate series ("Series"),
shares ("Shares") of each of which are registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the " 1933 Act") and are currently sold to one or more
separate accounts of life insurance companies to fund benefits under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts; and
WHEREAS, AVIF will make Shares of each Series listed on Schedule A hereto
as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time (each a "Fund"; reference
herein to "AVIF" includes reference to each Fund, to the extent the context
requires) available for purchase by the Accounts; and
[INSERT WHEREAS ABOUT ADVISER]
WHEREAS, ALIAC represents that it has established Variable Annuity
Account B, C and D and may establish such other accounts as may be set forth in
Schedule A attached hereto and as may be amended from time to time with the
mutual consent of the parties hereto (the "Accounts"), each of which is a
separate account under Connecticut Insurance law, and has registered or will
registered each of the Accounts (except for such Accounts for which no such
registration is required) as a unit investment trust under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), to serve as an investment vehicle for the
Contracts. Each Contract provides for the allocation of net amounts received by
the Company to an Account for investment in the shares of one or more specified
open-end management investment companies available through that Account as
underlying investment media. Selection of a particular investment management
company and
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changes therein from time to time are made by the participant or Contract
owner, as applicable under a particular Contract.
WHEREAS, LIFE COMPANY will be the issuer of certain variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance contracts ("Contracts") which Contracts
(hereinafter collectively, the "Contracts"), if required by applicable law, will
be registered under the 1933 Act; and
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and
regulations, LIFE COMPANY intends to purchase Shares in one or more of the Funds
on behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts; and
WHEREAS, UNDERWRITER is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (" 1934 Act") and a member in good standing of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits and promises
contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1. Available Funds
1.1 Availability
AVIF will make Shares of each Fund available to LIFE COMPANY for purchase
and redemption at net asset value and with no sales charges, subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Board of Directors of AVIF may
refuse to sell Shares of any Fund to any person, or suspend or terminate the
offering of Shares of any Fund if such action is required by law or by
regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the
Directors acting in good faith and in light of their fiduciary duties under
federal and any applicable state laws, such action is deemed in the best
interests of the shareholders of such Fund.
1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds.
The Parties hereto may agree, from time to time, to add other Funds to
provide additional funding media for the Contracts, or to delete, combine, or
modify existing Funds, by amending Schedule A hereto. Upon such amendment to
Schedule A, any applicable reference to a Fund, AVIF, or its Shares herein shall
include a reference to any such additional Fund. Schedule A, as amended from
time to time, is incorporated herein by reference and is a part hereof.
1.3 No Sales to the General Public.
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The Fund and the Adviser represent and warrant that the investments of
the series of the Fund (each designated a "Portfolio") specified in Schedule A
attached hereto (as may be amended from time to time with the mutual consent of
the parties hereto) will at all times be adequately diversified within the
meaning of Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and the Regulations thereunder, and that at all times
while this agreement is in effect, all beneficial interests will be owned by one
or more insurance companies or by any other party permitted under Section
1.817-5(f)(3) of the Regulations promulgated under the Code or by the successor
thereto, or by any other party permitted under a Revenue Ruling or private
letter ruling granted by the Internal Revenue Service.
Section 2. Processing Transactions
2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders.
(a) AVIF or its designated agent will use its best efforts to provide LIFE
COMPANY with the net asset value per Share, dividend and capital gain
information for each Fund by 6:30 p.m. Eastern l Time on each Business Day. As
used herein, "Business Day" shall mean any day on which (i) the New York Stock
Exchange is, open for regular trading, (ii) AVIF calculates the Fund's net asset
value, and (iii) LIFE COMPANY is open for business.
(b) LIFE COMPANY will use the data provided by AVIF each Business Day
pursuant to paragraph (a) immediately above to calculate Account unit values and
to process transactions that receive that same Business Day's Account unit
values. LIFE COMPANY will perform such Account processing the same Business Day,
and will place corresponding orders to purchase or redeem Shares with AVIF by
10:00 a.m. Eastern Time the following Business Day; provided, however, that AVIF
shall provide additional time to LIFE COMPANY in the event that AVIF is unable
to meet the 6:30 p.m. time stated in paragraph (a) immediately above. Such
additional time shall be equal to the additional time that AVIF takes to make
the net asset values available to LIFE COMPANY.
(c) With respect to payment of the purchase price by LIFE COMPANY and of
redemption proceeds by AVIF, LIFE COMPANY and AVIF shall net purchase and
redemption orders with respect to each Fund and shall transmit one net payment
for all Fund in accordance with Section 2.2, below.
(d) If AVIF provides materially incorrect Share net asset value information
(as determined under SEC guidelines), LIFE COMPANY shall be entitled to an
adjustment to the number of Shares purchased or redeemed to reflect the correct
net asset value per Share. Any material error in the calculation or reporting of
net asset value per Share,
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dividend or capital gain information shall be reported promptly upon discovery
to LIFE COMPANY.
2.2 Timely Payments.
LIFE COMPANY will wire payment for net purchases to a custodial account
designated by AVIF by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day as the order for
Shares is placed, to the extent practicable. AVIF will wire payment for net
redemptions to an account designated by LIFE COMPANY by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
on the same day as the Order is placed, to the extent practicable.
2.3 Applicable Price.
(a) Share purchase payments and redemption orders that result from
purchase payments, premium payments, surrenders and other transactions under
Contracts (collectively, "Contract transactions") and that LIFE COMPANY
receives prior to the close of regular trading on the New-York Stock Exchange on
a Business Day will be executed at the net asset values OF the appropriate Funds
next computed after receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the orders. For
purposes of this Section 2.3(a), LIFE COMPANY shall be the designated agent of
AVIF for receipt of orders relating to Contract transactions on each Business
Day and receipt by such designated agent shall constitute receipt by AVIF;
provided that AVIF receives notice of such orders by 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on
the next following Business Day or such later time as computed in accordance
with Section 2. 1 (b) hereof.
(b) All other Share purchases and redemptions by LIFE COMPANY will be
effected at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after
receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the order therefor, and such orders
will be irrevocable.
2.4 Dividends and Distributions.
LIFE COMPANY hereby elects to reinvest all dividends and capital gains
distributions in additional Shares of the corresponding Fund at the dividend
date net asset values until LIFE COMPANY otherwise notifies AVIF in writing, it
being agreed by the Parties that the ex-dividend date and the payment date with
respect to any dividend or distribution will be the same Business Day. LIFE
COMPANY reserves the right to revoke this election and to receive all such
income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
2.5 Book Entry.
Issuance and transfer of AVIF Shares will be by book entry only. Stock
certificates will not be issued to LIFE COMPANY. Shares ordered from AVIF will
be recorded in an appropriate title for LIFE COMPANY, on behalf of its Account.
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Section 3. Costs and Expenses
3.1 Expenses.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all expenses
incident to the performance by the Fund under this Agreement shall
be paid by the Fund, including the cost of registration of Fund
shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and
in states where required. The Fund and Adviser shall pay no fee or
other compensation to the Company under this Agreement, and the
Company shall pay no fee or other compensation to the Fund or
Adviser, except as provided herein and in Schedule C attached
hereto and made a part of this Agreement as may be amended from
time to time with the mutual consent of the parties hereto. All
expenses incident to performance by each party of its respective
duties under this Agreement shall be paid by that party, unless
otherwise specified in this Agreement.
(b) The Fund or the Adviser shall provide to the Company Post Script
files of periodic fund reports to shareholders and other materials
that are required by law to be sent to Contract owners. In
addition, the Fund or the Adviser shall provide the Company with a
sufficient quantity of its prospectuses, statements of additional
information and any supplements to any of these materials, to be
used in connection with the offerings and transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. In addition, the Fund shall
provide the Company with a sufficient quantity of its proxy
material that is required to be sent to Contract owners. The
Adviser shall be permitted to review and approve the typeset form
of such material prior to such printing provided such material has
been provided by the Adviser to the Company within a reasonable
period of time prior to typesetting.
(c) In lieu of the Fund's or Adviser's providing printed copies of
prospectuses, statements of additional information and any
supplements to any of these materials, and periodic fund reports
to shareholders, the Company shall have the right to request that
the Fund transmit a copy of such materials in an electronic format
(Post Script files), which the Company may use to have such
materials printed together with similar materials of other Account
funding media that the Company or any distributor will distribute
to existing or prospective Contract owners or participants.
Section 4. Legal Compliance
4.1 Tax Laws.
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(a) AVIF represents and warrants that each Fund is currently qualified as
a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and represents that it will use
its best efforts to qualify and to maintain qualification of each Fund as a RIC.
AVIF will notify LIFE COMPANY immediately upon having a reasonable basis for
believing that a Fund has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify
in the future.
(b) AVIF represents that it will use its best efforts to comply and to
maintain each Fund's compliance with the diversification requirements set forth
in Section 817(h) of the Code and Section 1.817-5(b) of the regulations under
the Code. AVIF will notify LIFE COMPANY immediately upon having a reasonable
basis for believing that a Fund has ceased to so comply or that a Fund might not
so comply in the future. In the event of a breach of this Section 4. 1 (b) by
AVIF, it will take all reasonable steps to adequately diversify the Fund so as
to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Section 1.817-5 of the
regulations under the Code.
(c) LIFE COMPANY agrees that if the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")
asserts in writing in connection with any governmental audit or review of LIFE
COMPANY or, to LIFE COMPANY's knowledge, of any Participant, that any Fund has
failed to comply with the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the
Code or LIFE COMPANY otherwise becomes aware of any facts that could give rise
to any claim against AVIF or its affiliates as a result of such a failure or
alleged failure:
(i) LIFE COMPANY shall promptly notify AVIF of such assertion or
potential claim (subject to the Confidentiality provisions of
Section 18 as to any Participant);
(ii) LIFE COMPANY shall consult with AVIF as to how to minimize any
liability that may arise as a result of such failure or
alleged failure;
(iii) LIFE COMPANY shall use its best efforts to minimum any
liability of AVIF or its affiliates resulting from such
failure, including, without limitation, demonstrating,
pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.8175(a)(2), to the
Commissioner of the IRS that such failure was inadvertent;
(iv) LIFE COMPANY shall permit AVIF, its affiliates and their legal
and accounting advisors to participate in any conferences,
settlement discussions or other administrative or judicial
proceeding or contests (including judicial appeals thereof)
with the IRS, any Participant or any other claimant regarding
any claims that could give rise to liability to AVIF or its
affiliates as a result of such a failure or alleged failure;
provided, however, that LIFE COMPANY will retain control of
the conduct of such conferences discussions, proceedings,
contests or appeals;
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(v) any written materials to be submitted by LIFE COMPANY to the
IRS, any Participant or any other claimant in connection with
any of the foregoing proceedings or contests (including,
without limitation, any such materials to be submitted to the
IRS pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1. 8 17-5(a)(2)),
shall be provided by LIFE COMPANY to AVIF (together with any
supporting information or analysis); subject to the
confidentiality provisions of Section 18, at least five (5)
business days or such shorter period to which the Parties
hereto agree prior to the day on which such proposed materials
are to be submitted;
(vi) LIFE COMPANY shall provide AVIF or its affiliates and their
accounting and legal advisors with such cooperation as AVIF
shall reasonably request (including, without limitation, by
permitting AVIF and its accounting and legal advisors to
review the relevant books and records of LIFE COMPANY) in
order to facilitate review by AVIF or its advisors of any
written submissions provided to it pursuant to the preceding
clause or its assessment of the validity or amount of any
claim against its arising from such a failure or alleged
failure;
(vii) LIFE COMPANY shall not with respect to any claim of the IRS or
any Participant that would give rise to a claim against AVIF
or its affiliates (a) compromise or settle any claim, (b)
accept any adjustment on audit, or (c) forego any allowable
administrative or judicial appeals, without the express
written consent of AVIF or its affiliates, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld, provided that LIFE COMPANY shall not be
required to appeal any adverse judicial decision;
(viii) AVIF and its affiliates shall have no liability as a result of
such failure or alleged failure if LIFE COMPANY fails to
comply with any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii),
and such failure could be shown to have materially contributed
to the liability.
Should AVIF or Adviser or any of its affiliates refuse to give its
written consent to any compromise or settlement of any claim or liability
hereunder, LIFE COMPANY may, in its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates
to act in the name of LIFE COMPANY in, and to control the conduct of, such
conferences, discussions, proceedings, contests or appeals and all
administrative or judicial appeals thereof, and in that event AVIF or its
affiliates shall bear the fees and expenses associated with the conduct of the
proceedings that it is so authorized to control; provided, that in no eve LIFE
COMPANY have any liability resulting from AVIF's refusal to accept the proposed
settlement or compromise with respect to any failure caused by AVIF. As used in
this Agreement, the term "affiliates" shall have the same meaning as "affiliated
person" as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act.
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(d) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that the Contracts are
intended to qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under
applicable provisions of the Code and that it will use its best efforts to
maintain such treatment; LIFE COMPANY will notify AVIF immediately upon having a
reasonable basis for believing that any of the Contracts have ceased to be so
treated or that they might not be so treated in the near future.
(e) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that each Account is a
"segregated asset account" and that interests in each Account are offered
exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a "variable contract,"
within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the
regulations thereunder. LIFE COMPANY will use its best efforts to continue to
meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify AVIF immediately upon
having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be
met or that they might not be met in the near future.
4.2 Insurance and Certain Other Laws.
(a) AVIF or Adviser represent and warrant that they will comply with any
applicable state insurance laws or regulations, and will furnish information not
otherwise available to LIFE COMPANY which is required by state insurance law to
enable LIFE COMPANY to obtain the authority needed to issue the Contracts in any
applicable state.
(b) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that (i) it is an insurance
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Connecticut and has full corporate power, authority and legal right
to execute, deliver and perform its duties and comply with its obligations under
this Agreement, (ii) it has legally and validly established and maintains each
Account as a segregated asset account under Section 38a of the Connecticut
Insurance Law and the regulations thereunder, and (iii) the Contracts comply in
all material respects with all other applicable federal and state laws and
regulations.
(c) AVIF represents and warrants that (i) it is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Maryland and has full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver, and
perform its duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement, (ii) it
has provided to LIFE COMPANY the Shared Funding Exemptive Order issued by the
SEC dated _____ (File No. ___), and (iii) the Funds and Accounts comply in all
mutual respects with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
4.3 Securities Laws.
(a) LIFE COMPANY represents and warrants that (i) interests in each
Account pursuant to the Contracts will be registered under the 1933 Act to the
extent required by the 1933 Act, (ii) the Contracts will be duly authorized for
issuance and sold in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws;
including, without limitation, the
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1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and Connecticut law, (iii) each Account is
and will remain registered under the1940 Act, to the extent required by the 1940
Act, (iv) each Account does and will comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, to the extent required,
(v) each Account's 1933 Act registration statement relating to the Contracts,
together with any amendments thereto, with at all times comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder, (vi)
LIFE COMPANY will amend the registration statement for its Contracts under the
1933 Act and for its Accounts under the 1940 Act from time to time as required
in order to effect the continuous offering of its Contracts or as may otherwise
be required by applicable law, and (vii) each Account Prospectus will at all
times comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and
the rules thereunder.
(b) AVIF and Adviser represent and warrant that (i) Shares sold pursuant
to this Agreement will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent required
by the 1933 Act and duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with
Maryland law, (ii) AVIF is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act to the
extent required by the 1940 Act, (iii) AVIF will amend the registration
statement for its Shares under the 1933 Act and itself under the 1940 Act from
time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of its
Shares, (iv) AVIF does and will comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, (v) AVIF's 1933 Act
registration statement, together with any amendments thereto, will at all times
comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and rules
thereunder, and (vi) AVIF's Prospectus will at all times comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.
(c) AVIF will at its expense register and qualify its Shares for sale in
accordance with the laws of any state or other jurisdiction if and to the extent
reasonably deemed advisable by AVIF.
(d) AVIF currently does not intend to make any payments to finance
distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or otherwise,
although it reserves the right to make such payments in the future. To the
extent that it decides to finance distribution expenses pursuant to Rule 12b-1,
AVIF undertakes to have its Board of Directors, a majority of whom are not
"interested" persons of the Fund, formulate and approve any plan under Rule
12b-1 to finance distribution expenses.
(e) AVIF represents and warrants that all of its trustees, officers,
employees, investment advisers, and other individuals/entities having access to
the funds and/or securities of the Fund are and 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 minimal coverage as required currently by
Rule 17g-(l) of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from
time to time. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement
and is issued by a reputable bonding company.
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4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstances.
(a) AVIF and Adviser will immediately notify LIFE COMPANY of (i) the
issuance by any court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist
order, or other similar order with respect to AVIF's registration statement
under the 1933 Act or AVIF Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any
amendment to such registration statement or AVIF Prospectus that may affect the
offering of Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that
purpose or for any other purpose relating to the registration or offering of
AVIF's Shares, or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the
lawful offer or sale of Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction,
including, without limitation, any circumstances in which (a) such Shares are
not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with
applicable state and federal law, or (b) such law precludes the use of such
Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Contracts issued or to be
issued by LIFE COMPANY. AVIIF will make every reasonable effort to prevent the
issuance, with respect to any Fund, of any such stop order, cease and desist
order or similar order and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting
thereof at the earliest possible time.
(b) LIFE COMPANY will immediately notify AVIF and Adviser of (i) the
issuance by any court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist
order, or other similar order with respect to each Account's registration
statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Contracts or each Account
Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any amendment to such registration
statement or Account Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF,
(iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or for any other
purpose relating to the registration or offering of each Account's interests
pursuant to the Contracts, or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may
prevent the lawful offer or sale of said interests in any state or jurisdiction,
including, without limitation, any circumstances in which said interests are not
registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with
applicable state and federal law. LIFE COMPANY will make every reasonable effort
to prevent the issuance of any such stop order, cease and desist order or
similar order and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at
the earliest possible time.
4.5 LIFE COMPANY To Provide Documents: Information About AVIF.
(a) LIFE COMPANY will, upon reasonable request, provide to AVIF or its
designated agent at least one (1) complete copy of all SEC registration
statements, Account Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary and final voting
instruction solicitation material, applications for exemptions, requests for
no action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to each
Account or the Contracts, as soon as possible after the filing with the filing
of such document with the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
(b) LIFE COMPANY will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which AVIF or any of its affiliates is named, at least two (2)
Business Days prior to its use or
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such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. No
such material shall be used if AVIF or its designated agent reasonably objects
to such use within two (2) Business Days after receipt of such material or such
shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. The
parties recognize that once a sales piece has been approved, it may be altered
slightly or parts of the text may be used in different settings without a
reapproval process. AVIF hereby designates AIM as the entity to receive such
sales literature, until such time as AVIF appoints another designated agent by
giving notice to LIFE COMPANY in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.
(c) Neither LIFE COMPANY nor any of its affiliates, will give any
information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning
AVIF or its affiliates in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than
(i) the information or representations contained in the registration statement,
including the AVIF Prospectus contained therein, relating to Shares, as such
registration statement and AVEP Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or
(ii) in reports or proxy materials for AVIF; or (iii) in published reports for
AVIF that are in the public domain and approved by AVIF for distribution; or
(iv) in sales literature or other promotional material approved by AVIF, except
with the express written permission of AVIF.
(d) LIFE COMPANY shall adopt and implement procedures reasonably
designed to ensure that information concerning AVIF and its affiliates that is
intended for use only by brokers or agents selling the Contracts (i.e.,
information that is not intended for distribution to Participants) ("broker only
materials") is so used, and neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates shall e
liable for any losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such
broker only materials.
(e) For the purposes of this Section 4.5, the phrase "sales literature or
other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g.,
on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales
literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally
available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research
reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of
any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or
training materials or other communications distributed or made generally
available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements,
prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and
proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or
advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 0000 Xxx.
4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents: Information About LIFE COMPANY.
(a) AVIF wi1l provide to LIFE COMPANY at least one (1) complete copy of
all SEC registration statements, AVIF Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary and
final proxy material, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action
letters, and all amendments
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to any of the above, that relate to AVIF or the Shares of a Fund,
contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other
regulatory authorities.
(b) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY camera ready or computer diskette
copies of all AVIF prospectuses and printed copies, in an amount specified by
LIFE COMPANY, of AVIF statements of additional information, proxy materials,
periodic reports to shareholders and other materials required by law to be sent
to Participants who have allocated any Contract value to a Fund. AVIF will
provide such copies to LIFE COMPANY in a timely manner so as to enable LIFE
COMPANY, as the case may be, to print and distribute such materials within the
time required by law to be furnished to Participants.
(c) AVIF will provide to LIFE COMPANY or its designated agent at least
one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional
material in which LIFE COMPANY, or any of its respective affiliates is named, or
that refers to the Contracts, at least five (5) Business-Days prior to its use
or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon.
No such material shall be used if LIFE COMPANY or its designated agent objects
to such use within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such material or such
shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. LIFE
COMPANY shall receive all such sales literature until such time as it appoints a
designated agent by giving notice to AVI:F in the manner required by Section 9
hereof.
(d) Neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates will give any information or
make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning LIFE COMPANY,
each Account, or the Contracts other than (i) the information or representations
contained in the registration statement, including each Account Prospectus
contained therein, relating to the Contracts, as such registration statement and
Account Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or (ii) in published
reports for the Account or the Contracts that are in the public domain and
approved by LIFE COMPANY for distribution; or (iii) in sales literature or other
promotional material approved by LIFE COMPANY or its affiliates, except with the
express written permission of LIFE COMPANY.
(e) AVIF shall cause its principal underwriter to adopt and implement
procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning LIFE
COMPANY, and its respective affiliates that is intended for use only by brokers
or agents selling the Contracts (i.e., information that is not intended for
distribution to Participants) ("broker only materials") is so used, and neither
LIFE COMPANY, nor any of its respective affiliates shall be liable for any
losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only
materials.
(f) For purposes of this Section 4.6, the phrase "sales literature or
other promotional material" includes, but is not limited to, advertisements
(such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or
other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape
display, signs or billboards, motion
15
pictures, or other public media, (e.g., on-line networks such as the Internet or
other electronic messages), sales literature (i.e., any written communication
distributed or made generally available to customers or the public, including
brochures, circulars, research reports, market letters, form letters, seminar
texts, reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or
published article), educational or training materials or other communications
distributed or made generally available to some or all agents or employees,
registration statements, prospectuses, statements of additional information,
shareholder reports, and proxy materials and any other material constituting
sales literature or advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940
Act.
Section 5. Mixed and Shared Funding
5.1. General.
The SEC has granted an order to AVIF exempting it from certain
provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder so that AVIF may be available
for investment by certain other entities, including, without limitation,
separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
contracts, separate accounts of insurance companies unaffiliated with LIFE
COMPANY, and trustees of qualified pension and retirement plans (collectively,
"Mixed and Shared Funding"). The Parties recognize that the SEC has imposed
terms and conditions for such orders that are substantially identical to many of
the provisions of this Section 5. Sections 5.2 through 5.8 below shall apply
pursuant to such an exemptive order granted to AVIF. AVIF hereby notifies LIFE
COMPANY that, in the event that AVIF implements Mixed and Shared Funding, it may
be appropriate to include in the prospectus pursuant to which a Contract is
offered disclosure regarding the potential risks of Mixed and Shared Funding.
5.2 Disinterested Directors.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors shall at all times consist of
directors a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Directors") are not interested
persons of AVIF within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the
rules thereunder and as modified by any applicable orders of the SEC, except
that if this condition is not met by reason of the death, disqualification, or
bona fide resignation of any director, then the operation of this condition
shall be suspended (a) for a period of forty-five (45) days if the vacancy or
vacancies may be filled by the Board; (b) for a period of sixty (60) days if a
vote of shareholders is required to fill the vacancy or vacancies; or (c) for
such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by order upon application.
5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts.
AVIF agrees that its Board of Directors will monitor for the existence
of any material irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the
Participants in all separate
16
accounts of life insurance companies utilizing AVIF ("Participating Insurance
Companies"), including each Account, and participants in all qualified
retirement and pension plans investing in AVIF ("Participating Plans'). LIFE
COMPANY agrees to inform the Board of Directors of AVIF of the existence of or
any potential for any such material irreconcilable conflict of which it is
aware. The concept of a "material irreconcilable conflict" is not defined by the
1940 Act or the rules thereunder, but the Parties recognize that such a conflict
may arise for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation:
(a) an action by any state insurance or other regulatory authority;
(b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance, tax or securities
laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter ruling, no-action or
interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance, tax or securities
regulatory authorities;
(c) an administrative or judicial decision in any relevant proceeding;
(d) the manner in which the investments of any Fund are being managed;
(e) a difference in voting instructions given by variable annuity
contract and variable life insurance contract Participants or by Participants of
different Participating Insurance companies;
(f) a decision by a Participating Insurance Company to disregard the
voting instructions of Participants; or
(g) a decision by a Participating Plan to disregard the voting
instructions of Plan participants.
Consistent with the SEC's requirements in connection with exemptive
orders of the type referred to in Section 5.1 hereof, LIFE COMPANY will assist
the Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the
Board of Directors with all information reasonably necessary for the Board of
Directors to consider any issue raised, including information as to a decision
by LIFE COMPANY to disregard voting instructions of Participants.
5.4 Conflict Remedies.
(a) It is agreed that if it is determined by a majority of the members of
the Board of Directors or a majority of the Disinterested Directors that a
material irreconcilable conflict exists, LIFE COMPANY will, if it is a
Participating Insurance Company for which a material irreconcilable conflict is
relevant, at its own expense and to the extent reasonably practicable (as
determined by a majority of the Disinterested Directors), take whatever steps
are necessary to remedy or eliminate the material irreconcilable conflict, which
steps may include, but are not limited to:
17
(i) withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of the Accounts
from AVIF or any Fund and reinvesting such assets in a different
investment medium, including another Fund of AVIF, or submitting
the question whether such segregation should be implemented to a
vote of all affected Participants and, as appropriate, segregating
the assets of any particular group (e.g., annuity Participants,
life insurance Participants or all Participants) that votes in
favor of such segregation, or offering to the affected
Participants the option of making such a change; and
(ii) establishing a new registered investment company of the type
defined as a "management company" in Section 4(3) of the 1940 Act
or a new separate account that is operated as a management
company.
(b) If the material irreconcilable conflict arises because of LIFE
COMPANY's decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that
decision represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, LIFE
COMPANY may be required, at AVIF's election, to withdraw each Account's
investment in AVIF or any Fund. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result
of such withdrawal. Any such withdrawal must take place within six (6) months
after AVIF gives notice to LIFE COMPANY that this provision is being
implemented, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and
implement orders by LIFE COMPANY for the purchase and redemption of Shares of
AVIF.
(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular
state insurance regulator's decision applicable to LIFE COMPANY conflicts with
the majority of other state regulators, then LIFE COMPANY will withdraw each
Account's investment in AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of
Directors informs LIFE COMPANY that it has determined that such decision has
created a material irreconcilable conflict, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall
continue to accept and implement orders by LIFE COMPANY for the purchase and
redemption of Shares of AVIF. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result
of such withdrawal.
(d) LIFE COMPANY agrees that any remedial action taken by it in resolving
any material irreconcilable conflict will be carried out at its expense and with
a view only to the interests of Participants.
(e) For purposes hereof, a majority of the Disinterested Directors will
determine whether or not any proposed action adequately remedies any material
irreconcilable conflict. In no event, however, will AVIF or any of its
affiliates be required to establish a new funding medium for any Contracts. LIFE
COMPANY will not be required by the terms hereof to establish a new funding
medium for any Contracts if an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a
majority of Participants materially adversely affected by the material
irreconcilable conflict.
18
5.5 Notice to LIFE COMPANY.
AVIF will promptly make known in writing to LIFE COMPANY the Board of
Directors' determination of the existence of a material irreconcilable conflict,
a description of the facts that give rise to such conflict and the implications
of such conflict.
5.6 Information Requested by Board of Directors.
LIFE COMPANY and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at least annually
submit to the Board of Directors of AVIF such reports, materials or data as the
Board of Directors may reasonably request so that the Board of Directors may
fully carry out the obligations imposed upon it by the provisions hereof or any
exemptive order granted by the SEC to permit Mixed and Shared Funding, and said
reports, materials and data will be submitted at any reasonable time deemed
appropriate by the Board of Directors. All reports received by the Board of
Directors of potential or existing conflicts, and all Board of Directors actions
with regard to determining the existence of a conflict, notifying Participating
Insurance Companies and Participating Plan of a conflict, and determining
whether any proposed action adequately remedies a conflict, will be properly
recorded in the minutes of the Board of Directors or other appropriate records,
and such minutes or other records will be made available to the SEC upon
request.
5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules.
If, at any time during which AVIF is serving as an investment medium for
variable life insurance Contracts, 1940 Act Rules 6e-3(T) or, if applicable,
6e-2 are amended or Rule 6e-3 is adopted to provide exemptive relief with
respect to Mixed and Shared Funding, AVIF agrees that it will comply with the
terms and conditions thereof and that the terms of this Section 5 shall be
deemed modified if and only to the extent required in order also to comply with
the terms and conditions of such exemptive relief that is afforded by any of
said rules that are applicable.
5.8 Other Requirements.
AVIF will require that each Participating Insurance Company and
Participating Plan enter into an agreement with AVIF that contains in substance
the same provisions as are set forth in Sections 4. 1 (b), 4. 1 (d), 4.3 (a),
4.4(b), 4.5 (a), 5, and 10 of this Agreement.
19
Section 6. Termination
6.1 Events of Termination.
Subject to Section 6.3 below, this Agreement will terminate as to a Fund:
(a) at the option of either the Company, the Adviser or the Fund, upon
sixty days advance written notice to the other parties;
(b) at the option of the Company, upon one week advance written notice
to the Adviser and the Fund, if Fund shares are not available for
any reason to meet the requirement of Contracts as determined by
the Company. Reasonable advance notice of election to terminate
shall be furnished by Company;
(c) at the option of either the Company, the Adviser or the Fund,
immediately upon institution of formal proceedings against the
broker-dealer or broker-dealers marketing the Contracts, the
Account, the Company, the Fund or the Adviser by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), the SEC or
any other regulatory body;
(d) upon the determination of the Accounts to substitute for the
Fund's shares the shares of another investment company in
accordance with the terms of the applicable Contracts. The Company
will give 60 days written notice to the Fund and the Adviser of
any decision to replace the Fund's shares;
(e) upon assignment of this Agreement, unless made with the written
consent of all other parties hereto;
(f) if Fund shares are not registered, issued or sold in conformance
with Federal law or such law precludes the use of Fund shares as
an underlying investment medium for Contracts issued or to be
issued by the Company. Prompt notice shall be given by the
appropriate party should such situation occur.
6.2 Funds To Remain Available.
Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, AVIF will, at the
option of LIFE 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, without limitation, the
owners of the Existing Contracts will be permitted to reallocate investments in
the Fund (as in effect on such date), 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 6.3 will not apply to
any
20
terminations under Section 5 and the effect of such terminations will be
governed by Section 5 of this Agreement.
6.3 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications.
All warranties and indemnifications will survive the termination of
this Agreement.
6.4 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes.
If any Party terminates this Agreement with respect to any Fund pursuant
to Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof,
this Agreement shall nevertheless continue in effect as to any Shares of that
Fund that are outstanding as of the date of such termination (the "Initial
Termination Date"). This continuation shall extend to the earlier of the date as
of which an Account owns no Shares of the affected Fund or a date (the "Final
Termination Date") six (6) months following the Initial Termination Date, except
that LIFE COMPANY may, by written notice shorten said six (6) month period in
the case of a termination pursuant to Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or
6.1(i).
Section 7. Parties To Cooperate Respecting Termination
The Parties hereto agree to cooperate and give reasonable assistance to
one another in taking all necessary and appropriate steps for the purpose of
ensuring that an Account owns no Shares of a Fund after the Final Termination
Date with respect thereto, or, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section
6.1(a), the termination date specified in the notice of termination. Such steps
may include combining the affected Account with another Account, substituting
other mutual fund shares for those of the affected Fund, or otherwise
terminating participation by the Contracts in such Fund.
Section 8. Assignment
This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the written consent
of each other Party.
Section 9. Notices
Notices and communications required or permitted by Section 9 hereof
will be given by means mutually acceptable to the Parties concerned. Each other
notice or communication required or permitted by this Agreement will be given to
the following persons at the following addresses and facsimile numbers, or such
other persons,
21
addresses or facsimile numbers as the Party receiving such notices or
communications may subsequently direct in writing:
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Facsimile:(000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. XxXxxx, Counsel
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Facsimile:(000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx X. XxXxxx, Counsel
Section 10. Voting Procedures
(a) The Company shall provide pass-through voting privileges on Fund
shares held by registered separate accounts to all Contract owners
and participants to the extent the SEC continues to interpret the
1940 Act as requiring such privileges. The Company shall provide
pass-through voting privileges on Fund shares held by unregistered
separate accounts to all Contract owners.
(b) The Company will distribute to Contract owners and participants,
as appropriate, all proxy material furnished by the Fund and will
vote Fund shares in accordance with instructions received from
such Contract owners and participants. If and to the extent
required by law, the Company, with respect to each group Contract
and in each Account, shall vote Fund shares for which no
instructions have been received in the same proportion as shares
for
22
which such instructions have been received. The Company and its
agents shall not oppose or interfere with the solicitation of
proxies for Fund shares held for such Contract owners and
participants.
Section 11. Foreign Tax Credits
AVIF agrees to consult in advance with LIFE COMPANY concerning any
decision to elect or not to elect pursuant to Section 853 of the Code to pass
through the benefit of any foreign tax credits to its shareholders.
Section 12. 1 Indemnification
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and the
Adviser, and its directors, officers, employees, agents and each
person, if any, who controls the Fund or its Adviser within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Fund or any
such director, officer, employee, agent, or controlling person may
become subject, under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect
thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the
Registration Statement, prospectus or sales literature of the
Company 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, or arise out of or as a result of conduct, statements
or representations (other than statements or representations
contained in the prospectuses or sales literature of the Fund) of
the Company or its agents, with respect to the sale and
distribution of Contracts for which Fund shares are the underlying
investment. The Company will reimburse any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by the Fund or any such director, officer,
employee, agent, investment adviser, or controlling person in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company
will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such
loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon
(i) an untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in
such Registration Statement or prospectus in conformity with
written materials furnished to the Company by the Fund
specifically for use therein or (ii) the willful misfeasance, bad
faith, or gross negligence by the Fund or Adviser in the
performance of its duties or the Fund's or Adviser's reckless
disregard of obligations or duties under this Agreement or to the
Company, whichever is applicable. This indemnity agreement will be
in addition to any liability which Company may otherwise have.
(b) The Fund and the Adviser agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company and its directors, officers, employees, agents and each
person, if any, who
23
controls the Company within the meaning of the 1933 Act against
any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company or
any such director, officer, employee, agent or controlling person
may become subject, under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as
such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect
thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the
Registration Statement, prospectuses or sales literature of the
Fund 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 material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Fund
will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by
the Company or any such director, officer, employee, agent, or
controlling person in connection with investigating or defending
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided,
however, that the Fund will not be liable in any such case to the
extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out
of or is based upon an untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission made in such Registration Statement or prospectuses which
are in conformity with written materials furnished to the Fund by
the Company specifically for use therein.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party hereunder of notice
of the commencement of action, such indemnified party will, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying
party hereunder, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement
thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will
not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any
indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 10. In case
any such action is brought against any indemnified party, and it
notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the
indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein and, to
the extent that it may wish to, assume the defense thereof, with
counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice
from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its
election to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party
will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 9
for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other
than reasonable costs of investigation.
12.2 Effect of Notice.
Any notice given by the indemnifying Party to an Indemnified Party
referred to in Sections 12. l(c) or 12.2(d) above of participation in or control
of any action by the indemnifying Party will in no event be deemed to be an
admission by the indemnifying Party of liability, culpability or responsibility,
and the indemnifying Party will remain free to contest liability with respect to
the claim among the Parties or otherwise.
24
12.3 Successors.
A successor by law of any Party shall be entitled to the benefits of the
indemnification contained in this Section 12.
Section 13. Applicable Law
This Agreement will be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted
under and in accordance with Connecticut law, without regard for that state's
principles of conflict of laws.
Section 14. Execution in Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which taken together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
Section 15. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not
be affected thereby.
Section 16. Rights Cumulative
The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are
cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations,
at law or in equity, that the Parties are entitled to under federal and state
laws.
Section 17. Headings
The Table of Contents and headings used in this Agreement are for
purposes of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning of the
provisions of this Agreement.
25
Section 18. Confidentiality
AVIF acknowledges that the identities of the customers of LIFE COMPANY
or any of its affiliates (collectively, the "LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties" for
purposes of this Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers,
and all computer programs and procedures or other information developed by the
LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection
with LIFE COMPANY's performance of its duties under this Agreement are the
valuable property of the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties. AVIF agrees that if it
comes into possession of any list or compilation of the identities of or other
information about the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' customers, or any other
information or property of the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties, other than such
information as may be independently developed or compiled by AVIF from
information supplied to it by the LIFE COMPANY Protected Parties' customers who
also maintain accounts directly with AVIF, AVIF will hold such information or
property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of
such information or other property except: (a) with LIFE COMPANY's prior written
consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. LIFE COMPANY
acknowledges that the identities of the customers of AVIF or any of its
affiliates (collectively, the "AVIF Protected Parties' for purposes of this
Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers, and all computer
programs and procedures or other information developed by the AVIF Protected
Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection with AVIF's
performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the
AVIF Protected Parties. LIFE COMPANY agrees that if it comes into possession of
any list or compilation of the identities of or other information about the AVIF
Protected Parties' customers or any other information or property of the AVIF
Protected Parties, other than such information as may be independently developed
or compiled by LIFE COMPANY from information supplied to it by the AVIF
Protected Parties' customers who also maintain accounts directly with LIFE
COMPANY, LIFE COMPANY will hold such information or property in confidence and
refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of such information or other
property except: (a) with AVIF's prior written consent; or (b) as required by
law or judicial process. Each party acknowledges that any breach of the
agreements in this Section 18 would result in immediate and irreparable harm to
the other parties for which there would be no adequate remedy at law and agree
that in the event of such a breach, the other parties will be entitled to
equitable relief by way of temporary and permanent injunctions, as well as such
other relief as any court of competent jurisdiction deems appropriate.
Section 19. Trademarks and Fund Names
AIM Management Group Inc. ("AIM" or "licensor"), an affiliate of AVIF,
owns all right, title and interest in and to the name, trademark and service
xxxx "AIM" and such other registered tradenames, trademarks and service marks
(the "AIM licensed marks" or
26
the "licensor's licensed marks") and is authorized to use and to license other
persons to use such marks. LIFE -COMPANY and its affiliates are hereby granted a
non-exclusive license to use the AIM licensed marks in connection with LIFE
COMPANY's performance of the services contemplated under this Agreement, subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 19.
(b) The grant of license to LIFE COMPANY and its affiliates ( the
"licensee') shall terminate automatically upon termination of this Agreement.
Upon automatic termination, the licensee shall cease to use the licensor's
licensed marks, except that LIFE COMPANY shall have the right to continue to
service any outstanding Contracts bearing any of the AIM licensed marks. Upon
AIM's elective termination of this license, LIFE COMPANY and its affiliates
shall immediately cease to issue any new annuity or life insurance contracts
bearing any of the AIM licensed marks and shall likewise cease any activity
which suggests that it has any right under any of the AIM licensed marks or that
it has any association with AIM, except that LIFE COMPANY shall have the right
to continue to service outstanding Contracts bearing any of the AIM licensed
marks.
(c) The licensee shall obtain the prior written approval of the licensor
for the public release by such licensee of any materials bearing the licensor's
licensed marks. The licensor's approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(d) During the term of this grant of license, a licensor may request
that a licensee submit samples of any materials bearing any of the licensor's
licensed marks which were previously approved by the licensor but, due to
changed circumstances, the licensor may wish to reconsider. If, on
reconsideration, or on initial review, respectively, any such samples fail to
meet with the written approval of the licensor, then the licensee shall
immediately cease distributing such disapproved materials. The licensor's
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and the licensor, when requesting
reconsideration of a prior approval, shall assume the reasonable expenses of
withdrawing and replacing such disapproved materials. The licensee shall obtain
the prior written approval of the licensor for the use of any new materials
developed to replace the disapproved materials, in the manner set forth above.
(e) The licensee hereunder: (i) acknowledges and stipulates that, to the
best of the knowledge of the licensee, the licensor's licensed marks are valid
and enforceable trademarks and/or service marks and that such licensee does not
own the licensor's licensed marks and claims no rights therein other than as a
licensee under this Agreement; (ii) agrees never to contend otherwise in legal
proceedings or in other circumstances; and (iii) acknowledges and agrees that
the use of the licensor's licensed marks pursuant to this grant of license shall
inure to the benefit of the licensor.
27
Section 20. Parties to Cooperate
Each party to this Agreement will cooperate with each other party and
all appropriate governmental authorities (including, without limitation, the
SEC, the NASD and state insurance regulators) and will permit each other and
such authorities reasonable access to its books and records (including copies
thereof) in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their names and, on their behalf by and through their duly
authorized officers signing below.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Attest: _______________________________ By: _____________________________________
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Assistant Secretary Name: ___________________________________
Title: ________________________________
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY,
on behalf of itself and its separate
accounts
Attest: _______________________________ By: _____________________________________
Name: XxxxXxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Title: Assistant Corporate Secretary Name: ___________________________________
Title: _________________________________
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
Attest: _______________________________
By: _____________________________________
Name: XxxxXxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Title: Assistant Corporate Secretary Name: ___________________________________
Title __________________________________
28
SCHEDULE A
FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS
[bullet] AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
(LIST APPLICABLE PORTFOLIOS]
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
ALIAC SEPARATE ACCOUNTS B, C AND D
29
SCHEDULE B
[bullet] AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM ______________________________________Fund
[bullet] AIM and Design
30
Schedule C
31
